Chapter Three – Aphrodite's Game
Hitomi stared after her best friend, eyes wide in shock. Her hand pressed against her mouth in horror. "My God," She whispered, trembling. "What's happening?"
"Hitomi?"
It was Sarah.
"What just happened? Did you see the way she was yelling at that guy? What a bitch!" Sarah hooked her arm through Hitomi's, gently guiding her back to the table. "And then she started having a go at you! Has Yukari completely lost it or something?! I thought you were best friends!"
Hitomi frowned, sadness in her voice. "Yeah, I thought so to."
'Oh God, what I am going to do? My best friend has turned into my monstrous arch enemy...' Hitomi's thoughts tottered dangerously on the verge of despair.
Somewhere in the distance, far away from her own troubled mind, she heard the small group around her chatting animatedly. It was decided that Yukari was a bitch, and Hitomi was better off without her – so would Amano, for that matter. Hitomi sat in the midst of them, silent and unmoving. 'They have no idea,' thought Hitomi miserably. She could face this by herself. It was just too much, too frightening. Hitomi wondered through the rest of the night as though in a dream – no, a nightmare. All she could see where those two red eyes, staring at her with a hatred Hitomi had not known existed.
The front door slammed loudly behind her, announcing her arrival to the whole house. There was a light on in the living room. Yukari scowled. What was this, Nazi Germany?
"Yukari?" Her mother called her from the living room.
"What?" Yukari snapped, bristling. Her temper had been worn very, very thin. Having to talk with her ridiculous mother on top of everything else was too much stupidity to deal with in just one night.
Her mother emerged from the living room in her dressing gown; her eyes were still soft from slumber.
"Where have you been? I've been worried."
"I went out," Yukari replied, her eyes daring her mother to press her further.
"Where?"
"Just out, okay? What's it to you, anyway?"
Yukari moved to go upstairs, but her mother stopped her. Yukari was being defied. With this realization, Yukari felt an incredible anger and hatred well up from beneath her. The strength of the emotion made her dizzy, the world around her suddenly hazy as she was engulfed by an invasion of thoughts and feelings that she knew couldn't be hers... The sights and sounds a moment ago had disappeared; almost as though she had fallen into herself. She was vaguely aware of her voice around her, talking without her leave. The words it was saying didn't belong to her...but it didn't matter...Yukari took a deep breathe and relaxed. Everything was just fine...
Yukari's mother stared at her young daughter and knew there was something terribly wrong.
"Yukari?" She questioned gently. She carefully touched her daughter's arm, only to find it violently wrenched from her grasp by a furious Yukari.
"LET GO! How dare you touch me without permission!" she screamed.
Her mother gasped. What was wrong with her little girl? Her eyes filled with tears.
"Sweetie, what's the matter with you?" She asked, desperately trying to keep her voice steady.
"Sweetie?!" Yukari repeated, her voice mocking. "Who do you think you are? I am not your pet!" There was a sharp crack in the air as Yukari's hand came into contact with her mother's cheek. Her mother gasped, her eyes filling with tears. She gazed at her daughter, who stood cold and unresponsive to what had just occurred. She saw something in her daughter that frightened her; something had changed. Then she noticed it –
"Yukari..." Her voice shook. "Your eyes have changed colour."
Yukari snarled – or more precisely, what had been Yukari – and walked out of the house, leaving sobs in her wake.
"So, Hitomi, seen Yukari lately?" Sarah's voice came cheerily over the phone to Hitomi.
"Um, no. Not lately," She bit her lip, frowning. So far, she had been too afraid to even go near her best friend. She hated herself for it, but the idea of facing what was quite possibly Dilandau, by herself, was terrifying. She hadn't even tried.
Sarah sighed. Hitomi started, having forgotten she was there. "Good, 'coz she's completely crazy. Did you hear what she did the other day?!"
"No," Hitomi replied, trying not to sound worried. "What happened?"
"She punched Jeremy Blackburn ... you know, the computer nerd? ...For almost no reason at all! When they asked her why she did it, she said that his face annoyed her!" Sarah laughed.
"What's going to happen to her?" Hitomi could almost see Sarah shrugging carelessly on the other end.
