Tensions are Growing

Morning came early but I felt like I could handle it more effectively this time… or so I thought. How oblivious and naïve of me. Nothing would ever come that easy for me… I had centuries to pay for my mistakes, when would I learn that?

However, my team was whole… maybe not in every sense of the word, but I couldn't dwell on the fact that one of my members didn't even want to be there.

He was.

I hoped, with the arrival of a new day, I would be given the chance to repair some bridges. Especially now, that I believed everyone had calmed down. Again, stupid me.

I wrapped my robe around my body, but didn't bother to tie it. My soft cherry blossom, tinted red, robe hung loosely around me. I could care less about how I looked. I was just excited to see everyone! I practically bounced down the hall, once again: you naïve child.

I found three out of the four Saints in the dining room, Rogue was absent, and I sighed on instinct. I wouldn't deny I had wanted to see him.

Would this become the norm?

He made it clear the other day that he wasn't a part of this team, did that mean he didn't plan on ever leaving his room? That forced my newly hopeful attitude to buckle.

I must admit; however, the dining room did feel somewhat lighter and less awkward in his absence. That also made me feel sad… as if, Rogue wasn't really a part of our lives hidden away in his room.

Looking around the warmly lit room, I smiled, somewhat dishonestly… but the windows were up and let in the natural aroma of the nearby forest. It was hard to frown with such a beautiful view.

Big pine trees, and the touch of a nearby water fall… and an even lighter mountain smell accompanied the others.

Haji was already holding out my hot cup of tea, with a whiff of lemon coming off the purple mug, when I entered the room. Always two steps ahead, I grinned, and took ahold of it.

I greeted Tatsumi, his response was almost forced, but I moved around, toward Zero to speak with him. I liked that things were, finally, getting back to normal between us. The tension between us had dissipated, and I was thankful… seeing how things had turned out with Rogue, I could only handle one at a time.

Zero smirked at me as I was speaking about some insignificant strategy I had come up with, I hadn't figured out all the kinks yet. I just wanted to interact with him to begin my day…

If I could mend things with Zero, then…

Still standing comfortably beside Zero with an extra hand placed on the back of his chair, I was about to ask one of the others to take some breakfast to Rogue's room when I heard feet shuffling. I glanced back and there was the very Dragon Slayer leaning against the doorframe.

Yikes, he didn't look very pleased.

They look like a couple. Her in that morning robe and him topping off her coffee…

Tension flooded the air, so thick it almost hurt to breath it in.

Rogue had such an odd expression on his usually pleasant face, I didn't understand why. I hadn't done anything to him recently… Was he still angered by the confrontation the other day?

Surely, he couldn't think I'd attack him in the dining room and in front of the others?

I looked between all my team members, avoiding his fiery eyes, just as everyone else had but Zero confidently stared him down. A glare off? I leaned over Zero, nonchalantly, to grab a slice of bacon off Tatsumi's place and breaking Zero's concertation.

Zero gaped at me… the close contact had managed to freak him out, and focus on me, I chuckled uncomfortably in Rogue's presence. It came out a tad robotic, but otherwise went under the radar, unnoticed.

Innocent Tatsumi trying to only be cordial toward the newest addition, yet something wasn't right with him either, "Can I fix you a plate?" He asked over his shoulder, not looking into Rogue's piercing eyes.

I didn't dare offer in his place.

"No, I can handle it." He didn't sound rude, surprisingly. Rogue swept past me and I was left looking at the door to the kitchen swinging shut behind him. Clearly not thinking, I set my mug down and trailed after him. I sensed Zero wanting to stop me but didn't give him enough time to react.

He'd have to be quicker than that, to keep up with me, I mean. Zero always struggled to stay at my pace.

How many times would I end up leaving them all in the dust?

Rogue hadn't even finished making himself a plate when he turned at the noise of my entry. He went to stride past me, long forgetting eating, but I blocked the door with a single, casual, arm, "Rogue… Look—"

"I don't want to hear it, Nikki!" His yell startled me, I couldn't get any words out, that yell was different; it was powerful, it was fiery… like those damn eyes. This yell left no room to argue and everyone else had heard it behind the door, each stiffened for different, some protective, reason.

Rogue reduced me to a withering mess in a spilt second… he was the only one that held such a power over me.

"Please. I can't." He begged, and my eyes began to water from the sound of his voice, "Just let me go about this prisonwithout you constantly interfering and I'll do the same. Once this is over, I never want to hear from you again." He shoved past me, I fell against the door, and my shoulder wasn't the only thing that stung.

