Worlds of Blue and White
Author's Note
First of all, I think I should make it clear that I am A TERRIBLE HYPOCRITE!!! Allen, Dilandau, and Celena are my favorite characters in Escflowne, but the second part of this story centers mostly on Van and Hitomi (don't worry, this is still Celena's story--she just shares the spotlight more in this section). But that's not the reason I'm a hypocrite. The real reason is, the second half the story is focused on Van and Hitomi together (Okay, so I'm giving stuff away, but it's my story so I can do that).
The truth is, before I started this story I didn't believe they would--or should--ever get together. Escaflowne is NOT a romance--you may think it is, but I don't. By the end of the story no one has gotten together. The point is, all of the characters grew and changed in some way: Allen forgave his father and found his sister; Millerna finally decided to try doing things on her own, without depending on Allen; Dryden realized that despite all his ambition, he really doesn't know anything about ruling a country; Van matured and has learned that fighting and vengeance won't raise a kingdom; and Hitomi has grown enough that she doesn't need Van, or Allen. "I don't need promises because of the precious strength you gave me." After all her problems with guys throughout the series, she finally realizes that she's the problem. Everything that happened was a result of her not liking and trusting herself enough.
If you've ever seen translations for "The Day the Wind Blows" on the Lovers Only disc, you'll know what I mean. It's sung by Hitomi, and she says (basically), "I see a future that is glittering and bright, but still countless stupid worries are spinning through my brain....maybe someday I will grow to like myself more....I want to believe that the world is protecting me, but I fear that the entire world is casting me away...." And so on.
And at the end she says: "I'm okay." She has lived through an experience that has changed her for the better. She will always love Van, and Allen--to some extent--but she'd doesn't need them. She can live the rest of her life and be happy. As a person, she's grown. That is the point of the anime.
^_^ In my humble opinion.
Now, with all that said, the rest of my story is about Van and Hitomi really needing each other and getting together.....@_@. Hmmm....
CROIK IS A TERRIBLE HYPOCRITE!!
If you can forgive me, -_- please continue on with the story.
--Croik
Worlds of Blue and White
Part Two: With Hands Clasped
Chapter 1: The Girl from the Phantom Moon
Kanzaki Hitomi opened her eyes lazily to the new day. She smacked her lips and yawned sloppily--she hadn't slept well. In the past she'd attributed such discomfort to her distant soul mate's distress; now, she didn't even give the matter considerable thought. Scrubbing at her eyes she moved to her closet and pulled her school uniform off the rack. It's Friday, she told herself, succeeding in lifting her early morning spirits. And on Sunday you'll blow all that money you made tutoring last week. In recent years Hitomi had renewed her interests in a pastime her grandmother had instilled in her as a child: foreign history. To some it seemed like a dreadfully boring subject; to her, each even was a folded storybook just waiting to be opened. But then, it was the uniqueness of her interest that gave her fame as the best--and one of the very few--history tutors. I might even have enough for those new running shoes, she mused as she entered the bathroom.
After getting dressed and drying her hair Hitomi joined her younger brother, Tatsumi, for breakfast. They exchanged their usual battle of wits, and then she was on her way to school. Just outside she met Sueshi Mariko. The two of them had been placed in the same homeroom their sophomore year, and became quick friends, as Mariko shared many interests with her. It had been her suggestion to begin tutoring. "Trust me," her words had been. "We'll clean up in this town!"
"Morning, Wheels," Mariko greeted pleasantly atop her bicycle. Her house was farther from the high school than most of the other students, so she rode every morning with her friend running alongside. "Are you ready? You might beat me today."
"Just a sec." Hitomi slipped her bag harness over her shoulders--Mariko's invention, to keep her arms free. "Okay, get ready." And, as she did every morning, she took off running without a signal. Mariko laughed, and race began.
Senior year had just begun--spring was upon them, and the cherry blossoms were preparing to spread their pink snow. It was the season of new friendships and romances; it could be seen best in the city's teenagers as they strived to improve their appearances for a good first impression. However, everyone knew that "untouchable Hitomi" wouldn't be playing a part in this year's courting games.
Hitomi had changed considerably since her adventures three years previous. She didn't giggle over the guys in her class anymore. The few boyfriends that did come her way eventually gave up. Her excuse was always the same: "I'm sorry. I think you're great--really--but I just can't concentrate on a boyfriend right now." The answer to whether or not she had some else was always, "Sort of."
Naturally, her noncommittal responses had give birth to dozens of rumors. Only a few things were certain: during freshman year Hitomi had disappeared from school for three days and returned without an explanation. Since that time she'd declined nearly every date offered to her. Everyone had a theory as to why: the romantics said she'd found her true love and could settle for no one else; the underclassmen said she was too focused on college exams to worry about a boyfriend; the girls said she'd been brutalized and wouldn't trust guys; the guys said she liked girls. But whatever the reason, Kanzaki Hitomi was out of reach.
The school day passed uneventfully. Hitomi ate lunch with Mariko, joined Atsuko and Mayori for gym, and met Yukari for track practice in the afternoon. "I talked to Amano last night," the later chatted excitedly. "He said he might be coming back over the summer break--won't that be great?"
"That's wonderful. Are you going to get him something?"
"Of course."
They continued to the field, where most of the team had already assembled. Mariko waved to them enthusiastically from a group of their friends. "Distance folks are going around the city today," she said with a grin. "Hopefully I'll meet that cute delivery boy again. Aren't I always telling you to switch events, Hitomi?"
Hitomi laughed. "C'mon, Mariko, you know I'm a sprinter. I'll leave the stamina to you."
"Just as long as you leave me the cute ones, too." She winked, then moved off with the other distance runners.
Yukari shook her head disapprovingly. "That girl. We have to get her a steady boyfriend."
"Getting a boyfriend's not the only important thing," Hitomi said pointedly.
"Maybe not for you! But you were always a special case, Hitomi." She'd said it jokingly, but then her tone turned serious. "Are you okay? You seem a little…down."
Hitomi smiled with faint amusement. Yukari was getting better at reading her. "It's nothing--just a little unsettled, I guess. With the meet coming up."
"Are you sure it's not…."
She sighed, and straightened. "I'm fine," she assured brightly. "Really, I am. You don't need to worry. Ah--looks like they're starting. Wish me luck!" And before her friend could comment, she'd skipped off to participate in the time trials.
Yukari merely shook her head sadly.
"Senpai, you were great today."
"Yeah! We're definitely going to win next week's meet."
"Thanks you guys, but if we win, it'll be because of everyone. See you tomorrow."
