~ Vision of Escaflowne ~
All characters belong to their respective owners !
" Kanzaki. "
" Hai ! "
Hitomi responded to the morning roll call as usual. As she returned her concentration on her books, she sub-consciously fingered the empty space where her pendant had once hung from. It had been with her for such a long time ... and now as she felt the loss ... she started to form the all-too-familiar image of him.
" Van ... "
Hitomi murmured his name to herself ... and partly to him ... hoping he could hear her. She closed her eyes and a smile played on her lips. He never failed to bring a smile to her face ...
**
It had been almost 2 years since Hitomi left Gaea to return to the Mystic Moon where she resumed her daily life as though absolutely nothing had happened. Her friends found that she had almost changed overnight of course, sensing her newfound character. They asked about her missing necklace but she had smiled dreamily and said nothing about it. She was a little less concentrated on her daily matters as compared before but was more aggressive on the running track. In the end, she did not finish her 13 seconds sprint in which she could obtain Amano's kiss but she did not seem to mind at all. In fact, everyone agreed that she looked ... contented.
**
Hitomi walked to her locker and changed back into her school shoes after another running session. Her best friend walked up to her and waited in silence as Hitomi quietly slipped on her shoes.
" Doshita Yukari-chan ? "
Yukari smiled and shook her head.
" Nothing really. I just wanted to catch a movie with you after your session ... if you're not tired that is. "
" Sure ! Why not ? I need to take a break too. I'm so tired ... ! "
Yukari giggled as Hitomi made a comical tired face. As both girls trudged out of the school gates in the early evening, Hitomi peered closely at her best friend's face.
" Is something wrong Yukari-chan ? "
" Why do you ask ? "
" You're so quiet. It's almost uncanny. "
" Well ... I just wanted to go out today and forget my worries a bit. "
Hitomi looked on for a while, then placed a comforting hand over Yukari's shoulder.
" All right ... whenever you feel like talking, come to me ok ? "
Yukari smiled and nodded.
**
Hitomi and Yukari were stirring their respective cups of cappuccino as they sat leisurely in their favourite café after the movie. Hitomi waited patiently while letting Yukari gather her thoughts. She knew Yukari well enough to know that she will be confiding in her soon whenever they were in the same situation.
" Hitomi-chan ? Ano ne ... I know that you've long given up on tarot card readings ... but just for me ... onegai ... read my future with Amano-kun ... "
Hitomi was taken aback as Yukari pleaded with her head down, tears trickling down her cheeks ... she noticed that her hands were shaking as the cup started clattering.
" Onegai ? "
Yukari looked up into Hitomi's eyes, tears still shimmering. Hitomi was pretty confused. It had almost been 2 years since she had touched any tarot cards. They brought back too many memories.
" Hitomi-chan ... I know I shouldn't be forcing you like this. I don't know exactly why you gave up on reading tarot cards and I've never forced you to divulge the reason. You've changed a lot over these years and ... sometimes ... I wonder if I still know you. However, you've always assured me of your friendship ... please Hitomi-chan ? It will only be 1 reading. "
Hitomi closed her eyes and the vision of Escaflowne appeared in her mind again. The tarot cards started falling down from the skies and from nowhere, Van appeared and was holding a card. His eyes were full of emotion as he slowly turned the card around ... and it was ...
" All right Yukari-chan ... just for YOU ... "
**
" Shinpai shimasu ne ~ Yukari-chan ... your relationship with Amano-sempai will be quite solid strong for a long time to come. Why are you suddenly so anxious ? "
As she peered at the 3 tarot cards spread across her table, she nodded again to confirm the readings and comforted the now-relieved Yukari sprawled across her floor. Hitomi started to wonder why she saw Van holding a tarot card earlier.
" Yukari-chan, you really worry too much. "
" It isn't my fault. Amano-kun had not been returning all my calls and pager messages. No one is at home all day and night ! Everyone in his school claimed that he was with another girl for quite a long time. I ... I tried to believe ... trust him ... "
Yukari's eyes started to water again and Hitomi quickly passed her a box of tissues. As Yukari blew her nose, Hitomi smiled at how Yukari had been so worried. Her thoughts went back to her loved one ... still in Gaea ... but would he be waiting for her ? Or was he a married King of Fanelia with heirs aplenty ? She wouldn't be surprised ... who was she to him anyway ? Although she knew the feelings they shared were the same ... however ...
