Story Title: The Five Regions
Chapter: 2/20ish
Chapter Word Count: 6,751 words (was 5,773)
Chapter Summary: Second meetings offer opportunity…
A/N: This chapter has been edited as of 2/17/15. Want to make sure I keep my thanks for those who reviewed the first time around. In going through the editing process, I did look at reviews received and let them help me along in making any grander adjustments than sentence structure and grammar.


Chapter 2: Settling In

Fill the lungs. Hold breath for five seconds. Empty the lungs. Fill the lungs. Hold breath for five seconds. Empty the lungs. Fill the lungs. Hold the breath for five seconds. Wonder how much longer we're going to spend on this. Empty the lungs. Three hours on breathing shouldn't be needed in a society that has had magic for centuries. Fill the lungs.

Wataru's distracted thought process was enough to disrupt his breathing from what the instructor had told them to maintain and he fell into his preferred rhythm, which took about twice as long as the rest of the class. He felt attention on him and guessed that the break in rhythm had caught the notice of the instructor. The instructor, an Empowered man in his late forties by the name of Nowaki, had impeccable attention to details even without tapping into the Sensory enhancements he claimed were his specialty and Wataru spared him half a second of respect for noticing the shift so quickly. He then matched his breathing to the people around him and fell back in line with the class. He knew that the teacher still hadn't dismissed him completely, but he didn't care enough to let it affect him anymore than it already had. He did, however, split his attention between two tasks: making sure his rhythm didn't break from the instructed method and while letting his mind wander to keep from getting bored. He had been doing this as long as he could remember so it wasn't like he was skipping out on anything that might help him.

It had been two days since the introduction ceremony and he had, of course, recovered from the crowd exposure of his first day at the facility but he was still on edge for a number of reasons. At the forefront of his unease was a difficulty in accepting that he would be sticking around in the same place for an extended period of time. He had become so accustomed to moving from one place to another constantly over the past two years that knowing he wouldn't be leaving the next day was going against the instincts of survival he had developed since leaving Aran behind. Beyond that, despite being among a rather large group of other new trainees, he still managed to be the focus of a lot more attention than he preferred. He figured part of it was his own fault since he continued to wear his cloak with the hood drawn over the uniform he was provided. It wasn't against the rules, but it still separated him from just about everybody else. He couldn't help it though: keeping a physical barrier between himself and his surroundings was as habitual as moving constantly.

"That's all for today," Nowaki called out to the class and Wataru felt the room come alive around him. He didn't come out of the meditative state immediately as the others did though, but took an extra deep breath so that he could focus his mind into a single train of thought, countering what he had done in splitting his attention moments ago. He opened his eyes in time to see the instructor glance his way again, then look away as he addressed everybody. "Breathing drills are fundamental to maintaining control in any situation and if you master it you will never have to battle with your abilities as you probably have to do now. You should practice this drill several times each day until you don't have to focus on the pattern. This is all I want you to work on until I see you again in a week."

The trainees started gathering their belongings and filing out of the room with Wataru moving at a slightly slower pace so as to miss the crowded exit. He was about to turn to the door when he noticed the instructor making his way over to him. He sighed in frustration, already having an idea as to what he wanted to discuss. He should have paid closer attention to what he was doing to keep from Nowaki's attention.

"Trainee Fujii, is it?" Nowaki asked and Wataru simply nodded in response to try and dissuade the man from thinking he wanted to talk to him. "Would you mind telling me how long you've been tapping into your abilities?"

"You've watched me breathe. What exactly happened in that time to make you think I've tapped power?" Wataru responded guardedly, which wouldn't be too unusual for a trainee being accused of doing something he wasn't necessarily supposed to.

Since the creation of the training facilities, trying to control abilities without any formal training was discouraged to the point of being legally reprimanded. Of course, abilities for Gifted and Empowered usually didn't emerge until mid to late teens and so it was easier to have that restriction.

Things were different for the Enlightened though and Wataru had been battling with his abilities since he was a toddler.

"I'm talking about the adjustments you made as soon as I was focused on you. The only way you could have noticed where my attention was while that unfocused on your surroundings was if you were enhancing your senses."

"That would be a good conclusion if I was an Empowered, but I'm Gifted. So, excuse the disrespect, but maybe you should check your information before you go accusing me of something that would go on my record as needing a possible disciplinary action." Nowaki didn't look like he was buying that excuse.

