Worlds of Blue and White

Part Two: With Hands Clasped

Chapter 4:

Merle crouched low to the ground, anxious and waiting. Across the room Allen Shezar sat at a table in Van's drawing room. His hands were folded, his head bowed, eyes closed. The cat-girl shifted, her muscles telling of the past half hour she'd spent here. Allen hadn't moved barely an inch in that time, and she'd remained respectfully silent. Almost painfully silent. Finally she couldn't bear to any longer. "Allen-san…?"

He didn't respond at first. Was he asleep? She crawled forward about one meter and paused, unsure. At last he said, "Yes, Merle?"

"Um…what are you going to do?"

Another long, empty pause. "I'm going to wait, Merle," the knight said slowly, deliberately. "I trust Van and Hitomi. They'll find a way to reach me. Until then, I am going to wait for the Sorcerer from Balsm to arrive. He may have some answers for us."

I wonder if his insides are really as calm as outsides. "All right, Allen-san."

Jovey consciousness returned to him slowly, some unknown time after his being drugged. When he realized what his situation was, he swore: his right wrist was bound to the bedrail. He couldn't feel his left, and his legs felt sluggish. What was more, his sight was blurred. It wouldn't do him any good to escape like this--he would have to be patient, until Dilandau--or Celena--reached him.

"You're awake."

Jovey started, turning his head toward the voice. Out of the corner shadows stepped a familiar figure--Celena. She'd been waiting all along. "So," he murmured distantly, "the girl wasn't lying. It's you." Dilandau-sama….

"Don't fret, Jovey," Celena told him. Her voice was clipped and serious, unlike what he remembered from either her genders. "It's still me. It was always me."

He stared at her in miscomprehension. "What do you mean? Are you going to let me out?"

"Not yet. I will need your help, but first you must recover. These doctors appear more advanced than those in Zaibach, and your arm will heal more quickly in their care."

What is this? It looks like Celena, but it isn't. Jovey frowned deeply. "What happened to you?"

Celena's eyes shone dangerously in dusk's dim lighting. "I've reached what the sorcerers never thought I could," she said. "I have become an instrument of destiny. You need not understand to follow me, so I will tell you only this: our fate ends here. I will end the line of the Dragon Clan here, where it began, with the last descendants."

Descendants? More than one? Jovey felt his understanding slipping. "How?"

"You will know. Be patient a while longer, Jovey Garrelli. I'll fulfill your destiny, too." She turned, moving toward the open window.

"Wait." He managed to sit up, even as the movement made his head spin. "You're Celena, aren't you? What happened to Dilandau-sama?"

The woman did not face him. "Dilandau Albatou was nothing more than a shadow," she declared, freezing his heart in his chest. "He was created as the shell, and I the core. You owe your loyalty to me, not to him. I am the ideal all of your were created to protect. In other words, the personality known as Dilandau Albatou is no longer necessary, and has ceased to exist."

"That's…." Jovey hunched over, trembling and weak. Bile burned in his throat. "No…."

"I'll explain in detail once you've recovered, if you so wish. Rest well." Celena left then, climbing out the window as she'd entered. Left behind in the room Jovey stared blindly at the bed sheets, too shocked to move or breathe. He repeated her words in his mind several times. Then he retched.

Van stayed far from the discussion and debates. Hitomi had gathered her family in the home's largest room--which was still somewhat cramping for him--to explain her visitor's origin. She told them about Gaea; of Fanelia's destruction at the hands of Zaibach; of Allen's beautiful country Asturia and its unusual monarchs; of the Dragon Clan's beginnings on Earth, and the war that ended her adventure. Though her parents listened with grave silence, several times her brother interjected with some annoying quip--so he assumed by the boy's tone.

She's exhausted. Van watched Hitomi carefully throughout the tale. It was painful for both of them, raising so many past sorrows, and she was already weary from the events of the day. Once she'd finished, the arguments began, again without Van's participation. He tried to follow their reactions based on Hitomi's responses: her mother believed her; her brother did not; her father was still considering. The volume of their debates grew steadily louder, until Hitomi and Tatsumi were shouting at each other. They shouldn't fight like that, Van thought, his chest tightening. He interposed himself between the pair and pushed them apart gently. "Hitomi, please calm down," he said, even as he directed the words to both of them. "I'm sorry for causing all this trouble."

"Van…." Hitomi stepped back, looking distraught and confused and ready to collapse. Her mother guided her to the couch, and Tatsumi stomped back to his own chair. He snapped something at the king, which his family quickly admonished him for. Probably something vulgar, to test if I can understand, Van concluded, noting that the boy looked disappointed when he didn't react. I've got to end this.

Van moved past the brother and stepped before Hitomi's father. He dropped to his knees and bowed deeply before him. "Hitomi, tell your father everything I say, word for word," he instructed softly.

"Van…all right."

The king licked his lips, aware that the room had grown still and silent. Hitomi's father regarded him thoughtfully. Van spoke clearly, pausing between each sentence so that Hitomi could easily follow him. "I know you don't understand my language," he spoke. "I can only pray that you trust in my sincerity. I am Van Slanzer de Fanel, son of Goau Fanel, King of Fanelia. And I swear upon that title that all your daughter has said is true. I have come here alone, of my own will, to protect her. I understand your concern, but I can assure you that no harm will come to her. I swear my life on that."

Hitomi finished relaying his short speech and then stopped. Silence followed. Van felt it pressing upon him heavily, waiting for approval from this man as anxiously as he would before his own father. He did not move, as was his teaching, even if he so wanted to see the man's impressions. At long last he felt a hand come down upon his head, ruffling his hair affectionately. Van felt something in his chest clamping with the simple gesture--something he hadn't experienced in a long time. The man said something unintelligible.

Hitomi released a breath that was half laughter, half relief. "He said you're too young to have to talk like that," she relayed.

