A/N: HEY! :D Thanks for all the support and encouragement on this fic so far! I really appreciate the reviews and I am very much pleased that you guys are enjoying this story so far. Believe me when I say this, it's a LONG story or will be. So, sit back and enjoy :) Also, It's very much a recreational activity for me so I am trying my best to Beta it myself, forgive me for the mistakes you guys my find, but I am super busy with my studies and the program I am trying to get into to bother any of the people I know could beta it. But in the future that may change. I do hope this does not detour you from giving this story a chance or continue reading.
This next chapter is a long one! I do hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I will try my best to update soon, but since I am on crunch time with the semester coming to an end I may not update till mid May. Not to worry however, chapter 7 and so on is on it's way to being complete.
Now on with the story!
Chapter 6
"Pushing discoveries"
After discovering that his stash of pixie sticks that he kept in his bag just for an extra sugar boost were gone, Rowen had went through stages of cursing in blue streak as he pulled out the old files, to grumbling to himself what sort of pain he would love to inflect on the blonde ronin. He pondered the possibilities, storing those ideas in the back of his mind he settled down and focused on his goal.
Maybe this one Rowen thought to himself as he moved one of the files to the other table. So far he had occupied two tables in the university library and covered them with all the files he had been collecting for the past two months. He walked back and forth between the two tables sitting in one chair another skimming through papers trying to find the right one. So far he was not as successful.
"I know it's here," he mumbled to himself as he walked back to the tables, eyeing each box of papers critically. Finally deciding he picked up one of the papers as if it were the right one and took the papers out. He yawned tiredly sitting down in the chair scanning the papers.
"There's an ancient myth that the armors were worn and used in play," he read the same document over again, sighing at his lack of new information. He leaned back against the chair holding the paper. We have our new armors; all because of Sunizugine we were able to free her soul. He placed the papers down and leaned back more. But what are the negative effects of having any armor born out of her hatred he gazed up at the window ceiling, gazing at the stars. He leaned further back, watching the heavens change precisely by the minute. He smiled tiredly; at least the night is consistent he thought the bright galaxies sparkling.
Haven't spent most of the day in the library, He was the only one left now.
This is connected to the armors he set his feet up on the table, and leaned back on the chair. But it doesn't feel like the armors have anything to do with this time rift his eyes connected the stars to one another forming the constellation Orion, the archer. Why did she give them to us then? There has to be a reason he thought yawning once more. We're going to need them he thought through another yawn.
He let the chair down. He got up returning to the boxes digging through them until he found the paper he was looking for. He picked it up, flipping through the pages scanning it as if his eyes would come across the magic words. He scowled slightly at this. There has to be something he thought as he sat in the chair, reading through the paper.
----
Sage paused starring at his family's home. His migraine had mitigated ever so slightly since his departure from the apartment and he was feeling hesitant about going in. With a sigh, he pushed the door open entering the entry hall for what made to be a traditional Japanese home. He glanced around the hall finding the home silent and empty. He expected that much. He took off his shoes, and slid open the door that led to the living room.
"Seiji," An elderly woman dressed in a dark kimono greeted him, her expression filled with surprise.
"Grandmother," He responded with a respectful bow, a smile tugging on his lips. The older woman smiled faintly as she made her way over.
"What bring you here?" she asked curiously, having not seen her grandson for some time now.
"I have come to get some of the herbs you use for tea," He answered unsurely at first, knowing there was more to his sudden visit than a simple headache. He knew the armor, Korin prodded here, he wasn't sure why exactly.
"I see, come," she said taking him by the arm and leading him through the living room to the kitchen. She let go of his arm as they entered. She made her way over to the cabinets taking a hold of a bowl filled with herbs on the counter, along with the platter next to them that she had been using to break down.
"Where is grandfather?" he asked slowly leaning against the sliding door, his arms crossed to his chest. He was curious, he hadn't seen his grandfather for some time, and felt a strange sensation at the thought of him.
"At the dojo, he wont be home for awhile," she paused in thought as she mixed the herbs. She looked up at him "the same with your mother and father," she added. Sage watched her as she moved around procuring a teacup from the stove and full kettle and brought it back to the counter. She filled the teacup with hot water and mixed it with the herbs.
