Hi ppl! Yay, I'm not dead! * does lil dance of joy* Thanx so much for all
your support. *sniff sniff * I love you guys! Things are finally getting
interesting in this chapter, so I hope you enjoy. Anyone who was wondering
about what happens to Dilly, all will be explained! But if you can't wait
till then, scroll down to the next A/N at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 16- Like a Prayer
The car slowed and finally stopped, just outside the house.
"We're here," Hitomi's father said.
"I know." She replied. She waited as he got out of the car and went round to her side in order to open the car door for her.
"Do you want me to get your wheelchair out?" He asked.
Hitomi could see the pain in his eyes as he said it, reminding himself.'that I'm a cripple,' Hitomi concluded bitterly. "No. I'm fine." She replied, colder than she intended.
He nodded, and said: "Let me help you then."
She said nothing but allowed her father to carry her into the house. He carefully placed her on the stairs in the hallway. "I'll be back in a minute," He said, and left to get her bags out of the car. Hitomi sighed, and feeling like a misplaced object, patiently waited for him. It had been a week after her strange dream, and she had finally been allowed to go home. She could hear her brother was playing on the playstation 2 - the sounds of simulated gunshots came bursting from the living room, with the occasional curse, as once again 007 was killed.
"Mamaru!" Her mother shouted. "Hold your tongue or swear politely!"
"Yes, Ma!" Mamaru shouted back.
Hitomi smiled. They hadn't heard her, and so she sat, unnoticed, listening to her mother's old radio and her strong, healthy footsteps as she walked across the kitchen. For a few minutes at least, she could pretend she was in a normal family, living a yfnormal life. She pretended that she was just sitting here not because she had no choice, but because she was busy planning her day. As healthy and as strong as she was, life had too many possibilities. 'First, I think I'll go for a run,' she thought. 'And then I'll.'
But Hitomi never got to finish that wistful daydream, as it was at that moment that her father walked in carrying her bags. Seeing that she was alone, he have her an inquiring glance. "Haven't they said hello to you yet, Hitomi? Mamaru, where are your manners?! Come greet your sister!"
"Hitomi?!" The shouts from the kitchen and living room sounded in usion. Hitomi heard footsteps, and saw the blurred form of her mother. Her mother knelt down and she was drawn into her mother's embrace. She was surrounded by her mother's smell- a perfect mix of safety, biscuits, perfume and love. Hitomi closed her eyes and breathed it in, cradled in her mother's arms. For a brief second, as her head rested on her mother's chest, she heard her mother's heartbeat, strong and loving on the other side.
Slowly her mother released her from the hug, and taking a good look at her, and smiled. "You look healthier than last time," she said. Hitomi tried to smile back, knowing it wasn't true.
"Hitomi!" Marmaru pushed past, and pouncing on his sister so that she fell backwards onto the stairs in a way that made her laugh, he hugged her with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. For a short period, at least, her face lit up, and she almost looked like the person she used to be.
"Come into the kitchen, it can't be very comfortable on the stairs. Are you hungry? I've made your favourite biscuits!" Her mother asked eagerly, offering a hand.
"Um, Mum, I'm really tired. I was kinda hoping to have a rest. Sorry. Maybe later okay?"
Hitomi forced her self to stand, and turned to go up the stairs, not wanting to see the hurt expression on her mother's face. Her father instantly rushed to her side. "I'll carry you, Hitomi. You're not well enough yet."
Hitomi scowled. "I'm not made of china!" she snapped.
"Yes, but - "
She held up a hand, cutting him off. She would have never been able to do that in normal circumstances. She was ill, not mad! Why was everyone so nice - no matter what?!
"Errr.I'm just going to finish my game," Mamaru muttered, retreating back to the living room. Hitomi suspected that she and her. disability embarrassed him. Like she cared! Bakas, all of them! Grabbing hold of the banister, she slowly dragged herself up the first step. It exhausted her. She rested for a few seconds, continued on to the second one.
"For goodness sake, Hitomi!" Her mother snapped. "Be sensible! You're going to tire yourself out."
Hitomi ignored her. She'd had enough of being an old woman! She wanted to be treated normally again! To be normal!
"Hitomi," Her father warned, as she stumbled over a step. Hitomi sighed in response. She glanced back, and on seeing that her pain and effort had taken her only four steps, rested her head on the wall, resignation on her face. "Fine! Help me up, then!"
