Name: Chiaroscuro

Pairing: Eventual Joshua x Neku

Rating: R - for language and blood; possible NC-17 in later chapters

Summary: AU – In a world where the RG and UG have always been one, and Reapers feed off the Soul of humans, Neku stumbles upon a supposedly safe Shibuya and the silver-haired Lord who protects it. But are things always so black and white…?

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Chapter One

- Oasis -

One foot in front of the other. That's all he had to do. Just keep running, just keep breathing, just keep moving despite the unbearable cramping in your leg, the annoying stinging in my your chest, the vertigo in your mind…

The redhead scrambled over the scarred, burnt terrain, stumbling over every single rock and unlevel piece of land he came across. His face, littered with scratches and cuts, was stained a dark red from exhaustion. Lines of blood streaked his cheeks and neck, giving him the impression of a fighter or someone that had just got tangled up in something unspeakable.

Hot tears pricked at the corner of his eyes as he continued speeding over the land, chills running up and down his back as he sprinted. He could hear them, feel them, practically see them in his head. Their cold auras, their devious smirks… He had seen them a few times, but many more in his dreams. Home wasn't safe anymore, and now this land he had been living on with a few others wasn't either. Half had died while half had run off in the middle of the night—he was alone again, running through the barren land of Tokyo.

He remembered, though, a time when the world was beautiful, green, and friendly. His heart clenched at the memory and he sped up, unable to think of that time when running. When he did finally open his eyes (running was so much easier if you had your eyes closed for some reason), he noticed city nearing. Hope flew up in his chest—it wasn't destroyed…building were still standing erect, kissing the sky…

The red-haired, scrawny teen hurried up, sweat dripping off him as he rushed into the city, eyes shutting again. He needed to keep moving—get somewhere safe. He wanted to stop and rest, but he knew he'd die. If he stopped to rest for a minute, he wouldn't be able to get motivated again and he'd die… just like his parents, at the hands of those cold-blooded…murderers…'

While running along the outskirts of the city, and finally inside, eyes shut, he didn't notice the murmurs of people nearby, nor the sound of footsteps. He only realized he was around people again when he ironically ran into one. …Ow.

And fell over, body convulsing from pain and exhaustion.

There was a similar 'thud' accompanying the brunet as he fell to the ground, a displeased groan and numerous gasps. Footsteps slowed to a halt, as whispers erupted from the steadily increasing crowd. "My Lord, are you okay?" A female voice called through the unnerving silence, followed by another. "Lord Joshua!" "Someone has injured Lord Joshua?" "He came from the outside!" "Was he chased by Reapers...?" "Quick, get a doctor!"

Neku groaned, head aching and now his body doing the same, ten-fold compared to earlier. "Huh?..." His vision was fuzzy and felt like fainting. Were Reapers here too? ... "W-wha?..." He groggily tried to sit up, feeling the presence of countless people.

Not a few feet in front of him, were a few flustered young women, bending down and helping a young boy of about his age up to his feet. "I'm alright," The silver-haired youth smiled, but the smile was.... worn, empty, almost fake. No one seemed to notice though. No one ever did. "Honestly, it's just a scratch. This young newcomer however needs some attention."

An older blond male ran over to Neku's side, placing a hand on the young boy's back. "I'll take him to my clinic. Boy, is anything broken? Do you need a stretcher?"

Neku stared at the man as if he was insane. "Stretchers?...You guys have those?" His eyes shut, a weak chuckle exiting him."Shit..wow...but no, I don't need one."

"Take him to my temple," The silver-haired youth spoke up once more, the one supposedly called 'Joshua'. He was obviously different than the rest; he wore long, finely decorated robes that looked almost too warm to be wearing in the warm weather, with glittering jewels, hints of gold, and ceremonial flowers in his hair. If he never spoke, it would have been far easier to label him as a girl. "It's close by.... and he's at his limit. I'll perform a healing ritual."

"My Lord... are you sure?" The older man spoke, a few of the others in the crowd gasping and whispering.

"Yes, now hurry. His soul is dim... he won't last much longer if we keep him here." Joshua turned, the crowd stepping back and parting immediately, leaving more than enough room as he hastily made his way down the streets. The blond man nodded and helped Neku up on his feet.

"Hang on," He muttered, picking the brunet up carefully and following quickly after Joshua.

Neku winced a bit at the sensation of another person touching him--he had grown to hate it over the years. His gaze drifted through the crowd and then to the man holding him, gaze glazed over. "My...name's Neku," he offered, not really looking to his savior, figuring he'd probably throw up looking that far away in this kind of blurry-state.

Joshua obviously didn't hear the boy, either that, or he didn't care. The older man did though, offering a small smile to the smaller brunet in his arms. "Nice to meet you, Neku." He spoke politely. "You're going to be alright. Lord Joshua will save you."

Neku nodded slowly. "Lord....Joshua?..." he repeated. "There's...still lords?" He had been away from actual cities and society for so long that everything about this place seemed foreign--or maybe it was just because he felt so weak and his world was spinning a million miles an hour.

