Author's note at the end of this chapter. Please read after reading the entire story. Format is a bit weird and paragraphs are close together. Sorry about that.

Chapter 3:

The Lone Wolf

Previously:

After many minutes avoiding these men, the leader was the last to disappear. Hitomi was relieved as her life was saved. Slowly, her eyes looked at the young man, his back turned towards her. She was nervous at first since this was a man she never met before. Without a doubt, this man was strong and wistful. She never had seen a person with such prowess before. Slowly, after her nervousness finally succumbed, she courageously took small steps towards him.

The winds started to pick up, lifting his hair and loss garments to the air. From the treetops, the pink leaves started to surround him and her.

She was closing in as his obscure moderately become clearer. "Who are you?"

Seagulls flew above the quiet shores of Kamakura as they gathered for a long journey ahead. As they flew, they passed above the cityscape of Kamakura to the sandy beach below straight to the blue, beautiful depths of the ocean. On the beach, it was completely deserted at this time of day. The waves drifted in and out of the sandy shores, hitting a lone shell gently that lobbed back and forth. The sea breeze gently passed by, bringing wind chimes from nearby houses to life. Not one sound that came from the city once entered this place. It was completely tranquil. This was definitely Hitomi's place to be in the first thing in the morning. She was on top of a long- white stoned wall that was 5 feet high, with the entrance to the beach not too far from her right. She smiled pleasantly as she sniffed in the sea breeze. She loved the cool breeze on her skin even though the weather was slightly cold so early in the morning of April. Her gaze looked at the group of rocks that stood out in the distance, waiting for the sun to rise. Her feet dangled on the edge, longingly looking at the ocean.

Slowly, as time passed on quietly, the bright smile that graced her face disappeared.

"You have that power…"

A dazed look passed through her eyes.

"You are who you are. And nothing can change that…"

Her thoughts remembered what happened last night. "Not again," she said in a small voice. A shiver surged through her body as she hunched her body towards her legs in a fetal position. She tried shaking the image out of her head. There were so many things running through her mind. The thoughts of that night never left her mind. It shouldn't be a problem at all. But, that ill feeling she had never once left. It felt like a nightmare came to haunt her again. She thought her only troubles were school, friends, family, track, and college exams when she reaches third year like any normal person would be going through. But, it was definitely not the case in her life. Her thoughts turned to the events that happened after. She returned home at nine o clock that night after trying to get over her shock. Everything was not sinking in yet as she was still absorbing everything in. That is, until her brother came to her with a worried expression. He began to scold her. She clearly remembered what she told her brother last night.

-Flashback-

Hitomi finally reached her apartment home as she opened the door tiredly. It was already late by the time she got out of the train station from Tokyo. When she closed the door, she leaned against it and slid to the ground. Everything was happening so fast. She couldn't find a place to stop and collect her thoughts. But, despite all the confusion, Hitomi was glad to be home.

"Hitomi?!" called a voice. Hitomi opened her eyes. She feared that it might be her mother. Slowly she looked up to see her older brother. "Where in the hell have you been?!" he retorted worriedly as he kneeled to her level. "Why are you late?! Don't you know what will happen if Okaasan found you come home late if she was home?!"

Desperately, she looked at her brother with sad eyes. "Oniichan," she said, her voice slightly wavering. The anger that rose in Mamoru suddenly seized when he saw the look in Hitomi's usual cheerful eyes. "Hito-chan, what's wrong? What happened?" he asked as he helped up to her feet.

Hitomi shook her head. "Oniichan, I'm so confused. I don't even know what happened either," she stated. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me," Mamoru said sternly as he crossed his arms.

And so, Hitomi began to describe of what transpired that night. Mamoru listened intently from her desk as she explained the mysterious men in black cloaks, the light she saw that made her feel warm, and the young man that saved her. Hitomi knew it was farfetched and no one would believe a story like that. But, Mamoru listened intently, although his face didn't express anything. It did make her feel better now she talked out her problems out loud. She was fortunate to have a brother like Mamoru.

After finishing her story, Mamoru leaned back on Hitomi's chair and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Hitomi looked at her carpet floor with a sad expression. She was waiting for Mamoru's response. "I must say, Hito-chan. It was a weird story," Mamoru said.

"I know, but," Hitomi stated as she looked into her brother's eyes. "I am a normal girl. I have everyday problems just like most people. But, I'm different from the rest because I'm good at predicting things and have these dreams. So, why? I'm no one important."

She clasped her forehead. "Oniichan, it's so confusing. First it was this gift I have. Then it's my dreams, visions, and voices I hear. And now these men and the guardians? What am I supposed to believe?"

Mamoru sighed frustratingly. He couldn't do much for his young sister since he couldn't understand what she was going through. Reassuringly, he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be all right, Hitomi," he said, although he was quite reluctant to say such a cliché false hope that he learned that most doctors try to avoid. But, this was the only thing he can do for her now. "Maybe they won't come after you. The guy who saved you made sure of that, right?" Hitomi nodded reluctantly after such a thought ran through her head. "Besides, you have important things to think about. Like school and your future. Otousan would want you to think of that. Remember what he always said?" Hitomi smiled as she recalled what her father had said to her. "Now that's what I should be seeing. Go to sleep and everything will be alright in the morning."

"Thanks, Oniichan," Hitomi said. Still, she was a bit skeptical why her brother readily accepted her story. "Oniichan…you believe me?"

A bewildered look passed on his eyes. "W-what?! O-of course I believe you!" he exclaimed, flailing his arms above him like he was some kind of madman. "You know me, I'm the geekiest video game, anime person you'll ever know! Of course I believe in all these mumbo-jumbo stuff called magic and supernatural beings. What kind of question is that, Hito-chan?!"

"No reason," Hitomi said. That added more to her doubts from the way he reacted. But, she let it slid since her brother was like that sometimes. Greeting her brother a good night, she closed the door and looked through the window. It will be a new day tomorrow; a normal day she would enjoy with her family and friends. Nothing will change that.

-End of Flashback-

Still, despite her brother's words, Hitomi still can't get that thought out of her mind. That was the main reason why she was here bright and early. She needed to step out of her real world for a bit and think for a while in a quiet, spacious place before she went to her hectic life in school.

"Nothing's working," she said as she hung her head in defeat. "It's still not getting out of my head. What's making me think about it so much?"

"I can hear your every thoughts and feelings. I can feel your feelings, your fears, your distress. You were calling someone to help you …"

Hitomi lifted her head a bit in realization.

"It is up to you now to uphold what you are born with…

She remembered his words clearly in her mind. His voice ended those words haunted her greatly. "Destiny," is what he left her, leaving his mystery unresolved. She was truly grateful for his help. But, he left her with such confounding words. What could he possibly mean?

Hitomi sighed as she looked up into the sky. "There's no use thinking about it," Hitomi reassured herself as she slapped both her cheeks gently. "They're gone now. So nothing is relevant now." Saying those words satisfied with her. They were gone now. He made sure of that. Instantly, Hitomi felt better. At least one problem was done so she could now go through her normal life.

She looked at her watch. "Hmm…I'll just stay five more minutes longer," Hitomi decided and enjoyed the tranquil place. As she relaxed in her spot, a flock of seagulls suddenly flew by her from her right, causing her to look in that direction with wide eyes. Right on the other side, Hitomi spotted a young man who stood not too far away from her, looking out into the ocean just like she was doing. Hitomi was definitely surprised as she thought she was the only person out here. She wondered how he managed to get there?

With the birds out of the way, Hitomi slightly had a good look of the guy, let alone his face which was not visible. He looked pretty tall from where she sat. He wore a dark blue blazer with matching pants. The ends of his pants were stuffed sloppily in his white sneakers. On his left side was his messenger bag that was slung from his right shoulder. On his back was a rectangular, long black-clothed case that looked like something for Kendo. He was holding that on his right. The emblem of his school wasn't seeable to her. However, the way the uniform looked, she was sure he goes to a private school. She couldn't make out his face as it was covered by his black, unruly hair.

He began to move. Hitomi looked away and returned her gaze to the ocean. "What am I doing?" she asked herself, blushing. "Why do I want to know what know about this guy's look?" Luckily, he didn't notice her looking at him. He was merely shifting his weight to make himself comfortable. She was definitely curious what he looked like under that hair of his. She took another sneaky glance. Still, his face remained hidden. "What in the world should I do?" she thought. "He looks so familiar. Should I talk to him? Should I wait when he turns to me?" She took another glance only to see him turn right and walked away.

Hitomi gasped. "Umm…" she said in a small voice. He kept on walking without responding to her. Her arm was in mid air in front of her when she was about to call him. She watched him move farther away from her until he disappeared down the steps. She didn't take her eyes off him until he disappeared. There was something about him that caught her eye, but she couldn't point it out. He sent this aura she couldn't describe.

"This is a first," Hitomi said to herself. When it came to meeting people, Hitomi could tell the person's personality by what she receives from their aura. She could easily feel any feelings a person had. This was one of her abilities she had due to her sixth sense. But this time, she couldn't get anything from the young man. Before she thought further, her watch began to beep. She looked at the time to see five minutes was up.

"So much for having a peaceful time alone," Hitomi sighed, disappointed. She stood up and grabbed her stuff and made her way to the train station. As she quickly walked down the stairs, Hitomi stopped midway. She turned to the place she once saw him. Sadly, a thought came across her. "This may be the last time I'll get to see him, huh?" she asked herself as she turned away. "But why do I feel so sad?"

Hitomi stretched a bit after a tiring day. She was just spending time with her brother at a café he knew near his college. Track club was cancelled and she had free time to spare. It was late in the afternoon when she decided to go home. After what happened to her, there was no signs or ill feelings she had like that first time she felt when those four weird men in black cloaks watched her every move. Since then, it had not happened. So, it was safe to go alone for now.

"A week ago, huh?" Hitomi thought as she realized how long it was. "A week has passed and I still know nothing about him or what he meant. There's no way I could find him…" As she walked down the street, she immediately forgot what she was thinking about when her eyes laid on a huge window. Right through the window was little kids kicking and punching. They were standing on a blue mat that was placed in the middle of the room on top of a tatami covered floor. They stood in a straight line as they distance themselves from each other to make room for their injury-prone moves. Hitomi smiled at the recognizable old-fashioned Japanese-style room. "Wow, it's been so long," she said, nostalgia hitting her. "I wonder if sensei is still there." Hitomi looked around to find her old karate sensei. She directly looked at the place he would always kneel to observe his students' progress.

"EH?!" Hitomi gasped suddenly.

There was certainly someone there. But, it was definitely not her sensei. He looked a little young as sensei was in his late 30's by now. What made Hitomi gasp was the familiarity of the current sensei in front of the class. "It's him!" she exclaimed. It was the young man she saw that morning last week. This time, Hitomi could see the color of his skin. It was a natural tan complexion. He was wearing the simple white karate suit. Tied around his waistband was a black belt with three white markings on the left end of the belt.

"Eh?!" she gasped again as she inspected further. "He's a third degree black belt?!" He managed to reach that level. Hitomi definitely needed to meet this guy. Just when he was about to turn to the student close to the window, where Hitomi was standing, he suddenly turned to the opposite direction. He turned to her old sensei as he came out of a door on the opposite side. He nodded his head and went to her sensei.

One mystery after another, it was no wonder Hitomi was frustrated. She never thought her curiosity would last this long. Disappointment ran through Hitomi by the time he disappeared through the door. She shouldn't be this interested. She still couldn't figure out why. With a defeated sigh, she continued her walk to the station. The young man still remained a mystery, just like her savior and those black men in cloaks.

