A/N: I'VE BEEN AWAY FOR SO LONG IT FEELS LIKE A LIFETIME!
School has been insanely taxing on me, college courses are no joke. Whenever I have spare time I whip out my laptop and fire off a few sentences with the time I'm allowed.
NOTE THAT I AM NOT LEAVING THIS STORY!
I intend to pour myself into this story along with the new AU one I've already begun to start on. I want to thank each and every one of you who followed/reviewed/favorite and stayed through still. I screenshot every review and keep them on my camera roll to reread and just get a rush of happiness from.
Now I'll stop blabbering and let you guys get reading.
Please remember that this is FanFiction, and some characters will be OOC just for the use of this story.
Also, if you don't like the story, don't flame. Just politely exit out and continue searching for a FanFic you will like.
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS AMAZING SHOW OR ITS CHARACTERS. *Sobs*
Chapter 16: Burn Them All
''What's going on in here?"
The chilly tone of Kuroh Yatogami entered the room as he came to stand by Liz, eyeing the three blues with mistrust. The room's tension increased and with that no one noticed Alaura's fingers twitch or Mikoto's brows furrowing.
Munakata smirked and raised his hands, eyes twinkling. ''Nothing at all, I only came to see how Alaura was faring after her accident and offer my apologies.''
Blue orbs narrowed as he rested his hand against the hilt of his sword. "Blue King, is your heart filled with regret?"
The man in question frowned and sighed, stepping back to bow slightly. Pieces of his hair fell forward as he looked at the brunette from the corner of his eye.
''Yes.''
''Then you have no reason to fear Homra…all of it was a lie.''
…
"Excuse me?" Awashima asked, eyes wide.
Yata smirked and gripped a smiling Liz's hand in his own as their auras faded, the tension in the room disintegrating as Rikio smiled cheerfully.
''It's all a lie,'' Yata answered. ''Homra doesn't want the Blue King's head. Hell, none of us even blamed you for a second. Well, I did. But you're fucking insane if you think I'll apologize.''
Munakata blinked in astonishment and raised back to his full height. ''Pardon me, but Homra does not want war for me being the reason Alaura is in here?"
Yata's nose crinkled as he rolled his eyes. ''Are you deaf or something? That was just a rumor we started spreading so you Blues and all the other Kings would leave us alone while we waited for Alaura to wake up.''
''We figured that if other clans thought we were blood thirsty more so than usual, you would all be wary of treading into our territory. We didn't blame you for Alaura either…her last act was to save Mikoto, if we pointed fingers and caused a war there's no doubt she would beat us all up.'' Liz smiled, looking over at her best friend.
''But ah-we are a little pissed at Fushimi for trying to kill Liz when she offered peace. Alaura doesn't know about that either so…your worry may be a given there.'' Rikio offered, looking over at the Blue King.
''Oh yes, Alaura doesn't know of that yet.'' Kuroh mused, pressing his thumb against his lip in thought. "I wonder if she'll offer you peace for coming to offer your apologies."
Liz blinked. ''Mikoto said that it was up to me to decide what I wanted to do.''
Kuroh raised a brow at his sister. ''You believe Alaura will respect that as well?"
The blue eyed girl smiled widely though she glared at the suspiciously quiet Fushimi. ''She seemed pretty open to him the last time he messed with us…maybe she sees something we cant.''
Yata scowled from his place besides Liz but bit his tongue, his mind running a mile a minute with his own opinions. He had plenty to say on the matter but he bade his time, deciding to talk to Fushimi in private versus in front of everyone.
The fucking monkey would just be sarcastic instead of answering his questions. The thought of having to be alone in a room with him made him sick, but for Alaura, for Liz…he would try.
''Something you can't…? Please, it sounds as if she should have stayed dead if she's so blind. I wanted you dead.''
Munakata pushed up his glasses and sighed as the others silenced.
Honestly…
''What was that, lady fingers?" Liz leered, stepping forward slightly but being blocked by the raised arm of Kuroh. She smirked and gripped the sword at her waist. ''Say that again, Fuckface. I dare you.''
Fushimi smirked and tilted his head. "She should have died.''
His lips pulled back as he forgot where he was, delighting on the looks these people wore. It was too easy to rile Homra up, a couple of insults got their blood pumping and itching for a fight.
He seemed to forget he too was that way.
''Take that back at once, you have no room to speak of my family in such a way.'' Kuroh's blue eyes iced over.
"You're pretty stupid, Fushimi.'' Rikio remarked, shaking his head. ''These guys are all pretty over protective of one another.''
''Shut it loser!'' Fushimi snapped, the presence of his King being forgotten. ''Stay out of this!"
''Hey! Don't fucking talk to him like that!" Yata seethed, lips pulling back.
Fushimi raised a brow. ''Oh? Misaki sticks up for Rikio now?"
