A/n: ahaha. Cliffie! Sorry, I didn't have much initiave to start this chapter... gomen nasai all! *bows repeatedly* but, anyway, please don't slaughter me over this or Whims of Fate... I'm trying. Anyway, for more insanity read Dillys-Best-Slayer's fics. She's the best! ^__^ she's also one of my very close friends, so... *clears throat and pulls out spatula threateningly* muahaha. o_O red bull bad for azure. Also, I'm very, very sorry for all the typos... since I'm a lazy bitch, I hate reading through my work. Absolutley, positivley, cannot STAND it. Gaaaah .;; ugh. So, yes, the remarkable chapter eight in which I manage to twist up the readers' brains even more than I already have. *cackle* Onward!

Disclaimer: see chapter 1.

~the eighth chapter~

Van thrashed around. Pain, pain was everywhere. Around him, on him, in him. Red hot arrows punctured Van's back, chest, and shoulders. Tendrils of stinging, scorching pain wound their way up his legs and arms. Without thinking, Van called out the only name he could remember, which brought him some small comfort.

Hitomi! Hitomiiiiii!

~*&*~

Merle dashed into Van's room, turning on the light.

Van? Van? she asked, looking to her brother on the futon. He was writhing about, screaming Hitomi's name at the top of his lungs. Merle could see a slight stain of blood against his arms and legs, and made her way towards her brother in horror.

she asked, putting her hand over her mouth. Folken grabbed her by the upper arm.

Go get Hitomi, he said. I'll try and help Van out. Merle looked to Folken, whose hair was still rumpled with sleep, and nodded. Folken moved forward, inspecting his younger brother who was twisting about in agony, and Merle ran to her room and pulled on a room. She dashed down the stairs, out the front door, and across the street to Hitomi's house, climbing up the tree, the way Van had shown her, and walking to Hitomi's window. Thank god it was open. Merle looked across the street to Van's room, and could see the light on and Folken trying to deal with Van. She gulped nervously, and carefully stepped into Hitomi's room.

Hitomi! Hitomi, wake up, Merle said, grabbing her by the shoulders. Hitomi sleepily opened an eye.

Wha? Am I late? I thought there was no practice today. she yawned sleepily.

said Merle, tucking her bathrobe tighter around herself. Van's screaming your name in his sleep. He's bleeding, too, bad, and Folken sent me to get you, Merle sniffed. Hitomi shot up from the bed and grabbed a white terry cloth bath robe and a pair of slippers. She followed Merle out the window, across the street, and tears sprung to her eyes when she entered the house. Van's screaming was more than audible, and it resonated within her soul. She dashed up the stairs ahead of Merle and slid into Van's room.

Hit- Hitomi! Hitomiiiiiiii Hitooooooomiiiiiiiiiiii! Van shreiked. Hitomi pushed past Folken and ran to Van's side.

Van? Van, it's okay, she said, kneeling next to him where he was on the floor, a twitching heap. I'm here.

Hitomi! Hitomi?! Hitooomiiiii! He screamed. Hitomi put her arms around him, rocking him back and forth.

Ssh, Van, you're okay, she whispered, rocking him back and forth. Van stopped screaming, and it was obvious that he was awake. His back heaved in heavy sobs, and he buried his face in Hitomi's robe. She looked up in time to see Folken lead Merle out of the room by the upper arm, and she smiled a bit, glad that they had decided to let her and Van have their privacy. Hitomi turned back down to Van and stroked his hair, feeling his hot tears soak through her night shirt and wet her skin. She continued to whisper soothing words to him and rocked him back and forth, wondering what had happened in Vans dream to have traumatized him so. After a while, Van's sobs subsided a bit, and he looked up into Hitomi's face, his eyes watery.

Hi... Hitomi? he asked, reaching up to cup her cheek with his hand. Hitomi looked back down at him, and saw a little boy in his eyes- a little boy afraid of losing the ones he loved.

Yes, Van, it's me, said Hitomi with a smile. I'm alright, You don't need to worry. Van nodded, and pushed himself into a sitting position. He was still shaking a bit, and sniffling as well, but he looked as though rationality had returned itself to him.