It was the kind of heartbreak that caused physical pain throughout the body, you couldn't eat or drink… let alone take in a breath. Your insides ached, and burned. It was the kind that made your heart clench up in fear of being shrilled up and blowing away in the wind.

I didn't know why I continued to put myself through this… purposely punishing myself.

I couldn't help but feel crushed that was the end for us. I didn't believe I could ever fix what I had broken.

Bringing Frosch back here hadn't even been a start.

There was just no winning with this guy! I screamed internally. I try so hard damnit! Why couldn't Rogue see I WAS TRYING!

But last night… it seemed, like maybe… maybe.

ARGH.

He was so back and forth! I was surely to get whiplash. It was infuriating! I couldn't gain anything from this heartbreak, but… I could gain with fury.

I could grow despite my anger. If I gave in to my pain, then I wouldn't get out of the corner Rogue backed me in.

Fine. Even Rogue wouldn't be the end of me. I slammed open the door, ripping it off its hinges. It cracked and crumbled on the floor. I stomped past all of them, clearly done.

I screamed out for Zero on my way out the front door, "ZERO! Training! NOW!"

For once, Zero pushed back his place, got up from his seat and followed after me without so much as smart-ass remark.

However, that scowl was more present than ever on his face as well… how quickly would we allunravel?

…

I tore off my robe and threw it away. It disappeared in the wind, like my patience. I wasn't even concerned with the fact that it was my favorite.

It was just Zero and I out on the practice field and we sparred.

No holding punches or treating it as a game. It was exactly what I needed to burn off the excess anger. Had Zero know that, I wonder.

Fighting gave me the opportunity to take my mind off Rogue and simply not have to think: just fight.

It felt so damn good.

Zero hadn't gotten any faster but he had become more precise with each attack. I had learned to read him in battle and predict his next move more efficiently. Yet not entirely. Zero was still full of surprises, I sneered. I couldn't quite be mad at that, only at how no matter how hard I tried getting closer to him too… I wasn't moving an inch toward either of them, it was frustrating.

Unlike Haji, I didn't pick up any true hesitation when Zero fought me… but I knew that didn't quite mean Zero truly wanted to inflict pain upon me. Only fight me fairly, without feeling the need to hold back because it was me.

That one thing was for sure, Zero never saw me as lesser.

I grew annoyed by the use of his gun and disposed of it by knocking it from his hold and across the field. I could tell that served to piss him off effectively, but didn't discourage our now close combat training.

I barely took into account Zero had already appeared bothered even before I threw his weapon away… even before the sparring began.

If I would have taken just a second to look at him… If I had been paying attention to anyone other than myself. I would have noticed his flushed face, tensed jaw, and most of all… those deep purple, furious, eyes would have given him away.

I was so damn selfish.

"You know I hate when you do that." He groaned, pulling his top lip back to show the points of his teeth.

I chuckled mischievously, as I moved up, taking my fury on him as well, "I know. That's exactly why I do it."

Fist after fist. One would connect with my forearm, others my wrists and even some higher up on my biceps, but he couldn't do better than that. Although, Zero tried.

Fighting in just a tank top and cotton shorts I could feel the wind coming off his fast punches, but he had yet to make true contact. Not like I had either; he had grown tremendously as an opponent.

I was quite proud, but I'd never tell him. Couldn't have it all going to his big head.

Fighting Zero required every ounce of my attention and I failed to realize that the others had moved outside to watch us. Even Rogue.

They are so fast.

It was not long before neither of us could get the upper hand; we were locked in a stall mate and were at the point where I couldn't grow as a warrior. It simply became a test of endurance and that wasn't what I wanted! I wanted a fight! I needed a fight.

Haji realized and attempted to sprint up behind me for a surprise attack. He failed but at least it served to up the ante.

I flipped over him, dragging my nails down his clothed back in a mocking movement, "Oh come on, Haji, I know you're faster than that." I sneered from behind him now, completely bathing in my wrath.

She didn't even have to look back to see him coming.

Both men turned to me, but they wouldn't even think about work together to come at me at the same time… and that was their weakness.

They were strong, sure, but so extremely boneheaded. No matter how strong, individually, they might grow, it wouldn't change the fact they'd lose in a battle because they'd fail to work together when it counted.

They had to learn to rely on each other!

I jetted between them, brought my fists forward and aimed right for their chests… They were both able to block the attack, but I had dragged them back across the dirt with my abundant strength… thanks to the morning I was having.

Zero dug in his heels into the gravel to try and stop the movement, but Haji chose to duck away instead. Haji drew far enough back to prepare for his next move, I already knew what Haji was planning.

I shoved Zero away and whipped around to face Haji as he shot towards me like a bullet leaving the barrel.