The next day came, with the cherry blossoms still in bloom around the road Hitomi would always went through to get to school. She was early again. She didn't wake up in time to calm herself in her favorite spot so she ended up going to school. She was still disappointed that she didn't get to see the mystery man's face. It was strange for her to be so obsessed in a guy. In reality, Hitomi was shy. She could not associate well with other guys that were outside her family, friends, and her class in 2-A. But, strangely, this guy was something else. It sparked her curiosity and it nagged her mind for days. Currently, the nagging increased tenfold. Could destiny be trying to tell her something that would push her into the right direction? Suddenly she became melancholy again.

"Destiny…?" she managed to say after a while of thinking about her savior again. Somehow, his voice struck something in Hitomi so clearly. For some reason, his voice, she felt as if she heard it somewhere.

She continued to dwell on those thoughts until someone grabbed onto her shoulder. Hitomi immediately responded as she quickly raised her elbow. Before she could pull a dreadful move on the suspect, she stopped midair when she saw that suspect was Yukari. Yukari was smiling nervously with both of her hands up in a poor attempt to defend herself. Hitomi sighed as she visibly relaxed her entire body. "Yukari," Hitomi sighed in relief. "Sorry…"

"Morning to you too," Yukari said as she wiped sweat from her forehead with her left hand. "I got to remember not do that."

"Sorry," Hitomi apologized again.

Yukari sighed as she straightened her blazer. With a reassuring smile, they walked the remaining distance to school.

"Despite the number of times I called you and the almost fatel blow I would have experienced from my best friend, I should commend you," Yukari stated.

"Eh?!" Hitomi exclaimed, blinking with wide eyes.

"Commend? You know, rewarding you…honoring you…loathing you…I guess…"

"I know what it means!" Hitomi yelled, crossing her arms around her chest. "Commend me for what? From almost kicking you to your death?"

Yukari was nodding her head. But then she caught herself and shook her head fervently. "No! Of course not!! I meant for being early, baka!" she yelled fervently.

Hitomi arched an eyebrow as the continued to walk. "And…? Soo…?"

"SO!" Yukari paused as she waited patiently for Hitomi respond. No response as Hitomi still gave her a clueless look. Yukari sighed and took a deep breath. "HITOMI'S SPECIALTY! BEING LATE and getting EXCUSES from sensei." She was talking as if she was an announcer and every student was looking their way. Hitomi shook her head and slapped her forehead with her hand embarrassingly.

"And I should COMMEND Yukari for reminding me, and apparently EVERYONE else, how I should feel guilty for making our teachers suffer from my tardiness," Hitomi sarcastically said over Yukari's voice.

"Arigatou!" Yukari said. "It's my job, of course! I plan to keep at it forever." The girls laughed as they stopped a few meters away from the gate to their school. "Anyways, on much sad note, I don't want to bring it, but, how come you seem so gloomy today?"

"Eh?" Hitomi was surprised at this sudden question. "Do I look like that? I didn't notice I was like that."

"Yeah, it seems like your soul was detached from you or something. It's like you weren't yourself."

"Huah…" Hitomi said, stunned that Yukari noticed her mood. Quickly, she regained her composure. "But really, I'm fine. I just have a lot of things on my mind right now." She finished off with smile to reassure her best friend she was fine.

"O-kay…I'll believe you," Yukari accepted with a smile. "But…whatever it is…" With a quick move, she slapped Hitomi's left shoulder. "Be yourself, Hitomi!" With that single move, the ribbon on her hair untied itself and it caught itself in the wind.

"Ah! My ribbon!" Hitomi yelled as she ran to get it. "Come back!"

Somehow, the wind won't let her have her way and continued to float her precious ribbon to the sky. It was drifting close to the temple on top of the hill. She ran to it as fast as she could when her eyes met a person under the cherry blossom trees. The person was starring at the temple on top of the hill.

Just by looking at the person made her forget her precious ribbon and abruptly stopped. Her mind wasn't quite done stabilizing herself, so she didn't think much of the person at first. Then, her mind clicked when she finally composed herself. The dark blue uniform, the white sneakers, the messenger bag, the Kendo gear, the tan complexion, and the messy black hair; all of these attributes led to one person she had in mind.

"It's him," Hitomi said. She wanted to faint after so many surprises during the past several days. She would never have guessed she would see him again. This was her third time seeing him. Could this mean something? As her mind completely settled from the fact that she saw the guy again, her ribbon floated down and caught itself around his leg.

Hitomi smiled and walked up to him, watching him looked down and reached for her ribbon. This was definitely fate. The Gods answered her calls and now she could finally get to see his face. She never knew how lucky she was. Now there was no chance he would get interrupted from preventing her to see his face. She stood a few meters away when he straightened his position.

"My heart's beating fast," Hitomi thought as she placed her hand above her heart. "I'm so nervous. What should I do? What should I do?"

As if something came to her, she knew what to say as she stepped in. "Uh, excuse me," Hitomi began politely, her voice filled with courage. By the sound of her voice, she could see him turning to her slowly, with her ribbon in one hand.

Before Hitomi knew it, her eyes widened in surprise as the winds breezed through her as the cherry blossoms danced around them. Her hair was disarrayed in front of her as it also danced. For the first time, their eyes met.

Not too far away, Yukari ran to the situation, wondering what was going on. She thought it was strange that Hitomi didn't return for a long time. Worried, she went over there. But, just as she was about to call her, she froze. The moment she saw in front of her was something she would only see in animes and mangas. It was one of those rare moments that most people would be craving to see. Standing right there, Hitomi and the mystery man stood a good distance apart, looking at each other with wide eyes. The mood was so quiet and peaceful with some birds chirping blissfully above the cherry blossom trees. They were under them as the pink little leaves danced around them with the gentle wind. They looked at each other as if they were struck with love for the first time. It was almost magical; like destiny finally bringing the two destined couple together after so many years.

This scene almost made Yukari cry. Because of this rare moment, Yukari wanted to take a picture. But, she couldn't possibly disturb this moment. What added to her mind was the urge to break it. She wanted to know what was going on, who was the guy, and why were they standing there and not introducing themselves or talking. Hitomi was always such a shy person when it comes to guys. Yukari decided to break the ice and get Hitomi started, like she would always do. Just as she took her step towards them-

"YOU!" they suddenly both yelled, almost causing Yukari to fall backwards. Yukari maintained her balance as she looked at the couple with wide eyes. The moment she really loved was gone.

Hitomi couldn't believe her eyes when she finally saw his face. Right when she saw his eyes, a thought rang through her mind. The color was a rare red-brown. She knew immediately who it was and she didn't think twice about what she was going to say, no matter how cute he was. "You, what are you doing here?! I-Ikkoku-kun!" Hitomi yelled, pointing an accusing finger at him. The guy she wanted to know so much turned out to be the jerk she crashed into weeks ago. Since she didn't know the hot-headed jerk's name, she decided to go with "Ikkoku."

"I should be the one asking that," he said as he placed his free hand into his pocket.

"I go here!" Hitomi yelled.

"Eh?! Here?! That temple?!" he asked, looking at the temple on top of the hill. "Some school you go to, ahou."

Hitomi huffed and pointed her finger towards her school behind her. "No! The school over there, you idiot!" She couldn't believe this guy. "I'll ask again. What ARE you doing here? Are you stalking me, Ikkoku-kun?!"

"What kind of question is that?! Why would I-" He paused. "Wait…what did you call me?!"

"Umm…" Yukari interrupted the bickering couple. They both looked at her with a look that said "What." She gulped a bit. "Hitomi, do you…know him?"

"Ikkoku-kun?" Hitomi growled with an expression that was ready to kill someone.

Yukari blinked a few times. "Ik-ko-ku-kun?"

"I AM NOT!" said the so-called "Ikkoku-kun" hot-headedly.

"See what I mean?" Hitomi huffed as she crossed her arms, making her point.

Again, Yukari blinked. Before she knew it, she tried to contain her laughter. "PFFT! Ikkoku-kun! What kind of name is that?!"

"It's not my name!" Again, he was sorely ignored as the two girls chatted away.

"I don't know what to call him since I don't know his name. So I called him Ikkoku-kun because he is one." Abruptly, she turned her attention to him. "So? Are you or are you not?"

"What? Stalking you?! Of course not! It's none of your business what I do anyway. It's a free country," he replied curtly.

"Ah Ah! Like I care what you do! You're probably doing the same to other people like you did to me and not apologize when you rudely push them away or something." Carefully, Hitomi eyed her ribbon closely in his hand. "Besides, I only came up here just to get my ribbon back."

"Ribbon?" he asked as he looked at the ribbon in his hand. "You mean this piece of cloth?! How is this supposed to be a ribbon?!"

Hitomi roughly grabbed her ribbon from him and tied it back on. She wondered how men could be so dense sometimes. "It's not a piece of cloth! It's something special and I intend to not lose it!" After fixating her ribbon and making sure it was good and tight, she turned around. "Bye," she said and walked away.

"Oi!" he called, running up to her.

"What?" Hitomi said coldly, turning to him with an annoyed expression in her eyes.

"Aren't you going to say thank you for getting that thing for you?" he asked.

"Thank you?! What for? Why should I thank you, Ikkoku-kun?" Hitomi demanded. "I'd much thank someone who is worthy rather than an idiot like you!" Hitomi started, walking away again, hoping he would get away. But, he still followed her.

"You want an apology from the other day, don't you?" he asked, hitting right to the point. Hitomi paused after what he said. He was right on the mark. She wanted an apology from him for being such a hot-headed jerk. But, she didn't want to admit it to him. She didn't want to show him that she was a weak girl who can't do or submit to anything. She shook her head and started walking away.

"Oi!"

Yukari watched the two from a distance as Hitomi continued to ignore him while he continued to chase after her, arguing like there was no tomorrow. To her, this was the most entertaining thing she ever saw and she couldn't help but watch and smile. It was more entertaining since Hitomi was never this full of energy before.

"Oi! I'm talking to you!" With one move, he grabbed her shoulder from behind. At that moment, white fury flashed through her eyes. Her eyes immediately narrowed by the time his hand touched her shoulder. With one fluid movement, she turned around and high-kicked him towards his face. Yukari shook her head in despair. "He had to do it. I wouldn't surprise her like that at all. Well, I better call an ambulance like that's new."

Hitomi's flexed foot was a mere inch off from his shocked face. Hitomi too was shocked. It didn't surprise her too much that his face actually showed emotion. What truly surprised her was how quick he anticipated her move and defended himself in that spur of the moment. With her kick, no ordinary guy would anticipate it. It was a complete KO to the face. She remembered she did that to several guys who snuck up on her like that. She felt sorry that the ambulance had to take them away just to make sure they had no concussion or memory loss. She was lucky she wasn't charged since they were lechers after all. Although she didn't show her surprised reaction to the guy, she was quite impressed.

Hitomi quickly returned to her original position as she began to straighten herself, turning her back to him. "Sorry," she said in a rather blunt voice. "It's habit of mine when someone comes up to me like that. Be glad that you avoided it or you'd be KO'd by now." With that, she briskly walked to school, with Yukari following closely behind her. Hitomi hoped she got the last word.

"For someone like you, I'm impressed the way you handled it," he said out loud, causing Hitomi to stop. His voice just didn't sound cocky or cold right then. It seemed as if he was complimenting her. This was close to an apology as Hitomi could get. This she will accept. She hoped that was the case. "Ariga-"

"But, you would have been hit by now."

"NANI?!" she roared, all the good thoughts of him suddenly drained out of her mind. This guy was definitely working her last nerve.

"Your stance was off balance and weak. You left a lot of barriers open. Position was good, but it still needs some work," he said as he walked passed her, with a notable "know-it-all" tone in his voice.

"H-how would know?!" Hitomi asked angrily.

"For me to know and you to find out, ahou," he simply said.

"Stop calling me that! My name's…"

"Ja na." With that, he left without another word, the same way he did to her when she first met him. Hitomi was breathing very harshly as she felt her blood pressure sky-rocketed out to space. Her mind was alert and she was shaking uncontrollably.

"Hitomi…" Yukari timidly called.

"That no good…"

"Hitomi, are you okay?"