I think, he said quietly, toying with the hem on Hitomi's bath robe, that they may be coming after us tomorrow night. Hitomi laced her fingers with his, worried about what he had said. She gently pried his hand away from the hem of her robe and rubbed his ice cold knuckles.

Hitomi asked, noting the scratches on his arms.

I had- have a.... feeling about it, said Van. And ususally, my feelings aren't wrong. He met her gaze wih intense emotion and Hitomi felt a jolt run through her body as she realised she was wearing only a pair of short shorts, a thin spaghetti strap shirt and a robe, and he was clad in boxers. Her eyes strayed over his naked chest, which was very nice, although a bit bloody from scratches he had inflicted on himself in his sleep. His abs were well defined and Hitomi longed to reach out and feel them for herself. Instead, she tightened her bathrobe around her figure, knotting the belt around her waist and averting her eyes.

Does that feeling have to do with the dream you had? she asked, blowing a strand unsucessfully out of her eyes. Van smoothed it behind her ear and she felt him searching her face with his eyes.

he said quietly- sadly. Hitomi met his eyes, and saw nothing but pain there, and wondered how much of it had been inflicted by her. She reached over to him and hugged him tight, leaning her head against his warm chest and inhaling his sweet scent.

I'm right here, Hitomi said to him with her eyes closed. I'm fine.

But for how long? Van asked quietly, hooking his arms around her waist and looking down at her.

As long as possible, Hitomi replied, tracing circles on Van's back. I'm not going to leave you.

Thank you, Van whispered quietly, burying his face in Hitomi's hair. She sighed quietly as she listened to the comforting beating of Van's heart, and in no time both were alseep in each other's arms.

~*&*~

Are they asleep? Folken asked Merle as she peered into Van's room. She switched off the light and pulled her head out.

she nodded with a smile. They look soooo cute, she said, bouncing around a bit. Folken smiled sadly, and pulled Merle away from the door as she moved to look in again.

Let them have their privacy. Van's had a rough night. Do you know what was wrong? Folken asked her. Merle shrugged.

No idea. I think it wasn't just a nightmare, though. I think it might have had something to do with the radiation doasage mom and dad told us about. Merle shuddered, and gagged. It's disgusting what those jerks did to our baby brother. Folken, is there any way that we can help him? Undo what happened, or something? Merle asked, looking up at her big brother in concern. Folken put both hands on Merle's houlders and looked down at the top of her head.

No, Merle. Mom and Dad tried but they were killed before they could help, Folken said, his voice wavering a bit. And in comparison to their knowledge, mine is virtually none. There's nothing we can do for Van, other than keep him from dying. Folken rubbed his eyes sleepily and yawned.

Merle, I'm going back to bed, he said. Kindly go write a note for Mrs. Kanzaki explaining her daughter's wherabouts. I'm sure I can clear things up if she takes things the wrong way.

said Merle as Folken disappeared down the staris to the master bedroom. She walked into her room as well and flicked on the light, walking through the spotless room to her desk. She opened one drawer and pulled out a pink pen with a group of orange feathers on the end, and a pad of jumbo sticky notes She rubbed the feathery end against her cheek for a moment, and then scribbled down (in perfect handwriting, of course,) a short version of what had happened to Van and why Hitomi would not be found in her room.

If you have any questions or you would like to speak with my eldest brother about the matter, she wrote, feel free to call us. Merle scrawled the phone number at the bottom of the note and signed her name. Carefully, she replaced the pen in the desk and grabbed the note pad, running downstairs, out of the house and across the street. Catlike, she hopped up each branch until she reached Hitomi's window. She pushed it open and stepped into Hitomi's room. Quietly, she opened the door, plastered the sticky note to the wood, and slipped out of the house like a shadow. She returned to her house, locking the front door behind her, and slipping up to her room. She crawled into bed and snuggled under the covers, staring up at her favorite wallscroll. She sighed, rolled over, and fell asleep.

