Author Notes
: This is just a prologue. The real fic is a comedy. So far, this is just setting up the reason for the later actions of the fangirls. It is also my pathetic attempt to focalize on ALL the X Dragons. One more thing, the length of each character's intro was only dependent on how long it took to explain their reason for angsting. Oh and Kerianne wrote Karen's intro in this since I was having trouble connecting with her character.Clamp Kitty Campus
The day was like any other day for the ever-tormented chosen involved in the final battle for the fate of mankind. It had started off with Shirou Kamui refusing to go to school and locking himself inside a room in the Clamp Campus mansion as he prepared to angst over the latest events in the never-ending joke that was his life. He plopped onto his bed, smacking the back of his head against a thin object that had been lying there. Kamui picked it up and stared at it. One of Yuzuriha's manga, Fruits Basket to be precise. She must have left it the last time she came to cheer him up over the incident with Sorata and Arashi.
"Look on the bright side, Kamui-kun. We all may have our problems, but at least we don't turn into fluffy critters. Then again, that might be kind of fun."
Yep, that had been her illustrious attempt to cheer him up. Yuzuriha was obviously out of her league. He was beginning to suspect that those constant snacks of pocky and ice cream were starting to eat away at her brain.
Wonderful. Who was he supposed to talk to now? Sorata was already preoccupied with Arashi and could be bed-ridden for a while, Subaru was basically MIA, the other Dragons of Heaven were too old to concern themselves with him, and everyone else was either dead or dead to him. Who did that leave? Keiichi?
Kamui groaned and began to flip through the manga.
~*~*~*~
Elsewhere, other Dragons were having their own problems.
Arisugawa Sorata was left alone in his hospital bed, confused as to where Arashi could be. She seemed to have slipped out while he had dozed off again. Despite how content and perfect he was feeling at the moment, Sorata couldn't help but worry a little about what was disturbing his Maiden. She had seemed fine a few hours ago. Well, fine as one could be after having someone they deeply cared about in such a terrible condition. At least, she had been more relaxed than usual. Now, she was nowhere to be found. Sorata regretted that he still had not recovered enough strength to go search for her himself. He tried to get up but it was to no avail.
Sorata tossed a glance back to the spot where Arashi had lain beside him and sighed softly. "Nee-san."
~*~*~*~
"What have I done?" Kishuu Arashi whispered to herself as she sat on the edge of a stone fountain that shot water out of an unusual fish-looking creature's mouth. The creature wasn't unfamiliar to Arashi. She had seen images of it often enough around the grounds. Her guess was that it had some significance to the owners of the school. Nokoru-san apparently liked strange things like this.
Turning her mind away from the bizarre figure, Arashi went back to agonizing over her latest decision. It had been impulsive. She knew that. But it had just felt so right at the moment and she had been so relieved not to have lost him. Every word he had spoken had just melted away her every defense, every attempt to remain indifferent and impartial to the happenings around her. Her position in life demanded this much. Yet, hearing him tell her that he believed that she didn't care for him had been too much.
How could Sorata think such a thing? Didn't he realize losing him would do to her? Had he really bought all her futile attempts to pretend that she was completely apathetic to his existence? Something inside her had paled at that thought. Once it had been what she had wanted. The idea of someone sacrificing his life for hers was just too terrible to think of. It had been her task to prevent this from ever happening. Then, when she had found at that she had succeeded in her farce, she had been devastated.
For a reason that she was just now starting to comprehend, she had felt that he must know the truth. After everything Sorata had done for her, she owed him at least that much. He had been surprised by her confession and then overjoyed. She had seen it in his eyes. When he had finally called for her, she had been unable and unwilling to do anything but answer. Eagerly.
It was only after the event that she had realized the true implication of her decision. Things were much more complicated now. The chilling dread that overtook her whenever she peered down at her hand and the painful sadness that filled her each time she thought of her "special person" frightened her. Reluctant to let him know the doubts that were coursing to her head, especially in his weakened condition, Arashi had left.
