Well!! We've been through five chapters so far, and things are starting to heat up. Now is the part where the story really starts moving along, and I'd just like to say that-
???: Hold it right there, Shen!!
What the…? Ekaterini!? What are you doing here? I thought you were over at Animeboards.
Ekaterini: I was, but I decided to come and talk to you about an important matter, Shen…
*groan* Not this again!! Look, I was drunk, okay! I wasn't thinking properly, and you were just sitting there next to me, and I squeezed them! How many times do I have to say that I'm sorry!?
Ekaterini: NOT THAT IMPORTANT MATTER, YOU IDIOT!! *ahem* Er, I mean… This important matter has to do with your fic.
Do tell? All right, go ahead E.
Ekaterini: Well, it's just that I've read five chapters of this story of yours, and I'm a little concerned. You see, I have yet to see one word of yaoi in this writing of yours.
Well yeah, I know… I don't do yaoi, Ekaterini. I thought I stated that in the first chapter. I'd have to own Escaflowne to do that and feel right about it, and I don't, you see…
Ekaterini: What do you mean you don't do yaoi!? As a dedicated Esca fangirl, it's my civic duty to ensure that every Esca fic contain at least a paragraph of yaoi. Especially Van and Dilandau yaoi. My plushies demand it!! Mmmmm!! *snuggles homemade Van & Dilandau plushies*
Oh dear God, not the plushies again…
Ekaterini: *twitch* What was that, Shenrezade?
(SHIT!!) Um, nothing…
Ekaterini: Are you saying you don't like my plushies…?
Yes. I mean- NO!! No, I love your plushies!!
Ekaterini: I don't believe you. I think you need to be taught another lesson in plushie appreciation!
NO!!! NOT ANOTHER LESSON!! *runs away*
Ekaterini: GET BACK HERE AND TAKE YOUR MEDICINE!!! *runs after Shenrezade*
* * * *
Reunion
Chapter 6
Celena walked through the halls of Castle Fanelia. From what her brother had told her, a man named Dilandau Albato had razed it to the ground four years ago. It was the start of the Gaea war of fate she had been told about. Now, though, as she walked past the pillars, she could hardly tell it had ever been burned. She stopped for a moment to look at the throne room, and marveled at its grandeur atmosphere. She couldn't understand why someone would want to destroy such a beautiful place. This Dilandau person must have been very cruel.
It had been Celena's first time to visit another country, since Allen had been so adamant about protecting her. In truth, she had wanted to go with him to see the town's rebuilding. But all those carpenters and the noise frightened her. She was afraid of being in a large crowd of people. At first, Allen had wanted to stay close to her, but Celena could see that he was very troubled, so she told him she'd be fine. She wasn't sure what was troubling him so much these days, but she had a feeling that it had to do with that boy with the raven-colored hair. What was his name? It was Van, wasn't it?
Thinking about him always brought her mind back to that time when she had first seen him. Why had he been so cold towards her? She had never seen him before, so why should he have that reaction at her presence? It was all so very strange. And then there was that beam of light. It had taken him somewhere, because when she opened her eyes again, he had disappeared. The others had said something about a moon, so he must have been taken there for some reason.
This always confused Celena when she thought about it. This was Van's kingdom, wasn't it? So why would he go off to some moon when he had a duty here? Right now, the king of Asturia was busy reconstructing Van's country for him. She supposed that Van would be happy to see his home rebuilt like this, but for some strange reason, none of the others felt this way. Each of them always had a frown on their face when she saw them, and it always deepened when she commented on how surprised Van would be to see this. She just couldn't understand the way royalty worked.
Passing through the halls to her bedroom, she saw Allen turn the corner. He saw her and smiled, and she walked up to him. He opened the door for her, and they both walked inside. She seated herself on the bed, and Allen left the door open and placed himself in a chair, opening a book he had selected from the shelves. Celena looked over at him, and was disappointed to see that he didn't look any less troubled then he did when he left. She decided to find out what was wrong with him. "Brother?" she asked lightly.
Looking up from his book, he turned towards her. "Hmm? What is it, Celena?" he asked, concern hinting at his features. She fidgeted with her dress a little before continuing.
"Well," she began. "It's just that I noticed your walk didn't seem to do you much good." She shifted to better face him. He placed the book down, then closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't understand, Allen. Your friend's castle and home are being rebuilt right now. They're even better than the way they were before, aren't they? That's what you told me."
Allen opened his eyes and looked at her. "Yes," he replied. "It's true that Fanelia is being restored to its former glory Celena." He stood up and walked over to their window. Leaning on the rail he continued. "But the problem is that its king isn't here to oversee its reconstruction. Van doesn't know that he no longer rules this land." He stopped speaking for a moment; instead looking out over the country's rolling hills. Celena had seen this before, and she knew that Allen was thinking hard about the matter at hand. "You don't understand, Celena. Van's country was the only thing left to him in the world. Now that he no longer has that, what will he do when he returns here?" he remained silent, and Celena knew that he was finished speaking.