"Here," she handed him the cup of tea.
"Thank you," he said bowing once more and taking the cup from her hands. She smiled as he took a sip. The tea was strong with a little sweetness to it; he took a whiff of it instantly feeling the pressure in his temples leaving. Finally he thought taking another sip, and feeling himself relax. His grandmother smiled, sipping her own tea.
"Thank you," he said once more maintaining his very composed attitude that he had grown up with.
"I do need to go now," he said slowly setting the now empty cup on the counter and facing her. She frowned setting her own teacup down.
"Seiji, it's late stay for the night," she proposed softly.
"I have class's tomorrow grandmother," he responded the idea of staying causing him to feel strangely uneasy. His grandmother narrowed her eyes in a disapproving manner; it reminded him of the times when she would lecture him as a child before setting his grandfather on him.
"I have faith that you will be ready for your classes even if you did stay," she nodded her head as if to say 'you know I am right' "I would prefer it if you stayed," she declared.
"Alright," he confirmed not wanting to disrespect his elder, yet sighing inwardly.
"Come," she said tugging him by the arm and leading him upstairs to his room. He thanked her once more as she departed for the living room quarter once again.
He pushed the door open to his room, quietly closing it behind him. He stood gazing around taking in every aspect of the dark almost empty room; it was still the way he had left it a year ago when he moved down to Tokyo in the apartment with Rowen. There was his bed at the corner, followed by a desk to the left; along with his bookshelf and old family sword that he had used to master swording. It was odd to him now; looking back at the room that he hated the most as a child. He walked slowly to the middle where moonlight fell the heaviest from the window.
This room was filled with the bitter resentment he held for his family and the traditional mindset they had set upon him. Memories of the times he would walk in slamming the door and sitting in the middle of the room attempting to rid of the negativity, rushed to his mind. This room symbolized his rebellious youth that clashed with his grandparents traditional up bringing.
He brushed his blond hair back, sighing. He hadn't been back here till after the incident in New York; he remembered the dreams that often woke him; screaming bloody murder, finding comfort from either his youngest sister Satsuki; that sat by his side when Rowen wasn't here or any of the other guys, that did everything in their power to aid him. He smiled faintly at these bittersweet memories. There were the times he found himself panting for breath, feeling the destructive force Halo was forced to become, that went hand in hand with the times where he had his friends helping him overcome it, their strength holding him up.
He moved towards his bed. He couldn't help but feel as if he were suffocating being in the mere presence of this house. He had overcome these memories, this way of life. He laid down, starring at his ceiling. He wasn't comfortable being back here. He sighed now I am sounding like Rowen he thought to himself; he was contemplating this a little a too much, something that Rowen did constantly. The difference is he obsesses over the slightest situation daily he thought smirking at the glares he'd receive if he were to hear this.
"I best try to sleep," he muttered, closing his eyes wishing day would come so he could carry on with his life and not reside in the memories that he had surpassed.
The moonlight fell heavily on the city; the wind rustled the clothes that hang on the line across two building apartments. Drops of water dripped down from the pipe running down the building. Just at the terrace of an apartment, a kitten rested its body against the window; its emerald orbs cast upon the figure twisting and turning under the sheet covers inside. His eyes clenched tightly
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"Stop it!" he moaned.
The screams mixed with laughter were hurting his eardrums as he tried to pull free from the hands that pulled him back into darkness. He struggled against them their coils burning against his skin.
"Help me!" he called to the figures above him, that were so familiar to him, that he was sure he knew.
Please
They moved on not acknowledging his presence as he slipped deeper into darkness; the laughter and screaming severing his hearing.
"Let go!" he yelled hoarsely, as he tried determinedly to get free; he needed to get free. Long pale slender fingers covered his mouth tightly, pushing his head even further back. His screams muffled; the figures carrying on.
"NOOO!" He screamed waking up. He shook furiously, looking around the room shaken. Relax, you're ok, you're ok he thought placing his hands on his brow; his shaking subsiding slightly. He closed his eyes the images flashing before his eyes, paining him.
"Stop it," he breathed heavily trying to stop them from forming over and over, the hands the figures above him, the screaming woman, and the cruel laughter.