She wasn't sure where she wanted to go or what she planned to do. All she could do was sit in the secluded spot she had discovered and reflect on the possible consequences that were sure to rear their heads any time now. She had jeopardized her position and the lives of countless others. Worse of all, she had almost certainly set the stage for Sorata's inevitable demise.
"You're the one I'll give my life for."
Why did it have to be this way?
~*~*~*~
Having recently acquired both the eye and former occupation of his late beloved, Sumeragi Subaru had presently wandered into Ueno Park to ponder over the situation. Fearing the influence of The Tree, given his new affinity with the powers of the Sakurazukamori, Subaru tried his best not to seek out the plant. He had not come here to pay his respects or even to prepare himself for his new role in life. He had only come here to think. That had been an impossibility under the watchful eye of the Kamui of the Dragons of Earth. So he had excused himself and left for the park. He doubted that the Kamui would follow. Unlike the Kamui of the Dragons of Heaven, this one had virtually no interest in what his companions did...most of the time.
He thought back to the Seals that he had abandoned. Most of them had their own troubles to fuss over so they probably didn't pay much attention to the fact that he was gone, other than the realization that they had lost one of their members. He had never connected very well with any of them.
It was kind of funny. He used to get along with practically everybody. Being around others had made him feel happy and content. He had relished each chance he had to help them and he had mourned whenever he was unable to bring joy back into their lives. Hokuto had said that he worried about others far too much. It kept him from paying attention to his own needs. She was right. Even with all his efforts to better the lives of those around him, he had still wound up with absolutely nothing in the end. No love, no dreams, no purpose. What did it matter what he did anymore?
Still, there was one Seal who probably cared about his departure. The young Kamui had seemed to have thought that he had formed some sort of bond with him during their time spent together. Subaru had enjoyed the companionship only because it was a bit refreshing to find someone who resembled him so much back when he was younger. It was nice to have someone who could relate to his problems in some aspects. But it had soon proved to be too much.
Kamui simply adored him to the point where Subaru couldn't stand it. He no longer wanted to see such blind devotion in another. It reminded him too much of his personal devotion, now lost and destroyed. He didn't want to be a savior anymore. He just wanted to be left alone. Kamui couldn't expect him to heal him every single time something broke inside the boy. He had to learn to stand on his own two feet, otherwise Subaru was sure that Kamui would end up as he had. Disillusioned and dejected, with nothing except bittersweet memories that refused to die unlike those who had created them. He was glad he had left the Seals before Kamui willingly joined him inside this darkening void.
A meow from behind the bench startled the man and he turned around to see a tiny white kitten pawing at some loose petals of sakura that had been brought by the wind. For a moment, Subaru recalled his original aspiration of becoming a veterinarian. At the thought, all of his previous thoughts returned, leaving him to see the kitten as nothing more than a harbinger of misery. Eager to escape the tragic memories that the creature had produced, Subaru stood up from the bench and trudged off to seek out a less occupied location.
~*~*~*~
Inuki-chan licked Nekoi Yuzuriha's ice cream cone, toppling the pistachio scoop onto his paws. Yuzuriha laughed as the pup excitedly licked at his paws and then rolled onto his back to make it easier to reach them. He wagged his tiny tail at his mistress, hoping to earn another playful smile from the girl.
"Inuki-chan, you know you can't eat that. Why are making such a big fuss over it?" she giggled, lightly poking the small wolf in the belly. "Are you trying to cheer me up?"
The wolf yipped and squirmed on his back, pretending that the girl's touch was tickling him. Yuzuriha picked him up and held him close to her. "We can't stay here long, you know. We have to go back soon and check on the others. I hope Sorata-san is doing better. I guess I was just hoping to see Kusanagi-san." Inuki-chan looked at her quizzically. She petted his back and continued speaking. "I know that Kusanagi-san is one of the seven Angels, but I believe he really is a nice person. Do you think so, Inuki-chan?"
