Hey there! I really want to thank all of those who sent in their reviews. I really appreciate it very much!
Ruby: When I read your review, it really got me excited because the answer to what you wrote was already on my mind and I couldn't wait to write it down. I was afraid that I might forget or something. Well, please read on and you'll see what happens.
Lani-Anela: I didn't really change what the characters are. I try to base everything in the anime so yes they are still Draconian. Nothing really changed except for some.
Zyco: Thanks so much for the review that you sent in. I really appreciate it.
Sakura2649: Thanks so much sis for the review that you gave. I understand that you can't relate much to the anime 'coz you weren't able to watch the entire series. That's ok and I already told Fely about it. You can do what ever you like.I don't mind at all. And I can assure you that you don't have to watch the anime to understand my story because it is quite different in some way. And for your question, yeah.I guess I'm pretty busy but hey.it beats boredom. I can't wait to see you guys again next school year. Anyway, this has been long enough so I guess I better end it. Thanks again!
Ponch: thanks so much for the review you submitted. I really, really appreciate it! Anyway, here is chapter 4.
Chapter 4 Wings of the Angel
"Van, come on! Tell us what you told Hitomi!" Yukari pleaded.
Folken then placed an arm on his brother's shoulder.
He then said, "Brother, if you don't want us to think something different about you two's relationship, I suggest you tell us. Because Miza Akiko isn't the only one who has an over-active imagination."
Van hesitated still but finally said, "Fine. I asked her if she was sure she was nothing because…"
"Because?" Yukari insisted.
"Because I don't think so…" He finally answered.
"That doesn't sound so bad, does it?" Allen asked.
Van looked at him.
"Unless there is something you both did?" Allen said.
"No. I just assured her that every thing that's happening is just meant to happen as she keeps telling us. I also assured her that she is not a 'nobody' but someone special as we all perceive her to be." Van replied.
"Are you sure you didn't leave something out?" Yukari persisted.
"Believe what you like, Yukari. I already told you what happened." Van answered.
"Fine. I suppose only the birds will ever know." Folken commented.
Van glared at him.
Folken just grinned.
"Well guys, I suppose I better go. See you guys tomorrow. Bye." Yukari said.
"Bye Yukari." The boys said.
As soon as Yukari was out of sight, Folken said, "Since it is just us men, are you ready to talk?"
"Folken sometimes you're just too much." Van commented.
"Hey, what are brothers for?" Folken said.
"Come on Van. It can't be too bad can it?" Allen said.
"Look, I just acted as a good friend like any of you would. That's it and nothing more." Van replied.
They decided that it should end there so nothing more was spoken.
That night…
It was a cool night outside.
Hitomi tossed and turned in her bed.
Sleep would not claim her.
Early that evening, her grandmother came to watch over them while their parents went out to make preparations for Ryan's funeral.
"What's the matter my child?" Her grandmother asked.
"Grandmother, what am I to do? My secret is no longer a secret. The whole school not knows about it."
Her grandmother just smiled at her.
"Hitomi, fear not what time brings. Secrets maybe revealed but you have the power over them. The choice is yours, my dear…either let it destroy you or embrace it and become one with it. We descend from the people of the Mystic Moon. The power lies within you. So you see, there is nothing to fear."
"Thank you, grandmother. You're an amazing person. It really cleared my mind." Hitomi said.
Her grandmother just smiled at her.
When Hitomi decided to go to bed, she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep.
Too much has happened that fateful day.
Finally, she got out of bed.
She sat by the window.
Her long, light brown hair lay gently behind her shoulders.
She looked at the mirror nearby.
She stared at herself and smiled.
"You're right Van. I may not be perfect but I know I am unique in my own way. No one could ever change that."
But Hitomi's smile faded.
"I need to have a fresh start. Oh Ryan...why did you have to go?"
Tears rolled down her eyes again.
She looked out the window again.
Seeing how peaceful it is out there made her wish her heart were tranquil also.
She opened the window, allowing the cool night's breeze to enter the room.