Van lifted his head cautiously, staring up into the man's gentle face. Mr. Kanzaki was smiling just barely. He believed him. Van smiled back with gratitude, and climbed to his feet. Some understanding had passed between them, and he was calmed by it. And when he looked to Hitomi, she also appeared much more relaxed. They exchanged smiles faintly.

The argument had ended. The sun had set nearly an hour previous, making each anxious to meet slumber. Van and Hitomi shared thank yous and goodnights before the latter was led up a flight of stairs by her mother. Mr. Kanzaki and Tatsumi gathered extra blankets to form what would be Van's makeshift bed on the sofa. Not exactly what I'm used to, but I've definitely had worse. He nodded his approval, and was given spare clothing to use as a nightshirt. He thanked his caretakers--even if they didn't understand. Then they departed, leaving him in the quiet night.

"Hitomi, I can't tell you how to handle this," Mrs. Kanzaki was saying, her back turned as her daughter changed. "I believe you. Your father believes you. Tatsumi…will take some time. But regardless, you're the only one who can deal with Van-kun."

"I know, I know." Hitomi struggled into her nightshirt. She took a seat on the bed in front of the older woman. "I just…feel so strange, seeing him again. Back then I didn't know what I was feeling--how should I know now?"

"What does you intuition tell you?"

She frowned thoughtfully. "I don't know. It doesn't know either!" She released an exasperated sigh. "I feel like I'm going crazy! I can't stop thinking about him. But he seems so different--I'm different, too, so…." She trailed off helplessly.

"Hitomi." Sachiko took a seat beside her and wrapped her arms around her daughter's shoulders. "I can't tell you want to do; you're old enough to make your own decisions. But there is one thing I know." Her tone dropped. "You haven't been the same since you came back, three years ago. I believe you left some part of yourself there, with him, which has suddenly returned. You should be thankful for this opportunity."

Hitomi nodded slowly. "Thanks, Mom," she replied softly. "I'll think about it."

"Get some rest." She kissed her daughter's forehead. "I love you, dear. I'll do whatever I can to make this easier for you. But you'll have to be true to yourself."

"Yeah."

Mrs. Kanzaki bid her daughter good night, switched off the light, and closed the door behind her. Hitomi sighed deeply. I'm probably lucky, she thought, tracing the lines in the ceiling. Most parents would flip out if their daughter brought home a king from another world. Akiko-chan's parents won't even let her date. It's a good thing Grandma told Mom everything about Gaea. Otherwise, she might not have believed me. Dad wouldn't have, if it weren't for Mom. And Tatsumi won't ever. Strangely, that didn't bother her. Tatsumi had never believed anything she told him, even when he knew she was right. They always ended up fighting.

I wonder if Van's asleep, Hitomi found herself wondering. He's probably not used to sleeping on a couch. It's too small for him--maybe years ago he would have fit, but he's much taller now. How did he get so tall anyway? And his eyes…they're darker now, almost.

She inhaled slowly, then exhaled at that same pace. It made her remember Van coughing on their way from the hospital. She'd done the same, after returning from Gaea. The air here was thicker, more bitter than the king's home world. Was it bothering him now? Would he be able to adjust? But why should he try, because soon he'd be gone.

Hitomi choked on a soft gasp, and grew troubled, as she didn't know where it had come from. I shouldn't worry so much. Van's fine. He's been through worse than an uncomfortable bed! You both have. Together.

Something warm and wet touched her cheek--a tear, rolling slowly. Others followed. She didn't try to stop them. She only turned her face into her pillow and laughed. God, thank you for letting me see him again.

When Hitomi awoke the next morning she felt more rested than she had in weeks. Maybe then she'd ever been. When I go downstairs, Van will be there. The thought filled her with energy as she changed into blue jean shorts and a bright yellow top. He's almost never seen me out of my school uniform. I wonder if he'll like it…? She brushed he hair--It's longer than it was back then--and grabbed her purse before bounding out the door. Her soft-soled shoes made an unnecessary amount of clamor as she ran down the stairs and skid into the kitchen.

"Do you have to run everywhere?" Tatsumi muttered, scooping white rice into bowls at the counter. He was still in his pajamas, dark brown hair tousled and eyes heavy.

"Good morning."

"Whatever." He moved to the kitchen table where another figure was seated--Hitomi's breath caught in her throat. Tatsumi handed the king a bowl of rice with a mumbled, "Your Highness."

Hitomi made a face at him before greeting Van. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Hitomi," Van replied, even as he was focused on arranging his fingers over his chopsticks. "How in the world…?"

Seeing his distress, Tatsumi sighed in exasperation and fixed the king's grip. "Like this," he stated emphatically. "Jeez, can't he even eat?"

"How would he know how to use chopsticks?" Hitomi retorted angrily. She retrieved a bowl for herself before sitting between the two boys. She demonstrated how to sue the chopsticks for Van. "Don't worry about being polite," she advised. "No one minds."

"I feel more than a little foolish," Van chuckled. He managed to scoop a decent amount of rice into his mouth. Tatsumi snickered, which earned him a smack on the head from his sister.

"God, why're you being so touchy?" Tatsumi said angrily.

"He's our guest and a king," Hitomi shot back. "Show some respect." She turned toward Van. "We don't know how long it'll be before Celena comes back, so in the meantime, I'd like to take you out shopping."

Van paused in his eating experiment. "Shopping?"

"To get you some new clothes." She plucked at the heavy robes he was wearing. "I think we can come up with something a little more comfortable, and less…foreign-looking."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I need to find a sword, too, and a melef I can use."

Hitomi nearly bit through her chopsticks. Celena came armed and with an Alseides. How can Van fight? "You didn't bring Escaflowne?" she asked hopefully.

"Esca-what?" Tatsumi questioned.