She pulled the wolf away from her chest and held him out with her arms. The pup cocked his head to the side and looked back at her as Yuzuriha waited for his response. A smile still lit up her face, but it seemed almost a shadow of its former self, as if Yuzuriha was nervous about something. Inuki-chan remained silent for a minute, guessing at what could be bothering his mistress. Then he barked cheerfully and wagged his tail.
"Oh, Inuki-chan, I'm so glad you like him too!" Yuzuriha gushed, crushing the wolf to her as it frantically tried to lick her chin and face. She sat the animal back on the ground and got to her feet, another look of doubt crossing her features. "I hope Kusanagai-san and I never have to fight." Inuki-chan whined and looked down at the ground.
~*~*~*~
Shiyu Kusanagi watched the squirrel seek out his old home. Little did the creature know that it had already been carted off to be processed and transformed into something to benefit mankind. None of them cared about the creatures that were forced out of their homes or killed in attempts to flee the collapsing trees. What did it matter to him? They were deaf to the screams of the Earth? Why else would they destroy everything nature had carefully constructed for them just for their own gain?
Unfortunately in today's world, it was either mankind or the Earth. The people had simply chosen their priorities. It couldn't really be helped. People could only survive by using the Earth and in some cases, its destruction meant materials and technology that could save the lives of certain human beings. Choosing in favor of one often meant the loss of the other. Was either gain worth its cost?
What he had told Yuzuriha the other day had been his honest belief. It was wrong to kill humans because others would cry for them. Too bad, there was nobody to mourn the dying Earth.
~*~*~*~
"Satsuki, aren't we going to tea today?"
The girl being addressed took off her metal visor and stared back at Yuuto with dull eyes. She remembered him mentioning the notion of taking in tea at a local shop earlier this morning but had forgotten all about it amongst her work with Beast. Personally, Satsuki Yatouji didn't see what exactly was the appeal of mingling with other humans. She would have been perfectly happy just to drink with Yuuto upstairs in the lounge. It wasn't necessary that they go all the way over to some shoppette.
"Satsuki-chan, can you hear me up there?"
Well, he was persistent. She had to give him that. He even looked genuinely enthusiastic at the idea of taking her somewhere. His deceivingly youthful eyes seemed to sparkle just before he closed them and gave her a patient smile. Satsuki found herself intrigued by the illusion. Yuuto was certainly more interesting than most of his species. It was worth it to spend time with him.
Suddenly, the machines making up Beast started to hum lowly, sounding remarkably close to a growl. It was evident that the computer had tapped in on her thoughts and had discovered her to be considering Yuuto's offer. Beast was not at all pleased. Hoping to calm down her best friend, Satsuki leaned back against the monster computer and shook her head slowly.
"I'm too busy for tea, Yuuto-san," she told the blond man.
Yuuto pretended to pout. "And it was such an ideal place I had chosen." Then, he brightened and broke into another boyish grin. "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to find someone else to accompany me. You can finish your work. Bye." He turned from the massive workings of metal and wires and walked out of the room, leaving Satsuki alone with her thoughts.
She slipped back on her visor as she felt the wires sink into her skin once more. "I don't understand, Beast. What is so wrong about having tea?"
Beast failed to respond.
~*~*~*~
Aoki Seiichirou winced as he watched the huge stack of papers be placed upon his desk. So much work. Why had he chosen to come in today when he could have asked for the day off? It was so hard to concentrate, especially with what had been happening around him as of late. Things were beginning to move faster as the Promised Day grew nearer. Everything he had would be put on the line then. As would everything he didn't have.
That reminded him that he had wanted to go discuss something with Karen at flower this afternoon. But it seemed that his plans would have to postponed since Yuka had been begging him to buy her a new dress for weeks now. She had seen a pretty little outfit while wandering by shops with Shimako the other day and since then had been unable to forget about the article. Shimako had been more than eager to concur with her daughter that a shopping trip was in order. She felt the need to redo the entire bedroom set.