"IDIOT!!" Hitomi yelled, causing Yukari to back off. "I've never met such an arrogant, hot-headed, poker faced person in my entire life!! Who does he think he is telling a person that they're position is not good! Just because he has third-degree black belt doesn't mean he has the right to teach me!" After letting her feelings out, Hitomi instantly relaxed and took in deep breaths.

"How do you know that guy, Hitomi?" Yukari asked after letting Hitomi relax.

"That guy! I met him not too long ago when I bumped into him when I was late for school. He never apologized. I haven't seen him for a while until recently."

"For an arrogant guy, he sure is hot," Yukari said dreamily.

"Yukari!" Hitomi yelled.

Yukari shrugged. "Couldn't help it…"

Hitomi sighed. There was no use persuading her best friend now. She had fallen into his trap; good looks and all. They started their way to the entrance of their school. "Do you think we'll see him again?"

As they walked, Hitomi looked back at the spot where he stood. For a moment, she thought about it for a while. "No… I don't think we'll see him again."

Hitomi looked at the piece of paper in her hand. She had to go to Tokyo once again to pick up that piece of paper from Mamoru. Since he couldn't go do the errands himself, she had to do them. "We need all this?" Hitomi asked as she looked at the list of stuff she needed to get from the grocery store. "Ramen (a lot of it), 2 Daikon Radish, rice, fish, vegetables…eh? What this? Don't even think about eating all the snacks in this list, Hito-chan?!" Hitomi really wanted to punch her brother for writing that. She was going to get one to eat out of this list, nothing more. With a sigh, she put the piece of paper in her bag. Just as she looked at the road in front of her, she realized that she was in front of her old karate dojo again. Through the window was Ikkoku-kun in front of the class, watching attentively as the class, paired with each other, practiced their moves. From the experience she received since he met him, Hitomi knew he would be callous, harsh, and dispassionate. He most likely does not care in the educational well-being of these young students. She despised those types of people. She wondered why her sensei would hire such a person. Despite his annoying presence in the dojo, Hitomi couldn't help but feel curious about his teaching methods.

"Uh-oh," Hitomi exclaimed as she saw one student was having trouble executing one move. They must had practiced the moves a couple of times before since she usually partners up with someone after they perfected her move when she was karate class. Most of the students probably got it down by now and perfected it. The boy looked like he was the weak one. She looked at Ikkoku-kun. As expected, he spotted the problem and immediately stood up. He walked towards the student and the rest stopped their practice and watched. She definitely would have anticipated this. She couldn't bare the thought of the boy listening to the crude remarks he would send.

The student was talking with a defeated look in his face. From the looks of it, he was explaining how hard it was to execute the move he was taught today. The young, hot-headed sensei was listening intently. Her eyes observed further to see the other students around them smiling and laughing. A frown crossed her face. Something was definitely weird. Finally, the student finished his explanation. She could see Ikkoku-kun in thought, but she couldn't make out his emotions. "What will he do?" she wondered. Just as she said it, he walked to the student, reaching towards him.

"Oh no!" Hitomi cried, running to the door. She slammed the door open, ready to charge at him. But, she suddenly stopped as her eyes looked at the scene in front of her. Her eyes widened in surprise.

His hand gently patted the student's shoulder. "Daijobou," he said with a soft tone Hitomi never knew he had. "It's alright if you still can't do it. Learn at your own pace. Do your best." The young student smiled and nodded his head with confidence. He looked at the laughing students who suddenly stiffened at his stern look. He patted the student's shoulder one last time and walked to the front of the class. "Okay, let's practice what we learned today." The students, let alone the one he talked to, started groaning negatively.

"Sensei, but-"

"You guys think it's funny to laugh at someone who is trying hard to learn? Think back when you learned things for the first time. Think about how difficult it was. If you don't understand, then I'll ask sensei to dismiss you. Whoever laughs again will be thrown out. Understand?!" With that remark, the young hot-headed sensei began to walk to his usual spot as the students nodded their heads in shame. He stopped in front of the class.

"We'll be doing these drills until he gets it. Yosh, begin!" Immediately, he kicked high, along with the other students as they observed his actions. "Good," he said, specifically at the one student who smiled at his compliment. "One more time!" Again, they kicked. From then on, they did it several times and moved on to another move.

During this time, Hitomi watched as he taught and reviewed every move they learned. He taught and executed his moves with such diligence and patience that Hitomi thought he was a different person. He was interacting with them like a leader would with his comrades.

"That guy," she wondered curiously as she watched him help the same student position himself correctly in another move they were doing. "He's…so different."

Hitomi sighed. She was disappointed that she didn't wake up early enough to take her time to watch the scenery of the ocean in her favorite spot. As she walked towards the station that would lead her to school, Hitomi spotted a small wooden shelter with some vending machines. A smile crossed her face. If she can't go to the ocean and enjoy herself, then a nice, cold drink of Oolong tea would satisfy her.

The sound of her drink coming down the vending machine caught her attention. She lowered herself carefully to get her drink and grabbed it. She straightened herself and smiled as she held the cold beverage with both of her hands. With one snap to open it, she drank it in one gulp. "Oishii!" she beamed as she felt the drink instantly revive her. After taking in another gulp, she tossed the can into the recycle bin. Feeling energized, Hitomi turned to the train station. Right when she took her first step, she stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted the familiar dark blue suit and his black unruly hair.

"Ikkoku-kun!" she exclaimed. Hitomi whipped her head from left to right, trying to find a place to hide. She settled herself behind the small building and stake out there. She didn't want another confrontation from him. She immediately ducked into her hiding place and waited until he was gone. Hitomi could hear his footsteps coming closer to her direction. It came closer and closer until the sound suddenly stopped. For a while, there was no sound coming from him. It felt like he was right in front of her, gazing at her hunched form. That thought immediately was ruled out when she heard the sound of the vending machine. Hitomi sighed a huge relief.

"Maybe he'll be on his way now that he has his drink. There is no way he'll stay here." His footsteps sounded again and it was growing near.

"Oh no, don't tell me…!" She heard him sit down on the bench right in front of where she was hiding. She could see his back as he opened his drink and drank the contents. Hitomi hoped he didn't notice.

Nothing happened for a while as he didn't seem to notice that she was a few feet behind him. Hitomi thought this would be a great opportunity to sneak away unnoticed. She slowly sat up and sneakily made her narrow escape.

"I know you're there, ahou," his voice said and she immediately stopped.

She wanted to slap herself for making a bad choice to move. With a defeated sigh, she turned to him. "How do you know I was here?"

"I was right behind you when you decided to get a drink," he said, pausing as he took another sip of his drink. "I just didn't want to disturb your peace. I decided to come when you suddenly disappeared. Honestly, isn't hiding there a bit cliché?"

Hitomi fumed. "So what if it's cliché? I didn't want to face you."

Silence fell between them as they stayed in their position. Hitomi truly didn't want to confront him. Somehow, being around him made her feel like she needed to be on her toes all the time. He was such an unpredictable person. She looked at him for a bit. His back was still turned to her as if she was not good enough to see his face. With the drink in both of his hands, he leaned against his legs with his elbows, his legs shoulder length apart. He was looking straight out in front of him. Hitomi wondered what goes through his mind.

"I saw you at the karate dojo the other day," he suddenly said.

"EH?!" Hitomi gasped. Immediately, she coughed to regain her composure. "Aah…really?"

"You were inside with that angry look in your eyes. It looked like you were ready to pulverize someone." She didn't know he was watching her. He didn't even look at her direction. He was busy with the lecture, so he shouldn't have noticed her.

"O-of course I was angry," she said as she crossed her arms. "I thought you were going to beat that little guy for making so many mistakes. I was going to give you a piece of my mind."

"What? With those crappy moves of yours?"

"NO! I wasn't on planning on that. But I wanted to," Hitomi reassured. Suddenly, he stood up as he threw the can in the recycle bin.

"I wouldn't do that."

Hitomi looked up. "Huh?!"

"I mean…hit someone just because they are not doing the right thing." She watched him look at the sky. "I understand what's he's going through. It's hard enough that he's behind and working hard to catch up."

Those words clicked into Hitomi's mind. He was actually talking casually. It felt like they were having a normal conversation. Somehow, just hearing him like this made her feel comfortable. She felt like she could trust him. This was the first time she trusted someone who was outside of her family and friends that instantly. This only made her confusion grow. Was he really a hot-headed jerk she proclaimed? Maybe she was judging him irrationally. Something about him stands out.

"Umm," she began, hoping to start a casual conversation with him for once.

"Anyways, see you around, Ja na." He quickly grabbed his things and walked away. She watched as he retreated to the train station. Something was quite off.

Hitomi found herself in her usual spot near the ocean two days later. She was glad that school was only half day on Saturdays. She would be able to gain a piece of mind and relax after a week of brain frying lectures in school. However, despite the weekend, she wasn't relaxed at all. All this week, she thought about Ikkoku-kun. It wasn't the mysterious men in black cloaks or her savior and his words he left that occupied her mind. The turn of events made her think about Ikkoku-kun. His personality was quite unpredictable. He was this arrogant, hot-headed person in one day and he was this complete opposite person on another day. She was seeing two sides of him that does not click at all. During these passing days, she would occasionally run into him in the real world. And each time they meet, they would go through their bickering mode. That was only when they coincidentally meet in Tokyo and near her school. But in Kamakura and places were it feels relaxed and spiritual, surrounded by nature, he was another person as the bickering self does not exist. He does dismiss this personality easily and reverts back to his cocky self. It bugged Hitomi greatly. She felt compelled to understand this guy more. She was never so set to know a guy or feel like she could be herself with a guy. Usually, she would feel like she needed to curl up in a ball and become timid whenever she was with a guy. But, he was different. She shook her head. She could no longer take it. She stood up and took a deep breath.

"WHO IS HE?!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.

"WHO IS…who?" Hitomi stopped her scream and turned to that voice. She immediately paled to find the very man in her thoughts standing a few feet away.

"Oh no, he heard me!" Hitomi thought with a mortified look in her face.

"You're a strange one," he said as he put his hands in his pockets. "Never thought you're the one to yell out like that."

Hitomi was definitely embarrassed as she looked at the ground to avoid his gaze, even though he wasn't looking at her. She wondered if he heard her say her thoughts out loud since she did have the tendency to let her mouth do the thinking. It didn't seem like he heard as nothing was said between them after that. Hitomi was too speechless to remark back. So, they settled in the quiet atmosphere and let the scenery take them in. They watched as the horizon slowly lit up. When she saw the light in the dark sky, Hitomi was suddenly filled with awe and happiness. It was a sight she never had the chance to spend time to watch. Everything she thought about died out and concentrated her eyes on the beautiful sunrise.

"Doesn't this place make you feel relaxed?" Hitomi's attention averted to him as he too gazed into the horizon. "It feels…as if your troubles suddenly melt away." The winds blew suddenly as Hitomi continued to observe him. She was struck. Not only his words struck her, but what he showed through his face. His expression right then was something she never had seen before. His eyes were soft and sad. On his lips, he had a sad smile. His hair that danced with the wind enhanced those soft features. Somehow, the way he was right then, she felt like they connected. She felt as if they were in the same level. It was right then Hitomi realized something. All this time, she didn't want to run away from him. What was she was running away from was her own shyness and what she truly wanted to do. She wanted to know him. Not as her enemy, but as her friend.

School ended in a blink of an eye for most students in Kamakura high. But to Hitomi, it felt like an eternity. Hitomi enjoyed school, but she can't enjoy it with an empty stomach. It was a tough situation for her as she forgot her lunch at home. She didn't have money so she was hungry the entire day. Yukari also forgot her lunch so Hitomi couldn't pick out from her lunch. So, they both agonized over their hungry stomachs. But, forgetting her lunch wasn't the only thing that added to the long, bad day of hers. She hasn't seen Ikkoku-kun for a while now since she saw him in a different light that one day. When she finally decided to talk to him and make amends for their endless bickering and loathing, he suddenly disappeared. Because of his disappearance, school seemed like it dragged on. It felt like any normal day for Hitomi. But, she remained optimistic. She had a feeling she would see him again somewhere.