"You've never been to a Protected City?" The man questioned, but seemed to mentally smack himself once the words passed his lips. "What am I saying.... of course you haven't. You wouldn't be like this if you have." He stopped himself from continuing, tensing a bit as they continued forward through tall wooden gates, fires lit in black lamps despite the fact it was still daytime. Obviously, wherever the hell they were, it was someplace either feared, or very important. Probably the latter.

"Mm...why are you all being so...kind to me?" Neku wondered weakly, head resting limply against the older man's chest as he was carried, not paying attention any longer to his surroundings. If they had wanted to kill him, or eat him for that fact, he'd be dead already, right? So relaxing a fraction would be safe, right?

"Because this is a Protected City." This time, the silver-haired youth spoke up, the faint echo of a door sliding behind them. As far as Neku could tell, they were in a large room, with old fashioned tatami mats and glowing candles - no electric lights whatsoever, making the room very, very dim. Whatever windows were around were completely covered with thick black curtains. "The Reapers cannot traverse beyond the barriers surrounding Shibuya. Now, Daisukenojo - quickly. Place him on the futon."

"I-I thought I asked you not to call me that, Lord Joshua." The older blond stuttered a bit, looking a faint peevish for a moment, but didn't hesitate to set the wounded brunet down on the futon placed in the center of the room.

"Relax, young one." Joshua spoke softly, smoothly, the very sound of his voice oddly comforting to any ear it fell upon. He sat on his knees, reaching up to cover a cool, pale hand over Neku's forehead. "You are safe."

Neku's mind, as if intoxicated by the rush of information, new places, scents, sounds, and sensations, dully stared up at the silver-haired male. It was almost like he was drunk. So weak, so out of it, but so comfortable all of a sudden. "You've got...pretty eyes," he stated haphazardly, body limp against the mat, his own eyes heavy.

Joshua smiled at that, the smile that of a mother or father... someone with a watchful eye, and gentle nature. Slowly he moved both hands to the brunet's chest, a warm white light glowing from beneath his palms, coaxing the pain away from the open and internal wounds littered across Neku's body. Slowly broken ribs began to knit back together, heart pumping fast as his body sped the recovery of blood pulsing through his veins. Bruises began to diminish, cuts began to close... and life once again returned to a soul teetering on the brink of death.

Daisukenojo clenched together fists at either side of him, watching the silver-haired teen work the ancient magic that has protected their city for nearly a hundred years. It was almost frightening.... but awe inspiring, and comforting at the same time. He was truly lucky to witness such a miracle before his very eyes.

Neku's eyes fluttered shut appreciatively at the sensation of warmth and life entering his body. God, it felt so great to not worry about aches and pains like he had been the past few months. A soft, pleased noise left the teenager's lips as he shifted his head lightly on the mat, cheek pressed against the soft surface. "Thanks..." was all he could manage, breathing in air, surprised at how it didn't hurt for once.

Joshua said nothing as first, the pale light glowing beneath his hands dulling until the only light in the room were the flickering flames of the candles. "Daisukenojo," He looked up at the older man, voice soft and gentle. "Perhaps you can help this young one find a place to stay. I'm sure he's very tired."

"Y-yes, Lord Joshua..." The blond seemed to bite back a few disgruntled words, but not because of Neku. "You can stay with me and my wife, if that's alright..." He offered a smile to the young boy. "Our place is a bit small, but we've got a spare bed my sister uses from time to time...."

Neku's eyes opened. "...That'd be great," he whispered gently, meeting the doctor's eyes calmly. "Thank you so much," he managed, coughing a bit as he attempted to sit up, holding his head. His gaze left the kind doctor for a moment before looking to the Lord who had healed him. He eyed him for a moment before offering a gracious smile.

Joshua returned the gesture warmly. "I welcome you to Shibuya, Neku. Whatever hardships you may have faced on the outside... I assure you, you will not have to endure them here."

"You okay to walk, Neku?" Daisukenojo offered, holding a hand out to the brunet.

Neku looked away from the Lord after a brief nod and gingerly took the man's offered hand. "Yeah...pretty sure I can. If I could run the way I was, I probably can walk," he laughed gently, though winced a bit when his hand made contact with the doctor's.

"There we go," The blond man helped Neku to his feet, patting him on the back. "You're a trooper, kid. I like that." He turned back to the silver-haired teen. "Thank you, Lord Joshua...you are far too kind."

"Think nothing of it," Joshua replied sincerely. "Good luck, Daisukenojo. Tell Misaki I send her my best wishes."

The doctor nodded gratefully, before leading Neku slowly back out the doors.

Neku stayed close to the doctor, surprised at how well he could actually walk after everything. Now that his vision wasn't as blurry, his gaze raked over the ornate room and hallway, utterly surprised. It felt so surreal, having come from disaster after disaster.

It didn't take long before the two of them walked out the two front sliding doors, crossing a lush traditional Japanese garden. "You really are lucky, kid." Daisukenojo mussed up Neku's hair as they walked. "I'm surprised you ran into the city, covered in wounds like those."

