die Folge version eins
Part One; Dramatic Image
Chapter Seven; Sepia
Lady
I know this life is vanity
Yet my grief
But grows ever worse
Nagi rolled over in bed and swatted the alarm. For a long moment he lay there, staring at the ceiling with one arm draped over his forehead. He had taken Ran's old room because he was already comfortable with it, so the ceiling was familiar. He stirred a little, working the last stiff dredges of sleep out of his body before getting up. He was warm and comfortable and silence in the building was pleasant.
Pleasant. The word was practically new to his vocabulary. Nothing before Aya had ever been 'pleasant'. Nagi frowned a little, recalling the recent events. He'd grown comfortable with the life he had now. He wouldn't do with it being ruined. It was so strange. All his life, he had been an outcast. It was only after people had good reason to reject him that he'd found himself accepted for the first time.
Nagi finally dragged himself out of bed. He edged open the door and stole quietly into the cool, dark hallway.
He'd just reached the bathroom at the end when a sleepy voice inquired, " What're you doing up, kiddo? " Nagi turned around and Youji blinked sheepishly. " Oh, you're not Omi. Sorry. " Youji padded down the hall towards him, yawning. " What's the time, anyway? "
" Five, " Nagi answered plainly.
" You're getting up to work this early? " Youji looked incredulous.
" I like the silence. "
" Yes, but-- " Youji gripped the doorknob of Omi's bedroom, shaking his head in mock defeat. " I'll never understand morning people. Oyasu- er, Ohayou... whatever. Ja. " He closed the door and shuffled over to the bed, yawning again. Since Aya and Nagi each had separate rooms and Omi had put Ken in Youji's old room, for the duration of Omi's stay in Tokyo Youji and he were sharing a room. It worked out well enough, since Youji slept through the day and Omi slept through the night like the rest of the normal world.
Youji nudged the sleeping form of Omi. " Move over, kiddo. " Omi mumbled and complied, leaving enough space for Youji to ease his lanky form under the blankets. He stared at the ceiling listening to the steady, even pace of Omi's breathing. He didn't know how long he was awake before he finally drifted to sleep.
(@)
I hope that we will meet again
Later like the later-lily
Because we're so close now.
He took a moment to secure his schoolbag against his side and to pop the last bit of toast into his mouth before he kicked the bicycle into motion. The wind ruffled his fluffy brown hair and hastily knotted tie as he coasted down the hill and scraped around the sharp corner at the bottom. Kobioshi Jun stood on the pedals and put all his effort into eliciting more speed against the wind.
" Kobioshikun! "
Kobioshi hit the brakes and turned on his seat to watch his friends catch up to him on their bikes. " Ohayou! "
" O-ha! " the girl in the lead called. " Today's the art competition, isn't it? "
" Junkun's going to win, of course, " a larger boy declared and smacked Kobioshi on the back.
" There's no proof of that, Katayamasempai... " Kobioshi trailed off, starting the bike up again at a slower pace to accommodate them.
" Pfft " the girl waggled a finger at him. " Don't have that attitude. I'm sure it's a gorgeous painting. FIRST PLACE- KOBIOSHI JUUUNNNNNN!!! "
Kobioshi nearly fell off his bike. " Masayachan... "
" Hohoho, gomen! "
Kobioshi shook his head and smiled while he listened to Katayama and Masaya plan into the future far past his 'win'. By the time they reached the school he'd already won four medals and been made an honorary member of parliament. Kobioshi parked his bike and headed for the building housing the show and competition, his friends still chatting the entire way. They didn't stop until Kobioshi had lead them through the people making last minute preparations and adjusting the banner that read Takeshi Aida School of Arts 12th Anniversary Gallery Show and Competition.
