Shattered

A Normal Life

            "Hitomi! Hitomi!!"

Brown leaves fluttered under the pounding feet of a female figure moving swiftly through the icy morning wind. The sun was trying to break through the thick fog that clung to the area surrounding the city, pushing small slats into the low clouds whenever it could, lighting tiny patches of the ground. Splotches of illumination glowed from tree limbs. The trunk of a particularly old oak spiraled far above the owner of the petite feet that were still moving at the swift pace they kept up for the better part of an hour each daybreak. Their constant, relaxed thud against the pavement was a source of comfort in the knowledge of the extensive, rigid day ahead of the girl. There were not many places were a person could seek reassurance these strenuous days, so many would acquire what they could without complaint.

The mist brushed across her legs as her continued momentum began to slow. The shoes slowed on the pavement, turning to a fast walk. After what seemed to be a moment's deliberation, the girl halted altogether and settled on a length of cool grass. A brown haired female landed next to her an instant later, gasping.

"Why do you have to run so fast?" Yukari demanded her now-resting friend, Hitomi. The blond laughed and shook her head. Yukari flopped backwards, not minding the cold grass splashing the early morning dew across her forehead. Her clothing was wrinkled slightly, as if she had just snatched it from the floor to start her day. Her breath was coming quickly, signaling she had run a long way to find her companion. Hitomi lay on the cool earth, patiently awaiting Yukari to regain her wind.

Overhead there was a small gap in the mist, allowing a perfect tunnel to the heavens. Far above the sky was tinted gray and heavily laden with dark rain clouds, mostly obscured by the fog. The full scene looked menacing, mist and clouds meshing together in the atmosphere, dancing a ballet of the everlasting. The fog fashioned a casing around the two young women, engulfing the fearsome sky a moment afterward the clouds began to dim.

Yukari had managed to take hold of her breath throughout the time Hitomi had been gazing at the sky. Hitomi stared boredly into the clouds. Oh look, there's a bunny! It's fluffy. Does it have three eyes? She found this odd, though not disturbing. And that could be a boat, and… The blonde's thoughts continued to roam through the sky as she lay in her back on the damp blades of grass. Finally Yukari stuck her hand into her view, tilting her fingers back and forth. The foggy light caught and glinted off a beautifully cut diamond. It wasn't particularly large, but it had a simplistic notion that sent refractions of the light every which way and stirred a light reminiscence in Hitomi's heart.

"Guess what?!" Yukari's cheerful voice chirped into Hitomi's thoughts. She twitched her hand in the dim light again, and Hitomi could sense her smile was wide and bright. She snatched Yukari's hand and sat up quickly, looking over at her best friend of many years, the only one, aside from her family, that had believed her when she told her of the adventure she had survived in Gaea.

"He proposed?" Hitomi asked, and, even though she already knew the answer, pretended to be fully in the dark, despite the fact that Amano had come directly to her, days after returning to Japan from his long stay in the Americas. A few weeks after Hitomi had arrived from what the news called a "mysterious disappearance", Amano had said his goodbyes to the both of them, spending a few days ahead of time with Yukari. With all her naiveté, Yukari had sworn to wait for him. It turned out to be a longer wait than any of them expected, and was a full five years before he returned to his native country.

The reunion between the three of them had been joyous. The small group had gone to the high school track and relived the memories they had lived when they had still been attending school. Hitomi and Yukari were both taking a year off to study for college entrance exams and earn money to carry them through the remainder of their educations. Yukari had found a wonderful, high paying job with a doctor's office as their secretary. Hitomi had not been nearly as lucky as her close friend, ending in a run-down area of town inside a Fast Mart.

Fast Mart's long held the reputation for being the greatest convenience store in Japan. It had opened as a small, family owned business. Of course, that didn't last for long, evident in the epidemical way it spread all around the islands. Its shelves were stocked with everything a person could imagine. Food, books, tapes, clothing, anything that came into existence was easily discovered here. It even sported a small gas station (which turned larger over the years) and a neat little service station; sporting the motto "We'll fix your car, while you shop!" Not the most creative ideals that ever rolled around, though definitely some of the more popular ones. Everyone loved Fast Mart. Everyone save for the employees that spent hours privy to the inner workings of the most popular place to buy.

The hard occupations these citizens signed up for were not what they expected. The natives of Fast Mart always seemed happy and bubbly, ready to help out the customers in any way that they could. Once you were hired, you discovered a neat little salary, and some bonuses that made you feel safe and protected in this network. You could quit any time, the seasoned managers assured the green ones, and we'll even give you a huge severance package! Perhaps it was just Hitomi who had realized these managers were not quite what they seemed. A few were involved in the REP, a vicious and notorious gang in Japan, the only mob that had survived the country's justice system for so long. Hitomi steered far away from these men, knowing that at any point they could take her life and others with it.

Fast Mart was also an exclusive cover up for drug trafficking. Sometimes customers would approach the counter, drooling on themselves, and mumble something in English, a catch phrase that Hitomi often missed. Whenever someone like this comes and affronts you, the managers had taught, you say, "One moment please" and get us. And, so, that's what every employee did, though they knew, in their hearts, what was hidden beneath the rambling exterior of business was a fast network of criminals.