Hitomi gazed at the still beyond.
If it were other nights, the scene would never fail to be breathtaking.
But that first night, it was truly heartbreaking.
Hitomi saw Ryan every where she looked.
After sitting there for quite some time, she decided to have a stroll outside.
She took off her night dress and out on some pants and a shirt.
Before leaving, she grabbed her jacket.
Hitomi then sneaked out the window.
She decided to go to the place where she always went when she needed to clear her mind.
The one place she knew would calm her aching heart.
She headed to the park.
She had done this before.
Hitomi just wished that it would make her feel better.
At the park, she sat on a slope leading to the lake.
Hitomi gazed at the sky's reflection on the water below.
With the sound of the calm water running and the light, which was given off by the moon, the stars and a street lamp nearby, Hitomi couldn't stop her tears from flowing.
She felt she couldn't let it all go during the day but now that she was alone, she knew she had to let it all out.
"Brother, I set you free. I will always love you. Rest now and forever. Until we meet again...sayonara…" Hitomi whispered.
In another part of the city…
Van looked out the window.
He was worried sick of their mother.
There was still no word from home.
Folken and Allen were in the other room, hard at work.
Van had left them hours ago when he had finished his home work.
It pained him that there was nothing more he could do but wait.
Van was also worried about Hitomi.
She had lost her brother that day and she had poured some of her feeling to him.
He didn't really know how to comfort her but he had tried.
He understood what Folken and Yukari felt when Miza Akiko crushed her.
Van really didn't understand why he felt desperate in helping Hitomi.
He viewed her as a friend but he felt uncertain for feeling that way.
He wanted to get away from it all just to think about every thing.
That was when he got his jacket and left his room.
Van knocked at Folken's door.
After a moment, Folken opened it.
"I'm going out for a while." Van said.
"Why? What's up?" Folken asked.
"I just need some fresh air to think some things out." Van answered.
"Alright." Folken said.
He knew Van was really worried about their mother but he also noticed something that wasn't there before.
He decided he wouldn't speak of it until Van figured it out for himself.
Van's mind raced through thought after thought.
He stopped walking and looked up at the moon.
He knew that somewhere, their mother is also gazing up at the same moon up there at the same sky.
Folken and Van were both aware that their mother was already ill for a long time.
They believed that time would heal her.
But after they learned that her ailment had turned for the worst, suddenly they felt desperate.
Guilt even settled in their hearts because they couldn't be at her side at the moment.
Van then kept on walking.
Soon, the view of the park came into view.
He decided to go around it once before heading home.
Van walked slowly, barely noticing his surroundings.
He wasn't expecting to see anyone at that time of the night.
There was an impulse for him to look right.
He then saw a silhouette of a person.
He wondered who it could be.
He felt that he knew who it was.
There was this urge inside of him to go and see who it was.
Van stepped closer.
He was surprised when he realized that he was looking at a girl's form.
As he came closer, the feeling that he knew her grew stronger.
"Hitomi?" Van said.
The girl turned and she was indeed Hitomi.
Her face seemed a little damp.
Van knew she had been crying.
Hitomi looked away.
She then asked, "Van? Is that you?"
"Yes. It's me. What are you doing here?" He answered.
Van then sat beside her.
"Funny. I was about to ask you the same question." Hitomi replied.
She would not dare to look at him.
She didn't want him to see her face.
But it was too late.
Van had already seen it.
"I just needed to get out of the house. Father hasn't called. Waiting was driving me crazy. You?" Van said.
"I understand how you feel. It's so sober at home. I didn't want to cry any more."
Van then handed her his handkerchief.
He then said, "Take it to wipe your tears."
"How did you know?"
"When you turned a while ago and quickly turned gave away everything." Van replied.
"You must thing I'm a big cry baby now since I've been crying the whole day."
"No. I expected it because I know everyone will shed tears when they lose someone they loved very dearly."
"Yeah well…but I suppose not this much."
"Don't worry about it. You know what, I believe real tears are not those that fall from the eyes and cover the face but those that fall from the heart and cover the soul."