The man couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for her sudden urge to change things around the house. He was around less and less with the current Dragon situation and Shimako must have been doing her best to compensate. It had been quite alarming to come home to find the kitchen completely redecorated and will a brand new floor tile Of course, that had been after the train incident with Karen so it had taken him a while to notice it at first. He had a feeling that he had upset his wife.
How ironic that his first real chance to reconnect with her had to interfere with his chance to spend time with Karen. It was odd. Lately, it had just seemed that being with her was one of the most important things in his life. He had been looking forward to speaking with her today. They had many things to discuss. Some about the Seals and others of a not so formal nature. Too bad all of that would have to wait.
~*~*~*~
"Life is strange," Kasumi Karen murmured philosophically, taking another small sip of tea. With her free hand, she picked up her old, faded teddy bear and set it in her lap, absently rubbing the worn fur. "Very strange."
She always got a little too thoughtful on evenings spent alone, which was why she liked Aoki-san to be there to offer conversation and a chance for her to get away from her thoughts. But today he had plans with his family, and her mind was unoccupied and free to wander.
Of course, it always wandered to the same place. Even when he wasn't there in person, she couldn't keep her mind off him.
"This is a terrible idea, Paul," she said, addressing the teddy bear with a wry smile. "There are a million and one reasons why it could never work out, so I should give up right now, shouldn't I? I should be content with friendship, and if I can't do that, I should try to distance myself from him, shouldn't I?"
She closed her eyes and gave a short, humorless chuckle. Yes, she knew exactly what she should do.
The only problem was, she had no idea how.
~*~*~*~
Monou Fuuma brushed Nataku's cheek off his hand and tapped his fingers on the chair. Natuku looked up, worry flashing through its lavender eyes. It did not like to see its father so distressed. What did Fuuma have to be upset about anyway? Things were going well for him. He had successfully managed to even the score between the Seals and the Angels by insuring that Subaru would never return to Kamui's side. Nataku had discovered this by accidentally catching part of a conversation between its Kamui and the sleeping Kakyou. On top of that, Nataku had seen that its Kamui best the other Kamui easily during their battles. It was apparent that Fuuma did have a steady advantage over the other side. So why was he troubled now?
Something in the way Nataku gazed up at him with its entreating eyes made Fuuma realize that his Angel was puzzled. He caressed Nataku's jawbone and spoke softly. "You needn't look so worried about me, Kazuki. I am merely thinking about how we can reach our goal faster. Our current method is moving too slow for my liking."
"Is there anything I can do, father?"
"Perhaps. Go destroy another kekkai. That should move things along. How about the one at Ginza?"
Nataku nodded its head and started toward the exit. "What shall you do in the meantime?"
"I will consult my dreamseer," Fuuma replied with a sinister smirk. Almost pained, Nataku turned away from the other Angel and quickened its pace.
This feeling was strange. Unexplainable. Why did it hurt so much that its Kamui appeared to rely more on Kakyou for guidance. Nataku wanted to be the most important person to Fuuma. It wanted to make its father proud. Soon Nataku would show Fuuma that it could be just as useful as the dreamseer.
~*~*~*~
Kuzuki Kakyou's eyes sprang open to reveal an all-too familiar face. He really didn't feel up to playing these games with his Kamui. Why couldn't the boy just kill him and be done with it? What was the point of all these promises if they were never fulfilled? He understood that his Kamui needed him to have an advantage over the Dragons of Heaven. Having one semi-dreamseer and one actual dreamseer helped the Angels keep on top of everything around them that concerned their opponents. Still, he was confused as to why the leader of the Dragons of Earth continued to keep him around when he knew how he was consulting with the dreamseer of the Seals.
At the moment, he was even more reluctant to speak with his Kamui than usual. He had been having peculiar disturbances in his dreams today. Hokuto had been absent from his visions. It had always hurt him to see her so often in his dreams, bringing back memories that tore at his very soul. Now, he realized that not having the memories around him felt even worse. He missed Hokuto and wanted to get her back into his dream reality as soon as possible. That meant that he had no time for playing psychic to his Kamui. He had to find out what was causing the interference in his dreaming.