"I've been running for awhile now," Neku admitted, biting back the urge to flinch again at the friendly contact. It had been far too long. "After... my home was infiltrated, a few of us that survived fled...and it's been like that ever since...continuously running..."

"....Musta been hard." The blond replied with genuine remorse. "I was about your age when I came here, too. It's a harsh world out there.... my sister was almost killed." He paused for a moment, as if reliving some horribly painful memory. "But Lord Joshua saved her, just like you."

Neku blinked. "So his job is just to protect the city and heal people?...Wow, nice guy..." He trailed off, hands shuffling awkwardly into his pockets before pausing, glancing at the doctor, noting he looked a good ten years older than himself. "...Wait, what?..."

"Hm?" The blond looked down, blinking. "What, what?"

"...Uh, never mind," Neku decided, figuring he had probably just heard or saw wrong, and instead looked back up to the sky. The urge to run and take cover nagged at his being, though. "...Are you sure we're safe... just walking like this? In the open?"

"Of course we are! Reapers can't get to us as long as we're within Shibuya's barrier." Daisukenojo smiled. "Just don't set foot on barren land. That's where the barrier stops."

Neku nodded and then paused mid-thought. "That guy's eyes...they aren't normal," he noted absently, frowning .

"Hm? Who's?" The doctor questioned.

"That Lord guy's," Neku responded at once.

"Oh, Lord Joshua?" Daisukenojo let out a small laugh. "Yeah... a little odd, huh? Violet eyes. They say it's because he's a possessor of great magic."

Neku said nothing for a long moment, staring idly at the city as they walked. All the people, all the different faces...he felt so foreign and awkward. None of this he was used to. "This is gonna take a lot of gettin' used to," he mumbled aloud.

"I guess it is a bit of a culture shock." The doctor stuffed his hands in his pockets. "It takes some getting used to, but soon you'll be able to relax. I can help you find a place of your own, maybe find a job... oh! You'd still be in a school, right?" He rambled a bit, but caught himself before he kept going. "But you're welcome to stay with me an' Misaki for as long as you like. I was once where you are now... I know how tough it can be."

Neku was barely listening to the doctor, and instead focused on trying to listen to the distinct sound associated with Reapers. The Danger Noise, he had come to call it by both aloud and mentally. When he didn't hear it, he kept listening, as if any second it would enter his mind and ears, urging him to run or face a painful, horror-laced death.

Daisukenojo didn't seem to notice (or mind, really) that Neku wasn't paying much attention as he continued to talk, most of his chatter beginning to revolve around his wife. How she's a great cook, and thank god for that because he ruins toast; something about a holiday coming up soon, getting Neku a school uniform.... "Here we are." He finally said, shuffling through his keys as they walked up to a small apartment complex. "I can give you some of my older clothes if you like, I'm sure you don't want to stay in those until they're washed. Oh, Rhyme is probably closer to your size... she's a bit of a tomboy, so she's got a few boys' shirts here that will probably fit you fine."

Neku glanced at the building carefully as they entered, noting that it, indeed, had a flat roof. A smile graced his lips and he turned his attention back to his host, beginning to actually listen this time. "Whatever clothes you can find is perfectly fine with me," he insisted softly. He failed to mention how long he had been garbed in the ones upon his body.

The doctor smiled, leading them both into his apartment. "You can stay in here," He opened the door to a small bedroom, adjacent to his own, and across the hall from the bathroom. "If you rummage through the dresser, you should find a few things to wear. I'll heat up some leftovers from last night - I'm sure you're hungry."

Neku nodded, once again thankfully, and turned his back to glance around the room. Uneasily, he stepped closer to the aforementioned dresser, touching it wearily. He had always thought that once he was saved, if he was ever saved, he would adjust back to normal life easily...but the nights of fear and insecurity really messed with his sense of normalcy.

Regardless, after a few moments, the redhead had stripped his shirt and pants, stained with blood and grass and whatever else, and slipped on a loose shirt and shorts he had found. Quietly, he left the room, lingering in the hall.

A few clattering of utensils, followed by a beeping noise and the slamming of a small door, and Daisukenojo peeked around the corning, bringing a bowl of hot curry over to the small tablet in the living room. "C'mon, made you something to eat. Hope you like curry."

Neku smiled in response and took a seat near the food, uneasily eying the ... utensils. Silverware, when had he last used that? He frowned and carefully lifted it into the air, slowly allowing it to dive into the curry before bringing it up to his lips, tasting it pleasantly.

A few moments later, the doctor returned with a big glass of milk. Boy needed his strength, right? "Let me know if you want seconds. Misaki should be getting home soon - oh, but if you want to crash early, go ahead. You're probably beyond tired."

"Thank you," Neku stated softly and continued eating, oddly quiet and distant. His eyes shut as he ate, almost forgetting what actual food like this tasted like.

Daisukenojo was a little disappointed as Neku went to bed right after eating, wanting to introduce the boy to his wonderful wife. Ahh, that will just have to wait till later, he supposed. If Neku really truly wasn't exaggerating about his story, the boy probably needed to sleep for a week straight. Poor kid.

