Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion, or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to DC Comics or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Chapter 2: A Little Green Around the Gills
Several days passed since the Horaki sisters ventured to Kodama's university, days in which Hikari soon recovered from her incident. And was as usual with such things, the fear that had been felt shortly after her exposure slowly faded, and was replaced by other things in the return to their normal schedule.
Humming to herself as she hovered busily over the oven, checking the pots and pans that were bubbling merrily under her supervision, Hikari performed the duties to which she had long since had grown accustomed to. The caring of her sisters and father, who would be doing something very unusual that day. He would be joining them for breakfast.
A technician at NERV, Tanaka Horaki wasn't one of the more highly elevated individuals within the secretive organization. And he certainly wasn't one of its better paid members. But he did his duties well, and worked obscene hours in the name of earning his family's daily bread. As a result, breakfast for him was more often than not a quick cup of coffee and maybe some form of pastry that he would grab on the way out the door. His NERV uniform rumpled as he rushed to grab the train.
In recent days, however, Tanaka's schedule had improved somewhat. The only Eva to have been damaged in the most recent battle had been Unit 01, and even that was minimal and easily repaired. Which meant that he would be allowed the simple luxury of dining with his daughters this morning. He might even be able to enjoy this for some time, or at least until the next Angel decided to throw things into chaos.
Still, Hikari did her best not to concern herself with 'what-ifs'. Life was crazy enough as it was. All she could really do was tend to her family's needs as best as she could. Which to her mind meant making times in which family could be together as blessed and wonderful as she could.
As the bountiful meal simmered away, requiring only time and heat to finish the job, Hikari mopped her brow before retreating a distance from the oven. She had five minutes before breakfast was ready to be served. Time enough to set the table and make certain that everything was perfect.
Carrying the plates and chopsticks into the dining room, Hikari observed her sisters going about their own morning routines. Which consisted of Nozomi watching cartoons, laughing at the cartoony explosions and mayhem being wreaked, while Kodama was busy studying her notes for whatever project she'd be working on that day. And doing absolutely nothing to help with breakfast.
It's just as well, Hikari thought, squelching the minor annoyance she felt. While Kodama was extraordinarily proficient when it came to the sciences, she was utterly incompetent as a homemaker. And as for Nozomi, she excitability and rambunctiousness. Either one of them attempting to assist would be counterproductive at best.
Still, I wonder… Hikari thought with grim amusement. The idea that either one of her sisters could be feigning ineptitude in order to get out of their share of the chores having occurred to her more than once.
Setting aside her more paranoid impulses, Hikari finished up the table and returned to the kitchen. Just in time, as it turned out, for everything was cooked to perfection. Taking the time to make doubly certain this was so, Hikari turned to look out at the rest of the Horaki household. "Breakfast is ready."
The reaction was instantaneous as Nozomi smiled in delight. Kodama also gave a pleased look as she started towards the table. Causing Hikari to smile at their anticipation of this meal.
That was before the pain hit.
"Hikari?" she heard Kodama speak, but Hikari couldn't focus on that. All she could do was bring her hand to her temple as she took an involuntary step backward. Unable to truly feel her own body, the middle sister staggered drunkenly until she felt a set of hands taking hold of her shoulders. Then her own name was spoken again, this time right into her ear.
"Hikari!" Kodama almost shouted, penetrating the last of the haze that had wrapped itself about the young matriarch's mind. As the fog cleared, Hikari gave a shake of her head, freeing up the rest of her faculties before she looked up into her sister's concerned visage. "Are you alright?"
"Sister?" Nozomi piped up. As Hikari focused on her, she saw the tiny girl staring from just outside the kitchen, her tiny face scrunched up with concern.
"Oh…" Hikari replied, getting her bearing and putting on her best 'mother' smile. Setting aside all weakness and doing her best to look strong. "I'm fine, Nozomi. I just…didn't sleep well last night, that's all."
Frowning suspiciously, the little girl eyed Hikari for a time. "Are you sure?"
Sighing inwardly, Hikari was once again reminded that Nozomi was fast approaching the age at which simple excuses wouldn't be enough to pacify her. "I'm fine," the middle sister assured her. Doing her best to look fine as well before diverting the younger girl's concern. "Now, why don't you go get Daddy while I serve breakfast? Okay?"