The three friends left practice together and visited a nearby soda shop, Mariko's treat. Then, as was always the case, Mariko left for home while the others ate dinner and then re-met for Cram School. On the way they passed the stairway that led to Tsuuya Street. Hitomi gaze dup at it briefly, and allowed herself a soft, bittersweet smile.
Just over a year ago she and Mariko had raced down this street. Mariko had fallen and scraped herself up pretty badly. And at the top of the stairs had stood--
"Are you looking for me?"
"Kenji-kun!" Hitomi exclaimed, startled. In front of them was Narita Kenji, a senior who attended at private high school nearby. He was somewhat short for his age, and skinny, with dark hair that nearly reached his shoulder. He adjusted a pair of reading glasses that sat perched on his nose. He looked the same now as he had when they'd first met, when he helped bandage Mariko's raw knees and forearms. The same as when he'd first asked her out; the same as when she'd broken up with him.
"I took the long way down today," Kenji explained as the trio of friends continued on. "How was practice, Wheels?" He had been the one to invent that nickname for her.
"Tiring," Hitomi admitted. "With the meet next week the coaches are really working us. But it should be a good meet."
He smiled. "Then I'll come see you."
They'd gone out for perhaps only a month. Kenji was different than most of the guys she'd met through track: thoughtful, intelligent, and less active but still interesting. It was as if his stable demeanor had given her increasingly busy life something to revolve around. She cared for him, deeply, even if they were now nothing more or less than the best of friends. She'd nearly grown to love him, even in so short a time.
But she'd let him go. It hadn't been an easy decision, but later on Kenji admitted that he'd know it wouldn't work out between them. "You love him," he said simply. "I could tell. But promise me you'll let me meet him when he comes back."
She'd cried then, harder than she ever remembered crying before. She hadn't accepted any date offers since that time. Kenji had taught her something: it was too late for her. She couldn't love someone even if they were perfect for her--the memory of a smile resting inside her wouldn't let her.
They traveled to Cram School together and took their seats. During the science period Hitomi's mind began to drift. She couldn't concentrate on the biology lessons being taught--she was restless. She knew it must have been coming from Van, whatever he was doing. Briefly she closed her eyes and opened herself to him. He didn't respond. He must be really focused to ignore me. I wonder if it has to do with Celena?
Her ears rang suddenly with the sound of swords clashing, and she jumped, startled. Van's fighting. Who--why? When she tried to find an answer, she merely felt the reverberations of metal on metal. He's fighting for his life.
"Wheels?" She glanced up to see Kenji watching her. "What's wrong?" he whispered.
Hitomi smiled and shook her head to indicate it was nothing. She had never told Kenji or even Mariko about Gaea--only her, Yukari, Amano, and her mother shared that secret. She returned to watching the board when her right shoulder flared in a strange, tingling pain. She gasped, even as the sensation had passed a moment later. Van….
By now she'd gained the attention of her teacher. "Kanzaki-kun, are you all right?" he asked, slightly annoyed at the interruption.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry for the disruption." She poked gingerly at her arm--it had ceased to hurt. "It's nothing."
The teacher gave her a thoughtful look, then returned to his lecture. Hitomi sighed in relief. Quickly she scribbled a note and slipped it to Yukari in the seat behind her. I'm fine, it read. Van's fighting someone.
What she received back was a note with a winking face that said, Don't worry, you can borrow my notes later. She smiled, and tried to focus once more on Van. His spirit was distressed but not panicked--his injury was minor. Somewhat satisfied, she relaxed and waited for him to contact her.
But Van didn't contact her. Over and hour had passed before she received any kind of sign, and even then it wasn't what she'd expected. Yukari spotted it before her: a bright light off in the distance, streaking toward the sky. Soon the entire class was out of their chairs and pressed to the windows, trying to see. It lasted only a minute and then was gone. Yukari turned to her friend as their teacher attempted to regain control of the class. "What was that? Wasn't it--"
"I don't know," Hitomi whispered, holding a hand to her heart. A feeling like panic had come over her, and she forced herself to breathe properly. Van? she called silently.
Van didn't respond, but she could tell by the feel of his spirit that he was still on Gaea. Maybe it wasn't…that, she thought, licking her lips. Maybe it wasn't the pillar of light. Only my pendant, or Dornkirk's machine, could do that. She shook herself, reassured her friends, and returned to her seat. I'm just worrying unnecessarily. Van will let me know if anything happens. This is my life now. I shouldn't concern myself so much….
Celena scrubbed at her eyes as the light faded. Her body felt hot, and her fingers tingled. She was relieved that they were no longer falling, even as she couldn't explain the sudden halt in their plummet. The Alseides had gone still and silent beneath her.
What happened? And what was that light? She opened her eyes experimentally, and was treated to a view of forest scenery. Did we crash? And inspection of the guymelef and the surrounding environment, however, proved this theory wrong. The Alseides was kneeling as if placed in this setting by a guiding hand. A quick scan of the sky proved that Escaflowne and Crusade had departed. She was about to check on Jovey when she realized that something else was missing: the glowing blue form of the Phantom Moon.
Celena realized at once what had happened. Escaflowne's heart, the pillar of light--she'd been transported to the Phantom Moon, as Allen had once described Hitomi's departure. The atmosphere was warm and bitter smelling; surly this was a different world. The surrounding woods were too quiet, and the sky too dark.
I'm on the Phantom Moon. She lifted her head and grinned openly, foolishly, in jubilation. The birthplace of the Dragons. The home of that mysterious girl--Van's lover. She laughed, mocking the distant stars. This--however it was done--is my good fortune. I will find the girl. Surly Van will come for her. Without Allen to interfere I can kill him easily. Her laugh subsided to a chuckle, then stopped. She settled for a self-praising smile as she silently planned. All I need is to find her. Fate will lead me--my fate. If Escaflowne's power somehow brought us here, she shouldn't be far.
Celena gathered her wits together. First, I have to help Jovey. He'll be necessary in guarding and possibly repairing the Alseides. She crawled around behind the melefs head and reached into a thin opening in the metal to pull a lever. The front pilot chamber opened with a clang and a soft hiss. "Jovey?" She climbed back onto the Alseides's knee, peering into the cockpit. "Jovey?"
The youth was still bound within his melef, leaning against the straps that crossed his chest. His breathing was slow and shallow. Celena crept forward carefully to examine his condition. She tapped his cheek. "Jovey, wake up. It's me."