This left her to think on what he said. Although she knew it was a rhetorical question, Celena still tried to find an answer to her brother's question. With nothing left to him, what would someone do? She silently pondered this, as she watched Allen continue to stare outside.
* * * *
"So, you're saying that I'm a king? From a planet in between this one and its moon?" Van looked at Hitomi like she has suddenly sprouted antenna or something. Hitomi was thankful she hadn't told him about his wings. Who knows what he might have thought then. Still, this alone was proving to be more challenging then she thought it would be.
She shifted again, to get more comfortable. Van continued to watch her. So far, they had been up till two in the morning talking about him, and Van hadn't believed a single word. "I know that's it's a little far fetched…" Van just quirked his eyebrow questioningly at her. Hitomi grimaced. There was no need for that kind of reaction. "All right, so I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't seen it. But still, I'm not lying. You are the king of Fanelia, and we met when you came to Earth while slaying a dragon, remember?"
Van just crossed his arms and laughed. She was starting to become irritated. "I'm sorry, but I think I would remember fighting a dragon. Especially if I had just 'teleported' here while doing it." He laughed again and looked back at her. "And why did you say I was fighting this dragon again? Surely it wasn't holding a damsel in distress was it?" From the mirth in his voice, this was obviously the answer he was expecting.
Hitomi was growing angrier by the minute. He was being very rude about this, and treating her like she was making all this up was adding fuel to her fire. She stood up and glared at him. "For your information, you were doing it as part of a sacred rite of your country. From what Balgus told me, all Fanelian kings had to slay a dragon single-handed to show they were strong and resourceful enough to prove that they were fit to rule." He looked at her, not saying anything. Well, at least now she had his attention again.
"Well, if that's true, how did I prove that I killed it? Surely I didn't drag the entire carcass back to my kingdom, did I?" This time he held no laughter, just curiosity. "There must have been something I needed to show that I had accomplished it. What did I do, lob off its head and bring it back to show to everyone in my kingdom?" She seated herself across from Van again and brought her mind back to what he had done.
"Well, no." she replied. "You didn't return with its head. Instead you took something else from it as proof. If I remember right, you cut open its stomach, and took out a red gem, like the one you're wearing." She said, pointing to her pendant that still hung around Van's neck. Van looked down at it and frowned. He had asked her before why he had that, but she couldn't bring herself to answer him. "It's called an 'energist' and it's what powers your guymelefs." At the mention of Gaea's enormous suits of armor, the edges of his lips twitched, betraying an amused smirk.
"The 'guy-melefs'. You mean those giant things that they walk around in on this planet I'm from," he said trying to stifle a laugh. Hitomi frowned again. "You're saying that gems recovered from dragon's stomachs allow giant machines to move?" He continued, this time the laugh escaping his mouth. This was the final straw.
"All right, that it!" she said angrily. "If you don't believe me, then I'm finished speaking for the night!" and with that she quickly turned to head upstairs. She didn't stop when she heard Van ask her to stay, even though she could tell he was being sincere. She had had enough ridicule for the night.
Van flinched when he heard the door upstairs slam. Sighing, he lay back on the couch. What that girl had said was so ridiculous, how could she expect him to believe her? Still, he had a feeling she was telling the truth, as strange as it might sound. It would help if he knew who he was. A king? Him? If that were true, then why didn't he feel like one? He let go of those thoughts and turned over, falling asleep.
* * * *
Once again, Aston found himself seated in front of the Atlantean, Belshezaar. This time, he was not alone however. Standing a few steps behind him was another one, with dark brown hair, and black eyes who watched Aston like a hawk. The king was uncertain why Belshezaar had brought someone along with him, and to be perfectly frank, having two Atlanteans in the room was much worse than one. He quickly paid close attention when Belshezaar addressed him.
"All right, Aston. I'm glad that you have been able to secure Fanelia with so little trouble," he said, taking a seat across from the king. Eyeing the punch Aston had chilled, he asked "May I?" Coming out from his mouth it sounded less like a question and more like a demand. Aston nodded and offered him a glass, which Belshezaar took. Taking a sip, he commented on the richness of the beverage. Setting the glass down, he fixed Aston with a penetrating gaze. "So, now that you have the country of dragons as part of your territory, you must select someone to govern it, correct?"
Aston swallowed the lump in his throat. Dealing with Zaibach hadn't even made him this nervous. It must be in the way the man carried himself. Always watching for some kind of weakness of Aston's to prey on. "Yes, that is true," he replied. "Did you have someone in mind, Belshezaar?" he asked. The other man just snorted in contempt.
"Of course not. I not so presumptuous as that," he retorted. Aston became confused. If he didn't want to select a governor for Fanelia, why did he ask about it? "No, Aston. I have no wish to select a governor. I have faith you will make a proper selection on that matter. All I merely wish to do is provide you with a suitable advisor for the governor you choose." He said, taking another sip of his wine.