Her father squeezed her shoulder, comforting her, as though he understood. Gently, he carried her to her room and laid her down on her bed.
"Is there anything else you need, darling?" Her mother asked from the doorway. "I can get you some of those biscuits if you've changed your mind- they're still warm," she added hopefully. It pained her to see Hitomi's hollowed cheeks, bony wrists and frail frame. She hadn't been eating properly recently, despite the Doctor's orders.
Hitomi shook her head, smiling. "I'm fine," she whispered.
Mum nodded. "Sleep well. I'll be downstairs if you need me."
She left the room. Hitomi turned her gaze to her father. Wasn't this his cue to leave? As though reading her mind, he kissed her forehead, and said: "Are you sure you don't need anything before I go?"
"Actually Dad, could you but this on for me?" Hitomi handed him a CD - Like a Prayer by Mad'house - and closed her eyes. "At a low volume. It's just so I can get to sleep."
She waited for a few seconds, and on hearing the music quietly pouring out from her hi-fi, smiled. "Thanks, Dad."
She opened her eyes but he was already gone. She closed them again, and let the music take a hold of her.
............................
"Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like Home."
The lush green fields of Fanelia waved and rippled as the wind blew through it. It brought a smell to her senses. It was a soft smell, sweet like the grass and fresh like the morning dew. It was so familiar, and with it, came a voice. "Hitomi!" She knew that voice. It invoked happiness in her that she hadn't felt for a long time. She turned her gaze, searching for him. She sensed, rather than felt the tiny tremor from the rolling hills and vast plains full of life. Was he coming? Was it a sign? Her heart ached with longing.
"When you call my name, It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there,"
She remembered his lean, muscular frame and his scruffy yet silky raven hair. She remembered his anger and his gentleness, and a promise she had made. It was broken. Where was he? Hitomi again felt a tremble beneath her feet as the ground shook. She trembled with it, suddenly afraid. Where was he? The beautiful fields seemed to groan as they were suddenly lowering themselves, falling away to nothingness. She backed away, terrified as gaping holes were suddenly formed in the haven of Fanelia. Even the ground she was on was slowly tilting into the dark emptiness underneath. She took a deep breath and braced herself.
"I hear your voice It's like an angel sighing I have no choice I hear your voice Feels like flying I close my eyes Although I think I'm falling Out of the sky"
She scrambled away from the gaping holes, desperately grabbing anything she could find to help her from slipping - What was happening? Why wasn't he here by her side? She reached for a hold, but missed, and slipped. With a sickening lurch, against her will she felt herself begin to fall backwards. The balance had tipped, and Hitomi knew what was to come. She could feel the rush of adrenalin, as her heart thundered against her chest. She skidded and slid down an almost vertical stretch of earth until there was none left, and she fell into the darkness. She was sick and dizzy with fright. Then came the scream, though she knew it was hopeless. "VAAAN!!"
"I close my eyes Heaven help me!"
Hitomi did not want to see her death rush up to meet her. She didn't want to look up and see her hope slip through her fingers. She shut it all out instead, screwing her eyes closed. A sob rose in her throat. He should have been here! He would have kept her safe, and she would have loved him forever. But now it was too late.
"When you call my name - "
"HITOMI!" It was him! Her eyes snapped open. Light beat back the darkness engulfing her. He was so close, they could almost touch. Her angel! He was finally here! She gasped with pleasure, happiness filling her. Death was seconds away, but a smile shone on her lips. He was reaching out to her, his beautiful wings spread out behind him, his gentle face desperate. Then, for a terrifying second, it seemed as though he wouldn't be able to reach her. Time stopped. He lunged forward and Hitomi felt a strong grip on her arm. She yelped with the sudden pain as her weight pulled down on her arm, threatening to dislocate it. He took her other arm, and took hold of her waist. She was in his arms now; she was going to be alright. She pressed close to him, crying with relief, as they flew back up together, towards the light. .....................................
Hitomi's eyes shot open, and immediately her hand went to her neck, feeling the graceful curves of the ivory feather. As she realised it was there, she gave a sigh of relief, strangely comforted from her bizarre dream. With the music finished, the house was silent and judging by the light outside, it was late. She yawned, and sat up on the bed. In the gloom she could just make out her bags (all empty) neatly placed in a corner. They must have been unpacked as she slept.
