Chapter 4: In Suspension
Merle crouched low to the ground, anxious and waiting. Across the room Allen Shezar sat at a table in Van’s drawing room. His hands were folded, his head bowed, eyes closed. The cat-girl shifted, her muscles telling of the past half hour she’d spent here. Allen hadn’t moved barely an inch in that time, and she’d remained respectfully silent. Almost painfully silent. Finally she couldn’t bear to any longer. “Allen-san…?”
He didn’t respond at first. Was he asleep? She crawled forward about one meter and paused, unsure. At last he said, “Yes, Merle?”
“Um…what are you going to do?”
Another long, empty pause. “I’m going to wait, Merle,” the knight said slowly, deliberately. “I trust Van and Hitomi. They’ll find a way to reach me. Until then, I am going to wait for the Sorcerer from Balsm to arrive. He may have some answers for us.”
I wonder if his insides are really as calm as outsides. “All right, Allen-san.”
Jovey consciousness returned to him slowly, some unknown time after his being drugged. When he realized what his situation was, he swore: his right wrist was bound to the bedrail. He couldn’t feel his left, and his legs felt sluggish. What was more, his sight was blurred. It wouldn’t do him any good to escape like this--he would have to be patient, until Dilandau--or Celena--reached him.
“You’re awake.”
Jovey started, turning his head toward the voice. Out of the corner shadows stepped a familiar figure--Celena. She’d been waiting all along. “So,” he murmured distantly, “the girl wasn’t lying. It’s you.” Dilandau-sama….
“Don’t fret, Jovey,” Celena told him. Her voice was clipped and serious, unlike what he remembered from either her genders. “It’s still me. It was always me.”
He stared at her in miscomprehension. “What do you mean? Are you going to let me out?”
“Not yet. I will need your help, but first you must recover. These doctors appear more advanced than those in Zaibach, and your arm will heal more quickly in their care.”
What is this? It looks like Celena, but it isn’t. Jovey frowned deeply. “What happened to you?”
Celena’s eyes shone dangerously in dusk’s dim lighting. “I’ve reached what the sorcerers never thought I could,” she said. “I have become an instrument of destiny. You need not understand to follow me, so I will tell you only this: our fate ends here. I will end the line of the Dragon Clan here, where it began, with the last descendants.”
Descendants? More than one? Jovey felt his understanding slipping. “How?”
“You will know. Be patient a while longer, Jovey Garrelli. I’ll fulfill your destiny, too.” She turned, moving toward the open window.
“Wait.” He managed to sit up, even as the movement made his head spin. “You’re Celena, aren’t you? What happened to Dilandau-sama?”
The woman did not face him. “Dilandau Albatou was nothing more than a shadow,” she declared, freezing his heart in his chest. “He was created as the shell, and I the core. You owe your loyalty to me, not to him. I am the ideal all of your were created to protect. In other words, the personality known as Dilandau Albatou is no longer necessary, and has ceased to exist.”
“That’s….” Jovey hunched over, trembling and weak. Bile burned in his throat. “No….”
“I’ll explain in detail once you’ve recovered, if you so wish. Rest well.” Celena left then, climbing out the window as she’d entered. Left behind in the room Jovey stared blindly at the bed sheets, too shocked to move or breathe. He repeated her words in his mind several times. Then he retched.
Van stayed far from the discussion and debates. Hitomi had gathered her family in the home’s largest room--which was still somewhat cramping for him--to explain her visitor’s origin. She told them about Gaea; of Fanelia’s destruction at the hands of Zaibach; of Allen’s beautiful country Asturia and its unusual monarchs; of the Dragon Clan’s beginnings on Earth, and the war that ended her adventure. Though her parents listened with grave silence, several times her brother interjected with some annoying quip--so he assumed by the boy’s tone.
She’s exhausted. Van watched Hitomi carefully throughout the tale. It was painful for both of them, raising so many past sorrows, and she was already weary from the events of the day. Once she’d finished, the arguments began, again without Van’s participation. He tried to follow their reactions based on Hitomi’s responses: her mother believed her; her brother did not; her father was still considering. The volume of their debates grew steadily louder, until Hitomi and Tatsumi were shouting at each other. They shouldn’t fight like that, Van thought, his chest tightening. He interposed himself between the pair and pushed them apart gently. “Hitomi, please calm down,” he said, even as he directed the words to both of them. “I’m sorry for causing all this trouble.”
“Van….” Hitomi stepped back, looking distraught and confused and ready to collapse. Her mother guided her to the couch, and Tatsumi stomped back to his own chair. He snapped something at the king, which his family quickly admonished him for. Probably something vulgar, to test if I can understand, Van concluded, noting that the boy looked disappointed when he didn’t react. I’ve got to end this.
Van moved past the brother and stepped before Hitomi’s father. He dropped to his knees and bowed deeply before him. “Hitomi, tell your father everything I say, word for word,” he instructed softly.
“Van…all right.”