" Ooohhhh... " Masaya pushed her way forward and gazed at the canvas. " He's cute. "
The painting measured roughly 50 by 80 cm, the heavy dark wood frame included. The frame did well to offset the vibrant mosaic of colours laid over each other in strong postimpressionist influence. A man with scarlet hair sat on the left end of a park bench, wearing a brown overcoat and ribbed orange sweater that worked well with the heady autumn setting without fading into the background; a feat only a skilled painter could have accomplished. The subject of the painting was reading a small beige hardcover book with dull gold lettering. If you looked very closely, you could see his eyes, beneath downturned black lashes, were the only cool colour in the entire composition: frosted lavender.
Katayama looked at Kobioshi, who was visibly brimming with pride. " Who is that? "
Kobioshi shrugged. " His name is Fujimiya Ran, and he was reading German poetry. That's all I know about him. "
" Fujimiya? " Masaya repeated. " That's the name of the girl who's working at the Koneko no Sumu Ie. I bought flowers from her for the reception committee. "
" Husband? " Katayama mused.
Masaya laughed loudly. " No way, not her. She's like, sixteen. Nobody gets married that young anymore. Must be her brother. Or cousin. Or some sort of relation. "
Kobioshi said, " Okay... "
Katayama placed a hand on top of Masaya's head. " How much sugar was in your coffee this morning Masayachan? "
" I resent that. "
Kobioshi was still looking at the painting. " It's worth a try... Masayachan, can you take me to that flowershop over lunch break? If I can, I'd like to invite Fujimiyasan to the exhibition. "
" Sure! It wasn't that far away. "
(@)
The autumn clover
That blooms in autumn fields
Is wet with autumn dew
As it bends before the autumn wind.
It was eleven thirty when Ken emerged once more into the world, and it wasn't a very lengthly visit. He shuffled into the kitchen just as Aya was opening the rice cooker and Omi was slicing eggplant. The kitchen smelled like lunch, which was the only way Ken registered the time of day.
" Kenkun! " " Kensan! " the two said in unison, looking up from their individual tasks.
" I'm fine, I'm fine, " Ken bobbed his head in answer to their unspoken questions. " It hurts though. Where are my painkillers? "
" Over here, " Omi scurried to the side counter and snatched up the bottle the doctor had given him. " I'll get you something to drink. Do you want lychee? "
" If you have some, yeah! " Ken perked up a little.
" Are those caplets? " Aya inquired, scooping steaming rice into a little bowl as she looked over. " Isn't that funny? I can remember when all medicine came in little white packets. "
" Most still do, " Omi examined the bottle. " I think this is just tylenol 3 or something. "
" Ohhh.... " Aya arranged some eggplant on a plate next to the ricebowl and placed a fried egg from the stove on top. " Tada! We made enough for you Kensan, help yourself. I'm taking this to Nagikun. "
Ken sipped the lychee juice Omi set in front of him. " Ayachan really likes Nagi... "
Omi smiled and got their eggs. " Hai. "
Aya popped her head back in. She said, " I heard that; " and then disappeared again. She maneuvered through the backroom to the store and set the tray down on the counter. " I can handle that Nagikun, you go eat your lunch. " Aya effortlessly traded places with him where he was helping an elderly lady chose between bouquets. " These are very nice, and they smell lovely. Here, try... "
Nagi pulled a stool over to the counter and sat to his food.
The door opened to admit a young woman with waist length blonde hair. In response to Aya's welcome, she wavered her hand and assured, " I'm just looking for now, thank you. " She wandered to the other end of the store as the door opened again.
" Fujimiyasan! " Masaya declared.
" Ah! " Aya took a moment to place her, " Masayasan. From the art school, deshou? Were the flowers satisfactory? "
" They were perfect. Ne, can I ask you a question? " Masaya barreled right on, not waiting for an answer, " Do you know someone named Fujimiya Ran? Red hair? Reads German books? "
Aya blinked, surprised by this. " Ah, ehtou, yes, I do. That's my oniichan. Why do you ask? "
" Well, " Masaya pulled a shy looking boy forward quite roughly by the arm, " Kobioshikun here was looking to find him, as he painted him for the competition and since he's gonna win it'd be nice to have the model there with him, y'know? " Masaya spoke with a quick vivacious pace that had a vague kansai accent to it.