Hitomi smiled.
She then said, "You are very wise Van Fanel. It's true then that Draconians are wise. I've been told that is what makes them great."
Van's expression became troubled.
Hitomi sensed it so she quickly said, "A vision about your mother with wings told a lot. Only Draconians are like that."
"Yes. I believe you'll keep our secret. No one must know."
"I understand. It's my turn to keep your secret."
"I know. So, shall we head home now? Your parents will get worried if you're gone for so long." Van said as he stood.
He then offered her a hand.
She just accepted it.
"Van, before I forget, Ryan's funeral is in a week. If you guys wish to come…please do." Hitomi said.
"We'll be there, Hitomi." Van promised.
Hitomi just smiled.
They started to walk.
"Van..." Hitomi said after a while.
He turned to her.
"May I ask you a question?"
Van just nodded.
"What made you and Folken decide to study far from home?"
"Well, our father once told us that we should find the right path for ourselves. He told us that there were things he won't be able to teach us so we had to figure it out ourselves. So he told us it would be better is we studied away from home. It took along while before mother gave me her consent. That's why I only started this year." Van explained.
"It must have been really hard for all of you to make that decision."
"Yeah it sure was but it seems to me that it wasn't really a choice to be made but a necessity that was needed to be done."
"What do you mean Van?"
"I don't know myself, Hitomi, but somehow it feels that way."
"There may be indeed a reason for it that you two are not aware of."
"Yes. So, Hitomi, to change the subject a bit...what do you plan to do about Akiko?"
"Akiko?" Hitomi asked.
"Yeah…"
Hitomi smiled at him.
"You know, my initial reaction was fear, anger and hatred. But this afternoon on the roof, you made me think, do I really want to sink to her level? Then I asked my grandmother what am I to do since she possesses the same gift I do."
"What did she say?"
"'...fear not what time brings. Secrets maybe revealed but you have the power over them. The choice is yours my dear…either let it destroy you or embrace it and become one with it. We descend from the people of the Mystic Moon. The power lies within you. So you see, there is nothing to fear.' You know Van, even though that was the only thing she said, she had given me a lot. What she didn't say directly struck me the most."
"Which is?"
"You will know when the time comes. Just sit back and watch. I know something about her that no one knows. If she attacks me again, I'll use her attack against her. Her secret it the key to it all..."
"Do you plan to reveal it to the entire school?"
"No. I won't need to go that far because what you put in your pocket is what you will get when you take everything out. I really don't have to do any thing because she had already destroyed herself."
"I hope you know what you are doing Hitomi. I don't want to see you get hurt by her again."
"I appreciate your concern Van. I can assure you that everything is going to be fine. Trust me."
"I do trust you Hitomi. Just be careful. We're not too far behind you if you need us."
"I know Van. Thank you."
Soon, they were in front of Hitomi's house.
She turned to Van and said, "Well I guess this is my stop. Thank you for walking me home."
"Any time Hitomi. When are you coming back to school?"
"Next week I suppose. My parents can't really get away from their work and my grandmother's very old. I have to stay home and help."
"Ok. Yukari and I'll keep you posted. Bye Hitomi."
"Bye Van."
A week had passed.
It was a pleasant Monday morning.
Hitomi just arrived.
She was heading towards their classroom.
She then encountered Van, Folken and Allen.
"Hey Hitomi! We almost didn't recognize you. What did you do to your hair?" Folken said.
"I had it cut, what else? I just needed something new that's all." Hitomi answered.
"Hey guys! Hey Hitomi. Nice hair." Yukari greeted as she joined them and was surprised to see Hitomi.
"Hi Yukari." Hitomi replied and smiled.
"Are you sure you're ready to face the school again?" Yukari asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Hitomi answered.
"You sure? That Miza Akiko never closed her big mouth while you were gone." Allen said.
Hitomi looked at him and her smile broadened.
"A wise Chinese Emperor once said, 'No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.' I am not afraid of her. I will not let her bring me down again." She answered.