After class, Yukari and Hitomi decided to skip track and find a good place to splurge on food in Tokyo since it was a good place to look for food chains. It was a good thing Mamoru gave Hitomi money after school as he knew she forgot her lunch again.

"How about that?" Hitomi asked, pointing to a restaurant.

"Too expensive looking." Yukari looked to find another. "How about that one?"

"Too dirty looking. I wouldn't trust that place at all." They both sighed as none of the places they passed by did not appeal to them.

"I don't get why we should go all the way down here when we can just get to your mom's place. Why are we not eating there?" Yukari asked.

"Because, it's closed for renovations. We have no choice but to look here. We need to find one and I mean a GOOD find."

"You mean like finding that cute Ikkoku-kun?" Yukari asked slyly. Hitomi immediately stopped. She turned to her friend, blushing deep red.

"W-what are you s-saying?" Hitomi stuttered.

Yukari shrugged. "Hey, I was just giving an analogy here. Ikkoku-kun IS a good find, you know…"

"S-stop that. I know he's a good find and all, but-"

"So you admit it? He is a hottie!"

"Well, yeah." Hitomi paused. "I mean, NO! T-that's not the point! Let's just drop the subject and find something to eat before I faint," Hitomi said. She didn't want to admit it but he was a good-looking guy, despite his cold, arrogant personality. But, he was more than just that now that Hitomi got a little jist of his personality. She didn't want leave things as it was. She wants to be friends with him. Something about him had driven her. She never did like first impressions after all.

"I must say, though. I've never seen you like this," Yukari said, causing Hitomi to stare in her direction. "You were never this livid before." Hitomi simply shrugged her shoulders with a smile and continued her search. For almost twenty minutes, they haven't found a place that fits their needs. Nothing seemed interesting. Just as they were about to give up, Hitomi's eyes laid on a sign that read…

"Organ Pub?" Hitomi read thoughtfully. The sign she was looking at was attached to a medium-sized building, built in wood to make it look like a pub. There was a single lamp right next to the two sliding doors. What was strange was that this pub was actually open in board daylight when most pubs usually open late in the afternoon and early evening. "Hmm…"

"Hitomi, that's a pub," she said. "You know we can't go there. We're too young, you know."

Yukari's words suddenly blurred the moment Hitomi laid eyes on the place. Something about this pub was odd. The oddness of it was added more to her mind when she saw two people, who looked to be Hitomi's age, went in. Most of all, this place was bugging her. Hitomi very well cannot ignore it. So, she slowly reached for the door.

"Hitomi, w-what are you doing?!" Yukari asked incredulously. "Do you realize what you are getting yourself into?"

"Of course," Hitomi confirmed and proceeded to reach for the door. Yukari stopped her again.

"But, what if that place has nasty old people getting drunk or those dark, illegal, bad-to-the-bone Yakuza are there doing whatever they want?"

"Relax. Something about this place is odd. I can't help but risk it and go in." Hitomi looked at her friend to see the horror on her face. Hitomi sighed. Whatever happened to reckless Yukari? "Alright, alright. We can leave right after taking a glimpse." Yukari sighed in relief. Taking in a huge breath, Hitomi and Yukari went through the doors. As they walked in, Hitomi and Yukari almost screamed their heads off.

Right in front of them was not a place they expect it. They expected the smell of alcohol and smoke. They expected a lot of grown up's in this bar. They should see pool tables, Yakuzas, and all those things they heard how the pub looked. Instead, the place was entirely bright. Inside, everything was bright, from the bright paintings on the walls to the flashy video games. There was smells of ice cream, food, and candy. There was no sign of smoke, alcohol, mafias, or even lechers. It was full of kids having fun.

"Hitomi, is it me or have we just crossed into a parallel world?" Yukari asked.

"I don't know. I-I expected it to be a pub."

"Of course it's not a pub. It's a regular dine, arcade, karaoke company," said a voice behind them. Hitomi literally screamed as a shabby faced man appeared. His brown hair was tied into a high ponytail with glasses on the bridge of his nose. He was wearing an apron over his forest green causal shirt and jeans. "Haha, gomen, gomen, I didn't mean to scare you," he said, fixing his glasses. "It's not every day that someone actually thought this place was actually a pub. What made you think that?"

Hitomi blinked a few times. "Umm…well-"

"The name, isn't it? But I like that name. Gives it some edge. Maybe I forgot to put out the posters. Hey! That's probably why. No wonder a lot of the young people outside were just starring and not coming in. I better put the posters out. Anyways, make yourselves at home." He looked at the girls who were blinking with a confused look on their faces. "Oh, where are my manners? My mouth always runs. My name's Dryden, the manager of this place."

Hitomi smiled and bowed to him respectfully. "Nice to meet you, I'm Hitomi. And this is my best friend, Yukari."

"A pleasure to meet you two," Dryden said. "This is your first time? Wait, never mind. Of course it is. You can do anything you want just as long as you don't vandalize the stuff. You can eat, sing, play video games, your choice. There's a lot of options to choose from." Hitomi looked at the tables to see the delicious food. Hitomi unconsciously felt like she was drooling.

"Actually we're very hungry right now."

"Very hungry? Hehe, what happened? Did you forget you're lunch?" Hitomi and Yukari groaned at his question as he definitely hit home. "Oh, bad timing? So sorry. Well, let's get you well and fed. Can't have my customers faint over hunger." He paused as he had a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Tell you what. Since this is your first time here, it's on the house. Choose anything you like from the menu. I'll be at your service once I put out these posters. SO! If you will excuse me." With that, Dryden went on his way to deal with his tasks as manager.

"Wow! Dryden's so cool!!" Yukari stated as they sat themselves on her seat. "Manager's like him are RARE to find." Hitomi picked up a menu and started reading through. Looking at the options, Hitomi's mouth almost drooled.

"Well then, let's eat!"

After taking in Dryden's offer for free food and almost ordering every single thing on the menu, Hitomi was completely satisfied. Hitomi certainly would place this as her number one hang out place from now on. "Dryden-san! You're food here is great!" Hitomi complimented when Dryden started cleaning off the four dirty dishes from their table.

"Why, thank you, Hitomi-chan," said Dryden. "I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I must admit that I never seen anyone with such a big appetite." Hitomi simply smiled and waved her hand as if it were nothing. "Well, make yourselves at home. I'll be expecting you guys to be my #1 customers."

"Of course! We'll definitely be!" As Dryden left, Hitomi took the time to admire the place. For a small place, it sure had a lot of the things appeal to every age group. Near the windows, several video game stations were placed there, ranging from fighting to racing games, Dance Dance Revolution, and other games that Hitomi will definitely look into. Maybe her brother would love to go here since there were some games in here he was completely obsessed over. While most of the games were downstairs, upstairs was the karaoke area. She could hear people singing and having fun. She would definitely check it out. There was a little pub area for adults, but that won't open until later tonight when all the underage kids were gone. For now, it was open to the kids and provided shakes, ice cream, and all sorts of drinks not related to alcohol. Hitomi smiled and almost laughed when she saw some adults coming in to find a lot kids in a pub. She wondered if they read the posters Dryden put out. She looked around a little more until her eyes set on a familiar person sitting on one of the dining tables near the windows. Hitomi's eyes widened.

"Hey, isn't that Ikkoku-kun?" asked Yukari when she noticed him as well. "What do you know? A GOOD find always have a good catch, ne?" Yukari winked at Hitomi.

Hitomi gave Yukari a stern look. "Yukari, don't you have Amano-sempai?"

"Of course, but it's okay to look."

Hitomi sighed. Again, it was useless to talk to her friend when it comes to cute guys. Her eyes wandered off to him again, wondering if he heard Yukari's outburst. Luckily, he didn't as he continued to study on. Hitomi watched him for a while. He sat there, engrossed with his studies. He held an emotionless look on his face and did not once pay attention to the noisy atmosphere.

Something in the pit of her heart started to stir as she continued to watch him. She couldn't point it out, but she felt loneliness radiating from him. What was this feeling she experiencing? Somehow, she seemed to understand that. "What's up, Hitomi? You look dazed," Dryden suddenly said, causing Hitomi breakout of her dreamy state.

"Oh, n-nothing really," Hitomi lied as she took a sip of her drink. Dryden stared off to the same place she was looking at interested in what caught her eye. His eyes seem to widen when he saw the person on that table, studying away. "Do you know that person, Hitomi?" asked Dryden observantly. Hitomi took her gaze from the boy and looked at Dryden.

"Kind of," Hitomi said. "Although we weren't in good terms when we first met each other." Her gaze returned to him. "Honestly, he's total mystery to me. I want to get to know him more. When I look at him there, he seems kind of lonely." An understanding look appeared in Hitomi's eyes as she continued to gaze at him, switching a page from time to time.

"He's a regular, you know." Hitomi suddenly turned away at the sound of Dryden's voice, surprised. A smile appeared on Dryden's face, which made Hitomi curious. Why would he be smiling?

"A regular?" she asked to clarify.

"Of course. He always comes here to eat and study. On that same table. He only remains there. Not once did I see him go to the arcade or mingle with his age group. It seems his only purpose here is to study."

Hitomi looked at the man to see him flip another page of his notebook. "Does…he have friends?" Hitomi surprised herself. What made her ask that? She doesn't know herself. But somehow, her mind was telling her to ask that.

Dryden scratched his head, a solemn look in his eyes. "I'm not quite sure." Hitomi knew that there was more to this boy than what Dryden said. Her curiosity was getting the better of her. The drive to be friends with him drove her even more. Nodding her head, she stood up from her seat and walked her way over there. Dryden and Yukari watched with interest as Dryden took Hitomi's seat.

"How do I make myself known to him?" Hitomi wondered as she looked around her surroundings to find anything to give an excuse to sit there with him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a waiter holding a chocolate milkshake who was walking to her table. She didn't order a milkshake. Hitomi smiled and knew instantly what to do. She went to the waiter and asked if she can take that to him.

"Does she know that's not her order?" Yukari asked. "What in the world is she doing?"

"I don't know, but Hitomi is something else," Dryden said with a look of interest in his eyes. "Hmm…what in the world Takahashi is doing? He should know that chocolate milkshake is not hers. It's for that guy." The waiter, known as Takahashi, simply shrugged and gave it to her. Dryden smiled irritably. "I should really talk to Takahashi."

"Excuse me, I believe this is yours," Hitomi said as she placed the milkshake on the table. He saw the milkshake and looked up. He nearly jumped out of his seat when he saw Hitomi, smiling.

"Y-You!" he retorted. "W-what are you doing here?"

"The waiter gave me the wrong drink," she said. "So, I'm assuming this is yours."

He sighed and closed his notebook. "Why did you bring it when the waiter could have?"

"Hmm, that's a question," Hitomi replied innocently as she sat herself comfortably on a chair across from him. "He just shrugged and gave to me. He went through that door over there."

"I REALLY should talk to Takahashi," Dryden said again, one of his eyebrows twitching annoyingly.

"Besides," Hitomi continued as she placed the drink in front of him. "I haven't seen you a while."

"Why? Whatever my business is none of your concern," he retorted.

"Why are you so uptight about it?" she asked. "Talking to someone is not something bad or anything. Do I need to ask permission to talk to you? I'm only trying to bring up a conversation."

Suddenly, just when she was getting settled into her seat, he started packing all his stuff. "Wait, where are you going?" Hitomi asked as she stood up, totally not prepared for this dilemma.

"Don't bother me," he bluntly said as he slung his messenger bag around his shoulder. "I don't want to talk. I have other things to do."

"What other things?"