The REP had lived in Japan for many years, extorting the economy and people with quick tricks. The citizens had, at first, not been able to understand why the forces they paid for were unable to capture these horrible men. Little by little, however, their voices died out, buried in the silence of the answer. They each discovered that the REP owned everything. Fast Mart, the police, the people, the government, the economy… No one could stop them because they were everyone. In the reality, they weren't so very numerous. They were just very tricky. One REP member managed all the Fast Marts, paying off the officials that watched the employees, who, in turn, did their dirty work. Only two existed in the government, handing down money through the system. In the end, the REP had more money than imaginable, and people were easily weakened and turned by the idea that they could have green in their pockets.

"Yes, yes! He proposed just a short time ago!" Yukari squealed, holding the ring in the meager light. "I met him for breakfast, and suddenly, I'm his fiancée!" She was uncontrollably excited. Hitomi felt the good cheer spreading to her, even though she knew this meeting would make her late for work, something that was unforgivable. Sharing in the joy of her friend during this moment seemed much more important to her then lost wages and lectures. 

During the five years that Amano had been studying in the Americas, Yukari had settled into a humble, simple routine of average grades and a standard life. She refused to date anyone, for reasons only she and Hitomi understood, and quickly earned her diploma. She and Hitomi both choose to wait for college, realizing the money it took to embark on such a journey. Yukari was determined to go to America and study, until Amano suddenly reappeared. It had been a surprise for all of them, though a pleasant one.

Yukari bounded to her feet, dragging up Hitomi with her. Her eyes were bright and shining, a fixture that had been lit within her the moment Amano returned. She was laughing, a continuous sound that resembled bells, and her smile threatened to split her face in two. Hitomi couldn't help but giggle along with her. The mist swirled between them, leaving dampness on both their faces. Hitomi was getting a bit chilly, but shook it off, watching Yukari in her greatest moment.

"Hitomi, you have to be the maid of honor for the wedding! Oh please?" Yukari's eyes widened and she clasped her hands together, begging. Hitomi couldn't hold in her laughter.

"Of course! Do you even have to ask? I wouldn't miss out on it for the world!" Hitomi said, smiling. "There's nothing that can keep me from that wedding! And attending as the maid of honor? That's more than I could have expected!"

Yukari squealed and threw her arms around Hitomi. Both girls fell back onto the grass, their laughter slipping in and out of the surrounding fog. Yukari finally released Hitomi from the suffocating hug and bounced back onto her feet. Hitomi followed her, only slightly slower. 

"Oh, Hitomi! This will be so much fun! Isn't it strange, though? I mean, it's finally happening! I had to wait so long for this, but it's happening!" Yukari's bright and cheerful voice continued speaking, but Hitomi was no longer listening much.

She did have to wait a long time for this… Hitomi thought to herself. How many years has it been since I went to Gaea and tried to sort through my own feelings? She allowed herself a small smile as her mind turned back to Fanelia and Van.

It had been five years since Hitomi had returned to her homeland. At first, it had been a lonely return. She could not tell others of the incredible journey she had experienced, as no one in their right minds would have believed her. Only Yukari and Hitomi's family understood and accepted with very few questions. The first year had been the most difficult for Hitomi. She had often thought of Van and saw his winged figure at bus stops, restaurants, flying overhead, everywhere she looked; he was there. Finally, she tried to shake herself free of the constant pattern, before Yukari could worry too much about her. She devoted herself wholly to her studies and entered into a well-known high school with Yukari. Her high school years were nothing remarkable, but Hitomi enjoyed them nonetheless.

And then, as she entered her second high school year, it was as if her mind no longer had enough room to continuously reminisce about Van. For three short years everything had centered on school and her friends. Between the two, she rarely had any extra time to sit around and think about the past. It had been that final healing time that she had needed to put the reminiscences about Van to the rear of her mind. Of course, there were still moments she looked back, but now they were fond memories she could smile at.

Seeing Yukari's happy, bright smile, Hitomi couldn't help but remember Van again. She had been just as content when she had finally chosen him. Obviously, that was before she was taken back to her own world. Still, she and Van had something special. Smirking a bit, Hitomi wondered if Van had found another girl to be with. She had been so busy that there had been little time for any other boys to occupy herself with. But, in Fanelia they probably have their kings and princes marry early… So, it stands to reason that Van is probably settled down. Maybe he even has kids! Oh, I wonder what they look like. And his wife too… I bet she's nice. Hitomi suddenly laughed. She couldn't help it. Just a few years ago thoughts like these would have reduced her to tears in seconds. Now, they only served to make her happier for him. Yukari was shooting her an odd look.

"You don't think I should go with the pink, then? Is that so funny? Oh, god, I thought that the pink dresses would match so well too!" her hands flew up to her mouth and Hitomi shook her head, trying to stop laughing, but it was difficult.