**
Exactly 1 year after Hitomi left Gaea, the spiritual connection Van and her shared was suddenly gone. She realised it when she could not see Van anymore ... could not hear his voice ... feel his presence ... Day after day she tried and tried but it was useless. The tears she shed were endless, her cheerfulness was gone, she no longer cared about anything in the Mystic Moon. There was no one here in the Mystic Moon for her to feel happy about. Suddenly, her friends no longer mattered ... nor her studies ... not even her own parents. She was angry with her attitude but she was feeling hollow without Van. How could the Gods be so cruel as to cut off the only remaining link between her loved one and herself ?
After months of wallowing in despair, she came to a conclusion that she had to pick up the pieces and carry on. After all, Gaea was the imaginary planet as the Mystic Moon was to Gaea. Maybe Van and her were never meant to be. If so, then it was better if they parted earlier. She had gone out on dates as any other teenage girls of her age were doing but she was feeling emotionless to their advances. How could anyone replace Van ? How could anyone share the same adventures that only Van and her had ? No one could replace Van ... Yukari had played a big part in coaxing Hitomi out of her depression and both of them shared a stronger bond of friendship after that.
**
" See you tomorrow Yukari-chan ! "
" See you too Hitomi-chan ! "
The two girls went their separate ways as Hitomi walked towards her house after school. Humming a song as she walked up the stairs, she felt a familiar presence behind her. Turning around sharply, she realised that there was nothing except the trees. Sighing, she turned back and proceeded up the stairs.
**
" Hitomi ? There's a call for you ! "
" Haaai ~ "
Hitomi bounced down the stairs in her house and picked up the receiver.
" Hitomi desu. "
" Ah, Hitomi-san ? This is Kobuki. "
" Kobuki-kun ! What can I do for you ? "
" Oh ... erm ... well ... I have 2 tickets to the next screening of a blockbuster movie. I was wondering ... well ... would you come with me please ? "
Silence.
" Hitomi-san ? "
" G ... gomen ne ~ Kobuki-kun ... I ... I can't go with you. I'm supposed to be accompanying my mother to the shops. "
" So ... so desu ka ... I'm sorry if I disturbed you. Good night. "
" Good night. "
Hitomi gently replaced the receiver and felt a heavy feeling in her heart. It would occur whenever she rejected any suitors. She tried accepting a few but realised that she was totally disinterested. It seemed that her heart had died.
" Van ... I miss you so much. "
Hitomi whispered as she walked upstairs to her room. She had given up establishing any connection with Van many months ago. She even came to a scary conclusion that Van had no longer felt anything for her ... which was why the connection was broken. That was the only feasible reason wasn't it ?
" I don't blame you Van. I wish you happiness. "
Hitomi whispered to the stars as she peered out of her window. Wiping away a stray tear, she shook her head firmly and settled down for her homework.
**
It was finally her last year in High School and everyone was pretty excited on the first day of school for the last year. Hitomi smiled at the happy atmosphere as she settled into her desk. Her friends quickly swarmed around and they engaged in the usual gossipy talk before class. Finally, the bell rang and everyone resumed order. The new teacher walked in and formally introduced himself.
" There is a new exchange student today who will be with us for the rest of the school year. He is from Europe but due to personal reasons, he had been transferred from his old school to ours. Please make him welcome ... "
Hitomi's heart totally froze as she found her entire body shaking. A feeling so strong was controlling her every senses ... waking her up ... as though she had been in a deep sleep all this while. Her mind went blank as her eyes still managed to peel themselves on the door. Her lips went dry ... she almost forgot to breathe ...
" Van Fanel ... please come in ... "
The door slid open and a tall lad strode in wearing Hitomi's high school uniform.
[ His hair ... ]
" Watashi no namae wa Van Fanel, hajime mashite dozo yoroshiku. "
[ His eyes ... ]
" Fanel, you may sit at any available seats in this class. "
[ His voice ... ]
" Hai. "
As Van strided past Hitomi's seat, his scent overwhelmed her so much that she thought she was going to faint straightaway. Hitomi vaguely heard him settle in behind her and her heart started thumping hard instead. She was too shocked ...
