---o
" This was Raiha's first birthday.. and here he is holding you when you were born...and that's the one when he first went to boarding school and that was the last one we ever took of him "
Moesama pointed the pictures out to Fuuko. His heart ached every time he paused to remember those times, but after awhile the pain lessened and he even looked back at those memories fondly.
" And what's this? " Fuuko pointed a picture of her mom and someone together. She only recognized her mother. Who was the other guy with her? Wait... that nose and chin...dad?! That was her father when he was younger ?! Fuuko laughed and inspected the picture closer. Her father smiled bashfully.
" Yes, that's me. In my, ahem, heydays.. "
" Dad, what's that say underneath you? I see mom's name, Hane, under her, but your's says ' Yaburu ' "
Moesama looked embarrassed. How did that picture get in there?
" Yes, well. Back in the days when your mother was a great magician, they would call her ' Hane no Kaze ' , as in the 'Wings of the Wind' because her slight- of- hand tricks were so fast you thought that the she pulled stuff out of the air. But the rest of her magicians troop called me ' Yaburu no Kaze ', out of fun ".
" Which means ? "
" Er.... Ahem.. ' Ripper of Winds ' "
Fuuko raised an eyebrow and repeated what she just heard. " Ripper of winds? Don't you mean 'Reaper '?"
His face reddened slightly.
" Ripper, as in ... to cut the cheese ? "
It turned a tad blue.
" To expel methane gas ? "
Now it was a lovely shade of purple.
" In other words, to- "
" Yes, all right! Yes!! But it was out of fun! "
Fuuko looked at her father closely. " Are you kidding dad ? "
" No, it's what they really called me! "
" Pulling my leg ? "
" No! they really did - "
" Joking around ? "
" Fuuko! " Moesama sternly reprimanded his daughter from saying anything else. He wanted to tell her something else while he still had the courage to do so.
" Now. About me getting drunk all the time whenever it comes to your mother's death anniversary... "
Fuuko's laughter died down. Moesama squeezed one of his daughter's hands. " I know it's late... But.. tomorrow.... Let's go visit her. And we'll see if we can find your brother again. He left that picture recently. Hopefully he will still be around. "
Fuuko nodded her head. Moesama let go of holding her hand . " And... I promise not to drink anymore. I owe you that much. My poor dear... I 'm so sorry for having caused you trouble...all those years... "
Aw, no. Dad was going to cry again.
---o
Hane... You would be proud of Fuuko. She turned out to be a lovely woman like you. Well, maybe a bit less feminine, but she has a good head on her shoulders. Her eyes and smile remind me so much of you. I wish you were here to see her. Raiha... I'm so sorry. I thought that the next time I visited, I would have information on him, but I came empty handed. I promise you that I will keep searching for our son....
Moesama kneeled down in front of his wife's grave. Fuuko stood behind him. They had been there for an hour. He had seven years worth of news to tell his wife. And knowing him, he was probably only relating the first year. That would mean six more hours.
Fuuko saw movement behind the trees. Someone? Raiha!! She ran to follow the shadow of her brother leaving her dad behind.
---o
Which way did he go? Fuuko followed Raiha to the brink of the forest and then she lost sight of him. Where could he be?
" Fuuko. Hello. "
She rotated around to be met with Raiha's smiling face.
" Raiha. Why didn't you tell me? "
" Aaaa... you know then... I was hoping you would find that soon. "
Her brows came together in silent contemplation. Raiha stepped back from her.
" A week from now. We must fight. "
" Because it's destiny, right? " She mimicked his exact words when they met in Uroubatousatoujin.
" Yes ".
" You're gonna have to give me a better explanation than that! "
" Then call it fate ". He turned and disappeared into the forest.
Damn it! What kind of answer was that?!
---o
It was not like he was avoiding Fuuko intentionally. Avoid is such a strong word. No, more like he felt a bit ... uncomfortable. You'd think he would be more used to her now since they fought in the same team and all. He had no problems with Yanagi. Or any other girl for that matter. But Fuuko... oh , he treated her in more or less the same fashion as any other female but that would only result in her smiling at him . It made him feel... uncomfortable. Damn uncomfortable. It was better to leave her alone to sort out her own problems and not bother sticking his nose into her business. But now he was back to being stuck with her. Well maybe, just maybe, he could learn to feel more at ease around her.
" Tokiya, I need another favor from you again ".
He groaned inwardly " You didn't fail another subject, did you ? "
" No. Something more serious ".
" Which is ? "
" I need you to train me ".
" For what? "
Fuuko cleared her throat " You know... train me.. as in fight me.. "
" Now why should I do that ? " He was about to walk away.
" MIKAGAMI! I took a bullet for you! "
" I thought you said I shouldn't worry about it ".
