Disclaimer: I do not own Yoroiden Samurai Troopers/Ronin Warriors.
Warnings: Hints of shounen-ai, Seiji/Touma, but can be read as a strong friendship. n.n
So… finally, right? Lol, yes, I know: I've been talking about this fic for a very long time, and here it is! I know this plot isn't very original, but I couldn't write anything else 'til I did this so I hope you enjoy regardless. n.n At least it's something, right? Right? n.n;;
Oh! It's been a while since I've watched YST (sadly) so if there are any glaringly obvious mistakes on my part please – kindly – let me know. There shouldn't be, but ya never know… n.n;
I wonder if any of my YST fans are still out there, lol! I was really hesitant about posting this, but I figured it's as ready as it'll ever be. xD Let me know what ya think! Please and thank you. n.n
Fallen Wisdom
Chapter One: Watchful
A sword arched for his head. He quickly blocked it, his thoughts back to the battle at hand.
The blonde teen killed the distracting dynasty soldier before his violet eyes scanned for Touma. He had kept a close eye on the archer all day and now it was especially important with the surprise attack. Something had just seemed… off about Touma. Therefore, he stayed as close to the Tenkuu bearer as possible and wouldn't allow the soldiers to separate them any more than they already had.
More dynasty soldiers surrounded him. Two came at him, swords swinging.
Seiji ducked to avoid one sword, and kicked the soldier hard into another. Then he rolled to the side, dodging the other blade.
He jumped to his feet and quickly got rid of the other soldier.
There seemed to be a never-ending amount of dynasty soldiers.
Looking at the others troopers, he saw that they were all fighting two or three at a time as well.
Seiji's gaze wandered back to Touma. The archer was slowing down as his steps faltered.
The blonde immediately began to get closer.
Suddenly, Touma collapsed before his watchful eyes.
Seiji's breath caught in his throat and he momentarily lost focus of the fight.
A flash of silver in the corner of his eye had him quickly jumping back, but not before the sword made contact.
The sub armor he wore protected him from the brunt of the attack, but it was still painful. He fell as he gasped for breath, his hand pressed tightly against his lower ribs.
Touma. His friend was left unprotected and vulnerable.
He tripped the soldier hovering over him and jumped up. He had to get to Touma before more soldiers could surround him.
Seiji had feared something had happened to Touma already. However, what had seemed to take forever to Seiji had only been but seconds.
The swordsman ignored the soldiers around him and plowed through them towards Touma – his only concern.
He blocked and swung and ducked as needed before the blue-haired trooper came into view. He dove at the soldier above Touma, ready to strike, and quickly killed it.
However, Seiji was unable to even check his friend, for another soldier was upon him.
Ryo, Shuu and Shin soon saw their fallen comrade and began to get closer to them.
They needed to get out of there.
Ryo was first to act. He changed to his armor and shouted, "Fury of Wildfire!"
Ryo then motioned for Seiji to get Touma out of there. He repeated the attack, clearing more of the dynasty soldiers.
Seiji picked up Touma and ran. He clenched his teeth as his ribs pulsed with pain and pushed his legs to go faster.
Shuu helped Ryo clear the soldiers while Shin fought off any who were able to get close to Seiji.
They finally reached their parked Jeep and quickly got in while Ryo and Shuu held the soldiers off.
Seiji and Shin sat in the back while Touma lay across their laps.
Shuu and Ryo soon jumped in the front seats and they quickly sped off.
By the time they finally reached their house, they had finally lost the last of the dynasty soldiers that hunted them. They were relieved that they had been so far away. It had taken over an hour just to get back; an hour just to lose all the soldiers. They had been checking up on some unusual activity, and the attack hadn't been unexpected. What was unexpected was Touma's collapse.
Seiji looked down at Touma. The Tenkuu bearer had yet to move the entire time. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead and his breathing was labored. He didn't look to be wounded, other than a scrape or two.
The blonde swordsman frowned again and placed a hand beneath the blue hair on his forehead.
Seiji swore under his breath. "He's burning up," he explained at the looks the others gave him.
As soon as they were parked, Shin got out before Seiji and helped him with Touma.
Seiji hissed between clenched teeth as his rib screamed at him, and he nearly dropped Touma while handing him to Shin.
The older trooper raised an eyebrow at Seiji, his gaze full of concern.
Seiji ignored the look and hopped out of the Jeep as if nothing was amiss. He took Touma back into his arms, insisting upon it, even though Shin was hesitant. The brunette let it go for now, and handed Touma over, keeping close to Seiji in case he should falter.
The swordsman didn't care if his rib protested with every step. He just wanted to be sure that Touma would be well.
The others were taken aback by Seiji's behavior. They knew that he cared but he usually didn't show it so blatantly.
As soon as the door was unlocked, Seiji quickly entered, and hid a wince while going up the stairs to his and Touma's room, the others following.
Ryo was sent for medicine, while Shuu left for water and bandages. Shin stayed close, ever being the mother hen.
Seiji carefully laid the archer down on his bed and then pulled up a chair from their desk. He inwardly sighed in relief at the pressure it took off his ribs.
"Seiji, what's going on?" Shin asked, worried.
"Nothing," the swordsman answered, running a hand along Touma's forehead with a frown. Touma was the only one who needed help. He shouldn't be unconscious – shouldn't have been alone to begin with.
"Seiji," Shin stated firmly, "you nearly dropped Touma."
There was a long pause.
"Let me see it," the brunette finally demanded.
"See what?" Seiji spat in irritation.
"Your injury," Shin stated sternly. He knew the blonde must have attained one. There was no other explanation.