"Okay!" Nozomi returned eagerly. The young girl then bounced out of sight, her concerns already forgotten.
I wish it was that simple for me, Hikari thought to herself. Dropping all pretenses for the time, she turned to the task ahead of her. Aware that Kodama would be nowhere near as easy to dissuade.
As if this thought were her cue, the eldest sister looked at the girl, even as she moved about the pots and pans. "Hikari…"
"Please, Kodama. Not now," Hikari replied, turning off the heating units.
"Yes, now!" Kodama insisted. While the younger girl let an exasperated sigh escape her lips, ignoring her concerned sibling in favor of her duty, Hikari soon found an unwanted shadow following her. "Hikari…"
"I'm fine," Hikari insisted, checking the soup and rice.
"No, you're not," Kodama persisted. "Dammit, please! You've been having these dizzy spells ever since we were at sensei's lab, and -!"
"It's nothing serious," Hikari countered, mustering up a greater level of force as she prepared the individual servings.
"I'm not saying that it is!" Kodama responded.
"No, but you're thinking it," Hikari stated flatly. Making sure every speck of her attention was on breakfast. On her duties.
Grunting her annoyance, the elder sister retorted, "Oh, and now you're a mind reader, is that it?" When Hikari didn't bother to answer, Kodama shook her head wearily. "Look, I'm just saying that you should have a doctor check you out. That's all."
"No," Hikari countered. Sighing wearily, the younger girl turned to look her tormentor in the eye. "Kodama, I keep telling you, I'm fine!"
"Hikari…" Kodama tried again.
"No!" Hikari told her. Invoking the voice of authority that signaled that the discussion was officially over. As Kodama let go a reluctant sigh that was the equivalent of waving a white flag, the younger girl tried to reassure her. "Come on, it's no big deal."
"No big deal?" Kodama repeated disbelievingly.
"That's right," Hikari nodded. "I probably just had a bad reaction to that smoke, that's all." When Kodama groaned her annoyance, the younger girl smiled through it. "Besides, it's not as bad as it was before."
Which was true enough, they both knew. On the night the girls had first gotten back home, Hikari had been cleaning up in the kitchen when she had her first attack. The entire world had been turned on its side, sending the girl sprawling to the floor. It had been all Hikari could do to convince the elder sister not to call for a doctor right then and there. The only silver lining to that incident was that their father had been working late, meaning that he never learned of what had happened to Hikari that day, or of her attack.
As this bit of logic worked its magic, Hikari followed up with another ploy to get her well-meaning sibling to buzz off. "Anyway, the last thing I want is for your sensei to get in any trouble," she explained. Watching as thoughts of her goofy professor redirected Kodama's concern.
Sagging beneath her latest verbal defeat, Kodama managed to look her sister square in the eye. "Look, just do me a favor, okay?" she pleaded. "If you aren't feeling better in a few days, or if this thing gets worse…"
"I'll go right to the doctor's office like a good little girl," Hikari promised, smiling and nodding in confirmation.
"Alright," Kodama conceded. Pointing at the younger girl's nose, she added, "I'm going to hold you to that. Got it?"
"I'll accept that," Hikari agreed. Glad that the matter was once again settled, she eyed the older sister, curling up the corner of her lip. "Of course, if you're really so worried, then you won't mind helping me set the table. Now will you?"
A muffled groan escaping her lips, Kodama visibly winced before retreating a step. "Uh, sorry, sis," the older girl returned. "But I've still got lot of stuff to sort through for today's lab. You know how it is."
"Oh, sure. I understand," Hikari nodded. Watching in satisfaction as her sister finally retreated to the living room. Just as Nozomi was leading their father downstairs, completely unaware that anything was amiss.
"And what is that wonderful smell, hmm?" Tanaka wondered as he looked about, sniffing the air in a playful manner. Then he looked into the kitchen before moving up to Hikari. "Well, of course! What else can it except for another of Hikari's gastronomical miracles?"