"Oh, She'll probably only be suspended," Sarah answered airily. "Anyway, something important: I wanted to know what you're doing this Saturday."
"Nothing...why?" Hitomi eyed the telephone warily.
"Well, my parents have finally agreed to let me have a house party! It's an early birthday present. It's going to be great! You HAVE to be there!" She gushed.
"Oh..."
Great. How was she supposed to try and solve her problems when no one would leave her alone? She'd just lost her best friend and true love in the same month, not to mention the freakishly Dilandau-like behaviour that Yukari had been showing lately. As incomprehensible and crazy as it was, there was still a possibility that he had somehow managed to worm his way back into her life, in some twisted act of revenge. She shuddered. She missed having Van by her side in more ways than one. But then again, she's been fussing over this like an old woman for days. What difference would one night make? None what so ever. She was tired of all the frightening, overwhelming responsibilities that had suddenly reared up on her. She wanted to forget again, and be doing what any other normal person her age should be doing.
"What's the matter?" Said Sarah, disappointed at Hitomi's lack of enthusiasm. "You don't sound that happy."
"No, it's nothing. I'll come." With a twinge of surprise, she realised that she actually meant it. Maybe things were going to sort themselves out after all. Well, hopefully.
And that was how on a Saturday night, Hitomi found herself in Sarah's huge house, with sound blaring from every corner. Drunken teenagers chatted and laughed, their dancing, youthful forms filling every room. A bottle of beer had been forced into her hand. She didn't even like beer. She gazed around the room, searching for someone she knew. No one. She took a swig. Not so bad once you got used to it. She moved through the crowds, swaying her hips in time to the music, still searching. She started as she suddenly felt a pair of arms slide around her.
"Woah, easy tiger! Want to dance?" laughed a dark haired youth. She tilted her head towards him, and felt a sharp pang in her heart as she realised he had the same coloured hair as Van. Van... the love of her life. Tears rose to her eyes, as despite everything, she realised she still missed him. Loved him, even. She doubted she would ever get over the pain of his betrayal, and looking at the innocent boy's face, she was painfully aware of that. Although it was not his fault, she couldn't stand to be near him a moment longer. She shook her head, and ignoring the disappointment in his face, went to get another drink. It was a panic response; an excuse to leave. Whether or not it was the right thing to do, it helped.
She reached out to grab what would have been her sixth or seventh drink (she'd lost count by that time), when she felt a warm, strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart leapt. Van!
She whirled round, only to be faced with Amano. Her face fell in disappointment. Of course, it was stupid - how could Van be on Earth anyway? 'I'm being an idiot,' she thought miserably.
"Hitomi," He was looking at her with that deep soft look he had whenever he was upset or pensive. It was the one that used to make her heart stop with longing and tempted the blood to her cheeks. That is, until she met Van.
His gaze shifted to the bottle in her hand. "How many of those have you had?"
"What's it to you?" She retorted angrily. How dare he try to look after her! She could take care of herself, thanks very much! "For you're information I've had a bad day – no, a bad week – so leave me alone!"
His face changed to one of understanding. He reached out to touch her gently on the shoulder, like a concerned parent would. "Me too. How about sharing, eh?" He carefully took the bottle from her hands, and took a gulp. Hitomi smiled. It was nice to know she wasn't the only one who was unhappy. What was that saying again? -Misery loves company. He smiled back.
"Lets go outside for a breather, yeah? It's too hot in here,"
She nodded her head, suddenly all too aware of the oppressive heat that too many bodies generated. It made her head reel. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or just her anxiety catching up with her, she allowed herself to be steered outside to Sarah's back garden. It was a relief to sit down on the wooden garden bench, the cool night air washing away the loud throbbing noise vibrating from the house. She sighed.
"So what's wrong with you, Amano?" She turned towards him, and was shocked by the melancholy expression on his face. He was leaning forward ever so slightly, his drink rested in his lap, his hands around it. A few strands of light, silky hair fell into his face, but she could still see his chocolate eyes that were sad and dark with sadness. She felt a deep pang of empathy as she was faced with an emotion so akin to her own.
