Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Statue de Atlantic ❯ Awaken the Sealed Angel ( Chapter 1 )

Everything was so exquisite, the whole area glistened like a thoroughly shined pearl. It reminded her of Greece or Rome for some reason. She had never been to Greece or Rome of course. Heck, she'd never left Japan before. This place, wherever it was, gave her a sudden sensation to travel. The buildings stood tall, supported by elegant columns and their beauty was only made even better known as they shimmered in the daylight. The splendor of the city was only magnified when winged people began appear. In the midst of all this extravagance, one figure stood out more than the others. The reason could possibly be due to the fact that he was completely engulfed in a radiance of light. He felt so warm though. She looked on, but could see no features of this mysterious being. Only a solitary tanned hand was the only distinctive feature she could see.

" Hitoshi…"

Her eyes widened in shock at this unfamiliar voice and name, " Hitoshi? I'm not Hitoshi, I'm Hitomi…"

" Hitomi…"

" Hitomi…"

" Hitomi…"

" No, no let me sleep…"

" HITOMI KANZAKI WAKE UP THIS INSTANT!"

From beneath the ivory eyelids came pools of glistening emeralds. Hitomi Kanzaki grudgingly removed herself from the warmth and comfort of her covers. Her shortly cropped honey blond hair was ruffled from the tossing and turning of the night's rest. Taking up a silky hand she easily smoothed her tresses down. Above her stood an elder woman fairly resembling herself. The woman's hair was longer though, just barely above her shoulders, and her eyes were a tawny color, not emerald, but contained flecks of emerald.

" Good morning sweetheart," the woman who was obviously her mother, greeted.

" Good morning Mother," Hitomi mumbled tiredly as she retreated to her covers, " Can I go back to sleep?"

In response to this, Mrs. Kanzaki pulled the covers away from her daughter, " Don't you have school?"

" Can't I call in sick."

" No, I'm going out of town Hitomi for the month. You knew perfectly well I was leaving today young lady. Besides, isn't today the day your class goes to the museum?"

" Yes, but we've been to museums in Jr. High. I'm sure I won't be missing much."

Her mother's eyes lit up knowingly at her daughter's words, " Well I hear that there are several new exhibits this year. Besides, you don't want to leave Yukari there without her best friend. There are some cute boys working there and I'm sure you two will have quite the time checking them out."

" Alright! I'm getting dressed!" Hitomi yelled, exasperated with her mother's insane attempt to part her from her bed, " Happy!?"

" Yes. It's almost time for my flight, I'll miss you."

" Bye, I'll take care of the house," she said quickly, knowing her mom would ask that exact question.

" That's my girl. Well, I'll let you go take a shower. Goodbye Hitomi, see you when I come home."

Giving Hitomi a light peck on the cheek, Mrs. Kanzaki departed from the room. Once she heard the main door shut, Hitomi let out a sigh. Another meeting and another parentless month. For most teenagers this probably would've been a blessing from above, but not Hitomi. She was use to her mother leaving her though, it was nothing new and her mom's job did support them so no complaints there. Once she entered the bathroom, Hitomi removed the rose colored pendent that had been around her neck. She looked back at her reflection and all she saw was a skinny fifteen year old girl who could do nothing more than run and pass her classes. The monotony seemed to rise as the years of her age increased. Life didn't seem to be going really anywhere for her. School-wise, she'd probably be set. Her running skills assured her a scholarship and she was bright, but life just didn't seem full. It felt so-so empty.

Oh boy, there I go again…

Yes, constantly she would wander off into her own thoughts as the drops of water dropped onto her silky skin. That's how is was for a teenage girl, right? Wandering off into thought while in the shower. A sensation of cleanliness came over her as she stepped out of the shower. Grabbing her average uniform, she began to dress. Luckily, she didn't lose herself in thought this time.

" Hitomi? Hitomi? Are you there?" a booming, feminine voice shouted from the door.

" I'm in my room Yukari!" Hitomi replied as she pulled her skirt up.

The door opened, revealing a fifteen year old flaming redhead. Her amber pools gleamed with a massive amount of spunk. Quickly she ran up to her close friend with a large grin plastered on her face.

" Why are you in such a good mood?" Hitomi asked as she grabbed her bag.