Covering her eyes against the light, Hitomi flicked on the switch of her bedside lamp. The framed photo of Yukari, Amano and her, was the first thing to greet her sight. It was resting on the bedside table, their smiling happy faces turned towards her, completely oblivious. She picked it up, studying it further. It had been on a Sports Day; Amano had just won the 100m race, and Hitomi and Yukari were going to be doing relay together. Not that either of them would ever do anything like that now. Bitterly, Hitomi replaced the picture, her mind going back to the hospital, back when she had been finally allowed to see Yukari. She looked so pale and so frail on that hospital bed, tubes sticking in and out of her. Almost as though she were already dead.
Hitomi bit back the tears, and opened her diary. She needed to be reminded of all the happy times she and Yukari had shared. As she turned the pages, she arrived to a section at the back labelled: 'Visions.'
She stared at it, unable to understand. It was her writing, but Hitomi was sure she hadn't written it. She would have remembered if she had. Curious, she skipped to the latest entry, a few months old, and began reading.
'I had the vision when I was taking a short cut home one night through the running track- the same place where I first met Van. At the beginning there was that same sickening sensation of falling, or being dragged underwater that I have every time I have a vision. In my vision I was on Gaea, and I think I was in Fanelia. It was completely rebuilt, and all the streets were decorated with flowers and banners. It looked like a huge festival was about to take place. I then saw a girl with long curly hair sitting at a dresser looking into the mirror. There are at least five servants fussing over her clothes and hair. Her dress is beautiful, even better than Milerna's wedding dress. Next I see the girl holding Van's arm, smiling. They are walking on a red carpet and there are people on either side. That's when I realise they're walking up the aisle- they are going to get married.'
Trembling, Hitomi suddenly realised what this was. Answers. "Just you wait, Van. I'll find out who you are," She whispered.
ATTENTION! SPOILER!
Okay! The reason why Dilly hasn't taken over Hitomi's body is simply because he can't - he's not strong enough any more. This because after Hitomi was touched by The Power, she still has some of it in her, which makes her incredibly strong (in the magical sense of the word). Hitomi is suffering from a "genetic illness" because of the effects having so much power - it actually killed her for a few hours, remember, so she needs time for her body to heal and to come to terms with thbe changes that have happened inside her. Phew! Does that make sense now? Hope so! Anyways, so Dilly has taken over someone who has less resistance to these things than most people, because they were born a blank page, making it easy to project images on. A fellow albino.
Chapter 16- Like a Prayer
The car slowed and finally stopped, just outside the house.
"We're here," Hitomi's father said.
"I know." She replied. She waited as he got out of the car and went round to her side in order to open the car door for her.
"Do you want me to get your wheelchair out?" He asked.
Hitomi could see the pain in his eyes as he said it, reminding himself.'that I'm a cripple,' Hitomi concluded bitterly. "No. I'm fine." She replied, colder than she intended.
He nodded, and said: "Let me help you then."
She said nothing but allowed her father to carry her into the house. He carefully placed her on the stairs in the hallway. "I'll be back in a minute," He said, and left to get her bags out of the car. Hitomi sighed, and feeling like a misplaced object, patiently waited for him. It had been a week after her strange dream, and she had finally been allowed to go home. She could hear her brother was playing on the playstation 2 - the sounds of simulated gunshots came bursting from the living room, with the occasional curse, as once again 007 was killed.
"Mamaru!" Her mother shouted. "Hold your tongue or swear politely!"
"Yes, Ma!" Mamaru shouted back.
Hitomi smiled. They hadn't heard her, and so she sat, unnoticed, listening to her mother's old radio and her strong, healthy footsteps as she walked across the kitchen. For a few minutes at least, she could pretend she was in a normal family, living a yfnormal life. She pretended that she was just sitting here not because she had no choice, but because she was busy planning her day. As healthy and as strong as she was, life had too many possibilities. 'First, I think I'll go for a run,' she thought. 'And then I'll.'
But Hitomi never got to finish that wistful daydream, as it was at that moment that her father walked in carrying her bags. Seeing that she was alone, he have her an inquiring glance. "Haven't they said hello to you yet, Hitomi? Mamaru, where are your manners?! Come greet your sister!"
"Hitomi?!" The shouts from the kitchen and living room sounded in usion. Hitomi heard footsteps, and saw the blurred form of her mother. Her mother knelt down and she was drawn into her mother's embrace. She was surrounded by her mother's smell- a perfect mix of safety, biscuits, perfume and love. Hitomi closed her eyes and breathed it in, cradled in her mother's arms. For a brief second, as her head rested on her mother's chest, she heard her mother's heartbeat, strong and loving on the other side.