"Hey," She said softly, ignoring the painful pricks stinging her own eyes. "What's the matter?" She moved closer, putting an arm around him. She gave him all the comfort she wished she had been given, and some how, it gave her strength. He moved his head and their eyes met. Light green melted into chocolate brown; both with a mutual understanding, and unspoken friendship born from unspoken problems. Perhaps, in each other, they had found some one who would listen?
"It's...Yukari," Amano affirmed, deciding to confide in the one person who knew Yukari better than he did.
Hitomi froze. Oh God... what if he knew? If she told him the reason for Yukari spectacular personality change and possible sex change, he'd think she was crazy. But what else could she say? "Oh yeah, Amano, it's normal. Yukari's just turned into a male homicidal pyromaniac because she's PMTing... ignore it, it'll pass..." Yeah, just about as credible as the truth!
"What about her?" She asked as calmly as possible, with what she hoped was a wide-eyed look of innocence.
"Well... she's been acting really weird lately. She keeps telling me she's busy and she's got homework to do, but when I went to her house her mum said she'd gone to your house! But I know for a fact you were with Sarah, I only asked you the other day, remember?"
"Yes..."
"Well, I think she's cheating on me."
"What?! Amano, she would never cheat on you." Hitomi suppressed the urge to cry with relief. At least he had no clue what the truth was. She almost wished he had. At least then she wouldn't be on her own.
"No, Hitomi, something's wrong, I can sense it. She changed..."
Hitomi let escape a bitter laugh. "Oh, Amano, you have no idea,"
He started, his eyes suddenly burning into her with an intensified gaze. "You know something," He stated simply.
She shook her head, her heart racing.
"Yes, you do," Amano said, his voice rising in strength and volume. "What is it?"
"No. Amano, please, don't ask me to explain. I just can't talk about this." She had to get away; she didn't trust herself to lie to Amano's love- filled, saddened face. She shifted away from him, and tried to get up.
"Hitomi, tell me!" His voice rang out pleadingly. It only convinced her even more that she wouldn't be able to lie to him. In a surge of sheer desperation, he grabbed her face in his hands, and forcing her to keep her gaze level with his.
"Oh Amano..." She could taste her misery at the tip of her tongue; sobs threatened to erupt from inside her, tears threatened to pour down her cheeks. She didn't have the strength to cope with his pain on top of her own.
"You think you're the only one with troubles? Yukari belongs to you and always will! She loves you! But me... I..." Her voice broke. She pulled away from his grasp, lowering her head so that he wouldn't be able to see the tears shining in her eyes. He didn't have to – he had heard it in her voice.
"Hitomi, I'm sorry," He said softly, drawing her close.
Hitomi pressed herself against him, ignoring the jolt of alarm that ran across her as she did so. This was not a friendly embrace; she knew that friends didn't hug each other the way she was hugging Amano. She couldn't help it. She didn't want to let go. Finally, after a week of fear, tears and being alone, there was someone to comfort her. Van had always defended her, even when they barely knew each other. Who would do that now that he was gone? She didn't know if she had the strength to manage on her own. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend that it was Van holding her.
"Hitomi..." Amano murmured. It was an attempt to bring her back from where ever she had gone, to get them both to realise what they were doing. It didn't work. As Hitomi thought of Van, and Amano thought of Yukari, their lips met.
It was a clumsy kiss, one that burned with alcohol-fuelled lust, and nothing else. She knew that she was searching for an angel in a mere human, but none the less it was a comfort, a few seconds of blissful forgetfulness. Hitomi relaxed and deepened the kiss, delighting in the feeling of the youth's hands on her body. She didn't see the bright column of light shine in the sky, and the soft loving eyes of her angel widen in shock as he gazed upon the couple. She didn't see the same tears she had cried fall from the one who had caused them. She didn't see him turn to leave. She was still kissing Amano when the sky lit up once more, her last chance of happiness gone.