" Kanzaki ! Are you all right over there ? You look very pale. "
Hitomi didn't hear her teacher address her. Blackness was quickly enveloping her.
**
Hitomi groaned a little as she opened her eyes.
[ Where am I ? ]
Hitomi tried to sit up but her head was still wheezing and she quickly laid back. Her senses were coming back to her. How could she have been so weak ? It was only ... only a Van lookalike ... or was it Van ? Wasn't she supposed to be spiritually strong ?
" Van ... you didn't seem to remember me ... "
Hitomi murmured as she focused on the clock on the wall. She was lying in the school's sickbay room. Judging from the time now, her class should be having their History session. No one would be coming in until half an hour later. Just as sleep threatened to overcome her again, the door slid open.
" Hitomi ? "
[ No, that couldn't be ... ]
" Hitomi ? "
Van appeared around the corner and peered right into her eyes as she laid there with her hands covering her mouth in shock.
" Daijobu ? "
Hitomi felt hot tears forming in her eyes, blurring Van's image as he walked closer towards her. She could reason now, she could ask him now, she could ...
" Hitomi ... "
Van knelt down beside the bed and hugged Hitomi's form close to him. As Hitomi hugged him back, he gave a sigh of relief and nuzzled against her neck. This caused Hitomi to break the hug abruptly. The Van she knew ... he wouldn't know how to do that ! Or would he ?
" Hitomi ? "
" Van ... is it ... is it really you ? "
" Of course ! I am Van Fanel ... but not from Gaea ... I'm now a different identity. "
" What do you mean ? "
" I'll tell you the whole story. "
**
" Remember the year when we broke all contact with each other ? To be honest, I died in Gaea. There was this man who tried to resurrect the power of Atlantis like Dornkirk tried before. This new generation didn't know the horrible wars we went through. I activated Escaflowne and defeated him ... but ... I was already fatally injured and both of us plunged into the sea. With my dying wish, I held on tightly to your pendant which you gave me and wished very hard that I'll be with you in my next life. The last thing which I remembered in my past life as King Fanel was your pendant and Escaflowne shining brightly and enveloping me.
I was borned on a summer day in Denmark to the Fanel Family. We were not Kings and Queens but just some royalties. Miraculously, I retained the memory of King Fanel and held on to the image of Hitomi Kanzaki. She was my shining angel ... the keeper of my wings. When I was of age, I pleaded with my parents to transfer me to Japan. They were very surprised but they seemed to know that I was " special ". I seemed to know many things which surpassed my age but that was because I retained my past life's memories. I was surprised that I could be borned the same year as you were so that I wasn't a toddler now. I believe ... "
Van held the pendant up and carefully placed it over Hitomi's head.
" I believe the pendant brought me here to meet you again. My wish had come true. Remember you taught me this ... if I wish hard enough ... it will come true ? I missed you everyday when I was in Gaea. I busied myself with paperwork and played with the kids in the court. I trained hard and tried to erase you off my mind ... but with not much use. Maybe ... maybe that was why I failed in the fight with that enemy. But ... if it could lead me to see you again ... then it was worth it. Gaea was a strong and redeveloped country again. Everyone was contented and happy ! I had fulfilled my role as King but I was never happy without you ... never ... "
Hitomi had been crying all through Van's narration. She could hardly believe her ears. Van had been through so much problems and she wasn't there to help !
" Van ... I'm so sorry ... I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there for you ... "
" Don't be silly ! I'm now here with you and we'll never ever be apart again. "
Hitomi and Van embraced tightly which seemed to go on for eternity. Suddenly, Hitomi broke the hug (again) and looked at Van weirdly.
" Isn't there supposed to be a History class going on now ? "
" Well, I lied saying I needed to go to the Gents. "
" You silly ! Go back now before the sensei screams at you ! "
Van laughed and Hitomi marvelled at how handsome Van was when he laughed carelessly. He was a little different now and he looked good in his uniform.
" Hitomi, I'll drop by again and visit you. "
" Go now Van. "
Hitomi smiled sweetly as Van waved goodbye and left. She fingered the pendant now hanging around her neck. It was almost like a sweet dream ! She wondered whether she was still dreaming again. Quickly, she pinched herself really hard and yelped loudly at the pain ! Smiling sheepishly, she realised it was real and brushed away tears of happiness streaming down. Finally ... she could finally be happy again ...