Haji had always been the fastest, there was no doubt about that

I dropped down, but Haji had anticipated that very move. It had always been my go-to with him.

He brought a long leg up. I crossed my forearms, locking them, out in front of me to block the majority of his kick but I was thrown back by the force. The gravel dug into my knees painfully, and ripped the skin covering the joint.

I didn't have to look down to know that the small rocks under me had been sprayed red.

Zero had the opportunity to strike with my back wide open, hurt, and close to him, but because it could have been construed as working with Haji, he didn't.

Now I was getting pissed.

Well, more pissed off.

This has got to end.

Haji's attack put me right next to Zero and I sprung up. Disappearing from their human eyesight's ability to keep up with me. Simply vanishing into thin air.

Where did she go? Had she always been that fast?

I appeared over Zero's left shoulder, jerking his arm up, and throwing him back over my shoulder. He braced the fall, landing with an open palm, but it managed to grab his attention completely.

I wasn't playing around anymore, "Stop being such an ass!" I screeched, standing tall between them.

Zero's dark purple eyes flashed to me and fury tightened his already set jaw, "What did you just call me, you brat?" He was now furious at my ability to sneak up behind him… and the gall to throw him around like a sack of potatoes… but to call him names on top of all that. I was trying to cause a serious fight.

Haji, I suppose, thinking this was a golden chance, and not seeing it as working together, sprinted up and tried to strike with my back turned.

Behind you!

I locked my arm out to the side and blocked his every move. Hit after hit I countered, twisting my arm left and right, and not skipping a beat with Zero. I didn't even have to turn my head in Haji's direction, "I SAID STOP BEING AN ASS!" I screamed again at Zero.

Zero had enough, his fist flew attempting to connect with my face, but I slammed my free forearm down on his, completely breaking off the attack.

Like a spoiled child getting popped with a wooden spoon.

Still blocking Haji's faltering attacks, I did a high kick right into Zero's side and brought him back to his knees before me. I felt bones against the kick, and it wouldn't surprise me if I had managed to break a few of his ribs.

"You either learn how to work TOGETHER, or I'll make you regret it." I sounded deadly, but not without cause. I was fuming, and I might have been taking out my frustration out on them a little… they did deserve it, however, I reassured myself. They were risking their very lives because they didn't like each other!

A bunch of school-aged females!

They were going to get themselves killed!

"We can never win on our own: we need each other! Everyone better get that through their thick heads! Before I start KNOCKING HEADS!" I roared, power radiating out of my skin around us. It came off in bright strips rippling toward the Sun, blinding the two closest to me.

I was speaking directly to Haji and Zero, but I had the feeling I might have been beginning to get through to someone else watching as well.

The fight was nearing the end, and Haji was going weary. His constant strikes were slowing down, and he was beginning to pant… Zero hadn't even managed to stand back up yet.

I propelled Haji away with a single hit to the gut in a moment he used to catch his breath, something I'd never be able to do if he hadn't already exhausted himself.

I turned, disgusted, away from Zero, "Such a disappointing duo. I expected better." I was wiping the sweat on my brow with the back of my hand, when Zero called out my name so I turned back… but I didn't make it all the way.

Nikki!

A shot cracked through the air, like lightning, something so earthshattering to my overly sensitive ears… Somehow the dusty red gravel from the drill field was now pressed against my cheek. It felt like I was laying on cement…

My head felt so heavy, and I couldn't feel my body.

Nothing was responding.

Oh Gods… Get up damnit!

Tatsumi's shriek of my name sounded as if it was coming through cotton jammed deep into my ear canal even as he raced in my direction.

I reached up, with such slow hands, to check for blood… but I only found it boiling. It clicked, I understood exactly what had just taken place.

Ooooh, I'd kill him.

I soared up and across the field, yanking Zero up by his dingy shirt collar. I dragged him up to my level, several feet off the ground. No wings were needed; my wrath kept me afloat.

"YOU SHOT ME!" I bellowed shaking the very earth under us just from my scream. Loose rock bounced around for what looked like the result of an earthquake.

Even though Zero's feet were no longer touching the floor, he had the audacity to sneer and respond so coolly, "Technically speaking, I did not. The bullet did not pierce your skin. Correction: I shot at you."

Just when I thought I had Zero all figured out, just when I had just started to trust him…

I was such a fool, and last night to show him that side of me! How could I ever possibly care about this asshole?

I shook Zero unforgivably, enough to break the spine of a normal human, "YOU SHOT ME!" I repeated almost in shock because I could not believe he would do such a thing. How dare he! It didn't change the fact that: he did. I was so enraged, "YOU ACTUALLY TRIED TO SHOOT ME, YOU BASTARD!"