GAEA, 60 MINUTES BEFORE
The dark haired boy-king stood, alone, in the tranquillity of the palace gardens. Escaflowne's resting place had become his place of retreat and contemplation. He gazed up at the magnificent guymelef, remembering Hitomi's departure just fourteen months ago. Already in such a short time, diplomacy and duty was tearing them apart in a way that even separate worlds could not have done. It was time to talk to her. It had been wrong to let Hitomi find out about his alliance with Paymere in such a way. Regretfully, he twisted her pendent between his fingers. He needed to explain himself. His shoulders sagged as he breathed in the sweet smell of Fanelia. Most of all, he needed to see her... He longed to hear her loving voice so full of light and words of hope, see her sparkling green eyes bright with excitement, and see one last time her lithe, graceful form break into a powerful run. He wanted more than anything to at least be able to contact her through their bond, but he could feel it without even trying; she had shut her mind off to him completely. The realisation hurt. Did she hate him that much? How could she even think that he had done all of this on purpose? Familiar determination came to calm his thoughts. He would go; she would not hate him. It was that simple – he could not allow himself to doubt for one second, for a second's hesitation was a second given to the enemy. He could not help it; it was his army training, and the harsh lesson he had learnt in war. Perhaps that was why he had used to be so rash. But this, this was no rash decision. This was his life, his Hitomi. He held up the pendent as it glittered in the light, it's ruby depths hinting at the secrets hidden within it.
"Take me to her," He whispered.
Van saw his own eyes, dark and hopeful, reflected in the stone. He felt the power within it wake, and travel up the golden chain to his hand, and then through to his whole body. His being trembled with the magic as it raced up his spine, buzzing underneath the surface of his skin. Had it always been this way with Hitomi? Was this the strange power that came with the pendent, the power of a seer? He wondered, slightly unsure of himself and of what was expected of him. Scriptures and instructions had made piloting Escaflowne easy; this was something wild and new. What if he could not control it? With a start, he jerked his eyes away from the pendent to realise his feet were not touching the ground – he was weightless in this bright nothingness, his one thread linking him to the Mystic Moon. He closed his eyes, over come with joy; he was going to see Hitomi!
EARTH
As soon as he arrived he saw them. He couldn't believe his eyes; there she was, beautiful as always, in the arms of someone else. He watched as the youth – a mere boy, he thought angrily – touch her in a way only he should be allowed to do. Hitomi was his, dammit! Why couldn't she see that? He backed away from the oblivious couple, fiercely blinking away his tears. He couldn't bear to stay a second longer and with the pendent still he his hand, he turned and ran.
A/N I am evil. Love J.R
I'll update when I get reviews!
Hitomi stared after her best friend, eyes wide in shock. Her hand pressed against her mouth in horror. "My God," She whispered, trembling. "What's happening?"
"Hitomi?"
It was Sarah.
"What just happened? Did you see the way she was yelling at that guy? What a bitch!" Sarah hooked her arm through Hitomi's, gently guiding her back to the table. "And then she started having a go at you! Has Yukari completely lost it or something?! I thought you were best friends!"
Hitomi frowned, sadness in her voice. "Yeah, I thought so to."
'Oh God, what I am going to do? My best friend has turned into my monstrous arch enemy...' Hitomi's thoughts tottered dangerously on the verge of despair.
Somewhere in the distance, far away from her own troubled mind, she heard the small group around her chatting animatedly. It was decided that Yukari was a bitch, and Hitomi was better off without her – so would Amano, for that matter. Hitomi sat in the midst of them, silent and unmoving. 'They have no idea,' thought Hitomi miserably. She could face this by herself. It was just too much, too frightening. Hitomi wondered through the rest of the night as though in a dream – no, a nightmare. All she could see where those two red eyes, staring at her with a hatred Hitomi had not known existed.
The front door slammed loudly behind her, announcing her arrival to the whole house. There was a light on in the living room. Yukari scowled. What was this, Nazi Germany?
"Yukari?" Her mother called her from the living room.
"What?" Yukari snapped, bristling. Her temper had been worn very, very thin. Having to talk with her ridiculous mother on top of everything else was too much stupidity to deal with in just one night.
Her mother emerged from the living room in her dressing gown; her eyes were still soft from slumber.
"Where have you been? I've been worried."
"I went out," Yukari replied, her eyes daring her mother to press her further.
"Where?"
"Just out, okay? What's it to you, anyway?"
Yukari moved to go upstairs, but her mother stopped her. Yukari was being defied. With this realization, Yukari felt an incredible anger and hatred well up from beneath her. The strength of the emotion made her dizzy, the world around her suddenly hazy as she was engulfed by an invasion of thoughts and feelings that she knew couldn't be hers... The sights and sounds a moment ago had disappeared; almost as though she had fallen into herself. She was vaguely aware of her voice around her, talking without her leave. The words it was saying didn't belong to her...but it didn't matter...Yukari took a deep breathe and relaxed. Everything was just fine...
