A/N: Finally got around to updating. Took forever to finish up this chapter, but here it is. I know I said chapter 3 was supposed to be split into 2 parts, but this one was so long I decided to make it its own chapter. Enjoy and don't forget to read and review.
Disclaimer: Of course I only tak ecredit for my own ocs and plot. All original Air Gear characters, etc., belong to the author.
Chapter 4: Fleeing Butterfly
My other hand grabbed him by the collar to keep him from falling over. "Where's that grin now?" I smirked reaching into his coat for the apple. "See you back at the roof", I added before bolting out of there.
45 minutes, 31 seconds and counting.
My heart raced at an incredible speed. I finally got the best of Azusa, but now keeping up the lead was causing a panic to stir inside me. The apple was clenched in my hand with my nails digging into the skin as if afraid to drop it. Occasionally I looked back to see if he was still behind me, but for now there was no one.
The enemy was gone. My legs were wearing out from the tiring chase and the two fangs. Sheer willpower and fear of getting caught kept me moving without missing a beat. The wind began to pick up again and I could hear a faint crackle in the background. I knew he was fast, but not this fast.
"Shit!" I cursed as pain shot up my arm. I came to a halt and swiftly spun around. Left, then right, my eyes scanned the area for where he could've attacked. A flash of red flew past and I finally saw him staring down at me with those piercing cyan eyes.
"I didn't expect you to get this far", he grinned cracking his knuckles. "Seems you're better than I thought. I can't afford to hear it from Akira so looks like I'll have to step up my game."
I gulped and dashed away. The thought of what he had in mind was enough to strike fear into me once more. Already I was beginning to pick up pace and ignored my haggard breathing. The crackle in the distance kept my motivation up.
'A few more blocks', I thought to myself while turning another corner. A few minutes passed and I could see the tall building up ahead.
A gust of wind picked up and for a moment I stumbled. I tucked away the apple in my jacket while trying to keep the wide distance between us. I sucked in another deep breath trying to ignore the already forming sweat. For a moment I was grateful for the sudden shading; however, realization struck that this was caused by no cloud.
The concrete cracked as chunks of debris was sent flying. I barely dodged despite being launched against a nearby parked car. Passersbys stared in shock and fear. Quickly they shuffled away not wanting to get caught up in the fight. I noticed the hesitation in his eyes before dodging an attack denting the car.
'Okay I got this then', I thought while ducking into the crowd. A busy Saturday was just my luck for he seemed to stop his offense for the time being.
The building was now within sight. Azusa was nowhere to be found and so I sighed relieved to have hopefully lost him. Entering the building, I went up the familiar elevator leading to the roof top. Outside stood the other twin leaning against the railway. He noticed my presence and turned his attention towards me. I gulped wondering if that smug look was supposed to be a good or bad thing.
"Oh? So that kid lost", he muttered closing the distance between us. I felt a heavy hand rest on my shoulder sending a shiver down my spine.
I regretted the moment I found the little speck courage to look him in the eyes. Dark blue met with a dull turquoise slightly hidden by locks of red hair. Eyes really did create a window to one's soul. The difference in power could be felt without even needing a demonstration. I gulped trying to get my breathing under control. Juice from the apple began to slide down my hand from gripping it so hard.
"Scared?" I heard him muttered while grabbing my arm. Instinctively I let go of the apple as my eyes watched his every move. Trying to recover, I picked it back up avoiding any eye contact from now on. This person was surely far more dangerous than Azusa. "Good." His smile revealed snapped my concentration from the shock.
"Oi Akira", a voice called out. I looked past the fear and saw the other twin with a sour look on his face. "You can do the intimidating later. It's already clear she's not stupid enough to go against us." He added removing his brother's grip on me.
Akira gave a slight glare before redirecting his attention back to me. The boy snatched the apple out of my hand and threw it to the floor. "Alright you passed. Whether that was a fluke or my brother being too soft, I'll let it slide for now." He stomped on the rotting fruit causing me to flinch as if that was me being crushed. "Welcome to Eve's Garden." He grinned outstretching his hand towards me.
Hesitantly I shook his hand knowing not to be tricked by his sudden happy expression. "I'll be in your care then." I muttered happy to have finally made it. "Don't forget our deal though", I added pushing back my joyous mood and replacing it with a cold stare. This was the person who promised to help me out as long as I proved to be a useful member.
His smile faltered. "Ah right", he said as if making it seem like the deal had been forgotten so easily. "But for now, let's focus on getting you set up for the team." He added dismissing the deal and reaching for something in his pocket.