The king licked his lips, aware that the room had grown still and silent. Hitomi’s father regarded him thoughtfully. Van spoke clearly, pausing between each sentence so that Hitomi could easily follow him. “I know you don’t understand my language,” he spoke. “I can only pray that you trust in my sincerity. I am Van Slanzer de Fanel, son of Goau Fanel, King of Fanelia. And I swear upon that title that all your daughter has said is true. I have come here alone, of my own will, to protect her. I understand your concern, but I can assure you that no harm will come to her. I swear my life on that.”
Hitomi finished relaying his short speech and then stopped. Silence followed. Van felt it pressing upon him heavily, waiting for approval from this man as anxiously as he would before his own father. He did not move, as was his teaching, even if he so wanted to see the man’s impressions. At long last he felt a hand come down upon his head, ruffling his hair affectionately. Van felt something in his chest clamping with the simple gesture--something he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The man said something unintelligible.
Hitomi released a breath that was half laughter, half relief. “He said you’re too young to have to talk like that,” she relayed.
Van lifted his head cautiously, staring up into the man’s gentle face. Mr. Kanzaki was smiling just barely. He believed him. Van smiled back with gratitude, and climbed to his feet. Some understanding had passed between them, and he was calmed by it. And when he looked to Hitomi, she also appeared much more relaxed. They exchanged smiles faintly.
The argument had ended. The sun had set nearly an hour previous, making each anxious to meet slumber. Van and Hitomi shared thank yous and goodnights before the latter was led up a flight of stairs by her mother. Mr. Kanzaki and Tatsumi gathered extra blankets to form what would be Van’s makeshift bed on the sofa. Not exactly what I’m used to, but I’ve definitely had worse. He nodded his approval, and was given spare clothing to use as a nightshirt. He thanked his caretakers--even if they didn’t understand. Then they departed, leaving him in the quiet night.
“Hitomi, I can’t tell you how to handle this,” Mrs. Kanzaki was saying, her back turned as her daughter changed. “I believe you. Your father believes you. Tatsumi…will take some time. But regardless, you’re the only one who can deal with Van-kun.”
“I know, I know.” Hitomi struggled into her nightshirt. She took a seat on the bed in front of the older woman. “I just…feel so strange, seeing him again. Back then I didn’t know what I was feeling--how should I know now?”
“What does you intuition tell you?”
She frowned thoughtfully. “I don’t know. It doesn’t know either!” She released an exasperated sigh. “I feel like I’m going crazy! I can’t stop thinking about him. But he seems so different--I’m different, too, so….” She trailed off helplessly.
“Hitomi.” Sachiko took a seat beside her and wrapped her arms around her daughter’s shoulders. “I can’t tell you want to do; you’re old enough to make your own decisions. But there is one thing I know.” Her tone dropped. “You haven’t been the same since you came back, three years ago. I believe you left some part of yourself there, with him, which has suddenly returned. You should be thankful for this opportunity.”
Hitomi nodded slowly. “Thanks, Mom,” she replied softly. “I’ll think about it.”
“Get some rest.” She kissed her daughter’s forehead. “I love you, dear. I’ll do whatever I can to make this easier for you. But you’ll have to be true to yourself.”
“Yeah.”
Mrs. Kanzaki bid her daughter good night, switched off the light, and closed the door behind her. Hitomi sighed deeply. I’m probably lucky, she thought, tracing the lines in the ceiling. Most parents would flip out if their daughter brought home a king from another world. Akiko-chan’s parents won’t even let her date. It’s a good thing Grandma told Mom everything about Gaea. Otherwise, she might not have believed me. Dad wouldn’t have, if it weren’t for Mom. And Tatsumi won’t ever. Strangely, that didn’t bother her. Tatsumi had never believed anything she told him, even when he knew she was right. They always ended up fighting.
I wonder if Van’s asleep, Hitomi found herself wondering. He’s probably not used to sleeping on a couch. It’s too small for him--maybe years ago he would have fit, but he’s much taller now. How did he get so tall anyway? And his eyes…they’re darker now, almost.
She inhaled slowly, then exhaled at that same pace. It made her remember Van coughing on their way from the hospital. She’d done the same, after returning from Gaea. The air here was thicker, more bitter than the king’s home world. Was it bothering him now? Would he be able to adjust? But why should he try, because soon he’d be gone.
Hitomi choked on a soft gasp, and grew troubled, as she didn’t know where it had come from. I shouldn’t worry so much. Van’s fine. He’s been through worse than an uncomfortable bed! You both have. Together.
Something warm and wet touched her cheek--a tear, rolling slowly. Others followed. She didn’t try to stop them. She only turned her face into her pillow and laughed. God, thank you for letting me see him again.
When Hitomi awoke the next morning she felt more rested than she had in weeks. Maybe then she’d ever been. When I go downstairs, Van will be there. The thought filled her with energy as she changed into blue jean shorts and a bright yellow top. He’s almost never seen me out of my school uniform. I wonder if he’ll like it…? She brushed he hair--It’s longer than it was back then--and grabbed her purse before bounding out the door. Her soft-soled shoes made an unnecessary amount of clamor as she ran down the stairs and skid into the kitchen.
