Hitoriaruki: Walking Alone

Chapter Three: Hold Your Ground

By: Kasia

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are NOT mine - they belong to Higuchi Tachibana. I just made the storyline.

Imai Hotaru checked her mini-computer once more, confirming Mikan and Natsume's location for the billionth time. (Hotaru: "Actually, it's only the three hundred fifty-eighth time." Author/Kasia: "…mumbling How does she come up with this stuff…?" Ruka: "…You mean you're actually counting!" Sumire: "That's because she's a brain with no social life whatsoever, duh!" Hotaru: eyes turn to evil stars as she glares at Sumire "Perm-head." Sumire: "..." Ruka: "..." Kasia: "..." cough "Okay, as I was saying...") She, Sumire and Ruka were sitting in the back of a military van, waiting to arrive at the nearest airport. She noted that Mikan and Natsume seemed to be safe - and near each other, too - but she couldn't help but wonder who their accompaniers were. Carefully placing the computer next to her on the seat, she pulled her backpack from the floor to her lap and began shuffling through the many pouches. Sumire was asleep in the backseat, and Ruka sat next to Hotaru (opposite the computer) and curiously watched her.

After many mumblings of, "Where did I put that thing?" and, "Why is that here?", Hotaru finally pulled out her sought-after item. Ruka leaned toward her, shocked to see such a familiar pair of earmuffs. Hotaru quietly placed them over her ears and pressed a button on the bottom of one of the ear pieces, under of the dark, floppy dog ears. It caused a cord to drop from the dog's mouth, and she instantly grabbed it and hooked it to her computer, once again placing the backpack on the floor.

"…Hotaru-chan," Ruka mumbled, a puzzled and awed expression on his face, "Aren't those the earmuffs that Mikan wore when Natsume was kidnapped by Reo?" When she nodded, he continued, "But… Hotaru-chan, that was over five years ago… And didn't Reo take them?" Hotaru nodded again, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

"That was just a trial version," she replied with a grin, "Do you really think that I would let Mikan use the real ones? You and I both know she'd total them!" Sumire stirred in the back, the two hurriedly continued with somewhat lowered voices. "And let's not forget that I could have easily made new ones..." Ruka chuckled.

"So, what do you plan to do with them?" He asked, a bit quizzical, "And why are you hooking them up to your computer?" She gazed at him innocently out of the corner of her eye, but he could easily guess what that meant. "Alright," he conceded, crossing his arms over his chest, "What are you scheming this time?"

Natsume peered around him for what felt like the hundredth time, but no matter how many times he looked at his surroundings, he couldn't get a grasp on them. This could have something to do with the fact that they kept changing, giving him a new sight to see every few seconds. With a frown, he turned to his companion, trying to ignore the blobs of color behind her that had just transformed from an exotic palm tree to an overly large and blooming cactus.

"I still don't get it," he muttered, running a hand through his hair, "You claim that we're in a dimensional warp - not through time, but through place - but shouldn't we have stopped by now? It's been nearly ten minutes!" A sweat drop slipped off his face, his exasperation obvious.

The middle-aged woman sighed, "It's not just a dimensional warp, it's a glimpse. We're seeing tiny glimpses of different places and different things. And yes, yes, I suppose we should have stopped by now, but I was so caught by surprise that I didn't exactly use the alice correctly," she conceded, " But you know, you can't really blame me, I only just acquired it a week and a half ago!"

"Actually," Natsume snapped, "I can blame you. And I will. You shouldn't have used it if you didn't have it perfected!"

"Well, excuse me!" She countered, throwing her arms in the air, "But the occasion we were in didn't really merit any other options. I didn't see you coming up with any bright ideas!" His eyes went dark, pride kicking in.

"If you would have waited a mom-" And then the tunnel cleared. They eyed their surroundings, suspicious as to if they were actually solid. Natsume reached out and timidly touched the red rock face in front of him.

"It's… real…" he breathed, releasing a sigh. "Finally. I thought we'd be stuck in that thing forever…" He leaned against the cliff, glancing at the woman as she stepped forward to feel it herself.

"Wow, I got it right!" She exclaimed, leaping in the air with enthusiasm and startling Natsume, "We're exactly where I planned - about a quarter mile away from where we started!"

Natsume looked around them, quickly spotting the ruins of their past jail cells. He couldn't help but grin.

"You mean you didn't expect it to work?" He asked sarcastically. She ignored the evident disdain and turned to him with a smile.