"Leave me alone!" he yelled, causing Hitomi to freeze. He quickly turned away and retreated, leaving Hitomi to watch his form disappear. A thoughtful frown crossed Hitomi's face. Slowly, she closed eyes, sat herself back on the seat, and leaned her face against her hands.

"Wow," Hitomi heard Yukari's voice a moment later, hearing the surprised and suspicious tone in her voice. Yukari sat on the seat where he once was. "I've never seen such behavior from a person before." Hitomi simply sighed. She had no comment. Something truly hit her and she couldn't point it out. "Maybe…he does deserve to be alone." Dryden, who was now standing next to the table, looked at Yukari incredulously, his expression dropped a little at Yukari's remark.

"Yukar-"

"Yukari. That's a cruel thing to say," Hitomi said, causing Dryden to step back. He stopped himself the moment he saw Hitomi looked up and gazed at her best friend disapprovingly at her comment. "No one deserves to be alone." A sad, understanding look appeared on Hitomi's face as she gazed at her friend right to her soul. "Besides, we can't assume a person's personality just like that. We'd be worse than those ganguro girls at our school." Hitomi knew. He wasn't like this all the time. She knew since she had been observing him since the day she met him. "Besides, I don't…think he's like that. Yes, he may be a jerk and a hot-head, but…I just don't believe it." Yukari looked away after Hitomi's remark as she knew Hitomi was right.

"Why are you so relentless, Hitomi-chan?" Dryden suddenly questioned. Hitomi looked up, confused, "Why are you so determined to talk to him? I'm not sure what you're guys' history, but you look as though you tried many times to talk to him. What are your intentions?

Hitomi closed her eyes in though again. She knew her purpose as to why she wanted to talk to him so much. Other people would easily dismiss him and never talk to him. But Hitomi wasn't like that. She knew what she wanted. "Well," Hitomi said. "I feel connected to him, you know. I can't explain it, but something about him…keeps me drawn. I want to know who he actual is." Hitomi looked at Dryden's gaze to prove that she wanted to do this. With a smile, he nodded his head.

"You are something else, Hitomi," Dryden concluded as he crossed his arms over his chest comfortably. "You don't look like the type of person to judge a person by their actions.

Hitomi shook her head. "I can understand how it feels, you know…being alone…" Hitomi decided to call it a day and stood up from her seat. Just before she headed over to her original seat, something caught the corner of her eye. On the ground was a blue notebook. "Huh? What's this?" Hitomi kneeled down and grabbed the notebook. She inspected the notebook as Dryden and Yukari looked at the notebook. Hitomi opened the notebook. Instantly, her sight was filled with writings that confused her mind. She saw numbers but no explanations that she could understand. "W-what in the world is this?" she asked as she turned each page. Each page had its unique writing. As she went further, it got harder to read.

"Eh? Let me see," Yukari said and grabbed the notebook from Hitomi. She peered into the notebook. "Whoa! That already gave me a headache." Hitomi inspected the notebook a little more before shutting it to look at the back and front once more. She wanted to know what kind of notebook was this. In the front, she found a white square label. There was a simple inscription, written in permanent marker and in a writing style Hitomi knew.

"Van…?" Hitomi read out loud, causing Dryden to lookup.

"What are you looking at?" he asked. Hitomi gave the notebook to Dryden and he too looked through it. He flipped through each page and closed it after a few moments. He smiled and shook his head as he gave the notebook back to Hitomi. "Hehe, so he still uses it."

"Huh?" both Hitomi and Yukari explained out loud.

Dryden smiled as he lifted the notebook and point at it with his free hand. "I know who this belongs to. I must say, I'm impressed."

Hitomi shook her head. "Wait…so this notebook is…Ikkoku-kun…"

Dryden nodded his head slowly. "It's definitely his. This notebook is for his math class."

"EH?!" Hitomi exclaimed.

"No wonder I can't understand it. I HATE math!" Yukari retorted.

"So then, why does he write like this?"

"Multiple reasons," Dryden simply stated. "Maybe he doesn't want anyone to copy his notes. Or maybe he uses it to help his mind store his notes for a long period of time."

Hitomi looked at the notebook once more and looked at his name. A smile appeared on her face. "Van, huh? So his name is Van…"

Dryden smiled and started walking off. Before he got back to work, he turned to Hitomi one last time. "This is a good chance for you Hitomi. You have a chance to speak to him."

"Really?"

Dryden nodded his head. "I can tell you what school he goes to."

Hitomi was in utter shock to find herself in such a prestigious private high school in Tokyo the next day. She knew this school very well as her brother went here before. She remembered the day when he was accepted into this school. She remembered her family holding a huge celebration for his entrance, as well as his graduation and acceptance to Tokyo U thanks to this school. She would never forget the happy face he wore on those happy occasions.

At the front gate, she could see the students wearing the same uniform as Van did, with the blazer, dress pants, loafers, although Van wears sneakers, and the school's emblem on the right front side. The girls wore the same color code and style, but the dress pants were replaced with a green-blue plaided skirt. She finds herself out of place with her uniform, but it didn't matter. Her only motive was to find Van. Hitomi was about to step forward when she felt like she was being watched. She stopped and immediately turned, looking at every corner to make sure. "That same feeling," she said, looking down at the necklace that now dangled around her neck. "Could they be…?" Flashbacks of the previous night struck her mind. She shook her head. "No, they're no longer here. He made sure of it. So, there's nothing to worry about, right?"

Hitomi braved the halls of Van' school, amazed how it looked a lot cleaner and expensive looking than her school. She caught the eyes of every student who were looking at her as if she was crazy. Hitomi simply smiled and continued her way through the halls. She soon found herself in the inner courtyard of the school.

"Where could he be in such a time like this?" Hitomi wondered. She began looking through every area, thinking of places that he would be. So far, nothing was going right. As she walked down the halls, two girls were coming up to her.

"Excuse me, are you having trouble finding something?" one of the girls asked with a smile. "We noticed that you were looking for something."

Hitomi blinked in surprise. "Umm…well… I was wondering if you know anyone by the name of Van?" The two girls looked at each other after Hitomi asked. It was silent for a few moments. Hitomi thought she said something wrong. She was about to ask again when they suddenly screamed like fan girls.

"Van-sama!" they both gleamed enthusiastically. "He is so dreamy! I can't wait to see him!"

"I'm going to ask if he wants share a lunch with me!"

"No! He's going to say yes to me."

Hitomi felt like she was in one of those high school anime shows she watched with her brother. Somehow, there would always be a fan club of a cute guy in school. She never thought she would witness such a thing in the real world. Since the two girls were too engrossed in gushing over Van, she made her way back outside. "This isn't going to work out," she sighed. Hitomi took a good look of her surroundings to find herself in the sports area of the school. "This is even worse! I'm not sure if he plays sports!"

"Hey, look at this!" From afar, Hitomi could see two freshmen students talking amongst each other, gathering around the entrance of a gym not too far away.

"WOW! Did you see that? He flows so smoothly! Like…a river!" From the appearance of their clothes, Hitomi assumed they were from Kendo club. Hitomi decided to see what was going on. She tried to see, but much of the view was blocked by all the heads poking into the entrance.

"Oi! What are you doing?!" said an upper classman. "You're supposed to be practicing!" All the freshmen scattered and immediately went back to their practice. Hitomi could see the upper classmen took interest in her.

Hitomi rolled her eyes. "Great," Hitomi thought bitterly.

"Hey there, are you lost?" he asked with a flirty smile on his lips.

Hitomi decided to play along with him and pretended to be lost. "Well…umm…"

"If you're lost, you surely need a guide to help you around. I'll gladly take the part if you want me to."

Hitomi wondered if this guy was really pathetic. "That's-"

"How about I take you out of this school once I finish the tour. We can eat, karaoke all night…"

This guy was really working on her last nerve. Can't he see that she doesn't want anything to do with him? But he kept on going and going. Hitomi looked at his face. "Wait…doesn't he look familiar?"

"What's your name?"

He had a lot of nerve forgetting to ask her name before doing all that. Just as she was ready to beat the guy to a pulp, a loud, booming voice came from the gym. "OI! TAKAHASHI!! WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE DOING OUT HERE!!"

Hitomi's mind clicked at the sound of the voice. "Wait…could that be…?"

"Ah!" the flirter Takahashi began nervously. "Er…sensei…well…"

Hitomi looked into the direction of that voice. Hitomi almost dropped down to the floor when that voice she recognized so well was her brother.

"Oh don't "well" me! And who in the world you are talking t-"Her brother immediately stopped midway. Hitomi smiled innocently as she did a small wave of her hand to her brother. "AHH!!" Mamoru pointed a finger at her and stomped her way over there. "Hito-chan!"

"Err…surprise?" Hitomi said lamely. She didn't know what to do as she was quite stupefied.

"Surprise. Surprise? Surprise, she says," Mamoru exasperated. "Damn right I'm surprised! What are you doing here?!"

Hitomi scratched her chin timidly. Everything was happening so fast for her. "Well…you see…"

"Don't tell me you're talking to this lazy, stupid student of mine?" he asked as he directed his gaze accusingly to the now squirming Takahashi who was pale and sweating profusely. Takahashi had his eyes on Hitomi, pleading inwardly that she would make some excuse.

"Of course not!" Hitomi replied curtly, surprised that he had the audacity to do such a thing, especially to his superior. "Actually, Oniichan, this guy, he suddenly came up to me. He asked me all these uncomfortable questions."

"Oh DID he?" Mamoru asked with a look that was ready to kill. He crossed his arms and looked at Takahashi accusingly. "And…WHAT kind of questions did he ask, Hito-chan?"

"I honestly don't know. I was just walking around campus when he suddenly came up to me. He was asking if I could enlist him as his permanent tour guide for this school. Well, he made himself one without my consent. He also said that he wanted to take me to other places outside of school." Mamoru began to shake in rage. "He wanted to take me to karaoke, this fancy restaurant he wanted to take me."

"Not to mention I wanted to kick his ass right at that point," Hitomi thought to herself. "He also did mention he wanted to take me this love hotel." Hitomi wanted to laugh. She just added that for kicks. "What's a love hotel, Oniichan?"

That did it. Mamoru was already rolling up his sleeves. "Ah, ha!" he exclaimed, turning abruptly to him. "Takahashi, there is one thing I would like for you to do." Takahashi was too scared to even reply. He simply nodded his head and gulped. An evil smirk appeared on Mamoru's face. "Run!" With those words, Takahashi ran for his life. "I'll teach you to mess with my little sister like that! I'm gonna make sure no one would miss you! Where's my bat and shovel! Oi!"

"Oniichan, wait!" Hitomi said before Mamoru would trample the guy to death. There was a question that was bugging her the entire time. "What are you doing here?"

Mamoru's angry streak immediately vanished the moment Hitomi bluntly asked her question. Nervously, he scratched his head. "That! Well…"

Hitomi raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Did you REALLY graduate high school?"

"Well…no…wait…OF COURSE I DID! It's just that…well…you weren't supposed to know I work here and…HEY!" He hit the back of Hitomi's head, causing her to cringe. "Don't change the subject. I'm the ONE who should be wondering why you are here when you're supposed to be at school right now."

Hitomi rubbed the back of her head. "It's half day today. And practice was cancelled. I came here to look for someone."

"Someone?" Mamoru asked, wide-eyed. "Wait, you don't suppose it's…"

"No, not him." Hitomi reached for her bag and opened it, retrieving the notebook. "This is the person I am looking for." She handed the notebook to him. "I wanted to give this back to him. I found it yesterday at one of the tables at Organ Pub. Do you know who he is?" Mamoru inspected the notebook and immediately looked at the front. His eyes widened when he saw the name. He flipped through the notebook just to be sure.

Noticing Mamoru's unexpected reaction, Hitomi too was curious. "Oniichan, what is it?"

He shut the book. "Van, huh? Do you know him?"