Munakata stepped forward and blocked Fushimi from the members of Homra's sight. He could sense that Fushimi's words had struck a dangerous, still fresh wound that hadn't mended yet. He recalled the tears and agony in those identical blue eyes as Alaura died in Mikoto's arms, could remember hearing the loud chants of Homra.
He could recall the massive amount of pain that radiated from them as they saw their friend a bloody mess.
With his power he could easily take on the people in front of him, but he had a gut feeling that if Liz and the Black Dog were prodded enough their true power would reveal itself.
After all…they trained with the former seventh King from what I was told. They could have been holding back all this time…waiting for one wrong move…
Munakata knew the only one who could rival his power was the slumbering man next to them. As Kings, only their powers could face off one another and match. But these two knew of spells as Alaura did…and the strength and quake that she had released while battling the Colorless King had reached all corners of the city.
Even with all my power I do not know the full extent of what their spells can do. I cannot allow this to go any further and risk the lives in this hospital.
''Everyone please relax,'' Munakata smiled slightly to try and ease the barred teeth. ''I am quite certain Fushimi meant no harm in his words, isn't that correct?"
He aimed his look at the younger man, successfully reminding the teen where he was. Fushimi had the decency to look away and scowl towards the cold tiled floor as his eyes shined with his inner turmoil. He didn't want that stupid brunette talking to him again, offering him an olive branch with her stupid smiles.
He hated people with big hearts- they could never stick up for themselves. Everyone always rushed to their damn defense. What was the big deal with her anyways? Why did everyone seem so protective of her? Misaki…Mikoto…hell he had even seen Anna crying over her body from where he stood watching his ex clan members.
Why protect and care for someone who seemed so weak?
''I don't want him near her.'' Liz spoke up, glaring distrustfully and pulling his cold gaze towards her. ''I can't trust he won't hurt her.''
''You have my full reassurance nothing of the sort will happen.'' Munakata tried to soothe but the rising tension was already in place.
Alaura's lips pulled down as the previous faint red aura began to darken around her body.
Mikoto's finger twitched.
''I'm afraid I don't like this either, Blue King.'' Kuroh said, raising to his full height as he sensed the boy's murderous intent waft in the air. ''He holds too much bitterness and anger in his heart. That kind of negativity I shall not allow around my sisters.''
"Allow? Allow? Oh, please.''
Fushimi, tired of people defending a girl who couldn't even take a hit and tired of being talked about as if he wasn't there, lunged forward to the unconscious girl.
''Don't fucking touch her!"
Liz shot forward first, reacting quicker than anyone as she jumped in front of Alaura's unconscious body. Red consumed her irises as her lips pulled into a snarl and red flames coated the tips of her fingers.
She crashed into Fushimi, sending them into the wall and making a large crack in the plaster. Fushimi's eyes shot open as he felt the flames from her fingers dig into the flesh of his stomach, burning through the fabric of his coat. Hot, scalding hot, boiling-that's all he could comprehend as he smelt his flesh begin to burn away.
Liz was digging her grip into his abdomen, her blood red gaze piercing through him. He smirked slightly, delighting in how her fury was palpable in the air. Her shoulders shook as the air on the back of her neck stood on end.
''Liz!''
''Sir!"
''Liz, please release him.''
She could hear her Yata behind her, hear her brother and Rikio call out her name in worry. She felt the Blue King come closer to where she had pinned Fushimi but she couldn't find it in her to do what was asked of her.
She wanted to wipe that smug, demented look off of Fushimi's face. Her shoulder was roaring in pain and already she felt the blood blooming beneath her bandage, but she didn't care. That was her best friend laying on that bed, helpless and unable to fight her own battles.
Fushimi didn't deserve the second chance that Alaura thought he did. Liz couldn't even see a flicker of what would make Alaura want to help this kid.
''What does she see?" She growled, the red seeping away from her eyes. ''What could possibly make her want to help you?!"
Fushimi smirked through the pain of his flesh being burned to ash and leered at the raven haired girl, mustering all of his hate and anger to coat his words. ''Nothing. She sees nothing.''
Liz's azure eyes iced over as she slowly pulled away from him, letting him sag against the wall and clutch at his wound.
The smiling face of Alaura flashed in her mind, understanding chocolate eyes that tried so hard to forgive people.
(Flash back)
''Why were you so nice to him?" Liz grumbled, yanking a brush through her hair as she recalled their encounter with Fushimi.
Alaura smiled from her spot on the windowsill, bringing her knees up so she could rest her chin on them. ''Something happened to him…can't you tell? Something horrible happened to him.''
''So that gives him the right to try and kill Yata?" Liz questioned, coming to stand across from the Brunette.
Chocolate colored eyes tinted with sadness. ''No…but maybe it's something we can help him with. He wants someone to save him, even if he's too messed up to realize that.''
Liz eyed her oddly before poking her knee. ''Alright, I guess.''
Alaura laughed and brushed her hair away from her face. ''I see something in him, he thinks he's nothing-but he's something.''