Slowly her mother released her from the hug, and taking a good look at her, and smiled. "You look healthier than last time," she said. Hitomi tried to smile back, knowing it wasn't true.
"Hitomi!" Marmaru pushed past, and pouncing on his sister so that she fell backwards onto the stairs in a way that made her laugh, he hugged her with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. For a short period, at least, her face lit up, and she almost looked like the person she used to be.
"Come into the kitchen, it can't be very comfortable on the stairs. Are you hungry? I've made your favourite biscuits!" Her mother asked eagerly, offering a hand.
"Um, Mum, I'm really tired. I was kinda hoping to have a rest. Sorry. Maybe later okay?"
Hitomi forced her self to stand, and turned to go up the stairs, not wanting to see the hurt expression on her mother's face. Her father instantly rushed to her side. "I'll carry you, Hitomi. You're not well enough yet."
Hitomi scowled. "I'm not made of china!" she snapped.
"Yes, but - "
She held up a hand, cutting him off. She would have never been able to do that in normal circumstances. She was ill, not mad! Why was everyone so nice - no matter what?!
"Errr.I'm just going to finish my game," Mamaru muttered, retreating back to the living room. Hitomi suspected that she and her. disability embarrassed him. Like she cared! Bakas, all of them! Grabbing hold of the banister, she slowly dragged herself up the first step. It exhausted her. She rested for a few seconds, continued on to the second one.
"For goodness sake, Hitomi!" Her mother snapped. "Be sensible! You're going to tire yourself out."
Hitomi ignored her. She'd had enough of being an old woman! She wanted to be treated normally again! To be normal!
"Hitomi," Her father warned, as she stumbled over a step. Hitomi sighed in response. She glanced back, and on seeing that her pain and effort had taken her only four steps, rested her head on the wall, resignation on her face. "Fine! Help me up, then!"
Her father squeezed her shoulder, comforting her, as though he understood. Gently, he carried her to her room and laid her down on her bed.
"Is there anything else you need, darling?" Her mother asked from the doorway. "I can get you some of those biscuits if you've changed your mind- they're still warm," she added hopefully. It pained her to see Hitomi's hollowed cheeks, bony wrists and frail frame. She hadn't been eating properly recently, despite the Doctor's orders.
Hitomi shook her head, smiling. "I'm fine," she whispered.
Mum nodded. "Sleep well. I'll be downstairs if you need me."
She left the room. Hitomi turned her gaze to her father. Wasn't this his cue to leave? As though reading her mind, he kissed her forehead, and said: "Are you sure you don't need anything before I go?"
"Actually Dad, could you but this on for me?" Hitomi handed him a CD - Like a Prayer by Mad'house - and closed her eyes. "At a low volume. It's just so I can get to sleep."
She waited for a few seconds, and on hearing the music quietly pouring out from her hi-fi, smiled. "Thanks, Dad."
She opened her eyes but he was already gone. She closed them again, and let the music take a hold of her.
............................
"Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like Home."
The lush green fields of Fanelia waved and rippled as the wind blew through it. It brought a smell to her senses. It was a soft smell, sweet like the grass and fresh like the morning dew. It was so familiar, and with it, came a voice. "Hitomi!" She knew that voice. It invoked happiness in her that she hadn't felt for a long time. She turned her gaze, searching for him. She sensed, rather than felt the tiny tremor from the rolling hills and vast plains full of life. Was he coming? Was it a sign? Her heart ached with longing.
"When you call my name, It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a prayer You know I'll take you there,"
She remembered his lean, muscular frame and his scruffy yet silky raven hair. She remembered his anger and his gentleness, and a promise she had made. It was broken. Where was he? Hitomi again felt a tremble beneath her feet as the ground shook. She trembled with it, suddenly afraid. Where was he? The beautiful fields seemed to groan as they were suddenly lowering themselves, falling away to nothingness. She backed away, terrified as gaping holes were suddenly formed in the haven of Fanelia. Even the ground she was on was slowly tilting into the dark emptiness underneath. She took a deep breath and braced herself.