The doctor made sure to keep the TV off the rest of the night, even after his chattering wife returned home. There was a bit of debriefing and awkward explanations, but Misaki had no objections with Neku staying as long as he needed to. Even though they lived in a tiny apartment, the couple was a bit better off than most, considering Daisukenojo was an accomplished doctor, and she was a fairly popular graphic designer. Perhaps tomorrow they would give him a bit of money to buy some clothes, maybe some things to help him feel more at home.

The following morning, Daisukenojo went off to work even before the sun had risen, leaving Misaki alone to tend to the newcomer; which was fine with her, considering her job was much more flexible.

Neku hadn't got much sleep--he rarely ever did, though he did manage to get more than usual, it that counted for something. The young boy remained in the bedroom for awhile, used to the solace he found by himself. After around ten minutes of sitting around, talking himself into adjustments, he slipped out of the room and into the heart of the apartment, awkwardly looking about.

Misaki was already up an about, sipping her third cup of coffee and watching the news with the volume down low. She heard Neku step out of his room though, and she turned, blue eyes sparkling underneath wavy, chocolate brown hair. "Good morning, Neku." She offered warmly, before she stood up and walked towards the small kitchen. "Would you like me to make you some breakfast, sweetie? Unlike my husband, I can use more than the microwave."

Neku was surprised that someone was actually still home. He met the woman's gaze with a soft smile in return. "That'd be great," he answered, hands awkwardly fumbling the hem of his shirt as he curiously followed after her. At least now he could get some answers, considering he had the whole night to let his nerves die down.

"How about some eggs and bacon? Get some protein in ya... good lord you're so skinny!" Misaki blinked as Neku walked in, grabbing a pan and a few eggs from the fridge. "Hmm.... maybe one more egg." She returned for another, before turning on the stove and throwing in a bit of butter in the pan. "Beat told me everything that happened yesterday. I'm amazed to hear Lord Joshua healed you himself!"

Beat? Neku smiled at the difference in names and carefully took a seat, watching the beautiful woman cook. "...He seems like an interesting guy," he admitted. "I'm surprised he didn't kill me or something for running into him..." He trailed off. "...Why is he a Lord anyhow, though?..."

"Hmm," Misaki hummed a bit, cracking an egg and letting is sizzle in the pan. "Because he's someone born with rare magic in his blood. He's the reason we can all live without fear of the Reapers; the barriers exist because he created them."

Neku blinked. A single person could do that much against the Reapers? He felt suddenly weak for not having that ability. Was it teachable? How much did that guy know about the Reapers? Could he ultimately kill them if he wanted?... "Why did you seem surprised that he healed me?"

"Well, it is true that Lord Joshua is kind, and generous...." She began, throwing the first egg on a small plate, and setting it in front of the brunet along with a fork and small salt and pepper shakers. "But he's rarely out in the public. He usually keeps to himself in the temple, concentrating his magic into the barrier. Every now and then people see him walking to and from the city limits though - probably to help strengthen an area that's weak."

Neku began to eat, pondering over the kind woman's words. "...Do people ever visit him?" he asked between bites, looking a bit healthier and brighter compared to last night.

"Oh, heavens no." Misaki shook her head, depositing another egg on Neku's plate. "What Lord Joshua does for us is very important. No one wants to disturb him - it's the least we can do. Though some people bring offerings to the front of the temple for him.... fruit, candies, hand-made items to show our thanks."

"...Don't you think he ever get lonely?" Neku questioned with a frown. If this Joshua guy really was that strong against the Reapers , maybe he could teach him something, or explain to him why they were so determined to snatch away every person he ever got remotely close to.

"He has a few attendants within the temple that keep him company and help him with his work. Perhaps he enjoys the solitude." The dark-haired woman offered, pouring Neku a glass of orange juice and finishing up the eggs, quickly working on the bacon. "He's been doing this for a long time.... I'm sure he realizes what's best for himself."

"....Has he ever objected to company, though? To a visitor?" One thing was clearly on the redhead's mind, and he wasn't going to be deterred.

Misaki blinked, laughing softly at the obvious goal in the young boy's eyes. "Well.... I suppose not. I'm not sure he ever gets visitors.... but I've never heard him turn down anyone. I suppose if you want to see him, it wouldn't hurt to ask. Just do not burden the Lord, Neku. What he's doing is horribly selfless and we don't want to bother him too much."

Neku nodded, taking a sip of his juice. "I'll go there after breakfast," he decided, taking another bite and smiling gently.

"Perhaps you should take him something," The older woman pondered aloud, patting a few strips of bacon dry before setting them on Neku's plate. "I have some holly and lavender... I think that would be a wonderful gift to say thank you."

"Sure," Neku answered and quietly began eating his bacon, mind spinning again. Had he really found someone that could possibly aid him in his endless, impossible endeavor? Neku shivered at the mere thought and hurriedly ate.

"Don't choke, sweetie." Misaki giggled, refilling his glass in case he inhaled something without chewing - which looked like what he was constantly doing already. "There's plenty of time." She finished up the bacon and the last egg, putting them on a separate, larger plate in the middle of the counter. "Eat as much as you like." She offered, before going to the cupboard and shuffling around a bit.