" You know the upper-classmen might be coming with us…"

" And…"

Yukari began hopping up and down excitedly as if a child waiting for her Christmas present, " Amano's coming and his older brother works there," she added on with a grin, " This is perfect! The Susumu Brothers, oh we are lucky girls aren't we?"

" Why would that be?" Hitomi asked, feigning curiosity.

" Don't you dare try to pretend a thing Hitomi Kanzaki! You've had a crush on Allen Susumu for two years now so don't try to hide it!"

Well, for once her best friend did speak a plausible sentiment. Yes, she did have the largest crush on Allen Schezar Susumu. How could she not? With his charm and dashing good looks, he was absolutely irresistible. Well, there was that tiny little fact that he happened to be a little bit older than her. She used to banter Yukari for having a crush on a senior! Well now her friend had her by the tongue this time.

" Ready?" Yukari asked excitedly.

" Alright let's go!" Hitomi replied.

A sudden surge of excitement began to run through her. Yukari took the emerald eyed beauty's hand and dragged her out the door. To Hitomi, this was going to be just another ordinary day. Nothing unexpected could happed today…could it?

Meanwhile….

The interior of the room was basically a blinding white. Crowding around were all types of restorers, each one working on an ancient painting or a sculpture of some sort. All sorts restoration tools laid there for their own use. In the very center of the room stood a large statue in the form of handsome winged youth. He stood in the position of a warrior, both wrists wrapped around the sword holding it as if ready to strike. The hair was sculpted as though wind was blowing back the tresses, and his expression was one that none could read. Each restorer was busily adding chemicals that would hopefully keep the statue preserved.

" How much work do we need to place into one statue?" one restorer complained.

" Mr. Stratego ordered that this statue be in tip-top shape!" a stuffy man replied.

" I don't see why, it's only being shown to the public just for today. It's a waste of money and effort."

" I'll be the one who decides what's a waste of time and what's not," a harsh voice snapped, as if causing the air itself to flinch.

There he stood Folken Stratego head of the museum and one of Japan's most eligible bachelors. After undergoing several generations of reincarnation, at last he had succeeded. So long had he waited for his soul, memory, and body to be reincarnated into one being and it had happened. Yes, Folken still bared his similar appearance with a few minor modifications so as to pass by modern times style. His cold look and attitude had not disappeared. He proved this by glaring harshly at the co-workers.

" I apologize sir."

" Apologies are weak," Folken retorted coldly, " I do not wish to deal with this again."

" Yes sir."

" Good, send the statue out as soon as you are finished."

" Yes sir!" the group answered nervously.

Folken didn't even bother to look back at what he considered to be his pathetic workers. Their purpose was done for now. The way he spoke to them it was as if he was a cruel lord or somewhat similar to one. Clank…clank… the harsh beats of his leather boots could be heard echoing throughout the museum's hallways. He walked toward his office, his eyes darting back and forth to check for any random passerby. Gripping the knob and quickly twisting it, he entered the now opened door. This looked nothing like an ordinary office room, in fact it didn't even resemble an ordinary room. In the very center was a large jewel, fairly resembling the pendent. It was surrounded by a large mass of energy meaning it was obviously carrying some sort of power. Two cloaked figured stood by the jewel. The only showing feature that can distinct them was a tail that struggled under the cloak. Folken's lips twisted into a dark smile as he began to come closer to the pair.

" We have returned, Lord Folken," a husky feminine voice said from beneath the cloak.

" Excellent, I presume you found the items?"

" Yes Lord Folken," another voice, similar to the first replied.

At the pair stepped aside there laid a solid gold coffin adorned with an array of jewels. Several runes had been marked on the very surface, and at once Folken lightly tapped on them. A faint glow erupted from them and it seemed to be a sign to Folken that all was well.

" We have both bodies, now for the souls," he then turned to speak to the cloaked girls, " So where is it?"

" Where is what?"

" The souls! I can't revive cast-off shells, I need their souls!" Folken's responded in all fury.

" Wouldn't the soul of your brother rebel? He isn't exactly on our side."