"Stop it!" he yelled his eyes opened once more. He could feel the pain, the pain tearing him inside one piece at a time. Eyes flaring, he grasped the glass water on his beside table and threw it across the room; the glass shattered against the wall; sparkles spreading all over the floor, glistening in the moonlight.
He breathed heavily, as if the spell was broken. He shuddered moving out of his bed towards the window, a whiff of ginger disappearing from sight.
----
"Seiji, you will learn Kendo, and self-control," an elderly man said in a strict voice.
"I don't like Kendo," the young boy answered scowling.
"It is tradition you will carry it on, and uphold the family honor," the elderly man responded his eyes burning with seriousness.
"I don't like Kendo," the younger boy repeated not at all effected by the elders man piercing gaze.
"You will master it," the elder man repeated fading into a dark room, both figures standing.
"Clear you mind Seiji!" the elderly man commanded.
"In a battle, you must keep a clear mind and not allow your emotions to take control of your conscious thought,"
The boy panted out of breath.
"Now try again," the elder man prompted the boy taking position.
"What is this?" he pondered looking around in the cold dark basement, surprised and interested in the armor he had never seen before.
"Korin?" he questioned his hand touching the smooth metal feeling the a jolt course through his body. He gaped, feeling the connection with the armor.
Sage watched his dream from afar, the memories play before him.
"You alright Sage?" Rowen asked worriedly as he awoke from the chair next to his bed. He starred at him nodding, images of his past changing rapidly before his eyes.
"You must maintain the tradition and family honor," elders man piercing eyes.
"Clear your mind," he command.
He watched the images fade into the landscape, the waterfall falling against the rocks. He felt the soothing wind cool his body, as he sat meditating on.
"Sage of Halo, strength relies within conquering the demons of your past," the voice of the ancient filled his surroundings. He exhaled listening, the world around him changing darkly. The boy he knew covered in a veil of darkness.
Ryo he thought feeling a sharp tug from the bond, the darkness fading; being replaced by bright light. He opened his eyes, the light from the window greeting him. He pushed himself up from the bed, the birds chirping filling the air. I need to find Rowen, with that he got up readying himself for departure.
-------------
"Right here!" he muttered, waking himself up. He opened his eyes open greeting the blurry vision of bookshelves around him. It took him a moment to register where he was; finally realization dawned at him and he shot up, the papers he was reading stuck to his face.
"Oww," he winced his neck aching. He pulled the papers that had glued to his chin from the drivel, his chin and lips stinging. He winced, you would think these old papers would have less of a capability to stick he thought rubbing the back of his neck furiously. Definitely pulled that muscle he thought dryly as he looked up at the ceiling, finding the sky lit by the sunrays.
"What time is it?" he asked himself glancing at his watch, realizing he had just slept through his Physics class. Great, he got up too late for that class he thought grumpily pushing the chair outside. Rowen wasn't a morning a person, especially when he was sleep-deprived and in the process of researching.
He started placing all the documents back into their right boxes sealing them up once more for later. He grabbed the document that he had used as a pillow and had retaliated by sticking to his face scowling as he read through it. He paused noticing something new; writing in some ancient language he had not seen before. You learn something new every day he thought taking the piece of paper and placing it in a folder inside his bag feeling extremely agitated for not taking notice of this before. Rubbing his eyes, He thought now was time to go have a cup of coffee and a certain blonde's head for taking his pixie sticks.
Ryo slipped a sweater over his head, pulling his bag on one shoulder before walking out of his apartment. I want it to end, he thought as he made his way through the crowded streets. His anxieties and pain grew as the dreams intensified. He hadn't slept well for the past four weeks. Why can't they stop? He asked himself as he crossed the cross walk, reaching the university. They wouldn't, and he knew this no matter how much he wished the nightmares would go away.
He walked into the classroom barely noticing the smile mixed with Surprise Hiroshi gave him for being earlier than usual. It feels like the armor wants me to break away, he took his usual seat by the window. I don't understand, he sighed deeply. He didn't understand what was happening to him. He tried to shrug away his thoughts, taking out his notebook, willing himself to focus on his notes.