"My name is Isabella," she stated, extending her hand. He looked at it a bit questioningly before reaching out and shaking it.

"Hyuuga," he replied, face as nonchalant as always, though he really couldn't help but feel excited over this new acquaintance. What would Mikan think of her? He found himself wondering. Well, she'd better like her, this lady's her aunt!

Mikan, however, was not in a predicament that would have allowed wondering. She and Shishou stood back to back, surrounded by what they estimated as nearly two hundred men and women. Mikan inclined her head, twisting enough to whisper in her Shishou's ear.

"…So…? What do we do now?" He instantly noticed that her breath was a bit shallower than usual.

"…You're still not in shape to fight," he said with a commanding voice, silencing all arguments, "And I might be strong, but I can't take them all." Mikan's heart fell. Here she was, helpless again.

"Just like always," she muttered with a sigh. He grabbed her hand and shushed her.

"It doesn't make you inadequate or weak - it makes you human. The next thing I will have to teach you is how to realize that." She lightly chuckled, releasing his hand and turning back to the mobs as they steadily created a path for their leader. She caught a glimpse of him and nearly fell over backward, shock in her features. Standing before her was a man that looked so familiar she could have sworn that she had seen him everyday of her entire life. His trimmed dark hair was thick, and he wore a dark suit - possibly a military uniform, - but what held her attention were his eyes. They were a bright, electrifying blue, lighter and more mysterious than her own. Beside her, she saw Shishou raise a hand to cover his mouth as he said something, but it was so quiet and unfamiliar to her that she instantly assumed she had heard it incorrectly.

"We're very close to them," Hotaru mumbled to herself, unconsciously biting her lower lip in anticipation. Ruka grasped her hand with an encouraging smile and her lips curved slightly upward in return, her eyes softening.

"I'm sure she's doing fine on her own," he assured her, giving her hand a small squeeze. He knew that there was more to Hotaru than meets the eye - especially when it comes to how she's feeling. He had patiently learned to pick up on the subtle hints that spoke of her anxiety. She tried to look brave, but he could see the conflicting emotions in her eyes. Regardless of the situation, she had always been there to save her best friend - just like Natsume and Ruka were always there for each other, as well. - She would not allow a black mark to appear on her perfect record.

Returning her gaze to the computer in her lap, she released his hand and switched on the earmuffs. Ruka habitually wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she typed in some code. And image of Shishou instantly jumped onto the screen, and the two leaned in for a closer look.

Mikan stretched across the table, snatching the last roll right before Shishou took it. She grinned tauntingly at him as she bit it, but no sooner had it entered her mouth than a new tray with a fresh, hot batch was place in front of them. Shishou thanked the servant and gladly took a roll from the plate, ignoring Mikan's shocked look and agitated sigh.

"I trust that everything is to your liking?" The man at the end of the long table queried, trying to hide the smile that was threatening to appear on his lips, though Mikan didn't notice. The two nodded and Mikan went to speak, only to realize that her mouth was entirely full. Shooting her a teasing smile, Shishou expressed their gratitude.

"Yes, of course, thank you for your hospitality," he responded. He began to say more, but stopped himself. The man beamed up at them and Mikan instantly smiled herself

"I'm very glad. Now, I don't think I have properly introduced myself. My name is Martin Lewis, and I own this estate and manage the men and women that surrounded you earlier. My deepest apologies for their welcome… They were under strict orders to stay silent and not harm you."

Mikan shrugged, "Could've been worse."

"Indeed," Shishou agreed. Mikan caught a mysterious glance between their host and Shishou, but decided against questioning it. There was nothing for her to question them with anyways, though she was almost positive that the two had a history together, regardless of Mr. Lewis' introduction.

"Well, if you're both done," Martin remarked, breaking the silence, "Why don't you stay for the night?" Mikan started to decline, but Shishou cut her off.

"Thank you, Martin. I hope we won't be too much trouble?" He seemed timid, something Mikan had never seen before.

"Not at all, Charles, it would be a pleasure!" Now that made Mikan's jaw drop. She had never heard anyone call Shishou by his first name, - jeez, until just now she had not even known what it was! - yet this man used it so naturally and unabashedly. She suddenly felt very protective… How dare he call my Shishou by his first name! Not even his surname, either, like they're old pals or something! Shishou deserves much more respect! Once again, she opened her mouth to speak but Shishou interjected.