"Shh." Hitomi glared at him.

The boy sneered, and finished his breakfast in one gulp. "Fine, I'm leaving. Do whatever you want." He dropped his bowl in the sink and left the kitchen.

Hitomi rolled her eyes once he was gone. "God, can you believe him? He can never act even a little bit polite." She returned her attention to Van. "Well? Did you bring Escaflowne?"

The king shook his head. "There wasn't time. You were in danger."

Damn. What are we going to do? She licked her lips and carefully said, "Van, we have a problem."

He regarded her curiously. "What? Can't we get access to a guymelef?"

"No, Van; there aren't any in my world." He sat back, clearly shocked. "We don't fight with swords, either. People now fight with guns and bombs and missiles. You won't be able to find either."

Van stared at her, stunned. "You don't fight with swords?" he repeated in bewilderment. "Every country…but then how can I fight?" His voice raised a pitch. "Celena will be armed--if she tries to fight, we'll be defenseless."

"I know, I know." Frowning, Hitomi shoveled more rice into her mouth. "Not that I really want you two to fight at all."

"I think we're past that point already," Van replied in a murmur. "Hitomi, she almost killed you yesterday."

"Yes, but…." She sighed in frustration. "This world is very different from Gaea. You can't just challenge someone to a duel in the streets. Here, police catch criminals and imprison them--if you fight here, they'll arrest you too!"

Van's expression hardened as he considered her words. "Will 'police' catch Celena?"

"Maybe. After what happened at the hospital, they've got an eye out for her. And if they catch her waving a sword around, they'll arrest her for sure." Hitomi carried her now empty bowl to the sink. "It would be safest to let the police catch her, then confront her, and find out what this is all about."

The king shifted in his seat, clearly unhappy with her suggestion. "What if she attacks in the Alseides?"

Damn, he's right. "If Celena used the Alseides," Hitomi said slowly, "they'd probably send out the air force or something." The scene her mind produced returned her to her seat. "She'd…be killed."

"And Allen would kill me," he added with grim humor. "We'll have to find the Alseides before she decides to attack. There may be a way to disable it."

"It could be anywhere."

Both teenagers were lost in private thought when Hitomi's parents entered. They greeted her and her guest graciously and helped themselves to rice and tea. Van caught her eye, indicating that they should continue their discussion elsewhere. But she had something else in mind. "Hey Dad, can I have some money?"

"Have?" he echoed. "Not borrow?"

"I want to buy Van some new clothes," she explained.

Her parents exchanged glances, and then her mother nodded. Kanzaki Touma sighed and pulled out his wallet. "I expect to see a very well made up king when you get back." He handed her a wad of money.

Hitomi giggled. "Don't worry--you will." She signaled for Van to join her in the living room, out of earshot of her parents. "I think I might have seen where the pillar of light came from the other night. On the way there we can check to see how Jovey is, and get you some clothes, okay?"

Van agreed, though somewhat reluctantly. Hitomi took a moment to fetch her purse--filled with her tutoring money, with which she fully intended to buy new running shoes when they were done. Then, with farewells passed to her parents, they set out.

Worlds of Blue and White

Part Two: With Hands Clasped

Chapter 5: A Sunday Date

Hitomi stretched and yawned loudly as she stepped outside. The air was comfortably warm, and there was just the right amount of clouds in the sky. She set out boldly down the path and onto the sidewalk. "What a beautiful day," she declared, smiling up at a bright and boisterous sun.

"You seem to have a good relationship with your family," Van commented as he fell into step beside her.

"Yes, I do." Hitomi paused, and scowled. "Except for that damn Tatsumi--what a little jerk! I hope his attitude gets him in trouble some day. Brothers are stupid." Immediately after she'd said the words she regretted them. How can you say that to Van of all people?

But he continued to stare straight ahead. His lips were turned up slightly. "Don't worry, Hitomi. Brother and I…have come to terms, you could say."

"That's good." She faltered on what to say next, and so quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, life's pretty calm around here, which is why we might have a hard time finding you a weapon. I still think we should try to find a way to capture Celena without fighting."

Van nodded vaguely in agreement. "You're probably right. Which means we'll have to locate the Alseides and quickly."

They didn't find the Alseides. Hitomi led him to where she thought the light had originated from, east from her school, but they discovered only traces of the melef's presence. "Celena must have moved it," Van reasoned. "Probably during flight mode, in order to leave no tracks. It could be anywhere."

Their next step was the hospital, where they met Kenji. "I thought you'd end up here sooner or later," he said. "I just talked to my dad. He says that your friend Jovey's asleep now--he was pretty sick this morning, but he's doing better."

"Sick?" Hitomi repeated with concern. "Is he all right? And infection?"

"Oh, no. Stomach problems. Dad doesn't think it's related to his arm at all. He's okay. He'll be out in about a week, they think."

"Thanks, Kenji-kun."

Kenji frowned. "Wheels, you'll be careful, won't you? They still haven't found that woman yet."

Hitomi brushed his concerns aside, which may have only worried him more. "I'll be just fine. Van's with me."

Van glanced at her significantly. Once they'd left he said, "Thank you, for saying that. But we still haven't solved the problem of a weapon."

"If Celena hid the Alseides," Hitomi mused aloud, "it probably means she's waiting for something. Probably for Jovey to recover."

"Dilandau did rely a lot on his Dragonslayes," Van murmured.

She nodded. "If she was only interested in killing us, she could have ambushed us by now. She's waiting for Jovey, which means she needs his help."

"Allen did mention that Celena has no guymelef experience. Maybe she needs him for that?"

"Could be." She found it encouraging, though, that Celena was considering the condition of her fellow. There was a good chance that, if they were able to reunite her with her brother, she would be able to regain her senses.