Neku finished eating after a moment, stomach not used to such an array of limitless food. He relaxed for a moment, eyes shutting as his thoughts overtook him for a moment.

After a little while, Misaki returned to the boy and held out some coins placed inside a deep violet cloth. "Just stop at the little flower shop at the end of the street before you.... oh I'm sorry - do you remember how to get to the temple? I can walk you there if you like."

"Can you walk with me?" Neku requested, arising to his feet and offering a helpless smile at the brunette. "I wasn't really...paying much attention last night when we walked here..."

"Sure thing, sweetie." She wrapped the coins before putting them in her pocket, and went over to slip on her shoes. "I really need to get to work soon though... I'll wait a bit outside the temple, but if I'm not there-" She reached up to the coat rack beside the door, grabbing a spare key that hung there. "Use this to get back in. Don't worry, if you get lost, just ask about Dr. Bito. Worse comes to worse, someone will help you find his office and he'll give you a hand."

Neku nodded. "Got it, thank you." He smiled faintly and walked over to the door as well, sliding on his old shoes, pushing back the undying urge to run in them.

It didn't take very long at all for them to walk down the street, stopping at the flower shop where a young girl about Neku's age worked - a sweet, hard working girl, but the way she always toted that stuffed cat around was a bit... odd. Cute, but odd. It often got in the way while tending to the flowers.

"Make sure you bow when you greet the Lord," Misaki told the young boy, handing him the holly and lavender, stems wrapped in the violet cloth. "And be on your best behavior."

Neku heard the offered advice, but chose not to take it to heart. Instead, he waved off to the benevolent woman and headed closer towards the archaic looking temple, a shiver slipping down his spine. He knew exactly what he was going to say-- the idea, anyway--but he didn't know how to word it.

Quietly, Neku greeted the unfamiliar guards with a few, soft-spoken words before entering the expansive edifice, hands clenching by his sides as a temple-guard kindly began leading him towards the main room he had been in the day prior, a bit surprised at a visitor.

One of the guards left momentarily as they approached the doors to the center room, looking a bit stunned as he returned with a tall man with jet black hair and dark shades. Why anyone would wear shades in a temple that was already dimly lit was beyond him....

"You're here to visit the Lord?" The older man question, lips curving into a lax, sideways smile. "This is quite new."

Neku shifted awkwardly. "I wanted to thank him again for yesterday," the redhead answered calmly, eyes cautiously looking up the older and significantly taller man. He was lying through his teeth, but he hoped the seemingly sagacious man wouldn't catch that.

"Mm.... well he's never really had visitors before. Just a moment." The taller man turned to one of the large sliding doors, opening it slowly, just enough for him to glance into the room. "My Lord?" He called, but there was no reply. Well, at least no reply Neku could hear. "You have a visitor. Shall I send him in?"

There was more silence - or words so quiet they were barely audible. "Yes, a visitor." The older man repeated with a bit of a chuckle. "I see." With that, he turned back to Neku, opening the door more. "Go on in."

Neku offered the man a swift nod before heading back into the room, the ambiance filling him at once in a rush. He closed his eyes briefly upon entrance--perhaps he should actually thank him once more for his selfless healing? The redhead's eyes fluttered open once again, resting on the Lord uneasily. All the determination he had felt last night dissipated at once.

The familiar silver-haired youth was sitting on a plush futon in the center of the room - one different from the night before - with legs to his side, and candles strewn about him. He still adorned the long, rich robes, but had placed the jewels and flowers to the side of the futon, just beside an exotic incense burner. "My...." Joshua smiled, setting aside the small ikebana he was placing together, setting down the stem clippers. "Hello again, young one. Neku, was it?"

The Lord motioned for the door to close behind his visitor, relaxing just slightly once they were alone. "I'm pleased to see you're doing well."

"Thank you again," Neku stated politely and then glanced away from the Lord, eyes getting lost in the flickering fires around him. After a moment, the boy tore his gaze away from the embers and back to the reason he had come here. "...I've heard a lot about you," he began vaguely.

Joshua raised an eyebrow daintily, before bringing a pale hand up to his mouth, laughing softly. "I do have quite some fame in this city." He stated simply, watching Neku with the faintest hint of growing interest. "I have never had any visitors for quite a long time, despite that. You are a curious one, young Neku."

Neku laughed quietly under his breath. He didn't doubt that he was different--he was new to this city, he didn't know anything about it. Hell, he barely knew anything about the Reapers who were hunting him. "...What do you know about the Reapers?" he asked, almost bluntly, glancing back up at the Lord.

The silver-haired teen's violet eyes widened at the question, far beyond surprised to even reply right away. "....I know about as much as you do, I'm sure." He was finally able to reply with an even tone, his confident, lax smile returning. "They are those who prey on the souls of humankind."

"But you know how to keep them away--how to keep yourself and people safe," Neku pressed, suddenly looking a bit hopeless and eager all at once. "You must know more than me...I know..I barely know anything except that they've stolen away so many people.." He finished that sentence in his mind, not exactly finding it appropriate to yammer on about his own personal issues.