**
All characters belong to their respective owners !
" Kanzaki. "
" Hai ! "
Hitomi responded to the morning roll call as usual. As she returned her concentration on her books, she sub-consciously fingered the empty space where her pendant had once hung from. It had been with her for such a long time ... and now as she felt the loss ... she started to form the all-too-familiar image of him.
" Van ... "
Hitomi murmured his name to herself ... and partly to him ... hoping he could hear her. She closed her eyes and a smile played on her lips. He never failed to bring a smile to her face ...
**
It had been almost 2 years since Hitomi left Gaea to return to the Mystic Moon where she resumed her daily life as though absolutely nothing had happened. Her friends found that she had almost changed overnight of course, sensing her newfound character. They asked about her missing necklace but she had smiled dreamily and said nothing about it. She was a little less concentrated on her daily matters as compared before but was more aggressive on the running track. In the end, she did not finish her 13 seconds sprint in which she could obtain Amano's kiss but she did not seem to mind at all. In fact, everyone agreed that she looked ... contented.
**
Hitomi walked to her locker and changed back into her school shoes after another running session. Her best friend walked up to her and waited in silence as Hitomi quietly slipped on her shoes.
" Doshita Yukari-chan ? "
Yukari smiled and shook her head.
" Nothing really. I just wanted to catch a movie with you after your session ... if you're not tired that is. "
" Sure ! Why not ? I need to take a break too. I'm so tired ... ! "
Yukari giggled as Hitomi made a comical tired face. As both girls trudged out of the school gates in the early evening, Hitomi peered closely at her best friend's face.
" Is something wrong Yukari-chan ? "
" Why do you ask ? "
" You're so quiet. It's almost uncanny. "
" Well ... I just wanted to go out today and forget my worries a bit. "
Hitomi looked on for a while, then placed a comforting hand over Yukari's shoulder.
" All right ... whenever you feel like talking, come to me ok ? "
Yukari smiled and nodded.
**
Hitomi and Yukari were stirring their respective cups of cappuccino as they sat leisurely in their favourite café after the movie. Hitomi waited patiently while letting Yukari gather her thoughts. She knew Yukari well enough to know that she will be confiding in her soon whenever they were in the same situation.
" Hitomi-chan ? Ano ne ... I know that you've long given up on tarot card readings ... but just for me ... onegai ... read my future with Amano-kun ... "
Hitomi was taken aback as Yukari pleaded with her head down, tears trickling down her cheeks ... she noticed that her hands were shaking as the cup started clattering.
" Onegai ? "
Yukari looked up into Hitomi's eyes, tears still shimmering. Hitomi was pretty confused. It had almost been 2 years since she had touched any tarot cards. They brought back too many memories.
" Hitomi-chan ... I know I shouldn't be forcing you like this. I don't know exactly why you gave up on reading tarot cards and I've never forced you to divulge the reason. You've changed a lot over these years and ... sometimes ... I wonder if I still know you. However, you've always assured me of your friendship ... please Hitomi-chan ? It will only be 1 reading. "
Hitomi closed her eyes and the vision of Escaflowne appeared in her mind again. The tarot cards started falling down from the skies and from nowhere, Van appeared and was holding a card. His eyes were full of emotion as he slowly turned the card around ... and it was ...
" All right Yukari-chan ... just for YOU ... "
**
" Shinpai shimasu ne ~ Yukari-chan ... your relationship with Amano-sempai will be quite solid strong for a long time to come. Why are you suddenly so anxious ? "
As she peered at the 3 tarot cards spread across her table, she nodded again to confirm the readings and comforted the now-relieved Yukari sprawled across her floor. Hitomi started to wonder why she saw Van holding a tarot card earlier.
" Yukari-chan, you really worry too much. "
" It isn't my fault. Amano-kun had not been returning all my calls and pager messages. No one is at home all day and night ! Everyone in his school claimed that he was with another girl for quite a long time. I ... I tried to believe ... trust him ... "
Yukari's eyes started to water again and Hitomi quickly passed her a box of tissues. As Yukari blew her nose, Hitomi smiled at how Yukari had been so worried. Her thoughts went back to her loved one ... still in Gaea ... but would he be waiting for her ? Or was he a married King of Fanelia with heirs aplenty ? She wouldn't be surprised ... who was she to him anyway ? Although she knew the feelings they shared were the same ... however ...