"We were sparring." He shrugged, he actually shrugged, like what else had I expected, "You did effectively block it with your barrier." Zero frayed a sense of proudness, but sounded almost dissatisfied at the same time.

Had he meant to kill me with that shot?

I had managed to fling my barrier up at the last second. I had felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up and my instincts reacted, but using it with me so out of practice resulted in a horrible recoil in order to protect myself from an otherwise deadly shot from Zero's gun.

I clenched the cotton collar tighter, and wanted nothing more than to wrap my hands around his thick, stupid, neck. I would put enough pressure to make the air leave his lungs, make his purple eyes bulge out his skull and strangle my silver-haired Saint with my bare hands.

I settled with an uppercut with my free hand while keeping Zero high above me as if he weighed no more than a sack of feathers. My knuckles, and his jaw, bruised instantly from the power of the punch, but it was so worth it.

I wanted more, though, after such disrespect.

"You despicable piece of shit." I cursed through tight lips, and shrouded eyes.

I was drowning in my triggered darkness… I don't really know what I would have done to Zero.

Then, long, lanky and sturdy arms yanked me back. Zero dropped semi-gracefully back to the ground, landing on his feet with a slight bounce and wobbly footing after taking that brutal of a hit.

I felt, like at that moment. I could melt the very atmosphere around me. Which in all reality, I easily could have.

I was furious, and I whipped back to see who dared to intervene… Haji's cold, robot, and reprimanding eyes were on me.

"You have got to be kidding me! You're on his side now?" I sounded displeased, betrayed, but still more pissed off at Zero. Damn him for thatblatant act of disrespect!

"No." Haji responded formally, like I should haven't to ask such a senseless question, "but you are a leader, my lady. You should choose your actions accordingly."

Damn, why was he always right?

It would look horrible to kill one of my Saints… It was still Zero after all, I had to remind myself that… but my betrayal was another story.

Haji glared in Zero's direction, "And you… Do not forget who you serve." Haji sneered out the last word, and for once, he seemed lethal because of Zero.

HA! I crossed my arms, smugly, and was thankful for not being the only one who disapproved of Zero's choice of action.

Zero scoffed, and was just about to argue more, when Tatsumi came barreling into him with Incursio pulled out and at the ready.

I gasped.

Zero had effectively countered the attack at the last possible moment, but now my youngest Saint looked ready for war. I'm afraid it was only the beginning for Zero.

I had to admit I was confused at why Tatsumi attacked so suddenly. He hated training, but Tatsumi answered my unspoken question without looking back, "It's my turn. Let me take care of him for using such a dirty trick." He spoke from inside the armor, and spat out the word like it disgusted him, and I saw a fire in that boy I hadn't seen before.

Because of me?

Standing up for me? I had profound respect for that boy.

An added bonus was that it would be good for both to spar against someone other than me… still, I wanted to be the one to give Zero a taste of his own medicine.

Haji and I pulled back, resting along the fence not too terribly far from Rogue.

I must admit it was enjoyable to watch the two, both so strong in their own way… I couldn't ignore my fury.

I was still so furious at Zero, and it took all I had not to intervene just to beat up his pretty boy face.

But when I heard little pitter patter of feet near me, and glanced down to see Frosch trotting up to me… I lost the nerve. There was an icepack in her little paws, and a grin on her perfect face.

I dropped, somewhat lacking grace, down, tucking my legs under me, as she drew closer. I overlooked the shooting pain in my knee from doing it.

Rogue evaluated my every move, but I disregarded him. I wasn't in the mood to place nice with him either. Not after Zero.

Frosch sounded out of breath from running, but happy, "Frosch brought you, this." She exclaimed.

A huge smile pulled my lips, and I thanked her with a tight hug. She was such a sweetheart with such pure intentions. I pressed the cold pack into my hurt hand, and Frosch moved to my lap to inspect my wounds. My little nurse.

I shifted so she wouldn't spot my knee… no sense in making her worry with a bloody mess.

Her presence felt so soothing, I felt all the tension melting away.

I shouldn't have relished in the fact that she was practically pretending Rogue didn't exist, but at least someone from Magnolia liked me…

Was she upset with him? I looked from her to Rogue and found his sunset eyes were in my direction.

I didn't know why I felt the need to make it worse between us… I rubbed her ear without removing my eyes from his. She relaxed, practically purring, under my fingers.

I sneered, and Rogue turned menacing.

My fight with Zero had really messed up my head…

I was acting like a delinquent… Rogue was not my enemy, I dropped my eyes and hated myself even over a small attack like that directed at him.