"There are other methods to enhancing senses, such as bonding your awareness to the air around you and it would garner the same results," he countered. He had a good point there and Wataru had the thought that the man must be more skilled than he had given him credit for. Nowaki had obviously realized that Wataru had never actually lost rhythm of breathing, but had instead settled into what he already knew to be natural for him. He'd have to give a much more specific argument to be convincing on this one, not that that would be too difficult. "Look, it's not like these facilities hold all the rights to teaching meditation and breathing exercises. The people I travelled with saw the benefit to meditation, whether or not they had powers, and so everybody practiced.

The instructor seemed to deflate much more with that declaration. After all, Wataru was openly claiming to have been raised a Nomad – he wasn't too far off from the truth with how deeply immersed he had become with them over the past two years – and the nature of their lifestyle dictated that they have less structure. They still answered to the same laws as everyone else, but their home was with the people around them rather than a specific location and that gave them different priorities.

"Well, if that's the case, then I will commend you on your skill. You are already aware of your natural rhythm and you obviously don't have to actually focus on what you are doing. You may want to consider requesting a more advanced curriculum or you will probably get bored."

Wataru mentally scoffed at what he considered a stupid suggestion since it would do nothing but gain him more attention, not that Nowaki knew that so he couldn't hold it against the man. Aloud, he was more respectful while actually remaining honest, "I appreciate the thought, but I'd like to go through the entire program in case there's something here that will work better for me than what I've learned already."

"Very well, then I will see you next week," and with that, Wataru was dismissed without a second thought and he sighed as soon as he was out of the room. He wasn't off to the greatest start when two days in he was getting called on something to do with being Enlightened.

"Just had to be born one of them…" he muttered darkly. He rarely felt anything negative toward his family and even now he felt guilt at having such a thought against those he loved and sacrificed everything for, but his mood was simply getting fouler as the day progressed and it wasn't even noon.

He started toward his room at a reserved pace since he had plenty of time until he had to be in the fields. His next training session was a weapons class and he looked forward to getting in some good training. He hadn't touched a blade since leaving his family, preferring to stick to the bow and arrow he had always been most talented with, but right now he just really wanted to hit something – or someone, he wasn't picky. It helped even further that weapons training was common for many people and so he was going to be placed with people of similar skill and he could work out some frustration without really worrying about getting more attention out of the deal.

After a quick stop by his room to change into more comfortable clothes – the uniform was still quite stiff and would serve as a distraction – and he was off to the fields where all physical trainings were conducted. He would use any extra time before his official training session started to warm up and regain some of his equilibrium before being put up against anybody.

He had just exited the dormitory and turned in the direction of the fields when he heard his name being called from nearby. He looked toward the direction of the voice and his breath caught as he met grey eyes.

Yuichi's form was a striking presence. Wataru hadn't really noticed the first time they'd met, but without the pressure of the crowd, it was impossible to miss that fact. He was tall – Wataru came to just below his chin, though he was a little shorter than average – but he carried himself with a level of self-confidence that couldn't be taught and only made him seem taller. His hair was shorn neatly and while Yuichi obviously didn't put much care into it as few people in training for Guardian did, it appeared as though it lay about his face in the exact manner he wanted. And it all looked good. His finely sculpted features and his posture made him seem simply regal.

I could never look this much like royalty.

Then again, he didn't actually like looking like royalty, so he'd never really given it an honest try.

But here was a man so close to him in age that didn't have a reason to carry himself in such a manner, and yet he seemed to accomplish it flawlessly. In fact, Wataru had already heard word around the facility – the rumor mill wasn't the most reliable source of information, especially with the age group he was immersed in, but it did have its moments and so Wataru always tapped into it as soon as possible – and apparently Yuichi was the kind of person in which everything came easily to him. If he made up his mind about something, it was as good as done.

Yet another way he was completely different from Wataru, who had seemed to struggled through everything. Every once in a while something would come to him quickly, but he usually had to settle for average results.

Realizing that he had been staring and hadn't said anything, he shook his head slightly to gather his errant thoughts and responded to the other teen. "Yuichi, I didn't expect to see you again so soon," he tried to cover his lapse.

"Yes, it is a surprise. How are you settling in to the facility?" Yuichi questioned smoothly as he walked up closer to Wataru, stopping about an arm's length away, a distance the shorter teen quickly widened out of habit rather than actual discomfort. Yuichi noted the distance Wataru set and made a mental note to maintain that for the time being.