~*&*~

When Hitomi awoke the next morning, the first thing she noticed was that she was not in her own bed. The second thing she noticed was that she was laying in a heap with Van, and they were both entangled in several blankets. The third thing she noticed was that she was still wearing all her clothes. Good.

she said quietly, taking him by the shoulder and shaking him gently. Van, wake up. Hitomi remembered that Van would reach out and pull her to him, but she did nothing to prevent this from happening when he finally did.

Wake up, silly,she said, kissing him on the nose. He smiled a bit in his sleep and opened one eye.

You're something that I could wake up to every day and not get tired of, Van said with a yawn, sliding his hands into Hitomi's bathrobe and around her soft waist. Hitomi shivered pleasantly, and reached up and wrapped her fingers through his hair.

And why is that? Hitomi asked him.

Van began but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Van? Hitomi? I'm coming in, so if you're doing anything embarassing, please stop, Merle called. With a groan, Van and Hitomi seperated, sitting up and trying to disentangle themselves from the random thigns on Van's floor. Merle stepped into the room, looking at them both.

So, how did you sleep? she asked, though there was no suggestive tone in her voice.

said Hitomi, pulling a pair of boxer shorts out from under her, blushing, and tossing them over her shoulder. Of course, they hit Van in the face.

Hey! So thats where these went! he exclaimed happily. Hitomi sighed and shook her head. He was definitley doing better now.

replied Merle, looking amused. Well, then, I've made pancakes and-

Van yelled, jumping up and dashing past Merle. She spun slightly from his air current, and Hitomi stood up, dusting herself off.

And there's also eggs, bacon, and orange juice out on the table, said Merle to Hitomi, she nodded, and followed the older girl out of the room.

asked Merle quietly, do you know what was wrong with Van last night? she asked.

apologized Hitomi. I didn't want to ask him. Whatever it was, it really upset him. I think it had to do with... you know.What happened when he was little, Hitomi said.

Van told you? Merle asked.

It's his secret to tell.

Merle said, rubbing her upper arm. I guess he trusts you.

Or maybe he wants me to trust him, Hitomi said. Merle was getting a hedache from Hitomi twisting the words about.

Great pancakes, Merle, Van said when they stepped into the kitchen. Hitomi eyed the tall stack of pancakes teetering on Van's plate as he scarfed them down, five at a time, and sighed. She grabbed the remaining two that Merle had made, put them on her plate and poured syrup on them. She felt the pitcher jerked from her hands and looked up to see Van greedily upending it over his large pile of pancakes. Hitomi sighed and began eating, slightly put out by the fact that Van was digesting his pancakes at a rate five times faster than Hitomi. But then again, Hitomi rationalized, he needs all the extra food because of what had happened to him as a child. Hitomi shuddered a bit and finished with her pancakes, just as Van finished with his own large stack. He grinned, sat back, took a sip of orange juice, and then lashed out, grabbed the egg and bacon plate, and scarfed everything down in one fowl swoop. Hitomi choked and spluttered on her orange juice and he grinned at her.

What? Growing boys need lots of foo, he said, patting his belly affectionatley.

One of these days all that eating will catch up to you, said Merle, and you'll look like an old pregnant lady. Van stuck his tongue out in reply, and Hitomi giggled a bit.

Oh, I can see it now, said Merle, her eyes twinkling. She clasped her hands together by her cheek and twirled about on the tips of her toes. Unruly black hair, pale face-

Green, sparkling eyes, said Van, looking at Hitomi with an intense gaze and causing her to blush and look away.

Oh, that would be so cute, squealed Merle, hopping about around Hitomi. Just... wait until you're getting married, okay?

Hitomi squawked, her face a lovley beet red.

Oh, it'lll be so cute, Merle continued, stars in her eyes. Can I be your maid of honor?

Hitomi tried again, but was cut off agian.

No, I suppose you'll pick Yukari for that. But, oh! I can see it now...

Hitomi yelled, causing her to stop and Van to snicker. I'm only fifteen. We're not getting married any time soon. Besides, I have other things to think about than...