"In the meantime," Hitomi decided, "we need to go shopping--clothes for you and shoes for me."

"Van frowned, clearly not comprehending the vital importance of a new wardrobe. He glanced abourt at the crowds of packed streets. "Like these people?"

Hitomi giggled at the look on his face. "Not just like these people. But yes, sort of. Come on--it will be fun."

"I don't think it would be--"

"Come on." She tugged on his arm. "Celena's not going to try anything while you're with me anyway, let alone in a crowded department store, so relax. Please? I promised my dad, remember?"

Van relented, allowing her to drag him through the busy streets to her favorite department store. She passed several of her friends at some point and waved, not bothering to pause for fear of having to explain her companion. I've dreamt of this, her mind whispered. A Sunday date, just the two of us. In my world, like a normal couple.

Hitomi bought her shoes first, reasoning that she would be able to wear them in while they traveled through the mall. Van only smiled at her enthusiasm.

Just being with him. No fighting, no war.

She stood back, giggling, as Van was led hesitantly into one of the department dressing rooms with an armful of clothing she'd picked. He sent her a pleading look; she waved back in encouragement.

No fate.

"You might be right. The leather is a bit much."

Only us.

After some discussion and a lot of embarrassment on the king's part, they decided on an outfit: khaki pants, a pair of nice shoes, and a T-shirt of black, red, and gold--Hitomi reasoned that she could pass him off as being German if the occasion arose. Van looked himself over in the store's full length mirror and nodded in barely concealed satisfaction. Hitomi smiled as she paid the clerk, and clipped the tags off his new attire. She was glad to see him acting his age, even in so simple an action as praising his looks. When she complimented him, he blushed a bit and grinned with a hint of sly pride. It was an attractive expression on his face.

They chatted casually on the way home; their concerns of Celena and Jovey were long since forgotten. Not even the fast-paced, bustling streets dampened their simple spirits. Upon reaching home they found Tatsumi out with his friends, and Hitomi's parents on their way to see a movie. Both gave Hitomi her due credit for picking an appropriate outfit for their guest. "Keep the money left over," her father said. "Since we're leaving now, use it to get yourselves some lunch. Show your friend what it's like in the big city."

"Sure thing. Thanks Dad." Hitomi waved as the pair moved to their car.

Van only smiled, unsure as to exactly what was gong on but hoping that he seemed pleasant enough. "So what happens now?" he asked as the couple drove away.

"Since Tatsumi's with Hiroshi, and Mom and Dad are going to be gone until dinner, I guess it's just us. Are you hungry?"

"A bit," he admitted. But after their experience with the clothing, he was afraid of what hse might have in mind.

Hitomi considered very carefully. "Well, I remember food in Fanelia tasting kind of European. Maybe we should--"

"I want to eat your country's food," Van interrupted gently. He was a bit embarrassed, as he himself didn't understand why it meant so much to him. "I want to eat what you'd eat if I wasn't here--your country's meal."

She stared at him, taken aback by the sudden request. He could see, however, that it pleased her, for which he was happy. "All right. We'll go…hmm…to Mari's. They have prepared box lunches--the kind students buy. Is that okay?"

"Of course." Van smiled, and they set out once more.

Mari's wasn't far, and he found the rice and vegetables easier to stomach than some of Hitomi's suggested outfits. The simple taste was even quite good. Hitomi beamed as if personally complimented when he told her so. She must be feeling a lot like I did once, he thought wistfully. This is her world, and she wants me to like it. It shouldn't be personal, but it still is. But this world is so different--how did she adjust to ours so well?

Afterwards, the subject of Celena resurfaced. "I'd like to go back to the woods," Van admitted. "Try to follow where she might have taken Alseides."

Hitomi nodded unenthusiastically. "Okay. I don't like the idea much, but you're right."

Van and Hitomi journeyed to the woods for the second time that day. The air had grown hot and still; Van was thankful for the loose fit of his new clothing. He bent down and examined the marks made in the earth by the Alseides's feet, then looked to the sky. "She must have moved it at night, just after dropping off Jovey. Or else, Jovey somehow moved it," he mused aloud. He ran his fingers over a patch of crimson-stained grass. "No, it must have been Celena. I didn't see Jovey after the fight, but Allen mentioned he'd been badly injured. All this blood…he must have left it unattended for hours. No wonder he's in such bad shape now."

"Fight?" Hitomi repeated curiously. "Allen and Jovey?"

"Yes. Just after Celena became Dilandau, I think." The king straightened and surveyed the tree canopy. "Some branches were broken," he indicated. "I injured Dilandau's leg--you said the wound stayed, somehow, so Celena must have been forced to favor it in maneuvering. She must have gone east." He glanced at Hitomi to make sure she would follow. "Come on--I'll explain everything I know on the way."

Van told her then how Celena had first appeared in Fanelia's throne room--a beautiful, spirited youth; how she expressed her interest in guymelefs, and met Jovey; how she'd confided in the king on the palace balcony late one dark night; how Allen returned from the forest; how he and Dilandau fought. And how Jovey had helped her escape.

"I want to believe that Celena can be saved," he finished. "For Allen's sake, and her own. But I can't risk letting Dilandau free. If I understand Celena at all, she wouldn't allow it, either."

Hitomi nodded, looking somewhat subdued. He watched her profile as she considered. His heart quivered. Though in the past several years Van had begun to think of himself as more than a reckless child, he still couldn't help but feel unsteady in her presence. He desperately wanted to know her thoughts. He'd heard said that wisdom and knowledge came with age, and yet he still couldn't' even interpret the eyes of the woman he loved. She had always been mysterious to him, like a maze within his brain he couldn't solve or escape from.

God, I wish I knew what she was thinking.