"Things are going smoothly. I just finished my first class with Nowaki." Yuichi nodded shortly.

"He's a very good instructor; you'll learn a lot from him." He paused as a small smirk appeared on his expression. "That is as long as you don't take everything he says too close to heart. He can be pretty brutal with his feedback once he gets going."

"I think I can handle him. He wouldn't be the first person to insult me." Wataru was the youngest of six, insults didn't bother him.

"Good to know. Where are you heading to now?"

"I have weapons placement and training in a while. I was going to just get a workout in before it starts."

Yuichi had to keep the smile from his face at his stroke of luck. He wouldn't have to search for an excuse to prolong their chance meeting. "I'm heading that way as well. Do you mind if I join you?"

The conversation he'd had with Kawamura came to Wataru immediately and he hesitated in responding. Should he just allow whatever was between them to grow or did he need to play it safe? Just the thought of denying Yuichi's presence filled Wataru with an unparalleled sense of loss and sadness that bordered on depression.

Was it even a matter of should as much as could he deny Yuichi's request, simple and innocent as it was?

"Sure, that sounds great," he found himself saying before he could analyze that query any further.

Apparently he couldn't…

Yuichi's eyes seemed to light up at his response and Wataru found himself desiring that expression more often from the other teen. As they turned back in the direction of the fields, Wataru's mind raced to find something to say to the tall figure walking beside him. After a few paces, he noticed that Yuichi had settled into a position next to him that maintained the distance Wataru has set between them and he was touched by the considerate gesture, though he couldn't even think of something to say to acknowledge it.

Kawamura's right, my mind is all over the place. I need to get myself in order before my control slips and someone gets hurt.

"You said the other day that you are a Nomad, right?" Yuichi finally broke the silence and Wataru nodded his response. "Do you know where you came from?" Yuichi looked to the shorter teen out of the corner of his eye to gauge his reaction and wasn't surprised to see the slender body tense at the question.

"I didn't join the Nomads until a few years ago, so yeah." Yuichi was kind of shocked to actually get an answer that elaborate. From the continued stiff posture, he had expected a simple yes or no answer.

Not that he would complain about learning more than expected about the enticing smaller teen.

"Why do you ask, anyway? Your chances weren't high for me being able to give an answer." Wataru even continued the line of conversation.

"It didn't hurt anything to ask, did it?" Wataru lowered his head to conceal the small smile the response caused. Yuichi was certainly bold, a trait that reminded the Enlightened of Shohei though the younger Kazuki managed not to seem as callous as his brother. "Curiosity is a powerful motivator."

And just as had been done a few days ago, Wataru felt a tug on the hood of his cloak. However, Yuichi wasn't as gentle this time and pulled hard enough to dislodge the cloth from its place over his head. Wataru was too late to notice the action and his hand flew to his hair on reflex just as the hood settled around his neck. He looked over his shoulder to look at the other teen and was nearly captivated by the sly expression on Yuichi's face. At seeing such emotion, Wataru felt the urge to replace the hood, but then decided not to as the thought occurred that Yuichi would probably just pull it back down again. So instead, he ran his hand through his hair to smooth out the mess that always followed constantly having a hood over it. He had to admit that Yuichi was not what he ever would have expected Shohei's younger brother to be like. Whenever Shohei had talked about his brother, he had spoken of someone easy to envision as the next Caption of the Royal Defenders for his propriety and healthy respect for getting things done in the manner they were supposed to get done. This was not the person Wataru was facing now: while there was certainly a touch of what Shohei had talked about, it appeared to be more supplemental to who Yuichi was rather than the guiding force. Maybe Shohei's opinion was jaded by being the older brother and maybe seeing more what he wanted than what really was, but either way he was wrong.

Wataru was about to move the conversation in a different direction when Yuichi continued his own line of thought, giving explanation to his action of exposing Wataru's features in speaking, "Black hair is rare enough in any of the Regions and it's usually a sign of not having any powers, but I've only heard of people in the lands surrounding us to have black eyes. To possess both is beyond intriguing."

Of course Yuichi would be well informed in things like this; as obsessive as Shohei was in knowing the norms of appearance and ensuring that Wataru knew them, it was likely he had subjected Yuichi to the same expectations. The observation itself wasn't off in the least either as Wataru's parents came from a land outside of the Five Regions where at least the dark hair was a commonality.

Black eyes though, were a rarity no matter where you looked as far as anybody knew.