"I hear your voice It's like an angel sighing I have no choice I hear your voice Feels like flying I close my eyes Although I think I'm falling Out of the sky"
She scrambled away from the gaping holes, desperately grabbing anything she could find to help her from slipping - What was happening? Why wasn't he here by her side? She reached for a hold, but missed, and slipped. With a sickening lurch, against her will she felt herself begin to fall backwards. The balance had tipped, and Hitomi knew what was to come. She could feel the rush of adrenalin, as her heart thundered against her chest. She skidded and slid down an almost vertical stretch of earth until there was none left, and she fell into the darkness. She was sick and dizzy with fright. Then came the scream, though she knew it was hopeless. "VAAAN!!"
"I close my eyes Heaven help me!"
Hitomi did not want to see her death rush up to meet her. She didn't want to look up and see her hope slip through her fingers. She shut it all out instead, screwing her eyes closed. A sob rose in her throat. He should have been here! He would have kept her safe, and she would have loved him forever. But now it was too late.
"When you call my name - "
"HITOMI!" It was him! Her eyes snapped open. Light beat back the darkness engulfing her. He was so close, they could almost touch. Her angel! He was finally here! She gasped with pleasure, happiness filling her. Death was seconds away, but a smile shone on her lips. He was reaching out to her, his beautiful wings spread out behind him, his gentle face desperate. Then, for a terrifying second, it seemed as though he wouldn't be able to reach her. Time stopped. He lunged forward and Hitomi felt a strong grip on her arm. She yelped with the sudden pain as her weight pulled down on her arm, threatening to dislocate it. He took her other arm, and took hold of her waist. She was in his arms now; she was going to be alright. She pressed close to him, crying with relief, as they flew back up together, towards the light. .....................................
Hitomi's eyes shot open, and immediately her hand went to her neck, feeling the graceful curves of the ivory feather. As she realised it was there, she gave a sigh of relief, strangely comforted from her bizarre dream. With the music finished, the house was silent and judging by the light outside, it was late. She yawned, and sat up on the bed. In the gloom she could just make out her bags (all empty) neatly placed in a corner. They must have been unpacked as she slept.
Covering her eyes against the light, Hitomi flicked on the switch of her bedside lamp. The framed photo of Yukari, Amano and her, was the first thing to greet her sight. It was resting on the bedside table, their smiling happy faces turned towards her, completely oblivious. She picked it up, studying it further. It had been on a Sports Day; Amano had just won the 100m race, and Hitomi and Yukari were going to be doing relay together. Not that either of them would ever do anything like that now. Bitterly, Hitomi replaced the picture, her mind going back to the hospital, back when she had been finally allowed to see Yukari. She looked so pale and so frail on that hospital bed, tubes sticking in and out of her. Almost as though she were already dead.
Hitomi bit back the tears, and opened her diary. She needed to be reminded of all the happy times she and Yukari had shared. As she turned the pages, she arrived to a section at the back labelled: 'Visions.'
She stared at it, unable to understand. It was her writing, but Hitomi was sure she hadn't written it. She would have remembered if she had. Curious, she skipped to the latest entry, a few months old, and began reading.
'I had the vision when I was taking a short cut home one night through the running track- the same place where I first met Van. At the beginning there was that same sickening sensation of falling, or being dragged underwater that I have every time I have a vision. In my vision I was on Gaea, and I think I was in Fanelia. It was completely rebuilt, and all the streets were decorated with flowers and banners. It looked like a huge festival was about to take place. I then saw a girl with long curly hair sitting at a dresser looking into the mirror. There are at least five servants fussing over her clothes and hair. Her dress is beautiful, even better than Milerna's wedding dress. Next I see the girl holding Van's arm, smiling. They are walking on a red carpet and there are people on either side. That's when I realise they're walking up the aisle- they are going to get married.'
Trembling, Hitomi suddenly realised what this was. Answers. "Just you wait, Van. I'll find out who you are," She whispered.
ATTENTION! SPOILER!
Okay! The reason why Dilly hasn't taken over Hitomi's body is simply because he can't - he's not strong enough any more. This because after Hitomi was touched by The Power, she still has some of it in her, which makes her incredibly strong (in the magical sense of the word). Hitomi is suffering from a "genetic illness" because of the effects having so much power - it actually killed her for a few hours, remember, so she needs time for her body to heal and to come to terms with thbe changes that have happened inside her. Phew! Does that make sense now? Hope so! Anyways, so Dilly has taken over someone who has less resistance to these things than most people, because they were born a blank page, making it easy to project images on. A fellow albino.