"Not…really. I accidentally bumped into him that one day. After that, I bumped into him almost every day. Why? Do you?"

Mamoru didn't respond immediately as he was in deep thought. "Actually, I do," he was finally able to say. He motioned Hitomi to come with him to the gym. Hitomi blinked a few times at her brother's actions. As they stopped in front of the entrance, Hitomi peered into the gym. Sure enough, he was in there. For a senior, he was pretty tall and stood out from the rest of the students. Even though he was wearing the kendo gear, she knew where he was immediately. He was in the middle of a match, with the freshmen and other teammates watching in anticipation.

"Yah!" he yelled and nailed his opponent. Hitomi was completely amazed by such prowess Van possessed in that single strike of his. It was almost perfect.

"Amazing, huh?" Mamoru asked. Hitomi could only nod as she was astounded. "That's what you expect from the school's top kendo player."

"Eh?" She turned to Mamoru with a look that told him to explain.

"Van's the current top player ever since I graduated. He won nationals for almost three years. He is quite the valuable player." Hitomi turned back to see Van taking off the mask, revealing his handsome features with his unruly hair matted onto his face because of the sweat. "I must say. I'm impressed the way he writes his notes. He really has improved," Mamoru said, a smile forming on his lips.

"How do you know him?"

"He was here on his first year when I was beginning my third year here. I knew him when he joined Kendo. The moment he stepped through those doors, he emanates this aura. He possesses something different that no one in this team could ever reach. When he did his first match with one of the teammates back in the first year, he immediately finished the match." They both watch Van place the protective mask back on and returned to play his next match. "Not only he is athletic, he is a very intelligent guy. This notebook here is his math notebook. I taught him how to avoid someone trying to copy your work. Most of the students here take smart kids for granted and let them do the hard work. From what I can see, he developed his own method." Van avoided another attack from his opponent. After breaking the clash between them, Van twirled his sword a bit and prepared for the next move. "He will be graduating this school with honors. He already is well on his way to take the college exams head on. Every university around here knows about him. They are keeping an eye him, hoping he would choose their school. They are looking for that kind of student." Van caught his opponent and won the match once again. He finally stepped out of the arena and took off his gear. Mamoru's eyes suddenly saddened when Hitomi was about to ask him another question regarding Van. "With those brains and athletic skills, it comes with a price."

Hitomi watched as Van took his water and sat himself far away from his teammates. While he sat down, many of his upper class teammates looked at him with contempt. Some had mixed emotions when they looked at him. While others had loath in their eyes. Hitomi thought about it more when she remembered the group of people watching Van near the entrance. They were all lower classmen like herself.

"Tch, typical. He always wins," said the group sitting not too far away from Hitomi.

"He thinks he's so cool just because he can do all these things. Why did he come to our school in the first place? He's making our lives miserable."

Hitomi's eyes narrowed after hearing this, eyes watery in the bottom of the rims. She was clenching the strap of her schoolbag as tightly as possible. "Teenagers these days. They are so filled with contempt. That's the price Van gets for being superior than anyone in this school. He doesn't even act superior."

Through the entire practice, Van continued his Kendo practice. During that time, no one came up to talk to him. They only sat among themselves and continue to envy his presence. They continuously talked behind his back, thinking they were better than him. Mamoru watched along with Hitomi.

"He got all these offers to graduate early and go into these elite colleges. But, he refused and decided to go through the entire high school year. I just don't understand his intentions sometimes." Mamoru turned to the students angrily. "Oi! Stop sitting around and gloating over your stupid superiority when you are not. You're not even practicing! This is a team, you idiots! Act like it!" The students immediately went back to their practice, running to another part of the gym to practice.

"Oniichan," Hitomi suddenly said, causing Mamoru to stop and look at her. "Do…do they call him names?"

Mamoru looked at the ground. "Lone Wolf," he said. "He never once interacted with his classmates. I don't think he has any friends. He's always alone, studying away like there is no tomorrow. But, you know, it is hard for him to find people to connect with in this school with so many kids acting like the way they do."

"That must be horrible, living such a life in high school," Hitomi said sympathetically.

"But, hopefully, you talking to him would change all that," Mamoru said as he looked at his watch.

"Eh? What do you mean?" Hitomi asked incredulously.

Mamoru started walking farther into the gym. "Practice is almost over, Hito-chan. Make sure you return that to him." With that, he waved to her and started giving directions to the class, specifically to the slackers who talked behind Van's back. Hitomi watched as Van approached Mamoru. A proud smile appeared on Mamoru's face and patted Van's shoulder. "What does Oniichan see in Van? What is their relationship?" Hitomi wondered.

Hitomi decided to wait for Van at the gates after talking to her brother. She thought it would be weird if he saw her there.

"Chosen one…"

Hitomi suddenly whirled around after hearing that mysterious voice, surprise etched all over her face. She looked around more. She saw no one suspicious. With a sigh, Hitomi relaxed herself and leaned against the brick wall. For some reason, she can't help but feel a sinking feeling.

Right at that moment, Van came out, all dressed in his uniform. She clenched the notebook nervously as she felt her heart beat a mile per minute. Slowly, she began to step forward. He didn't seem to notice her. What should she do to get his attention? Should she call him by his nickname? Her mind was lost, but she managed to utter out-

"Van!"

Immediately, Van's body stiffened as he stopped walking. Clearly, he was a bit shock at the response when he turned to her with wide eyes. Their eyes met at that moment, none of them making a move to get close to each other.

Hitomi looked at the ground at first, contemplating whether she should go first or not. With another sigh, she went to him courageously. She smiled the best she could. "Hi Van."

"H-how do you know I go here? How do you know my name?" he asked incredulously.

"Dryden-san told me," she said. "It also says so in this notebook you left yesterday at the Organ Pub." She extended the notebook to him. "Here."

Van looked down and saw his notebook in Hitomi's hand. "Why?" he asked as he grabbed the notebook from her hands. "Why are you doing this?"

"Nothing really. I just wanted to be-" She couldn't finish.

A frown appeared on his face. He abruptly turned his back and started walking away. "That's a load of bull," he stated bluntly. Hitomi knew he must had figured out her intent. "Don't waste your time. I'm not worth it."

Fumed, Hitomi walked towards him with a determined look in her eyes. She truly wanted to get rid of his hot-headed, stubborn personality. "Load of bull? Why would you think that?"

"Because I know!" he retorted as he stopped and looked into her eyes. "What will come from being friends with me? Nothing! There's no point! It's completely useless!"

"Why? How is it useless?" Hitomi retorted back.

"Because! The only reason people make friends is to use them for their own purpose!" he bluntly yelled, causing Hitomi to be taken back by such hard words. The tone he voiced out was cold and sorrowful, making Hitomi feel a bit scared. Slowly, he looked at the ground, with his bangs covering his eyes. "People will hurt others. People turn their backs on each other. People would only choose those who benefit them." He slightly lifted his head. "I won't be used like that. I won't fall for that trap." Van gave Hitomi a fierce look in his eyes as he fully lifted his head to her. That look made her froze in place. After a moment of silence, he started walking away again.

Is this what happens when someone was alone for so long? He held such bitter words. What happened to him that made him think like that? Hitomi had an idea. Despite his cold attitude, Hitomi refused to give up. "You're wrong," she rebutted, causing Van to stop. "Not all people are like that. Friendship is not like that at all."

He violently whirled around. "Then, what is this friendship you know so much about? Enlighten me!" Hitomi froze. What would she say? Defining friendship and describing it was really complex as it varies from person to person. She knew very well what friendship was as she had friends herself. But, she couldn't find the words to describe it. The prolong silence was taken the wrong way as Van shook his head.

"See? You don't know either. Besides, how do I know you are not like those people? How do I know you are not a backstabber?" His eyes narrowed as cold and stoic as he could possibly make it. "Fake. All people are fake. Maybe you're fake too."

Her heart began to hurt as tears began to well up in her eyes.

"People like you should drown."

Hitomi didn't know what came over her. But, suddenly, his words were cut out as a slapping sound rang throughout the entire area. Right after that slap, a red rash appeared on his left cheek.

"How can you say such things?!" Hitomi cried as more of her tears cascaded down her cheeks. She jerked her head emotionally, causing them to leap into the air as she talked. "Yes, most people are fake. They backstab, envious at others, and use you as the only means of personal gain. They would even go so low as to see them suffer." Hitomi shook her head. "But, I would drop dead if I ever did that to someone. I don't understand why people do that? What makes them incline to do such a thing.?" She lowered her head as her hands shock with emotion by her sides. "What have I ever done to you? All I did was try to talk to you because I want to. No personal gain or anything. I don't need anything from you. The moment I met, I felt something that I never felt before. I thought there was a connection between us. I…I truly wanted to get know you."

Hitomi looked into his eyes. Her eyes were filled with sorrow and pain. "Maybe…I was wrong about you. I thought you were this way because the way people treated you. I thought I would be the one to change all that loneliness in your heart. But, I guess you'll always be the lone wolf."

She couldn't take it anymore and ran as far away from Van. Hitomi understood how felt; being betrayed by people who you call as friends. She knew how it felt to be backstabbed. But, she was able to friends and understood everything. By making the right friends, she was able to make friends without worrying about betrayal or anything. By the time Hitomi stopped, she was a few blocks away from the school. With a sigh, she leaned against the side of a building she stopped in front of. "I was so stupid," Hitomi said out loud sadly. "I knew I shouldn't have involved myself. He's so absorbed in his world. I tried, but it's not working. In the end, I only got hurt. I wish…I wish I never met him." Hitomi decided to go home since it was useless to try again. She needed to rest after such a long day. With a sigh, she leaned off the building and began walking back to the main crossroad.

"Just where do you think you're going?" Hitomi's eyes suddenly widened by this sudden intrusion. Before she could react, she felt a sharp pain on the side of her head and her world suddenly turned black.

The first thing that came through Hitomi's mind was the sound of a little girl crying. Hitomi opened her eyes to find a little girl a distance away in front of her. The little girl was in a playground, where a lot of kids were playing. She was in the sandbox that was the center of the playground, sitting on its edges, crouching with her tiny knees covering her face. The kids around her did not come near as they were in their own groups and playing in their own areas of choice. They did not bother looking at her and asking her to join.

"Why?" the little girl asked sadly. "Why is no one playing with me?" Hitomi watched as the girl continued to cry and questioned about herself to find any reason. Hitomi wanted to go over there and comfort the little girl.

"Daijobu," a voice suddenly said from behind, causing the little girl to look up. This stopped Hitomi from going over there. "I'll play with you." Hitomi couldn't see who the kid that talked to the little girl was. Before she could take a good look at the owner of the voice, the whole scene flashed before her eyes.

Slowly, Hitomi opened her eyes. She was no longer that playground with the little girl and the mysterious kid who offered to play with her. She was back in reality with a very sharp pain coming from the side of her head.

"Eh? W-where am I?" Unconsciously, she tried reaching for the side of her head to comfort the sharp, aching pain. But, she can't as she found her hands were tied. She looked at herself to find that her legs were also tied. Hitomi's mind was going crazy now. What had happened to her? As she tried to recall what happened, she found herself observing her surroundings. She thought she was in reality. But, she wasn't. Immediately, Hitomi knew where she was.

She was back in the dark world.

This time, instead of the park being void of life, with the lifeless trees and hollow wind, she found herself in a building. Or at least she thought it was a building. The roof was completely destroyed as the dark sky was visible. The wooden floors had some holes in certain places. On her right, there were chairs on the floor, with basketballs and soccer balls that lay flat on the floor. Tennis rackets were broken into pieces. Baseballs bats were broken in halves. What stood out the most that Hitomi find were the Kendo sticks and gear. "I…must be in a gym," Hitomi said thoughtfully to herself. "But, who's gym?"

