AN: Well, I got this out as soon as I could. I was only home twice this week and I was too tired to write anything. It was after 12am and I could barely move let alone think. I'm on days this week so, I should have the next chapter up sooner. Enjoy!

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Chapter 11







"...We'll each pair off into groups for safety purposes. We'll need to watch each others backs here. I'm not sure how many guards will be on shift so, we'll have to tread lightly." Paige said.

Hitomi had barely been paying attention through the conversation. She was too busy trying to stretch the shirt she was wearing so it didn't hug every curve on her body. She had already caught Van eyeing her twice. It was overly embarrassing for her because she had never worn anything so tight in her life.

"Hitomi, are you listening to me? Stop playing with that shirt and listen to me." Paige scolded. Hitomi groaned inwardly and looked up at Paige, a blush crossing her cheeks.

"I wouldn't have to play with it if you had given me something more comfortable! It's not my fault! Do you think I enjoy having them stare at me every five seconds like I'm a piece of eye candy?" She snapped. Her hands flew to her mouth the moment the words left her mouth. Not only had she embarrassed herself but, she was embarrassing Van for she was pointing straight at him. A moment of silence occurred before someone's laughter broke it. Shining emeralds turned to see that Van was laughing.

"Van!" Hitomi stared at him with annoyance.

"We knew you were modest Hitomi but, I think you're taking it a bit far. You have clothes on don't you? It's not like your naked." Sonya said.

"I might as well be. What's next Paige?" Hitomi asked, trying to get off the topic.

"Well, since Hitomi's eager to change the subject on her modesty, I'll continue. Sonya and Allen going to be our decoy if something should come up. Hitomi, we're going to be the first to go in...."

"Wait! You shouldn't go in alone." Van intercepted. Hitomi placed hand over his and smiled at the concerned look on his face.

"Don't worry Van, it's just to go in and open the doors right Paige? We'll be fine." She said. He still didn't seem convinced.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you change moods worse than a woman Van? We've done this kind of stuff before. Maybe not as severe but, close enough. Paige wouldn't let anything happen to Hitomi." Kai said. Allen snickered inwardly about his comment. If he only knew what Van was like. Van on the other hand was glaring at the man in front of him.

"Kai, I'm going to seriously hurt you for that." Paige threatened. She would have hit him but, he was driving and she wanted to do this alive. Hitomi shook her head and smiled.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Van whispered.

"Don't worry so much. Everything will be ok, I promise." Hitomi assured him.

*I hope you're right.* He thought to himself as he squeezed her hand.

"Anyway, as I was saying, Hitomi and I will go in first. It takes two people to open the doors. As for the reason we even bothered wearing these dark clothes, the lights will be off in the main corridors. They go off after eleven so it looks just like any normal place. No one really knows what goes on inside after that. Once we get in, there'll be some surveillance and other security crap we'll have to pass. That's what Sonya's good at. Detect and quietly destroy. Since I already know that Van and Allen can fight from what I've been told, I'm not worried about leaving Sonya in your hands Allen. That about sums it up for now. We're here." Paige said.

Everybody piled out of the van and looked at the building in front of them. It wasn't anything spectacular by far. It looked like any normal place on the outside. Paige had explained that they had built most of it underground. She assumed that was where Escaflowne would be since that was where they stored their more important projects.

"This is it guys. Lets get moving." Paige said. If they knew what they were going to be up against they would have better prepared. Silent eyes watched them from the roof with a grin of satisfaction.

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TBC...





AN: What'cha think? Sorry if this is short but, I'm being pestered. I'll have the next chapter out mon. or tues. and it'll be longer. I have good ideas brewing inside my empty head. They're mingling with the cobwebs so, I'll have them written down soon. Reruns of Esca are coming on in about 11 min. yay! I'll be back! Tell me what u think! Please? ^__^ Thanx 2 everyone that's reviewed so far! Wonderful, wonderful people u are!