" Oh, he did? I hadn't heard about that, may I come see? " Aya requested.
Kobioshi blushed. " Er, yeah... it's open to the public this... this afternoon. "
" Oh good, I can come after Sakurachan takes over this afternoon. Ano, I'm sorry though, I don't know where Oniichan is right now. We don't keep in touch much, as he's... quite busy... "
" Oh, " Masaya said, looking downcast, as did Kobioshi. " That's too bad. Well, if by chance you see him... "
" I'll be sure to pass it on, " Aya agreed.
" Great! " Masaya began steering Kobioshi back to the door. " I'm playing hostess, so I'll likely see you this afternoon. Remember, it's at the Takeshi Aida school. Bai bai! "
" Sayounara, " Aya waved. She turned to the lady who had preceded the two students. " Are you still alright? "
" Oh yes, honey, " the lady assured her airily, " I'm fine. "
(@)
Even seeing you in dreams is
painful--
I wake and grope about
But don't even touch your hand.
" Asuka! " Youji bolted up in bed and gripped the sheets with both hands. He twisted the fabric almost the the breaking point, where the threads creaked and gave protest against ripping apart. He'd been dreaming, and it was a different dream. He'd been choking her, watching the life seep out of her, all while blood ran down their faces and she... and she...
Youji gulped air and ran his fingers through his hair. Afterall these years you'd think... you'd think...
Figuring he was awake now, he might as well get up, Youji rummaged through the bags of purchases from the day before and withdrew with an agreeable ensemble. He had to go to get new sunglasses, which reminded him; where the hell was Ishida and how was he going to be making money now?
Sufficiently dressed in something other than yesterday's clothes, (It wasn't right to sleep naked with the kid) Youji pulled open the door and hoped there was coffee still made. Granted, there were those times he'd been sick and Omi had fallen asleep looking after him. Youji shook his head as he descended the narrow stairs. It was little wonder people didn't start imagining some sort of homo-erotic relationship between them.
Youji entered the empty kitchen and noted there was rice, but no coffee. Rice didn't have caffeine, so he started a new pot of coffee and sought out Omi in the store. " Hey kiddo. "
" Hi Youjikun, " Omi greeted him from the til. " There's rice in the cooker we left for you. "
" Ehn, I'm making more coffee. "
" Youjikun, " Omi reprimanded. " Food isn't going to kill you. "
" There's no proof of that. Anyway, am I supposed to start working here now? Do I call you 'kachou', 'goshujin', or 'omi-sama'? "
Omi made a show of mulling this over. " I suppose I could hire you. But I'll need an up-to-date resume and at least three references. "
" Very funny. "
Omi tapped his pencil against his bottom lip.
" Police station fired you, Youji? " Ken inquired, his brow furrowed as he edged past Youji into the store.
Omi dropped his pencil and ducked to retrieve it. Youji gave him a reproachful look as he answered, " Well, since my apartment blew up in a gas-related accident, we figured it was best if I came back here for a bit so I can scrape together some cash to get a new place... and... well, I can keep an eye on Ayachan in the meanwhile. "
" Oh, " Ken shrugged on his coat, wincing a little as he lifted his wounded arm, " Good plan. I'm going home, but, keep me informed. "
" Will do. " Youji watched Ken leave the store for the bus stop, calling out parting words along with Omi. Once Ken was out of sight he rounded on Omi. " You-! Little squirt, what's the big idea leaving me to cover? And... " he looked around, " where's the kids? "
" I gave them the afternoon off to go to an art show Ayachan was invited to. So, as the new employee, you can start by watering the plants. " Omi pointed to the watering can on the corner of the table.
" Leave it to me, Tsukiyono-kachou. "
(@)
When I look upon the mountain roses
Planted at my door
My longing is not calmed--
My love increases.