" Well...ya, but... I lied ? ... Oh, come on! Are you going to help me or not ? " Fuuko was getting frustrated. If he didn't want to help her, she would have to ask Recca.
" Why me? " He really didn't want to exert his precious time and effort.
" You got a sword. The guy I'm fighting has a sword too ". It wasn't exactly lying! Raiha had a sword! He did! Tokiya was the only friend she knew with a sword. Raiha also had the Reishin madogou, but where was she going to practice for that?!
" And just who exactly are you training to fight for? "
Her jaw clenched tightly. " My brother ".
---o
YEAH!!! This feeling! This rush of adrenaline! Her blood pumping madly through her veins! THIS was what it meant to truly be alive! THIS was what she loved to do best!
Fuuko dodged another Water Snake that Tokiya directed at her. She was almost out of breath. But Mikagami looked like he just got fresh out of the shower. She wiped some sweat off her forehead and tossed him an arrogant grin.
" Had enough yet, Mikagami? "
" On the contrary, I've only just begun. "
---o
" Good morning Fuuko! " Yanagi happily greeted her friend who was entering the classroom.
" 'Ey. Mornin' " Fuuko found her desk and plopped onto the seat. She placed her head on the table and tried to get at least a minute of sleep before the teacher came in.
" You don't look so good Fuuko. Are you okay? " Kanojo trotted over to her boyfriend's ex-flame.
" Hey, what's with Mikagami? He looks terrible! " Recca just came in after catching a glimpse of Tokiya entering the higher leveled class.
Domon peeked over at Fuuko.
" Hey Fuuko. You don't look too good either. What happened to the both of you? Didn't get any sleep ? "
Recca exchanged a glance with Yanagi. " You don't think they... "
" They wouldn't.... "
Kanojo caught on . " They're too young to- "
" Too young to what ? " Domon asked.
" It's not what you're thinking! " Fuuko's head shot up in protest.
Recca winked mischievously at her. " Sure thing. .. whatever you say... "
Fuuko sank back into her chair and knew right then and there that she wanted to die.
---o
" You're doing better. You're actually on the offense now ".
Mikagami twirled away from Fuuko's Onitsume claws and landed gracefully on his feet. She was doing well for someone who only mastered their madogou in a short amount of time. He had the slight advantage of being with his ensui for seven years. Fuuko was charging at him again.
" Quit running, chicken! Take one of my attacks like a man! "
She let loose a random amount of her hikuu darts at him. Tokiya ducked easily and blocked some darts with his ensui blade. He was in close vicinity and used his Mizu Kugutsu illusion in the effort to end this round with him as the victor.
The fog was too dense for her to see. Maybe taunting him out would work..." Coward! You know you can't beat me in a fair fight ! Come on out so that - "
WHAP! Something just pushed her chest !! She instantly slapped the figure in front of her.
Mikagami knew he should have finished her from behind.
" Wahh!!! I'm so sorry!!! It was just that you grabbed it, and out of reflex I ... ohhh, I'm so sorry!!! "
Fuuko reddened with nothing less than galactic- sized embarrassment. She knew he didn't mean it! It was just that he touched on a sensitive area, and... " I'm really, really sorry! "
Tokiya got over his initial shock and lowered his ensui. " It's... fine ".
" Um.. uhhh... " Now what? " Uuhh... my handprint on your face.. sorry 'bout that ".
" It's. fine. " Damn. He forgot he was fighting a woman.
Fuuko swallowed nervously. " So, uhhh.. maybe we should call it a day, huh? "
" Fine ".
Ohhh... Mikagami probably hated her. But it was an honest mistake! She already apologized...She hoped he would still train her. She only had one more day to go...
---o
" Yeah, Mikagami's been training me. I have to fight Raiha soon so I have to be prepared ".
Fuuko was chattering alone with Domon under the shade of a large cherry blossom tree. Kanojo had some errands to run during the lunch break. Domon was the only person who knew, aside from Tokiya, that she was going to fight Raiha. But she didn't tell him that Raiha was her brother. Domon would prevent her from getting into that battle.
" You should see how Tokiya was able to evade my Onitsume claws. It was great! He didn't get touched once! And I was fighting my best too! I mean, he looked cool in the Uroubatousatoujin, but actually fighting him is an even bigger thrill !! And then he did his Mizu Kugitsu illusion and he would have defeated me, but I .... Why are you looking at me that way Domon? "
Domon was amazed to say the least. Of all the years he knew Fuuko, she never once praised anyone's fighting ability. Even when she lost to Recca, she would still call him a weakling. This side of Fuuko was one he never saw before. She was gushing over an opponent! He tried to hide a grin of amusement.
" Do you know that your eyes light up whenever you talk about Mikagami nowadays ? "
" What? " She was talking about his fighting ability. Of course they would light up! She loved a good fight!
