Chapter 1: The Girl from the Phantom Moon
Kanzaki Hitomi opened her eyes lazily to the new day. She smacked her lips and yawned sloppily--she hadn’t slept well. In the past she’d attributed such discomfort to her distant soul mate’s distress; now, she didn’t even give the matter considerable thought. Scrubbing at her eyes she moved to her closet and pulled her school uniform off the rack. It’s Friday, she told herself, succeeding in lifting her early morning spirits. And on Sunday you’ll blow all that money you made tutoring last week. In recent years Hitomi had renewed her interests in a pastime her grandmother had instilled in her as a child: foreign history. To some it seemed like a dreadfully boring subject; to her, each even was a folded storybook just waiting to be opened. But then, it was the uniqueness of her interest that gave her fame as the best--and one of the very few--history tutors. I might even have enough for those new running shoes, she mused as she entered the bathroom.
After getting dressed and drying her hair Hitomi joined her younger brother, Tatsumi, for breakfast. They exchanged their usual battle of wits, and then she was on her way to school. Just outside she met Sueshi Mariko. The two of them had been placed in the same homeroom their sophomore year, and became quick friends, as Mariko shared many interests with her. It had been her suggestion to begin tutoring. “Trust me,” her words had been. “We’ll clean up in this town!”
“Morning, Wheels,” Mariko greeted pleasantly atop her bicycle. Her house was farther from the high school than most of the other students, so she rode every morning with her friend running alongside. “Are you ready? You might beat me today.”
“Just a sec.” Hitomi slipped her bag harness over her shoulders--Mariko’s invention, to keep her arms free. “Okay, get ready.” And, as she did every morning, she took off running without a signal. Mariko laughed, and race began.
Senior year had just begun--spring was upon them, and the cherry blossoms were preparing to spread their pink snow. It was the season of new friendships and romances; it could be seen best in the city’s teenagers as they strived to improve their appearances for a good first impression. However, everyone knew that “untouchable Hitomi” wouldn’t be playing a part in this year’s courting games.
Hitomi had changed considerably since her adventures three years previous. She didn’t giggle over the guys in her class anymore. The few boyfriends that did come her way eventually gave up. Her excuse was always the same: “I’m sorry. I think you’re great--really--but I just can’t concentrate on a boyfriend right now.” The answer to whether or not she had some else was always, “Sort of.”
Naturally, her noncommittal responses had give birth to dozens of rumors. Only a few things were certain: during freshman year Hitomi had disappeared from school for three days and returned without an explanation. Since that time she’d declined nearly every date offered to her. Everyone had a theory as to why: the romantics said she’d found her true love and could settle for no one else; the underclassmen said she was too focused on college exams to worry about a boyfriend; the girls said she’d been brutalized and wouldn’t trust guys; the guys said she liked girls. But whatever the reason, Kanzaki Hitomi was out of reach.
The school day passed uneventfully. Hitomi ate lunch with Mariko, joined Atsuko and Mayori for gym, and met Yukari for track practice in the afternoon. “I talked to Amano last night,” the later chatted excitedly. “He said he might be coming back over the summer break--won’t that be great?”
“That’s wonderful. Are you going to get him something?”
“Of course.”
They continued to the field, where most of the team had already assembled. Mariko waved to them enthusiastically from a group of their friends. “Distance folks are going around the city today,” she said with a grin. “Hopefully I’ll meet that cute delivery boy again. Aren’t I always telling you to switch events, Hitomi?”
Hitomi laughed. “C’mon, Mariko, you know I’m a sprinter. I’ll leave the stamina to you.”
“Just as long as you leave me the cute ones, too.” She winked, then moved off with the other distance runners.
Yukari shook her head disapprovingly. “That girl. We have to get her a steady boyfriend.”
“Getting a boyfriend’s not the only important thing,” Hitomi said pointedly.
“Maybe not for you! But you were always a special case, Hitomi.” She’d said it jokingly, but then her tone turned serious. “Are you okay? You seem a little…down.”
Hitomi smiled with faint amusement. Yukari was getting better at reading her. “It’s nothing--just a little unsettled, I guess. With the meet coming up.”
“Are you sure it’s not….”
She sighed, and straightened. “I’m fine,” she assured brightly. “Really, I am. You don’t need to worry. Ah--looks like they’re starting. Wish me luck!” And before her friend could comment, she’d skipped off to participate in the time trials.
Yukari merely shook her head sadly.
“Sempai, you were great today.”
“Yeah! We’re definitely going to win next week’s meet.”
“Thanks you guys, but if we win, it’ll be because of everyone. See you tomorrow.”
