A/N: Oh god... it's June 11. JUNE! Aiyeeeeesh. I've been slacking off on this way too much. Sorry, guys. But had real life shit to deal with (I'm sure you all know the feeling) and I was in Disney World all last week. But, yeah. So, here we are. The much awaited chapter nine.

Disclaimer: see chapter1

~the ninth chapter~

Hitomi sniffled, rolled up in her comforter, her eyes blotchy from tears. A knock sounded at her door, and she buried further into her cocoon of blankets.

Come in, she said, her voice muffled from sobbing and the layers of blankets surrounding her. She instantly knew it was Van when the door shut quietly. Merle never shut the door. Hitomi resisted the urge to laugh at herself. She was thinking about who would shut doors or not when her mother was dead?

Hey, Hitomi, said Van, sitting down next to her on the bed. Hitomi sniffled, only her sandy brown, lumpy extensions showing from one end of the blankets and her feet sticking out from the other.

Hey Van, Hitomi replied, feeling him wrap his warm arms around her middle. Any news on Folken? Folken had been found not long after the car crash had happened, mostly dead in a bush. He was in intensive care in the hospital, and nobody except Merle, Van, and Hitomi were allowed to visit him.

He's still comatose, said Van, but other than that, his condition is getting better. Merle's gone to visit him.

said Hitomi, venturing out of her blankets and clinging to Van.

What's going to happen to me? she sniffled, burrowing into his chest. He held her protectivley, rocking her back and forth.

I don't know, he said. I don't know.

~*&*~

Allen sat at his desk, puffing on a cigar and tapping his fingers together.

So, you see, said Dilandau, Celena nodding next to him, if we were to hack the government files and alter them, reading you to be a blood relation, we might be able to acheive custody of the girl. It would undoubtably lure the test subject back, and we would also get the proceeds from the Olympic activities, further boosting our organization's fundings. Dilandau looked hopefully at Allen, and Celena gulped.

Interesting, Mister Albatou, said Allen, peering at Dilandau through the gloom. It is undoubatbly a good plan. However, the only proeblem I see is existing relations.

Well, you see, said Celena, stepping forward and laying several papers on her brother's desk, I took the liberty of hacking into the government files- no alterations, of course. What I found was very interesting. Apparently, there is a father and a brother. The parents were divorced, and the father will be taking the brother to America. There are no relations on either the father or the mother's side. So, we just edit some of these files here to show that we're a distant relation, and we're in business. Celena looked up at her brother and stepped back to stand next to Dilandau again. Allen shuffled through the papers, and looked up at the two teenagers.

I will give your plan careful consideration, he said. In the meantime, you are excused and free for the rest of the day.

Yes, sir, they said, bowing in unison and turning to leave.

Oh, and Albatou, said Allen, You need to check up with the scientists.

Yes, sir, said Dilandau, looking unhappy. Allen smirked twistedly as the two left the room and split up, Dilandau going left and Celena going right. His expression turned pensive as he looked down at the pile of papers on the desk, shuffling the pages about and reading through. Halfway through the seventeenth page, his mind began to wander to his younger sister, and Albatou.

Why, why oh why had he allowed the scientists to do the alteration experiments on his baby sister?


Brother? Brother, what's going on?

Don't worry, Celena. You've gotten sick. The scientists will cure you.

Brother! Brother, it hurts! Make them stop. Make them stop......


The dull screaming echoing between Allen's ears caused the blonde to rub his eyes and set the papers down.

Mister Shezar? The expirement is complete. Your sister's DNA has been altered enough so that she will be the perfect agent.

What did you do with her genetic faults?

We performed a DNA replication, sir.

You've created a seperate being?

Yes, sir. Unfortunatley, the boy is unstable...


Allen's head snapped up at the knock at his door.

he said, sitting up straight and collecting himself. Gaddess stepped in, holding a clipboard and a pen.

Mister Shezar, sir, he said, walking over to Allen's desk, We need a few signatures.

What for? asked Allen, taking the clipboard and pen and reading through the page.

We need the signature to acquire the parts for our mecha research... Allen finished reading through the page, and then scribbled his signature at the bottom on the line.

How is the research coming? asked Allen.

It's coming very well, sir, said Gaddess. About a few more months and we should have a breakthrough.

Good, good, said Allen. Gaddess bowed and left, and Allen looked back to the pile of papers back on the desk.

Kanzaki Hitomi...

He reached for the buzzer on his desk and pressed the button once.

Agent C, came the familiar sound of his sister's voice.

said Allen, reclining in his chair, put the plan into action.

Yes sir.

~*&*~

Hitomi fidgited nervously with her comforter, twitching it occasionally. She blearily looked around her room, sniffling occasionally and rubbing her red eyes.

Several hours ago, Hitomi had recieved a phone call informing her that she would be moving in to live with a distant relation of hers- a man and his sister who went by the name of Hitomi inwardly wondered whether or not it was the same Shezar as the owner of the Shezar Shopping Centers. Probably more than likley.