" Hi there!! " Masaya greeted cheerfully as Aya, Nagi, and Sakura approached the table she was manning. " Welcome! Welcome! Did you find the gallery alright? Ugh, we left one of the junior year's classes to the signs and whatnot, so they're not very informative. Come in, come in... I see you brought your coworkers. That's great. You can't miss Kobioshikun's painting, it's easily the best in the whole show. There's refreshments in the next room, enjoy! " Thus, she turned her energy on the next visitors.
" Wow, she's... " Sakura trailed off.
" Energetic, " Aya concluded.
" Sou... "
" Oh wow, look at this one... " Sakura led them forward to a painting posted on the middle partition directly before them. " Isn't that pretty? "
" Fujimiyasan? "
Aya turned from the painting and greeted with some surprise. " Oh, sensei! "
" I see you are here to see the gallery, " Aya's doctor indicated the painting Sakura was still gazing at. " I like the colours in this one. I've been thinking of replacing some of the art in my offices and thought young talent might be the way to go. "
" That's nice. Oniichan posed for one of the paintings on display, the artist and his friend invited us to come see. "
" Oh really? Your brother, hm? I'll keep an eye out for it. Excuse me. " The doctor headed off deeper into the room.
Nagi watched him go. " That was your doctor? " He looked back at her as she made an affirmative noise. " He looked at me funny. "
" He, like my mother, probably thinks you guys are screwing, " Sakura interjected.
Aya looked appalled and turned red in the face. " Sakurachan! "
Sakura laughed. " You're both red! Come on, let's go find Ransan's portrait. "
Back at the door, Masaya was welcoming another visitor. " Welcome! Oh hey- I know you! You were in the store when Kobioshikun and I were there. "
" Indeed I was, " the lady from earlier stated, " Tell me, is Fujimiyasan here yet? "
" Hai! She's inside. "
" Domo... "
Masaya leaned over the table and called after her, " There's refreshments in the next room! Enjoy yourself! Hn? " Masaya looked up as the lights overhead flickered. " That's odd... " She watched them continue to flicker, her gaze following as it extended into the room and down to the woman who'd just entered. " Ano... everyone stay calm... it's probably- " Masaya broke off into a shriek as suddenly all the overhead lights exploded, showering the floor below with shards and sparks.
The blonde lady walked in a straight line for Aya, Nagi, and Sakura, electricity running like lightning from the ceiling lights to her fingertips. Her platinum blonde hair was wavering in a field of static electricity, and her eyes glowed faintly with the telekinetic shell she'd cast around herself.
" The blood of the angel will herald the return... " she intoned, the same knowing smile she had used to manipulate Honjou on her face. " Shine! "
Aya, Sakura and quite a few people screamed, as the electricity inexplicably leapt from her fingers to the tiled floor and raced towards Aya. But then it stopped, and the tiles fractured under the pressure of an unseen battle of wills. Aya looked up at her defender, for the first time fully aware of what made him so different from everyone else.
" Stay down, Aya. " Nagi said quietly.
" Poor, pitiful, little Nagi Naoe. Always the victim. Oh yes, I remember you, but you don't remember me. "
" Yes, I do. " Nagi replied, voice still dangerously low. " You were at Rosenkreuz. "
~(@)~
~--------tsuzuku~
Translation Notes;
Oyasu - trunciated 'oyasumi' or good night
Ohayou/O-ha! - good morning
Gomen - sorry
Koneko no Sumu ie - Kitten in the House
Hai - yes
Oniichan - elder brother
kachou - boss
goshujin - master
Youji's making fun of Omi's new status as owner
here, stepping up extremes in how polite he should adress him
Sou - just an agreement
sensei - while literally meaning 'teacher', it's also a way to refer
to doctors, which is the case here.
domo - thanks
Shine - die! (imperative)
Author's Notes
The poems in this chapter are all by a Japanese poet named Outomo Yakamochi.
They were taken from various places in the book A Warbler's Song in
the Dusk: The Life and Work of Outomo Yakamochi (718-785) by Paula
Doe.
[Written by Inseiko, 2002]
