Chapter 3: Unexpected Meeting
Neither of the pair moved at first. They simply stared at each other, as if tying to decide if they were seeing a real person before their eyes. Celena was dressed in clothes that were obviously from Gaea--it was Celena, she made sure to check. But, somehow her cheek was marred with Dilandau’s scar.
No--it’s not a scar. It’s a scab. It’s…fresh? But…why would Celena…?
Hitomi attempted to gather her wits. She prepared to speak.
The breath she took in dong so may have saved her life. She hadn’t time to utter word before Celena grabbed her by the throat and forced her back into the bathroom. Hitomi pried at the hand unsuccessfully. What’s happening? Celena…!
“Look what I found,” Celena chuckled malevolently. She added her other hand to the assault, using her strength to back Hitomi into an open stall. “Dragon’s little bitch.”
Celena--don’t! Hitomi continued to claw at the restricting fingers. She tried to kick, but the blond bore down on her, forcing her to sit and positioning herself where she couldn’t be reached. This--this isn’t right. Van--Van! Help me!
“Hitomi!” Van raised a hand to his throat, where his could just barely feel the imprints of Celena’s fingers. Hitomi’s cries were growing weaker. “Hitomi!” he shouted desperately. Oh god, I have to help her.
“Lord Van?” Merle touched his shoulder. “What’s the matter? What’s wrong with Hitomi?”
“She’s in danger. I have to help her!” He snatched his pendant, praying, Please, take me there. It began to glow brilliant magenta.
Merle gasped. “Lord Van, wait,” she pleaded. “Wait until Allen gets back, or--“
“Merle, I can’t.” Van pushed her aside, as the area around him became lit with a blinding blue-white light. “Tell Allen I’m sorry.”
“Lord Van!” The pillar of light rose and engulfed her master. A moment later, he’d vanished.
I…can’t breathe…. Hitomi felt her legs and arms growing cold and weak, and her sight was fading. Still Celena bore down on her. She wasn’t laughing anymore: her pale face was contorted into a monstrous expression, like one of pleasure. Help…. Her fingers clawed at her attacker’s face. I…can’t die here. She put all her remaining strength into one attack: driving her weak fingers into Celena’s eyes.
Celena made no sound of complaint, but her hands loosened. Hitomi took the opportunity to wriggle free, and she threw her weight into the woman. They tumbled out of the stall, a mess of limbs. Hitomi gasped for breath on the floor. Somehow, she was able to pull herself up using the sink as support. Her gaze swam as she attempted to regain some balance.
Celena climbed to her feet, rubbing at her eyes. When she’d recovered enough, she glowered at her prey. It wasn’t a look of hatred, but morbid anticipation, that made Hitomi shudder with fear. Can this really be Celena? I’m sure it is. But…she looks like an animal. “Celena, wait,” she said weakly. “Don’t do this--you’re not Dilandau.”
Celena lunged, and it was all she could do to avoid being captured again. She pushed away, tottering on her feet, as the girl struck empty air. “Celena, please!” she begged. “Thin of Allen. He wouldn’t--“
This time the blow hit. Hitomi took a fist to the head and was felled on her back. The tile against her skull spread a numbing pain through her, and white lightening streaked before her eyes. The next moment she was being pressed down from above--she couldn’t struggle or even breathe. Someone, please--
Hitomi was only barely aware of what happened next. She heard someone shrieking, and the weight began to lift from her. Someone helped her to her feet. “Are you all right?” a blurred voice asked.
“Run,” she managed to gasp out. “Run--just go.”
Celena howled in rage; finally the scene became clear to her. Several nurses had entered the bathroom and were attempting to hold the blond youth captive. She quickly wriggled free and struck both her captors viciously.
Hitomi fled. Her temples were pounding and her legs trembling, but she couldn’t stop. Several startled yelps from behind indicated that her pursuer hadn’t wasted a moment in the chase. Where--where can I go? she wondered desperately. Where could she escape to? Who could help her? Van! Van, help me!
Hitomi rounded a corner and found herself trapped: the hall ended with the elevators and emergency stairs. With a cry that was nearly a sob she flung herself at the door handle. She had just begun to pull it open when Celena slammed into her from behind, and the door clanged shut. She was spun around to face the woman’s wild, flashing eyes. This can’t be happening. She could think of nothing else as the fingers curled again around her throat. It can’t.
The door behind them was thrown open suddenly, and both women crashed to the floor in a heap once more. Hitomi was somewhat surprised, however, when the assault did not continue. She curled instinctively into a ball as she regained her breath. Somewhere nearby she could hear a scuffle, and distant voices gasped. And then a new voice, rising above the others. “Don’t you touch her, you bastard!”