"Ah, I see." Aston said. "And who did you have in mind for that position, Belshezaar?" Looking at the young man who remained standing behind the Atlantean's chair, he made an educated guess as to Belshezaar's choice. He was surprised to see the man's eyes narrow when he heard Aston call Belshezaar by name. Placing his eyes back on the older man, Aston waited to see what Belshezaar's answer would be.
Gesturing to the young man, Belshezaar introduced him as he stepped beside Belshezaar's chair. "Aston, this is my son, Daedalus," he said. Aston's eyes' widened. His son? "He is very well versed in a variety of matters concerning government, and will no doubt be useful to your selection." He fixed Aston with a glare. "I trust you will allow him to advise the selected governor, won't you?" Aston nodded. "Excellent. Well, then we have nothing further to discuss for the moment. I will see you again when the need arises, King Aston. Thank you for your hospitality." With that, he polished off what remained of his wine, then he and his son left, folding their wings so as not to turn any heads. King Aston watched them as they walked down the hallway, pondering over what Belshezaar had in mind.
* * * *
As they passed Asturia's courtyard and left via the palace gates, Belshaar turned to face his son at the sound of his voice. "What is it, Daedalus? Is something troubling you?" Daedalus hesitated before responding.
"Father, why did you allow him to address you by name? It's disrespectful to be addressed as such by a human." Belshezaar chortled. "What is it, father? Did I say something to amuse you?" he inquired as he strode up to his father.
Belshezaar shook his head. "It is nothing, my son. I'm laughing because I find your demeanor towards the humans entertaining, that's all." Daedalus frowned at this response.
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean, father." He said. Belshezaar looked over at him from the corner of his eye. "Is not the purpose of our mission to recover the dragon armor and rule the humans? If so, then it's only natural that we demand the proper respect from them!" Belshezaar stopped in his tracks and looked his son in the eye.
Daedalus felt uncomfortable from the scrutinizing gaze his father was delivering him. After a moment, Belshezaar simply asked "Why do you see humans as such inferior creatures?" This question caught him off guard. Thinking for a moment, he then gave his answer.
"Well…" he replied, thinking over his response. "The humans seem very barbaric. They are uncultured and lack the intelligence and clear headedness needed to rule. Such creatures are unworthy of being given the reigns of power." His father was silent for a moment. Daedalus watched his father carefully. It looked like he was contemplating.
"Is that so…" he said finally. "Tell me, Daedalus, is that really what you think of the humans?" Daedalus nodded. "I see. And what about us?" he asked. Daedalus was confused again. What did father mean? "All those years ago, before Gaea was created, I thought the same way as you. Many of us did. We tried to conquer the humans, and to rule over them, because we were superior to them. Because of that arrogance, Atlantis' power was lost, and her people died. We few survived."
Daedalus mulled over his father's words. Did this mean Belshezaar had no intention of ruling the humans? "But, father," he asked, "If ruling the humans isn't what we are reviving Atlantis for, what is the purpose of this mission?" Daedalus watched as Belshezaar continued to walk the path out of the forest. "Father?"
Turning around, Belshezaar looked at his son. "No, Daedalus. Ruling the humans is not my intention. They bear the same faults we once did." His voice held a tone of sadness. "However, unlike us, they refuse to learn from their mistakes. I want to help them, teach them. But unless I have Atlantis' power, that will be impossible. That is why it is important that we retrieve the Escaflowne from Fanelia. And that is why I'm sending you there to act as an advisor. That way we can secure the armor without arousing suspicion. Do you understand that, Daedalus?"
"Yes, father." He replied. "I swear on my blood that Escaflowne will be in your hands as soon as possible."
* * * *
Takashi walked along the small line of men assembled before him. Each one was an elite of the guards, ready to do as he asked. Knowing that all was in order, he quickly stepped to the desk placed on the far side of the room. Picking up a set of pictures, he handed each of the men one. Turning back around, he addressed them. "Men, look carefully at the photos you hold. In them is a young girl. She will be your target. I want you to follow her, and gather information about her. She will be in the company of a young boy with black hair and reddish brown eyes. She knows him and I want to know how she does. When you've gathered enough information, capture them both and bring them here. Oh, and remember to be discreet about it. The less who know about this, the better, is that clear?" They saluted, and placed the pictures in their pockets. "Good. You're dismissed."
As they filed out, Takashi left to examine his acquisition again. He stood before the hulking suit of armor that he was sure was his key to finding Atlantis. He looked once again at his ring as he thought about that boy, Van. It was obvious that whatever material his pendant was made out of, Takashi's ring was made of the same substance. This fact intrigued him. Takashi thought back to when he had received this ring. His adoptive father had said that he had found a necklace with Takashi when he was young, and decided that a necklace wasn't the type of thing a man should wear. Takashi had been very outright in refusing to part with it, though now he had no idea why.
So his foster father had made a deal with him. He would make the necklace into a ring for Takashi to wear. Since Takashi wasn't loosing it, he decided that this would be fine. So, his necklace was replaced with a ring, and he never gave it a second thought until Van showed up. Takashi had to keep from giving the researchers his ring, because some unwanted questions might have arisen. They had studied the material of Van's pendant, and even though they couldn't fully analyze it, they had still managed to create a significant replica. However, with Van gone, Takashi had no way of knowing how to operate this thing. It was so frustrating to have come so far, only to be stopped at this point.