"I can't really believe it Sakura, what a cruel bastard,"
Ryo glanced back, looking at a blond girl to his left speaking quietly to a dark-haired girl.
"Yeah, I know he was talking about it with Hohaku in physics this morning," she paused noticing another pair of eyes was on them "but that's what college does to you," She cast it off "makes you drop all the friends you ever had; you're moving on to big and better things,"
"I know that, but he's been friends with them for such a long time, I know that when I am feeling crummy or need a laugh my friends check on me," she nodded her head "we check on each other if we haven't heard from each other in a day or two," she sighed.
"Like I said, people change, but its fine if you have a family you're close to like they seem to have" she added slowly, a smirk slightly tugging on her lips.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," the blond girl sighed in agreement. Ryo sighed slightly turning back to his notes, the black-haired girl smirking.
"So where is Hotaru?" the blond asked bored with the subject.
"Probably in some forest some where," she dark-haired girl shrugged.
Ryo focused back on his notes.
"Family, blood that is" Dawns words echoed through his mind. But his family was gone, all of his blood relations. He held his chin up starring down at his notes. The guys and Mia were all I have, or did, he thought seeing how they really didn't see each other that much. It pained him.
"Friends come and go,"
Dawn was right. He moved back in his chair. I need to stop this we have trials coming up soon, I can't let the team down, he thought determinedly shrugging back all his thoughts, the emotions that plagued him, the pain; believing it was the only thing he could do.
-------------
Sage was barely even near the café when he could here a familiar voice ranting heavily across the street. He sighed to himself looking up as if asking for guidance from the ancients. He had just regained his solace; he wasn't looking forward to another migraine.
"Well, this doesn't have enough caffeine in it,"
He caught parts of the conversation, quirking his brow at the scene before him. He found a disgruntled looking Rowen speaking to a short plum man in apron that did not seem to happy about what was being said; people from the tables, passer bys, were gazing upon the two, eyes darting back and forth between them.
"It has the right amount caffeine a latté would," the short man responded looking him up and down "and judging by your size, it's perfect," the man added glaring at him.
"Judging?" he questioned arching his brows, his eyes bulging madly. Sage sighed, the guy didn't know what he was dealing with; the best way to head Rowen off was either to show him a direct fact or let him have his little hissy fit and then counter his attack. Now he had just given the opening he needed to carry on ranting making the situation for himself even worse.
"I am surprised you're able to keep this place running!" he took a breath gesturing towards the café "your teacups are chipped not to mention the herbs that are used for them are not organic and fresh as the sign claims,"
Sage gaped at him, unbelievable he thought for a moment no wait, that's Rowen for you. Only he could make the worse of the simplest situation. He rubbed his temples moving closer in on him.
"And your right shutter is a shade of green off from the left one," he paused "and you call yourself an owner, you can't even seem to take care of these simple matters,"
The man in the apron, glared angrily having grown a shade of red from embarrassment mixed with anger Sage had a feeling it was more anger than embarrassment and that it was now time to restrain his hot-headed friend.
"I am sorry Suiko!" Sage said as he pulled Rowen back from the man glaring at him. what the hell do you think you're doing? He reached to him using the bond, Rowen just glowered at him.
"Forgive him, he's under much stress from the engineering exam he has," Sage lied easily "He doesn't know what he's saying,"
The man just glanced at Rowen with a look filled with venom.
"Just keep him away from my café," he answered looking at Sage with a serious expression still red with anger and embarrassment.
"Not a problem," Sage nodded his head grasping Rowen by the collar of his shirt and pulling him away before he could say another thing. After turning down the corner at the street, he turned and shook his head at him.
"Have you lost your mind completely?" he demanded eyeing him.
"No, I am fine pleasantly fine thank you," Rowen responded his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Then what was that about?" Sage asked with irritation, while maintaining a leveled tone.
"That man brings shame to all business owners," he said slowly "There was a noticeable distinction that there was more ice and cream then caffeine in the coffee and he refused to admit it," He stopped, brushing his blue bangs out of his hair, glaring at him once more. The people around them glanced at them as they moved on. Sage sighed heavily, shaking his head in frustration as they moved on to a quiet neighborhood area, where few people were out, the majority housewives and elders.