"Good morning, Daddy!" Hikari replied happily. Grateful that this would be as perfect a morning as she could manage for her family. "Listen, why don't you three get seated? I'm about to serve."
"As you wish," Tanaka replied happily. Looking about at his other daughters, he said, "Well, you heard the boss! It's time to eat!"
Watching as her sisters seated themselves, Hikari set about the task at hand. Soon, the food was set out, and the Horaki family talked about what was going on in their lives. Making stupid jokes, and simply enjoying each other's company, the experience of being a family.
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As usual, the morning proceeded pretty much according to schedule. Tanaka and Kodama set out for their respective destinations after Hikari finished making their lunches, at which the pigtailed girl escorted Nozomi to her elementary school. After giving her a hug and wishing the little girl the best, Hikari continued her walk to school. Preparing herself for another set of duties.
Just one of the problems with being responsible, Hikari thought to herself as she arrived at her school. Exchanging greetings with her fellow students as she made her way to her classroom. As soon as people notice it, they keep giving you more responsibilities!
Moving to the head of the class, Hikari observed her classmates as the filed in and took their seats. Each of them making conversation or just groaning as they resigned themselves to another day of purgatory. And all of them keeping an eye on her as she prepared to go about her duties. This caused a tiny smile to appear on her face, for everyone there knew full well that her word was law there. Even more so than the elderly teacher who was supposed to be the highest authority there.
Automatically looking over the classroom, Hikari quickly ascertained that everyone was present and accounted for. The Eva pilots, the resident class clowns, and everyone else in between. Leaving her little to do but wait for the alarm to signal the beginning of class. As soon as it sounded, she straightened up just the tiniest bit more. "Stand, bow, sit," the girl announced, stepping towards her desk as the teacher appeared. Only to falter as every eye set upon her…and the world once again spun about her.
No…not again! Hikari cried out within her own mind. Struggling to fight off her weakness, to recover and get to her desk. To not let anyone know that something was wrong with her.
"Hikari?" came a familiar voice. As the dizziness loosened its grip on her, the pigtailed girl looked towards the source of the voice. Frowning her concern was the familiar face of Asuka Langley-Sohryu, something that eased Hikari's wariness. Managing a tiny smile for the German's benefit, Hikari managed to recover enough to get to her seat.
Sighing inwardly as she took the weight off of her rubbery legs, Hikari opened her laptop and watched as the teacher began his lesson. Knowing full well that he would eventually get off on some odd tangent, most likely to do with how much better things had been in the pre-Impact world, and would ultimately accomplish little and notice even less. Which was just fine with Hikari. It would allow her a much needed reprieve.
Placing her hands to her temples, Hikari contented herself to ride out the rest of the day as best as she could. For while she had been somewhat honest with Kodama regarding her condition in that it was improving, she had never told her older sibling just how often she have these dizzy spells. With them being at their worst at school, as well as the aftermath of those spells.
Even now, the pigtailed girl was trying to focus past the pain that was unfurling over her brain. The feeling like static within her own mind. A feeling that persisted for the better part of an hour, leaving her plenty of time to catch up on what amount of education their teacher had actually gotten around to doling out that day.
Still, Hikari was nothing short of relieved when the bell once again rang, this time signaling that it was time for lunch. Her head gave one final lurch as the other students left the class, leaving the pigtailed girl to muster up the needed strength to do so herself.
Groaning somewhat as she placed her head to her temple, Hikiari closed her eyes in concentration, shutting away the pain before looking up. Then her mouth popped open as she saw Asuka hovering above her, genuine concern abounding her face.
"Hikari?" Asuka started, leaning in a bit closer. "Is something wrong?"
"Huh?" Hikari got out. Trying to find something intelligent to say and ultimately going for a load of bull that she hoped the redhead would buy. "Oh, it's nothing, Asuka. Just a slight headache."
Unsurprisingly, their one and only college graduate didn't buy it. She just stood straight and placed her hands on her hips, staring down at the girl like she was some sort of bug. "A slight headache?" Asuka asked incredulously. "And I suppose that's why you've barely moved or said anything the entire time?"
"It's not like anything actually happened…" Hikari returned anemically.
