Disclaimer: All the characters from Escaflowne are not from me and other names that are the same as some people you know are completely coincidental. Please do not sue me.
Finally I finished the first chapter of my first Vision of Escaflowne fan fic. I do hope you review my work. I desperately need to know what you think so that I'll know if I'll continue writing the story or I'll stop right here. Please, please review. Anyway, here's the first chapter. After you read it, please review.
Chapter 1 Their First Meeting
It was late afternoon.
The first day of school year was finally over.
Hitomi Kanzaki was sitting near the door of their school bus.
She was waiting for her best friend, Yukari.
Her mind was occupied with the dream she had the night before.
Even though she had psychic abilities, the previous night's dream was very unusual.
But her thoughts were interrupted when an unfamiliar guy, about her age, entered the bus.
The boy didn't speak or anything.
'He must be a new student.' Hitomi thought.
She then said, "Hi."
He looked at her.
"Are you a new student here?"
He just nodded as he placed his bag down.
"Welcome to Tokyo School. By the way, I'm Hitomi Kanzaki."
"Hey. I'm Van. Van Fanel."
"Nice to meet you Van. So, how do you like it so far?"
"It's not so bad. I actually expected something worst."
"Are you, by any chance, related to Folken Fanel?"
"Yeah, he's my brother."
"Really? Cool! So-"
Before she was able to finish what she was saying, a pair of hands covered her eyes.
"Hey Yukari. It took you long enough." Hitomi said as her best friend withdrew her hands
"Uh, you're no fun." She replied as she sat next to Hitomi.
"Yukari, this is my new bus mate, Van. Van, this is my best friend, Yukari."
They greeted to each other.
"He's Folken's brother."
"Really?" Yukari said as she could feel tingles around her body.
"I suppose it's obvious that she likes your brother." Hitomi said to Van.
Yukari didn't seem to notice.
"Don't tell him ok? I'm pushing her to admit it herself." Hitomi whispered.
Van just nodded.
"Oh, yeah! Before I fall into the dream world again, Amano's there near the track field. If you ask me, he's waiting for you."
"Yukari!"
"What?"
"You could have left that last part out. But it doesn't matter. Let's go! I forgot that I was supposed to meet him."
"My dear Hitomi, at last! You've finally admitted that you've got a crush on the guy!"
"That's not true!" Hitomi replied, slightly blushing.
"I just need to return his handkerchief." She added.
"Sure. Whatever you say, Hitomi. Do you know, your face says things differently?"
"What does that suppose to mean?"
"Well, you don't need to be psychic to know when 'someone's' blushing over a guy."
"Yukari!" Hitomi said, blushing a little bit more.
She then turned to Van and said, "Will you excuse me for a minute. I just need to return something."
"Sure." Van said.
Hitomi then dashed off to the track field.
Yukari then headed home as her older sister came.
Once at the tract field…
Amano was standing there watching his teammates.
"Amano-sempai!" Hitomi called out.
Amano turned and smiled at her.
"Amano-sempai, I'm glad I caught up with you. Here. I've already washed it. Thanks so much." Hitomi said as she handed him the kerchief.
As he got the kerchief, he held her hand and placed the kerchief back.
"I want you to keep it, Hitomi-chan."
Hitomi blushed a little.
"T…thanks…"
"No problem. I want you to keep it and keep it with you always."
Hitomi's face became redder.
"I will, Amano-sempai."
He just smiled at her and said, "Well, I'll see you around then. And good luck on the contest tomorrow. I'll be there to support you."
"Thanks again. Good luck to you too and I'll also be there to cheer you on."
"I'll like that very much."
They just smiled at each other.
"Sayonara!" Hitomi said as she dashed of again.
"Sayonara, Hitomi-chan." Amano said as he watched her go.
Hitomi couldn't contain her happiness as she was dashing back to her bus.
When she got there, she noticed that almost all her bus mates were already there.
"Hey, Hitomi!" Folken called out.
She looked at him as she sat down.
"Amano's being looking for you the whole day."