The russet pools narrowed down upon the two, " Don you not think that I've already planned that out!? I know better than anyone else how stubborn Van is and Hitoshi wasn't too crazy about me either. I need to fix the souls up a little, but I can't do that without them! I know they're not in the bodies because Hitoshi sealed Van's soul away and Hitoshi must have done the same thing. Clever little wench, I guess our alliance was finished as soon as Van was sealed. I guess we'll have to put it off. Pity, I really am sick of this hellhole. Naria, Eriya!"

" Yes Lord Folken!" the pair answered simultaneously and with that, they had vanished.

Sometime later…

The first year students of Kamakura-Kita High School stood outside the Kamakura's National Museum of Art . The girls huddled in one large group gossiping about the upperclassmen. Mostly about the male population of the upperclassmen of course. Several of the guys stood near, rolling their eyes at the insane ranting of their fellow classmates. Soon, a wave that made the first years feel small appeared. The tall and towering older students came over. Yukari's spirits seemed to heighten at the sight of one particularly noticeable student. Chin length coffee brown hair allowed the wind to weave through it and his chocolate orbs seemed to lighten at the sight of the spirited redhead. Hitomi saw Yukari blush, but she couldn't tease her best friend. She saw how happy Yukari was to see Amano coming towards her.

" Yukari, Kanzaki!" he shouted warmly.

Yukari took hold of Hitomi's hand and led her forward, " Hey Amano!"

" You two excited? Allen told me they have some new statue, they've been working months on it."

This seem to catch Hitomi's attention, " Allen? Amano, will Allen be showing us around the museum?" Hitomi asked with hope brimming in her eyes.

" Actually Kanzaki, I think his boss will let him give us the tour," Amano replied with a grin.

Yukari smirked at her best friend and Hitomi could feel the red burning in her cheeks. The students then gathered around at the entrance. There stood one of the most gorgeous men Hitomi had ever known, Allen Schezar Susumu. No one needed the proof that he and Amano were brothers because it all showed on their face with the brother's uncanny resemblance. Yet unlike Amano, his hair was a crisp, golden blond and his eyes were a dashing blue. A ripple of giggles echoed throughout the group of the female students who laid eyes on Allen. Throughout this whole façade, Amano looked as if he was preparing to bursts out laughing.

" Ahem, students!" his voice caused Hitomi to feel weak in the knees which Allen noticed as soon as she hit the floor, " Hitomi, are you alright?"

" Fine!" she replied embarrassingly.

" Well, for those of you who don't know, I am Allen Susumu and I will be your tour guide. This museum was opened in the late 1940's in memorial to Shoji Satome, a man who was dedicated to ancient Greece and Rome paintings and sculptures and anything closely related…."

As soon as they entered the museum Hitomi had been lost in her own world. As wonderful as Allen's voice was, she just couldn't seem to register any information on the ancient times. She just stood there, twiddling her pendant round and round. Yukari seemed to be enjoying herself just nicely with Amano, which was a good thing of course. The speeches went on, some were actually pretty exciting tales. Some statues would be based on some Grecian tragedy about lovers. Which usually ended with the man dying and the girl going off somewhere to become a flower or wind. If Allen and I ever get together I pray that I'm not turned into something else…oh! There I go again. Of course, that's what she always did. To Yukari daydreaming mean that the daydreamer couldn't handle the world of reality. It wasn't that Hitomi didn't run away from reality, she just dazed off a bit.

" Hitomi!" Yukari shouted, her voice breaking through all reality walls.

" Huh, what!?"

" Come on Kanzaki, look at this!"

Amano pointed to one of the eeriest paintings Hitomi had ever seen. The painting was surrounded by a golden frame, but it was the actual painting that was eerie. The shades of colors used were dark, even the once white columns were gray. In the center were several girls in the middle of what seemed to be gathering herbs. There was once that particularly stood out amongst the group. Her resemblance to Hitomi was just as disturbing as Allen and Amano's similarities if not even more. She looked so tragic there, just looking forward. To Hitomi, the picture seemed more beautiful than herself. It was as if the girl possessed some sort of mystic beauty.

" Now that' creepy," Yukari muttered, " How many people do you know who have a face in a painting?"

" Well, my brother told me that some of the faces might've been wiped out-"

" So the restorers would try to draw in a face," Allen interrupted, " Maybe they found your face portrait worthy Hitomi."