Hitomi’s body went rigid and cold, and she forced herself to sit up and view the scene. A man was standing over her protectively, and Celena glared at him with a sharp, calculating eye. Further back a group of doctors, nurses, and curious others had gathered to watch the unfolding event. Among them were Kenji and Mariko, watching Hitomi with concern.
Hitomi’s gaze gain returned to her savior. He was tall and slender, but the shape of his strange, green-dyed clothing clearly stated tone muscles. His dark, unruly hair was cut short. Though she couldn’t’ see his face, his voice was enough clue to his identity. She sat staring at him, heart and lungs suspended, her mind an incomprehensible whirl.
Celena looked from the man to Hitomi, then back again. At last she scowled, and turned to flee. The spectators parted, too frightened by her mad eyes to attempt a restraint. The man started to follow. Gripped by a sudden panic she called to him. “Van!”
He stopped instantly. At last her heart resumed, only to pound in her ears deafeningly. His posture became more erect, and slowly, he turned.
Van’s eyes were wide as he beheld her for the first time. His lips parted without sound; his brain couldn’t generate a response, she knew by experiencing the same. But some part of her registered what she was seeing. His face had changed since their parting--his features had become even more severe, and his eyes were dark with aged maturity. This was not the same king she’d left. He’d grown old.
“Hitomi? Hitomi?” Before she realized, the spectators had begun to crowd around. Mariko was attempting to help her to her feet. “Hey, are you okay? Can you hear me?”
Hitomi blinked, then shook herself, trying to regain some sense. “Yes--yes, I’m fine,” she murmured, rubbing at her neck. She could feel that there would be bruises.
“Like hell! That girl could have killed you!” Mariko hugged her tightly, which may have only made matters worse for her condition. “You idiot, Hitomi.”
“Miss, let me have a look at you.” Mariko was urged back by a woman doctor, who probed the battered girl carefully. “You seem to be all right,” she said. “Does it hurt to breathe?”
“Just a bit--I’m tired from running.” Hitomi glanced past her, where Van stood, surrounded by several curious onlookers. He was staring at them in confusion as they questioned him. He shook his head to show he didn’t understand. In desperation, he looked to Hitomi and there paused.
Her heart skipped a beat. Van was heading toward her, his face anxious and unsure. Her legs began shaking, even as several people steadied her. Kenji set a hand firmly on her shoulder. “Hitomi, is that--“
“Don’t worry--it’s all right,” she heard herself say. She took a step forward, urging her friends and aids aside. Her movements momentarily startled Van, as he stopped walking, and then she stopped, unsure. They stared at each other. “Van…?”
“Are you all right?” Van asked quietly, his eyes gracing over her. He looked bit unsteady himself.”
“…Yes.” Hitomi reached out, and he moved to take her hand. His skin felt cold. But it was rough, and real. A sob passed her lips and she threw her arms around his neck. “Van--Van, I missed you,” she cried, uncaring as their audience stared. “Van….”
“Hitomi.” Van clutched the girl to him desperately, trembling and weak. He murmured her name over and over into her hair, like a chant. God, please don’t let this be anther dream, he prayed. His arms tightened protectively around her, should she attempt to vanish before his eyes. Holding her was perfect--the feeling of her back beneath his fingers, the beat of her heart against his chest, the intoxicating smell of hair--they were all exactly as he remembered from that time long ago. In that moment nothing mattered more to him than her. All other concerns vanished in the presence of this, the only woman he’d ever loved.
But time renewed once more, and the two--reluctantly--separated. Even then he held her at arms length for fear of losing her. “Are you all right?” he questioned again. “Did we hurt you?”
“I’m all right,” Hitomi assured quietly. “It wasn’t bad.”
Van knew better. He could see the faint wince in her face as she spoke; even if she’d changed, she was still the same. He gently touched the base of her neck, and she grimaced. But even then there was another, unreadable expression in her eyes. It made his fingertips feel hot, as if he’d done something sinful. Hoping she wouldn’t notice his vague discomfort he asked, “Are you sure? It looks like he almost strangled you.”
Suddenly Hitomi’s eyes widened. “Van, it wasn’t Dilandau that attacked me,” she said, gripping his upper arms. The action surprised him, and he almost recoiled. “It was Celena.”
“But I saw the scar,” he replied. “On the right cheek, just like him. Celena doesn’t have that.”
“I know, but…I’m sure it was her.” She closed her eyes briefly. “Yes, it was a girl. I had enough time to see that much. What does this mean?”
Van frowned. “I’m not sure,” he admitted. “It doesn’t make sense. Why would Celena want to hurt you?”
Hitomi didn’t look as if she could answer. Why would she? Even if she remembers Dilandau’s life, she told Allen she wouldn’t…. It doesn’t make sense.