"Nothing happened?" Asuka repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Kazu shot Himori with a spit ball, and you didn't even notice! And you're going to tell me that's because of a slight headache?"
Her mouth falling open, Hikari sat there and looked at her German friend. Kazu was the class's resident jerk, even more so than Toji and Kensuke. He got the worst grades of anyone there, mainly because he spent all of his time at school coming up with some new prank to unleash upon his fellows.
And he actually gotten away with hitting Himori with a spit ball on Hikari's watch? That she was so out of it that she hadn't even noticed Kazu's antics?
Clearly, reality as she knew it had come to an end.
As a defeated groan escaped Hikari's lips, she sank back in her chair while Asuka towered over her victoriously. "Now, are you going to tell me what's wrong with you, or am I going to have to squeeze it out of you?"
Sighing wearily, Hikari brought up her hands in surrender. "Alright, you win, Asuka," the pigtailed girl replied. "But…not here. Okay?" When the German frowned in confusion, Hikari went on. "Can we…meet someplace later today?"
"Sure," Asuka nodded agreeably. Then she quirked a smile. "How about we meet at the ice cream parlor at the mall? You look like you could use a treat, and I've been dying to check out that new store there!"
Managing a weak smile, Hikari found herself instantly agreeing. The mall. The perfect place for her to relax, forget her woes and responsibilities for a while, and unload her troubles. Just what the doctor ordered.
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"Ugh…" Hikari grimaced. Pressing both hands upon her temples, as if she were trying to squeeze the pain out of her own head.
"I don't believe this! Hikari, you're looking sicker by the minute!" Asuka gaped in disbelief. Seated next to her friend, the redhead's blue eyes bulged out of their sockets, filling with distress over her condition.
"Believe me, I'm not feeling too great, either," Hikari admitted. Only to wince in pain as another painful barb stabbed at her brain.
Coming to the mall had not been a good idea. If anything, it was probably the worst idea in the long and sad history of bad ideas. A few seconds after entering the front door, Hikari had practically fallen on her face. For several seconds, the entire world had spun about her, rendering her unable to tell up from down. And even that was nothing compared to the throbbing headache that had come after the vertigo had passed.
After this attack, Hikari had been sorely tempted to just go home and forget about everything. To admit that she was truly sick and hide in her bed. Let someone else shoulder the burdens of life for a while. With only the fact that a good friend and possible outlet for her woes was waiting for her arrival.
As if she were reading her mind, Asuka spoke gingerly. "Listen, if you're feeling that bad, then just go home and get to bed already!" the German told her. Then with a wry curling of her lip, she added, "Besides, it's not like there's much here. Just a bunch of uninspired Japanese fashions."
"You have no idea how tempting that is," Hikari returned, somehow managing to raise her head enough to meet her friend's gaze. "But…"
"But what?" Asuka asked, growing more confused. "C'mon! What's the big deal?! Just go to bed, order out for some pizza, and play some video games until you're feeling better! What could be simpler?"
Stifling the urge to laugh, Hikari wondered how she could explain it to her friend. That life hadn't been that simple for her since her mother's death. How everything in her family had completely fallen apart until Hikari had mastered the duties her mother had performed so well. Then she smiled, and decided to put it as simply as she could. "Because the last time I tried that, I spent half the time with my sisters in my room, wondering how to run the vacuum or set the table. And Daddy burned every meal he tried to make." Then she somehow managed to snort out a bit of laughter. "In fact…I think he even managed to set fire to the water when he tried boiling rice."
Wincing at the image, Asuka replied, "Ouch. Sounds like he took cooking lessons from Misato!"
"I'm sorry, Asuka. But to sometimes, I think my entire house would fall apart without me," Hikari confessed, letting slip a bit of the weariness she felt from shouldering such burdens. Then she raised an eyebrow at her dear friend. "Besides, it's not like the Angels would give you time off if you got sick!"
"True," Asuka admitted, her usual bravado coming to the surface. Then she leaned towards her friend in a conspiratorial fashion. "But the Angels don't show up every day, asking me to make them dinner!"