Van discovered very few clues as to where their quarry might have gone. Within an hour they'd reached the opposite end of the small forest, and then started to double back. Hitomi didn't comment or complain, lost in her own thoughts. They continued the search by spreading away from their original path. Soon they'd passed the Alseides's original resting place, and still they went on. Van began to realize that finding the machine by this method was probably impossible--he had no idea how long Celena had had to hide it, or how much wilderness there was to search, or even if it was in a forest at all.

Van slowed and then stopped, lowering himself to the ground. Hitomi stared at him inquisitively. "What is it?"

"Break time." He motioned for her to join him, and she did so thankfully. "We've been walking around all day. You looked tired, and I know I am." He wasn't all that much, but he dind't want to tell her that.

Hitomi brushed off her clothes and hair, which had now acquired quite some amount of forest debris--leaves, twigs, and dirt. She sighed. "We're not going to find it, are we?"

"I don't think so." He could be honest with her. "It could be anywhere."

"Then all we can do is wait."

"Yes, I believe so."

Both were silent for some time, unsure and fatigued. Something occurred to Van then that had been bothering him for some time. It might not have been the most pressing issue at hand, but now was as good a time as any. He reasoned that it might be important later. "Hitomi, can I ask you something?"

She raised her head sharply, and answered a bit too quickly. "Yes?"

Why does she look so nervous? Van tried not to frown. "I was wondering how you learned our language," he said. "It doesn't seem like anyone on this moon understands me."

Hitomi fidgeted. "I didn't," she replied quietly. "I didn't even know about Gaea until you showed up that day. I've been wondering about that myself."

"You understood everyone on Gaea, but I don't understand anyone on Earth. It doesn't make much sense, but I hear you speaking our language."

"And I hear you speaking Japanese." She shrugged.

Maybe we're speaking each other's language without realizing? But how could we tell if that were so? "I want to test something," he told her. "Repeat what I say when I tell you to, okay?" He placed his fingertips over his lips and murmured, "This is how I speak." Hitomi stared at him curiously. Then Van reached out, somewhat embarrassed, and touched her lips gently. "Okay." He closed his eyes.

Hitomi gulped. Her lips had grown suddenly hot beneath the light pressure being placed on them. "Um…this is how I speak," she said timidly.

Van was silent for a moment. "It is different," he said at last. "What you say and what I hear are different." He opened his eyes.

The deep brown stain of his irises startled her into taking a breath. He was watching her intensely in a strange, penetrating fashion. The air had become thick, almost suspenseful. His hand hadn't moved. When it did, she flinched. The worn fingers traced along her cheek, then moved bravely to pass through the locks of her hair. A tremble ran down her spine.

"I like your hair like this," Van spoke softly. His tone was oddly hollow. "It's beautiful long."

Hitomi's cheeks glowed. "T-Thank you," she only just managed to stutter. She could feel the anticipation in the wind, and knew what it foretold. His body was speaking to her across the space between them--a shorter distance than what it had been a moment ago.

The king continued to move his hand through her hair, sending tiny shivers into her scalp. This isn't right, some part of her brain was saying that she didn't care to listen to. He shouldn't have this kind of effect on me. This isn't the kind of love we had.

She closed her eyes as Van's second hand joined the first. His skin smelled of sweat mixed with his own unique scent--summer wind and fresh grass. He wanted to draw her closer, but he was afraid to; afraid she would reject him. This isn't right--this can't be right. He touched her lips once more, coaxing them to part. I chose to come here, back to my world. So that I could….

Van's lips brushed hers, a touch so faint that it wasn't a kiss--could not have been a kiss. But before Hitomi realized what she was doing, she inclined her head, inviting them closer. He responded in kind so that their mouths pressed tightly.

Oh God, oh God. What's happening?

Their lips separated, spilling the king's hot, ragged breath over her flushed cheeks. A momenht later his hands curled behind her neck, forcing them together. He kissed her passionately, desperately, like a starved man finally finding salvation. Allen hadn't kissed her that way, nor had any of the few boys she'd dated. She was used to feeling her body go stiff and numb at times like these, unable to react to what was happening to her.

Now was different. A strange energy possessed her; she wanted to be closer to Van. She pulled herself to her knees and urged him to do the same, wrapping her arms around his waist. His smell and warmth smothered her. Tentatively, as she'd never initiated such a thing before, she touched the tip of her tongue to his lips. His kissed her fiercely and deeply, just as she'd always imagined he would. She'd dreamt of this moment, this feeling.

Gradually they slowed, then stopped, until their lips separated, allowing them to breathe once more. But the pace of Hitomi's pulse would not falter. Her eyelids fluttered; she hid her face in his neck, hoping to drown herself in his scent. She felt the muscles of his back tight beneath her fingers. His heart beat lightly against her chest.

Van's breath hissed in sharply in her ear, and abruptly his arms encircled and entrapped her. A choked murmur escaped his throat, like a sound of pain. It caused her to start. "Why, Hitomi?" he whispered hoarsely. Her heart nearly stopped. "Why did you leave?"

Hitomi couldn't reply. She was numb all over, as if her brain had been severed from her cold and silent body. You can't ask that, her voice flowed about her. Don't ask that.

"Why did you leave me there?" the king continued, trembling, his embrace tightening. "Since then, I…I haven't been able to…."

"Van…." Please don't. Don't ask that, Van, please. Hitomi squirmed, trying to gain some space for her lungs to fill; more importantly, trying to escape the questions she couldn't answer. But his hands were firm, demanding, and unyielding. Her back ached beneath the pressure. "Van, please, you're hurting me."

Van instantly withdrew. He sat back, his breath labored and eyes cast away. "I'm sorry," he murmured. He could no longer face her. Suddenly he climbed to his feet. "That's not what I--"

"Van." Hitomi stood as well. "It's okay. Don't be sorry."

"Just…forget it." He turned away, as if to search the surrounding woods. "It was nothing. We should find the Alseides."