Realizing he'd been silent for some time now – if Yuichi's expression was any indication – Wataru searched his mind as quickly as possible for something to say. He finally settled for the option of being extremely evasive. "It's not like I got to pick how I looked when I was born. Believe me, if it were up to me, I'd pick something that helped me blend into the crowd rather than become the focus of it."

He wasn't sure if Yuichi actually bought his response – the older teen certainly seemed like he wanted to say more – but he was robbed of the opportunity as they arrived at the training fields and approaching other people broke up the private conversation. There was a sign-in sheet with an injury log – even the smallest bruise and scratch had to be recorded – and a spot to mark which weapon had been borrowed or if personal training weapons had been brought. Personal weapons had to be checked by the field facilitator for safety and then the trainees could enter the field. It wasn't a quick process, but it was designed to protect the students as well as possible given the dangerous nature of weapons training.

Yuichi signed in first since he had been there long enough that the facilitator knew him to be completely honest with his log. He'd also brought his own weapon, whereas Wataru would not only have to decide on which weapon he wanted to train with, but then they would have to find which one would work best for him as far as balance and weight of the weapon matching his size and skill. When they found the right weapon, they would make a note of it so they didn't have to repeat the search every time he returned and chose to use that type of weapon.

It was a surprise to the facilitators when Wataru didn't take long at all to make his selection since even people who had been through some training weren't usually taught what made a specific weapon the right one for them. Wataru, however, quickly selected a short sword style blade and just as quickly identified the one that fit him well enough to practice with.

The facilitators weren't the only ones surprised and as he was handed the weapon and the information was logged, Wataru turned to see Yuichi giving him a pointed questioning look. Wataru seemed confused at the expression. "What?" he asked when Yuichi's gaze didn't falter after a few seconds of just staring at each other silently.

"I'm not used to a new trainee selecting an adequate weapon so quickly and with such confidence."

Wataru shrugged the comment off. "I've been training with weapons for most of my life. It would have been time well wasted if I couldn't identify a proper weapon for myself. I prefer the bow but I feel the need to hit something and an arrow hitting a target a hundred yards away just isn't as satisfying for that."

Yuichi nodded his understanding. Not only could he sympathize with a sword being much more useful for venting frustration, but Shohei had started Yuichi in his combat training early in life as well so he knew how strong of an instinct one could develop for handling weapons. However, Yuichi's capabilities with weapons were above almost everybody else's with his specialty of Empowerment where he could nearly master any weapon that he came in contact with through heightened body and mind awareness. It was a rare ability that his training as a Guardian had helped him hone. Furthermore, he had a strongly protective nature that compelled him even more to master his power.

Discovering that Wataru also had a long history of training piqued his interest as to how the smaller teen would measure up to his ability. Since Yuichi didn't actively attempt to extend his social circle, he didn't have anyone he was close to that had much experience with weapons before attending the training facility. With his skill being so far beyond just about every other trainee, he just didn't feel right asking anybody who didn't have a few years of experience with weapons to spar. This meant he usually had to set up times with Guardians stationed at the facility to train with to really get some good practice in. However, here was an opportunity to test out someone he had never faced before and who he wanted to learn about and he found that his curiosity was too strong to ignore. "What do you think of a sparring match with me? There's little more satisfying in relieving stress than a good partner to train with." Yuichi watched Wataru's expression shift as he mulled the offer over for a few seconds as if it was a much more serious decision than whether to train with or without someone. Finally he nodded his agreement to the prospect and Yuichi couldn't suppress the smile at what was turning out to be a very good day.


Yuichi and Wataru had warmed up separately, each having their own set of exercises and stretches they put themselves through to loosen their bodies. They then went through some basic cuts and strikes with their weapons before finally turning to face each other to begin. Wataru knew Yuichi would be a challenge even without seeing him handle the long sword he was using: he was in the advanced portion of his training as a Guardian which meant he had already been training for nearly two years and Shohei would have certainly had him getting familiar with weapons long before entering the facility. Beyond that, there was just the sense that he was completely comfortable with the weapon he held.

Just Wataru was reaching his conclusion of Yuichi's skill, the Empowered was building his own expectations of how the match would progress: while he was not concerned over whether or not he would win the match, he did get the impression that the smaller teen would not go down easily. The smoothness in which he settled into a stance with his weapon raised in preparedness alone was enough to tell him that Wataru was completely relaxed in the thought of fighting another person and that meant he wouldn't be prone to hesitation like many new trainees had to get past. Yuichi also guessed that Wataru had a great deal of speed: his small, lithe body was perfectly built for evasion without using much energy so he would probably outlast many people he came up against.