"Will you guys excuse me for a minute, I have to hand this excuse letter to the principal. See you in class." She added as she headed to the principal's office.
"She's doing better than I thought." Allen commented.
"That's Hitomi. I wonder what she'll do to Akiko?" Yukari said.
"Let's just wait and see. I'm sure it's going to very interesting." Van said.
"Did she tell you something?" Folken asked, eyeing his brother suspiciously.
"No. But I know she had a plan. That is all that she has told me."
"Really? She didn't say anything to me. Is there something going on between the two of you?" Yukari asked.
"No. Did you ask her about it? I did...that's why I know." Van replied.
"Gosh. I didn't ask her. I should have known that she won't say anything if you don't ask." Yukari said.
"Come on. Let's get to class. Let's do some damage control before Hitomi gets there." Van said.
"Good idea. I have a feeling Akiko's going to walk all over her again once Hitomi walks into the room." Yukari replied.
The two then dashed off to their classroom.
"What do you think Allen?" Folken asked.
"I think it's too soon to tell. After an unexpected death of a person dear, it is natural for someone to seek refuge in someone they trust. Why not Yukari, you said it yourself, they have different personalities. Even though they are best friends, I suppose Hitomi still thinks Yukari won't understand it very much. Why not you, I'm guessing you are like a big brother to her and she just lost her brother. You get the picture. Only Van is left." Allen explained.
"I suppose you're right. But I never did see that certain spark in him before."
"Did he ever have a really caring person like Hitomi?"
"Well...no…"
"Then that answers your question. You are seeing yourself in Van. The difference is, you see her as a younger sister while he thinks of her as a friend…a friend who really needs some encouragement."
"I still think there is something more than what we're seeing."
"Let's just wait and see Folken. It would be very interesting to watch things turn out." Allen replied.
'Prince Van Fanel, I hope you know what you are doing. You will not only hurt yourself when the time comes.' Allen thought.
"Ah, here comes the freak's boy friend. So, Van how did you fall in love with a freak? Are you blind or are you just stupid?" Miza Akiko said as Van and Yukari walked in.
"Oh and look here...he's going out with her best friend. Yukari, does Hitomi know that you're cheating on her? I wonder how she'll feel?" She added.
"Shut up, Akiko. Just because Hitomi's someone special and you're not doesn't give you license to torture her." Yukari replied.
"Besides, your lies will never matter, especially to me." Hitomi had finally said.
No one had noticed her enter.
"Well, look who's here. The freak herself. Welcome back Hitomi Kanzaki. Did you enjoy your week off?" Akiko asked.
Hitomi smiled and headed to her seat.
All eyes were on her.
Yukari and Van were ready to come to her defense but Hitomi stopped them.
Hitomi then turned to Akiko.
"You know, Akiko, I actually did enjoy my week. It really got me thinking about everything." Hitomi replied.
"Really? I never thought a freak like you could think."
"Yeah well...at least someday I'll out grow being a freak. I'm sorry for you actually because you will always be a jerk." Hitomi replied.
She smiled at her and turned around.
"Don't you dare turn your back against me bitch. No one calls me a jerk." Akiko said.
Hitomi settled in her seat and closed her eyes.
All eyes were still at her.
"Fine. But you know, the only bitch around here is you Miza Akiko." Hitomi said.
It silenced Miza Akiko.
No one had ever dared to answer her with bold answers.
She realized that she'll never win over Hitomi.
Hitomi then said, "I don't really care any more if you slander me but the minute you drag my friends down with you, I just have to put my foot down."
Akiko didn't reply.
After a moment, Van said, "That was truly something. I guess it's over now."
"No Van. It is only the beginning. I had put her in her place but damages had been done. I will not let it pull me down as well." Hitomi replied.
"So what are you planning to do now?" Yukari asked.
Hitomi smiled and said, "That's the beauty of it…nothing. I don't need to do or be anybody else but myself."
Van just grinned.
'She's simply amazing.' Van thought.