She started to speak, stopped, and bit her lip. That's not what I meant, either. Please, don't look like that. She started to reach for him. "Van."

Van turned away and pretended not to notice her outstretched hand. This can't happen. Not right now, he told himself fiercely. His hands were still trembling, and he clenched them tightly. I have to stop acting foolishly. She doesn't know--couldn't possible know.

But, oh God, it was so perfect.

The king closed his eyes briefly to dispel that heat, as well as the more deeply routed sorrow. He forced himself to take deep breath. "Actually, it might be best if we head back."

"Van, wait." Hitomi took a step closer, which caused the line of his spine to grow weak. "Please, can we talk for just a moment?"

No; no. I know what you're going to say. Slowly, Van glanced back at her. She was watching him with her bright hazel eyes, hands clasped. Her knuckles were white. And he remembered how a moment ago those hands had touched him, simply, as if attempting to speak something pure and real. He wandered vaguely if the message in her fingertips had been a lie.

"I don't want you to be upset. It's my fault."

No, I can't handle this right now. I know what you're going to say. Van pressed his lips into a firm line. He could feel the rhythm of his own heart pounding in his temples. He did his best to ignore it, as well as his churning insides. Please, let me by anywhere but here.

Van started as his pendant began to hum softly. "Of course," he said, pulling the chain over his head. "I should have thought of this earlier."

Hitomi eyed the pendant nervously. "Are you sure that's a good idea? To use the power of wishes…."

"I know. But this might be our best and only chance of finding it." He closed his eyes, focusing on the image of the Alseides: specifically, he concentrated on its engergists. After a moment his senses buzzed, and the pendant swung forward, indicating a direction to his left. "That'll be it. Do you thinkyhu can walk a bit more?"

"I am an athlete," she replied lightly, in an attempt to loosen the atmosphere. Grateful for her efforts he smiled faintly, leading the way deeper into he forest.

Celena closed her eyes and extended her hands toward the city. She felt it's vibrations, its pulse running through her. Her fingers tingled. Her head rolled to the side as she listened to the rumbling murmur of thousands of vehicles and people. They mixed in her mind like storm clouds, swelling and receding, oppressive and foreboding.

Burn.

In her mind the earth buckled, spewing waves of molten rock into the streets. The wordless mutterings rose into shrieks of agony. The sky blackened, burying the pale and terror-stricken sun. The buildings rocked like wandering, lost children before collapsing into clouds of dust and fire.

A smile tugged at Celena's lips. Atlantis must have looked that way when it was destroyed, she thought with satisfaction. Dragged into flames, into Hell. That was always their fate. And now, a fate I must carry out.

Celena retrieved her sword and returned to the woods. Her mind was spinning, anxious to fulfill this destiny. "Patience," she advised herself. "That time will come soon enough." She leapt over a fallen long and continued on, following a memorized path. Before long she'd reached the clearing where she'd left the Alseides. As soon a it was within her sight, however, she could tell that something was wrong. Her beast was unnaturally silent.

Celena tossed her sword at the Alseides's feet and climbed onto its bent knee. The cockpit hadn't been touched--everything was as it should have been. Frowning, she scanned the rest of the armor. When she found the disruption, she growled curses in anger and frustration.

Van had stolen the energists.

Worlds of Blue and White

Part Two: With Hands Clasped

Chapter 6: Destiny, Perhaps

(Caution: just a bit more adultish than usual, folks, but I don't think Van's complaining ^_-)

Van lay awake for several hours that night. His brain was too full of images to allow for sleep. Even after he'd counted every line and blemish in the ceiling, after his mind and body had grown exhausted from staying awake, long after the rest of the house had gone silent, he found no rest. For when he closed his eyes Hitomi's face replaced the night, smiling softly, her eyes bright and warm. To sleep would cause that image to be extinguished, which no part of him would allow.

He'd kissed her. He'd fulfilled the dream of a thousand nights, and yet felt little triumph. The moment had ended far too soon--he'd ruined it. After that they'd traveled in silence, until discovering and disabling the Alseides. They'd spoken very little on the way back. All that time he'd tried to work up his nerve to speak to her, to explain or at least apologize, but now she was sleep without having heard.

I've been such a fool. It's been too long--much too long. We were too young and immature back then. Van dragged a hand over his face. I shouldn't have ever hoped that she would love me.

When Hitomi awoke the next morning she did not want to go downstairs. She showered and dressed and gathered her schoolwork, and stopped at the top of the stairs. The thought of seeing Van once she reached the bottom caused a blush to rise in her cheeks. She took a deep breath, bit her lip, and started down at last.

The source of Hitomi's anxiety was the content of a dream she'd had the night before. She told herself that she shouldn't let it affect her--her friends had described similar experiences to her, and it seemed only natural. But still, I haven't a dream like that for--wait, have I ever had a dream like that? Her stomach churned as she reached the final step. Back on Gaea I thought a lot about Allen, but not like that. Never how I dreamt of Van last night.

Stop it stop it stop it. Hitomi forced herself to calm as she entered the kitchen. The first person she saw was her mother at the counter, preparing her and her brother's box lunches. As she rounded the corner she caught sight of her father and Tatsumi eating breakfast at the table. Van was also there. He glanced up as she entered.

Hitomi froze in the doorway when their eyes met. He was watching her sadly, uncertainly; she recognized that look. It was an expression he'd given her when he'd caught her and Allen together on the Crusade, and again on the bridge in Palas. The words formed on his silent lips were clear to her. I can't have you, can I?

You already have me. The visions from her dream rose up and surrounded her: his wide, rough hands pressing into her back; his sweet fragrance suffocating her delicate senses; his mouth, hot and hungry, as it had tasted in the forest the day before. She wanted to feel his arms around her as she had then, supporting her. Without them she felt weak.