Stroking the armor, he smiled quietly to himself. He had been very patient so far, and that patience was soon to pay off. Waiting was one of the most frustrating parts of this operation, but meticulous planning and observation had served him well up to this point. There was no point in rushing things now and ruining it. Just a while longer, and the keys would be in his hands. Yes, patience was a virtue, and one that he had held on to well.
* * * *
Hitomi hadn't spoken to Van all day. He was a little saddened by this fact, and it showed in his face. He had been dour all morning, and when her parents had noticed how she refused to say a word to him, they put two and two together and realized that something had happened last night. Thankfully, for Hitomi at least, they had kept quiet on this matter, and left with the usual message of keeping the house clean. Her brother, however, was a different story.
He kept pestering her about whether Van had rubbed her tits the wrong way or something. His constant nagging of how Van's tongue had felt in her mouth and how hard he squeezed her chest when they made out last night had gotten on her nerves so much that in pure anger she had thrown her notebook at Shoji and told him to leave her the hell alone. Not wanting to get hit a second time, he quickly left. She slumped down on her desk and scowled fiercely. She wasn't in the mood to hear him talk about her and Van that way. It was hard enough that she wasn't able to do those things, but to have Shoji stand there and jeer at her like that…
"He doesn't understand," She thought to herself. "I know he was kidding, but I can't stand not being able to tell Van I love him and then being mocked by Shoji… This is just horrible, like some sick joke." The more she thought about Van, the less angry she became with him because of last night. It wasn't his fault he had amnesia, and the story she had told him sounded so ludicrous that she couldn't blame him for having that reaction. She made up her mind that she would apologize for storming off like that and giving him the silent treatment earlier. Before she did, however, she realized she needed a shower, since she was going to take Van with her to go sightseeing with Amano and Yukari. So, she went off to the bathroom to clean up.
Van had felt really bad about what he had said to Hitomi last night, and wanted to apologize for mocking her when she was just trying to help him. He had wanted to tell her that morning, but she refused to speak to him. Every time he opened his mouth, she just walked off, leaving him there with his mouth open. His mood had grown worse when she had gone to her room without saying a word to him after breakfast.
"What am I going to do?" he asked himself. He was determined to go upstairs and tell Hitomi that he was sorry for what he did, but he heard her yelling at her brother, and decided to wait. He remembered next to nothing about her, so he didn't want to go in there while she was in such a foul mood. He went downstairs and decided to wait a while to let her to cool off before going back to apologize. He took the time he had to look around at the pictures scattered around the room. He thought that perhaps if he saw some, he might remember something. Picking one up, he looked it over. It was a picture of Hitomi, with her arm around another girl's neck. They were both smiling, and were in front of a large building, standing on a sandy path. She was holding up two fingers in the shape of a "V". As Van looked at the picture, he felt something flit across the back of his mind.
"What was that?" he asked himself. "Did I just remember something? This place looks familiar, but I can't…" He narrowed his eyes, analyzing every inch of the back round, but to no avail. Whatever that was that he remembered was gone now. He put the picture down with a sigh, and realized he had to use the restroom. Remembering Hitomi say that it was upstairs, he walked up there and made his way down the hall way. He paused at every doorway, trying to figure out if it was the door he wanted. Finally reaching the one he decided must be it, he opened the door and stepped inside.
Hitomi vigorously scrubbed her hair as she thought about how to apologize to Van. Figuring that it was best to just get it over with quickly, she pondered on how to get Van's memory back. Telling him about it obviously wasn't going to work. So, she'd have to try a different approach. Grabbing the soap, she began to lather herself as she thought about what kind of angle she could use. As the water poured over her, she thought quickly, going over several ways to help Van recover. Well, if telling him was getting nowhere, she could show him some things and see if that would help, instead. But what could she show him to help him jog his memory?
At the word "jog", she smiled. Of course! The school track where they had first met and the shrine where they had gone to Gaea! Those would probably help him remember who he was more than her story. She became excited as she continued to clean herself off. The pounding of the water against her skin was quickly drummed out by her elation at her epiphany. "This was surely going to work," she told herself. Having finished washing herself off, she shut the water off and grabbed a towel. Ripping the shower curtain back, she quickly stepped out to dry herself off.
Scrubbing her head vigorously, her elation continued as she worked out her plan to have Van see the track and Shrine. It was an absolutely marvelous plan, and she saw few flaws in it. She was so tuned out from her excitement and drying her hair that she failed to hear the door open. When she heard someone gasp, she quickly dropped the towel, frozen in shock.
There, staring right at her, was none other than Van.
Van opened the door to the bathroom and froze. There, drying herself off and completely oblivious to his presence was Hitomi. And she didn't have a stitch on, he noticed, adding to his horror. Giving out a squeak of fear, he tried to close the door, but his feet refused to do as his brain told him. It was too late, anyhow. She heard his gasp and the towel she was drying her head with dropped lifelessly from her hands. Their eyes locked and she froze, as unable to move as he was. He could only look at her stupidly, his mouth slightly open.