(End flash back)
No…
''You're right,'' She started, narrowing her eyes. ''She sees nothing. Because you, Fushimi, are nothing.''
His head jerked back as something flashed across his face, but his bangs covered the look from her view.
Fushimi pasted on a sarcastic grin and stealthily began to bring a kunai out from his coat sleeve. ''So you finally understand then?''
Liz, unaware of the danger she was in, simply turned and began to walk towards a stunned Yata and wary Blue King. He looked apologetic as he and Awashima began to aid Fushimi in standing.
''Yeah- I understand now that Alaura was wrong about you.''
Fushimi had a hard time ignoring the pang that rang through his chest at her words, his mind and heart battling against one another.
'She's the only one who sees and I hate her for it!' his mind screamed. His heart just beat with the dull, yet loud, pain he harbored inside of him. 'She and Mikoto see everything and I hate them both for it!'
Standing on his own two feet with the help of his King he gently slid the kunai more so out of his pocket.
"Finally.''
Munakata had enough time to see the kunai fly from Fushimi's hand and reach out for it, seeing its target turn around with unsuspecting eyes. He saw the young Misaki Yata panic and reach for Liz to pull her behind him, along with Kuroh. Rikio rushed forward with wide eyes as he put his arms out in front of him to steady the two boys to keep them from falling.
They weren't fast enough.
The blade whistling through the air made Fushimi grin.
ClangClangClang!
…
Fushimi's grin slipped away.
His breaths came out labored as he heard the sound of his kunai fall to the ground uselessly, that gorgeous red not staining the tip. Confusion swelled inside of him until he heard the soft padding of feet and the rustling of crisp sheets.
A sliver of fear wormed its way into his heart as he saw before him Alaura, her eyes zeroed in on the kunai resting besides her.
''Two.'' She mumbled, her face void of emotion. She raised her head to face him, her eyes bright with awareness of the situation. ''Two times you've made a personal attempt on her life, three times you've tried to hurt my clan.''
It was silent until she started forward with her hand outstretched towards him.
Awashima stood in front of him quickly, brandishing her sword and halting Alaura's steps as she rested the tip of the shining blade against the hollow of Alaura's throat.
''Awashima!" Munakata ground out, his gaze narrowing as he saw Alaura's lips begin to curve up.
''Alaura!'' Liz shouted, hesitating when her friend raised a hand to stop her. Her brows furrowed in frustration. Alaura always made helping her so damn difficult.
''I don't want to see you, Seri. I want to see Saruhiko.'' The eerie smile remained in place as she placed the pad of her index against the woman's blade.
The blonde refused to back down. Fushimi may be troublesome, but it was the blue clan's responsibility.
''We will deal with his offenses on our own Miss. Alaura. I apologize for the trouble caused but you truly have no say so in the matter.''
Alaura's smile grew wider if it was possible, and she encased the sword in red flames. Awashima cried out as the burning of the metal grazed her skin, dropping the sword and holding her hand to her chest.
''You tell me I have no say in how he's dealt with?'' Alaura frowned and rested her palm against the woman's burns, cool flames swimming over and leeching away the burning from the wound. Awashima stared back up at her in shock. ''Watch me not care.''
To the others it was like a blur shooting forward, but Fushimi was able to keep his eyes tracked on the woman's movements. She spun beneath the raised arm of his King, her own arm rearing back as she locked eyes with him deliberately.
Then he lost sight as her hand covered his face and a loud cracking sound was heard.
Liz felt her eyes widen when she saw Fushimi's head snap back, his head breaking through the wall with the amount of force Alaura had used. She cringed at the act, knowing from experience that move wasn't easy to snap back from.
With a frown Alaura pulled herself up and away from the two large holes in the wall, staring down at the teen that was slipping in and out of consciousness.
So young, she thought sadly, crouching low to be eye level with him. Pain gets everyone and there isn't any way to run from it…but…we can always help those who are touched by it.
''I should kill you,'' she stated softly, pulling Fushimi's pain filled eyes to her. ''But I can't. I can't kill you when it's so obvious.''
''Oh yeah?" Fushimi managed a twisted smirk as he felt a disgusting warm feeling crawling over his chest the longer she looked at him. ''What could a person as weak as you know? Everyone rushes to your defense and you can't even seem to rush to theirs. Look at you-you just backed down from killing me!''
Her lips pulled up. ''They're pretty hot headed like that, aren't they? Goes to show I just have to work extra hard to be their eyes too I guess.''
Fushimi winced at the pain in his head. ''Their eyes?''
The brunette's gaze became filled with a warmth that froze him to the floor and made his blue orbs widen with her words.
''They can't see you…but I can. That's my duty in this clan, to be the eyes for my fellow clansmen when they can't, or won't, see. It infuriates you that you're an open book to me.''
The Blue clan member shook with his emotions, his gaze flickering just for a second behind her to where his old best friend stood. Yata held Liz's hand tightly in his own, his hazel orbs wide as he probably judged him from where he stood.
