AN: I'm baaaaaaaack! Wow, it's been a while. Way too long for me. Way, way...*I think they get the point* OK, so, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, see how long it's been? I've been busy. Lots of things 2 do while the site was down. Neways, I hope u like this chapter. It's pretty long so....
Chapter 3
"Ok, I'm ready. Let's go, we've got work to do." Hitomi said as she walked to the door. Allen stood to follow her but, stopped to elbow Van. Mumbling threats to Allen, Van stood and walked toward Hitomi.
She had captivated him once again. Her appearance wasn't anything out of the ordinary to any normal person. She wore a pair of jean shorts and a white baby tee. To Van she looked absolutely beautiful.
"So, what exactly are we doing Hitomi?" Allen asked.
"Going down town. I know someone that's going to help us out. I should be getting their call in about ten minutes from now. After that, we're going to find Escaflowne." Hitomi explained.
"Why do we need help to find it anyway?" Van asked.
"Because the place where it's being hidden is mostly guarded and I have no idea where it is. All I know is that it's a laboratory or something like that. Did you expect to be able to find it without help?" She asked adding a hint of annoyance.
*Still the same Van.* She thought to herself. Van sighed and continued walking in silence, thus giving her the chance to finally look him over. She hadn't done so yet and decided to take the chance while she could.
Van had previously engaged himself in a conversation with Allen and didn't notice Hitomi watching him. Hitomi on the other hand was fixated with the mass of raven black hair that had carelessly placed itself in front of his eyes.
*He's changed a lot over the past six years. When did he get so tall anyway? * She thought as they walked.
Among noticing how tall he had gotten, she noticed how tired he now looked. His normally flaming reddish brown eyes were now calm and stressed. He had maintained his regal air though, she figured that it was how he was raised. Being a king and all left no room for the fun, laid back things that she could do.
Van glanced at over to find her looking in his direction. The look was all too familiar to him until she looked past him to Allen. Had she known it had hurt him deeply to do so she would have seen the expression on his face.
"So, Allen. What exactly were you doing in Fanelia anyway?" She asked.
*I hope that worked. Geez Hitomi, smart move. Let him catch you sizing him up. Next thing you know you'll be....what am I talking about?!? I really need a caffeine fix.*
"Just...getting away." Allen said, rather hesitantly. She arched a brow and was about to inquire about it when they came to the intersection. The coolness of someone's hand pulling her back got her attention. She looked down to see that Van had grabbed her wrist and pulled her back onto the sidewalk. Only after she registered his cold hand and the honking horns did she realize what she had done.
"You'd think I'd pay more attention to where I was going. Thank you." She muttered. Van released her hand and continued his stare of the strange moving things in front of him.
"They're called cars Van. Well, cars, trucks, buses. Whatever you see is for transportation. Just like carriages and Levi-ships." She explained, watching as he looked from her to the road again. She sighed a slightly inaudible sigh and closed her eyes.
"Hitomi? Where is that ringing noise coming from?" Allen asked.
"Huh? Um..oh!" She fumbled threw her purse and pulled out a small black device that was singing.
"It's my cell phone! Kai told me he'd call me and tell me where I needed to go. Hello?" She said, speaking into the small flip phone. They stood there for a few minutes then, she closed the phone and put it back in her purse.
"Where going to meet him at his place then, we'll go find Paige. This way." She explained. They followed in silence as she led the way.
"Well, well. Haven't seen you in a while."
"Same here. It's good to see you." Hitomi said as she hugged the man that was now standing in the apartment door they had arrived at.
"I see you're wearing the wild strawberry perfume I got you."
"Yeah, and the silky black thong you got to match the set. Too bad you can't see it. It fits pretty good." She said in a seductive tone. Allen had to do a double take to make sure it was even her. Van was practically glaring daggers at this new man who he didn't know or want to know for that matter.
"You're such a tease Hitomi."