Jovey didn't stir. She touched his face once more and was surprised by how cold it felt. His wound was reopened, she thought, touching her finger to the drying blood on his clothes. He'll need a doctor. Putting her own plans temporarily aside, she began removing the chamber straps so that she could care for him.
"Hitomi, are you all right?" Mariko asked during lunch the next day. "You've been really jumpy lately."
"I'm fine. It's nothing--just a little stressed, that's all." She smiled convincingly. "By the way, how did you do on that last test in math?"
"Fine, I guess." They continued to chat casually, but Mariko also watched her friend with a careful eye. The rest of the school day passed uneventfully. Afterwards, Hitomi escaped her friends to stand on the building's roof. The air was unusually warm that day; she'd been hoping for a cool breeze to calm her thoughts. She folded her arms and leaned against the railing as she'd done hundred times before. She swept her hair into a ponytail along her neck; it was days like this that it seemed much longer than usual.
Hitomi sighed and cast her gaze outward. She didn't want to admit that she was troubled by last night's display. Even if she had determined by now that the light was not what she'd originally suspected, its image still stirred an array of brilliantly colored memories. As promised, she'd never forgotten those weeks on Gaea. Some of the scenes and faces had dulled, by their voices never left her. She remembered Valgus's stern but caring smile; Merle's cat-like purr; Millerna's bright and hopeful eyes; Dryden's deep-toned laughter; Allen's warmth, even his smell.
And Van. She remembered everything about the young king of Fanelia. Her memories of him haunted her like a ghost, touching her softly when she least expected to feel his presence. And then--more frequently in the last few months--there were times when she missed his face desperately, and she cried, unsure why. Time and time again she'd berated her foolishness; Van was gone. They were of different worlds, and it was meant to be that way. She'd chosen it that way.
I liked Van, she would often tell herself. But it was different than how I liked Allen. Whenever I was with Van I thought nothing of it--as if I'd always been with him. Sometimes I wouldn't even notice him there. We're greater than friends, but…it's not the same. That couldn't have been real love.
Hitomi closed her eyes briefly. But I won't ever forget him. She remembered Kenji the, who knew her so well and nearly won her heart. I'll never love anyone. Whatever Van and I were…he's ruined me. She swiped at a few hot tears. I'm trapped.
"Hi-To-Mi!" came a cry from the sidewalks below. She quickly dried her eyes and looked. Mariko and Kenji were there, waving. "We're waiting for you!"
"C'mon, Wheels!" hollered Kenji. "We're getting ice cream!"
"Okay, I'm coming!" Hitomi called, hoping that they wouldn't hear the tremor in her voice. She snatched up her bag and left the roof, pausing only a moment to check her reflection in a window. Then she joined her friends outside.
"Since you don't have practice today, I thought I'd treat you two to some ice cream," said Kenji. He gave Hitomi an odd look--she knew immediately that he could tell she was upset--and then smiled brightly. "I have a special place in mind. I'm sure you'll both love it. It's got your favorite, Wheels--praline."
Hitomi smiled gratefully as he led them down the sidewalk. Thank you, she thought, hoping that somehow he'd feel her. Thank you for understanding, Kenji-kun.
Before they reached the shop, however, Kenji insisted they make a stop. Hitomi eyed the large, white-walled building skeptically--it was the hospital. "Doesn't your dad work here?"
Kenji grinned sheepishly. "Well, yes. It'll just take a second."
"Oh, I get it," Mariko declared, lifting an eyebrow. "You said you'd treat us, but it's more like your dad treating us."
"That's not it at all!" he exclaimed, even as his face flushed with embarrassment. "He owes me money, so it is my money." Hitomi giggled. "You two don't have to come in."
"Oh, we will. We want to make sure you're telling the truth." Mariko winked at her friend. "Right, Hitomi?"
"Sure."
Kenji made a disconcerted face, then sighed. "Okay. Just remember that I might change my mind about the ice cream." He led them inside.
Hitomi felt her shoulders inching up as she entered the hospital behind her friends. She didn't like it here--it reminded her too much of a battlefield, with the smell about it. She hated seeing people's pain. She bit the inside of her lip and continued inside.
The woman at the front desk greeted Kenji pleasantly and gave him the room number where his father would be. He thanked her and led the two girls further inside, through long corridors and past dozens of doors with clipboards. Hitomi found that she was holding her breath and forced herself to exhale. Stop it. You're just stressed out today.
Room 312 was at the end of a particularly long hall near the hospital's back. Kenji's father was just exiting, frowning to himself. He smiled as his son approached. "Ah, Kenji. It's nice to see you, too, Hitomi-chan, Mariko-chan."
Both girls bowed. "It's good to see you too, Narita-sensei."
The man smiled at her in a wistful, if-only-you-were-still-dating-my-son kind of way. She fidgeted a bit. "So what brings you all here?"
"Actually…." Kenji began, and his two friends turned away, pretending not to notice. "…I need the money you owe me."
"Money?" he repeated curiously. "Do I?"
Hitomi and Mariko snickered. As Kenji admitted that no money was owed, and that he simply needed to borrow some, Hitomi was elbowed gently by her friend.
"This clipboard has no name," she whispered, indicating the form alongside the patient's door.
"Oh, that?" Dr. Narita pulled out his wallet and handed his blushing son several bills. "He came in last night, injured pretty badly. He regained consciousness this morning, but he doesn't speak Japanese. He had to sedate him when he became frantic. Delirious, probably."
Mariko tried to peer through the window, which Hitomi quickly admonished her for. "Do you think he's a foreigner?" she asked, ignoring her friend.
"He definitely looks foreign, but no one can tell what language he's speaking, if it is a language." The man shrugged. "A woman brought him in, also injured, but as soon as we'd stitched up her leg she disappeared. She couldn't speak Japanese either."
Hitomi frowned her herself, strangely disturbed by the story. It couldn't be…. Her heart clamped up as she peered over Mariko's shoulder. The youth in the hospital bed seemed a bit older than her, with dark hair and a slender face. A sigh seeped out of her--she didn't recognize him.
"Aren't there foreign doctors here?" Kenji asked. "A linguist, or something?"
His father nodded. "Yes, but like I said, no one can make out what he says."
Kenji hummed thoughtfully. "Wheels, why don't you try?" he asked. "You're really good with foreign culture. You could at least get his name."
"Me?" Hitomi echoed nervously. Though she didn't recognize the boy, she suddenly felt very unsure. "But…I've never really worked with foreigners before…." Yeah, right.
"You don't have to, but it would be a big help," Dr. Narita added. "Especially if you can figure out where he's from, or what happened to him."