Van said quietly, wrapping his arms around Hitomi's stomach. Hitomi leaned back on him, feeling the hopeless sort of despair surrounding them both.

I don't want to go, Van, she said softly. I don't want to leave you.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, Van said softly to Hitomi, rocking her. She sniffled and nodded.

I promise that I won't let this kill me, Van. I promise that I'll come back to you.

~*&*~

Hitomi sat dully in the back of the limmo. Everything from the past few weeks had been a blur, starting with her mothers death. Hitomi leaned her head against the window, watching as the limmo headed straight for a brick wall. She knew that she was being taken away by the organization. She knew there was nothing possible for her to do to stop it.

The limmo drove into a lift, and Hitomi watched as dim, artificial lighting took control. They had not been in the lift more than a minute when the limmo drove out and into a dim parking garage. Hitomi nervously twirled the ring that Van had given her as a parting gift, sniffling as the limmo came to a stop. There was a tall, blonde man standing in wait, with a silver haired boy on one side of him, and a blonde haired girl on the other side. Behind them were numerous workers. Hitomi allowed herself to be escorted out of the car.

Miss Kanzaki Hitomi, said the tall blonde man, walking towards her. The olympian. How very nice to see that you have joined us at last. A shiver ran up Hitomi's spine, but she remained tall, her chin held proud.

It's so nice to see, added the man, that you're in good health. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Allen Shezar. Doubtless you already know my name. The boy with the silver hair is Dilandau Albatou. The girl with the blonde hair is Celena Shezar. We're pleased to welcome you here, Miss Kanzaki, but I am afraid that if you speak of the existence of thie organization to any one, you will be exterminated. Any questions?

Hitomi held her chin high, trembling but refusing to bow. Allen smiled.

Good. Now then. Celena will lead you to your room. You will not contact me without extreme need, and you will only adress me as sir. Breakfast at eight, lunch at noon, and dinner at six. You'll be eating with the rest of the workers here. Celena and Dilandau will show you around and be your guides. You got any problems, take it to them. Are we clear?

Hitomi said softly. Allen smiled again.

Excellent. Celena! he barked. The blonde girl hurried forward, not even looking at Hitomi. Show Miss Kanzaki to her room.

Yes, sir. Celena flicked a signal at Dilandau, who hurried over to Hitomi (scowling at Celena) and picked up her few bags. Let's go, Kanzaki, Celena said icily, setting off down the hall at a brisk pace.

What're you all doing? Get back to work? Dilandau barked at a group of boys in blue. They jumped and ran off down one corridor, while Celena shooed away the rest of the workers. Hitomi followed the swiftly walking blonde down several hallways, feeling nervous as they turned several corners. Celena stopped her at a key pad and quickly punched in a code, causing two metal doors to slide open, revealing another hallway. This one, though, had carpeted floors, and the atmosphere was less foreboding.There was nobody in sight now, and Celena slowed down. She turned to face Hitomi, and began to walk backwards.

said Celena to a slightly astounded Hitomi. I'm sorry about Mr. Shezar- he doesn't put too much emotional attachment on people.

A regular asshole, grunted Dilandau. Hitomi looked around the corridor nervously.

Aren't you worried about cameras? she asked, checking all the shadowed corners. Celena gave a weak smile.

No. There aren't any cameras in this corridor. It's the dormitory corridor for the higher agents and yourself, and is the most secure hall, next to Mr. Shezar's. Hitomi wondered again why she refused to adress the man as her brother, and decided that she didn't know.

They don't have any reason to monitor this hallway, grunted Dilandau, dropping a suitcase but catching it with his foot. Only those with coded access can get in, which is only me, my men, Celena here and soon to be you. Cel, help me out with these suitcases!

sniffed Celena. You put a rat in my bed. You know I hate rats. Dilandau grinned mischeviously.

Well, excuse me, he said. I didn't think Miss I'm-the-best-spy-so-shut-up-Albatou would be afraid of a little rat...

At least I'm not afraid of water, retorted Celena. Dilandau grumbled something about fire and nearly dropped another suitcase. Hitomi smiled slightly- they didn't seem to be so bad. What was she thinking?! These were her enemies. These were the people that had tortured Van.

Hitomi stopped smiling.

And this is your room, said Celena, rapping the metal door with her knuckle. She pressed her hand against the access pad and the door slid open. Hitomi stepped in and quickly moved out of the way for Dilandau, who dahsed in balancing several suitcases. They fell to the floor with a crash, and Celena sighed, shaking her head.

My room is the one on the left of this, said Celena, and Dilandau's is directly across the hall from mine. I'm guessing you want to be alone for a while, so shall I come get you at dinner?

Yes, please, said Hitomi quietly, looking down. Dilandau brushed himself off and walked over to Celena.