Suddenly, realization dawned on her. Hitomi's eyes suddenly saddened. "Van," she whispered his name out. She remembered the harsh words he spoke to her when she only wanted to return the notebook to him. She did nothing to make him believe the friendship that he learned through his experience. She was still hurt by his words. "Will you always remain like that? I thought I could change all that. But, it's pointless, huh?"

Footsteps were heard and Hitomi immediately felt that feeling. That feeling felt threatening and dangerous. Another thought came across her mind that would explain the bound hands and feet and the pain in the side of her head. Hitomi immediately put her defenses up. As the footsteps drew closer, Hitomi was stricken when she felt the same dark aura she felt. However, this aura felt much stronger than the ones before. Suddenly, the footsteps halted.

"Chosen one…"

Compelled to see who she was up against, Hitomi looked up to find herself looking at another dark-caped man. This time, the cape was not completely covering the front. Armor was seen in the entire body, with a belt around the waste. The armor mirrored his physique. She could see the hilt of the sword hanging on his left hip. She hated the name she was identified by these strangers. She looked away in disgust. "I am not the Chosen for the last time," Hitomi stated. "There is nothing I can do."

"You can never defy your fate, girl. Every lead is pointing to you. You are one interesting person to observe out of all these useless humans in this world."

Hitomi narrowed her eyes. "So someone was watching me after all. That's why he was able to find a way to get to me when I'm vulnerable," she thought bitterly.

"You are the one who will prevent our leader's dream to come true. With the rising power in you, we must prevent that from growing and letting you find the guardians."

Hitomi began to rethink about the events of her life that could lead her to this point. All the dreams she's been having, her visions, and the power to predict were leading her to something big that made these strangers believe that she was the one. She had no idea that everything could lead to this. But, she couldn't let herself believe that. She still believed it was a mistake. She still believed that they were making a mistake.

"You cannot deny," the stranger spoke once again, repeating his words to her. "Everything that our leader prophesized all lead to you. We must end this madness." His eyes narrowed icily towards Hitomi. "We would never be in this mess if it weren't for you." Hitomi was surprised by his words. What could possibly make this her fault? Slowly, the man removed the hood, revealing his face. Hitomi's eyes widened when she saw his face. She never saw such a horrible sight. The stranger's face was deformed, bruised, and battered. Screws were placed on top of his head that looked like the only thing that could hold the face together.

"This face symbolizes all the things we have to go through to search for you. We could no longer go back to our normal lives because of you." Using his right hand, he reached for the sword and unsheathed it. Slowly, he backed away as he began to generate his dark powers within his sword. Hitomi instantly knew this feeling when she saw the aura. Without a doubt, it brought shivers down her spine. She had no way to escape as her whole entire body was bound. Fear was the in only thing she could do. She could see the other five men mimic their boss as they prepare themselves to attack. In unison, they swung with full force.

Just as she was thinking she was going to die, the world around her suddenly slowed. The powerful dark aura her enemies hurled slowed. The winds projected from that aura slowed as well, her hair floating down and up in the same pace. Suddenly, she felt her heartbeat in her chest as it began to grow in pace. She felt something rising within her, as if she suddenly felt rejuvenated. The same comfortable warmth surrounded her once again. Her thoughts soon were lost and the pendant around her neck lit once again. It surrounded her entire body, causing the rope in her hands and feet to rip apart and set her free. Slowly, she stood up, with a confidence she never had before.

"Believe in yourself…"

The ones in armor watched in awe. "What's going on?" the boss screamed in surprise.

Hitomi's eyes suddenly opened. Her pupils were completely dilated with her usual green iris replaced with a darker color, making her look possessed. As the dark magic was only inches away, with one wave of her arm, she instantly cancelled the threat. With that one swing, the entire room burst with light, causing the opponents to stumble to the ground, their swords flew from their hands and into the walls.

As the winds died down, Hitomi gathered a white light in her hands. With one thrust, she covered the entire area with that light as her opponents lay there helplessly, screaming at the intensity of this power. Before long, that darkness disappeared as the world came back to reality, with the place neat and intake as it should be. The aura that surrounded Hitomi disappeared as the threat disappeared. Hitomi reopened her eyes, now back to normal, to gaze at the afternoon light of her own world. She was completely baffled. "How did that happen?" she wondered as she looked at her hands and body. Slowly, as she grew away from inspecting herself and the unknown power she somehow had, she took a careful inspection of the gym. There was a banner behind that had a school's emblem in the middle, with the school's name written in Kanji and Hiragana around the emblem. She was actually in the gym where Van was. The only difference was no one was here, with the exits all closed shut thanks to her kidnappers' doing and the time of day.

"You!" Hitomi looked to find them covering their faces once again. "You did this!" He was gathering power again. She was about to flee, but her entire body gave in and she fell to the ground. She was extremely exhausted. What happened to her made her body gave in as it was not use to the stress. But, just as she fell to the ground, she didn't feel the threatening aura she felt from these guys like before. They seem different.

"My powers," Hitomi heard one of the men say. "What happened to our powers?"

"And what happened to our strength that matches the Gods," said another as he tried to punch a hole floor. Only a dent was left on the floor. The boss started twitching angrily as he slowly he got up, getting his sword from the ground.

Hitomi knew that they figured it was her doing that made them the way they are. They immediately charged. Hitomi couldn't do anything and closed her eyes. Just as she declared her own death sentence, a huge crash was heard from the main entrance of the gym. The strangers immediately stopped and directed their attention to that place. Splinters fell everywhere from the bounded door, with the afternoon light lighting the gym. Hitomi lifted her head and saw someone amongst the debris. Slowly, lowering his leg from his powerful high kick, Hitomi's eyes widened.

"Van?!" Hitomi yelled, surprised. Out of all people, she never expected Van to come save the day. After he straightened himself, he confidently walked into the gym. Hitomi expected to find the lone wolf side himself projected into this. But this time he did not. He stopped when he was in the middle of the gym, his red-brown eyes gleaming with anger and determination. To Hitomi, she never saw such passion in someone before. She no longer sees the lone wolf persona that Van had that would make a person turn away.

"Who are you?!" the boss yelled, turning his whole entire body around. His comrades followed as well, curious to know this stranger.

"How did he know?" Hitomi wondered as she continued to watch.

"Baka," Van said suddenly as he began to remove his school blazer and throwing it to the ground. "I should be the one saying that." He rolled up his sleeves. "Who the hell do you think you are? Kidnapping and picking on a helpless person?!" He stomped his foot on the ground as he turned to them.

"Van…" Hitomi thought, feeling lightened by this.

"Ah! I know you," the boss suddenly said with smirk on his face. "You are that boy who let her run. I should be thanking. You let her come to us."

Hitomi instantly saw the change in Van's expression, even though it was brief. In a flash, guilt and concern was there. He continued to walk around them, ignoring every word the boss said. He was walking with patience, eyes scanning the area carefully, as if he was waiting for the exact moment to strike. The group began to talk, wondering the kid's motive.

"No," Hitomi thought. "He can't fight them. They are not normal people." She directly looked into his eyes when their gazes met. She looked at him pleadingly to stay back. She didn't want him to get involved. He might die if he did.

"What are trying to do? Start a fight?" said one as the group began to laugh. "Give me a break. How can such a petty person hit us with those puny hands?"

Hitomi held the look at him, begging him to go. Yet, his eyes never wavered. The expression remained the same. He was certainly determined to do what he wanted to do. As if reading her mind, he closed his eyes and shook his head. "Ahou," he said. He reopened his eyes and for the first time, his eyes gazed at her softly. "Daijobu. I won't let you get hurt. I'm not going to die that easily." Hitomi's widened and she blushed. This was the new side of Van she was not used to. His words, though, started ringing in her mind. Remotely, it felt familiar to her. Where had she heard that phase before?

It was evident that the enemies were being ignored. Van was still willing to fight and they were annoyed with his recklessness. Hitomi was about to give him a nod when her eyes spotted someone from behind. One of them charged at Van. "Look out!" Hitomi screamed as loud as she could. The enemy was too quick. He was right behind Van, swinging his leg towards Van's back. Hitomi scrunched her face, hoping the best for Van. Within inches from Van's back, in one move, Van whirled around and blocked the attack with his own kick. The strength in that kick caused the enemy to waver in his movements, surprised such strength was possessed by a mere human. Quickly he kicked with his other leg while in midair. Immediately, Van countered again with his other leg, completely wiping off the defense of his opponent. Spinning around one more time, Van kicked right onto his opponent's face, sending him off to the ground. He bucked at the sudden attack, but landed on his feet. Dashing towards him, Van jabbed the guy's stomach with his fists. With another swings from his leg, the opponent finally fell and skidded to the floor. Stretching his arms, Van turned around and moved forward, cracking his wrist in the process as he prepared himself for another attack.

Everyone was surprised, especially the boss as they never saw such strength in someone. Hitomi had serious, thoughtful expression in her eyes as she watched Van. "He was able to defeat him with only a few moves. Why? I thought they were not human?" Hitomi thought. She averted her eyes to her enemies to see the look of surprise in them. "Could it be…that something I did…made their supernatural stuff go away?"

The minions were all looking at each other, wondering what they should do. Just watching that stopped them in their tracks as their plans were foiled. "What are you doing?!" yelled the boss. "What can a mere human do?! Get him!!"

Two of them, unarmed, charged once their boss the command. They were fast, but not fast enough. Van immediately felt the first attacm from the person behind. He punched through only for Van to move aside. Van grabbed his arm and using the strength he could muster, he threw him over his shoulder to the ground. To his right, the other started punching and kicking at him. Van didn't have time to dodge and used his arms and legs to deflect the attacks. An opening came and Van punched right on the gut. Whirling around, Van did a powerful round house kick. Just as Van managed to get him and turned around, the first one Van fought got up and kicked Van right in the gut. Hitomi winced and watched with worry, hoping that nothing serious came.

He punched Van square in the face as Van skidded backwards. He smirked, thinking that move killed him. Van, however, was still on his two feet. Van lifted his head, wiping the blood off his right lip. Hitomi noted the seriousness in his eyes. Somehow, she had the feeling thing will get serious from here on out. Before, when this fight began, Van stood neutrally with his arms on his side and his legs spread shoulder length apart. It looked he wasn't prepared for anything. But, it seemed like he was only testing the waters. Van shook his hands and stretched, his left hand stretched slightly in front of him, palms facing the enemy. His right arm bended towards his chest, his hand clenched in a fist. His legs were similar as the arms, with his legs slightly bent. Hitomi was amazed at the way he posed. By that time, the two Van managed to hit stood up, ready to fight. With one jolt from his left leg, Van ran toward them. Hitomi could immediately feel the changes in Van's strength. This was going to be an interesting fight.

Van slid to the ground. With the support of his arms, he swung his legs towards their ankles. The two enemies dodge with a jump. "Tch!" Van uttered as he watched the one who hit him came down at him with a strong kick. Van lifted his leg and kicked the guy in the stomach. Van backflipped into standing position and jabbed at him a couple of times. Just as Van was about to do a critical move, he immediately dodged an attack from behind. At the same time, the two guys punched at the same time and Van backed off, letting them hit each other. As the guys fell back, Van jumped up and kicked the two guys using both of his legs. Turning around, Van charged at the other to his right. The enemy avoided his attack and stepped back, leading Van to the wall. Van used that wall and jumped towards him in an amazing speed.

Hitomi continued to watch Van fight as the enemies kept on coming after recovering from Van's critical moves. With the continuous fights, Van not once showed tiredness. He did get hit, he certainly sweat, but he didn't waver in strength and stamina, which truly amazed her to no ends. Van was on the ground with only three of them up as the other two finally fell unconscious. He immediately stood up, jumped, and kicked the guy on the head. As he landed on the ground, Van somersaulted kick him that immediately got him down.