"No, no, sorry, my mind wandered… I couldn't help it… Pink would go well, I'm sure of it," she gasped and glanced up at her now-relieved looking friend.

"What, were you thinking of him again, Hitomi?" Yukari sounded slightly worried, her voice echoing slightly in the ever-thickening fog that curled its cold fingers around the two girls. Yukari had been the only one privy to all of Hitomi's thoughts and worries about her lost-love those first years and was inclined to be a bit upset whenever Hitomi brought him up again. Hitomi shook her longer, honey-colored hair.

"Yes, but don't worry so much Yukari! Would you like to walk me to work?" she asked brightly and Yukari gulped.

"Oh no! I've made you late, haven't I? You told me that your manager gets angry when you're late… Sorry!"

Hitomi laughed again and glanced at her watch. "Nah, I have another couple of minutes. Plenty of time to get down there and check in with the bosses. Besides, it won't kill them to have a temporary employee be a little late now and then, will it?" Yukari shook her head, brown hair fluttering limply around her in the rain-laden mist.

The two girls set off towards the heart of town, neither rushing much. Hitomi was unexcited about another day at work. Personally, she couldn't wait to escape the job, but she needed to have her options lined up before quitting. Yukari was desperately trying to convince the doctor that she worked with to give Hitomi a chance as a secretary with her, but he was already overstaffed as it was and couldn't stand the idea of another secretary lazily drifting about the office. 'Too many cooks ruin the stew!' he had told Yukari over and over again. Yukari was stuck, not wanting to lose her job (where she believed she was overworked, considering she was usually the only secretary there and was still waiting for all these other 'cooks' to show up and ruin the stew with her.)

A little over five minutes and they were in the shoddy neighborhood, which centered on Hitomi's Fast Mart. A homeless man waved a cup at them, smiling toothlessly, and croaking for change. Hitomi stopped and dug into her purse, dropping whatever she found into his tin cup. Then, she handed him a bag she had also pulled out, smiling brightly.

"Hey, John, here's the toothpaste and stuff I promised to get for you… I hope it's the right stuff!" she said cheerfully. The man gave them another smile and waved them away once the bag was safely in his hands. Yukari noticed he was wearing new mittens. As soon as they were out of his hearing, she shoot Hitomi a look.

"You know, you'll never have enough money for college if you keep buying homeless people things like that," she admonished. Hitomi shrugged.

"Oh, come off it. It's only some toothpaste and food! It's not like it'll send me to the poorhouse or anything. It's the least I can do."

"Hitomi, he doesn't even have teeth!" Yukari snapped. Hitomi laughed, aggravating her friend.

"It's okay, I have an employee discount!" she said cheerily, as if that explained everything. Yukari rolled her eyes and halted, waving her friend on.

"Well, you go… work at that… place…" she said, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "I'm going back to Amano! We have a lot of planning, now, you know!" she said, brightening. Hitomi grinned with her and gave her a tight hug.

"You two are going to be the most perfect married couple there could be! I'll find you a fabulous wedding present, you just wait!" Pivoting on her heel, she ran into the mist, one hand raised in farewell. Yukari would never forget her like that, smiling, racing away into the fog, waving as if everything would be okay, forever.

Hitomi rushed into the Fast Mart, the icy air conditioning making her shiver. She saw her rough-looking manager almost immediately and called out to him. He turned and saw her, nodded sharply. That was her check-in. Now she needed to get changed and figure out wear she would be today, before the clock registered the start of her shift.

Outside, the clouds clumped together and wove a net of black across the entire sky. The fog would vanish over the day, leaving the ominous looking atmosphere as a testament of what the rest of the day would bring. As Hitomi struggled into her regular uniform, pulling her hair into a ponytail, thunder rumbled outside, growling like a beast starved for blood.

A slash of lightening and the loudest clap of thunder yet heard sounded just over the roof of the Fast Mart. Hitomi jumped, but swallowed her misgivings and turned to the assignment board. There was something very unsettling in the way the storm was about to break outside.

Very unsettling indeed.

***

Author's Notes: I suck at foreshadowing! I seriously have to work on that. Cliffhanger? Ha. HA! Not really a good one, though. I mean, of course something bad is going to happen. It wouldn't be right otherwise.

Anyway, yes, I know it's been a year since I last updated, so if any of you are still reading this, then, thank you. I'd love some reviews. Even flames would be good now. And, the story will pick up. This chapter took me so long to come out with because nothing happened. It's not scary. It's not funny. It's so… boring. I hope it was more interesting to read then write. Well, let me know!

Just one other note. I already have everything planned and plotted and (hold your breaths) written down!! So, obviously, that means I can talk about guesses, etc., with you! Whoo, right?!

silver sea star: Does this count as writing again soon? Can we pretend? Please?

Laka: You really think it's good? Thank you! I hope this is still keeping up with those standards…

Isy Okolo: I can't tell you if the girl in the prologue is Hitomi… You'll have to wait and see! (Look at me be mysterious!)

And thank you to all other reviewers! I'll try to thank/answer questions at the bottom of my author's notes each chapter… (Easier to skip… :D)