You need anything, just ask, said Dilandau. Hitomi nodded.

I will. Celena dragged Dilandau out of the room and the door hissed shut. Hitomi looked to her suitcases on the ground, and piled them neatly by the closet. She then laid down on her disgustingly huge bed, twirling her ring around and gazing at it.

Oh. Van....

Hitomi began to cry.

~*&*~

Dilandau pressed his ear to the door, hearing the soft sobbing. Celena dragged him away from the metal by the collar.

You jerk, she hissed. Give the poor girl some privacy.

I think she'd make a good Dragonslayer, Dilandau stated firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Dragonslayer? What does that have to do with anything? Celena asked in exasperation, setting off down the hallway with Dilandau next to her.

It might make her feel better? Dilandau offered.

Oh yeah, sure, snorted Celena. Dilandau, you've forgotten. She thinks of us as her enemies.

Aren't we, though? Dilandau asked gravely. We're just using her as bait and for money...

Celena stopped and sighed. Yes... yes, I suppose you're right.

Then why not make her feel like she actually contributes, rather than is just here as bait and for the income? he asked.

Celena looked to Hitomi's door.

I don't know... it could wreck her reputation as an olympian.

We could teach her not to get caught. Like us.

said Celena hesitantly.

~*&*~

Van sat, staring down at his mug of tea, at the kitchen table. Across from him, Merle sniffled. Van gulped down some of his tea, and then slammed his mug violently down on the table.

Van, please don't break my mug, said Merle, her eyes red and bleary.

Van cursed quietly. Hitomi's as good as dead. She's with that damned Shezar...

But there's nothing we can do! sobbed Merle, clutching her napkin to her face. How can we help her, Van? How can we get her away from him, without sacrificing you?

I would gladly sacrifice myself to save her, Van said angrily.

But it won't do any good, replied Merle sadly. They'll be keeping her for the income she brings in from the olympics. You're just a bonus.

I know... I know.... said Van quietly, sadly. I just don't want to see her come to harm like I did.

sniffled Merle. They won't be able to hurt her.

Just erase her memory, replied Van sadly. Merle sniffled with a nod. I just wish there was something we could do...

~*&*~

Hitomi laid on her bed, turning the ring from Van over in her hands, remembering their parting.

said Van, hugging her close as she cried quietly, I wish there was some way I could keep you from going.

I don't want to leave, Hitomi sniffled. Van rocked her back and forth, and then dug into his pocket. When he pulled his hand out, a simple silver band with an emerald embedded in it rested in his palm. Hitomi took it with a gasp.

Oh, Van... it's beautiful. Hitomi turned it over in her hands, admiring it from every angle.

I was going to give it to you the night of the party... Hitomi slipped the ring onto her hand, and twined her arms around Van's neck.

Van, I love you, she said, choking up a bit. Don't ever, ever forget that.

I won't, he said, leaning down to meet her lips. One last beautiful, breathtaking kiss...

A car horn honked.

I promise that I'll come back to you...



Hitomi wiped the stinging tears at the edges of her eyes away and buried her face in her pillow. A knock sounded at her door. Hitomi sat up and hid the ring under a vase of flowers, swiping at her eyes.

Come in, she called, willing her voice not to crack. Celena stepped into the room, the door sliding almost silently shut behind her.

Celena asked. Dinner will be ready in a few. Would you like some help cleaning up?

I'll be fine, Hitomi sniffled. Celena raised one eyebrow at the girl's rumpled attire. I think.

Alright then, said Celena, patting Hitomi on the back. Um.. Hitomi... said Celena, we may not have the best of pasts, and we might not be in the best of situations. But I think it would help us both out worlds if you and I could be friends... she cleared her throat nervously, and Hitomi looked up.

I don't know if I can trust you... Hitomi said. Celena held out her hand, revealing several small, black chips.

Hitomi, these are memory chips. Mr. Shezar was going to have a chip planted in your shoulder and your memory erased, but I wouldn't let him.

They were going to erase my memory? Hitomi gasped, horrified. Celena nodded gravely.

As a sign of friendship, I kept them from doing so. I hope that you can trust me.... Hitomi looked down at the chips in Celena's hand, and picked one up, turning it over. She placed the chip back down on Celena's hand.

These chips, Celena continued, are one of a kind. They're impossible to replicate, and a scientist only has one chance at properly creating this chip. It's specific to the DNA, you see... Hitomi wondered what Celena was getting at. A grin spread across the other girl's face, and quite suddenly, Celena had smashed the chips against the wall next to Hitomi.

Hitomi's eyes went wide as she looked back up at the wildly grinning Celena.

Ready for dinner?

~*&*~

A/N: Okay, okay, I know it was short, and probably rather disappointing, but I'm doing my best, here! I don't know when you can expect the next chapter, but.. meh. Feel free to flame me for this chapter, and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

~Azure