"Hitomi?" She stared when her mother spoke. "You're just standing there. Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Hitomi replied quickly. She took a seat across from Van t the table, where her breakfast was waiting.

"Are you sure? You look a bit flushed."

"It's nothing, really. Good morning, everyone."

The family greeted her pleasantly--or relatively so, as far as Tatsumi was concerned. Van waited until they'd finished before saying, "Good morning, Hitomi."

"Good morning." She smiled at him, and was forced to avert her eyes when his fixed gaze caused her cheeks to grow hot. "Did you sleep all right?"

The king coughed sharply into his fist. "Sure. Why wouldn't I?"

"I was just wondering." Hitomi frowned thoughtfully. Wait--is he--blushing?

Van devoted himself to eating breakfast after that. She snuck glances at him whenever she could without being noticed. He looked as unsure and uncomfortable as she felt. A thought sprang upon her; had he been dreaming about her? Instantly her flesh grew hot, as the dream-sensations resume their haunting. She shoveled more rice into her mouth to hide her embarrassment. But even then her gaze was drawn continuously to his hands; their subtle, simple movements fascinated her.

"Hitomi, you'd better hurry up or you'll be late," her mother advised wisely.

"Yeah." Hitomi gulped down the rest of her breakfast. "Oh yeah--Van, I'm going to school, so you're kind of on your own today."

"School?" Van repeated, lifting his gaze.

"Uh-huh. Track practice is afterwards, so I won't be home until after five." She carried her dishes to the counter and retrieved her lunch. Her manner was brisk and light to keep her malcontent from showing--she didn't want to leave Van home alone all day. "You'll help Mom with the chores, won't you? It's better than doing nothing."

"Dear, he doesn't have to," her mother interrupted.

But Van didn't appear to mind. "That's fine. I'll…see you when you get back."

"Yeah. Take care. Come on, Tatsumi."

"Yeah, sure."

Hitomi waved goodbye as she and Tatsumi headed out the door. Mariko was already waiting. "Come on, already," she said from atop her bicycle. "We've gotta get to school before the rumors start."

"Rumors?" Hitomi made a face at her brother, ritualistically so, as they split up. She then devoted her attention to Mariko as they prepared for their morning race.

"Yeah. Sayaka phoned me list night--she and some other saw you with your prince yesterday. I told them I didn't know."

Damn, I should have realized. Half the school will know before practice--before lunch! Hitomi tightened her shoelaces gloomily. "The story is he's a family friend of a relative in Germany," she said. "But if Yukari asks, send her to me and I'll tell her the truth. Are you ready?"

"Always. Let's go."

That day passed as a blur for Hitomi. She spread the news about her "German" friend Van, and quelled as many of the more romantic rumors as possible. She took a test and a quiz she hadn't prepared for, and slept through lunch. During math she doodled in the margins of her notebook and thought constantly of Van. Was he getting along with her mother? Was he too bored? What if Celena found him unarmed? This last thought was enough to distract her from getting any work done that period. Likewise, track practice did not go well. Her new shoes weren't worn in enough, and she couldn't concentrate. She had to assure her comrades several times over that she would be ready for Wednesday's meet.

When Hitomi returned home she was only worried more: Van had left. Though her mother told her clearly that he'd indicated he was only going out for a short walk, she couldn't help worrying. The city was much larger than what Van was used to, and dangerous. Eventually she left for Cram School--again she got not work done. Her friends tried to comfort her with little success. She was simply too anxious to listen to their advice.

Hitomi marched up to her front door determinedly. He's going to be there, she told herself fiercely. Van will be there, and I'm going to give him a piece of my mind, making me worry about him like that. She swung the door open and kicked off her shoes. "I'm home!"

"Welcome home," Tatsumi called sarcastically from the living room. "Your boyfriend came back."

Hitomi dashed into the living room, forgetting her vow to make Van suffer unspeakable tortures. Tatsumi was right: the two boys were glued to the television. She sighed in exasperation. "Tatsumi, of all the things you could have introduced him to, you chose video games?"

Tatsumi shrugged innocently. "You said they fight in giant robots. I figured Gundam would be perfect."

"It's fun," was all Van said, focused completely on the flashing giants on the screen.

"Geez." Hitomi rolled her eyes, and suddenly all her reserved anger came rushing back. "I've been worried sick about you," she admonished. "Where did you go?"

"Just around," he answered casually. "I wanted to get a feel for the layout of things." He paused for a moment, concentrating on evading his opponent. "I'm sorry if I made you worry."

Hitomi sighed again, even knowing that she wouldn't be able to stay mad at him. With a smile she carried her stuff to her room, and unloaded her homework. Though she would have liked to speak to Van about his day, her experience in being unprepared for school that morning was a well-needed reminder. She would at last have to finish her assignments. Determined not to let herself be distracted, she put on her favorite CD and sat down at her desk to work.

An hour later she heard Tatsumi retire to his room, and soon after, her parents. She glanced at the clock: eleven forty-five. One more set of problems and I'm done, she thought gloomily. She changed into her pajamas--boxers and a T-Shirt--before returning to the algebraic carnage.

Hitomi had almost finished when a knock on the door startled her. I thought everyone went to bed…? "Come in."

The door swung open, and before she realized she'd stood up from her chair. Van was watching her calmly, though seemingly a bit unnerved by her sudden animation at his entrance. "I'm sorry if I startled you," he said hesitantly.

"No--no, it's fine." She sunk into her chair once more, twisting it so that she could face him. "Is something wrong?"

"Not really." He took a step inside and closed the door behind him. "I just…wanted to see you, I guess."

"Oh." He's in my room! God, he's in my room! Hitomi fidgeted, hoping that her face didn't look as red as it felt. I've never had a guy in my room before. She glanced about, and was mortified when she realized that she'd left all her clothes laid out on the bed from that day. Too late--he's already noticed. Van was taking a slow scan of the room, as if committing every detail into his memory.