Having sex with Van? Merle asked with a wink, causing Van to snicker uncontrollably. Hitomi shot a death glare at Van, her cheeks distinctly pink.

Yes. No offense to either of you, but that is not very high on my list of priorities.

But it's on the list anyway, right? Van asked, leaning towards Hitomi.

Uh.... right after robbing a bank.

Can I help? Van asked eagerly, a smudge of pancake on his cheek.

said Hitomi. Just then, the phoen rang, and Hitomi thanked whoever it was on the other end for their good timing.

Merle asked, picking it up. Yes... oh, hello Ms. Kanzaki. Hitomi suddenly decided that maybe it wasn't that good that her mother had called, after all. What? ... yes, of course, I'll send her right over. Yes... oh, no, I'm very sorry for any problems this has caused.... what? Oh, thank you. Yes... yes... of course. Okay. Goodbye. Merle hung up.

Hitomi, your mom. She wants you home. Says Yukari is over there and freaking out.

Oh, okay, said Hitomi, and then looked down at her attire.

Could I possibly borrow an outfit, please? I don't want Yukari getting the wrong idea.

said Merle, dragging Hitomi upstairs. We're about the same size, so just take anything you want.

said Hitomi, looking through Merle's closet and finally deciding upon a pair of baggy jnco skater pants and a tight, baby blue spaghetti strap top. She fluffed her short hair and pulled on a pair of Merle's shoes.

Thanks, Merle, Hitomi said, dashing out of the room with her pj's slung over one arm.

You can leave those here, said Merle. Hitomi thanked her again and ran down the stairs.

Bye, Van, she said, not noticing his jaw drop at her attire. I'll see you tonight.

ab... bub.... bye, he stammered, Hitomi gave him a smile and a wave and dashed out the door, speeding across the street and hurdling over a group of bushes in less than five seconds. She threw open the door, only to be confronted by a slightly impaitent Yukari.

Took you long enough, she said.

Let me get something, said Hitomi, taking the stairs three at a time. She rubbed deodorant under her arms and grabbed her purse, slinging it over her shoulder.

So, what do you have in plan for us? Hitomi asked Yukari.

said Yukari, I was thinking that we could go out and get some hair extensions done first....

~*&*~

Later that night, Hitomi nervously fidgeted with her white, elbow legnth gloves. She looked like a bride at her wedding- sweaty, nervous, and in a very uncomfortable dress.

Yukari, are you sure this dress looks okay? she asked nervously, plucking at the midnight blue silk skirt cascading to the floor.

said Yukari, fastening Hitomi's top. It was blue silk matching to the skirt, and lace up in the back. Suck in your breath, she said.

squeaked Hitomi as Yukari pulled the strings as tight as they would go. Are you trying to suffocate me? she asked, slightly woozy from the lack of oxygen.

No, just make you pretty, replied Yukari, knotting the strings. Hitomi took a deep breath and teetered unstably on her high silver heels.

You know what corsets did to women back when they had to wear them in England and stuff? she asked, looking over her shoulder at Yukari, who was doing something with Hitomi's hair (which had gotten extensions earlier that day due to Yukari's request.)

I know, said Yukari. But you're not going to get liver problems. This is only for tonight, she said, nearly singeing Hitomi's hair with her curling iron.

she said.

Yeah yeah yeah, muttered Yukari, grabbing some hair gel and raking it through Hitomi's hair with her fingers.

Um, Yuki, what are you doing? she asked.

Hold still, Yukari replied. Hitomi did as she was told, having had first hand experience with what happened when Yukari was doing your hair and you didn't stay still. The memory still brought tears to Hitomi's eyes- and it wasn't tears of laughter or sadness, either.

Ahh! Crap, that hurt! Hitomi squawked as Yukari pulled at some strands. But, of course, Hitomi wasn't allowed to cry because it would ruin the makeup that Yukari had so artfully applied.