"Alright, Martin, the two of us should get to bed early," he speculated, "Long day tomorrow." Martin nodded and stood to lead them upstairs when Mikan suddenly realized how tired she was. Her feet instantly moved her to the bed when they reached her room, and she was fast asleep within seconds of her head hitting the pillow. In the hallway, the two watched with adoration written all over their faces.

"…I definitely could use that ability to sleep," Shishou yawned, "But I have the same problem as she does - my poor mind just never shuts up." Martin smiled apologetically.

"You're sure you don't want a sleeping pill as well?" He insisted, "I understand that she has a lot on her mind and that slipping her one will help, but I don't understand your stubbornness against taking one yourself."

Shishou sighed, "I need to keep my alertness," he reasoned, "It's my duty and honor to protect the girl - young woman - that will change fate. I wouldn't jeapordize her safety for anything, even if it is something I want and even need."

Martin smiled, "So… That's really her, huh? The woman that will change history, the girl that is my dear Maria's?" He looked so hopeful, so exuberant and excited that Shishou could only nod. "Why, if Ed could see her now. She's grown to be so beautiful, hasn't she? I bet Maria and Bella are impatient for the moment when they will be able to actually meet her again." Shishou again nodded, this time gravely.

"But I'm afraid that won't happen for awhile yet," he predicted, "She might be strong when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, but she's nowhere near prepared in the area of using her alice. Although, meeting either of them might help her along a bit - they both have a bit more practice with it than she does."

Martin nodded, "She's going to have a tough path, isn't she?"

"Yes," Shishou affirmed, "She is."

"And there's no one who can do it for her?"

"Not with her specific task, no," He related, pausing before continuing, "But there is one that can help her, and what he does will greatly influence the outcome of her mission."

He lowered his voice so Martin couldn't hear him before adding, "And her life…"

Isabella held her hand up to her eyes, long slender fingers holding a pair of binoculars as she checked their location. Natsume looked up at her and noticed the wedding band around her finger for the first time. Ignoring it for the time being, he followed her gaze along the darkening horizon. Night would be fully upon them soon. She raised her free hand and pointed.

"There," she instructed, "That's where we're going." About two miles into the distance was a large, expansive mansion. He scoffed at the location, but appreciated that it was at least close by.

"Do you think the owner will just let us waltz right in?" He asked skeptically. She smirked, turning to him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Yup."

Hotaru was shocked but happy at the same time. Shishou was with Mikan. She was safe. And Natsume would reach them any minute, meaning he would also be safe. She had no idea how Shishou had managed to stay with them without her noticing, but was thankful regardless.

She was sitting in a comfortable first-class seat aboard a military aircraft, glad to know that they would soon be reuniting with their friends. Ruka and Sumire were in the seats on either side of her. Sumire was wide awake, now - regardless of her exhaustion, she had the same physical programming as the rest of the group - the programming that their school had installed in them. The programming that made it invariably impossible to sleep longer than a few hours without waking to check the surrounding area at least a dozen times.

Hotaru noticed that Sumire was sketching out the interior of the plane, which was of course entirely unnecessary, but upon seeing the nervous shaking of her companion's fingers she decided not to question it. Ruka, on the other hand, appeared to be fast asleep, though he stirred just as she turned her gaze to him. He sleepily opened his eyes.

"…Hotaru, have you slept yet?" Sumire glanced over at them, then turned back to her own work. Hotaru shook her head.

"Then go to sleep," he commanded, "And that's an order - you know that when it's just the three of us I become commanding officer. Sleep. Now."

Hotaru sighed and nodded her consent, leaning her head back and taking a deep breath before plunging into slumber.

Mikan awoke suddenly as a large bang, followed by a few loud but inaudible voices, echoed down the hall. Sitting up and rubbing her eyes, she checked the clock to find that it was nearly four in the morning. No sooner had she slipped out of bed than the entire group poured into her bedroom, a young man with dark hair and sharp eyes leading them.

"Natsume!" Mikan nearly screamed, pushing herself towards him. The entire group was silenced as she gave a yelp, her ankle giving out. She collapsed, the boy leaping forward to catch her.

"Mikan! Mikan, are you alright! That ankle - have you been putting a lot of weight on it?" He lifted her off the ground, carrying her back to the bed and carefully sitting her down on it.