Hitomi once again blushed at his flattery, " I don't know…"

" Come on you three," Allen instructed, " Since all the other students are busy going about on their own, I want to show you three the connection between this painting and our newest exhibit."

Hitomi felt a feeling beyond ecstasy as Allen grabbed hold of her hand. Since age thirteen she had dreamed of this strong, mature man holding onto her hand. Then as quick as the action had come, it had disappeared. Leaving Hitomi to just follow along without the comfort of his hand. The four of them stopped in front of an excellently sculpted statue. The very statue that Folken had observed this morning.

" So this is it? This is the famous statue?" Amano asked in disbelief.

Yukari then walked up to observe the statue closely, " Well, he is kind of cute."

" Yukari, he's a statue!" Hitomi scolded.

" Yes," a dark voice interrupted from the shadows, " Yes he is, but some swear that he was once alive."

Folken smiled at the three youths. He had been hidden within the shadows as he saw the older Susumu guiding them through the museum. He always was amused at the workings of children, that was probably why he found his own brother so amusing. He skimmed past the three. The first one he already knew, Susumu's brother, the other two were unfamiliar to him. But the out the two, one caught his eye. Honey blond hair, pale skin, she was so familiar all but the emerald green eyes. No….HITOSHI!?

" Sir?" Allen asked politely, " This is my brother, Amano and his friends Yukari and Hitomi."

" Oh, yes," Folken responded quickly, " What did you say her name was?" he asked the Hitoshi look-alike.

" Oh, Hitomi, Hitomi Kanzaki."

Their names practically match….

" So this is the boss?" Yukari asked.

Folken allowed a light chuckle to escape from his lips at this, " Yes I am the boss. I see you've taken quite an interest in telling these children those legends."

" Well then," Allen chuckled, " Why don't you tell them?"

Impudent blond…

" Well then, this statue is of a young warrior with wings, Statue de Atlantic. probably considered one of the greatest warriors of his generation. If Atlantis was real he'd probably be known worldwide for his skills in battle."

" And how does this tie in with the painting?" Hitomi inquired with a cold tone.

Doesn't she know….?

" He fell in love with one of the girls from the painting. She was a temple guardian, very devoted to her people and they met one day. Oh, looks like you need to head back to your group."

Amano looked rather abashed at the sudden stop, " Where's the tragic ending?"

" Sorry, I'm afraid that will have to wait. You can come back to the museum later, but this statue is only showing for one day," Folken added.

" Just a lousy way to rope in more customers," Yukari whispered harshly under her breath.

Something within the depths of Folken's mind clicked, " Excuse me."

The three high school students panicked, fearing Folken might've hear Yukari's whisperings.

" Could Hitomi stay for a minute?" Folken asked, " I can have Allen drive her back to the school."

Hitomi felt uneasy at these words. Frankly, this Folken Stratego honestly unnerved her. She couldn't even understand why she felt so uncomfortable around him. Well, he was a stranger, a strange stranger at that. Of course, maybe he wanted to discuss some extra activity or something. That might come in handy on her college application. The truth was that she wanted to attend a college that emphasized heavily on both academics and sports, so this might help. Allen would be escorting her back to school, Allen.

" Okay, but could Amano and Yukari wait here with Allen?" Hitomi asked, in her most polite voice of course.

Yukari mouthed a "thank you" to her friend, " Of course, we'd be more than happy to wait here. Hitomi has a free period when we come back to school so I'm sure the professors would be more than happy to know how productive she's being," she added, Hitomi and Amano could've sworn she was ready to go into show business.

" What about you Amano?" Allen asked.

" Free period."

" Well then! It's settled, we'll wait for you outside. Take your time," the spirited redhead said as she exited.

Before Allen could leave with the two younger youths, Folken lightly tapped him on the shoulder, " I'll send her out after we're finished."

" Yes sir."

A moment of nervous silence overtook the room. The nervous silence was on Hitomi's part of course, that was another thing she and Hitoshi didn't have in common. Hitoshi stood with poise and elegance. She was efficient and showed no weakness. Well, Hitomi didn't necessarily show weakness she was just shy. Something to be expected from growing up in this era. Maybe he was wrong in thinking this high school girl could be in anyway related to Hitoshi. Then, something hit him, something Folken never though he's lay eyes on again. A familiar rose colored hung from the Kanzaki girl's neck….Hitoshi's pendant.