Mariko added her say as well. "Go on, Hitomi. It can't hurt."
Hitomi took in a deep breath and nodded deftly. "All---right, I'll do it," she declared in an abrupt change of mood, rolling up her sleeves. With Dr. Narita's gesture of approval she opened the hospital room door and stepped inside.
Worlds of Blue and White
Part Two: With Hands Clasped
Chapter 2: Mixing
Van paced restlessly. He usually didn't resort to so blatant a gesture of ill ease, but he couldn't help it. He still hadn't heard from Allen, or the scouts. The Crusade had returned to Asturia; the last time Dilandau had disappeared, he'd appeared just outside the city. It was a logical place to check.
But then, Dilandau hadn't disappeared--Jovey had kidnapped Celena. Therefore, there was really no telling where they'd gone. He'd already dispatched carrier pigeons to Zaibach, Jovey's most practical choice of escape, but he couldn't expect them to receive his message for days. He was already growing impatient.
"Van-sama," Merle said from her usual seat beside his now empty throne. "Calm down."
"I can't," he replied sharply. "Next time they come back, it may be to attack!"
"But Zaibach isn't evil anymore," she attempted to reason with him. "They won't support Jovey--he's defected."
Clearly her logic was wasted on him. "But that doesn't mean he won't alter the Alseides. What if he returns with a stealth mantle, and flamethrowers? What if the sorcerers convert Celena for good?" He stopped pacing abruptly and looked to the door. "I should be waiting in Escaflowne for them. They'll--"
"Van-sama, please calm down," Merle implored. "Even if they do, it would take weeks to travel from Zaibach. Enough time for us to get word of them"
"Unless they find a way to use the pillar of light." He began to pace once more. "Hitomi said there was some machine the sorcerers developed to mimic its effects. What if there were other Zaibach soldiers he brought back? Our samurai could handle one visible Alseides, but--"
The king stopped abruptly, and his face went pale. When Merle started to question he cut her off with a wave of his hand. I should have considered earlier, he cursed, closing his eyes in concentration. The true meaning of the pillar of light.
Hitomi?
Hitomi seated herself next to the hospital bed, unsure as to how she should begin. Mariko hovered over her shoulder, while on the other side of the bed stood Kenji and his father. "He's just asleep," the doctor said. "You should be able to wake him easily."
She nodded, hesitantly reaching out to nude the youth's shoulder. Her mind began to buzz, but she ignored it, determined not to let her imagination run. This was simply a lost foreign boy she was trying to help. She nudged him again, a bit harder. "Hey, wake up."
The dark-haired youth began to stir, and slowly his eyelids fluttered open. He took in his surroundings and sighed. But upon seeing Hitomi he paused, which led to the realization that he had an audience. He glared at the doctor defiantly.
"There's no need for that," Hitomi muttered. "He's the one taking care of you."
To her surprise he grudgingly replied, "He drugged me, so I don't trust him."
She blinked, leaning back. That was perfectly understandable. But when she looked to see Dr. Narita's reaction, she found only a blank expression. Did he…not hear? She licked her lips and spoke again. "Can you understand me?"
"Of course." He continued to watch both Naritas suspiciously. "I may be injured, but I'm not crazy." At last he turned his heavy stare on her. "How did I get here?"
"Hitomi?" Mariko tapped her shoulder. "Well?"
"Can you understand any of it?" asked Kenji.
Hitomi gulped. They don't understand him, but I do. Just like…when Van first came. Her heart began to race, and she struggled to remain calm. This man--he's from Gaea. But…but how? That light really was…. Trying and failing to restrain her confusion she blurted out, "You're from Gaea, aren't you?"
The boy regarded her carefully. "Of course. What's going on? Where am I?"
Oh God, he is. I…couldn't be hallucinating, could I? No, no. He really is from Gaea. "Calm down," she said slowly, wondering for a moment whom she was giving the advice to. "Tell me your name."
"Why?" he questioned suspiciously.
"I'm not trying to hurt you--I'm trying to help. Someone brought you here, right?" A woman. Who could it be? And why would they leave him here? Where would they go? "I want to help you find that person."
The youth stared at her, trying to judge if her words were sincere and if he could trust her. Their audience waited anxiously. He snorted once. "My name's Jovey Garrelli."
"Kanzaki Hitomi," she introduced before his name had sunken in.
For a moment time stopped as the pair stared at each other, mouths agape in shock. They animated at the same time: Hitomi leapt to her feet and stepped back, and Jovey sat bolt upright.
"You're that Dragonslayer!" Hitomi cried.
"You're the Phantom Moon girl!" he exclaimed simultaneously.
"Then the woman who brought you was--"
"But what happened to--"
They stopped abruptly, and returned to staring. Jovey's face was of a sick pallor, as he asked. "A woman brought me?"
Hitomi licked her lips. God, this is the Dragonslayer Van "told" me about, who's been causing all the trouble lately. But how did he get here? A small gasp escaped her. And if he's here, what happened to--
"Wheels?" Kenji was suddenly beside her. "Hey, who is this guy? Do you know him?"
Can I possibly explain? "Not really," she answered carefully. "But…a friend of mine told me about him, once. A foreign friend." She turned to Dr. Narita. "His name is Jovey Garrelli. Narita-sensei, can you describe the woman who brought him here?"
"I believe she was about your age," he said, scribbling the name down on his charts. "A blonde, I think; a short haired blond woman, rather pale. She had a cut on her left thigh, from a knife." He glanced up. "Do you think you know her?"
It sounds like Celena. But why would Celena leave him? If she was Dilandau…. Hitomi shivered almost violently at the thought.
"Well?" Jovey demanded in anxious impatience. "Who was it? How did I get here?"
"I think it was Celena," Hitomi replied, hoping for a favorable response. To her dismay, Jovey looked positively sick. "The doctor says it was a pale, blond girl. I'm sure she'll be back for you," she added.
But Jovey wasn't listening anymore. His head was lowered, staring at his bandaged left arm, and the I.V needle stuck in his right. He didn't respond, and after a moment Hitomi turned to her friends. "It's all right," she assured them, beginning to calm herself. "He doesn't mean any harm. He's just…a little lost."
"But where is he from?" Dr. Narita insisted. "We'll have to contact the authorities, and his relatives--"
"Celena will be back for him." When she said this, Jovey slowly lifted his head. "I know she will."
Kenji eyed her with mock suspicion. "I think you at least owe us an explanation."
Hitomi took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll…explain. Come with me, okay?"