"I know. I just met up with him. Thanks, Folken."
"No problem Hitomi. So, are you guys…you know?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You should know of all people that he's my best friend. He tells me everything…well, except this one."
"Where are you getting at?"
"Oh, nothing. This is between the two of you, you tell me."
Hitomi was saved when the bus driver called, "Hitomi!"
"Yes?"
"Go fetch your sister and your brother."
"Ok."
She turned to Folken and gave him a saved-by-the-bell look.
He then called out to the driver, "I'm going to help her fetch her siblings."
"Yeah, yeah…just hurry up. Don't let the others wait."
Without another word, Folken grabbed Van and ran after Hitomi.
"Hey wait up!" Folken called out.
Hitomi quickly stopped dead on her tracks.
Folken knew she was wondering why he and Van were running after her so he said, "Let's go. I'll pick you your brother and you orient my brother as you get your sister."
But before Hitomi could argue, Folken had already dashed off.
"So, your brother wasn't much help, is he?" Hitomi commented as they walked to Hitomi's sister's classroom.
"I don't understand why he bothered."
"I can't believe you're still not used to that."
"Yeah, well…I'm sure you know how unpredictable siblings can be."
"Yeah. Try three. I'm the eldest so I'm stuck baby sitting my three younger siblings."
They were silent for a while.
As they walked up the stairs, Van broke the silence and said, "So, Folken says that you really like Amano."
"He said that? I can't believe it! He's so dead!"
"So it's true then?"
"Well, tell me exactly what he said and I'll tell you if it's true or not."
"If I told you, then I would be as bad as he is."
"Gee, what a great help you turned out to be. It doesn't matter. Even if you don't tell me, I'll have a way of finding out."
"So, are you going to use your psychic powers on me?"
Hitomi was taken aback and suddenly stopped.
'How could he have known? I know Folken could goof off but he won't go that far.'
Van noticed this so he said, "Everything alright? I shouldn't have said that."
She just smiled at him and remained silent.
"I'm sorry if what I said offended you. Your secret is safe with me."
"Just don't let anyone know."
"A promise is a promise." Van assured her.
"Ok then. I'm going to give you the trust I have for Folken. But then…" Hitomi said.
"What?"
"How…I mean…who told you about my little secret?"
Van gave her a small smile and replied, "No one. I just figured it out from what you and Yukari were talking about."
"Ah! You're a tricky one then. I guess I can't let my guard down when I'm with you." Hitomi replied jokingly.
Van just smiled at her.
The next day…on the track opening contest…
Hitomi was warming up when someone suddenly placed a hand on her shoulder.
She was startled as she turned to face who it was.
"Sorry, Hitomi-chan."
"Amano-sempai!"
"I just came to wish you luck."
"Thanks. Good luck to you too."
"Thanks. Well, I have to get going."
"Yeah, alright." Hitomi said as she watched Amano dash away.
"Ahem." Someone then said.
Hitomi was surprised.
She was even more taken aback when she saw Yukari, Folken and Van.
"Um…hi guys." She said nervously.
Yukari then smiled broadly and leaped to hug Hitomi.
"Congratulations Hitomi-chan!" She said.
Hitomi almost fell backwards.
"Y…Yu…ka…ri…I…can't…breath…." Hitomi said as she tried to free herself from her grasp.
"Oh. Sorry. I can't help it. You two just look so KAWAII!"
"What are you talking about?" Hitomi asked innocently.
"Come on, Hitomi-chan. You don't have to hide it from us. Our eyes can see things clearly like you can." Yukari said as she intertwined her arm around Hitomi's arm.
"Nothing happened. Yukari, please don't make such a small thing escalate into something big." Hitomi said coolly as she loosened Yukari's grip on her arm.
"Hi Folken. Hi Van. Pardon my slight rudeness. Anyway, if you guys excuse me…I better get back into warming up. The opening ceremony will start in a few minutes." Hitomi said before she left them.
"Haya! When will Hitomi stop acting like nothing is happening?" Yukari signed as she crossed her arms in front of her.