Her entire body was wet. From her head to her feet she glistened with moisture, which gave her a sheen that caught the light in the room, accentuating her features further. Her body was very well defined, not masculine like some girls, but gracefully endowed like an athlete's. Before he could stop them, his eyes began to travel down her body, absorbing everything they saw. Her shoulders were long and smooth, and her arms were graceful and delicate. Going down to her chest, he saw that her breasts were of an average size, not too large, but not small either, rounded into perfect spheres. He noticed that her nipples quivered slightly due to her short, gasping breaths. Moving down, he saw that her stomach was perfectly shaped. It was smooth and lean, and her belly button was in the direct center, moving up and down slowly in time with her breathing. He lingered for a moment on her womanhood, noting how clean shaven it was. Gazing at it, he lost both his breath and his wits and began to walk forward slowly, his eyes traveling back up to her face, which continued to gaze at him.
Hitomi silently watched Van as his eyes trailed the length of her body, even though half of her mind screamed for her to cover herself, or tell him to get out, or something. But the other half quickly shut it out, her emotions towards Van the only thing taking control. Her eyes became smoky with passion when he left his probing and began to slowly advance on her. She offered no protest to this, but instead began to move her arms up to take him in an embrace, one she had been wanting for some time now.
However, when his hands made contact with her arms, something inside her snapped. The other half of her brain telling her not to do this took control again, and she quickly leapt back into reality. With a cry of panic, her arms moved of their own accord, and she shoved him backwards, which resulted in him falling flat on his back. She quickly covered her chest with her arms, turning around and closing her eyes in shame as he pulled himself off of the floor. "Hitomi? What-" he began, but she didn't let him finish.
"Get out, Van," she said. He started to protest but she didn't want to hear it. "I said get OUT! NOW!! " she yelled. Without another word, he got up and left, closing the door behind him. She sat down on the toilet and cried, partly because of what she almost did; partly because she stopped herself from going through with it. "What's the matter," a voice teased her. "Isn't that what you wanted? You almost had him, so why did you stop?"
She continued to weep as she answered. "Because that isn't Van out there."
"Isn't it?" the voice asked mockingly. "He's the same person, and you love him, don't you?"
"Yes," she replied. "But his memory's gone. He doesn't remember me at all. It wouldn't be right to be with him when he's like this."
"You're just making excuses," it replied accusingly, dripping with contempt. "What does it matter that he doesn't remember who you are? If you love him, doesn't that make it right?"
Hitomi was in doubt. "I…." she began. "I don't… I don't know…." The voice just laughed with scorn, leaving her alone in her doubts.
* * * *
Yukari stood looking at her watch with Amano near her. Hitomi was a half an hour late today. This wasn't like her. She was late sometimes of course, but never by an hour and a half. She was about ready to leave when Amano pointed. "Hey, isn't that Hitomi over there?" he asked. Sure enough Yukari could see Hitomi, but she seemed sad. She was wondering what was wrong when Amano nudged her and pointed again, asking "Who's that guy with her?" Yukari looked to where he was pointing and saw a guy wearing one of the weirdest outfits she had ever seen. He had on a red vest, with beige pants and boots. It wasn't the clothes, though. It was the way they looked. It was as if this guy had come from the thirteenth century or something. He was looking at Hitomi with a sad look on his face. She didn't seem to acknowledge him, however.
Hitomi had walked up and stopped in front of them now. Looking up, she gave them a smile, while still ignoring the look on the other guy's face. Yukari looked from one to the other in utter befuddlement. "Hitomi?" she asked. Hitomi looked at her. Yukari shifted her eyes to the stranger in their midst. "Well, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend, here?" she asked.
Hitomi looked over at the newcomer. She bit her lower lip, then gestured to him, saying "Yukari, this is Van Fanel. He's a penpal of mine from overseas…" Van looked at both of them for a moment, then bowed. Yukari had never met someone so formal before. Of course, they were also supposed to bow, but it was more of a formal thing than an introduction. Still, she bowed, and then elbowed Amano so he'd do the same. Standing back up, they looked over at Hitomi, and Yukari asked why Van hadn't said anything yet. "He can't speak Japanese. So, talking wouldn't exactly get him very far, you see," she replied. "So, Yukari, I was wondering if we could do something different today instead of going to the mall?"
Yukari looked at Hitomi questioningly. "Well, maybe… What did you have in mind?" she asked
"Well," she began, putting a hand behind her head. "It's just that Van's visiting, so I thought we could maybe go sightseeing. …Is that all right with you two?" she asked tentatively. Yukari and Amano looked at each other, then turned back to look at Hitomi. Yukari said that it was fine, and Amano agreed. Hitomi smile and said "Thanks a lot! I appreciate it, and I'm sorry we couldn't go to the mall," taking Van by the wrist, he looked at her and she smiled back at him. He didn't respond, and she began walking off with him, when she turned around and told them to come on.