"Kakyou-kun, I can tell you are not pleased to see me today. Why is that?" Fuuma asked, grasping the man's chin in his fingers. "Have you been interfering with things behind my back again?"
Kakyou lowered his eyes. "No."
"Then what's going on?"
"The future seems different today. Instead of what I have always seen, now I see nothing but a glaring white light."
Fuuma frowned. "Could it be a symbol of the Dragons of Heaven?"
The older man shook his head slightly. "I don't think so. It means something else. Also, there's this sound that accompanies each vision. I don't understand it at all."
"Sound, huh? What sort of sound?" Fuuma released Kakyou and raised his eyebrows in expectation.
Immediately, Kakyou turned his head to the side and bit at his lip. How was he supposed to explain this to his Kamui? It wasn't the easiest thing to relate to the boy. Would he even take him seriously? He didn't want to fuss about this. All he wanted to do was just return to his dreams, where he could solve this mystery for himself.
A hand fell upon his, pulling him upright on his bed. "Kakyou-kun, tell me what you heard. His eyes made their way back to Fuuma who was staring at him with an expression of curiosity as well as irritation.
Tired of waging a war that he obviously had no chance of winning, Kakyou lifted his head and whispered, "Meow?"
Fuuma's eyes widened in surprise and he almost fell backward. "What?"
"That's what the sound is. A meow," clarified Kakyou, still refusing to look his Kamui completely in the eye.
"Meow," Fuuma repeated as if he was analyzing each syllable of the word. Part of Kakyou was somewhat amused at the sight of seeing the younger Angel mouthing some a comical phrase. The other part of him was too busy dreading the impact that the phrase was about to have on the future.
~*~*~*~
Kigai Yuuto had already recovered from being jilted by Satsuki and was now running through his list of other acquaintances in his head. Most of them probably wouldn't choose to dine with him, being that they were on opposite sides. But there were always other ways he could occupy his time. Engaging banter could be just as satisfying as a simple date from time to time.
That of course was mostly dependent on who was involved. The Osaka boy and the fiery Soapgirl were always good for some fun, though the girl seemed to lose her humor a bit earlier. Even the manga editor, with his gentlemanly manner, could be amusing. It was almost a pity that he would have to kill them sooner or later. They had been most fun to play with. Like a game of cat and mouse. He would miss it when they were gone. Pity, they couldn't do this forever.
~*~*~*~
Suddenly there was an enormous clap of thunder throughout the city, yet only seeming to be noticed by those connected to the end of the world. All of the Dragons jerked their heads upward, suspecting that the commotion might be something to do with either the kekkai or another earthquake. Before they could determine which it was, there was a dark flash of light that swept over them like a strange blanket of night, not even giving them a chance to call upon their powers for protection.
When the pitch black cloak finally dissipated, the Dragons were stunned to see that they were surrounded by both their own companions as well as those of the other side. Even though, they were no longer where they had been at the time of the disturbance, they still managed to hang onto whatever they had been holding in their original location.
Yuzuriha smirked as she spotted Kamui shoving his Fruits Basket manga behind his back and blushing furiously. Sorata rubbed his head in confusion as he sat awkwardly on the soft ground. Arashi just looked baffled. Subaru blinked. Kusanagi approached Yuzuriha and rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Unlike the others, Satsuki did not appear bewildered, she seemed out right enraged to be yanked away from her computer so abruptly. Aoki still clutched a copy of Asuka's latest manuscript in his hand as he allowed his eyes to roam the group, seeking out an explanation. Paul dangled from Karen's limp hand, a symbol of just how distraught she was at having her introspection cut short by such a bizarre event. Yuuto smiled to see that all of his usual opponents were currently around him. Nataku looked as indifferent as always. Fuuma shot a look toward Kakyou, expecting some sort of understanding.
"What's going on?" Kamui finally spoke up, hiding his still red visage from the others.
"What is the deal with you people? Can't you ever just be happy? I mean some angst is fun, but when even Yuuto starts to angst, it's just too much," resounded a disembodied voice as most of the Dragons searched the area for the speaker.