"Do you have to ask that?" Folken replied, holding her shoulders.
Yukari could feel herself freeze a bit.
"Maybe there's really nothing happening." Van commented as he stepped beside them.
"How can you say that? Isn't it obvious that there's some romance brewing in the air?" Yukari argued.
"Yeah but she told me herself…" Van's voice then trailed off as he remembered his promise…the promise where he should keep his mouth shut.
Yukari's eyes widened.
"Van, what did she say?" She said as she turned to face Van fully.
Van hesitated.
He could see from the corner of his eye that Folken was also looking at him.
"I'm sorry but I swore to her that I will keep my mouth shut. And it's an honor to uphold that promise." He replied.
Yukari then turned away and left them in defeat.
Folken then said, "Well said, Van but a little too well. If we are to keep our secret, you should learn how to act normally around people. Don't release words or gestures that would make them suspect. It's a good thing Yukari is more concerned about Hitomi or she'll see right through you."
"I understand. Don't worry, I have thing under control." Van replied as they both joined Yukari to watch the opening ceremony.
"Your Majesty. You sent for me?" A dashing knight said as he kneeled before the King of Fanelia.
He had long blond hair and a face to die for.
He wore the crest of the Asturian Empire.
He may be young of age but his skill excelled those knights who were currently serving there.
He was made the First Knight based on his skill and intellect.
"Ah, Allen. I called for you because as you know both my sons are studying far from home. They have decided to conceal their true identities. I want you to go under cover and look after them. They mustn't know that I sent you."
"I understand Your Majesty."
"Good. You will start next month after all arrangements are made."
"Yes Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll see to the preparations personally."
"Yes. You may go."
Allen bowed to the King and turned to leave.
But before he was able to leave the chambers, the King added, "Allen, these are my sons and one of them is the heir to the throne. I expect that you will protect them with your life."
"You need not worry sir. I will be protecting them. It is an honor to serve you, Your Majesty."
He then bowed again and left the room.
'Very well said young one. You will be one of the greatest knights the world has ever seen. Your father and mother would be very proud of you.' The king thought as he thought of his dear, old friend and his late wife.
Allen's father disappeared one day and never returned.
His wife died after Allen's sister, Serena, disappeared too.
She couldn't handle the loss of her husband and daughter.
She developed an illness and was never able to recover.
'I won't let you succeed, Dornkirk, not this time.' The king swore as he entered the balcony and over saw his peaceful city.
"You can do it, Hitomi-chan! You can do it!" Amano cheered with the rest of the crowd.
Hitomi ran, ran and ran as fast as she could.
Before she knew it, she had claimed victory.
There was an explosion of cheer from the audience.
Yukari was jumping up and down, proud of her best friend.
Hitomi then glanced their direction.
Folken just gave her a thumbs up as Yukari was waving madly at her.
Van hid his smile but that couldn't escape Hitomi's eye.
She just smiled back at them as she breathlessly made her way to her team.
"Great job, Kanzaki-san." Their couch congratulated.
"Thanks, sensei."
"Ok, players for the baton pass, get ready. Kanzaki-san, you take a rest first." She said as she assisted her team in getting ready for the next event.
Suddenly, there was someone who whispered in Hitomi's ear, "Congratulations, Hitomi-chan."
His voice was soft and warm.
She knew whom it belonged to…her Amano-sempai.
She slowly turned to face her prince.
She could feel her cheeks grow warm.
She hoped that he would only take that redness as a sign of her being tired.
"Amano-sempai." She said breathlessly.
"Congratulations, Hitomi-chan."
"Arigato…"
The principal suddenly announced, "Students, take a thirty-minute break. Activities will resume in exactly half an hour."
Amano and Hitomi then looked at each other.
Amano smiled at her and was answered back by a shy smile.
"Hitomi!" Yukari called from behind.
Hitomi turned and waved at Yukari, Van and Folken.
Amano suddenly held her shoulders and leaned forward.
Hitomi stiffened a little and was careful not to let him know.