Fushimi dropped his chin onto his chest. "Tell me…what's so obvious?"
A sad look passed over Alaura's features as she leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his, closing her lids and smiling against the rage and sadness that seeped into the air from his body. She felt Fushimi's breath catch, could picture the look he wore on his face.
It was obvious in how he lashed out without reason, in how he delighted in seeing others bleed or feel pain in their hearts.
It was because…because he was just hurt.
''It's okay,'' she whispered quietly so the others couldn't hear, the soft tones ghosting over open wounds on his heart. ''It's okay to feel pain that you can't understand, Saruhiko. You're not alone.''
Fushimi tried hard to surge up the anger he had become accustomed to in his body. He tried to scavenge for an insult to throw at her. He tried to open his mouth and shout curses. He tried to summon one or both of his dual powers-
He just couldn't.
Stupid woman, he thought weakly closing his eyes. Stupid…
Mikoto Suoh slipped off of the bed he had been resting on, amber gaze watching Alaura make Fushimi crack. Stuffing his hands into his pockets he smiled slightly, knowing that poor kid never stood a chance against brown eyes.
Cracking his neck side to side he turned to the stunned look of Munakata and Awashima, smirking.
''Munakata, don't tell me you were watching me sleep just now.''
''Suoh, this isn't the time!"
Liz rested against the door to the new room that Alaura had been assigned, one that thankfully didn't have any holes in the walls. It had been over an hour since Fushimi had nearly tried to make another attempt on her life, and a while since Alaura had assigned him into a nurse's care to be treated for his burns and slight concussion.
Alaura had come back with a cheerful smile and had settled into her new bed. Mikoto had instantly settled at the foot of the bed, sprawling out lazily and closing his eyes while Alaura answered all of Munakata's questions.
Rikio had left to go call Kusanagi and Tatara to let them know everything Alaura had shared with them from their trip into their minds, and they were headed this way from the bar. Kuroh had called Shiro who had arrived a few minutes ago with a troubled air around him.
Yata had left a few minutes ago, disappearing with a dark look but a soft squeeze of her hand.
''So you think your grandfather is going to try and kill you? Is that what the demon said?" Shiro asked Alaura, breaking through Liz's train of thought and pulling her attention towards them.
She saw Alaura shake her head sadly. "Not in so many words, but it was hinted that the demons weren't the only ones unhappy with Mikoto and I's powers bonding.''
Mikoto waved his hand lazily and with a smile Alaura took it into her own, running the pads of her fingers over the lines on his palm.
A grin pulled on Liz's lips as she watched the cute exchange, feeling happiness for her best friend.
Shiro looked up at Kuroh with a curious look. ''The line of power is in the blood and you are the only one next in line. Your grandfather could be scared to relinquish the power to you and hoped that if you remained dead, he would be an eternal King.''
Alaura frowned. ''That's crazy though! Those demons are killing him! Why be an eternal King if you're slowly rotting away?"
Liz spoke up. ''Those demons…you mentioned that they were a curse from the first King because of his greed for power, right Shiro?"
The Silver King nodded. "I did, what are you trying to get across?"
She looked over at Alaura. ''What if…what if the demons aren't just a curse, but a test? A test for the King's hearts, and if their hearts are good then they can not only bond with another King-but get rid of the demons. But if they're not, and if they're full of the thirst for power, then they fall victim and the line continues?"
A beat passed before Alaura beamed over at her. ''Liz, you're so awesome!"
''Could that be possible?" Kuroh inquired, shooting the raven haired girl a proud smile before turning to the pensive gold eyed boy.
Shiro hummed and twirled his umbrella in his hand. Neko was curled up on his shoulder in her cat form, refusing to wear clothes.
''It would make a great deal of sense…what better test for greed versus selflessness than giving your life to save your beloved's life? My, this is like a huge puzzle!"
Liz snorted at the look that passed over Mikoto's face as he glowered at the white haired boy. The subject was still sensitive, along with the new title.
''Alaura, Mikoto!"
A blur of white shot past her, and she barely caught the sight of wide crimson eyes before the small girl lunged on to the bed, settling herself between the Red King and to be (Alaura hadn't said anything yet) Purple King. Alaura giggled and squeezed the girl to her chest while Mikoto smiled softly.
Kusanagi walked in and smirked, pushing his glasses up. ''Nice to see the two of you awake.''
Mikoto raised a brow. ''Where the hell have you been?"
"Anna had to change clothes. Totsuka will be up here soon, he got distracted by a vending machine.''
"If that's the case then where would the sixth king be hiding out? Should we not engage in confrontation and demand answers?" Munakata spoke up from where he sat by the window and Liz had to do a double take.
She had almost forgotten he was there.
Settling down and releasing Anna to rest between her legs, Alaura looked up and frowned. ''I don't even know where to begin looking. Shiro said that he doesn't know either, the sixth King hasn't popped up anywhere.'''