"Um, how was today?" Hitomi asked, hoping to draw his attention away from the mess. "I hope you didn't get lost."

Van smiled. "Of course not."

"Well, it's a good thing you didn't." She shifted in her seat, wondering at why she felt so nervous. "I'd have no idea where to look for you."

"You don't have to worry about me." With a silent gathering of courage Van came closer. He could see Hitomi's fingers curling around each other nervously. Just like my stomach. He leaned against her desk in a way he hoped appeared casual. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about."

"What is it?" Hitomi stared up at him innocently, though her cheeks were practically glowing.

He ran his hand through his hair. "Well, actually, about yesterday." As expected, her gaze escaped his, and she continued fidgeting. "Um…what was that?"

"Well, um…I'm pretty sure it was a kiss," Hitomi replied with no little amount of obvious embarrassment.

"More than just a kiss." The words were spoken before he was ready to face the consequences. He coughed a bit at his own abruptness. "I mean…."

Hitomi took his hand. The feel of her skin caused a chill to run up his arm, but he didn't dare withdraw. "I know," was all she said.

"No, you don't know." Van pulled back, frustration rising in place of his diffidence. He had to tell her the truth--the words he'd hoped to be able to speak for years. "Hitomi, I…you have to know…how I feel about you by now."

She started, and her eyes went wide. But before she could speak he went on. "Since you left Gaea I've been like half a person. For so long, I…and you never…even after…." He turned away, too afraid to face her anymore. He was shaking, but he couldn't stop. "I love you," the words tumbled out. "For so long. Any every day, watching you…and Allen…." He shook his head fiercely. "Even when you said…you felt that way…I realized later that you didn't hesitate in going home. That I never belonged in your life--none of us did."

Van sighed, unable to speak more. He hung his head in shame of having spoken to her in that manner--he hadn't come here to accuse her. And saying it didn't make him feel better, as he'd hoped. He felt worse.

Her hand touched his back, gingerly at first, before sliding around to his chest. Van inhaled sharply as she embraced him from behind. She nuzzled between his shoulder blades, and curled her fingers around the fabric of his shirt. "Van, I'm so sorry," Hitomi told him softly, drawing closer still. "I never wanted to hurt you. I…I do know. Maybe not like you do, but I know. I can't love anyone but you."

Van released his breath in a sigh that was nearly a sob. She does love me. She loves me. He loosened her arms from around him and turned, if only to capture her in a tighter embrace. His thoughts left him--he saw only her, felt only her arms wound around him. And he kissed her, searching for a satisfaction only she could provide. She responded hesitantly at first but passionately, pressing her body against his.

How long have I dreamt of this? Van ran his hands down her back, and shivered excitedly as she moaned softly between their mouths. She's so perfect--we're perfect. Why did I never have the courage before? He realized then that they'd been moving, as Hitomi's back stopped against her desk. Hitomi reacted more quickly than he--she slid her books aside, uncaring as they toppled onto her chair, and pushed herself up onto the desk's edge. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, her legs around his waist, all along refusing to separate their lips and tongues. Van was surprised and almost embarrassed by her aggression. These sensations were all new to him; even so, he was wondering how to excite her more.

"Van." Hitomi's fingers curled tightly around the fabric of his shirt, her breath shuddered against his ear. "I love you, Van."

Van captured her lips and held them until both were starving for air. He touched her hair, shoulders, back, and thighs; he wanted to make her his. Too many times he'd let her slip away, and now was not the time for backing down. He wasn't the same gangly youth he'd been once; he wanted to know her body, and he was no longer afraid.

The king didn't know--or particularly care--how much time passed; anything less than an eternity would have seemed too short anyway. It was Hitomi's hands fastened about his wrists that finally stopped him. He followed her wide stare; one of his hands had been creeping up the leg of her shorts, the other her shirt. How they'd gotten there he had no idea, as he attempted to convey in an innocent look.

Hitomi chuckled breathlessly. "I think that's far enough for one night," she said, moving his hands away. She did, however, look a bit uncertain of her own sincerity.

Van took a deep breath, hoping that his body would calm. Not that he honestly expected it to--he didn't want to leave. His eyes wandered to his right, to the bed that was no more than four feet away. Hitomi must have noticed this, for she pushed lightly on his chest to urge him away. She'd grown serious, and whatever his discomfort he would honor her.

"I'm not ready for that," Hitomi said, very quietly, her head lowered in embarrassment. "It's not that I--"

"No, it's all right." He felt as if they were at a very delicate moment, and to say or expect too much would disrupt whatever strange bond they'd formed between their bodies. He smiled encouragingly. Though it was effective in raising her spirits, the beautiful smile she returned only succeeded in arousing him further. He kept talking to focus on something else. "I won't ask you to. Besides, it's late."

"Yeah, we should probably get some sleep." She slid off the desk and straightened her clothing. He did his best not to look. "There'll be lots to do."

"Uh-huh. So, I'll let you sleep." Van gulped. He stepped forward and kissed her lightly on the mouth, hoping that their excuses would work. She kissed him back, a bit more deeply than he'd hoped, making it difficult to pull away. After a moment he stepped back. "Goodnight, Hitomi."

"Goodnight." Hitomi smiled prettily, though she did appear a bit troubled. "I didn't ruin it, did I?"

"Of course not. I'll give you another kiss in the morning." Van winked, which earned him a charming blush. Determined not to tempt himself further, he exited, closing the door with a soft click behind him. When he was certain that she could no longer hear or see him he released his breath in a contented sigh, and grinned openly, a perfect lovesick fool. He could have laughed. Instead he skipped down the stairs on light feet, hurrying to meet his dreams.