Just as Hitomi watched Van did that mind-blowing move, her senses suddenly alerted her. Right behind Van as he was busy engaged in battle, the two remaining guys finally got up and managed to get their swords out of the wall. She looked at the ground to find anything useful. Right below her was a Kendo stick. Grabbing its handle, Hitomi stood up.

"Van!" she yelled, causing Van to look in her direction. Immediately, Van noticed the two having weapons in their hands.

"Kuso!" Van cursed.

"Here!" Hitomi yelled and threw the kendo stick towards Van. He immediately grabbed it and with one swing, Van struck the enemy's shoulder. The enemy moaned in pain and fell into unconsciousness.

"W-wow," Hitomi uttered, eyes wide out of amazement. The last remaining minion backed away a bit after seeing this. Van watched him, eyes narrowed as he went into his fighting stance he always use back in Kendo practice, with his back straightened, feet standing in front of each other, and Kendo stick stood erect in front of him.

"HAH!" A surprise attack came from behind.

"No!" Hitomi dashed forward and kicked the guy as much as she could muster with whatever remaining energy she had.

"Y-you!" Van exclaimed with wide eyes.

"Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I'm a damsel in distress," Hitomi said as she stood behind Van. "You're reckless, you know…"

"Tch! Ahou," he simply said. Two guys remain with swords in their hands. Despite Van holding a kendo stick, it was hard enough to knock someone unconscious. The way he fights with Kendo was different compared to what he did here. Hitomi frowned. How good was Van? Hitomi's attention broke when she heard them coming at them.

"Uh-oh. I forgot. I don't know how to fight people with weapons," Hitomi thought. Van was already ahead and demonstrated his skills as the top kendo player in his school. He moved without falter, avoiding every swing and every move. He looked like a samurai fighting against an actual enemy. With a good opening, Van hit the guy right in the side of his stomach, causing him to loosen his grip on his sword. With the amount of training Hitomi had in martial arts, she hit the guy with one of her high kicks that she demonstrated to Van not too long ago. The same manner was done to the others with her few punches and kicks. What remained now was their leader.

"How is it possible?" he asked. "My squad was known for its undefeated record. Yet, we were defeated by a mere human?"

Van had a strange look in his face on his face. Hitomi knew what he was thinking. How could he say "a mere human" when he was human himself? It was a good thing they all remain hidden. She didn't know what to do if Van knew about the situation she was in. Slowly, the leader angrily grabbed his sword from the ground. Hitomi looked at Van and noticed the change in him. Immediately, Hitomi knew Van was getting serious in hopes of defeating this guy. Van immediately ran, causing Hitomi to gasp. "Van, no! Wait!" Hitomi yelled, trying also to catch him up. Suddenly, her vision became blurry and she fell to the ground.

Both Van and leader saw this. The boss smirked and went straight to Hitomi. "Kanzaki!" Van yelled worriedly the moment he saw what the boss intended to do and ran towards her as well.

"I'm still weak," Hitomi said to herself, trying to wipe the fatigue from her eyes. Just as her vision focused, the boss was right in front with the sword already attacking her. Hitomi tried to cover up, but suddenly a shadow blocked her view. Right there, Van pushed Hitomi away, his Kendo stick broken in half. The sword went straight to the ground, missing Van by a mere inch. As Van floated back, the leader kicked him. Van blocked the attack as he was pushed back.

Van flipped to maintain his position and skidded until he was close to Hitomi. He kneeled on his knees, wincing with the pain in his arms. "Van," Hitomi said worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'm okay," he said. "Are you alright, Kanzaki?" Hitomi was caught surprise.

"Y-Yes, but I'm still feeling weak." He noticed the change in her voice and slightly turned his head, thinking she fainted. Hitomi shook her head as she knew what he was thinking. "No, it's not that. It's just that…I'm surprised you still remember my last name."

Van was a little surprise she knew what he was thinking, but nodded his head to convey his approval. He turned back to his enemy who was ready for his next move. "Who are these people?" Van managed to ask since it had been bothering him for a while.

"I-I don't know," Hitomi lied. "I can't recall what happened or what they wanted…"

"Tch! Whatever they are, they're strong. Especially him." Van looked down to find a sword on the ground. A thoughtful look came into his eyes as he went down to pick it up. Hitomi saw how troubled he looked when held that sword.

"Haah!" Hitomi watched as the leader came towards them. She quickly looked at Van to find him grasping the sword fervently, determination written on his face. "Uncle, gomen!" he suddenly said and rushed toward the boss. Hitomi tried to call his name, but nothing came out of her mouth. Right then, the leader swung at Van as Van swung his sword. Both swords clashed in that instant. Van was pushing as hard as he could towards the leader, but the leader pushed back, gaining the upper hand. Van gritted, anger in his red-brown eyes. He was using his legs to maintain his balance and strength.

"No use in trying boy! There's no way you could win with that strength of yours. Protecting her was useless! You trying be the hero is useless! You're useless!" Something sparked in him and it only made Van become stronger. Hitomi could see something growing in Van. A thought struck Van's mind and he immediately let go, causing the leader to lose balance. As the leader stumbled, Van flipped the blade and struck him hard on the stomach. Finally, with that one swing, the enemy fell.

Van panted heavily as he slowly kneeled to his knees, exhausted. "Van!" Hitomi cried as she ran to his aid. "Are you okay?" He continued to pant as Hitomi watched. She felt guilty. She never intended for this to happen. She didn't want anyone to get involved. She kneeled her head against his back shakily as tears began to come out. She could feel Van's body stiffen when she placed her head on him.

"I'm sorry," she managed to say. "I'm sorry." A look of surprise was on Van's face as he gazed at her. After the initial shock, Van turned his head and looked at the ground, his expression relaxed and relieved. For a while, the two sat like that in the empty gym. Hitomi's crying was the only thing that was heard as she continued to let her guilt out into the open. This was her first time ever feeling so much guilt in her entire life. She felt responsible for leading Van into this. She was still confused about him. She was still angry at him for what he did. Yet, she couldn't help but feel safe when he's around.

"Hai, hai, you can stop crying now," she heard him say. She lifted her head from him as he slowly gout up, dusting himself off. Hitomi frowned disapprovingly towards his attitude.

"What? After all this, you still intend act like the way you are?" He was about turn to rebuttal against what she said, but stopped as he looked down and closed his mouth. Hitomi was surprised that he was speechless as he always had something to say. It was a bit strange since. Silence fell between them and it kept growing and growing. Hitomi wondered if he'll ever say anything. Just as she was about to confirm her last conversation with him, he made a move. He slightly turned, showing the profile of his face to Hitomi. His expression was soft and remorseful. Hitomi stopped then.

"Listen," he said as he remained glue to the floor. "T-this…this is hard for me to say this. You don't have to forgive me or anything. I just-" His eyes closed. Slowly he turned his face to her fully, with an ever expressive look in his eyes. "Gomen…nasai." With that, he bowed and went on his way.

Hitomi didn't know what to say at that point as she watched him walk away. His words didn't register into her mind until a few minutes later. It hit her right then and she was about to call him, but he was already gone. She wondered why she was feeling so lost. Hitomi was really going to not get herself involved with him anymore. Yet, what he did for her began to change her mind. She couldn't think of anything else the whole day. Even while she was doing her homework, she found herself spaced out, looking out at the window. She thought about the day she first met Van as he appeared cold and arrogant. "Ikkoku-kun" was the name she would call him from that day forward. She remembered the many different personalities of himself that confused her to no end. She could never figure out who he truly was. Hitomi shook her head. "Why am I thinking about him? I thought I wouldn't think about him?"

But, her mind kept on wandering about him as she remembered his words and his expression earlier.

"Gomen…nasai…"

Why was she thinking about him so much? What other possibilities were there? Before she knew it, she found herself gazing out into the ocean in her favorite spot the next morning. Why was she here, she questioned herself. She didn't wake up early enough to enjoy this spot or grab a drink. What was she waiting for?

"Ah!" a voice gasped. Hitomi turned around to find the one person in her thoughts the entire time. Van stood there with a surprised look in his eyes. Hitomi didn't know what to say as they both stared at each other without exchange a word. While Hitomi continued to look at him, she began to realize something. No matter where she was, Van seemed to pop out of nowhere. He even was even by her side. The signs were all over the place. Right then, Hitomi knew why she was thinking about him. She knew why she was here. Sure, Van was a complete mystery. She knows she will be putting herself in tough situation trying to convince Van she was not like the group people he hated. But as long as he was here, she was fine. As long as she was by her side, she knows in time he will change. Van was here right now. It was all the answer she needed. Slowly, she stood up and gave him a smile, which grew when Van gave her a shocked look. "You're late," Hitomi said.

"Eh?!" was what uttered from him, still shocked. "Late?"

Hitomi nodded her head. "You'd always be here before me." Van simply scratched his head as he joined her. It felt weird that they were not bickering. It was a little too quiet for her taste.

"About your apology yesterday," Hitomi began, knowing Van was listening when he looked at her. With one big sigh, she turned to him. "I won't forgive you!" she solemnly said.

"N-NANI?!" he yelled in surprise.

Hitomi grinned evilly. "You did put me through a lot you know. You are one complex person. So why should I?"

"B-but, I came all the way…! And then…I really wanted to apologize to you!" he retorted as his hot-headed temper came back. "And what I get is this?! Kuso! I wasted my time rescuing you! Why did I do that, rescuing an idiot like you?! AHH!" Hitomi watched him get flustered over that simple remark. Maybe this was one side of him she knew. He would cover up what he really felt. At least one thing was solved about him. Hitomi immediately placed one finger in front of his eyes, causing him to stop. Hitomi laughed.

"Kidding!" she said as she continued to laugh.

Van instantly relaxed. "What is that about?" Van sighed as he scratched his head.

"I wanted to do that. It felt weird, seeing you so quiet," Hitomi continued to laugh as Van stood there, watching her laugh her head off like there was no tomorrow. After a while, they settled in gazing at the horizon. This time, it was not awkward between them. Hitomi never felt this inner peace before.

"You're right about one thing," Hitomi began as she looked at him. She pointed the scene before her as the sun slowly rose. "It does wash away your problems."

Van was visibly surprised. Hitomi still remembered his words. An understanding look crossed his features. Finally, a small smile appeared on his lips and nodded his head as he turned away. And so, they stood there, enjoying the new day they will face.

"Ahou, aren't you going to be late?" was one remark that ruined the moment. In that instant, he ran off. Hitomi immediately chased him, yelling at him for being such a jerk.

As the two began their day off as usual, with Hitomi being late for school and Van pushing her to go, they were unaware of a presence lurking behind them as he watched them run off to the nearest train station.

"Hitomi Kanzaki, eh?" he said as an evil smirk appeared on his lips, his unpredictable, red eyes gazing at Hitomi's smiling face. "I'll finally get you."

To be continued...

Author's Note: I hoped you enjoy this very long chapter. I bet you are all happy that Van came into the picture. I'm sorry if the chapter is so long. Aside from my nursing courses, this chapter was a bit tough, but I was happy to do it. For this chapter, I wanted to make Van and Hitomi's meeting as interesting as possible. I wanted to set the interactions between Van and Hitomi and time passing. I didn't want to make their meeting feel short and see a little development in the character's personality. Not too much, but it will develop as the story progresses. This was a fun chapter to write. The hardest thing for me was probably trying to incorporate martial moves and such (I was listening to Final Fantasy Advent Children Fighting theme with Tifa's fight against Luz, I think that's his name). I hope I'd portray Van really well. I know he's all angry, emotional, arrogant and stuff, but I think that's how he was in the first and second episode of Escaflowne, right? Dryden is also introduced. But, his character will be more in detail later. Next chapter, I will introduce another main character. Each chapter will introduce each character, set the drama between them, and set the little events that would lead to the big events in part 2. Again, I apologize for the long wait. Let me know if there any errors since I don't have beta reader. If you have any questions, send me a message or email me. Please review and let me know what you think. I hope enjoy it! Bye-bye!

-Kuti