Jovey reached out suddenly and clasped her wrist. She nearly yelped in surprise. "Don't go," he told her, his eyes desperate. "You're the only one I understand, so--"
"Don't worry, I'm not going far." She somehow felt responsible for him, remembering how lost and confused she'd felt when first coming to Gaea. Even if the days were exciting and filled with adventure, she'd suffered many lonesome nights. She didn't want Jovey to feel the way she had.
"I'm going with them to get some food, and explain where you came from. It'll be easier, and when I come back you can tell me what happened. We'll find a way to get you both back to where you belong." She smiled, and he released her. "Get some rest, and I'll be back soon."
Hitomi led the group outside. It was then that Dr. Narita excused himself, as he had other patients to attend to. The three teens thanked him and went to the hospital's cafeteria. "Well, this isn't what I had in mind," Kenji chuckled as they took their seats, "but I can at least get us something." He returned a moment later with Popsicles for all of them. "Cherry for Mariko-chan and grape for Wheels. Orange for me."
"Of course," Mariko mocked. Then she turned on Hitomi. "Okay, spill."
"You won't believe me," Hitomi said immediately. "But I'll tell you anyway. Yukari can corroborate a little of it, at least, but for the rest you'll just have to trust me."
Kenji smiled humorlessly. "After what I saw in that room, I'm ready to believe anything."
She winced a bit. He's got no idea what I'm about to tell him. But he'll trust me--he has to. With a deep breath she began.
"I know you both have heard about me and Amano-sempai. Three years ago before he left for America, I made a bet with him in order to win a kiss." Hitomi blushed at the memory, and Kenji grinned. Mariko only lifted her eyebrows appreciatively. "Anyway, back then I was superstitious, believing in fortune telling and destiny. I kept my own tarot cards with me everywhere, and I even had a lucky pendant given to me by my grandmother." Even now she could remember how the delicate chain weighed around her neck. "It usually brought me luck, but that night..." she plowed through without hesitating. "…It took me to another planet."
"Another planet?" Mariko--typically--exclaimed. Kenji nearly fell out of his chair. "You've got to be kidding! Like, Mars? That's impossible."
Hitomi quickly shushed her. "Remember where you are, okay? Geez." She glanced around cautiously to see if anyone had heard. Thankfully, the cafeteria was relatively empty that day.
"Wheels," Kenji said in a low tone, "we were prepared to listen to a serious story."
"I was being serious," she insisted. "It's the truth--even Yukari and Amano-sempai saw it. Just like the bright light last night. It took me to a world called Gaea."
Kenji and Mariko exchanged dubious glances. "Alright," Mariko sighed. "So this guy--Jovi or Jove or whatever--is really an alien? He looks human."
"Well, he is human," Hitomi explained. "They…kind of migrated from Earth a long time ago. But anyway, just listen." They nodded and waited for her to go on. "The girl who brought Jovey here was Celena Shezar, the sister of a friend of mine. She kind of has two identities--Celena, and Dilandau." Her friends appeared to be lost, and she grimaced, but continued anyway. "As Celena she's a gentle person, but as Dilandau…let's just say we've been enemies."
"Enemies?" Kenji echoed incredulously. "As in she wants to kill you?"
"…Yes." They exchanged another look. "It gets worse. Jovey works for Dilandau, so he may…." She shook her head. "No, he trusts me. I have to make him trust me."
"Hitomi." Mariko was watching her very carefully. "I…don't know if I can really believe what you're saying," she told her. "But if this guy Jovey is at all dangerous, then this is serious. We're your friends and we don't want you getting into trouble."
She nodded, staring intently at her melting Popsicle. Someone touched her shoulder: Kenji, his gaze serious. "Hitomi…this other world…he's there, isn't he?"
Hitomi started and inhaled sharply. "How did you…." She trailed off, trapped by the knowledge held in his eyes. Not only did he believe her, but he understood. He knew, as if seeing the hole in her spirit where part of her had once been; the part she'd left on Gaea. She closed her eyes, swallowed hard, and answered. "Yes. I guess it's about time you knew the real story. When I was on Gaea, I met someone…who I haven't been able to forget."
There was a pause. After a moment Mariko prompted, "Hitomi? Are you okay?"
"I…." She stopped suddenly, as a strange anxiety had risen inside her. Her hand moved instinctively to her chest, and for a moment she imagined that she could feel the smooth stone of her grandmother's pendant. Some was calling to her urgently. "Van?"
-Hitomi?-
I'm here, Van. She waved off her friend's concerns. "I'm fine," she told them and the swelling uncertainty inside her. "Really, I am. That was his name--Van. Van Fanel."
"You don't have to tell us everything," Kenji staid gently.
Hitomi nodded, trying to calm Van's almost violent pervasion on her mind. "Will you excuse me for a second? I need to go to the bathroom."
"Of course." It was a bad excuse--they all knew that--but he didn't question. "Take your time--we'll wait."
"Thank you." Hitomi smiled in a way she hoped was encouraging and left them, exiting the cafeteria at a strictly controlled pace. Immediately Van's questions rose up. He spoke to her as he always did: through pictures and colors and raw emotion. Yes, Jovey is here, she replied, focusing on making her response clear a she moved to the washroom. He's fine--it's all fine. He knows who I am, but he trusts me. I'm trying to help him.
-Celena?- the misted voice rejoined.
I think she's here, somewhere. She entered the white tiled room. Now hold on a minute. When he tried to contact her again she scowled. "I said wait," she muttered. "Kings have no respect for privacy."
Once Hitomi had finished she washed her hands and face, and sought counsel in her reflection. The face held there looked very tired--as tired as she felt. "All right, Van," she whispered, opening herself to him fully. "Tell me."
The impressions she got from Van's mind voice were ones of danger and mistrust. "I don't understand," she said aloud; sometimes speaking helped to make her questions clearer to him. Or at least, she assumed so. "If she's Celena, she should be okay, right?"
He sent her an image, one clearer than almost any other she'd received from him. It was of his recent battle with Dilandau, in what must have been Fanelia's main shrine. She could see through Van's eyes. Dilandau's laughter filled and tainted her ears. She held her breath, startled by the gleaming insanity in his face, his very aura. Even more shocking was when Allen stepped forward to bind him, and the youth thrashed and screamed like a mindless beast.
The vision subsided, and Hitomi reminded herself to exhale. My God…was Dilandau ever that bad? She remembered the few occasions in which she'd actually seen Dilandau, but this image was far more severe. Allen must be in such pain, she thought, and her heart throbbed in sympathy. "Van?"