"You don't get enough from Paige so you should know better then to tempt me. Don't try looking either because I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something that's stuck up my..."
"Hi Hitomi!" A little girl yelled from a hidden area of the apartment.
"Care to finish that sentence?"
"Not in the presence of children. Maybe later. Hi Traya" She yelled back.
"Um...I think introductions are in need."
"Sorry, this is Allen and Van. I'll explain on the way. Guys, this is Kai." She said. Van nodded but, remained silent while Allen said hello.
"Strong silent types. Nice work Hitomi." Kai teased, showing them into the kitchen. Traya was sitting in front of a chess board pondering on what piece to move.
" What'cha up to Traya?" Hitomi asked.
"Trying to beat me at chess again. Everybody should know I'm the best." Kai said. Hitomi stood behind the girl and eyed the chess pieces. Taking one of Traya's pieces, she successfully moved it to the other side of the board.
"Check mate!" She yelled, waving Kai's king in his face. Kai's mouth dropped to the table as he took the piece from her.
"Stole your king. Who's the best now?" She teased.
"How? Wha..." He muttered. Traya laughed and jumped from her seat.
"Bye guys!" She yelled as she ran from the apartment.
"Let's go, we don't have much time." Hitomi said. Kai finally closed his mouth and put the piece with the others.
"Women. Figures." He muttered walking out the door.
"So, what has Paige been up to since I've seen her last?" Hitomi asked.
"The usual. Sending viruses to major government officials and disrupting evil plans to take over our world with demonic computerized clones." Kai explained in a laid back tone.
"What?" Hitomi asked.
"Same ol', same ol'. Whatever the hacker can do to defeat the forces of evil over the computer, she does. Answer your questions?" He asked.
"Guess so. Interesting way to put it." She muttered.
"So, do your friends speak or are they mute?"
Van looked up in annoyance at Kai. He didn't feel like talking to him or anyone since he arrived here. Why start now? It would most likely lead to trouble anyway. Besides, what did he have to say to someone who was apparently a bigger flirt then Allen. If that's even remotely possible. Or was jealousy rearing it's ugly head? He shook his head to clear the unworthy thoughts that were raising and concentrated on the cracks in the sidewalk.
"They're...not from around here. You could say they're...from another planet." She hinted. Allen smirked and walked closer to Hitomi.
"Giving the secret away so soon Hitomi?" He whispered.
"At least someone has a sense of humor." Kai replied.
"Don't comment on that Allen. Are we there yet?" Hitomi asked.
"Yeah, see that building?"
"Yup."
"We're not going there."
The entire group sweatdropped at the statement and Hitomi whacked Kai over the head.
"Sorry, gee, tough crowd or what? We're going under it." Kai explained.
"Under?" Allen asked.
"Yes under. The entire lab has been moved for security purposes. Nobody knows about it but, I can get you guys in through Paige's security team. I am part of it after all." Kai said.
"Let's go then, we don't have all night." Hitomi yelled.
"Patience is a virtue you know." Kai muttered.
"Too bad it's not mine at the moment. This is very important Kai." She retaliated.
"Ok, ok. I think you've got that thong pulled up to high Hitomi."
"Don't start Kai. I know Paige has a mallet somewhere in there."
"Fine, I give up, let's go."
Going through the many tunnels, Kai explained the reasons for the sudden move. To Hitomi the tunnels looked like something from a horror movie. All dark and damp until the finished ones finally came to view.
"...we left the back tunnels like that so no one would be interested in investigating them. So far so good. Paige pretty much lives here now. She's moved all her things into a room and calls it home. The only time I can get her out is if I trick her." Kai said.
"She needs a vacation." Hitomi said. They turned a corner and came to an enormous metal door. Kai pressed a few buttons on a security pad attached to the wall and the door beeped.
"Here we go. Keep all hands and feet in the ride at all times."