Yukari's mother stared at her young daughter and knew there was something terribly wrong.
"Yukari?" She questioned gently. She carefully touched her daughter's arm, only to find it violently wrenched from her grasp by a furious Yukari.
"LET GO! How dare you touch me without permission!" she screamed.
Her mother gasped. What was wrong with her little girl? Her eyes filled with tears.
"Sweetie, what's the matter with you?" She asked, desperately trying to keep her voice steady.
"Sweetie?!" Yukari repeated, her voice mocking. "Who do you think you are? I am not your pet!" There was a sharp crack in the air as Yukari's hand came into contact with her mother's cheek. Her mother gasped, her eyes filling with tears. She gazed at her daughter, who stood cold and unresponsive to what had just occurred. She saw something in her daughter that frightened her; something had changed. Then she noticed it –
"Yukari..." Her voice shook. "Your eyes have changed colour."
Yukari snarled – or more precisely, what had been Yukari – and walked out of the house, leaving sobs in her wake.
"So, Hitomi, seen Yukari lately?" Sarah's voice came cheerily over the phone to Hitomi.
"Um, no. Not lately," She bit her lip, frowning. So far, she had been too afraid to even go near her best friend. She hated herself for it, but the idea of facing what was quite possibly Dilandau, by herself, was terrifying. She hadn't even tried.
Sarah sighed. Hitomi started, having forgotten she was there. "Good, 'coz she's completely crazy. Did you hear what she did the other day?!"
"No," Hitomi replied, trying not to sound worried. "What happened?"
"She punched Jeremy Blackburn ... you know, the computer nerd? ...For almost no reason at all! When they asked her why she did it, she said that his face annoyed her!" Sarah laughed.
"What's going to happen to her?" Hitomi could almost see Sarah shrugging carelessly on the other end.
"Oh, She'll probably only be suspended," Sarah answered airily. "Anyway, something important: I wanted to know what you're doing this Saturday."
"Nothing...why?" Hitomi eyed the telephone warily.
"Well, my parents have finally agreed to let me have a house party! It's an early birthday present. It's going to be great! You HAVE to be there!" She gushed.
"Oh..."
Great. How was she supposed to try and solve her problems when no one would leave her alone? She'd just lost her best friend and true love in the same month, not to mention the freakishly Dilandau-like behaviour that Yukari had been showing lately. As incomprehensible and crazy as it was, there was still a possibility that he had somehow managed to worm his way back into her life, in some twisted act of revenge. She shuddered. She missed having Van by her side in more ways than one. But then again, she's been fussing over this like an old woman for days. What difference would one night make? None what so ever. She was tired of all the frightening, overwhelming responsibilities that had suddenly reared up on her. She wanted to forget again, and be doing what any other normal person her age should be doing.
"What's the matter?" Said Sarah, disappointed at Hitomi's lack of enthusiasm. "You don't sound that happy."
"No, it's nothing. I'll come." With a twinge of surprise, she realised that she actually meant it. Maybe things were going to sort themselves out after all. Well, hopefully.
And that was how on a Saturday night, Hitomi found herself in Sarah's huge house, with sound blaring from every corner. Drunken teenagers chatted and laughed, their dancing, youthful forms filling every room. A bottle of beer had been forced into her hand. She didn't even like beer. She gazed around the room, searching for someone she knew. No one. She took a swig. Not so bad once you got used to it. She moved through the crowds, swaying her hips in time to the music, still searching. She started as she suddenly felt a pair of arms slide around her.
"Woah, easy tiger! Want to dance?" laughed a dark haired youth. She tilted her head towards him, and felt a sharp pang in her heart as she realised he had the same coloured hair as Van. Van... the love of her life. Tears rose to her eyes, as despite everything, she realised she still missed him. Loved him, even. She doubted she would ever get over the pain of his betrayal, and looking at the innocent boy's face, she was painfully aware of that. Although it was not his fault, she couldn't stand to be near him a moment longer. She shook her head, and ignoring the disappointment in his face, went to get another drink. It was a panic response; an excuse to leave. Whether or not it was the right thing to do, it helped.