I shrugged deciding to just go along with it this time. The boy revealed a key explaining that it opened the door to my new apartment. Tossing it to me, I caught it glad that he at least kept the promise to get me a place to stay. "Um thank-"
"Next Saturday at 8pm", Akira said cutting me off. Akira and Azusa were already walking away back towards the elevator. "Try not to be late this time", he added looking back to give me one last glare. I gulped and simply nodded not wanting to be late next time for sure.
Whether to head back to the Noyamano house or continue walking around town, I couldn't decided. Already an hour had passed and I knew it was getting late by now. The thought of dealing with the numerous questions that would spew out of the crow's mouth made me even more reluctant to head back there. The key to my new home rested in my pocket wondering when to be used. The decision to stay or go still weighed on my mind to the point the sun had already set.
Eventually I stood outside a small restaurant. Worrying so much made me hungry and it was another way to waste time. Cautiously I walked inside not having been to such a place in a long time. I had been in charge of carrying the money for the shopping today. While I felt bad for using Ikki's money selfishly, the smell of the food from inside made me quickly dismiss my guilt.
One of the employees greeted me at the door. She gave a small smile curious as to why I was dining alone. Simply shrugging off her attempt at small talk, I was seated at a small booth towards the window. The girl placed down the menu while proceeding on with her practiced regurgitation of announcing the daily specials and what drink I wanted first. After writing down an order for a plain water, she finally left me to think to myself in peace.
I sighed slumping down in my seat. The thought of getting my own place was enticing. However, I worried over how leaving the Noyamano house suddenly would prove complicated. Silently I cursed to myself knowing I should've declined the offer to stay with Ikki from the start. Now I would have to make a final decision, confused on why it felt so hard to make in the first place.
My drink came which served as an easy distraction. I swirled the straw around trying to get my thoughts together. Leaning in to take a sip I noticed a familiar pair entering the restaurant. Sinking further into my seat I took another sip now nervous. To think that out of all the places we would end up at the same restaurant.
"Oh isn't that Kurizaki?" One of them spoke. Judging from the feminine voice it was Adachi. As she was led down the rla of the tables, Kazu followed suit auth that dingy beanie of his.
"Ah you're right. Hey there Kurizaki," Kazu greeted with a lazy wave. I mentally cursed to myself regretting having come here. Silently I just nodded my head acknowledging his greeting. It was obvious they were on a date and slowly I was turning into a third wheel. Impatience was beginning to show on the waiter's face who asked repeatedly if the two would hurry and take their seats. For a moment I was relieved that they would be seated elsewhere, and I could go back to thinking by myself.
"Mind if we join you Kurizaki?" Adachi asked suddenly entering my personal space. Before I could even reply, she took a seat opposite of me all the while pulling Kazu into the booth with her.
I rolled my eyes seeing that she made herself comfortable either way. The waiter set down the menus for the other two glad to have dealt with them finally. My own server arrived shortly after only for me to send her away since I had lost my appetite already. Now the three of us sat in silence with an awkward atmosphere around us. Clearing his throat, Kazu was the first to speak up.
"So um, weren't you and Ikki supposed to be shopping together?" He asked. My heart sank seeing that I was already in the midst of being caught so early.
"Oh yeah I was," I said trying to think of alternative reasons. "We finished early, so he went home first." I added as two listened to my lie closely. "So what brings you guys here?" The question flowed wanting to quickly switch topics.
Before Kazu could respond, Adachi cut him off. "This our usual hangout spot. I love the food here." She grinned.
"Yeah, the other guys have also been here before. This one time Ikki-" Kazu paused as something vibrated. Casually he fished his phone out of his pocket. "Well speak of the devil, hey Ikki." He said answering the call. My heart froze wondering what that babyface wanted. "Kurizaki? She told me you guys finished early and you went home first." He said now narrowing his eyes at me. I took a nervous sip avoiding what had now turned into an accusing glare. "Well she's right here if you want to talk to her. Me and Emily ran into her at that one restaurant."
'Shit he knows where I'm at now,' I thought as Kazu handed me the phone. "What?" I blurted out unable to admit an apology to Ikki for my sudden disappearance.
"Where the hell have you been?" He shouted causing me to quickly retract the phone from my ear. "And you took my money bitch. Don't you know how worried Rika is?" The yelling continued as a few other people began to turn heads wondering what was going on.