Joshua closed his eyes slowly, before looking down towards the floor with a solemn expression. "I only know the ancient magic that keeps the Reapers at bay. I know nothing else of them." There was a pause. "I am truly sorry for your loss. Many of us have faced the horror of Reapers... and the sorrow of losing someone they love."

Neku grit his teeth, holding back an instinctive quip. He had been quite awhile since he last vented, last got to talk to someone about everything that had transpired out of the safe boundaries of this city. "I want to know how to protect myself." It was the only semi-polite words he could muster, surprised at how determined he still was.

Joshua blinked, looking up at Neku with more surprise. ".... You certainly are an odd one." He laughed, violet eyes somehow brighter than they once were... more sincere. "I thought for sure you were going to ask for my magic simply for power."

Neku shook his head, staring down at the ground of the temple once more. "Power sucks," he stated bluntly, almost wincing at his own words. "I apologize if I'm offending you with anything I'm saying, but I've never dealt with rankings like this before...so I'm probably looking like a jerk right now...but I want to learn to defend myself, or at least to help others. I'm not asking to be protected here for the rest of my life, I just want to learn it for myself."

The silver-haired youth shook his head, still smiling. "Not at all. It's... somehow comforting to hear someone speak so casually." There was a bit of a pause as he looked up at Neku with a far more intrigued expression. "Come here," He held out a hand, beckoning the brunet to come down to his level.

Neku paused, surprise flickering through his distant eyes. Hesitantly, the teenager stepped closer, surveying the Lord with a look dashed with confusion. "Hm?"

"I want a closer look at you." Was the innocent reply, but the Lord's smile was somehow.... a little unnerving. Perhaps it was just because he didn't interact with people all that much. "At your soul, specifically. Perhaps I can teach you some of my magic."

Neku nodded stupidly, hope springing up in his chest. Maybe if this worked, and he met up with someone on the road again, he could actually protect them this time. "Go ahead," he stated, eyes shutting awkwardly.

Joshua smiled and leaned a hair closer, placing a thin, pale hand upon Neku's chest. At first, there was only a dull warmth. ".... You have a very unique soul." The silver-haired teen spoke, eyes closing slightly as he seemed to go into some sort of light trance. "Very strong, resilient, pure, brave.... there are so few like you." The warmth begun to tingle a bit, as the Lord leaned closer, his forehead touching Neku's collarbone through the loose t-shirt he wore.

A light pressure, and suddenly.... a quick, sharp pain jolted through his body, emanating from his chest and coursing through his veins.

Neku bit back a whimper, the feeling familiar but foreign. His head clouded a bit and he barely managed to remain standing--maybe he hadn't fully healed yet? "Did you...give me magic or something?" he asked curiously, voice shaky and a bit drained.

The silver-haired youth pulled back, a few solitary fingers coming up to ghost across his lips as he smiled. "Mmm... not quite. I was... feeling your soul. Perhaps I was a bit too rough. Don't worry, you will be fine once given a few minutes."

Neku blinked and then nodded. He reached up to feel his own head, fingertip brushing over his pulse. "...Can you help me or not?" he insisted after a moment of uncomfortable silence.

"Hm... it's hard to say. I suppose trying to teach you won't hurt...." Joshua brought his hands together, closing his eyes as a white light leaked through his fingers, pulsing slowly with a soft heartbeat. "Now, if I am to give you this," The light died, and slowly the Lord held out his hand, showing a small round pin with a flame design strewn in the center. "You are to promise me you tell no one of this. Use this only when necessary... only when your life is in danger of the Reapers."

Neku nodded eagerly, taking the pin from the Lord with curiosity. His gaze danced over the smooth, glossy surface before lifting back up to Joshua. "I won't utter a word," he promised and closed his eyes, a look of sudden peace crossing him.

"That's a good boy." The Lord smiled, clasping his hands together in an almost feminine gesture. "I also have a request, if you don't mind me being so rude.... but if you would care to visit more often, I would be overjoyed to be in your company. You are quite the interesting fellow, young Neku."

Neku blinked open his eyes in sudden surprise. Startled, blue hues met the Lord's and he offered a nervous laugh. "You sure about that?...I'm kinda a bad luck charm," he admitted sheepishly.

"Oh, now how can you say that?" Joshua giggled, placing his hands in his lap. "Surely someone with bad luck wouldn't have made it to this city, now would they?"

Neku pondered that for a moment and shrugged indifferently. "Never mind," he concluded and glanced uneasily around the room, uncertain what to say or do.

"....You seem troubled, still." The Lord spoke, tilting his head just slightly as he reached out, ever so gently touching the boy's cheek. "Are you displeased with the thought of seeing me again?"

Neku winced a fraction at the touch, though bit his tongue to keep from moving his head away. That would be rude, after all. "I'm just surprised," he quickly responded. "I wasn't expecting you to invite me back--you seem so busy."

"Busy?" He smiled, amused at the speculation. "Hardly. I visit the edge of the wards from time to time... I meditate, undergo purification ceremonies every full moon... but that's about it. The people of this city seem so uptight when I'm about, so I mostly keep to myself."