Hang on, you big baby, said Yukari. I'm almost done.

squeaked Hitomi, her eyes moist with pain. She made a mental note to never let Yukari do her hair again. One final tug that made Hitomi feel like Yukari was ripping her scalp off, and Yukari let go and dusted her hands. Done. You should go look in the mirror, Yukari said. Hitomi teetered over to the full legnth mirror mounted on the inside of her open closet door and stared.

A beauty, two inches taller than Hitomi, stared at her through the depths of the mirror. She looked to be a goddess, with her pale, slim figure, over which a sleek, naby blue two peice gown was draped. It fit Hitomi's curves perfectly, and her now-longer hair was mounted on the top of her head in a curling bun. Several loose, curling tendrils hung down, shimmering slightly. Around her neck was her pink pendant, with matching earrings and a bracelet. Her eyes were powdered with light blue and her lips were plush and pink.

was all Hitomi could manage. Yukari stood back and admired her handiwork.

You look nice, she said. Might I say, you look to be maybe twenty or something. Hitomi smiled, pulling at the elbow legnth white gloves again, and then picked up her matching purse.

What time is it? Hitomi asked, looking through it. Lipstick, face shimmer, eye shadow, breath mints, money... everything that would fit that was useful.

It's almost seven, said Yukari, checking her watch. Hitomi shrugged.

Did my mom ever get back? she asked.

replied Yukari. Not yet. I think you should get Folken to drive you, or something. Or Merle if you don't use her jeep because it'll mess up your hair.

Eh, Van's supposed to come get me, replied Hitomi. Driving arrangements are his deal.

Watch him get a pink limmo, snorted Yukari. She stretched, her arms held high above her head, twisting her torso back and forth a bit. That'd be amusing.

said Hitomi. Van's not that stupid...

You sure about that? Didn't he start bouncing around singing about free food after you reminded him about the party? she asked. Hitomi blushed a furious shade of pink.

Well... yes. But that's just the way Van is, Hitomi said. Yukari shrugged and walked over to inspect the pictures of Van in drag from the first few days of summer, and laughed.

You sure about that? she asked, pointing to one of Van looking pissed with his lovely makeup on. He could be a lovely girl. Hitomi glared.

I already told you that I only did that to him because he made me say that I loved him.

But it's true isn't it? asked Yukari, shaking a finger and winking. Hitomi blushed redder, and then all color drained from her face when the doorbell rang.

He's here, Hitomi stuttered. Ohmigod, Yukari, do I look alright? Do we need to tighten my dress or anything?

Hitomi, you're fine, replied Yukari with a sigh. Don't keep the poor boy waiting. Hitomi carefully made her way down the stairs and opened the door. Van was standing at the door looking very HOT in his tuxedo, though his hair was as messy as ever. He held a boquet of white roses.

Hey Van, Hitomi said shyly, tossing her hair out of her eyes. Van paled.

~*&*~

Even though Van had done everything in his power to keep this from happening, it was coming true. His dream. And he couldn't do anything to stop it.

he said, and then turned around and looked at the limmo. We can't go to the party.

Hitomi asked, obviously taken aback. She pulled Van by the shirt collar into the house and shooed Yukari away.

What do you mean? she whispered quietly. Does it have something to do with the dream you had last night? Van nodded, his eyes widened.

I can tell you exactly what will happen. We'll get in the limmo, and go to the shopping center. A wall will open up, and we'll get taken ino a car lift. It will go down and we'll drive out into an underground parking garage. You'll rip up the hem of your dress and try to run, but a girl our age with blonde hair will catch you. A boy our age with silver hair will climb out of the limmo, and they'll take us both prisoner. You'll have your memory erased. I'll be experimented on. Merle will be captured and Yukari will be brainwashed.

And my mother? Hitomi asked, her voice quiet with fear. The man in the limmo outside honked.

Van's eyes went wide.

Hitomi, your mother will die in a car crash. She may already be dead. But if we stay here, we can avoid this. We'll get the cal from the hospital and have Merle drive us down there.

But, Van, Hitomi trembled, what about Folken? Van looked away, tears visible in his eyes.