**
Exactly 1 year after Hitomi left Gaea, the spiritual connection Van and her shared was suddenly gone. She realised it when she could not see Van anymore ... could not hear his voice ... feel his presence ... Day after day she tried and tried but it was useless. The tears she shed were endless, her cheerfulness was gone, she no longer cared about anything in the Mystic Moon. There was no one here in the Mystic Moon for her to feel happy about. Suddenly, her friends no longer mattered ... nor her studies ... not even her own parents. She was angry with her attitude but she was feeling hollow without Van. How could the Gods be so cruel as to cut off the only remaining link between her loved one and herself ?
After months of wallowing in despair, she came to a conclusion that she had to pick up the pieces and carry on. After all, Gaea was the imaginary planet as the Mystic Moon was to Gaea. Maybe Van and her were never meant to be. If so, then it was better if they parted earlier. She had gone out on dates as any other teenage girls of her age were doing but she was feeling emotionless to their advances. How could anyone replace Van ? How could anyone share the same adventures that only Van and her had ? No one could replace Van ... Yukari had played a big part in coaxing Hitomi out of her depression and both of them shared a stronger bond of friendship after that.
**
" See you tomorrow Yukari-chan ! "
" See you too Hitomi-chan ! "
The two girls went their separate ways as Hitomi walked towards her house after school. Humming a song as she walked up the stairs, she felt a familiar presence behind her. Turning around sharply, she realised that there was nothing except the trees. Sighing, she turned back and proceeded up the stairs.
**
" Hitomi ? There's a call for you ! "
" Haaai ~ "
Hitomi bounced down the stairs in her house and picked up the receiver.
" Hitomi desu. "
" Ah, Hitomi-san ? This is Kobuki. "
" Kobuki-kun ! What can I do for you ? "
" Oh ... erm ... well ... I have 2 tickets to the next screening of a blockbuster movie. I was wondering ... well ... would you come with me please ? "
Silence.
" Hitomi-san ? "
" G ... gomen ne ~ Kobuki-kun ... I ... I can't go with you. I'm supposed to be accompanying my mother to the shops. "
" So ... so desu ka ... I'm sorry if I disturbed you. Good night. "
" Good night. "
Hitomi gently replaced the receiver and felt a heavy feeling in her heart. It would occur whenever she rejected any suitors. She tried accepting a few but realised that she was totally disinterested. It seemed that her heart had died.
" Van ... I miss you so much. "
Hitomi whispered as she walked upstairs to her room. She had given up establishing any connection with Van many months ago. She even came to a scary conclusion that Van had no longer felt anything for her ... which was why the connection was broken. That was the only feasible reason wasn't it ?
" I don't blame you Van. I wish you happiness. "
Hitomi whispered to the stars as she peered out of her window. Wiping away a stray tear, she shook her head firmly and settled down for her homework.
**
It was finally her last year in High School and everyone was pretty excited on the first day of school for the last year. Hitomi smiled at the happy atmosphere as she settled into her desk. Her friends quickly swarmed around and they engaged in the usual gossipy talk before class. Finally, the bell rang and everyone resumed order. The new teacher walked in and formally introduced himself.
" There is a new exchange student today who will be with us for the rest of the school year. He is from Europe but due to personal reasons, he had been transferred from his old school to ours. Please make him welcome ... "
Hitomi's heart totally froze as she found her entire body shaking. A feeling so strong was controlling her every senses ... waking her up ... as though she had been in a deep sleep all this while. Her mind went blank as her eyes still managed to peel themselves on the door. Her lips went dry ... she almost forgot to breathe ...
" Van Fanel ... please come in ... "
The door slid open and a tall lad strode in wearing Hitomi's high school uniform.
[ His hair ... ]
" Watashi no namae wa Van Fanel, hajime mashite dozo yoroshiku. "
[ His eyes ... ]
" Fanel, you may sit at any available seats in this class. "
[ His voice ... ]
" Hai. "
As Van strided past Hitomi's seat, his scent overwhelmed her so much that she thought she was going to faint straightaway. Hitomi vaguely heard him settle in behind her and her heart started thumping hard instead. She was too shocked ...