“Do you have to run everywhere?” Tatsumi muttered, scooping white rice into bowls at the counter. He was still in his pajamas, dark brown hair tousled and eyes heavy.
“Good morning.”
“Whatever.” He moved to the kitchen table where another figure was seated--Hitomi’s breath caught in her throat. Tatsumi handed the king a bowl of rice with a mumbled, “Your Highness.”
Hitomi made a face at him before greeting Van. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Hitomi,” Van replied, even as he was focused on arranging his fingers over his chopsticks. “How in the world…?”
Seeing his distress, Tatsumi sighed in exasperation and fixed the king’s grip. “Like this,” he stated emphatically. “Jeez, can’t he even eat?”
“How would he know how to use chopsticks?” Hitomi retorted angrily. She retrieved a bowl for herself before sitting between the two boys. She demonstrated how to sue the chopsticks for Van. “Don’t worry about being polite,” she advised. “No one minds.”
“I feel more than a little foolish,” Van chuckled. He managed to scoop a decent amount of rice into his mouth. Tatsumi snickered, which earned him a smack on the head from his sister.
“God, why’re you being so touchy?” Tatsumi said angrily.
“He’s our guest and a king,” Hitomi shot back. “Show some respect.” She turned toward Van. “We don’t know how long it’ll be before Celena comes back, so in the meantime, I’d like to take you out shopping.”
Van paused in his eating experiment. “Shopping?”
“To get you some new clothes.” She plucked at the heavy robes he was wearing. “I think we can come up with something a little more comfortable, and less…foreign-looking.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “I need to find a sword, too, and a melef I can use.”
Hitomi nearly bit through her chopsticks. Celena came armed and with an Alseides. How can Van fight? “You didn’t bring Escaflowne?” she asked hopefully.
“Esca-what?” Tatsumi questioned.
“Shh.” Hitomi glared at him.
The boy sneered, and finished his breakfast in one gulp. “Fine, I’m leaving. Do whatever you want.” He dropped his bowl in the sink and left the kitchen.
Hitomi rolled her eyes once he was gone. “God, can you believe him? He can never act even a little bit polite.” She returned her attention to Van. “Well? Did you bring Escaflowne?”
The king shook his head. “There wasn’t time. You were in danger.”
Damn. What are we going to do? She licked her lips and carefully said, “Van, we have a problem.”
He regarded her curiously. “What? Can’t we get access to a guymelef?”
“No, Van; there aren’t any in my world.” He sat back, clearly shocked. “We don’t fight with swords, either. People now fight with guns and bombs and missiles. You won’t be able to find either.”
Van stared at her, stunned. “You don’t fight with swords?” he repeated in bewilderment. “Every country…but then how can I fight?” His voice raised a pitch. “Celena will be armed--if she tries to fight, we’ll be defenseless.”
“I know, I know.” Frowning, Hitomi shoveled more rice into her mouth. “Not that I really want you two to fight at all.”
“I think we’re past that point already,” Van replied in a murmur. “Hitomi, she almost killed you yesterday.”
“Yes, but….” She sighed in frustration. “This world is very different from Gaea. You can’t just challenge someone to a duel in the streets. Here, police catch criminals and imprison them--if you fight here, they’ll arrest you too!”
Van’s expression hardened as he considered her words. “Will ‘police’ catch Celena?”
“Maybe. After what happened at the hospital, they’ve got an eye out for her. And if they catch her waving a sword around, they’ll arrest her for sure.” Hitomi carried her now empty bowl to the sink. “It would be safest to let the police catch her, then confront her, and find out what this is all about.”
The king shifted in his seat, clearly unhappy with her suggestion. “What if she attacks in the Alseides?”
Damn, he’s right. “If Celena used the Alseides,” Hitomi said slowly, “they’d probably send out the air force or something.” The scene her mind produced returned her to her seat. “She’d…be killed.”
“And Allen would kill me,” he added with grim humor. “We’ll have to find the Alseides before she decides to attack. There may be a way to disable it.”
“It could be anywhere.”
Both teenagers were lost in private thought when Hitomi’s parents entered. They greeted her and her guest graciously and helped themselves to rice and tea. Van caught her eye, indicating that they should continue their discussion elsewhere. But she had something else in mind. “Hey Dad, can I have some money?”
“Have?” he echoed. “Not borrow?”
“I want to buy Van some new clothes,” she explained.
Her parents exchanged glances, and then her mother nodded. Kanzaki Touma sighed and pulled out his wallet. “I expect to see a very well made up king when you get back.” He handed her a wad of money.
Hitomi giggled. “Don’t worry--you will.” She signaled for Van to join her in the living room, out of earshot of her parents. “I think I might have seen where the pillar of light came from the other night. On the way there we can check to see how Jovey is, and get you some clothes, okay?”
Van agreed, though somewhat reluctantly. Hitomi took a moment to fetch her purse--filled with her tutoring money, with which she fully intended to buy new running shoes when they were done. Then, with farewells passed to her parents, they set out.