"I am serious Touma," He stopped him "If you don't calm down you're going to suffer a mental break down," not that you haven't already.
"I-" he huffed
"Are already almost over the tip of the ledge you stand on," Sage cut him off before he could retort, "I noticed," he added sarcastically.
"Funny," Rowen responded running a hand through his hair furiously. He had gone through five stages this morning and right now he felt the full extent of his fatigue. He sighed heavily letting go of his anger.
"I just want to know what's happening. Whose doing this, why each time I walk down the street it feels like the world has shifted into something else," he sighed rubbing his temples, hating the inadequate information he kept finding.
"Eventually will know, but for the moment you need to calm down and get some sleep," Sage said quietly as he started walk.
"I will," Rowen followed.
"You better," Sage warned "Because if I have to get thrown out of another café your coffee drinking days will be over," he gave him a serious look.
"One you don't even drink coffee; you should be happy your not going to that place again" Rowen retorted factually; sounding more like his own argumentative self.
"Two I can make my own coffee,"
"One," Sage said glancing at him "I do drink it on occasion, and your coffee is too bitter" he smirked "two, your atrocious cooking skills are evidence to that"
"Very funny, asshole," Rowen glared as they made turn reaching their neighborhood apartment.
"Clear your mind and get some sleep, and I mean real sleep," Sage said narrowed his eyes.
"I have classes," he added as they both came to a stop in front of the steps to the apartment.
"Ill meet you on the way to Ryo's"
"Sounds good to me," Rowen nodded with a yawn finally agreeing with Sage. With that they departed, Rowen up in the apartment and Sage heading for his classes, the clouds passing overhead, the sunlight becoming fainter.
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Ryo sighed walking out of his apartment just having finished his environmental work. Realization dawned on him that he was going to be late for practice if he didn't leave soon. That's all I need he thought imaging the coaches expression and possible lectures for being late. He sighed tiredly; he wouldn't let the team down. He shrugged his thoughts away needing to focus on the game and not his emotions.
"Ryo,"
He stopped looking up to find Rowen standing in front of him, peering at him curiously.
"Ro," he said almost in disbelief; it had been a long time since the last time he saw him.
Rowen starred at him noticing the dark shades under his eyes. From a mere glance he could till he was not doing good. The dark shades under his eyes from the last he saw them had grown a darker, his eyes looked red, his piercing blue eyes held the oddest expression to him.
"Where are you going?" he asked shaking off his scrutiny "I was just coming over."
"I am heading to practice I am kind of in a hurry," Ryo responded feeling agitated with the need to distant himself from him.
"Cant it wait?" Rowen asked "there's something we need to discuss, Sage is on his way right now" he glanced around as if expecting to show up.
"What's it about?" He asked feeling a tug within him, reminding him of the hands pulling him, the figures above. Stop it!
"It has to do with the armors and what's been going on recently," Rowen responded noticing a different emotion in his eyes, something he usually didn't see from him.
"Not this again," Ryo said his temper rising; this is how everything had started with Rowen's persistence to finding out more than he knew. He wasn't going stand for it this time around.
"Look Ro, I am not interested in what new discoveries you've made about the armors," he said coldly "Now if you excuse me, I have practice that I can't be late for," with that he turned bumping into the tall blond he knew. Sage felt a jolt at the touch.
Ryo disregarded him, moving pass him; feeling his stomach constrict with unimaginable pang.
"Ryo wait!" Rowen called turning to follow him noticing Sage. They both stood there watching as him disappear into the crowds forming.
"What was that about?" Rowen questioned turning to Sage hoping he had some logical reason why he had just blown them both off.
"He seems different, like he didn't really care,"
"No, that's not it," Sage said looking ahead of him, feeling wildfire slowly drifting. Rowen arched his brow in a questioning manner as if to say "well". Sage turned and gazed into his eyes.
"He felt lost, and hurt," And in pain, he answered having looked into his emotions, something he rarely did unless needed to.
"I don't like the look of this," Rowen commented.
"Hey wait!" he called, Sage having just started to walk on.
"There's nothing we can do here," Sage said quietly as they continued walking down the street.
"Will try later,"
Rowen sighed walking with him back to the apartment contemplating the situation at hands.