Unable to help herself, Hikari laughed at her friend's glib comment. "Well, you've got me there," she admitted. "Still, I don't want Daddy to worry. I mean…ever since Mom died, he…" Fumbling, Hikari found her gaze drawn to the smudged counter, at the memories that seemed to be reflected in its surface. "Every time one of us get sick, or gets hurt, or anything like that…it's like he's watching Mom die all over again. And I…I don't want to make things worse for him. That's all."
Giving her friend a lopsided look, Asuka finally shook her head. "You're a lot nicer than I'd be, Hikari," she finally admitted. Shrugging, the German said, "Still, since we're here, why don't we have a parfait or two? Before you go back to the rat race?"
"That sounds good to me," Hikari agreed. "And don't worry. I promise I'll take it easy when I get back."
"Promise?" Asuka insisted with a girlish grin.
"I'll even have Kodama order out, and go to bed early," Hikari vowed earnestly. Something that earned a laugh from the German as well.
"But before you go…hey, waiter! Two chocolate parfaits!" Asuka called out, invoking her own voice of authority.
"Coming right up!" the waiter replied jovially.
Watching as he went to work, Hikarii found herself grateful that she had decided to meet Asuka after all. In the German, she had found a true kindred spirit. Someone who had needed to be strong for the sake of others, who shouldered a monstrous responsibility of her own, and didn't mind asserting her authority when the need arose.
Her pain receding somewhat, Hikari found herself actually able to relax. The two girls engaged in idle chatter while they waited, discussing the various going-ons in their lives, the latest gossip. Simple, meaningless things that meant everything at the moment. Until finally the waiter arrived with their sweat treats.
"Here you go, ladies!" he beamed, setting down their parfaits.
"Great!" Asuka replied as Hikari stared at her chocolaty treat. The rich, divinely sweet aroma wafting up her nose, forcing her to gulp down. Lest a wave of drool come pouring out of her mouth.
Great. Now I'm Pavlov's dog, Hikari thought ruefully as she picked up her spoon. She usually didn't indulge in sweets. At least not excessively. She already knew that her figure was far from the most eye-catching, especially when compared to those of Asuka's or Rei Ayanami's. The last thing she wanted was to add a wider waist to her list of physical inadequacies.
Still, the idea of drowning her woes in chocolate was an enticing one, and after everything that had been happening lately, Hikari felt that she deserved a treat. Especially since her own body was already screaming for ice cream.
My figure is gonna hate me for this, Hikari decided as she spooned up a decent-sized portion of fruit, chocolate, and ice cream. Gingerly placing it her mouth, she felt a sublime chill run through her as the flavorful delight melted on her tongue. And sent her mind clear into orbit.
Automatically swallowing, Hikari quickly licked her lips before gazing down at her treat. The pain completely gone, as was every conscious thought that might have occupied her mind. All that she really cared about was the delightfully gooey mass before her. Driving her spoon in as deeply as she could, the pigtailed girl lifted up a huge blob of pure goodness and ate it. And another. And then another.
"Whoa!" Asuka gasped out as her friend went into overdrive, hastily devouring the entirety of her parfait. "What'd you do, skip breakfast and lunch?!"
The German's words acting like a bucket of ice water, Hikari somehow managed to snap herself out of her binge. Only to realize that a couple of the other patrons were looking at her, her parfait was all but gone, with a good deal of it currently adorning her face.
And making matters even worse was the fact that she wanted more. She wanted more very badly.
Swallowing loudly, Hikari gave her friend a sheepish look. "Um…" the pigtailed girl got out, struggling to find a graceful way out of her predicament. Finally, the girl stood from her seat, looking at her disbelieving friend. "Something like that, yeah." Her cheeks burning with humiliation, Hikari tried to think of something else to say. "I'll…go wash up, okay. Oh, and Asuka?"
"Yeah?" Asuka got out, still staggered with disbelief.
"Could you…order me another one?" Hikari asked almost desperately. Taking off before her friend could even respond.
Hurriedly making her way to the ladies' room, Hikari went right to one of the sinks and spun both knobs about, sending warm water pouring forth. Collecting it in her hands, the pigtailed girl splashed it in her face. Washing away the sticky mess that covered her mouth, she then flung more water in her face. Hoping to stir a greater level of rationality into existence.