However, Ryo and Shuu could be heard coming back up the stairs with their supplies, and so ended their conversation.
Ryo looked between the two and knew something had happened while they were away. He glanced at Shin in confusion but only received a shake of his head in return.
Shuu and Ryo dropped off the items and soon left since they didn't want to crowd the room. More importantly, they left to keep an eye out. They were sure they were being searched for. The dynasty soldiers had been far too persistent. Shin stayed to help Touma, checking him for injuries since he knew the most about the medical field and was always there when something went wrong.
As it was, Touma was extremely lucky. The only injury he had sustained was a cut across his cheek. It was a very good thing that Seiji had been watching out for him.
Once Shin was satisfied with Touma, he rounded on Seiji. The Tenkuu bearer had a high fever and should not have been wandering around – let alone fighting with them! However, there was nothing they could do about it now, but make him comfortable and lower his fever.
Seiji on the other hand…
"Now you," Shin stated with no room for argument.
Seiji had been concentrating solely on Touma so when Shin fixed his gaze on him he merely blinked at him, bewildered.
"I am not leaving until I check you over, and I will – even if I have to get Ryo and Shuu involved," the older trooper threatened. He would not let it go this time. He hadn't continued earlier because of his concern for Touma and he knew Seiji's pride.
However, if it came down to it…
Seiji sighed deeply, but cut it short being painfully reminded of his ribs.
He looked off to the side and then back at Shin. Then, he pulled up his shirt.
Shin sucked in his breath at the sight.
Seiji's lower, left rib had a large, dark bruise covering it. No wonder he had nearly dropped Touma! It was amazing the swordsman had been able to carry him at all. He hadn't even let on to the others that he had been hurt.
Shin kneeled before Seiji and gingerly pressed his fingertips against it, feeling the damage. He figured he hadn't broken it, but he had to feel it for confirmation.
Seiji stood still, a grimace on his face while Shin inspected his ribs.
Suddenly, the brunette let out a breath of relief. "You're lucky it wasn't worse…" he finally diagnosed.
Lucky is not what Seiji would have called it. He should have been more attentive.
Shin shook his head at the blonde. He was extremely glad that it hadn't been worse, for they couldn't have afforded to leave their house. The dynasty was sure to be looking for them.
The Suiko bearer grabbed the roll of bandage that Shuu had given him should Touma need it and then he set about binding Seiji's ribs. There wasn't much either of them could do about the bruised ribs. After, he dropped a couple of painkillers into the blonde's hand. He suggested, "You should lie down."
However, Seiji gave no response but to sit back down at Touma's bedside in silence.
Shin smiled sadly. He hadn't really expected much else… He was satisfied that at least Seiji took the pills, though.
He stood next to the swordsman and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "He'll be better soon," he softly encouraged.
Seiji nodded, his gaze never leaving Touma's flushed face.
"I'll be back in a while to check up on him. If he wakes up before then have him take some medicine," Shin instructed. They had set all the medicine and anything Touma should need on the nightstand beside his bed.
At Seiji's slight nod, Shin quietly stepped out but left the door ajar.
...
Hours later Touma shifted slightly, his lips parted with a groan.
Seiji's attention was immediately focused on him as he shot up to his feet in excitement, his ribs throbbing in protest to the abrupt movement.
Touma's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes tightly shut.
"Touma," Seiji said softly.
No response.
"Touma," he repeated a little louder.
This time the archer's eyelids fluttered.
The swordsman sat down and leaned over, placing a gentle hand over Touma's as he waited patiently for Touma to rouse himself out of his fever-induced sleep.
Glazed blue eyes finally met violet.
"Seiji…" Touma answered, barely above a whisper. His eyes shifted from side to side, disoriented.
"How are you feeling?" the blonde asked, watching Touma closely.
The archer looked back at Seiji and then slowly closed his eyes.
"Touma," Seiji said firmly, "look at me."
Touma's eyes cracked open after another moment, only to squint at the swordsman.
Seiji frowned deeply. He placed his hand on Touma's forehead.
And his frown grew only deeper.
His fever was higher.
Seiji turned to the nightstand and picked up the awaiting medicine. When he turned back, blue eyes were once again hidden.
"Touma, you need to stay awake a little longer. Need to take some medicine and then you can go to sleep, 'kay?" he said caringly.
Seiji was surprised when Touma let out a frustrated grunt. However, he obediently opened his eyes again.
"Here," he said, while helping Touma sit up.
The archer tried to protest the move but was too weak to do much of anything besides toss his head. Seiji helped him with the medicine and then laid him back down gently.
Shin came in not too long after to find Touma fast asleep.
"Has he awoken?" the older trooper asked with a frown, checking his temperature.
"Yeah, you just missed it. I gave him some medicine," Seiji explained, concern seeping into his usually calm voice.
"How was he?" Shin knew the fever had risen but he wanted more details.
"He could barely keep his eyes open. I don't know how aware he actually was and he didn't respond to most of my questions," the blonde replied, his voice quiet as he watched Touma for any change.
Shin sighed deeply. What a time to fall ill! He should have said something to them.
A couple minutes later, he nodded and then turned to leave with a muttered, "Be right back."
Seiji hated seeing his friend like this and wished there was something more he could do.
Shin returned with a bowl of cool water and a small towel. Dipping the towel into the water and ringing it out, he placed it on Touma's forehead.
He squeezed Seiji's shoulder in reassurance before he silently left.
Seiji moved a stray strand of blue out of Touma's face and then covered his hand with his own, his heart heavy.