" Tell me young lady…where did you find that stone?" Folken asked, covering up his shock with a casual tone."

" Oh this?" she then proceeded to hold up the pink stone, " Well, I don't know. I guess it was probably just a present or something. So what did you want to talk to me about sir?"

Folken said nothing, he just walked closer to the statue.

" Sir?" Hitomi asked tensely.

" Did you know that he was the head of his people. The Draconian's top warrior and he loved his people for it. He was even willing to kill his own brother to protect some people he barely even knew."

" He looks sad," Hitomi said softly, as she stared into the statue.

This discovery intrigued him, " You think so?"

" He must've had to sacrifice so much to help others. I know there's no excuse for siblings fighting, but he must've had no choice."

" That's why when he met Hitoshi, he was happier than he had ever been."

" That was the girl in the painting, right?"

" Yes," Folken replied hazily, " You know, you look so much like her. In fact, if I didn't know better I'd say you were her. They were in love, but in the end it was broken when Hitoshi betrayed him. She helped his brother in practically destroying her own love. Very sad, I pity the boy."

" But she only exists in a painting and him in a statue, right?"

" I'm not sure, maybe they were real. I'll be right back, there's something I need to take care of. I'd also like to see if you could maybe do something at the museum. You seem to have some potential to be a historian."

That and I need to learn more about you connection with Hitoshi young lady.

" Okay." All that just for a three minute talk on a statue? What a waste of time.

Hitomi stood there just gazing at the statue. It truly did look as though he had faced great sadness. Why would Hitoshi betray him if they were so much in love? Get over it Hitomi, it's just a statue. At that exact moment, something entered her mind.

The statue before her seemed to gain life. The hair was now darker that the sky, his skin a soft tan, and his eyes….cold claret orbs that glared back at her. No longer were they in a museum, but a battlefield. That land was covered in blood and flames. He glared back at Hitomi with so much hatred, she didn't know what to do. She didn't have to, he spoke.

" Why Hitoshi!?"

He mistook her for Hitoshi again, " I'm not…"

" WHY!?"

Hitomi snapped out of her trance, " What the-"

It happened again, the scene around her had disappeared, but it had become something so much more serene. He stood there, the winged warrior stood there smiling at her. He looked so gentle, so warm. She wanted to hold him, wanted to be closer to him. She could feel herself coming closer to him, and he wasn't yelling at her or anything. She was so close, their breaths coming into contact with each other. Her hand began to move upwards, and at last it had reached his cheek. It was so soft, so gentle like his smile. He didn't hate her, he looked at her with so much love and gentleness. Then, it all melted away…

" Oh gods!"

This was probably the most frightening event that had ever taken place in her life. She was standing there, her hand on the cheek of the statue. She'd be in so much trouble if they found out she was doing this! With all her might, Hitomi attempted to break free of the statue. It was all in vain, her hand wouldn't even move. The stone around her began to crack.

" Oh no, please, don't break!"

It wouldn't stop, it never stopped. All sorts of cracks began appearing, and through the cracks a glowing white light seeped through them. The light was so overpowering and it soon sent Hitomi going back into the wall. The cracks began to increase all over! The light was struggling with its shell, but it was winning. Shards of the statue began to bursts forth, several pieces striking Hitomi. An explosion of light came forth and Hitomi felt a pang of panic within. The light dimmed and admits all the debris was a limp body clasping a blue handled sword. The limp body of the very youth who had been in her visions, the youth of statue. Hitomi hurried to him, making sure that he would not end up crashing on the ground. He looked almost exactly as he did in her visions, but his once glorious tunic was now tattered that exposed his upper body. His body was a deathly pale and his eyes were closed and wings that were to be gloriously white were merely a stone gray. There were wounds on his body that looked as though they hadn't closed yet there was no blood pouring from the wounds. Hitomi felt her heart seize up as she tried to feel for any sign of a heart beat…there was none. He was dead. (A/N: Wouldn't you hate me if I stopped there?)