What's happening to me? Hikari wondered as she cut off the water. Staring hard at the girl in the mirror, she turned her head about so that she could examine herself from different angles. And found the Hikari Horaki she was used to looking back at her. A little tired, a little worn around the edges, but still the same Hikari.
It must be some kind of sugar imbalance or something, Hikari promptly decided. Yeah, that must be it. I've been going crazy with these headaches, and I haven't been eating properly…or maybe that smoke just…threw my body off. And I just need something sweet to get back on track.
The more Hikari reviewed this possibility, the more sense it made sense to her. After all, she didn't feel sick most of the time, and…well, it just made sense. Especially given the fact that she didn't have any other explanation.
The fact that it made a great excuse to scarf down another parfait didn't exactly hurt, either. Her mouth watering once more at the prospect of further sweets.
Taking a deep breath, Hikari gave one more glance at herself. Saw the confident, take-charge girl she projected herself as, and gave a slight noise of approval. Taking a moment to dry off her face, Hikari exited the ladies' room, not wanting to give her friend cause to worry.
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"Whew. I never you were such a big eater!" Asuka commented. The redhead gazed incredulously at Hikari as the two girls left the mall.
"Neither did I," Hikari confessed ruefully. Rubbing her stomach in an embarrassed fashion. Having required three parfaits before she finally felt sated enough to be truly willing to leave the ice cream parlor. "I'm still not sure where I put it all!"
"Yeah, well," Asuka started, seeming unsure of what to say. "Just don't make a habit of it, that's all!"
"Believe me, I have no intention of blimping out!" Hikari returned jovially. Grimacing at the very thought of what all those calories were doing to her at that very moment. Banishing the horrid image from her mind, the pigtailed girl returned her attention to her friend. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Sure! Just be to take care of yourself," the redhead advised. Then Asuka gave her a rueful look. "Trust me, nobody's gonna do it for you!"
"Yeah…I guess not," Hikari returned. Once again thinking of the heavy burdens that were hers alone. And would seemingly remain so.
On that note, the two friends exchanged goodbyes, and began making their way back to their respective homes. Leaving Hikari with her own thoughts and concerns.
Yeah, I guess she has a point. Nobody else at home can do what I do, Hikari thought unhappily. The burdens she carried once again returning to her. Then she gave a thought to fears and concerns her sisters and father clearly felt for her. Still…at I know that they care. That they're still my family.
This matter settled within her once more, Hikari continued onward, the sun setting beneath the horizon. The streets all but empty, another sign of the depopulated fortress city. The emptiness lending greater speed to the girl's feet.
Eventually, Hikari came within sight of her home, feeling a swell of relief that home naturally offered. Once again picking up her pace, she soon arrived at the front door and entered. Taking a deep breath of the distinctively familiar scents that abounded in that place, the girl looked about before calling out, "I'm home!"
"Sister!" came the rambunctious voice of Nozomi. The little girl soon followed, bouncing into the living room and practically bowling over the object of her glee. As it was, Hikari was forced a step backwards, but she quickly recovered. Laughing quietly, Hikari knelt down and looked the girl squarely in the face, smiling at her brilliantly before hugging her fiercely.
"Hey there, Hikari," came another voice. As the two girls stood and looked, they saw Kodama approach, a weary smile on her face. "Did you have a good time with Asuka?"
"Yes, I did," Hikari answered with wry amusement. "Is Daddy back yet?"
"No. He called to say he'd be late," Kodama replied. "His tech team has gotten new orders. Some new development project."
Exhaling wearily, Hikari shook her head. "Look, could you do me a favor and just order out for dinner?" the pigtailed girl requested. "I'm a bit tired, and…"
"Not a problem!" Kodama assured her. Seemingly relieved at her sister's decision not to cook. "Actually, I was kind of in the mood for pizza, and…"
"Pizza?" Nozomi got out excitedly.
"Yeah, sure!" Kodama returned agreeably. "I have a coupon for a Veggie Special from Nuclear Pizza, and -!"