Pulling from his observation, Yuichi recalled that in open matches like they were about to partake in required a verbal establishment of rules to be observed by one of the ground's facilitators with acceptance from all participants before they could get started. "Continue until a clear victory is obtained. Loss of weapon doesn't constitute a victory," Yuichi declared the rules and Wataru nodded his agreement. "I will not be using any enhancements either." Since Wataru wasn't Empowered, he didn't have to declare the same or agree to the restriction.

Yuichi settled himself into a relaxed stance he could easily attack and defend from and he wasn't going to change that until he had a better idea as to what he was going to deal with against Wataru. He had purposefully ignored Wataru while he was warming up as to avoid getting the wrong idea of his skill by watching practice swings.

He made eye contact briefly and nearly relaxed his stance too much at the expression he saw in the black gaze: Wataru looked alive. There was always the feel that Wataru was holding back, but that didn't seem to be there at the moment. The jet black eyes were practically dancing with anticipation and Yuichi could identify aspects of his personality in that gaze alone that he had been unable to declare with certainty until now: strong independence shaped by an unrefined nature.

Wataru didn't miss the opportunity and sprang into action, bringing his practice sword in an upward arc aimed at taking Yuichi's legs out from under him. Yuichi reacted quickly – a reflection of his experience – and stepped out of the path of the strike while noting that Wataru did, indeed, move very fast. With the threat passing in front of his knees, he brought his own sword in a horizontal strike aimed for Wataru's hand. A quick shift in the angle of the initial swing moved the base of Wataru's blade into the path of the strike and it was deflected. The action was merely defensive though and Yuichi was able to use the momentum of the deflection to follow up the strike immediately, making a swing for the shoulder. Wataru wasted no time in noticing the movement and he sprang back enough to avoid the strike and then he was back within range to use his smaller weapon and shorter limbs to make another attempt at taking Yuichi's legs out from under him. This back and forth exchange continued with neither teen making any real progress toward victory, but both were taking in vital information about the other's fighting style and ability.

Low strikes allow him to keep his body coiled and he can move quicker without risking off-balancing himself. He can't generate as much strength in his strikes, but it keeps me moving and if he makes contact it'll give him the extra time he needs to deliver a powerful attack. Quite the well-developed strategy he's made for himself.

Now that Yuichi had a better idea as to Wataru's skill, he started pushing back. He still allowed the low strikes, but his counters gradually contained more power and Wataru had to put more effort into keeping the blows from making contact. Noticing the change in Yuichi's responses, Wataru changed his own style and stopped attacking altogether and remained on the defense, relying more on small movement and evasion rather than worrying about using the short sword. He could keep this up for hours while Yuichi wasted energy on missed strikes. Yuichi picked up on the change in tactics within a few missed strikes and he held back his next attack. He usually wouldn't worry about expending a little extra energy but without the use of his abilities he would tire out quicker and he wanted to see what Wataru would do next. He was turning out to be even more skilled than Yuichi had expected and it was a pleasant surprise he was enjoying exploring.

Yuichi was still holding back quite a bit, but Wataru was much more advanced than most of the people he was used to facing off against besides Guardians.

Wataru continued to delay as he tried to figure out the best way to get through Yuichi's flawless defenses. The taller teen had yet to make any unnecessary movement and his timing on everything he did was perfect and Wataru was beginning to wonder if he'd made any headway at all against him. Sure, he had yet to get a solid strike in on Wataru, but out of the two of them the smaller teen was more likely to make a mistake and he knew it. He figured Yuichi was aware of that as well.

An idea hit Wataru at that realization and he immediately took another swing at Yuichi, this time targeting his midsection which raised his posture and he already felt more off-balance with the strength he was putting behind the strike. Yuichi noticed how Wataru's current strike was affecting him and he side-stepped the attack so it passed just in front of him, then countered with the full advantage of his longer arms and weapon. He aimed the blow at Wataru's torso and knew immediately that his opponent wouldn't be able to move quickly enough to evade or block.