She winced, protesting, "Really, it's not a big deal. It barely hurts at all! And it's no reason for me to stay in bed all the time," she reasoned, but she was silenced by his cold glare.

"Maybe not in bed, but at least off your feet," he demanded, giving her a look that offered no room for objection.

"Natsume, if you're so worried for her, let her sleep," Shishou interrupted, adding, "She hasn't gotten much lately." Mikan looked up at him indignantly, but a yawn unwillingly escaped her lips, proving his words to be true. Natsume hesitantly nodded, but instead of leaving the room he walked over to the mini-living room and plunked down on the couch. Mikan almost laughed, but suddenly her eyes became too heavy and she managed to snuggle back under the covers, falling asleep instantly.

As Shishou and Martin stepped back into the hallway, Isabella stole a peak into the girl's bedroom. She knew that she couldn't risk meeting her - not yet, - but it was still unbearably hard to keep herself from running in and throwing her arms around her niece. She bit her tongue as anguished tears filled her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. She would be strong. She would hold her ground, if only for precious Mikan's safety and emotional stability. To give her an aunt after all this time would surely rock her world. Isabella cleared her throat, knowing that her old friends were watching her sympathetically.

"Well, you two, I do believe I'll be in my room," she sniffed, trying to get control over her emotions, "I do believe the overuse of my alice has made me a bit more exhausted than usual." Martin nodded, leading her down the hall. She stepped into a room that was quite obviously hers - it was decorated with personal pictures and had a large paper-covered desk in the corner. - Before entering, she turned to the two men, face devoid of her heart's pain. She wasn't fooling either of them, but they knew better than to mention it.

"Wake me by six," she instructed, "We have much to discuss and I must leave before she arises." The men nodded and she shut the door carefully, quickly stepping into her personal bath and closing the door. Tears freely streaming down her face, she leaned against the beautiful mahogany of the wall and slid slowly down, falling into depressed but deep rest.

Hotaru all but skipped off the plane, jumping down the steps and hurrying her companions to the waiting car. A man handed her the keys and she passed them to Ruka, hopping around to the passenger's side. He chuckled at her and got in, Sumire climbing into the back. Starting the engine, they were soon out of the base and on their way through the sand dunes, Ruka following Hotaru's very clear-cut directions.

The older woman scanned the area from her hiding place, lifting her eyes just high enough above the dark brick wall to see a small squadron the enemy's troops go marching by. They paused in front of a young boy who was carrying a sack of newspapers, exchanging glances of evil intent.

"So, boy," one of them began, "You're the mail punk around here, huh?" He towered over the child, who slowly backed away.

"Aww, you don't have to be scared," another one quipped, "We won't hurt ya."

"At least not too badly," the first added. He raised his gun and swung it at the boy, aiming for his face.

The woman jumped in front of him, catching the gun as the wind gushed around her, catching her long, dark violet locks. She had hoped to avoid confrontation, but decided that it could not be helped. She could not just stand by as a young boy, no older than ten, was bullied right in front of her. Her motherly genes would not allow it.

"I suggest you leave him alone," she breathed. The man's shocked face quickly regained composure and he snickered arrogantly.

"Step back, woman, you're not capable of stopping a group like us!" He lifted his hand, electricity sparking on his fingers threateningly. The woman raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, yes, you are just so powerful," she mocked, "I'm sure that no one could ever beat someone like you…" His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward.

"Best not to test my patience, miss," he whispered, his nose nearly touching her own.

"I wasn't aware that scoundrels like yourself actually contained such a thing, sir,"she chimed, the glimmer of a laugh toying in her eyes. Furious, he thrust his hand at her, but she easily grabbed it, flipping him over and turning to the rest of the group as they began to come at her. Within a few minutes, she had lowered the group of nearly ten to only two.

The original man carefully stood and shot a spark, aiming straight for the little boy who was trembling next to the brick wall. Anger glinting in her eyes, the woman merely looked at it and the electricity vanished. The man turned to her with wide eyes, truly terrified and unsure.

"Who… Who are you!" He choked, fear showing clearly in his features. She turned to him after landing a solid blow to the last of his men. Placing a hand on her hip, she lifted her head and glared at him.

"Hikari," she retorted, stepping over to him. His eyes went wider and his face grew instantly pale.

"Th-The Hikari!" He sputtered. She grinned.

"Yes. The Hikari."

Alright, there ya go, Chapter Three: Hold Your Ground is complete! Send in reviews and hope you liked it !