They were interrupted by a dark-haired man wearing a white coat and glasses. He began to speak to Hitomi swiftly in a language Van didn’t understand. Once he was finished Hitomi explained. “It’s Jovey. We have to stop him before he hurts himself.”
“All right. Lead the way.”
Hitomi nodded and started to leave--he took her by the hand and followed. The people that had been watching them began to disperse, except for the man and two teenagers, who followed them closely. Are they her friends? he wondered vaguely, noting how they spoke to her with concern. And this place. They’re all wearing strange uniforms--is it a church? Watching all the people giving him strange looks, he suddenly realized how little he knew about Hitomi’s world. She’s seen everything of mine, and I’ve seen nothing of hers. Except for my view from the roof. This city is larger than even Zaibach’s capital….
Van was pulled from his musings by the sound of a man raging and cursing. He increased his pace, as did his guide. They came quickly upon the scene: Jovey Garrelli, attempting to fend off several white-clad men. Just as they approached, the men managed to surround and capture the youth. “Let go!” he hollered, continuing to struggle. “Damnit, what did you do with him? Where is he? Let go, damnit!”
“Jovey stop it!” Hitomi cried, though Van would not allow her to get any closer. “Calm down--Dilandau’s not here!”
“What did you do to him?” Jovey demanded madly. “He was here--I know he was! Where is he?”
“Relax, and I’ll tell you.” She gently retrieved her hand from Van with a whispered “Trust me,” and moved toward him. The king shifted nervously. “Dilandau isn’t here,” she said, softly, so that he had to stop struggling to hear her. “Celena was, but she’s gone now. I don’t think she wanted to confront Van unarmed.”
Jovey transferred his gaze to the king, as if having not seen him earlier. His eyes narrowed. “If you touch her--“
“Don’t speak,” Van cut him off abruptly, his tone laced with anger. “It’s your fault any of this happened. Celena was living a normal life--her own life--before you interfered.”
“It’s your fault for taking him from us!” he cried. “You--“ He yelped suddenly as one of the white-clad men jabbed a needle into his arm.
“That wasn’t necessary,” Hitomi disapproved crossly. She marched forward, helping to support Jovey as he squirmed in the hold of some drug. “Jovey, calm down. We’re going to take are of you, and settle this after you’re well. Please, don’t hurt yourself by fighting. No one wants to hurt you.”
“No…he…but Lord Dilandau…I….” Jovey began to go limp, and then slipped quietly into unconsciousness. The white men carefully lifted him, and spoke to Hitomi again in that strange language.
She nodded. “Yes, I
know him. Narita-sensei, will you go
with them?”
-
Van stood back, feeling unsure, as Hitomi conversed briefly with the man--a doctor?--and the two teens. He watched Jovey being taken away. My fault? But…. He shook his head. No, I’ve always tried to do the right thing. What happened to Dilandau…it wasn’t my fault.
“Van?” He was attracted instantly by the sound of Hitomi’s voice. She was smiling at him softly, a look which caused his insides to tremble. “I’d like you to meet someone.” She indicated to dark haired boy next to her. “This is Narita Kenji, a good friend of mine.”
The boy smiled and extended his hand, which Van hesitantly accepted. “And this is Van Fanel,” Hitomi introduced as well. “As promised.”
“Good to meet you,” Van said, before realizing that he couldn’t understand. Kenji replied similarly, and then Hitomi’s other friend stepped forward. Her name was Sueshi Mariko. She greeted him warmly and boldly--she reminded him somewhat of Merle.
Merle’s probably panicking by now. Again he held back as Hitomi assured and bid farewell to her friends. I wonder if Allen knows I’m here yet? He was beginning to see that his decision had been somewhat rash, even if it was necessary. He had no idea of what Hitomi’s world was like, or what Celena was capable of in this new setting. If this “Earth” was as advanced as the Zaibach Empire, what weapons would they have access to? If Celena or Jovey were to attack in the Alseides, could he find a melef to use in time? Could he protect Hitomi?
Hitomi returned to his side--she looked exhausted and pale. “They’ve take Jovey back to his room,” she said, “and Kenji-kun and Mariko are going home. They say Celena left the building. From now on they’ve going to have a police officer next to Jovey’s room, and they’ll contact me if she shows up again.”
“Police?” Van inquired.
“Um…a guard,” she elaborated. She looked up at him, paused, and smiled humorlessly. “I guess…staying here won’t do us any good, with Jovey asleep and Celena missing. The police will want to make a report about what happened, but I don’t feel up to it right now.”
The king nodded thoughtfully. The stinging aroma of medicines and blood were beginning to affect him. More importantly, Hitomi needed rest, and he didn’t want Celena to catch them in a place she seemed to know, them being unprepared. “Do you have someplace in mind where we could go?”