When his weapon made contact, it was a solid hit but not where Yuichi had expected: Wataru's free left hand had extended and stopped the blow short by grabbing the dull weapon near the hilt where there would be less motion and so less impact on his sensitive flesh. He didn't give Yuichi a chance to recover and swept his own weapon toward Yuichi's now exposed torso. Getting past the surprise of Wataru's sacrifice move, Yuichi dropped his weapon and leapt away to avoid the strike. His long sword fell to the ground since Wataru didn't even try to keep a hold of it with his hand that was already beginning to redden and swell.

"I wouldn't have guessed you would be willing to take a chance like that," Yuichi commented as he put a little more distance between the two, not able to keep from commenting on such a wild move.

Wataru shrugged as he tucked his left hand beneath the line of his belt to help keep it hidden and protected. He hadn't pulled a stunt like that in years – he hadn't sparred with anyone in that long that was skilled enough without tapping into abilities that made him resort to such tactics – and he had forgotten how much it hurt to nearly break his hand.

Shohei had lectured him for nearly an hour after the first time he pulled a similar stunt, which he had completely ignored. Sometimes victory meant taking a risk which may get you hurt and Wataru wasn't afraid of doing just that.

"Don't worry; I wouldn't try that if we were using live weapons. I'm impulsive, not idiotic." The corners of Yuichi's lips lifted in a small smirk at the declaration. He had guessed that Wataru had thought of that particular move seconds before attempting it and the statement confirmed his suspicion.

I can add hot-headed to his list of character traits. Too bad that move didn't get him anywhere.

It was a further testament to Yuichi's skill that he had managed to evade that strike. His immediate willingness to give up his weapon in order to keep from getting hit showed an unquestionable confidence in his fighting abilities and Wataru wasn't sure he would have been able to make the same choice if their roles were reversed.

That realization led Wataru to believe that he wouldn't be able to win against Yuichi in a fight without powers. He couldn't even say for sure if allowing the use of powers would help him gain the upper hand; he was even more hesitant when faced with the thought of using his abilities against another living thing.

On the other hand, Wataru didn't like to lose either.

He recovered his compact stance and moved in for another attack against Yuichi, alternating strikes between trying to take out Yuichi's legs and downwards cuts aimed for his torso. He only got a few attempts in before it seemed like Yuichi lost his patience and moved in too close to get another cut in and he struck Wataru's wrist with a swift punch, loosening his grip on the weapon. In the next instant, the taller teen was standing behind him with one arm wrapped securely around his waist, effectively pinning his left arm to his body, and he had taken hold of the short sword over Wataru's hand to restrict that limb as well and was now holding the dulled blade against Wataru's throat.

And just like that, Wataru had lost the match to Yuichi.

He didn't offer any resistance against the hold or the threat of the blade against his throat, merely accepted his loss with dignity that had been ingrained into him by Shohei. After all, it was impossible for there to be anything other than a winner and a loser in every fight and both sides took the same risk when the conflict began to be the one who lost.

Feeling the tension quickly leave the smaller form in his grasp, Yuichi recognized the acceptance of his victory and he started to loosen his grip on Wataru when his senses seemed to catch up with the position they were in. Wataru was pressed so close to him that he was aware of nothing but the other teen's presence. He realized how at peace he felt when in contact with Wataru and he suddenly had the thought that he should protect him with everything he had.

He wondered what Wataru felt being in his arms, if anything.

The body in his arms shifted and he was baffled when it seemed that Wataru's form relaxed further into him and Wataru's head lolled back slightly so that it was being supported by Yuichi's shoulder. Yuichi thought briefly that he might have just been moving away from the sword, but something told him that had nothing to do with Wataru's action – he seemed not to care in the least that there was a weapon at his throat.

"Not where I expected to end up when I agreed to this," Wataru's voice didn't dare raise above a whisper and Yuichi responded by lowering the sword from its threatening position and his forearm rested on Wataru's shoulder. His grip around Wataru's lithe waist loosened as well, but he maintained a solid hold on the other teen. "You do this often?"

"I would say this is a first time for me. I've never lost my weapon in a sparring match. You've challenged me in ways I've never experienced before." There were many meanings behind that last statement and Wataru's dark eyes turned to gaze up at him telling Yuichi he had noticed even if he didn't really understand.

"Fujii!" the name was yelled out across the field and Wataru jumped so violently, Yuichi had to let him go so he didn't get struck by flailing limbs. He turned to the source of the call, intent on disliking the person on the principle of interrupting what was a very promising moment between the two of them.