She reached out to grab what would have been her sixth or seventh drink (she'd lost count by that time), when she felt a warm, strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart leapt. Van!
She whirled round, only to be faced with Amano. Her face fell in disappointment. Of course, it was stupid - how could Van be on Earth anyway? 'I'm being an idiot,' she thought miserably.
"Hitomi," He was looking at her with that deep soft look he had whenever he was upset or pensive. It was the one that used to make her heart stop with longing and tempted the blood to her cheeks. That is, until she met Van.
His gaze shifted to the bottle in her hand. "How many of those have you had?"
"What's it to you?" She retorted angrily. How dare he try to look after her! She could take care of herself, thanks very much! "For you're information I've had a bad day – no, a bad week – so leave me alone!"
His face changed to one of understanding. He reached out to touch her gently on the shoulder, like a concerned parent would. "Me too. How about sharing, eh?" He carefully took the bottle from her hands, and took a gulp. Hitomi smiled. It was nice to know she wasn't the only one who was unhappy. What was that saying again? -Misery loves company. He smiled back.
"Lets go outside for a breather, yeah? It's too hot in here,"
She nodded her head, suddenly all too aware of the oppressive heat that too many bodies generated. It made her head reel. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or just her anxiety catching up with her, she allowed herself to be steered outside to Sarah's back garden. It was a relief to sit down on the wooden garden bench, the cool night air washing away the loud throbbing noise vibrating from the house. She sighed.
"So what's wrong with you, Amano?" She turned towards him, and was shocked by the melancholy expression on his face. He was leaning forward ever so slightly, his drink rested in his lap, his hands around it. A few strands of light, silky hair fell into his face, but she could still see his chocolate eyes that were sad and dark with sadness. She felt a deep pang of empathy as she was faced with an emotion so akin to her own.
"Hey," She said softly, ignoring the painful pricks stinging her own eyes. "What's the matter?" She moved closer, putting an arm around him. She gave him all the comfort she wished she had been given, and some how, it gave her strength. He moved his head and their eyes met. Light green melted into chocolate brown; both with a mutual understanding, and unspoken friendship born from unspoken problems. Perhaps, in each other, they had found some one who would listen?
"It's...Yukari," Amano affirmed, deciding to confide in the one person who knew Yukari better than he did.
Hitomi froze. Oh God... what if he knew? If she told him the reason for Yukari spectacular personality change and possible sex change, he'd think she was crazy. But what else could she say? "Oh yeah, Amano, it's normal. Yukari's just turned into a male homicidal pyromaniac because she's PMTing... ignore it, it'll pass..." Yeah, just about as credible as the truth!
"What about her?" She asked as calmly as possible, with what she hoped was a wide-eyed look of innocence.
"Well... she's been acting really weird lately. She keeps telling me she's busy and she's got homework to do, but when I went to her house her mum said she'd gone to your house! But I know for a fact you were with Sarah, I only asked you the other day, remember?"
"Yes..."
"Well, I think she's cheating on me."
"What?! Amano, she would never cheat on you." Hitomi suppressed the urge to cry with relief. At least he had no clue what the truth was. She almost wished he had. At least then she wouldn't be on her own.
"No, Hitomi, something's wrong, I can sense it. She changed..."
Hitomi let escape a bitter laugh. "Oh, Amano, you have no idea,"
He started, his eyes suddenly burning into her with an intensified gaze. "You know something," He stated simply.
She shook her head, her heart racing.
"Yes, you do," Amano said, his voice rising in strength and volume. "What is it?"
"No. Amano, please, don't ask me to explain. I just can't talk about this." She had to get away; she didn't trust herself to lie to Amano's love- filled, saddened face. She shifted away from him, and tried to get up.
"Hitomi, tell me!" His voice rang out pleadingly. It only convinced her even more that she wouldn't be able to lie to him. In a surge of sheer desperation, he grabbed her face in his hands, and forcing her to keep her gaze level with his.
"Oh Amano..." She could taste her misery at the tip of her tongue; sobs threatened to erupt from inside her, tears threatened to pour down her cheeks. She didn't have the strength to cope with his pain on top of her own.