"I was angsting?" Yuuto asked innocently, sidling over to Karen who briskly walked away from him. "I wasn't that upset about Satsuki blowing me off."
"It's not important what the angsting is about. What is important that there has been way too much of it in this series as of late and we aim to do something about it for once and for all," the unknown voice interrupted him.
Karen stepped forward and raised her head to the skies, a troubled reflection in her eyes. "Who exactly are you?"
"We are those who control your ultimate fate."
"I thought our destiny was already predetermined," Karen argued, setting one hand against the tiny cross hung about her throat.
"Ah, that's just a technicality. We can alter that easy enough. As a matter of fact, we do that quite often. You should thank us. If it weren't for us, Clamp would just have their way with you all the time."
Giggling, Yuzuriha curved her head toward Kusanagi. "Do you have any idea what this person is talking about?" Kusanagi shrugged as Inuki-chan gave a pitiful growl. "Maybe he knows," Yuzuriha suggested, gesturing down to the bristling wolf.
"Well of course, Inuki-chan knows. He knows everything. He is psychic after all."
"I didn't know you were a psychic, Inuki-chan," the youngest Seal chirped, bending down to the wolf as her eyes grew large.
Fuuma chuckled darkly. "I guess I don't need my dream gazers anymore. I can just nab the puppy." He moved toward Inuki-chan, watching the animal crouch low and snap at him in fury. Yuzuriha glared at the boy and scooped Inuki-chan up in her arms, backing behind Kusanagi.
"You better leave Inuki-chan alone."
"Yeesh, here you go again. Fighting fighting! Always fighting! Well, we the fangirls, have discovered the perfect way for you to settle your differences and learn to deal with your issues."
"Fangirls!" Yuuto and Sorata both exclaimed at the same time, instantly perking up.
"This is ridiculous," scoffed Kamui, slapping his hand against his head and eliciting a few muffled laughs from the Dragons of Heaven.
"But Kamui-chan, it was you who gave us our brilliant idea."
"I did," he whimpered, suddenly losing all of his previous cockiness as the other Dragons gave him critical looks.
"Yep, you and that manga. Fruits Basket is so so cute. We figured it might be a nice change to have you guys be cute for a while at least until you get over your angst addiction."
Kamui stiffened and jabbed a finger toward Yuzuriha. "It's her manga! It's not even mine. Take this up with Yuzuriha and leave the rest of us out of it."
"Too late. We've already made our decision. Don't worry. Once you learn your lesson, we might change our mind."
"And they ask why I can't understand humans," grumbled Satsuki, crossing her arms over her chest and shutting her eyes.
Previously managing to keep quiet, Aoki decided to play the role of the rational one as usual. He directed his attention to Arashi, who stood beside him and rested his handful of papers at his side. "What do you think this all means?"
Laughter echoed all around them as everything darkened once more.
"Now, there's only one more thing to arrange."
~*~*~*~
Elsewhere, a mysterious wind caressed the boughs of the Tree in Ueno Park. The branches trembled ever so slightly, causing them to scatter clumps of bright pink petals upon the ground. Each petal fell down the same course, overlapping its predecessors and forming a definite shape out of the sakura blossoms. At first, it was just a sloping mound and then it began to take on the look of some medium-sized creature. More petals created a thick tail-like structure behind the shape as the head of the creature was topped with two triangular forms that twitched as the shape rose from the ground. The tail flicked to the side, dispersing some of the pink flowers to reveal a patch of dark gray fur. Then, the cat-like figure gave a mighty shake of its body, forcing a heavy portion of the pelt of sakura to fall off.
It stretched its new sleek body and blinked a pair of cool golden-brown eyes that seemed to sparkle with wicked intent. The cat rubbed against the trunk of the Tree and purred as it caught a familiar scent from the bark. It purred again, though the sound could have been classified as more of a laugh, and flung back its head as it vanished in a flurry of sakura.
~*~*~*~