Van showed her another scene: Celena falling into the grasp of an Alseides, and soon after, the pillar of light. "Yes, Van, they came here," she replied.
-Alseides?-
"Probably, but I'm not sure. I haven't heard of it." She leaned against the sink basin. "I don't know where Celena is, either."
-Looking for you-
"Me?" Hitomi frowned. It made sense--if Celena had been brought to Earth accidentally, then the first thing she'd want to do would be to get home. As the only earthling who even knew of Gaea, Hitomi was her best chance. "Well, she'll come back here eventually to see Jovey."
-No--escape-
"No, Van," she said firmly, shaking her head. "If Celena needs help, I can't run. I'll show them that they can trust me. Besides, even if she becomes Dilandau, he's smart enough to realize that he'll need me alive to get home. I don't thin I have to remind you that it's you he's after, not me." She sighed, wondering if he could understand all that. For a moment she was worried that she'd spoken too harshly, as he didn't respond. "Van?"
-I trust you-
Hitomi sighed. "Thank you, Van. I'm going back to wait. I'll contact you when I know something. Stay calm--I'll be fine." She checked her reflection one more time before heading for the exit.
Her hand touched the handle, but before she could take it, someone opened the door from outside. She paused, waiting for whoever it was. When she saw, however, she stood frozen.
It was Celena.
Worlds of Blue and White
Part Two: With Hands Clasped
Chapter 3: Unexpected Meeting
Neither of the pair moved at first. They simply stared at each other, as if tying to decide if they were seeing a real person before their eyes. Celena was dressed in clothes that were obviously from Gaea--it was Celena, she made sure to check. But, somehow her cheek was marred with Dilandau's scar.
No--it's not a scar. It's a scab. It's…fresh? But…why would Celena…?
Hitomi attempted to gather her wits. She prepared to speak.
The breath she took in dong so may have saved her life. She hadn't time to utter word before Celena grabbed her by the throat and forced her back into the bathroom. Hitomi pried at the hand unsuccessfully. What's happening? Celena…!
"Look what I found," Celena chuckled malevolently. She added her other hand to the assault, using her strength to back Hitomi into an open stall. "Dragon's little bitch."
Celena--don't! Hitomi continued to claw at the restricting fingers. She tried to kick, but the blond bore down on her, forcing her to sit and positioning herself where she couldn't be reached. This--this isn't right. Van--Van! Help me!
"Hitomi!" Van raised a hand to his throat, where his could just barely feel the imprints of Celena's fingers. Hitomi's cries were growing weaker. "Hitomi!" he shouted desperately. Oh god, I have to help her.
"Van-sama?" Merle touched his shoulder. "What's the matter? What's wrong with Hitomi?"
"She's in danger. I have to help her!" He snatched his pendant, praying, Please, take me there. It began to glow brilliant magenta.
Merle gasped. "Van-sama, wait," she pleaded. "Wait until Allen gets back, or--"
"Merle, I can't." Van pushed her aside, as the area around him became lit with a blinding blue-white light. "Tell Allen I'm sorry."
"Van-sama!" The pillar of light rose and engulfed her master. A moment later, he'd vanished.
I…can't breathe…. Hitomi felt her legs and arms growing cold and weak, and her sight was fading. Still Celena bore down on her. She wasn't laughing anymore: her pale face was contorted into a monstrous expression, like one of pleasure. Help…. Her fingers clawed at her attacker's face. I…can't die here. She put all her remaining strength into one attack: driving her weak fingers into Celena's eyes.
Celena made no sound of complaint, but her hands loosened. Hitomi took the opportunity to wriggle free, and she threw her weight into the woman. They tumbled out of the stall, a mess of limbs. Hitomi gasped for breath on the floor. Somehow, she was able to pull herself up using the sink as support. Her gaze swam as she attempted to regain some balance.
Celena climbed to her feet, rubbing at her eyes. When she'd recovered enough, she glowered at her prey. It wasn't a look of hatred, but morbid anticipation, that made Hitomi shudder with fear. Can this really be Celena? I'm sure it is. But…she looks like an animal. "Celena, wait," she said weakly. "Don't do this--you're not Dilandau."
Celena lunged, and it was all she could do to avoid being captured again. She pushed away, tottering on her feet, as the girl struck empty air. "Celena, please!" she begged. "Thin of Allen. He wouldn't--"
This time the blow hit. Hitomi took a fist to the head and was felled on her back. The tile against her skull spread a numbing pain through her, and white lightening streaked before her eyes. The next moment she was being pressed down from above--she couldn't struggle or even breathe. Someone, please--
Hitomi was only barely aware of what happened next. She heard someone shrieking, and the weight began to lift from her. Someone helped her to her feet. "Are you all right?" a blurred voice asked.
"Run," she managed to gasp out. "Run--just go."
Celena howled in rage; finally the scene became clear to her. Several nurses had entered the bathroom and were attempting to hold the blond youth captive. She quickly wriggled free and struck both her captors viciously.
Hitomi fled. Her temples were pounding and her legs trembling, but she couldn't stop. Several startled yelps from behind indicated that her pursuer hadn't wasted a moment in the chase. Where--where can I go? she wondered desperately. Where could she escape to? Who could help her? Van! Van, help me!
Hitomi rounded a corner and found herself trapped: the hall ended with the elevators and emergency stairs. With a cry that was nearly a sob she flung herself at the door handle. She had just begun to pull it open when Celena slammed into her from behind, and the door clanged shut. She was spun around to face the woman's wild, flashing eyes. This can't be happening. She could think of nothing else as the fingers curled again around her throat. It can't.
The door behind them was thrown open suddenly, and both women crashed to the floor in a heap once more. Hitomi was somewhat surprised, however, when the assault did not continue. She curled instinctively into a ball as she regained her breath. Somewhere nearby she could hear a scuffle, and distant voices gasped. And then a new voice, rising above the others. "Don't you touch her, you bastard!"
Hitomi's body went rigid and cold, and she forced herself to sit up and view the scene. A man was standing over her protectively, and Celena glared at him with a sharp, calculating eye. Further back a group of doctors, nurses, and curious others had gathered to watch the unfolding event. Among them were Kenji and Mariko, watching Hitomi with concern.
Hitomi's gaze gain returned to her savior. He was tall and slender, but the shape of his strange, green-dyed clothing clearly stated tone muscles. His dark, unruly hair was cut short. Though she couldn't' see his face, his voice was enough clue to his identity. She sat staring at him, heart and lungs suspended, her mind an incomprehensible whirl.