They spent all day looking at the sights of Tokyo. Moving from one spot to another, Hitomi told Van about every spot they went to. Stopping off at the banzai gardens, and seeing a movie, along with visiting some traditional Japanese houses among other things, they made their way to the park to eat their lunch. Hitomi and Yukari had gone to the ladies room and were washing up when Yukari decided to ask Hitomi the question that had been on her mind all day. "Hitomi," she asked, while drying her hands. Hitomi looked at her friend while scrubbing her face. "Hitomi, that boy with you, he's… not a penpal is he?" Hitomi stopped scrubbing, and stood up. "He's that boy you told your mother and me about, isn't it? The one from the planet you went to four years ago." Hitomi nodded, saying nothing. "Well, then what's wrong? You told us his life was in danger, but here he is eating lunch with us." She stopped and gave her friend a lopsided grin. "Of course, if I had known your interplanetary boyfriend was coming with us today, I would have packed more food. Next time let me know, okay?"
Hitomi grinned and laughed. "I'm sorry Yukari. Frankly I didn't know he'd be joining us either." She looked at the sink, then her smile slowly faded into a concerned look. Yukari cocked her head to side and asked what was wrong. "Yukari," Hitomi answered, "The truth is that he was supposed to die. My prayers saved him, I'm sure… but something went wrong."
Yukari put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Wrong?" she asked. "What do you mean, Hitomi? What's wrong with Van? What happened?" Hitomi looked at her, her eyes revealing the despair in her heart.
"Oh, Yukari," she said, hugging the other woman. "It's terrible! Van's memory is gone! He doesn't remember me any more!!" she exclaimed. Yukari was speechless. Why did that happen? What did fate have against Hitomi to make her suffer so much? Taking hold of her shoulders, Yukari pushed Hitomi away from her and looked her in the eyes.
"Hitomi, are you certain it wasn't a temporary thing? Maybe a trick he played on you?" Hitomi shook her head. So Van's memory was gone, and he didn't know who the person who loved him anymore was. This really was unfair. "Have you tried telling him what you told us?" She asked. Hitomi nodded.
"Yes, last night. He doesn't recall any of it, and thought I was making it all up." Yukari looked over in the direction of where the boys were sitting. "But, I had an idea while I was in the shower this morning," when she said this, Yukari noted that Hitomi's face went very red. She quirked an eyebrow, but decided she didn't need to know.
"At least not yet, anyway," Yukari thought to herself. "So what did you come up with, Hitomi?" she asked.
"Well, He and I met for the first time on the school track field at dusk, so I thought that if I took him there at dusk tonight…" she began. Yukari was quick to catch on.
"I see," she replied. "You realized that being there at the exact moment might cause him to remember something, right?" Hitomi nodded. "You know, that's not such a bad idea, Hitomi," she said. As an afterthought, she added "For you, anyway."
Hitomi noticed it. "What's that supposed to mean, Yukari?" She asked. Yukari just rolled her eyes and looked innocent. Hitomi quickly lunged at her friend, while Yukari quickly made for the exit. They chased each other out of the bathroom, while Van and Amano just stared at them in confused surprise. None of them noticed the men in black suits watching them.
It was close to dusk when they came to the school yard. Hitomi had asked Yukari and Amano to stay back while she and Van went to school yard. Amano wanted to go with them to make sure they would be safe, but Yukari asked him to stay with her, giving Hitomi a wink. She smiled back and asked Van to come with her. Van agreed and they made their way to the track yard. They both stood there watching Hitomi and Van go when suddenly, hands clamped around their mouths, and they felt something hard strike them across the back of their skulls. As Yukari lost consciousness, she tried to warn Hitomi to run, but her mouth no longer obeyed her brain.
Van looked around the area, as per Hitomi's odd request. He concentrated hard on the story she had told him, trying to recall his fight with the dragon she had told him about. He was putting all his thought into this lost memory when he heard a twig behind him snap. His eyes shot open, and he quickly twirled around, one arm stretching out in front of Hitomi. "Van?" she asked. "What is-" she silenced immediately at his look. Turning back around, he tensed. Four men in black suit coats stepped into the lights. Van wasn't sure why, but his instincts told him that these were dangerous men.
Forming a semi-circle around the two, the men placed their arms behind their backs. The one in the middle spoke. "Are you Hitomi Kanzaki?" he asked Hitomi. She went livid. How did they know who she was? She looked to Van, who she noticed had paled suddenly. He looked very nervous, especially considering he couldn't understand what they had said.
Turning back to the waiting men, she aksed "Who are you?" They didn't respond. "I said who are you? How do you know who I am?" At this, the one in the middle nodded to the others, and they slowly stepped forward. Van and Hitomi slowly took a step backward.
The one in the middle spoke again. "Miss Kanzaki, we need you to come with us. The boy needs to come as well." He said, directing his look at Van now. Hitomi latched onto Van's arm. He grit his teeth.