The three friends left practice together and visited a nearby soda shop, Mariko’s treat. Then, as was always the case, Mariko left for home while the others ate dinner and then re-met for Cram School. On the way they passed the stairway that led to Tsuuya Street. Hitomi gaze dup at it briefly, and allowed herself a soft, bittersweet smile.
Just over a year ago she and Mariko had raced down this street. Mariko had fallen and scraped herself up pretty badly. And at the top of the stairs had stood--
“Are you looking for me?”
“Kenji-kun!” Hitomi exclaimed, startled. In front of them was Narita Kenji, a senior who attended at private high school nearby. He was somewhat short for his age, and skinny, with dark hair that nearly reached his shoulder. He adjusted a pair of reading glasses that sat perched on his nose. He looked the same now as he had when they’d first met, when he helped bandage Mariko’s raw knees and forearms. The same as when he’d first asked her out; the same as when she’d broken up with him.
“I took the long way down today,” Kenji explained as the trio of friends continued on. “How was practice, Wheels?” He had been the one to invent that nickname for her.
“Tiring,” Hitomi admitted. “With the meet next week the coaches are really working us. But it should be a good meet.”
He smiled. “Then I’ll come see you.”
They’d gone out for perhaps only a month. Kenji was different than most of the guys she’d met through track: thoughtful, intelligent, and less active but still interesting. It was as if his stable demeanor had given her increasingly busy life something to revolve around. She cared for him, deeply, even if they were now nothing more or less than the best of friends. She’d nearly grown to love him, even in so short a time.
But she’d let him go. It hadn’t been an easy decision, but later on Kenji admitted that he’d know it wouldn’t work out between them. “You love him,” he said simply. “I could tell. But promise me you’ll let me meet him when he comes back.”
She’d cried then, harder than she ever remembered crying before. She hadn’t accepted any date offers since that time. Kenji had taught her something: it was too late for her. She couldn’t love someone even if they were perfect for her--the memory of a smile resting inside her wouldn’t let her.
They traveled to Cram School together and took their seats. During the science period Hitomi’s mind began to drift. She couldn’t concentrate on the biology lessons being taught--she was restless. She knew it must have been coming from Van, whatever he was doing. Briefly she closed her eyes and opened herself to him. He didn’t respond. He must be really focused to ignore me. I wonder if it has to do with Celena?
Her ears rang suddenly with the sound of swords clashing, and she jumped, startled. Van’s fighting. Who--why? When she tried to find an answer, she merely felt the reverberations of metal on metal. He’s fighting for his life.
“Wheels?” She glanced up to see Kenji watching her. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.
Hitomi smiled and shook her head to indicate it was nothing. She had never told Kenji or even Mariko about Gaea--only her, Yukari, Amano, and her mother shared that secret. She returned to watching the board when her right shoulder flared in a strange, tingling pain. She gasped, even as the sensation had passed a moment later. Van….
By now she’d gained the attention of her teacher. “Kanzaki-kun, are you all right?” he asked, slightly annoyed at the interruption.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry for the disruption.” She poked gingerly at her arm--it had ceased to hurt. “It’s nothing.”
The teacher gave her a thoughtful look, then returned to his lecture. Hitomi sighed in relief. Quickly she scribbled a note and slipped it to Yukari in the seat behind her. I’m fine, it read. Van’s fighting someone.
What she received back was a note with a winking face that said, Don’t worry, you can borrow my notes later. She smiled, and tried to focus once more on Van. His spirit was distressed but not panicked--his injury was minor. Somewhat satisfied, she relaxed and waited for him to contact her.
But Van didn’t contact her. Over and hour had passed before she received any kind of sign, and even then it wasn’t what she’d expected. Yukari spotted it before her: a bright light off in the distance, streaking toward the sky. Soon the entire class was out of their chairs and pressed to the windows, trying to see. It lasted only a minute and then was gone. Yukari turned to her friend as their teacher attempted to regain control of the class. “What was that? Wasn’t it--“
“I don’t know,” Hitomi whispered, holding a hand to her heart. A feeling like panic had come over her, and she forced herself to breathe properly. Van? she called silently.
Van didn’t respond, but she could tell by the feel of his
spirit that he was still on Gaea. Maybe
it wasn’t…that, she thought, licking her lips. Maybe it wasn’t the pillar of light. Only my pendant, or Dornkirk’s machine, could do that. She shook herself, reassured her friends,
and returned to her seat. I’m just
worrying unnecessarily. Van will let me
know if anything happens. This is my
life now. I shouldn’t concern myself so
much….