A troubled feeling settled on Liz's chest and with a flicker of her gaze she looked out into the hall, seeing the nurses and doctors that occasionally walked back and forth. She bit her lip and hesitated for a moment.
Awashima began to type things into her phone, deliberately avoiding the bartender's slight grin. ''It may take a while, but perhaps we can dig deep to find any hints of activity?"
Kuroh frowned. ''What type of activity? No one knows what the Purple King's power is, all we know is that they have the ability to bond with other Kings.''
She was about to slink out of the room when she felt a set of eyes on her. Halting at the doorway she looked back to see Alaura looking at her curiously while the others spoke of how to confront the Purple King. Brown orbs shined with her question and Liz smiled to relieve her, jutting her chin out to signify she'd be back.
Alaura smiled at her question being answered and nodded enthusiastically, going back to the conversation before mouthing for Liz to be careful.
The raven haired beauty shut the door behind her, not needing any strangers to listen in on her clan's business. She guessed it didn't really matter however, they probably sounded crazy, wat with all the talk of Kings and powers.
''I wonder where Yata ran off to,'' she worried, stopping and debating which hall to take. The boy hadn't told her where he was running off to, just that he had to take care of business.
''He was so mad about Fushimi…'' her eyes darkened. ''Even madder when Alaura decided we wouldn't harm Fushimi… and then-''
Liz cut off as she thought about how Yata had demanded to know why the 'monkey' got off scotch free. Alaura had stopped and looked towards Liz, asking quietly what she wanted.
Liz had been shocked to the core at how Alaura had dealt with the blue clan member, but knew she should have suspected it. If anyone could make that crazy kid spill his guts it would be her.
Anyone else would have been angry that their best friend sided with their almost killer, but she hadn't grown up with the girl for nothing. If Alaura really thought Fushimi was dangerous and would try to kill her again she would have thrown him out the damn window.
Besides, he didn't even get off scotch free. Fushimi had a slight concussion and kept blinking away stars from Alaura's blow and would have wicked scars on his stomach.
It was because of all of this that Liz had said she wanted to help the boy get help, and that maybe he wasn't so bad after all.
Yata had been tense after that.
Sighing Liz leaned against a wall, looking up and closing her blue orbs. "What a shit storm we're in,'' she mumbled.
But I'm getting through it with the best people…
''Cut the crap Monkey! Give me a god damn answer!''
Liz started at the familiar voice and froze, her eyes sliding to the left as she peered in slowly. The sight of Yata shaking with his fists clenched at his sides filled her vision, along with a ragged looking Fushimi sitting on the edge of the bed with a bored look on his face.
''I don't know what answer you're looking for Misaki, but it isn't one I have.'' He deadpanned, shrugging on his coat and rubbing the back of his neck. Bandages were wrapped tightly around his head that showed his issue.
Without knowing it her hand ghosted over her own wound.
She heard Yata growl. ''You know what the hell I'm talking about, I'm talking about what the hell kind of angle you think you're playing at!''
''Angle? Tell me Yata, how long did it take for you to scavenge your head for that word?"
A flare of annoyance entered her and she frowned at the low jab. Was he implying Yata wasn't smart?! Yata was plenty smart!
''I'm too pissed off to fall for your jabs, Saru. What angle do you think you're playing at with Alaura? She may fall for your crap but I won't!''
Liz's eyes widened as she pulled back to listen intently, not willing to be caught. A part of her insisted she shouldn't be listening to this, but the bigger part of her promptly told the small part to fuck off.
There was a beat of silence.
''I'm not playing on any angles with that woman; whatever crap you think I've pulled I haven't. She's annoying, in all honestly.''
Liz's brow furrowed.
''Cut the shit damn it, you go and fall to pieces in front of her? Please, as if.''
''Why is that so hard to believe?''
''Because you need a heart to feel anything, and that's something you don't have.''
She quickly covered her mouth to stop the gasp that fell forward, her eyes turning into saucers. Yata…
Fushimi didn't even sound fazed. ''I have a heart, it just feels nothing for you.''
She tugged on her locks of hair and cringed at the harsh words being shared. What the hell was going on?! They used to be best friends!
''Whatever, I don't need a traitors heart to feel anything for me anyways.''
''Traitor? Please, Misaki, are you really still on about that? How pathetic.''
''What else should I call you abandoning me and Homra? We were partners, best friends, and you spat all over that!" She could hear the strain in her Yata's voice.
''You make it sound as if I was the one who ended the friendship. I remember you being the one that promised to kill me.''
''Because I will-well- someday maybe, damn it!"
''Why waste time? Do it right here, Misaki. What better chance will you get than right this instant where I can't put up a fight?"
Liz froze, her shoulders tensing as she waited on bated breath for what Yata would do. She didn't like Fushimi much…but-
She could practically feel the anger burning in Yata's eyes. ''You know I can't.''
Fushimi hesitated for a moment and Liz hoped he could see behind the anger Yata wore. He was hurt and felt betrayed, he didn't really want to kill the Blue!