" Oh gods, please, oh no," Hitomi began pleading, tears pouring out of her eyes.

She tried shaking him, hoping and praying to any deity that he was alive. Hitomi had felt her whole body become wracked with shivers and tears. She had never been this close to a boy and the first one she had been closed to was nothing more than a corpse. With what ever amount of strength she possessed, Hitomi picked up the basically dead body and slung his limp arm over her shoulder.

" Please wake up, you can't be tired after being cramped up in a statue for who knows how long," Hitomi said in a gentle tone, her mind clouded in denial, " I can't carry you around all the time."

She could barely walk two steps without collapsing onto the ground. The tears just wouldn't stop coming, but it didn't feel like her pain, it felt as though she was sharing someone else's pain.

" PLEASE! SOMEONE COME! HE'S NOT BREATHING! ANYONE!" she begged continually, all her heart wishing for him to live, " PLEASE! HE HAS NO HEARTBEAT! PLEASE!"

Meanwhile…

Folken sensed it, he felt the energy combining his brother bursts for and bond into the atmosphere. His heart raced and he began to panic. If this Hitomi was able to free the body, then she might be able to break the seal that held his soul. He couldn't let that happen, he couldn't allow Van or Hitoshi to have their souls just yet.

Folken rushed over to the several men at the computers, " Is there anyone around that area."

" No sir, we are having the staff take care of that.

" Sir! The girl!" one guard shouted, " She's holding the subject, should we go bring him-"

" He's not alive yet, a high school girl shouldn't be too much for you to handle! Bring them here!" Folken ordered.

" Yes sir!"

As quick as a brushfire, several guards darted out of the room. Each one of them tightly clasping onto a stun gun.

Hitomi held the body with an overwhelming amount of emotion. Tears slowly draped down her cheek as she stared at his still body. A faint pulse from her pendant began to echo in her ears. She could feel a strange sensation throughout her body. Warmth from the pendant began to ripple throughout her body and something busted from the rose colored stone. The lifeless body of the statue's prisoner was lifted into the air, his feathered appendages stretching out from each side, quaking with power. The wings were outlined by a blue aura, giving them a mysterious beauty. His eyes shot open, they were glazed over as if in some type of trance. From the rose colored stone shot out several rays of light going into the seemingly dead body. Slowly, life began to pour back into the limp body and every time light would come into him, his body would tremble. Hitomi looked on in great awe as she saw this taking place. The feet of the winged youth landed on the floor, somehow managing to keep him standing. The light still dashed into him, his soulless eyes slowly becoming lighter. Hitomi soon saw the final ray shoot into him, sending him crashing to the floor his wings now a pure white symbolizing that life had returned to him. Unconsciously, she reached for him. His bangs over shadowed his face giving him a fierce look.

" A-are you okay?" Hitomi asked a bit unmeasured of herself.

No answer came from him.

" Please, tell me, are you okay?"

He raised his head to face her. Claret pools widening in shock at the sight before him. Hitomi watched on, fearing the hate that was reflected in those eyes.

"…Hit…Hitoshi," he spat, hate in every syllable.

A grunt erupted for his lips as tiny rays shot out. Once again, blood began to pour from those wounds.

" Don't move!" Hitomi ordered, " Your injured, please stay still."

" Heh, that's funny," he chuckled bitterly.

" What! How is this funny!? You're bleeding!"

" I just find it…ugh, funny that after you inflicted these wounds that you're so concerned about healing them. You truly are twisted Hitoshi. I guess that little seal of yours didn't work after all."

" Hi…Hito…Hitosh…Hitoshi?" Hitomi said, sounding out the name, " Well, I'm not Hitoshi! My names Hitomi, Hitomi Kanzaki!"

" You think your seal had any effect on my mind!?" he roared harsher than a lion, " You are truly mistaken!"

" How could you be so cruel! I come here and I'm honestly worried about you! All you do is shout at me and accuse me of something I didn't even do!"

He looked at her absolutely dumbstruck. Piercing into the emerald eyes he realized it wasn't her.

" You're not….her," he said calmly.

" I know, my name is Hitomi," her voice soon softened, " So, will you tell me yours?"

" Van….Van Fanel is his name, and you two will be coming with us…"