"Oh..." Neku answered simply and blinked a few more times, gaze never faltering from the powerful male before him. "...Uh...should I call you Lord, too?..."

"Please," The teen giggled, bringing his hand back to his lap. "Call me Joshua. I do hope that we are to be friends, Neku."

Neku watched the eyes of the Lord carefully and offered a faint, but mostly genuine smile. "If that's what you desire," he chuckled lightly, his nerves melting a bit away at the other's sincerity.

"I hope that I do not bore you, sometimes I tend to ramble..." Joshua commented aloud, glancing away for a moment with a thoughtful, but still obviously amused look. "I am not all that familiar with human contact, either.... but...." Slowly he slid a hand over Neku's with a look akin to awe, his fingers intertwining with the brunet's. "I hope that does not bother you."

Neku blinked again. "I suppose it's safe to be your friend," he decided carefully, offering a small smile as he felt his face turn a slight red. The last person who had actually shown any friendly gestures of affection was his Mother.

The Lord's dark violet eyes seemed to brighten even more at the declaration, like a child taken to a candy shop. "I'm delighted." He said simply, before fingering at the brunet's hands, picking the pin out and holding it up. "Now... how about I show you how to use this?"

"That'd be helpful," Neku agreed, nerves vanishing more and more by the moment. His hand fell away from the Lord's entirely and he instantly affixed a visage of determination upon himself.

"Come," Joshua spoke, taking a small breath out and standing, dusting his robes a bit even if they were still in pristine condition. "I have a private garden where you can practice." He walked across the vast expanse of the room, bare feet making barely a sound on the tatami mats. Somehow in the mass of dark walls, he found a door with no effort, and slid it open slowly, allowing the light from the outside to filter in. It was a small garden, but a tall wooden fence gave them total privacy.

Neku glanced around the area curiously, inhaling the beautiful scent of flowers and herbs alike. The youth's eyes shut as he walked alongside the Lord, finding it hard to remember a time when he felt so relaxed. After a moment, his eyes opened, looking to the fence and then to Joshua. "It's...beautiful," he admitted, a bit lost for words. He was used to seeing barren land, really.

"Thank you," The Lord replied gratefully, walking out onto the almost impossibly green grass, just beside a small sand garden. "Now," He looked over to the brunet, holding up the pin in between two fingers. "This pin in particular will grant you the power of flame. Do be careful with it though - with an impure thought or troubled state, the flames will turn on you. I would hate to see such an adorable boy get third degree burns."

Neku gulped at the certain adjective, cheeks burning as he nodded in understanding. "I'll try to remember that," he chuckled and surveyed the pin again. "...But what exactly do you mean by impure thought?"

"Mm... perhaps you're planning on robbing a bank? Or harming another human for pure sport or revenge. My magic does like to avoid conflict whenever necessary.... so do keep that in mind." The silver-haired teen smiled, and held the pin in his palm, outstretched towards the sun. Within the blink of an eye, a small flame appeared just above the pin, growing to about the size of a fist. "I trust you will be responsible, Neku, so do not worry."

Neku's stomach knotted uneasily. A question lingered on the tip of his tongue but instead he nodded to the words, figuring that such a question would be suicide. Instead, he focused on the warm fire. "Can I give it a try?" he asked softly.

"Of course, dear." The Lord smiled and took a step closer to the brunet, extending his hand out the same time the flame extinguished from his palm. "Just imagine power... flame at your fingertips. It does not have to emanate from the pin itself."

Neku carefully took the pin from Joshua's palm, a soft blush laced on his face as he closed his eyes once more, trying to focus on fire. He could do this. He could. He needed this...

"It's alright to be nervous. Fear, hesitance, sadness... emotions such as these will not turn the flame on you. It will simply make it weaker." Joshua assured him, placing a hand gently underneath Neku's. "Take your time, familiarize yourself with the magic. Quite often you will hear a faint music at first."

"I don't hear anything," Neku admitted, almost sadly as he squinted his eyes a bit, focusing on a strongly burning fire in his mind, failing to create it in reality. "Maybe I just...can't do this?"

"Patience, dear. Patience." The silver-haired teen spoke gently, reaching out with his other hand to ghost across the brunet's chest. His violet eyes lidded at the contact, as if he was under some kind of a drug. "Think of someone dear to you... think of protecting them with this flame."

Neku was about to answer with the blunt statement that he no longer had anyone dear to him, but figured better of it. He continued focusing, eyelashes fluttering a bit as the tinniest of sparks ignited from the pin, but then dispersed quickly. Neku frowned, focusing harder, using thoughts of his Mother and Father to fuel a small, dismal flame.

Joshua smiled, finding the bare remnants of a flame obviously more amazing than Neku did. To think someone was even barely able to manipulate his magic was more than he ever thought possible. Perhaps all this boy needed was just a little nudge.

With a smirk, he tapped the underside of Neku's hand, allowing a tendril of his power to enter the boy's body, hopefully giving him just enough to allow the flame to grow.