"No, I don't believe I do.''
She heard the sheets rustle and peeked in to see Fushimi leering up at Yata, malice on his face though his eyes shined with unshed tears. Her breath caught when she saw Yata's form shaking, his head hung low and his chestnut locks causing his eyes to be shadowed.
''Why exactly can't you kill me, Yata? You seemed so eager before!"
Fushimi seemed as if he was an inch away from snapping at the Homra member, and Yata seemed as if he wanted to bolt out the door. Liz felt her heart begin to race as she scooted forward slowly, preparing herself to interrupt a fight if it came down to it. Yata's next words made her stop cold.
''I can't…because I-I would miss my best friend.''
She saw Fushimi's eyes widen as he was caught off guard by Yata's hesitated answer. His glasses, which had been broken by Alaura, were held loosely in his hand. Upon hearing Yata's sentence she saw his gaze harden, and watched as his grip on his glasses caused the glass to crack even more.
Fushimi's lips thinned. ''We haven't been friends in a long time, Yata.''
The hazel eyed boy snapped back, his shoulders tensed in defense at how his confession was thrown back into his face.
''Yeah?" he bared his teeth. ''How long exactly, did our friendship end when you went off to join the stinkin' blues or before?! Because I need to fucking know what made you betray me-Mikoto and us!"
Tears gone as if they had never been there in the first place Fushimi pressed a hand lightly on his abdomen and looked away.
''It's none of your business, Mi-Sa-Ki.''
Liz dropped her head into her hands at the stupid boy's words. Could he not understand that Yata needed to know? Could he not see the pain Yata carried around?! Her heart panged in her chest for the events unfolding next to her.
She didn't know what would happen if Alaura or Kuroh hated her…
But that's it, she thought, did either of them even really hate the other?
It went silent for a moment and she chewed at her thumb nail anxiously, wary of how this was all turning out. Now she was even more curious as to what happened to Fushimi to make him this way with Yata-what could make someone so cold?
She heard Yata's shoes scuff the floor. "That's bullshit Saru and you know it," he scoffed lightly. ''But if that's what you're sticking to I guess I just have to fucking pester you.''
Scrambling Liz tried to appear as if she had just turned the corner, but paused when she heard Fushimi begin to speak up.
''What's with the sudden change of heart, Misaki?'' She could see the strained grin he'd wear in her mind. ''Just a couple of days ago you would have killed me where I stood. Don't tell me you've gone soft?"
''I haven't gone soft, Saru. I still want to beat the shit out of you. I've just…decided to give you a second chance.''
''Second chance? You're beginning to sound like your girly friend and Alaura. Be careful there, might lose your reputation.''
Yata chuckled deep within his chest, the sound coming off more so as sarcastic and full of irony. ''Look at that…you talk a damn good game about people changing-and you didn't even notice.''
Fushimi sounded as confused as she felt, just a bit more hostile about it. "What are you rambling on about now, idiot?"
''You called her Alaura. Looks like she got to you, Saru.''
A wide grin split across Liz's face as she picked up on what Yata was laying down. It was true, the boy had called Alaura by her name for once and without a condescending tone overlapping it.
''Damn you.''
''Fuck off.''
Liz was so caught up in grinning at Yata's bomb response she didn't notice him come out of the room with a smug but troubled look on his face. Her cheering was cut short as he ran into her, sending them crashing to the floor in a heap of limbs.
''OW!"
''Hey! Watch where you-Liz?"
Groaning to herself, the girl caught red handed raised her face up from where it had been smooshed against her boyfriend's chest. Wearing a sheepish grin she faced the knowing eyes of Yata.
''Hey….sweetheart….nice day out right?" She smiled guiltily.
Yata gave her a dead pan look, the red blush that encased his face only slightly distracting her. "You heard all that, huh?"
Liz didn't bother denying it. ''Yeah…look I'm really sorry for eavesdropping and intruding on a personal moment but I was worried about where you were and you had been gone for a while so I just went looking and when I finally found you you were already about to be knee deep in guy talk time and I didn't want to interrupt at-''
''Liz, Liz, Liz, it's okay!" Yata chuckled lightly, a silly half grin on his face as he watched her ramble to herself.
Catching her breath the raven haired girl looked up hopefully. ''So…you're not mad?''
Yata shook his head and hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her quickly into his arms and locking his hands at the nape of her lower back. A rush of warmth spread over her from top to bottom and she smiled slowly, closing her blue orbs and resting her cheek on his shoulder.
''No, I'm not mad. I would have told you everything eventually, anyways. Fucking monkey…''
Liz pulled back slightly with a laugh and shook her head. "We should head back, Alaura will start to get antsy about us.''
Hazel eyes rolled up in mock exasperation as they started back towards Alaura's room where she had already begun to ask where everyone was.
''She's such a mom sometimes.'' He whined, though the affectionate smile he wore differed from his words
Liz mock groaned. ''She'll hear you, Yata!"