" Your eyes. They practically sparkle whenever you see him or talk about him... I've never seen you look like that at me, or anyone else... "
" Whu-? Domon, get your friggin' head checked. Mikagami's a good friend " .
" Oh? Just now... your eyes said something else. They said that you regarded him as something deeper ".
" Stop looking at my eyes, will ya! "
" Opposites do attract, you know... " Domon said matter of factly.
" Yes they do Domon. And that's as far as it goes. Attraction. They don't get along very well afterwards ".
" Hmmm... Tokiya and you seem to have this same denial of feelings. That would make you have something in common... "
" Since when did you play psychologist?! " Fuuko tossed her hands up in the air in frustration. " Look. Kanojo's here. I'm leaving ". Picking up her bag, Fuuko stomped off.
" Domon Ishijima. What did you say to Fuuko that made her so mad ? " Hands on her hips, Kanojo mockingly scolded her boyfriend.
" Nuthin' . I just told her the truth ".
---o
What in the world was Domon implying anyway?? Mikagami was a good friend. That's all! Yes she liked him! Yes she loved him! But as a friend! Not as... not as... ( she shuddered ).. not as some lovesick puppy!
Unrequited love. Hah. The was the last thing Fuuko needed. Tokiya might be drop dead gorgeous, yes she admitted that. But that was as far as it went! He must have a million admirers to choose from, why would he even consider some wannabe boy like her ? Please, like she was going to date some pasty faced guy prettier than she. Arrgggh! Why was she even thinking that?! Looks never mattered to her! Who was she to criticize someone's physical appearance? It wasn't like she was model quality herself. But his type looked more like the conservative housewife. The guy had a sister complex for crying out loud! He would probably fall in love with someone like his sister!.... Someone like Yanagi....Someone with clear, smooth skin, not like her battle scarred body. Someone demure and sweet, not boyish and independent.
He probably wanted some damsel in distress to protect. Maybe it was a guy thing to make them feel macho. Once upon a time she too looked for her so - called " knight in shining armor ". But that all changed when her mother died. The kids in school called her names. The boys would make fun of her, calling her bad luck for having a dead mother. No one helped her then. She wanted Recca to protect her from harm... but when he beat her, that only went to show that the only person she could ever count on was herself. It was hard... maybe if she were a guy it wouldn't be so bad. Being a girl and portraying yourself as strong was not an easy task. People constantly looked down upon you, and the minute you showed signs of acting your own gender they would think lowly of you again. No one would say she was weak.
To fall in love would change everything she knew. Everything that she got used to. Caring friends and a loving father.... Her mother died and that changed everything. Her brother disappeared and the realization of it changed everything. Recca and Domon growing up before here eyes changed the way she looked at them. Why change? She didn't need it.
Oh great. She got lost. Now she had to take the long way home. On the bright side, though, at least it wasn't raining...
Just to prove everything she said was wrong, it started to drizzle.
---o
" You'll get a cramp if you don't stretch your legs first ".
Tokiya paced a little in the gymnasium ( which was conveniently empty ), then went to sit beside Fuuko. She had immediately flopped to the floor in a crucifix pose after he declared the training session over.
" Uaggh. I don't care. I'm too pooped... " Even saying stuff brought pain to her body. She felt like soaking up in a nice, warm, bath and emerging only at prune stage. She wanted to eat a huge meal that could feed a small army, take a good, long nap....
Mikagami looked over at the her relaxed form . Her eyes were closed. How was she able to do that? No one else could feel so at ease around him. But here she was, lying down with an expression of security and peace. Like she trusted him...well, she did consider him a friend after all. Strange. Why did that little piece of knowledge just give him a hint of disappointment? He could not afford anything more than friendship. Mifuyu's death...
" You're thinking about your sister again, right Tokiya ? " Fuuko shifted around to face him, head propped by her elbow.
Mikagami frowned.
" And by that frown, I take it that I'm correct ". She sat up and smiled. " And now you're thinking just exactly how I got to that conclusion ".
No change in expression this time on Tokiya's face.
" Heh. You may be good in hiding the rest of your feelings, but when it comes to your sister, your feelings become more visible than you think... "
Tokiya mulled over what she just said and stayed quiet. Fuuko continued on in a more serious and gentler tone.
" It's not your fault . You should know that. Meguri might have told you otherwise so that you would have the drive to become the best student he ever had. But...there was nothing you could have done to save her and no matter how many times you want to, you can never go back and change the past..."
The sadness and regret were clearly defined once again in his eyes. It stabbed at her own heart. She wanted nothing more than to erase all of it, to take away all his pain and add it to her own if it would make him feel better... if only it were that easy. She really felt guilty for even bringing it up but...if it could help....