The door slowly swung open to reveal another corridor and yet another door. Kai walked over to the door, knocked then waited for someone to answer. A metal plate opened up and two brown eyes peered out. Closing the lid again, the brown eyed person opened the door.
"Who's that?" A man asked, pointing to Hitomi and company.
"Don't mind Tri, he's new. Tri, this is Hitomi Kanzaki and her friends, Van and Allen. They are here to see Paige on important matters." Kai explained.
"Does she know?" Tri asked.
"No."
"Then, why should I let them in?"
"Tri, don't start with me today. Just let us through. Does it look like they're carrying bombs?" Kai asked.
"You never know."
"We just want to see Paige." Hitomi said.
"I don't think I was talking to you now was I?" Tri snapped. Van, for the first time all day looked at Tri with pure hatred and spoke in a low tone. Allen noted it and positioned himself closer to him in case the young king had a sudden burst of energy and pummeled the man.
"Don't raise your voice to her again."
The sentence, as plain and simple as it was, made Hitomi shiver. The iciness in his voice gave off a type of authority as well as a dare. He was waiting for Tri to drive him over the edge.
"He's right Tri. You shouldn't talk to Paige's friends in that manner." Kai said.
"No woman should be treated like that and I must suggest you apologize immediately" Allen warned.
"I'd do it Tri. That's the first sentence I've heard him say all day and the daggers he's shooting at you could only mean one thing. Let it go or get your ass kicked. Your choice though personally, I'd go with the first one 'cause he looks a little on the crazy side right now." Kai said. Tri grumbled and apology to Hitomi who was trying not to laugh. They walked through the doors, Allen dragging Van so he wouldn't beat the life out of Tri.
"That was the most exciting thing I've witnessed all day. Sorry about Tri. He's new and an ass but, he's good at what he does. Paige will whip him into shape soon. He needs to learn his manners. I don't think you'll have any more problems with him though since quiet boy over there seems to have a soft spot for you Hitomi." Kai said. Hitomi blushed and turned away from him to come in eye contact with no other than Van himself. Had he known why she was blushing he might not have felt as jealous as he did.
"Hey Kai! You brought visitors!"
"Hi Sonya. You remember Hitomi. These are her friends Van and Allen." Kai said. A woman with dark shoulder length purple hair came out from behind a desk to properly meet the trio. Hitomi watched her like a hawk as she approached Allen and Van. Allen looked like he had been smacked with a mallet and Van just stood there rolling his eyes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sonya." Allen said, kissing her hand.
"Hasn't change one bit I see." Hitomi muttered. Van was speechless when he heard her. It was just about the third time she had said anything to him all day and it shocked him.
"Never has, never will." He replied.
"Well, well. You've got good taste Hitomi. Mind if take them off your hands?" Sonya asked.
"Yes, I do mind. They're out of your league Sonya. Way out of your league." Hitomi replied, stepping closer to the two men in question. Sonya backed away and turned to go back to her desk.
"Green's not a good shade for you Hitomi. You'd think you had something going on with them." Kai whispered.
"Stop doing that!" Hitomi muttered as she took the lead to find Paige. Kai snickered and led the way for Van and Allen.
"Could this day get any stranger?" Allen asked.
"We're on the Mystic Moon Allen. The place in itself is weird." Van commented as he watched Hitomi storm past Sonya. It made him wonder why she was so worked up.
"Hey Hitomi! Wait up!" Kai yelled.
"What?"
"I'm not a track star you know. Hold up. Hear that music?" Kai asked.
"Yeah, so what?"
"That's where we're going to find Paige. She's in the tech lab as usual. Follow me if you don't mind holding a steady pace." Kai said.
"You really need a slap you know." Hitomi grumbled. Van grimaced from the use of the word coming from her mouth. Hitomi and slap in the same sentence made him shudder. His hand instinctively traveled to his cheek as he remembered when she nearly drove him across the room by slapping him. It felt like it had happened just yesterday. A hand on his shoulder caused him to shake his head to clear the painful memory.