Soon, some of their classmates came over.
"Welcome back, Kanzaki-san. It's cool how you stood up against Akiko. You guys are the first ones whom had the courage to put her at her place." One said.
Hitomi just smiled and thanked her for the welcome.
Another said, "Is it true then that you have the sixth sense?"
"Yes. I don't know what she has been saying about me but I want you guys to know I don't use it for harm." Hitomi replied.
"We know Kanzaki-san. We have known you for a long time and you haven't done any thing to harm others." The first one said.
"We were kinda wondering if you could read for us." The second said.
"Are you really sure you want to uncover what the future holds for you? You might not like what you uncover. You might find yourself in Pandora's shoes." Hitomi said.
"I am willing to take the chance."
"So am I. We know what the consequences might be."
Hitomi hesitated.
Both Yukari and Van held their breath.
They knew how frightened she was before when visions came to her.
To their surprise, Hitomi replied, "I'll do it if you are sure."
Both got excited.
They thanked her and headed back to their seats.
Van and Yukari didn't know what to think.
"Are you sure about this?" Yukari asked.
"I'm not sure either. I admit I'm afraid. I just feel that I won't know if it's right or wrong unless I try it. Experience is a great teacher. I cannot ask my grandmother now. But one thing is for certain… it's going to be an amazing adventure from now on." Hitomi replied.
She turned to Yukari and smiled.
She then reached out and got Yukari's hand and Van's in the other.
Her smiled broadened.
She looked at them.
Hitomi then said, "Thank you both for everything… for standing up for me… for making me feel better... and for helping me believe that everything is going to be alright."
"What are friends for?" Yukari replied.
"So what happened when you entered the domain of the wicked witch?" Folken asked when Hitomi and the others joined him and Allen.
"As expected… it was a nightmare." Hitomi replied.
"That bad huh?" Allen said.
"Nightmare? What are you talking about?" Van commented.
"You should have seen how Hitomi dealt with her." Yukari added.
"Yukari, Van, don't exaggerate things. It was a nightmare for me and I'm glad that that specific moment is over." Hitomi said.
"A humble heart, a gentle soul, flowers for the seer of what the future holds." A guy suddenly said.
They turned to him.
He bowed and handed a bouquet of roses to Hitomi.
"White roses I present to thee. A symbol of greatness and the gentle Hitomi Kanzaki." He added.
"Who is this guy?" Folken whispered to Allen.
"How should I know? I'm a new student remember?" Allen whispered back.
Hitomi received the bouquet.
She was just being polite.
But she really didn't know what to do.
"Thank you…but...who are you?" Hitomi said.
"I have admired you from a far. When it was revealed, I knew you were someone special. I am Marco Smith." He replied.
"Marco Smith? Marco Smith, the English guy who transferred here two years ago?" Yukari said.
"Yes. You are correct." Marco replied.
Hitomi forced a smile.
The others noticed.
Hitomi then said, "Thanks Marco. They're lovely but could you excuse us because we have something very important to take care of?"
"Why of course. See you again soon." Marco replied.
He bowed and left.
Days passed and Marco kept courting Hitomi.
Hitomi just acted politely.
But she was also trying very hard to avoid him.
One day…
"Am I seeing things right? How did you make Marco stop following you around?" Folken teased.
Hitomi looked at him.
"What's wrong? Don't you like it?" Yukari teased.
"No! He's giving me the creeps! What makes it worse, he knows a lot about me." Hitomi replied.
No one had an answer.
"Hey, we're not far behind you know. If it will make you feel better, one of us will play your 'boy friend'. Then probably that guy will think twice before approaching you." Folken offered.
"What are you talking about?" Hitomi asked blankly.
"I got it! One of these guys here will pretend to be your 'boy friend' so that Marco will stop bugging you." Yukari said.
"Precisely! And I know the person who's perfect for the job." Folken said.
He grinned.
He looked at Van.
(To be continued…)
There! It took me a while but at least it's finished. I hope you like that and please review. I'll be waiting for it.
Michiko