"Chill out okay." I sighed not wanting anyone to worry over me. "I just had another errand to do." Both Adachi and Kazu looked puzzled and I felt slightly guilty for ruining their date. Ikki fumed for a few more moment as I kept refusing to explain myself any further. "I'll head back right now. I needed to pack my bags anyways." I said deciding to leave after all.
No longer yelling, Ikki grew quiet after realizing what I had said. "Why?" I kept silent unable to truthfully answer his question. "Where are you supposed to go if you leave?"
Before he could ask anymore questions, I hung up. Quietly I got up from my seat while leaving a tip for the server. Despite not having ordered anything, she was smart enough to avoid my table. At the corner of my eyes I saw her conversing with the impatient waiter from before.
"Are you really leaving?" Adachi asked still confused by the conversation.
"See you guys at school", was all I said before walking away.
Exiting the restaurant, I headed down the street. Already the sun had set and so I stopped for a moment wanting to slip on my ats. It was always a pain having to switch, but it helped me blend in with everyone else. In a new town without protection from another team, I couldn't risk getting caught up in a battle. However it was dark and I lacked comfort with this atmosphere. Having my own weapon with me made it seem much safer while heading home.
"Ugh that's not your home idiot." I groaned slapping my cheeks. Already I was getting sucked into that family and I couldn't afford to gain any attachments. The previous teams I've been in taught me how those closest to you were the first to be targeted easily.
The hum of the motor sounded through the night. Eventually I was halfway there before a loud noise erupted from up ahead. Instinctively I stopped trying to analyze what I heard. Someone shouted, and a body was thrown out from the alleyway. The villain emerged aiming to finish off the enemy. The familiar emblem on his jacket made me shudder at the realization that Pitbull had made its way here.
"This area is under our control now." He said grabbing the boy by his collar. For a few moments he started to beat the boy while shouting slurs of hate.
Just watching began to irritate me. Those guys were always jerks and I never got to finish them off. Surely one would be easy to take on. While he was distracted with beating the boy into submission, I crept close enough to launch a fang. The guy finally noticed me.
"Oh its you", he muttered releasing the kid. "The brat who got away with disrespecting the boss and leaving the pack." I sighed seeing that I was still the hated topic in the gang. "Think I'll get a promotion if I offer her your head?"
He was just like a dog willing to do anything for praise and an extra bone. Most of the members were like that so it didn't take me by surprise. "Get out of here already." I said directing a harsh glare at the teen who hadn't escaped by now. Realizing his chance, he bolted out of there. I grinned to myself happy to see the smart and selfish act, just what I would've done. "Alright dog, now what was that about taking my head?"
His face grew red in frustration at my lack of fear. Thinking he could make me eat my words, the man charged at me aiming to attack. Easily I dodged and created some distance between us. He was just another follower like the others and so I already gauged his power level. Quickly I headed off to a less populated area where I could deal with this fool without the worry of destroying the surrounding area.
Once I secured a good location, I spun around to face the enemy head on. I launched a fang catching him off guard. He took on the attack, recovered, and charged again. It wasn't hard to read his movements for his punches were sloppy and easy to predict. Dodging a kick to the face, I felt a sharp pain on the side of my face.
"Cheater", I muttered wiping at the now small cut on my cheek that bleeded slightly. The enemy simply grinned showing off the knife he brought along with him. I should've expected such an obvious outcome before taking him on. However, I could on try to defeat him and hope to get out of this unscathed.
Once again, I attacked with another fang. With the distraction, I closed the distance between us and landed a punch to his stomach. The man doubled over muttering all kinds of curses. I smirked glad to have the upper hand now. Wasting no time, I aimed a kick at his leg wanting to immobilize the prey. Destroying his mobility to escape would make this fight all the more easier.
All of a sudden, I felt a sharp pain in my leg. Instead of him crying out in agony, I was fell to one knee and clutched my bleeding leg. The dog loomed over me with his bloodied knife in hand. I gave him one quick glare trying not to let the pain bother a deep breath, I attempted to stand; however, he punched me back down to the ground. My energy to stand was slowly diminishing. For a few moments I wanted to just lie where I was until the bleeding stopped. Of course that was impossible with the knife being brought to my face as I felt my body being lifted from the ground.
"You have a lot of fucking enemies huh?" I heard an annoyed voice say. Turning my head, I saw the familiar Fang King. Silently I curse to myself finding it embarrassing that he would see me in another desperate situation.