"Van? Are you ok?" Allen asked. Van looked up to see the curious looks of those around him.
"I'm fine, it's nothing really." He replied, lowering his now red face.
"I think we caught someone in a moment." Kai snickered. Van's head shot up to glare at Kai, warning him to keep his mouth shut.
"Don't start Kai. We've got to get going." Hitomi scolded. Once Van's evil glare diminished she felt more at ease.
"Paige! Open up!" Kai yelled.
After a few minutes of waiting, the door opened to reveal a young man with dark glasses and shaggy brown hair. Smiling, he opened the door wider to reveal a girl swinging around in a computer chair with her arms raised in triumph. Three other people in the room were tossing a disk back and forth, laughing and shouting over the incredibly loud music that was being played.
"What's going on?" Kai asked.
"Paige just cracked that code we've been trying to figure out for months! It's time to celebrate Kai! Dig out the wine! Screw that, where's the hard stuff?"
"Um...I hate to interrupt and rain on the parade but, there's someone here to see you Paige! It's important!" Kai yelled, motioning for Hitomi to step forward. Paige stopped her laughing and turned to face them.
"Hitomi? Hey girl! Long time no see. This place isn't going to explode now is it?" Paige asked. Hitomi blushed and shook her head.
"Blow up?" Allen asked.
"Yeah, the first time we had the pleasure of meeting Miss Kanzaki here, we were in a opened building hiding in the basement. She came running in screaming about a bomb in one of the computers. No body wanted to believe her but, Paige did." Kai explained.
"So what happened?" Allen asked.
"We found the bomb naturally. It was in my computer. It was defused and disposed of before anything could happen. Thanks to her, we're all still alive. Quite the ESP she's got there." Paige finished.
"ESP?" Van asked with confusion.
"You know, Extra Sensory Perception. Like a sixth sense or telepathy. She's got it all. Quite the gift." Paige said. Hitomi blushed and looked down at the floor.
"It's not a gift when you have to see someone getting blown up. It's a curse." She muttered.
"Now, now Hitomi. It's not a curse. You saved a lot of people with that." Paige said.
"Speaking of gifts, Hitomi claims to finally be wearing hers." Kai said.
"What?!? Hitomi! Tell me he's not serious! Please tell me you're not wearing that horrid thing!" Paige exclaimed while making gagging noises.
"No! Never! I was just pulling his chain honest!" Hitomi stated in her defense.
"And why is that Hitomi? You never did finish that sentence back at my place." Kai teased.
"Shut up! You already know the answer! Ugh! Paige! If you don't hit him I will!" Hitomi yelled.
"Enough my little tempter or no cookies for you. Leave Hitomi's private stash alone. You know how embarrassed she gets when you mention that ugly thing." Paige said.
"She started it, honestly Paige. I only mention the perfume." Kai said.
"Hitomi? You brought it up? Eck! That ugly thong! Don't tell me..."
"I just said no! Can you picture me wearing that, that.....thing? Not in my taste. I was just teasing can we change the subject now? Every time I try to do anything you two always seem one step ahead." Hitomi muttered, lowering her head.
"Ok, ok. I'll let it slid only because your friends are staring at us like we've possibly lost our minds. What's up anyway?" Paige asked. Hitomi's head shot up. It was time to get serious.
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TBC.
AN: Well so ends another chapter in this craziness I've created. A few things 2 point out. 1. I know nothing about chess so if it sounds funky just try your best 2 go with it. It's a lame attempt at slight humor. 2. Hitomi choice in...ahem...underwear. Yes, another attempt at humor. I joke with my friend about them all the time. I can't stand them myself. It's all part of the show. Sorry if this isn't as interesting as it could be. Actually, it's probably 2 weird for my own good. Anyways, reviews help. Thanx for reading! ^__^ Any thoughts u'd like 2 share, I'm willing 2 hear! Bye!