Amano then whispered, "Hitomi-chan.meet me by the tree near the 50- yard mark after school. There's something I need to tell you."
Hitomi just nodded and smiled at him.
Amano just returned the smile and turned to leave.
The other then joined her, except Folken.
Folken joined Amano.
Amano turned to him and gave him a small smile.
Folken then said, "So, what's up? Finally decided to make a move?"
Amano replied, "Well, maybe this is the biggest mistake that I would make in my life but I have to tell her before I leave."
"Yeah, your right Amano. You do know that it may crush her feelings."
Amano just nodded.
"I should have told her sooner but…she's just in the sixth grade and we're in the eighth. I wasn't so sure last year and even if I was, I don't think she was ready at the time."
"She's more mature than you think. I know her. You are my best friend but I'm also close to her."
"You don't need to tell me that, Folken. I know very well how mature she is. That's the reason why I love her. I love her enough to let her go. But before I do, I believe she deserves to know how I feel and if ever she feels the same, she could move on with her life and meet someone she really deserves."
Folken almost laughed with what Amano had said.
Folken knew exactly what Hitomi felt for Amano.
"You're a true poet, Amano. What makes you think she doesn't deserve you? Anyway, I hope things will turn out fine between the two of you even if you're both doomed to just remain as friends." Folken said.
Amano grinned.
"Folken, just promise me you'll look after her for me when I leave. Take care of her and make sure she finds a suitable guy who could love her as much as I love her or even more."
"You don't need to tell me that, Amano. Anyway, I have to get back to them. Talk to you later." Folken said as he left Amano.
"Spill it." Yukari said before Hitomi got the chance to escape.
"Hey there, Yukari, Van." She said calmly.
"Spill what?" She added as she turned to answer Yukari, innocently.
Yukari placed her fists on her waist and said, "Hitomi, I'm your best friend and I think I know when you're not telling me something. Besides, that's twice today so I don't think that 'nothing' argument of yours is going to work."
"Yukari, nothing's going on. If there was, you'd be the first to know. So, come on. Let's get something to eat." Hitomi said as she intertwined her arms with Yukari and Van as she led them to the cafeteria.
"Hitomi, come on. You know you can tell us everything." Yukari said.
Hitomi rolled her eyes and said, "Guys, don't you believe me any more? Like I said, nothing is wrong? There is nothing to report and I'm not so sure if I'm going to tell you any more of my secrets. The last time, a certain someone learned of my little secret even though we not really tell him what it was."
Van knew exactly what Hitomi was talking about.
Hitomi then faced Van and said, "No offense, Van. It's not that I don't trust you or anything."
Van just gave her a small smiled in assurance.
Hitomi just smiled back.
"Hey guys. Did I miss something?" Folken said as he joined them.
"No, nothing at all…" Hitomi replied.
"I give up Hitomi. Anyway, if I said something that revealed your secret, I want you to know that it wasn't intentional. I'm sorry." Yukari said.
Hitomi just smiled at her and told her to forget about it.
"Wait a minute! Who's the other person who knows about your little secret that I don't know about?" Folken asked.
"That would be me." Van replied.
Folken looked at him.
He didn't know what to say.
"I accidentally found out when they were talking yesterday. I really thought nothing of it but Hitomi confirmed it when we talked." Van explained.
Folken's face relaxed.
"Don't worry Hitomi. My brother's-"
"Trustworthy. I know. We talked like he said, yesterday and I have his word that he would never tell another soul. Besides, he's a little different from a certain guy I know." Hitomi said.
"Ouch. I never told any one your secret." Folken said.
"I wasn't referring to that." Hitomi answered.
"What then?"
"Think about it."
Folken then shook his head and changed the subject.
"Now, could you just break the ice before Yukari here breaks down." He said.
He already knew what it was but he just wanted to here it from Hitomi.
Hitomi just took a deep breath and stopped.
She closed her eyes.
They all stopped and looked back at her.
She took another deep breath and opened her eyes.
"Amano-sempai…" She said nervously, almost under her breath.
