IX – Crumbling Walls

"Hakuren?"

For a moment his heart leapt. The young bishop hadn't realized how much he wanted to meet Teito, the real Teito, again. But the green-eyed boy looked confused, as though he hadn't quite realized what he had said. "Teito?" Hakuren asked with uncharacteristic gentleness.

The youth blinked and then frowned. "Sorry… I felt like I'd heard that name before."

"I see." It was hard to hide his disappointment, but he tried. Of course you have, he wanted to say. But he didn't. The other's had made it quite clear: if his memories were going to return, they had to do so on their own. This was a different Teito; being forced to recall his past life could tear his mind apart.

The black-dressed boy extended a hand with a smile that was so fake it was almost fascinating. "Excuse me. Do you happen to know Shuri of the spineless Oak family?"

Hakuren sighed as Teito gave the organist behind him a questioning look. "Why are you clinging to me like that?" he asked, but there was no annoyance in his voice. He was simply wondering.

She sang a few bars and splashed back into the fountain.

Teito wiped water from his face with a small, awkward smile. His eyes sparkled slightly, almost as though he were trying to remember how to laugh. Hakuren smiled as well, resigned to wait and see what would happen next. Then the golden-haired priest glanced sideways and his eyes widened.

Frau leaned against one of the pillars across the yard, his eyes tracing Teito's movements protectively. His arms were crossed, and his face was shadowed by the drape of his bishop's cap. As if he felt Hakuren's eyes on him, Frau straightened and walked down the open corridor.

There was a small croon, and Hakuren looked back to Teito in surprise. The brown-haired youth was staring down at the little pink creature perched on the edge of the fountain. His eyes were shocked, fixed on the tiny animal as he fluttered his downy wings and chirped. Teito's brow creased, and one hand raised to his head as his pulse began to accelerate.

come on, try smiling…

I'm so glad you're alright-

Run, Teito!

"Ung-!" the boy fell to his knees, clutching his temples.

"Teito!" Hakuren knelt beside him, holding the youth by the shoulders as he began to tremble. His lips moved, as though he were speaking with someone.

I'm just so happy, I don't know how to react…

Let's make a promise. No matter what, when you're in trouble, I'll help you. I swear to God that when we die, we'll die together.

Tears were trailing down his cheeks, and Teito let out a small sob. He was so painfully small in that moment, and an image from that time flashed through Hakuren's mind. The priest bit his lip, and then lifted Teito in his arms. "Go get Bishop Labrador. Tell him it's urgent," he said to the nearest Sister. She nodded and ran off. Hakuren looked at Mikage, sitting with his ears and tail drooping as he let out a small croon. "It's not your fault," Hakuren told him. But his hold on Teito tightened. Shaking himself, the priest made his way to the infirmary.

()()()

The pain was infuriating. He could do nothing for his master in this situation. Mikhail shifted uneasily, and his power flickered with anger. Hurry and call me, master. He could feel the presence of Wars drawing closer. Let me protect you.

The carefully woven barrier was wearing thin so soon, and that boded ill for them all. He could not remember just yet. He had to remain ignorant, for his own safety and that of those around him. The child was precious… so very precious to them all. Teito Klein would not be allowed to die again. He would be protected fiercely at Barsburg church, Mikhail knew, but still…

The presence pressed closer to his master, and the ancient being stirred yet again. Summon me, master. Before it is too late.

()()()

He smirked. Barsburg Church. It was right below him; the perfect cure for his boredom. Hyuuga cracked his knuckles. He couldn't wait.

Don't do anything foolish.

His smirk stretched into a grin. It wasn't foolish at all. He knew exactly what he was doing; and if he brought back the boy, so much the better. He was eager for the thrill of battle once again. His power shifted around him, prepared for attack. Hyuuga let out a chuckle. "Of course, Aya."

()()()

"Father!"

Through the tears he saw the fallen man, the red on the snow. Above the body, drawing his blade from its rest, was a familiar figure. Who- why? He fought against the blankness, the haze that was settling over his mind and memories. He didn't want to forget-!

Forget, Teito.

And then there was only the cold drops of melted snow on his face, and the lingering warmth on his hands. He looked up at the silver-haired man with wide, vacant eyes.

Who..?

Through the stars, the snow, and my memories,

I'm searching for your footprints.

I pray you rest peacefully for all eternity,

This is the middle of a dream.

With my wings that still cannot fly

I am running up the hill.

When I stray from the path

I merely close my eyes-

And continue on.