“Well….” Hitomi fidgeted. “I guess…you’ll have to come home with me. I’m sure we can find room.”
“All right.” Why does she look so nervous? Or is it me? Why am I so nervous.
Hitomi led him out of the strange, white-walled building--a hospital, she finally explained. Van wasn’t prepared for what he found on the streets. Though he’d become accustomed to the busy, crowded streets of Asturia’s capital Palas, the Phantom Moon was dramatically different. People crowded nearly every inch of the black stone earth, and the buildings rose like cliffs of shining metal on all sides. The air was foul; he barely believed it fit for his lungs to breathe. Hitomi regarded him with concern as he coughed. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. There’s just so many people.” All around they bustled and murmured. And in the street strange machines gurgled and roared like beasts. “You live in a place like this?”
“Uh-huh. This city is called Tokyo. We didn’t always live here--my parents met and were married in the country. But I love seeing al the people.”
Van smiled. It was bit odd, listening to her talk so casually. During her time on Gaea there had been few opportunities for friendly conversation, especially considering his reluctance around her. There had always been something about her that caused his spine to falter in her presence. He felt that uneasiness now, and he hated himself for it.
He veiled his trepidation with a question. “Have you been friends with Sueshi and Narita for long?”
Hitomi glanced at him curiously. “Oh--Kenji-kun and Mariko. I’m not used to hearing their names that way. Actually, Mariko and I have only known each other for two years, but we’re very close.” She smiled. “She’s a bit like Merle, I think. But less sneaky and obnoxious.”
Van couldn’t help but chuckle. This feels…so familiar, but so strange. “Who is doing fine, by the way.”
“That’s good to hear.”
They chatted that way for a bit--awkwardly, uncertainly. Hitomi explained the things he didn’t recognize as they walked--cars, traffic signs, store windows and televisions all baffled him. Only his mild experience in the presence of Zaibach technology kept him from suffering overload. He could tell that she was oversimplifying all of her descriptions for his benefit, but he didn’t mind. Our country mush seem so simple and plain to her, he thought gloomily, noting that even the colors of their clothes were brighter and more splendid than his own. He felt almost a twinge of shame and embarrassment at the thought.
I wonder what he’s thinking, Hitomi pondered vaguely as they turned onto her street. He looks lost. I guess it can’t be helped. When I went to Gaea I’d already studied a bit of ancient culture and lifestyle, but he could have never expected this. I hope it isn’t too much for him. “It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Van admitted. “But I think I’m okay with it. Are all earth cities like this?”
“No, not at all. A lot are, though.” She frowned. God, what am I going to tell my parents? Could I tell them the truth? Mom already knows everything that happened on Gaea, but….
Hitomi glanced at Van as she wrestled with a feasible explanation. Her thoughts drifted, however, when she looked upon him. She took a moment to look him over, as this was her first chance without interrupted. It was then that she realized how much he had changed those past three years. He’d grown up. Not only was he now several inches taller than her, but he’d lost the awkward gawkiness of youth. She could tell, despite the heavy dark fabric of his clothing, that he’d also gained quite some muscle. Even his hair had lengthened, if only a bit.
He’s been a king all this time, Hitomi reminded herself, recalling all those nights she’d lain awake mind-speaking to him. On Earth the worst of my troubles are track meets and math tests--he’s had an entire country to care for. Will he think me childish? She noted with some discomfort that even his way of walking had matured--his gait reminded her of her father. I haven’t changed that much, have I? It was only three years.
Soon--too soon--they’d reached the Kanzaki residence. Hitomi rang the bell, forgetting that she hadn’t yet generated an excuse for the king’s presence. The door opened before she could correct her mistake. “You’re late,” someone grumbled from inside before disappearing once more.
“My brother,” Hitomi whispered to her companion. She stuck her head inside. Thankfully, Tatsumi was rooted in front of the television, oblivious. She sighed with relief and motioned for Van to follow her. “Stay close. I don’t want him to know you’re here yet.”
Van nodded, looking bewildered. They crept inside carefully and managed to cross the living room without gathering the fourteen year old’s attention. They’d almost made it to the stairs when Hitomi’s mother called from the kitchen. “Is that you, Hitomi?”
Hitomi froze. Damn. No way out now. “Uh, yeah, Mom.” She took a deep breath. “Actually, could you come here? I’d like you to meet someone.”
“Oh? A friend of yours?” Mrs. Kanzaki Sachiko, a brunette in her early forties, exited the kitchen while drying her hands on a towel. When she laid eyes on her daughter’s comrade, she gave a short gasp.
“Mom…this is Van Fanel,” Hitomi introduced sheepishly. “From Gaea.”
*Hee hee! Another bad place to end a chapter. Sorry guys!