"Well…after I won…well…he came and congratulated me. Um, after that…after you called out to me…I suppose you saw him…whisper something. That's it." She added.
"Hitomi, I know there's something more to it that you're telling us. If you won't tell us then I suppose I just have to ask Amano personally." Folken threatened even though he already knew more than Hitomi about what's really going on.
He began to leave.
Hitomi caught his arm.
He turned to face her.
"Why do you always do something like this to make me talk? I swear next time it would be different. Ok, I admit that I left something out. He asked me to meet up with him later. I swear that that is all." Hitomi said as he let go of his arm.
"Satisfied?" She asked.
Folken had a sly, triumphant grin.
Yukari was dumbfounded and was really happy.
Van just gave her a small smile as usual.
Hitomi desperately tried not to blush.
"KAWAII! Hitomi-chan, do you know what this means?"
"What?" It seemed as if she was afraid to ask.
"This afternoon, he'll finally profess his undying love for you. Then he'll ask you to be his girl friend. Pretty soon, he'll ask you to marry him and you'll get married and live happily ever after. Oh so, KAWAII!" Yukari said.
"Yukari, what are you saying? This is not a fairy tale. I mean, we're in the sixth grade for crying out loud. We are in the stage where we only have crushes, not boy friends." Hitomi replied calmly.
"What if I'm right?" Yukari teased.
"If you're right…then you're right. Anyway, could we get something to eat now? I haven't eaten the entire day and I'm really drained. If it will satisfy you, I'll call you tonight and tell you whatever will happen later."
Yukari just nodded in defeat and triumph.
As they started to walk again, Yukari and Folken were walking ahead, engaged in a conversation.
Hitomi accompanied Van.
She wanted the two of them to talk and hopefully let them admit to one another how they truly felt.
"So, Van, are you having fun here so far? I could introduce you to some people if you like." Hitomi said, breaking the ice.
"Thanks but it won't be necessary. I'll be trying out for the school's basket ball club tomorrow."
"Basket ball? That's great."
Folken then turned to them and urged them to catch up with them quickly.
"Come on." Hitomi said as she grabbed Van's arm.
They began to run towards them when Hitomi suddenly stopped.
A vision came.
Hitomi almost lost her balance.
It was good that Van was there to support her.
"Hitomi, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Van asked.
Hitomi held her forehead as she tried to regain her balance.
Folken and Yukari saw everything.
They quickly joined them.
"Hitomi! Hitomi! Are you ok?" Came Folken's worried voice.
Yukari held one of Hitomi's arms and asked, "Did another vision come, Hitomi-chan? Come on, let's get you to the clinic."
"No, that won't be necessary." Hitomi said, finally regaining her composure.
She then turned and faced Van.
"Thanks for being there to help me. Um, I had a vision. I'm really not sure what it meant but…be careful." She said.
Folken and Van knew what she was talking about but didn't show it.
"Are you sure you're alright? You can't join the race later if you're like this." Yukari commented.
Hitomi just gave her a reassuring smile.
As Yukari assisted Hitomi, Folken and Van walked a few steps back.
"Heed her warning, Van. She's no fool nor is she a pretender. She tries so hard to hide her gift because she doesn't like to frighten anyone. I suppose the only reason she told you is because you know her secret and it's something serious." Folken advised his younger brother.
"How did you come to know her secret then?"
"Last year, it was late but the school bus still hasn't arrived. Only a few of us were left. She was sitting alone so I decided to accompany her. Once I saw her eyes, I knew something was wrong. I asked her but she refused to tell me. She said it was nothing. But later I found out that there was more to it…it involved her gift. She burst into tears as she told me the truth." Folken explained.
"She's been telling you ever since?"
Folken just nodded.
"I won't tell Father or Mother about her and the warning. I know you're no fool for ignoring it. But don't forget you still have a long way to go in adjusting." He added.
Van gave a shrug.
(To be continued…)
There! Hope you liked it! Please review. I'll be waiting so that I'll know if I should continue or not. Thanks.
Michiko