''Let her, I'm not scared.''
….
''Okay-maybe a little-''
''Yeah that's what I thought.''
Alaura chewed the inside of her cheek as she braided Anna's hair loosely, grimacing at how horrible it had turned out.
Her mind was distracted with thought of a young Saruhiko Fushimi who was just a few halls over. She had made a dent in the boy's armor, but she couldn't be sure how long it would take until she could get him to open completely.
Sighing, she pulled out the braid and ran her fingers through the soft strands of white. Anna had fallen asleep a while ago, apparently making up for the hours she had spent by Alaura's side wide awake.
Frowning slightly she brushed the girl's bangs from her face, tapping the tip of her nose with the pad of her finger. The girl scrunched her nose up at the feeling and shifted, twisting to try and get away from the tickle sensation.
''Are you alright?"
The deep voice of Mikoto pulled Alaura's attention up and away from the girl's sleeping face, and she smiled brightly when amber entered her vision.
He wore a sleepy expression, sitting up on the edge of the bed and reaching for her now non busy hands. Loosely his fingers slipped between hers and rested them on the bed, his expression holding her.
''I'm okay,'' she smiled. "Just thinking about stuff.''
Mikoto ran his free hand through his ruffled locks of red and dropped back sideways to where his head rested on her left thigh, Anna laying her cheek on her right.
Alaura raised a sharp brow. ''I didn't realize I was a human bed?"
The Red haired man smirked and squeezed her hand in response. ''Hmm.''
You're so cute, she thought fondly, bringing their joined hands to rest on his chest.
The others were scattered around the room, this one much larger than her previous one. Tatara had shown up but left when he realized he had forgotten her clothes, complaining how he just wanted to talk to her. Kuroh and Shiro were in a corner talking lowly, and Alaura couldn't contain her grin as she noticed the slight blush in Shiro's cheeks and the smile on Kuroh's lips.
Kusanagi had walked out with Awashima to go grab a cup of coffee, and Munakata had excused himself to use the restroom a while ago.
Humming to herself lightly Alaura leaned over and pressed her nose to Mikoto's forehead, ignoring the dull throb in her chest.
One eye cracked open to look up at her. "Hmm?"
She smiled innocently. "Just wanted to see ya.''
He exhaled deeply, closing his eye once more. Almost unnoticeable, he lifted his forehead to bump against her nose.
A deep flush covered her cheeks at the playful affection, a wide grin accompanying it as she laughed and pulled herself back up. A warm feeling settled over her chest and she tightened her grip on their interlocked hands.
''Silly.''
''We're back!"
Liz came crashing into the room, pulling next to her a grinning Yata.
If Alaura had been anyone else, or less motherly, she would have thought they looked perfectly fine. But she wasn't someone else, and she was mama bear as fuck.
There was a slight crease to Yata's eyebrows, and a troubled gleam behind the laughter he gained from being around his family. Liz didn't look that great either; it seemed she picked up on the boy's frustrations and was tuning in to them.
Tilting her head to the side Alaura struggled to ease Anna off of her leg, Mikoto reaching for her and pulling her up so she could stand on the floor. She crinkled her nose at the sudden chill that traveled up her spine from her sock covered feet touching to ground.
I swear without Mikoto I would freeze in that bed.
Shifting from side to side Alaura stepped forward but paused, turning back around to pat Mikoto's cheek softly.
''I'm gonna go check on Fushimi, okay?" She smiled.
His face remained neutral, but he did nod at her. ''Alright. Don't be long.''
Alaura's eyes crinkled in the corner as her hand slipped away from the smooth skin of his cheek. ''I won't be.''
''Wait a minute,'' Liz cut in. "You're going by yourself?"
The brunette stopped and stared at her friend, chocolate meeting blue. ''Yes?"
The raven haired girl frowned tersely before something dawned in her eyes and she sighed. "Okay…''
Alaura waved back to everyone as she stepped out of the room, turning left to head to where Fushimi's room had been assigned. It wasn't rocket science why she wanted to check on him. She had hurt him, so of course she wanted to make sure he was doing okay.
Add to the fact it was obvious something had gone down between Yata and him.
She found his room easily, slipping inside to see him reclined back onto the bed and looking out to the window. A frown marred his face, and the bandages wrapped around his head made her heart feel a slight twinge of guilt.
''If you lay down you'll fall asleep,'' she spoke out softly, trying not to spook him. "You could slip into a coma if you sleep.''
Fushimi didn't bother turning his head to watch her enter the room and take a seat, the sound of the chair scratching across the floor would be enough clue. ''That would be a peaceful way to go, I suppose.''
Alaura settled her elbow down on the arm of the chair and rested her chin in her palm, eyes light. ''Is that what you want?"
Fushimi chose not to answer her question, turning his head to meet her eyes and ask his own question. ''Why are you being kind to me? I don't see a true point. Let me be and go back to your clan, we're not meant to mingle with one another.''