As expected, the flame grew in brightness, size, and warmth. Neku's brows furrowed, fluttering open and inspecting the twisting fire lingering a bit above his hand. A small smile appeared on his face before glancing up to Joshua, obviously impressed.

The Lord smiled at Neku with approval, feeling elated just at the brunet did. "See? You're too hard on yourself." He insisted, glancing down at the steady flame. "I doubt anyone else in this city could even hope to accomplish what you're doing right now."

"You flatter me," Neku laughed softly, tilting his head slightly. "...Thanks," he whispered.

"It's no trouble at all, dear." Joshua giggled, glancing at the brunet with sincerity. Odd... was he usually not sincere? "Perhaps I can make more of these for you... something with water, something with wind... maybe something to help heal yourself if you're caught in a Reaper's claws and I'm not around."

"When you're not around?" Neku echoed, a small smile lifting on his lips. "What are you...signing up to be my personal guardian?" he joked, life gushing back into his tattered mind at a quick-rate. The combined kindness of Beat, Misaki, and now Joshua was mending the broken bridges.

"You're planning on leaving the city... aren't you?" Came the blunt, unexpected question, the Lord's smile falling.

Neku looked down. "...Eventually," he admitted. "...I can't stay in one place too long. I have... a kinda mission, I guess..."

"...It is unwise, daresay downright idiotic to hunt Reapers, little Neku." Joshua replied with a stern tone. "Do not get a swelled head simply because I give you these pins. Reapers are far more powerful than any human... I give these to help you protect yourself and those you care about. Not for revenge."

Neku frowned, hand balling into a fist by instinct. "How can you say that?" he stated weakly, shaking his head. "The bastard...that thing killed everyone I was ever close to, it deserves to die," he spat at the ground weakly.

"You are far too narrow-minded," The Lord spoke, voice lingering with annoyance. "Reapers may kill humans, but they do it to stay alive. Just as wolves hunt sheep... it is not complicated. It hurts, Neku, but Reapers need to eat too."

Neku looked up, a glare sprawled across his features. "Then what if someone close to you was killed? Would you not care and think that? If what you say is really true, why the hell are you protecting this city?" He glanced away, chest falling and rising quickly in anger. "...I'll kill the bastard that killed my parents with my own two hands, I swear to god..."

"Neku," Joshua reached out, placing a hand over the brunet's tightly closed fist. "Calm down. I am saying this for your own good. You will inevitably do whatever you wish to do, but... please, think about it. Revenge only breeds hatred and pain. What if the Reaper you killed has a family of their own.... and they enact revenge on you?"

Neku winced and closed his eyes, head shaking. "...I feel like a sitting duck here...not moving, not being able to hear the Reapers if they're nearing..." He trailed off, inhaling deeply, fist loosening considerably. "...I haven't been around people for so long, it feels so awkward."

"You will get used to it." The silver-haired teen attempted to comfort the boy. "Honestly, would you rather be out there, fighting for your life every day... or give this city a chance? You've nothing to lose."

"I'll give it a shot," Neku decided and sucked in a deep breath, risking a glance up at Joshua's violet hues. "Just because you're convincing."

"Of course, dear." The Lord giggled faintly, but didn't drop his complex expression of hesitation, quite possibly hiding something beyond his words. "Of course, if you ever need to vent or talk.... come to me before you do anything rash, alright?"

"Well uh, I better be heading back to the BIto's," Neku stated awkwardly, rubbing at his arms sheepishly. "It was...fun. Thanks again from the pin," he rambled, offering a small smile.

"Remember, I'm trusting you'll be responsible with it." Joshua smiled a bit, patting the brunet lightly on the shoulder. "You're a good kid, Neku. I hope you settle in the city well."

"I think I will," Neku agreed but then paused, something weighty in his jacket pocket reminding him of Misaki and Beat. "Oh, right!" he quickly added on, fumbling to get the herbs and whatnot that Misaki purchased out of his pocket. "These...are for you," he stated carefully, extending his hand cautiously.

The Lord blinked at the rather unexpected gift, but took it graciously, holding it delicately in his hands as if it were made of glass. "How thoughtful," He spoke, looking down at the pale lavender petals - a little squished, but that didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. "I'll put these in a vase and keep them at my bedside."

Neku laughed softly at that, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "Well...until next time," he decided, a faint smile on his youthful lips.

"Take care, Neku." Joshua smiled, allowing the brunet to leave quietly through the sliding doors. Well.... this was quite the unexpected turn of events. Was it mere coincidence someone with such a pure soul ended up on his doorstep? No... somehow he thought it wasn't that simple. There was a reason for it. And he could tell by looking in those deep blue eyes, he still had plenty of mystery to uncover; but he would take it slow... let it sit, let it simmer.

"After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder." The Lord whispered, placing the pale lavender petals to his lips in a ghostly kiss. "You will be mine... Neku."

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Alright, just to recap:

- Beat is a doctor.

- Joshua is a holy savior with a heart of gold.

- Neku is powerless.

Seriously. WTF.

This place is really wacked up. c8 I love it so.