I tried to stop him, but he went to get the limmo. If my dream is right, Folken has been killed, and dumped in a bush about a mile out of town. Hitomi brought her hand up to cover her mouth, shaking. Suddenly, she dashed to the bathroom, and threw up. Van walked outside and stood maybe five feet from the limmo.

he yelled into the glass, Hitomi is sick. We can't go. Could you take the limmo back, please? The figure behind the glass nodded, and drove away. Van walked back into the house and sat down at the couch, his head in his hands. Yukari was in the bathroom, and Van could hear her talking to Hitomi.

But you're going to get kicked off the team, she said. A loud retch and a splash from Hitomi followed.

Call them and tell them I caught the flu, Hitomi said weakly. Yukari walked out of the bathroom looking confused.

She was fine an hour ago, she puzzled. Van looked up at her, and Yukari just walked past him, ignoring him. She picked up the phone and dialed, explaining why Hitomi wouldn't be present at the party. Van walked into the bathroom. where Hitomi was kneeling in front of the toilet, herdress loosened, no longer looking like a goddess.

We might want to get you into something more comfortable, Van said. Hitomi nodded and Van helped her to her feet. He picked her up and carried her up the stairs, feeling sick himself. He saw the clothes Merle had leant her neatly laid out on the bed. Yukari's voice wafted up from below, and Van could hear her explaining the predicament. Carefully, Van set Hitomi on her bed, and immediatley began to remove her top. Van turned and walked ou of the room, allowing Hitomi some privacy, and leaned against the wall.

What? Yes, of course. Yes, sir. Okay. Goodbye. Yukari hung up, and Van felt the queasiness stir in his stomach, bile sloshing around uncontrollably and rising in his throat. Suddenly, the phone rang, and Yukari answered.

Hello? What? Yes, this is the Kanzaki residence..... oh my god. Yukari let the phone clatter to the floor. She came up the stairs, pale as a ghost, and looked at Van.

We know, he said quietly. Go across the street. She will take us to the hospital.

said Yukari quietly, looking shell shocked. Hitomi came out of her room, her hair removed from the elegant hairstyle and now only a mass of ringlets hanging down past her shoulders. She twined it up in a black clip, though ome strands escaped, and pulled on a coat.

I suppose we'd better get this over with, she said to Van. He nodded and sniffed. Yukari walked down the stairs, and Van held up a finger to Hitomi. He walked into her room, pulled off his dress shirt and pants, leaving a pair of jeans and a blue tool shirt. He was glad, in an ironic sort of way, that he had seen this coming. He dumped the clothes on Hitomi's bed and walked out of the room.

I knew, he said simply when she inspected his clothing. She nodded, and took his hand. They shakily made their way down the stairs, both having lost someone dear to them. Outside, Merle was waiting in her jeep.

Van, have you seen Folken? she asked.

He went to return the limmo, he said. Merle nodded, grave, and Van and Hitomi climbed into the back, Yukari into the passenger seat. Merle sped off, and no music floated merrily around the group. Instead, death loomed over them all, and Van knew there was nothing that could be done- that he and Hitomi would be taken away by the organisation within the time of a month. And when it came to gut instincts and predictions, Van was never wrong.

The group reached the hospital and rushed into the emergency room. Hitomi signed them in, and they were led off down echoing, sterile white corridors by a nurse in green.

Miss Kanzaki, said the nurse, leading Hitomi into her mother's room. I'm afraid that your mother isn't going to make it.

Van stared at the gruesome sight before him. Mrs. Kanzaki was covered in blood and bandages, her face pale. Her hair was still done up in the neat bun from work, and her eyes opened slightly. She looked to her daughter, moving her lips a bit, and Hitomi rushed over to her parent.

Oh, mom, said Hitomi, her eyes filling with tears, running forward and taking her mother's hand as the beeping on the heart rate monitor slowed, and then stopped. whispered Hitomi, crying into the sheets covering her mother's corpse. The put a hand on Hitomi's shoulder, and led her out of the room.

I'm sorry.

~*&*~

A/N: How is that for a nice bit of angst? Gosh, it seems to be a bad habit of mine to start a chapter out all happy and fluffy and then end it with blood and angst