Authors Note: Hey there. No one from this fandom (is there still a fandom? I don't even know) will know me, because this is the first time I've ever written an Escaflowne based fanfiction. In truth, I've wanted to for years, but now is the first time I've ever felt my writing style and imagination were up to the task. A few friends and me just finished marathoning the entire series, and I felt compelled, after all these years, to write a continuation, because I still hate that Hitomi leaves in the end.

That said, I pray that I can keep all the characters in character, as I'm used to writing Jak fanfiction and original fiction only, pretty much. Anyone who is reading TAE: Book4 and TLC, I promise I'm not abandoning them; I just haven't had a chance to write more for them. Likewise with my Princess Tutu fic; it will be updated, I just don't know when. THAT STANDS FOR THIS AS WELL. I go back to school in a week, and I work part time, and I need to work on Faerietale (my novel-in-progress), so I can't give guarantees on update times. I will, however, try not to wait months before updating.

And now, just one last note: I have no idea how the school system works in Japan, where Hitomi is from, and so the school system mentioned here is based off the one in Canada. Either way, I hope you enjoy, and please leave a review if you read this and like it. I love getting feedback on my writing! Anyways, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter One: Together but Apart

Count it in your head; keep track of where you're going, where your feet fall, the other runners around you. Never leave your designated lane, never slow your pace till crossing the finishing line, pay attention only to the track and the beating of your heart, the pumping of your legs, the swinging of your arms; focus on the run, the shear motion of it, the adrenaline in your veins. Think of the pendant; a perfect time keeper. Focus on that and keep yourself steady until the very end, feet falling in accurately timed places, never faster, never slower. Focus…

She could see Van in her head then, flashing her that quirky grin and lifting an eyebrow in amusement. You're so focused when you run, he'd told her once, having caught on to her thoughts during her first track meet after returning to Earth, you sound like you're conducting an orchestra.

No less then you do when you're training, she remembered retorting, smiling haughtily even though he couldn't see her, even though she couldn't see him. It was just so easy to picture him in her mind, knowing the expression he would be wearing, even if she could never see him when they spoke.

That conversation had been long ago, however, and Hitomi merely chanted her mantra over and over in her head as she ran the familiar track behind the school, following it to a T and crossing the finish line first yet again. Her experiences on Gaea had left with something, after all; the brunette was faster then she'd ever been before.

Excited cheering rang out from the sidelines of the track, despite the fact that it was only the two of them there. Hitomi automatically knew who it was, flashing her red headed friend a smile. Yukari was as nutty as ever, and Hitomi thanked Gaea.

Four years had passed since her time on the other world, but her memories of it hadn't become any duller. The now nineteen year-old was a college freshman, taking a general arts program at a school that had been paid for by a track scholarship; she worked hard, enjoyed her classes, but felt no real attachment to the subjects she was learning other then mythology.

"It sounded interesting." She'd told her mother, and, thankfully, the older Kanzaki had let her do as she pleased. Track was still her major hobby, though the only times she was ever on the familiar old track behind her high school was when she and Yukari went there alone, needing to let out some stress or to just have some fun once in a while. The red head was more than happy to tag along, and Hitomi was happy to have the company.

Life was… simple. Gaea had been the most interesting period of her life, Hitomi admitted, but though she didn't miss the war or confusing emotions that went with her brief time there, she did miss the planet itself. She missed Fanelia and longed to see the now complete city; she missed Millerna and Allen and Gaddes and Prince Cheid, hell, she even missed the mole man and Merle!

Most of all, she missed Van.

Or rather, she missed actually being with Van; being able to see him, to see his expressions play out on his handsome face, to be able to touch him, even if only for an instant on the hand or shoulder. They could talk, had been talking ever since she'd left, but that was all. She missed the warmth he'd always seemed to give off, the feeling of safety that overwhelmed her in his presence, the way his wings could become a shield to protect them from everything around them.

The mental connection helped, of course. If she could at least talk to the man she loved, she could keep from going insane, but deep down, the brunette knew it wouldn't be good enough for forever. One day, likely sooner than later, it wouldn't be enough.

For now, though, Hitomi only smiled when Yukari tossed a water bottle at her, catching it with ease and taking a long, satisfying swig of it. The red head seemed amused, her eyebrows up and the corners of her lips quirked in a secret little smirk. "What?"

"Thinking of him again, Hitomi?" when her friend turned pink, Yukari only snickered, "You're so obvious, 'Tomi, honestly."

Yukari and her mother were the only people Hitomi had told about her time on Gaea; her mother because… well, she thought she deserved to know, and Yukari because she believed her friend wouldn't just write her off as being crazy. Thankfully, she had been right; both said they believed her, and promised to keep what they'd been told a secret. Yukari had consequently taken it upon herself to tease her friend about Van every chance she got.