"The hell are you?" The gang member questioned dropping me to the floor. "You this bitch's knight in shining armour or what? Oi, I'm talking to you tiny brat." He said waving the knife in front of Agito. I smirked at the fact this guy thought he could take on a king-class rider.
"You seriously couldn't handle a weakling like him?" He signed staring at me who had managed to get back on my feet. I looked away already knowing my own naivety and weakness. "Fine, I'll do it for you." He muttered cracking his knuckles. "I was planning on getting more territory anyways."
The man looked from me to Agito unsure of why the pipsqueak was so confident. He took a defensive stance not knowing what to expect. Agito decided to attack first wanting to entrap the man in his array of hooks. I expected the fight to be over with, but someone stepped in to the scene. She wore a similar jacket I saw the twins with and I felt a gust of chill air erupt from her.
"I was worried about our new member so followed her home. Aw geez to think that Ayano was sucha easy target for meanies like him." She said pointing over at the gang member. The girl immediately disrupted whatever coolness she had to her. Before me was just a childish girl who didn't even seen like she had a chance. "Gah and even the Fang King shows up, you're quite the magnet for bad guys", She added as I felt her arms wrap around me. My eyes widened wondering how she got so close to me so quickly. "Have no fear though, I, Fuyuka Yukimura shall banish these villains before us."
"Wait, who the hell are you?" I questioned creating some distance between us. "I don't remember ever meeting a Fuyuki."
"Fuyuka you peasant!" She shouted correcting me. "I'm a member of Eve's Garden just like you." She said causing the man to go pale. Turning her attention back to the fight, she headed over to the enemy not letting her icy gaze falter.
My eye widened as she pushed Agito to the side. Even he was caught off guard, but quietly scowled at the girl instead of attempting to shred her to pieces. "I can take over from here sharky", she giggled. "This is now a fight between Eve and Pitbull. Kogarasumaru doesn't have anything to do with this." Fuyuka muttered darkly. "Alrighty then, prepare yourself! I'm going to make a human popsicle out of you." She called out pointing at her target.
I gripped my arms feeling a cold chill all of a sudden. Slowly, light frost covered the ground and my breathing made small ghosts each second. I looked over at Agito wondering what he thought of the situation, but he kept his hard glare and was too focused on what Fuyuka planned to do. Sighing, I too shifted my attention to the battle having almost missed the first attack.
Fragments of ice was sent flying back at us from the loud crash. After shielding my eyes, the green grass had been coated in white frost. The nearby trees were frozen solid as well. In the center of what felt like a frozen wasteland, was the white haired girl tapping on a case of ice enclosing the Pitbull member. The man was frozen solid and was only able to move his eyes. Despite him having attacked first, I felt a bit sorry for his vulnerable state.
"Ta-da", Fuyuka said in a sing song voice. She tapped on the ice once more before giving it a small lick. "This one doesn't taste as good as the last", she sighed in disappointment. "Bye-bye then."
Once again I was struck with shock. The girl slammed her AT into the ice. Small cracks began to form all over the frozen figure. Another swing, and it all shattered. The enemy had been broken into pieces of ice beginning to slowly melt. Before I could even feel any remorse, Fuyuka broke the silence.
"You're welcome fledgling", she grinned patting me on the shoulder. "Akira told me to remind you not to betray us by the way." She whispered menacingly in my ear sending a shiver of fear down my spine. "See you later, bye."
I stood for a another minute or two after she left. I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into now. The team seemed far more dangerous than Pitbull ever was. "Who the fuck was that?" Agito said pulling on my arm. "The hell are you doing behind our backs?"
"Nothing. It's none of your business." I answered walking off. I couldn't face anyone now. Quickly, I just wanted to grab my bags and leave. It seemed that I stayed here too long.
In silence, the two of us headed back. I ignored all of Agito's questions not really having answers for any of them. "Kurizaki", he called out, but the tone felt different from usual. It was more timid, and when I finally stopped to face him, his eyes looked more normal. "I know you have your reasons for not telling anyone about this", he began holding onto my sleeve as if he knew I was tempted to run away right then. "but I want to let you know the three of us are just worried about you."
"Three?" I questioned wanting to switch the subject to anything besides me leaving to join another team. Ikki already told me about Agito and Akito, but I didn't think there was a third persona. Shaking off the confusion, I decided to change topics. "Look, I want to stay, but plans have changed." I sighed as we reached the house. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door bracing myself for an array of questions and arguing. Already a shoe was thrown my way which I barely managed to dodge.