Celena scrubbed at her eyes as the light faded. Her body felt hot, and her fingers tingled. She was relieved that they were no longer falling, even as she couldn’t explain the sudden halt in their plummet. The Alseides had gone still and silent beneath her.
What happened? And what was that light? She opened her eyes experimentally, and was treated to a view of forest scenery. Did we crash? And inspection of the guymelef and the surrounding environment, however, proved this theory wrong. The Alseides was kneeling as if placed in this setting by a guiding hand. A quick scan of the sky proved that Escaflowne and Crusade had departed. She was about to check on Jovey when she realized that something else was missing: the glowing blue form of the Phantom Moon.
Celena realized at once what had happened. Escaflowne’s heart, the pillar of light--she’d been transported to the Phantom Moon, as Allen had once described Hitomi’s departure. The atmosphere was warm and bitter smelling; surly this was a different world. The surrounding woods were too quiet, and the sky too dark.
I’m on the Phantom Moon. She lifted her head and grinned openly, foolishly, in jubilation. The birthplace of the Dragons. The home of that mysterious girl--Van’s lover. She laughed, mocking the distant stars. This--however it was done--is my good fortune. I will find the girl. Surly Van will come for her. Without Allen to interfere I can kill him easily. Her laugh subsided to a chuckle, then stopped. She settled for a self-praising smile as she silently planned. All I need is to find her. Fate will lead me--my fate. If Escaflowne’s power somehow brought us here, she shouldn’t be far.
Celena gathered her wits together. First, I have to help Jovey. He’ll be necessary in guarding and possibly repairing the Alseides. She crawled around behind the melefs head and reached into a thin opening in the metal to pull a lever. The front pilot chamber opened with a clang and a soft hiss. “Jovey?” She climbed back onto the Alseides’s knee, peering into the cockpit. “Jovey?”
The youth was still bound within his melef, leaning against the straps that crossed his chest. His breathing was slow and shallow. Celena crept forward carefully to examine his condition. She tapped his cheek. “Jovey, wake up. It’s me.”
Jovey didn’t stir. She touched his face once more and was surprised by how cold it felt. His wound was reopened, she thought, touching her finger to the drying blood on his clothes. He’ll need a doctor. Putting her own plans temporarily aside, she began removing the chamber straps so that she could care for him.
“Hitomi, are you all right?” Mariko asked during lunch the next day. “You’ve been really jumpy lately.”
“I’m fine. It’s nothing--just a little stressed, that’s all.” She smiled convincingly. “By the way, how did you do on that last test in math?”
“Fine, I guess.” They continued to chat casually, but Mariko also watched her friend with a careful eye. The rest of the school day passed uneventfully. Afterwards, Hitomi escaped her friends to stand on the building’s roof. The air was unusually warm that day; she’d been hoping for a cool breeze to calm her thoughts. She folded her arms and leaned against the railing as she’d done hundred times before. She swept her hair into a ponytail along her neck; it was days like this that it seemed much longer than usual.
Hitomi sighed and cast her gaze outward. She didn’t want to admit that she was troubled by last night’s display. Even if she had determined by now that the light was not what she’d originally suspected, its image still stirred an array of brilliantly colored memories. As promised, she’d never forgotten those weeks on Gaea. Some of the scenes and faces had dulled, by their voices never left her. She remembered Valgus’s stern but caring smile; Merle’s cat-like purr; Millerna’s bright and hopeful eyes; Dryden’s deep-toned laughter; Allen’s warmth, even his smell.
And Van. She remembered everything about the young king of Fanelia. Her memories of him haunted her like a ghost, touching her softly when she least expected to feel his presence. And then--more frequently in the last few months--there were times when she missed his face desperately, and she cried, unsure why. Time and time again she’d berated her foolishness; Van was gone. They were of different worlds, and it was meant to be that way. She’d chosen it that way.
I liked Van, she would often tell herself. But it was different than how I liked Allen. Whenever I was with Van I thought nothing of it--as if I’d always been with him. Sometimes I wouldn’t even notice him there. We’re greater than friends, but…it’s not the same. That couldn’t have been real love.
Hitomi closed her eyes briefly. But I won’t ever forget him. She remembered Kenji the, who knew her so well and nearly won her heart. I’ll never love anyone. Whatever Van and I were…he’s ruined me. She swiped at a few hot tears. I’m trapped.
“Hi-To-Mi!” came a cry from the sidewalks below. She quickly dried her eyes and looked. Mariko and Kenji were there, waving. “We’re waiting for you!”
“C’mon, Wheels!” hollered Kenji. “We’re getting ice cream!”