Celena looked from the man to Hitomi, then back again. At last she scowled, and turned to flee. The spectators parted, too frightened by her mad eyes to attempt a restraint. The man started to follow. Gripped by a sudden panic she called to him. "Van!"
He stopped instantly. At last her heart resumed, only to pound in her ears deafeningly. His posture became more erect, and slowly, he turned.
Van's eyes were wide as he beheld her for the first time. His lips parted without sound; his brain couldn't generate a response, she knew by experiencing the same. But some part of her registered what she was seeing. His face had changed since their parting--his features had become even more severe, and his eyes were dark with aged maturity. This was not the same king she'd left. He'd grown old.
"Hitomi? Hitomi?" Before she realized, the spectators had begun to crowd around. Mariko was attempting to help her to her feet. "Hey, are you okay? Can you hear me?"
Hitomi blinked, then shook herself, trying to regain some sense. "Yes--yes, I'm fine," she murmured, rubbing at her neck. She could feel that there would be bruises.
"Like hell! That girl could have killed you!" Mariko hugged her tightly, which may have only made matters worse for her condition. "You idiot, Hitomi."
"Miss, let me have a look at you." Mariko was urged back by a woman doctor, who probed the battered girl carefully. "You seem to be all right," she said. "Does it hurt to breathe?"
"Just a bit--I'm tired from running." Hitomi glanced past her, where Van stood, surrounded by several curious onlookers. He was staring at them in confusion as they questioned him. He shook his head to show he didn't understand. In desperation, he looked to Hitomi and there paused.
Her heart skipped a beat. Van was heading toward her, his face anxious and unsure. Her legs began shaking, even as several people steadied her. Kenji set a hand firmly on her shoulder. "Hitomi, is that--"
"Don't worry--it's all right," she heard herself say. She took a step forward, urging her friends and aids aside. Her movements momentarily startled Van, as he stopped walking, and then she stopped, unsure. They stared at each other. "Van…?"
"Are you all right?" Van asked quietly, his eyes gracing over her. He looked bit unsteady himself."
"…Yes." Hitomi reached out, and he moved to take her hand. His skin felt cold. But it was rough, and real. A sob passed her lips and she threw her arms around his neck. "Van--Van, I missed you," she cried, uncaring as their audience stared. "Van…."
"Hitomi." Van clutched the girl to him desperately, trembling and weak. He murmured her name over and over into her hair, like a chant. God, please don't let this be anther dream, he prayed. His arms tightened protectively around her, should she attempt to vanish before his eyes. Holding her was perfect--the feeling of her back beneath his fingers, the beat of her heart against his chest, the intoxicating smell of hair--they were all exactly as he remembered from that time long ago. In that moment nothing mattered more to him than her. All other concerns vanished in the presence of this, the only woman he'd ever loved.
But time renewed once more, and the two--reluctantly--separated. Even then he held her at arms length for fear of losing her. "Are you all right?" he questioned again. "Did we hurt you?"
"I'm all right," Hitomi assured quietly. "It wasn't bad."
Van knew better. He could see the faint wince in her face as she spoke; even if she'd changed, she was still the same. He gently touched the base of her neck, and she grimaced. But even then there was another, unreadable expression in her eyes. It made his fingertips feel hot, as if he'd done something sinful. Hoping she wouldn't notice his vague discomfort he asked, "Are you sure? It looks like he almost strangled you."
Suddenly Hitomi's eyes widened. "Van, it wasn't Dilandau that attacked me," she said, gripping his upper arms. The action surprised him, and he almost recoiled. "It was Celena."
"But I saw the scar," he replied. "On the right cheek, just like him. Celena doesn't have that."
"I know, but…I'm sure it was her." She closed her eyes briefly. "Yes, it was a girl. I had enough time to see that much. What does this mean?"
Van frowned. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "It doesn't make sense. Why would Celena want to hurt you?"
Hitomi didn't look as if she could answer. Why would she? Even if she remembers Dilandau's life, she told Allen she wouldn't…. It doesn't make sense.
They were interrupted by a dark-haired man wearing a white coat and glasses. He began to speak to Hitomi swiftly in a language Van didn't understand. Once he was finished Hitomi explained. "It's Jovey. We have to stop him before he hurts himself."
"All right. Lead the way."
Hitomi nodded and started to leave--he took her by the hand and followed. The people that had been watching them began to disperse, except for the man and two teenagers, who followed them closely. Are they her friends? he wondered vaguely, noting how they spoke to her with concern. And this place. They're all wearing strange uniforms--is it a church? Watching all the people giving him strange looks, he suddenly realized how little he knew about Hitomi's world. She's seen everything of mine, and I've seen nothing of hers. Except for my view from the roof. This city is larger than even Zaibach's capital….
Van was pulled from his musings by the sound of a man raging and cursing. He increased his pace, as did his guide. They came quickly upon the scene: Jovey Garrelli, attempting to fend off several white-clad men. Just as they approached, the men managed to surround and capture the youth. "Let go!" he hollered, continuing to struggle. "Damnit, what did you do with him? Where is he? Let go, damnit!"
"Jovey stop it!" Hitomi cried, though Van would not allow her to get any closer. "Calm down--Dilandau's not here!"
"What did you do to him?" Jovey demanded madly. "He was here--I know he was! Where is he?"
"Relax, and I'll tell you." She gently retrieved her hand from Van with a whispered "Trust me," and moved toward him. The king shifted nervously. "Dilandau isn't here," she said, softly, so that he had to stop struggling to hear her. "Celena was, but she's gone now. I don't think she wanted to confront Van unarmed."
Jovey transferred his gaze to the king, as if having not seen him earlier. His eyes narrowed. "If you touch her--"
"Don't speak," Van cut him off abruptly, his tone laced with anger. "It's your fault any of this happened. Celena was living a normal life--her own life--before you interfered."
"It's your fault for taking him from us!" he cried. "You--" He yelped suddenly as one of the white-clad men jabbed a needle into his arm.
"That wasn't necessary," Hitomi disapproved crossly. She marched forward, helping to support Jovey as he squirmed in the hold of some drug. "Jovey, calm down. We're going to take are of you, and settle this after you're well. Please, don't hurt yourself by fighting. No one wants to hurt you."
"No…he…but Dilandau-sama…I…." Jovey began to go limp, and then slipped quietly into unconsciousness. The white men carefully lifted him, and spoke to Hitomi again in that strange language.
She nodded. "Yes, I know him. Narita-sensei, will you go with them?"