If Frosch was indeed upset with Rogue, adding fuel to that fire was simply wrong… She was his only friend here, what could he have possibly done?

Maybe… she'd tell me if we were away from all the others.

I stood up, announcing, "I'm going to clean up," I peeked down at her, "Would you like to come with me, Frosch?"

She beamed that big goofy grin in response and held out her stubby arms. I swiped her up with a chuckle and brought her to rest in my arms. I knew Rogue was staring but Haji gave me a nod telling me he had heard. Both let me leave without a word.

…

With Frosch sitting comfortably on my high bed, I hated to admit she looked like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. I looked into her big puppy-like eyes, "Dear, are you liking it here? Do you need anything?" I asked with a surprising gentle tone.

She barely skipped a beat, without it seeming like it took a lot of thought, she blurted out, "Frosch likes it here." Her eyes crinkling by her warm smile.

"Really?" I asked a little surprised by how genuine she sounded, "Tell me, Frosch, sweetie what did Rogue tell you about being here?"

Frosch pondered it adorably by putting her paw to her mouth and hummed, "Just that we came for a visit! Frosch is happy because she missed Nikki!" She cheered, and my heart warmed.

I let the serious conversation go for a second, and pulled her into my arms, speaking softly over her tucked head, "Nikki missed you too."

I leaned back, and took in the sight of her precious face, "But… Frosch, don't you miss your friends back home?"

"Of course, Frosch misses them too." She said it like that information was common knowledge, which in a way, I should have realized it was… She missed her family. Frosch wasn't sad because she thought she'd see them as early as tomorrow… because this was just a "visit".

"Well, dear, I'm sure Rogue misses them too." This caused her eyes to swell and the happiness, I craved for, to leave her face.

"Frosch knows… but Rogue was being a meanie to Nikki."

What? Oh no. Had she been listening this morning?

"Frosch," I kneeled down to be the same eye level with her resting on the bed, carefully with my injured knee, "Did you overhear something you weren't supposed to?" I tried not to sound too motherly.

She looked ashamed and I felt that way for putting that sad look on her face. Frosch looked down, and nervously shifted her paws back and forth.

"Frosch didn't mean to… Really. She heard Rogue yelling… and only wanted to help. But Rogue was being a meanie yelling at Nikki! And that made Frosch mad at Rogue."

I exhaled deeply, and felt like this too was all my fault. I softened my tone, "It's ok, dear. You're not in any trouble, but Frosch, Nikki is the meanie."

"No. Rogue is the meanie." She responded stubbornly, just a naïve child… Why did she have to like me? I didn't deserve to even know her…

"Yes," I said firmly, and she threw her head up, those big eyes focusing back on me, "Nikki is the meanie, because she makes Rogue well…sad. Really, really sad in fact."

"How does Nikki make Rogue sad?" She asked confused, and I wished there would have been an easy answer. But I didn't want to cross that boundary, it was Rogue's duty to tell her… not mine. I had to use my words carefully.

"Because Rogue misses his friends, just like Frosch, and that makes him sad… And Nikki didn't take Rogue's feelings seriously." Frosch looked solemnly up at me, her huge eyes trained on my every word, "Rogue needs Frosch now more than ever," I gently placed my hands on her small shoulders, "Rogue needs Frosch because he is sad… and when Frosch is mad at him he is, well, sadder…"

It seemed like she understood, and smiled so sweetly at me. I adored that smile, more than anything. Nothing was more beautiful than Frosch smiling, expect when Rogue did.

She looked so brave when she pulled back from my touch and jumped down from that tall bed… trotting out the door, like a warrior on a mission.

I followed soundlessly, but made sure to hang back as not to intrude upon their moment.

Frosch, my strong girl, found Rogue resting, uneasily, on the chair in the living room. Obviously waiting for her to come in.

He glanced up at the sound of her tiny feet hitting the wood, but looked away guiltily.

She didn't waste any time, pouncing on his chest with an "oof" and a surprised glance from Rogue.

Frosch wrapped her short arms around his neck and pressed her face against his, whispering to apologize. Rogue's eyes showcased more astonishment. Those are the eyes that were the most beautiful too… when there is no trace of sadness, or anger in them trying to blur their beauty.

I peered around the corner to hear, "Frosch is sorry. Frosch misses her friends too… but Frosch is glad to be with Rogue."

Amazingly, Rogue's red eyes grew and tears pricked the edges. He grabbed onto her and whispered his own apology into her furry ear.

He was such a great dad… clearly, because Frosch absolutely worshipped him.

I pushed off the wall and headed back to my respective room… but not without catching the unwanted attention of a Dragon Slayer.