The male approaching them was a familiar face to Yuichi, but he couldn't place where he knew him from. His height lay somewhere midway between Yuichi and Wataru and his shade of brown hair was pretty standard in any part of the Regions. By the wear on his uniform, he had obviously been at the facility for a few years and might actually have already completed his training. He wasn't wearing a Guardian's uniform nor have any of the additions to his uniform that identified him as an instructor. There weren't many other positions available, which meant he most likely a message courier or recruiter who travelled throughout the Regions doing the odd assignments that kept the facility running smoothly.

From the manner he called Wataru and his gait as he approached, Yuichi decided he was probably Nomad raised and that was probably how he knew Wataru.

Wataru took a calming breath and turned to his approaching friend, making sure to not send him too dirty of a look for yelling at him like that. "Do you make a habit of interrupting sparring, Kawamura?" he asked by way of greeting.

"If that was sparring, I think the match is over. That is unless you had some brilliant scheme in the works where you survived getting your throat cut." Kawamura looked smug and Wataru guessed there were a few reasons behind that expression: he'd interrupted the two in a pretty precarious moment and he'd witnessed Wataru get beat in a sparring match – something he'd been trying to accomplish since they met. Wataru was about to respond sarcastically when Kawamura turned to Yuichi and extended his hand in greeting. "Yuichi Kazuki, my name is Kawamura. I've heard a lot about your progress here over the past eighteen months and it's a pleasure to meet you."

Yuichi looked between the extended hand and the brown eyes that seemed open and honest a few times before shaking hands. It was when their hands connected that he sensed the hostility that lay beneath the surface of Kawamura's demeanor and it was in the tension of his handshake that he knew he was the source of the anger.

Oh well, you didn't have Yuichi's popular reputation without a few people taking offense to it, no matter how little the person actually knew him.

Wataru, on the other hand, knew Kawamura would get protective of him and would take it out on Yuichi in any way he found would work for him. There were so many ways in which this would become irritating.

What better way to prevent the frustration than to call him on it? Wataru had always preferred a direct approach anyway. "Kawamura likes to think he's my father, mother, brother, sister, and favorite uncle all rolled into one person. Anything he says to you supposedly for my benefit is to be laughed at and promptly ignored."

Kawamura immediately released Yuichi's hand and turned on his friend with a gaping expression. "How dare you sum up everything I go through for you into that!" He turned back to Yuichi and allowed some of his dislike towards the teen to show in his expression. "Here's what it's really like so listen up. I'm not going to like you any time soon. I have been responsible for Wataru's safety for a long time now and I'm not going to drop the habit of looking after him just because you showed up. And based on what I just walked in on today, I know he isn't going to be taking my advice of staying away from you so I guess we're stuck dealing with each other. If you can accept all that as the way it is going to be, then there may just be hope for you yet."

Wataru stared at Kawamura with a baffled expression. He never expected his friend to be so upfront with the nature of their friendship just because he'd been called on his overprotectiveness. Then again, Wataru had never actually had a strong urge to know somebody like he did with Yuichi. Maybe he'd just have to get used to the idea that Kawamura wouldn't be anything but blunt toward the older teen.

He'd just have to wait and see what happened. Yuichi seemed to not be too put off by Kawamura's declaration, instead choosing to respond by promptly ignoring him and turning his attention back to Wataru and opening a conversation to review their match and what he thought of the younger teen's skills as a fighter.

His best friend didn't like this new addition to his life.

His new friend didn't seem to care about anything but him.

One of his instructors suspected him of illegal use of powers he didn't necessarily have.

He was still losing fights with the Kazuki family.

So much for stress relief…


A/N: So, ironic thing to have happen as I reread this chapter. I had actually completely forgotten about writing Wataru stopping Yuichi's sword with his hand and while it was amusing to rediscover, I now have additional understanding of how Wataru felt afterward. I was training two days ago and chose poorly in reacting to a bokken (wooden training sword) being swung at me and blocked it with my hand. In my defense I had gotten used to defending against a knife and those are easier to deal with. Anyway, my hand (dominant one for additional irritation) is now one giant painful bruise and that was from a bokken so imagine how much it would hurt to do that to a metal sword dulled or not. Ouch indeed… There are some days when I love the insight that being a martial artist allows me into understanding the process of a fight, but there are just some things that should be left to the imagination.

On the bright side, my muse has been fully awakened and I now have the ending of the story decided and ready to work towards.

Any feedback is always appreciated.

Until next time,

Kira Dattei