"Hitomi," he whispered fiercely to her. She looked at him, as he told her what they were going to do. "I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about these men. We have to try and get away from them, now." She nodded, and he gave a quick countdown. At "zero" they quickly ran for the back gate. At their escape, the men drew their weapons and opened fire.
Shots flew past them as they made for the rear gate, and on of them almost hit Hitomi. Van cried out and leapt in front of her, taking the shot. He slowly slumped to the ground, his strength leaving him rapidly. "Van!!" Hitomi exclaimed. Trying to lift him over her shoulder, she struggled to carry him away, but he was too heavy. By this time, the men after them had caught up her. She looked around wildly for some way to escape, but none was offered. One of the men leveled his gun at her, and her eyes widened in fear. He pulled the trigger, and she felt something prick her shoulder. Looking at it, she saw a dart sticking out of the wound. Before she could react, her vision became dark, and she lost consciousness.
* * * *
Hitomi opened her eyes groggily only to shut them again quickly. Wherever she was, the lights were awful bright here. Opening her eyes again slowly, she let her eyes adjust to the glare while she looked for Van. She saw him a little ways away from her, strapped to something and still unconscious. She tried to go to him, but quickly found she was restrained in the exact same way. Seeing that he wasn't in any immediate danger, she took a moment to look around a bit more. What she saw made her gasp in surprise.
Standing, or rather kneeling, right before them was a Guymelef! And not just any melef, but one that very closely resembled Van's. There were a few differences, however. This one was black in color, and its helmet contained three crests, as opposed to the single one that Escaflowne had. Also, where as Escaflowne had shoulder pads that pointed up, Hitomi noticed that the ones on this guymelf pointed towards the ground. The design for the melef's face was also slightly different. The face mask reminded her more of Allen's armor, Scherezade, then of the Escaflowne. But the one thing that puzzled her so much was "Why is it here?"
As she said this, she heard a small sound. Looking up, she saw that someone was seated on top of the melef's knee that was extended forward. "So, you know what my treasure is, do you?" he asked. Climbing down to the ground level, he walked forward where she could get a better look at him. He was the strangest person she had ever seen. His skin was the same cooler as an Oriental's but that was where the similarities ended. His hair was pure white, not gray or silver; white, like fallen snow. On top of that, his eyes were two different colors, one silver, the other a black-flecked gold color. He took a moment to look at her, then turned his attention towards Van. Walking over towards him, the man slapped Van hard across the face. Hitomi made a sharp intake of breath at the force of the blow, and watched as Van slowly came to. The man glared at Van for a moment, and then quickly gave him another slap. "That, Van, was for setting me behind. You should have cooperated with me, because now I'm going to make things much more difficult for you." Hitomi was confused. How did this man know who Van was? And why was he talking to Van like they could understand each other?
Blood began to trickle down the corner of Van's mouth. He looked at this man like he was crazy. "What are you talking about?" he asked. "I've never even seen you before! Why would I try to escape from you?" Hitomi felt like she was hit right between the eyes with a wrecking ball. Van could understand what this man said? How was that possible? She stopped wondering, though when she saw him slap Van across the face again, even harder than before.
"Don't try to think I'm a fool." He said menacingly. "I have stretched my patience to the brink, and soon it will break!" Grabbing hold of Vans neck, Hitomi watched in horror as he drove Van's head into the wall behind his head. Screaming at the top of his lungs, he roared "Tell me how to operate this thing! NOW!!! " he bared his teeth as Van tried to protest weakly. "I am growing tired of all this stubborn foolishness, Van," he growled. "I want answers, now."
Hitomi couldn't stand for any more. Pulling against her restraints, she cried out. "Stop, please! He doesn't remember who he is!!" This seemed to stop the man. Looking over his shoulder, he seemed to actually see her for the first time. Letting go of Van, he turned around and began to walk over towards her. The look in his eyes made her shiver with fear. It was different than the madness in Dilandau's eyes. This man's eyes contained pure ice-cold cruelty. Giving a short laugh, he reached out a hand and stroked her cheek lightly. The smile on his face wasn't very reassuring.
"Ah yes," he said softly. "Hitomi Kanzaki. In my rage I had almost forgotten why I had brought you here." Stroking her other cheek, he turned back to Van. "She is quite attractive, isn't she? I'd think she might make a good wife to me." Van didn't answer, only looking at nervously. Giving another laugh, he drew a small dagger from his belt. "It's quite beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, turning it over in his hands. "It from a collection of mine. I always did enjoy blades. This one is particular favorite of mine." Turning back to Hitomi, she became more fearful from the look in his eye. Walking over to her he placed the dagger alongside her arm. "Van, I'll ask you again. Tell me how to operate this machine."
"I told you, I can't!! I don't know how!" He pleaded a trace of panic in his voice. He sighed, then with a flick of his wrist, pricked her shoulder. She inhaled sharply from the sudden pain, and saw blood start to trickle down her arm. Van was horrified. "Please stop! I can't tell you anything!" he begged. Hitomi had never heard Van beg like this before. "Please leave her alone. I beg you…" he said, his head hanging low in despair.