"You think you're the only one with troubles? Yukari belongs to you and always will! She loves you! But me... I..." Her voice broke. She pulled away from his grasp, lowering her head so that he wouldn't be able to see the tears shining in her eyes. He didn't have to – he had heard it in her voice.
"Hitomi, I'm sorry," He said softly, drawing her close.
Hitomi pressed herself against him, ignoring the jolt of alarm that ran across her as she did so. This was not a friendly embrace; she knew that friends didn't hug each other the way she was hugging Amano. She couldn't help it. She didn't want to let go. Finally, after a week of fear, tears and being alone, there was someone to comfort her. Van had always defended her, even when they barely knew each other. Who would do that now that he was gone? She didn't know if she had the strength to manage on her own. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend that it was Van holding her.
"Hitomi..." Amano murmured. It was an attempt to bring her back from where ever she had gone, to get them both to realise what they were doing. It didn't work. As Hitomi thought of Van, and Amano thought of Yukari, their lips met.
It was a clumsy kiss, one that burned with alcohol-fuelled lust, and nothing else. She knew that she was searching for an angel in a mere human, but none the less it was a comfort, a few seconds of blissful forgetfulness. Hitomi relaxed and deepened the kiss, delighting in the feeling of the youth's hands on her body. She didn't see the bright column of light shine in the sky, and the soft loving eyes of her angel widen in shock as he gazed upon the couple. She didn't see the same tears she had cried fall from the one who had caused them. She didn't see him turn to leave. She was still kissing Amano when the sky lit up once more, her last chance of happiness gone.
GAEA, 60 MINUTES BEFORE
The dark haired boy-king stood, alone, in the tranquillity of the palace gardens. Escaflowne's resting place had become his place of retreat and contemplation. He gazed up at the magnificent guymelef, remembering Hitomi's departure just fourteen months ago. Already in such a short time, diplomacy and duty was tearing them apart in a way that even separate worlds could not have done. It was time to talk to her. It had been wrong to let Hitomi find out about his alliance with Paymere in such a way. Regretfully, he twisted her pendent between his fingers. He needed to explain himself. His shoulders sagged as he breathed in the sweet smell of Fanelia. Most of all, he needed to see her... He longed to hear her loving voice so full of light and words of hope, see her sparkling green eyes bright with excitement, and see one last time her lithe, graceful form break into a powerful run. He wanted more than anything to at least be able to contact her through their bond, but he could feel it without even trying; she had shut her mind off to him completely. The realisation hurt. Did she hate him that much? How could she even think that he had done all of this on purpose? Familiar determination came to calm his thoughts. He would go; she would not hate him. It was that simple – he could not allow himself to doubt for one second, for a second's hesitation was a second given to the enemy. He could not help it; it was his army training, and the harsh lesson he had learnt in war. Perhaps that was why he had used to be so rash. But this, this was no rash decision. This was his life, his Hitomi. He held up the pendent as it glittered in the light, it's ruby depths hinting at the secrets hidden within it.
"Take me to her," He whispered.
Van saw his own eyes, dark and hopeful, reflected in the stone. He felt the power within it wake, and travel up the golden chain to his hand, and then through to his whole body. His being trembled with the magic as it raced up his spine, buzzing underneath the surface of his skin. Had it always been this way with Hitomi? Was this the strange power that came with the pendent, the power of a seer? He wondered, slightly unsure of himself and of what was expected of him. Scriptures and instructions had made piloting Escaflowne easy; this was something wild and new. What if he could not control it? With a start, he jerked his eyes away from the pendent to realise his feet were not touching the ground – he was weightless in this bright nothingness, his one thread linking him to the Mystic Moon. He closed his eyes, over come with joy; he was going to see Hitomi!
EARTH
As soon as he arrived he saw them. He couldn't believe his eyes; there she was, beautiful as always, in the arms of someone else. He watched as the youth – a mere boy, he thought angrily – touch her in a way only he should be allowed to do. Hitomi was his, dammit! Why couldn't she see that? He backed away from the oblivious couple, fiercely blinking away his tears. He couldn't bear to stay a second longer and with the pendent still he his hand, he turned and ran.
A/N I am evil. Love J.R
I'll update when I get reviews!