" Kanzaki ! Are you all right over there ? You look very pale. "
Hitomi didn't hear her teacher address her. Blackness was quickly enveloping her.
**
Hitomi groaned a little as she opened her eyes.
[ Where am I ? ]
Hitomi tried to sit up but her head was still wheezing and she quickly laid back. Her senses were coming back to her. How could she have been so weak ? It was only ... only a Van lookalike ... or was it Van ? Wasn't she supposed to be spiritually strong ?
" Van ... you didn't seem to remember me ... "
Hitomi murmured as she focused on the clock on the wall. She was lying in the school's sickbay room. Judging from the time now, her class should be having their History session. No one would be coming in until half an hour later. Just as sleep threatened to overcome her again, the door slid open.
" Hitomi ? "
[ No, that couldn't be ... ]
" Hitomi ? "
Van appeared around the corner and peered right into her eyes as she laid there with her hands covering her mouth in shock.
" Daijobu ? "
Hitomi felt hot tears forming in her eyes, blurring Van's image as he walked closer towards her. She could reason now, she could ask him now, she could ...
" Hitomi ... "
Van knelt down beside the bed and hugged Hitomi's form close to him. As Hitomi hugged him back, he gave a sigh of relief and nuzzled against her neck. This caused Hitomi to break the hug abruptly. The Van she knew ... he wouldn't know how to do that ! Or would he ?
" Hitomi ? "
" Van ... is it ... is it really you ? "
" Of course ! I am Van Fanel ... but not from Gaea ... I'm now a different identity. "
" What do you mean ? "
" I'll tell you the whole story. "
**
" Remember the year when we broke all contact with each other ? To be honest, I died in Gaea. There was this man who tried to resurrect the power of Atlantis like Dornkirk tried before. This new generation didn't know the horrible wars we went through. I activated Escaflowne and defeated him ... but ... I was already fatally injured and both of us plunged into the sea. With my dying wish, I held on tightly to your pendant which you gave me and wished very hard that I'll be with you in my next life. The last thing which I remembered in my past life as King Fanel was your pendant and Escaflowne shining brightly and enveloping me.
I was borned on a summer day in Denmark to the Fanel Family. We were not Kings and Queens but just some royalties. Miraculously, I retained the memory of King Fanel and held on to the image of Hitomi Kanzaki. She was my shining angel ... the keeper of my wings. When I was of age, I pleaded with my parents to transfer me to Japan. They were very surprised but they seemed to know that I was " special ". I seemed to know many things which surpassed my age but that was because I retained my past life's memories. I was surprised that I could be borned the same year as you were so that I wasn't a toddler now. I believe ... "
Van held the pendant up and carefully placed it over Hitomi's head.
" I believe the pendant brought me here to meet you again. My wish had come true. Remember you taught me this ... if I wish hard enough ... it will come true ? I missed you everyday when I was in Gaea. I busied myself with paperwork and played with the kids in the court. I trained hard and tried to erase you off my mind ... but with not much use. Maybe ... maybe that was why I failed in the fight with that enemy. But ... if it could lead me to see you again ... then it was worth it. Gaea was a strong and redeveloped country again. Everyone was contented and happy ! I had fulfilled my role as King but I was never happy without you ... never ... "
Hitomi had been crying all through Van's narration. She could hardly believe her ears. Van had been through so much problems and she wasn't there to help !
" Van ... I'm so sorry ... I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there for you ... "
" Don't be silly ! I'm now here with you and we'll never ever be apart again. "
Hitomi and Van embraced tightly which seemed to go on for eternity. Suddenly, Hitomi broke the hug (again) and looked at Van weirdly.
" Isn't there supposed to be a History class going on now ? "
" Well, I lied saying I needed to go to the Gents. "
" You silly ! Go back now before the sensei screams at you ! "
Van laughed and Hitomi marvelled at how handsome Van was when he laughed carelessly. He was a little different now and he looked good in his uniform.
" Hitomi, I'll drop by again and visit you. "
" Go now Van. "
Hitomi smiled sweetly as Van waved goodbye and left. She fingered the pendant now hanging around her neck. It was almost like a sweet dream ! She wondered whether she was still dreaming again. Quickly, she pinched herself really hard and yelped loudly at the pain ! Smiling sheepishly, she realised it was real and brushed away tears of happiness streaming down. Finally ... she could finally be happy again ...
**