The man looked at Van quizzically. Obviously, he hadn't heard Van like this either. Looking back at Hitomi, he asked "Is he telling the truth?" Afraid of he would do if she hesitated, she nodded quickly. Wiping his dagger on her shirt, he quickly returned it to his belt. Thinking for a moment, he said quietly "Well, this was an unexpected turn of events…" Closing his eyes and pondering over what he would do next, he thought for a few moments when his eyes shot open and he looked at her. "You know what this is, don't you?" he asked her. Her silence seemed to answer him. Smiling again, he said, "All right, then. I want you to show me how to operate this. If you do, I'll let you both go. Understand?" Hitomi, not seeing any alternative, nodded. "Excellent! Well, then hop to it, girl," he said, pushing a button that unlocked her and Van's restraints. Walking over to Van, who had dropped onto the floor, she asked him for the necklace he wore. He gave it to her without a word, and she wrapped it around her palm, so that the gem lay in the center of it.
Striding over to the guymelef, she walked over to its crystal and placed her gem on it. There was no doubt about it, this was definitely similar in make to the Escaflowne. She turned back to the man after observing it for a moment. "It needs a large gem like this one," she said, pointing to her pendant, "In order to run. Do you have one?" Nodding, the man removed an energist from his pocket and showed it to her. She was surprised, but decided that if he had the suit, it stood to reason that he would have the energy source, as well. Pointing to the large crystal, she continued. "This thing runs on a blood pact. Pour some of your blood onto the stone you're holding and place it in this large gem here." He looked at her uncertainly for a moment, but then shrugged and drew his dagger again. Running his thumb along the blade edge, he watched silently as a trickle of crimson appeared. Placing the dagger on the table, he then picked up the energist, and allowed his blood to run freely onto it. He looked up to her for what to do next. "Now," she said trying to remember what it was Van had done. "Now you have to state your name, saying that you honor your blood rite with the ancient guymelef. After that, place the gem inside of the crystal.
The man slowly walked up to the large crystal and recited what she had told him. Raising the energist to face the armor, he stated "I, Ryoji Takashi do so honor the ancient blood rite of the 'guymelef' before me," his tongue rolled around the odd word. Placing the gem into the crystal, his breath caught as his hand passed right through the deceivingly solid surface. Pulling his hand back out quickly, he staggered back a few steps gaping in awe as the crystals in the chest and shoulder pads began to resonated and glow brightly. With a hiss, the chest opened up, revealing the pilot's harness. He stood there for a moment, then smiled as he stepped into the suit. Placing his hands and feet awkwardly into their respective locations, the chest piece clicked shut and the machine stumbled clumsily into a standing position. She heard Takashi laugh from inside the melef. "It's magnificent!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "Amazing! I never thought the Altanteans were capable of such technology! Think of what man could do with this!" He faltered slightly, obviously not used to piloting the colossal thing.
Hitomi, who had moved to Van and was holding his shoulders, decided to speak up. "All right, Takashi!" she said. "I've shown you what you want, now let us go!" The head turned and looked down at her. It remained silent. "Takashi?" Hitomi asked nervously. "You promised to let us go if I helped you!"
There was no response. Instead, the suit turned and began to advance toward them, each step giving a dull thud as it hit the floor. Takashi finally spoke. "I forgot about that, didn't I?" he said, more to himself than to her. She didn't like the way he sounded. "I'm sorry, it must have slipped my mind," he said, moving another step, his melef giving a dull thoom sound.
"I'm afraid I have a slight problem, however." Thoom. "You see, I can't let you leave here." Thoom. "At least not alive, anyway." Thoom. "You see, I can't have anyone know of this. And you both have some very open mouths." Thoom. The armor was right in front of them, now. "So, I'm afraid you have to be dealt with," he finished. The foot raised, and she looked on in horror, clutching Van as she saw the foot of the guymelef shoot down straight towards them. She cried out, and her pendant flared to life. She felt a gust of air rush up from the ground, and a beam of blue light embrace both her and Van. She was nearly crying for joy when she realized they were heading for Gaea, and away from Takashi.
* * * *
*Huff, huff* I think *pant* I lost her…. So, great chapter, huh? Now we can actually progress with the story's real plot, and how Hitomi, Van, Belshezaar, and Takashi are all connected to it. Stay tuned for chapter seven. I'll have it up as soon as I deal with the resident psycho. Speaking which, where is she?
Ekaterini: HAKÉ-SAKÉ!! *Drops from the ceiling ninja style and lands on Shenrezade*
Ahh!! Get off you crazy bitch!!
Ekaterini: * hogtying Shenrezade* Nope, sorry. You need to be taught a lesson.
O_O!! NO! Please, not again!! Anything but plushie education!!!
Ekaterini: And while we're at it, I think you need to learn the importance of having yaoi in a fanfic.
NO!! FOR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY, LET'S THINK THIS OVER!! SOMBODY GET SHAFT ON THE HORN, PRONTOOOOOOOOOOoo!!!!! *Is dragged off kicking and screaming*