"Ugh!" Nozomi grimaced, delight shifting to horror. While Hikari's heart was sinking straight into her toes, the younger girl shot a disgusted look at the eldest sister. "A veggie pizza again?! That's what we had the last time we ordered out!"
"And what's so wrong with that?" Kodama retorted. "In case you've forgotten, vegetables are good for you!"
"So's a bar of soap, and I don't' wanna eat that, either!" Nozomi sniped. Then the inevitable happened. The little girl looked at Hikari, and asked, "C'mon, sister! Let's have something good to eat instead!"
"Hey! There is absolutely nothing wrong with vegetarian food! And you probably need to eat more greens, anyway!" Kodama countered. Then she turned to affirmation from her sister. "Don't you think so?"
Closing her eyes as her head once again began to hurt, the pain the familiar one of stress, rather than her dizzy spells, Hikari then eyed her sisters. "Tell you what," the pigtailed girl stated, invoking her voice of authority. Wanting nothing more than to put an end to the argument. "I'll make the order, and you two can let me know when it gets here. How's that sound?"
For a moment, the two sisters looked ready to further argue their cases. That was before Hikari hit them with the stare of doom, causing them to think better of it. Before either of them could speak, Hikari went to the kitchen. Making use of a menu stuck to the refrigerator, she ordered a pizza with a satisfactory mix of meat and vegetables. Suffering a stab of guilt, she added a chocolate dessert pizza to the order.
Sighing wearily as she hung up the phone, Hikari made her back to the living room. Gratefully sitting down in front of the television, she picked up the TV Guide and started looking for something nice and funny to relax to.
"So…how are you doing?" As Hikari jumped at these words, she looked over her shoulder to see Kodama standing above her.
"Well, I'm a bit tired, but…" Hikari answered. Deciding it best to leave the rest unsaid and open to interpretation.
"Yeah, I bet," Kodama nodded before sitting down next to her sister. "It must be tough, having to put up with us."
"Oh, I don't mind," Hikari answered. Then she cracked a weary smile. "Besides, I've long since figured out that it's basically impossible to get you two to agree on anything. Why should pizza toppings be an exception?"
"Still…" Kodama spoke, traces of guilt in her eyes. Guilt that her younger sister now performed the duties that had once been assumed would fall to her. Taking a moment to consider her words, the eldest sister said, "Anyway, I'm glad you decided to take it easy tonight. I mean…I know don't say it enough, but…I do worry about you, Hikari."
"Yeah, I know," the middle sister responded. Giving Kodama a wry look, she added, "And I guess this where you remind me that I should worry about myself more often?"
"Something like that," Kodama agreed. "Don't get me wrong. I really appreciate what you're doing. Especially with sensei involved, but…" Silence followed the eldest sister's words. A silence that was filled with pain and loss that would never fully heal or be forgotten. "I don't want you getting hurt, either."
"Thanks," Hikari returned. "And trust me. As soon as we're done with dinner, it's straight to bed for me!"
"Good idea," Kodama declared. "No offense, but…you're looking a little green around the gills."
"Really?" Hikari wondered. When Kodama nodded her confirmation, the younger girl sat back in thought. I knew having all that chocolate was a mistake.
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When the next morning came, heralded by the unwelcome sound of the alarm clock rattling the Horaki household out of the warmth of their collective beds, Hikari awoke very easily. Slowly stretching out her entire body, the girl looked up at the ceiling and released a contented sigh.
Whew…that feels good… Hikari thought, feeling oddly relaxed and contented as she propped herself up. A tiny chuckle escaped her lips as she tossed aside her blanket and got to her feet. Her entire body free of even minor discomfort as she moved about.
Feeling herself feeling more awake and energized with each passing moment, Hikari exited her room. Already considering what to make for breakfast, the young matriarch set about the standard morning routine. With making sure that the others were awake being the first thing on her agenda.
Knowing that Nozomi would be by far the most reluctant to get up, Hikari started at her room. Sliding the door open, she took in the room. As was usual, various odds and ends littered the bedroom floor, the youngest sister lacking the patience required to pick up after herself unless sufficiently prompted. And at the center of it all was futon, where Nozomi lay curled up into a ball, with her blanket wrapped about her entire body.