"It's not like I can help it." Hitomi grumbled, glad Van wasn't listening right now; he was busy, off in a meeting that she couldn't remember the reason behind, "Besides, you're the same way when you're thinking about Amano, Yukari!"

"To true." The red head gave a wistful sigh, then winked at her friend, grin still in place, "So, all done for today, Hitomi? I don't know about you, but I have homework I need to get started on!"

"Oh, shit." The brunette almost wanted to smack herself, "I totally forgot I have a mini-essay due tomorrow, crap. I guess running just makes me kinda forgetful."

"I'll say!" Yukari teased, linking arms with her friend, laughing as they crossed under the bleachers towards the school, "But that's just one of your charms, Hitomi. Anyways, homework awaits; see you in class tomorrow?"

"You bet!"

xXxXxXxXxXx

"And, done." Hitomi hit 'print' on her computer and sighed in relief when the essay slid out onto the paper tray, turning the thing off with an air of victory. It hadn't been a very long essay, thankfully, and she had managed to finish it within two hours of arriving home. Van had still been busy with his meeting, so there hadn't been any distractions for once, either. Not that she minded having him as a distraction; it was just easier to get things done when she didn't.

Hitomi let her head rest against her computer desk, sighing again as she reached for her mental connection with Van, testing to see if he was open and available to talk. She was thrilled to find that he was, indeed, done with his meeting, his mind open and waiting for some contact from her. She nudged his mind with her own, just letting him know she was there without bothering to say anything, sighing again as she felt the tension from writing the essay draining away.

Perceptive as ever when it came to her moods, Van noticed the touch and the sigh and responded immediately, Hitomi? Are you alright?

Just tired, she sighed in reply, eyes closed, And very, very sick of essays.

She heard Van chuckled and imagined his lips quirked in a grin, which in turn made her smile, You'll be done soon, Hitomi. Your… summer break is coming up, isn't it?

He'd been steadily learning all the terms and names she used for things in her world, and what time of the year meant what; now, when she mentioned something about school, he would know what she was talking about, and she loved him all the more for it. Yeah, in two months. I don't know if I'll make it that long.

You will. He sounded so confidant in her that her heart thumped a little louder. If I can survive all these meetings with the advisors, you can survive your school for another two months.

What are all the meetings about, Van? He'd been forced into so many lately she was beginning to wonder what they were about.

The usual. Was his vague reply, meaning he didn't want to talk about it, Merle says to tell you she misses you, by the way.

Tell her I miss her, to, Hitomi couldn't help but grin, picturing the cat-girl in her mind, How is she?

She chased off another princess. Van admitted sheepishly.

It didn't surprise her; she knew that Van's advisors had been arranging for princesses from various countries to come and visit in the hopes that the King would choose a bride. Van had been adamant from the start that he wanted nothing to do with their plans, and Hitomi believe and trusted in him. Not to mention that Merle was doing a marvelous job of chasing them all off.

How many is that now, four?

Five.

Hitomi couldn't help the laugh that escaped her then, the mental image of the pink-haired cat girl chasing off yet another royally-dressed girl making her crack up. Tell her to keep up the good work.

I will.

Hitomi yawned then, realizing what time it was. Not wanting to end their conversation so soon, the brunette simply went about getting ready for bed, remembering what it was she had wanted to ask him, How is Millerna, Van? And Dryden and Cheid?

Millerna is expecting their first child.

Really? That's great! A year earlier, Hitomi had faked sick to get out of school so she could stay home and be connected to Van during the Asturian princess's second wedding. It wasn't as fulfilling as actually being there would have been, but Millerna had apparently been ecstatic to know that Hitomi had, in a way, been a part of the wedding.

Dryden had returned a some-what changed man; more serious but still mostly the same as ever. He had re-proposed, and Millerna had accepted. Van had given her a play-by-play of the wedding, and Hitomi had almost been able to hear the cheers of the people herself as the princess and her husband kissed to seal their bond. To hear they were expecting made her happy, I wish I could be there to give her a big hug! Congratulate her for me when you have a chance, will you Van?

Of course. He sounded pleased, but suddenly sleepy, as though he'd only just realized the time himself. You know… no, never mind. It's getting late.

What? Hitomi wasn't about to let him get away with that half statement, even though her own mind was slowly beginning to shut down as she flicked off the light and crawled into bed.

Van was silent for a moment, and when his thoughts did come through they were very soft, somewhat melancholy, I miss you, Hitomi. I wish you could see Fanelia now.

I miss you, to, Van. I'll see it someday, I promise. And she meant it, from the bottom of her heart.

Okay. Good night, Hitomi; I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Okay; good night, Van.

Their mental connection lasted a few moments longer before disappearing, Van probably having fallen asleep before her. Hitomi only smiled, snuffled deeper into her blankets, and closed her eyes, drifting off into dreams of her winged King and the beautiful country of Fanelia.