Alaura waved him off. ''I plan on changing that. I'm going to try and help all the clans stay peaceful with one another. No kings trying to kill my friends to start a war sounds like a sweet deal to me.''
The dark hair boy cocked a brow at her. ''You truly think you can bring together our clans?''
Brown eyes sparkled with the possibility. ''My main focus is the blues and reds at the moment, and with me in the future that'll be three out of seven-when we find the next colorless King that is. If I can make our two clans understand one another then the others will be a breeze in comparison.''
Fushimi paused in his thought and shrugged her off. ''Goody two shoes, aren't you? I can't see one reason why our clans would willingly find common ground.''
''You used to be a part of my clan, Saru, why wouldn't I try to help you even if you are now a blue?"
His gaze snapped over towards her at her bold statement of how she wanted to help him, and in her face he saw his old best friend's face, eyes beseeching him to tell him what he could do to help ease the rift between them.
Shaking his head lightly he banished those images, clenching his eyes shut. ''You think we can be friends?"
''The best, maybe one day you'll see me as part of your family as I see you as mine.''
Fushimi didn't have the chance to reply.
A screeching sound filled the room, piercing their ears and making the rational side of their mind shut down and their primal side to fill the role of dominance. His body thrashed back and forth, sending him sprawling over the edge of the bed to land on the hard, cold, tile floor. Blood began to dribble out from his ears and down his neck, the sensation warm and slick.
He saw Alaura's back arch in the chair, her brown eyes rolling into the back of her head as her mouth dropped open in a soundless scream.
Or was her screams the one filling the air?
He couldn't even tell. All he could see was the red blooming beneath her crisp, white shirt from the strain of the angle her body was in.
The room shook, the door rattling on its hinges as the bed shook violently. Vaguely he alerted his legs to haul himself up and gripped the wall for support, gasping for air he couldn't take.
''IDIOT!" he called out over the howls and shaking of the building. ''STOP WHATEVER THIS IS!"
Grimacing against the dirt that had begun to swirl around the room he brought his arm out to block it from his eyes and looked over weakly at the still soundless screaming woman.
His nonexistent breath got lodged in his throat, forcing him to choke on spit.
Another woman had appeared behind Alaura, her fingertips resting delicately on the sides of Alaura's head. Her long white hair was flowing around her in a gentle breeze as compared to the chaos inducing winds ripping away at him and his clothes.
Her lips were painted a deep red, her crimson colored eyes watching Alaura howl in pain with all the affection a mother could muster. Black liner outlined her eyes, helping to make her lashes look fuller. She wore bright, beautiful, purple robes that swayed gently around her. They seemed to float in the air and for a second Fushimi hoped she could stop whatever was happening.
But then she looked up at him and raised her finger in a shushing motion, her blood red eyes sparking with demented thoughts. A faint lavender glow began to form in a circle around their feet and if possible the screaming and roaring winds became worse.
"ALAURA!" He fought against the winds and grimaced, reaching out his arm to try and reach for her. Her arms and legs were thrashing from side to side, too blurry to his burning eyes to grab onto properly.
Yes, he thought she was annoying.
Yes, he hated how quick she had been to forgive him.
Yes, he couldn't stand how things were beginning to change because of her.
But…he couldn't see Homra be wracked with grief again.
He couldn't watch his best friend cry again.
''ALAURA!"
With his last bit of strength Fushimi lunged forward, snapping his hand forward and grabbing onto a flailing limb just as soon as the light exploded around the room.
The woman snarled down at him, but his gaze was focused on Alaura's wide, terrified eyes.
''I can't be the reason he cries again!" He admitted reluctantly, gritting his teeth together. "I can't let you die! It'll hurt them too much damn it, get your fucking self together!"
Alaura stared back at him, her mouth open in her endless scream as the fear in her eyes began to steel over slowly. He sunk to his knees and clung to her, watching the fire in her eyes grow and her mouth begin to twist into a snarl.
A red hue began to creep into her irises, and he felt her fingers dig into the soft flesh of his arm.
This is it, he thought low to himself, shocked at the emotion shown and, he hated to admit it, slightly in awe. This is what Awashima tried to warn us of…
Alaura feels like her family is in danger, and she'll kill this woman for making her feel like that.
A/N: WOOOOOOOOOOH! Who is this mystery woman?! Can you guys guess?! It is so crazily past my bedtime where I am, and I have classes tomorrow...oh well this was worth it. I didn't want you guys to have to wait any longer.
Review, eat amazing food, and have a great day/night!
PREVIEW OF CHAPTER 17: Violet
"Where the fuck is she?" Mikoto growled low, gripping the front of Munakata's coat and bringing their faces close. Amber burned into purple, red flames licking at the soles of his feet.
''Keep in mind, Suoh, that one of my men is also missing.'' Munakata slowly pushed aside Mikoto's flame coated fist.
The renowned temper the Third King possessed had shown itself.