"Nozomi! It's time to get up!" Hikari announced from the doorway. Hoping that her sister would make it easy on her, but doubting it all the same.
As was expected, the little girl's response was a reluctant groan. "Oh…just five more minutes…"
"I'm afraid not, Nozomi," Hikari replied, knowing full well what she was dealing with. Like many girls her age, Nozomi seemed to have no setting between off and overdrive. When she was awake, she flew about like a human hummingbird. But she was off, she was about as easy to rouse as a slab of granite.
Smiling as she carefully stepped around the stuffed toys and dirty clothes, Hikari bent down beside the girl's bed. "Come on! I don't have time for this, the pigtailed girl informed Nozomi as she pulled the blanket away. "I still have to make breakfast, remember?"
Groaning like a zombie, Nozomi grumpily straightened herself out. "I know, sister, but…" the little girl grumbled as she rubbed her eyes. Sitting up in her bed, she sleepily looked at her sibling, only to freeze like a statue.
"Nozomi?" Hikari wondered. Her confusion mounting as the girl's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "What is it?"
"Sister!" Nozomi gasped out. Raising a hand to point at her, her entire body shaking badly. "Y-your skin! Your hair!"
Her mind completely swallowed by confusion, Hikari automatically raised her hands to look at them. Only to have her confusion be replaced for shock and terror at the sight of her own body. The familiar flesh tones of her body replaced by a bright, lustrous green. Even the bone structure and musculature seemed different, more pronounced.
Staring helplessly at her own body transformed, Hikari's mind completely froze, unable to comprehend what she was seeing. Reacting fearfully, the girl took several steps back, as if trying to escape from her own body. Only to gasp fearfully as her foot caught on some obstruction, leaving the girl to stumble backwards.
"Sister!" Nozomi shrieked as Hikari spun her arms about as she totter backwards. Instinctively tensing, Hikari gasped as the room was blurred by her fall. A tingling sensation rushing through her entire body, Hikari was then plunged into darkness, only to be surrounded by light once again before finally impacting upon the floor.
Her heart pounding in her chest, Hikari instantly tried to regain herself, to get to her feet. To gain some measure of control over what was happening. To try and reassure Nozomi and herself…that everything was alright.
"Nozomi?" Hikari managed to squeak out, looking over in the direction she had last seen the girl. Only to gape when she saw no sign of the girl. Or her bed. Or even the room she had been in.
Words failing her completely, Hikari looked wildly about, trying to make sense of what was happening. Only to find herself in the kitchen. Having somehow fallen through solid wood and metal like it was air to land on the tile surface.
A strangled gasp was the only thing Hikari could force through her vocal cords. Her mind screaming in terror at the madness that had ensnared her…
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Author's Notes: I know, not a lot happening in this chapter, but I really couldn't see a way of throwing Hikari into action without blowing her secret or completely messing her up even more than she already is. Still, I hope you'll read and review, anyway. And maybe check out my other stories while you're at it?
Now, since most of you have already guessed who Hikari is going to be becoming, and since I've dumped even more major hints in this chapter, I guess I might as well confirm that she's the SOE2 version of the Martian Manhunter.
As for why I chose those powers, I have several reasons. The first of them has to do with something I've learned over the years, and has become especially clear since I landed on DeviantArt. Namely, that there's just something about green women.
Also, Mike313, your choice of Asuka's powers actually helped my decision in this regard. Asuka and Hikari have always struck me as being two peas in a pod, so to speak, except that Hikari is nowhere near as bitchy, and is a good deal more subtle than the redhead. So making Hikari an alien as well really seemed to work.
Also, I remember seeing this pic with Asuka and Hikari back to back, looking warningly at the viewer. Now, imagine that same pic, but with the both of them in their superwomen forms?
Plus, I do see a lot of humor potential here with those powers. Especially with Hikari's home and school life! With a craving for chocolate as just the tip of the iceberg!
There is one more thing. I'm not going to doing as much fussing with chapters for a while, since I've been having a problem with uploading them as of late. I don't know why, but for some reasons, certain words in my documents keep getting eaten no matter what I do to stop it!