Van stood back, feeling unsure, as Hitomi conversed briefly with the man--a doctor?--and the two teens. He watched Jovey being taken away. My fault? But…. He shook his head. No, I've always tried to do the right thing. What happened to Dilandau…it wasn't my fault.
"Van?" He was attracted instantly by the sound of Hitomi's voice. She was smiling at him softly, a look which caused his insides to tremble. "I'd like you to meet someone." She indicated to dark haired boy next to her. "This is Narita Kenji, a good friend of mine."
The boy smiled and extended his hand, which Van hesitantly accepted. "And this is Van Fanel," Hitomi introduced as well. "As promised."
"Good to meet you," Van said, before realizing that he couldn't understand. Kenji replied similarly, and then Hitomi's other friend stepped forward. Her name was Sueshi Mariko. She greeted him warmly and boldly--she reminded him somewhat of Merle.
Merle's probably panicking by now. Again he held back as Hitomi assured and bid farewell to her friends. I wonder if Allen knows I'm here yet? He was beginning to see that his decision had been somewhat rash, even if it was necessary. He had no idea of what Hitomi's world was like, or what Celena was capable of in this new setting. If this "Earth" was as advanced as the Zaibach Empire, what weapons would they have access to? If Celena or Jovey were to attack in the Alseides, could he find a melef to use in time? Could he protect Hitomi?
Hitomi returned to his side--she looked exhausted and pale. "They've take Jovey back to his room," she said, "and Kenji-kun and Mariko are going home. They say Celena left the building. From now on they've going to have a police officer next to Jovey's room, and they'll contact me if she shows up again."
"Police?" Van inquired.
"Um…a guard," she elaborated. She looked up at him, paused, and smiled humorlessly. "I guess…staying here won't do us any good, with Jovey asleep and Celena missing. The police will want to make a report about what happened, but I don't feel up to it right now."
The king nodded thoughtfully. The stinging aroma of medicines and blood were beginning to affect him. More importantly, Hitomi needed rest, and he didn't want Celena to catch them in a place she seemed to know, them being unprepared. "Do you have someplace in mind where we could go?"
"Well…." Hitomi fidgeted. "I guess…you'll have to come home with me. I'm sure we can find room."
"All right." Why does she look so nervous? Or is it me? Why am I so nervous.
Hitomi led him out of the strange, white-walled building--a hospital, she finally explained. Van wasn't prepared for what he found on the streets. Though he'd become accustomed to the busy, crowded streets of Asturia's capital Palas, the Phantom Moon was dramatically different. People crowded nearly every inch of the black stone earth, and the buildings rose like cliffs of shining metal on all sides. The air was foul; he barely believed it fit for his lungs to breathe. Hitomi regarded him with concern as he coughed. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. There's just so many people." All around they bustled and murmured. And in the street strange machines gurgled and roared like beasts. "You live in a place like this?"
"Uh-huh. This city is called Tokyo. We didn't always live here--my parents met and were married in the country. But I love seeing al the people."
Van smiled. It was bit odd, listening to her talk so casually. During her time on Gaea there had been few opportunities for friendly conversation, especially considering his reluctance around her. There had always been something about her that caused his spine to falter in her presence. He felt that uneasiness now, and he hated himself for it.
He veiled his trepidation with a question. "Have you been friends with Sueshi and Narita for long?"
Hitomi glanced at him curiously. "Oh--Kenji-kun and Mariko. I'm not used to hearing their names that way. Actually, Mariko and I have only known each other for two years, but we're very close." She smiled. "She's a bit like Merle, I think. But less sneaky and obnoxious."
Van couldn't help but chuckle. This feels…so familiar, but so strange. "Who is doing fine, by the way."
"That's good to hear."
They chatted that way for a bit--awkwardly, uncertainly. Hitomi explained the things he didn't recognize as they walked--cars, traffic signs, store windows and televisions all baffled him. Only his mild experience in the presence of Zaibach technology kept him from suffering overload. He could tell that she was oversimplifying all of her descriptions for his benefit, but he didn't mind. Our country much seem to simple and plain to her, she thought gloomily, nothing that even the colors of their clothes were brighter and more splendid than his own. He felt almost a twinge of shame and embarrassment at the thought.
I wonder what he's thinking, Hitomi pondered vaguely as they turned onto her street. He looks lost. I guess it can't be helped. When I went to Gaea I'd already studied a bit of ancient culture and lifestyle, but he could have never expected this. I hope it isn't too much for him. "It's a bit overwhelming, isn't it?"
"Yes," Van admitted. "But I think I'm okay with it. Are all earth cities like this?"
"No, not at all. A lot are, though." She frowned. God, what am I going to tell my parents? Could I tell them the truth? Mom already knows everything that happened on Gaea, but….
Hitomi glanced at Van as she wrestled with a feasible explanation. Her thoughts drifted, however, when she looked upon him. She took a moment to look him over, as this was her first chance without interrupted. It was then that she realized how much he had changed those past three years. He'd grown up. Not only was he now several inches taller than her, but he'd lost the awkward gawkiness of youth. She could tell, despite the heavy dark fabric of his clothing, that he'd also gained quite some muscle. Even his hair had lengthened, if only a bit.
He's been a king all this time, Hitomi reminded herself, recalling all those nights she'd lain awake mind-speaking to him. On Earth the worst of my troubles are track meets and math tests--he's had an entire country to care for. Will he think me childish? She noted with some discomfort that even his way of walking had matured--his gait reminded her of her father. I haven't changed that much, have I? It was only three years.
Soon--too soon--they'd reached the Kanzaki residence. Hitomi rang the bell, forgetting that she hadn't yet generated an excuse for the king's presence. The door opened before she could correct her mistake. "You're late," someone grumbled from inside before disappearing once more.
"My brother," Hitomi whispered to her companion. She stuck her head inside. Thankfully, Tatsumi was rooted in front of the television, oblivious. She sighed with relief and motioned for Van to follow her. "Stay close. I don't want him to know you're here yet."
Van nodded, looking bewildered. They crept inside carefully and managed to cross the living room without gathering the fouteen year old's attention. They'd almost made it to the stairs when Hitomi's mother called from the kitchen. "Is that you, Hitomi?"
Hitomi froze. Damn. No way out now. "Uh, yeah, Mom." She took a deep breath. "Actually, could you come here? I'd like you to meet someone."
"Oh? A friend of yours?" Mrs Kanzaki Sachiko, a brunette in her early forties, exited the kitchen while drying her hands on a towel. When she laid eyes on her daughter's comrade, she gave a short gasp.
"Mom…this is Van Fanel," Hitomi introduced sheepishly. "From Gaea."