“Okay, I’m coming!” Hitomi called, hoping that they wouldn’t hear the tremor in her voice. She snatched up her bag and left the roof, pausing only a moment to check her reflection in a window. Then she joined her friends outside.
“Since you don’t have practice today, I thought I’d treat you two to some ice cream,” said Kenji. He gave Hitomi an odd look--she knew immediately that he could tell she was upset--and then smiled brightly. “I have a special place in mind. I’m sure you’ll both love it. It’s got your favorite, Wheels--praline.”
Hitomi smiled gratefully as he led them down the sidewalk. Thank you, she thought, hoping that somehow he’d feel her. Thank you for understanding, Kenji-kun.
Before they reached the shop, however, Kenji insisted they make a stop. Hitomi eyed the large, white-walled building skeptically--it was the hospital. “Doesn’t your dad work here?”
Kenji grinned sheepishly. “Well, yes. It’ll just take a second.”
“Oh, I get it,” Mariko declared, lifting an eyebrow. “You said you’d treat us, but it’s more like your dad treating us.”
“That’s not it at all!” he exclaimed, even as his face flushed with embarrassment. “He owes me money, so it is my money.” Hitomi giggled. “You two don’t have to come in.”
“Oh, we will. We want to make sure you’re telling the truth.” Mariko winked at her friend. “Right, Hitomi?”
“Sure.”
Kenji made a disconcerted face, then sighed. “Okay. Just remember that I might change my mind about the ice cream.” He led them inside.
Hitomi felt her shoulders inching up as she entered the hospital behind her friends. She didn’t like it here--it reminded her too much of a battlefield, with the smell about it. She hated seeing people’s pain. She bit the inside of her lip and continued inside.
The woman at the front desk greeted Kenji pleasantly and gave him the room number where his father would be. He thanked her and led the two girls further inside, through long corridors and past dozens of doors with clipboards. Hitomi found that she was holding her breath and forced herself to exhale. Stop it. You’re just stressed out today.
Room 312 was at the end of a particularly long hall near the hospital’s back. Kenji’s father was just exiting, frowning to himself. He smiled as his son approached. “Ah, Kenji. It’s nice to see you, too, Hitomi-chan, Mariko-chan.”
Both girls bowed. “It’s good to see you too, Narita-sensei.”
The man smiled at her in a wistful, if-only-you-were-still-dating-my-son kind of way. She fidgeted a bit. “So what brings you all here?”
“Actually….” Kenji began, and his two friends turned away, pretending not to notice. “…I need the money you owe me.”
“Money?” he repeated curiously. “Do I?”
Hitomi and Mariko snickered. As Kenji admitted that no money was owed, and that he simply needed to borrow some, Hitomi was elbowed gently by her friend.
“This clipboard has no name,” she whispered, indicating the form alongside the patient’s door.
“Oh, that?” Dr. Narita pulled out his wallet and handed his blushing son several bills. “He came in last night, injured pretty badly. He regained consciousness this morning, but he doesn’t speak Japanese. He had to sedate him when he became frantic. Delirious, probably.”
Mariko tried to peer through the window, which Hitomi quickly admonished her for. “Do you think he’s a foreigner?” she asked, ignoring her friend.
“He definitely looks foreign, but no one can tell what language he’s speaking, if it is a language.” The man shrugged. “A woman brought him in, also injured, but as soon as we’d stitched up her leg she disappeared. She couldn’t speak Japanese either.”
Hitomi frowned her herself, strangely disturbed by the story. It couldn’t be…. Her heart clamped up as she peered over Mariko’s shoulder. The youth in the hospital bed seemed a bit older than her, with dark hair and a slender face. A sigh seeped out of her--she didn’t recognize him.
“Aren’t there foreign doctors here?” Kenji asked. “A linguist, or something?”
His father nodded. “Yes, but like I said, no one can make out what he says.”
Kenji hummed thoughtfully. “Wheels, why don’t you try?” he asked. “You’re really good with foreign culture. You could at least get his name.”
“Me?” Hitomi echoed nervously. Though she didn’t recognize the boy, she suddenly felt very unsure. “But…I’ve never really worked with foreigners before….” Yeah, right.
“You don’t have to, but it would be a big help,” Dr. Narita added. “Especially if you can figure out where he’s from, or what happened to him.”
Mariko added her say as well. “Go on, Hitomi. It can’t hurt.”
Hitomi took in a deep breath and nodded deftly. “All---right, I’ll do it,” she declared in an abrupt change of mood, rolling up her sleeves. With Dr. Narita’s gesture of approval she opened the hospital room door and stepped inside.