" Tokiya... you know that if you ever need someone to talk to, Recca and the others are more than willing to listen. They're good - "
" HOW WOULD YOU KNOW !! "
" What? " Fuuko's eyes widened in astonishment. She only intended to-
" How would ANY of you know..." Tokiya stood up with obvious self - loathing and walked quickly toward the exit.
" Wait! Why... " Fuuko ran and grasped his sleeve to hold him back. " Why are you so mad ? I - "
"DON'T PITY ME! " He yanked his arm harshly away from her hand. " I don't need your pity! It's the last thing I'll ever need ! "
He turned his back on her to continue walking out the door. But Fuuko took hold of his arm again and whirled him around with enough force for him to face her.
" ENOUGH! " She took a step closer. Instinct made his legs retreat.
" YOU HYPOCRITE! YOU DAMNED HYPOCRITE !! How can ANYONE not pity you?! You're full of it yourself! All this self-pity you have on how you couldn't save your sister... How DARE you think that you're the only one who's felt the pain of loss ! "
Every step she took was making him move backwards until he could feel the wall pressed against his back.
" HOW DARE YOU THINK YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE !! Yes! Maybe none of us saw our loved ones die before our eyes... and yes, maybe we all don't know exactly how it feels...but don't EVER think you're alone ! "
Fuuko punched the wall beside Tokiya's head to vent out some of her fury. She still had enough sense left to not hit Mikagami instead. Bits of the wall crumbled around her fist.
" Ganko lost her mother even younger than I did! And Recca never even had one! Do you know what it would be like to have one suddenly appear ?! All those years and he thought his mother died ! And then finding out that he was adopted instead! He had to fight his brother! Just like I have to fight mine ! ! Kagerou's had 400 years of grief and suffering to go through, and Kaoru..." Uh... What about Kaoru? " Well I don't know about Kaoru, but he's never had anyone to care for him until meeting with Kurei, and even then, Kurei didn't treat him with the love he so rightly deserved !! "
She glared at him like it was all his fault. Tokiya should be furious. Who was she to tell him this?! No one could ever understand! He should be enraged ! Angry! Upset at least! He should feel something in the form of animosity!
But the only sensation he felt was this irritating burning desire to close the gap between them and end everything. Her face was so close that he could feel her warm breath on his skin. Her cheeks were getting flushed with exertion, bringing an inviting hue to the soft trace of her lips. They parted slightly to gain some air after all that yelling. The familiar scent of a fresh field of strawberries in summer... her eyes of cobalt blue intensely ablaze. Not in anger as he first mistook them to be, but in the passionate effort to make him see the care she had for him... so much love ... NO! No. Mere attraction was as far as it went. She didn't love him. How could anyone! And the only love he had to give was reserved for Mifuyu. His sister took his love with her when she died. He had only concern and friendship to offer now.
Fuuko felt hope rise when his eyes softened for awhile ... then they became steel and his mask of indifference took over. He turned his head to the side and refused to look at her... like she had never said anything and even ceased to exist ...
" To... TO HELL WITH YOU! "
To hell with him! What did she care anymore ?! Grabbing her things, she stormed out the door holding back tears that threatened to spill down any moment.
---o
' Why did I get mad in the first place ? '
Tokiya got off from leaning on his door and placed his house keys on the table. He didn't feel like turning on the lights. Only the moon would be his aid in going around the small apartment he called home.
Why did he get angry? Fuuko was only trying to help, like any friend would...
He stood in front of the mirror. He looked like he had aged a hundred years.
She was only trying to help. But that look of pity in her eyes... that look of pity was more than he could stand !
" DAMN YOU! I don't need you! "
He smashed the mirror with his fist.
" I don't need you! ANY of you! " Not Yanagi or Recca or anyone else...
The mirror cracked and pieces of the reflective glass fell.
" Mifuyu was all I needed !! And she died! "
The glass bit painfully into his skin...
" I loved her and she DIED! "
...But the pain of the flesh could not match the one in his heart...
" She died.... "
It hurt... the agony in his chest was the one he so wanted to avoid... The pain in Fuuko's face...it brought raw suffering to his heart... it never bothered him before...when would life stop toying with him?
" She doesn't love me. " Only pity... only friendship...Nothing else...No one should love him... he didn't deserve it...He didn't want it.
" Mifuyu... if only you were here..."
---o
I fight Raiha today. Mom, I hope you understand. I'm not sure I do... I still haven't found out why I have to. All I know is that I must. Why did you have to die? And leave me and dad all alone? To leave Raiha behind... You turned everything upside down...But I don't blame you. I'm sorry if I sounded like that. You would be crying right now if you found out....
" Aunt Fuuko? Is something wrong ? " Ganko tugged anxiously at Fuuko's hand. They had already reached the elementary school Ganko went to. Fuuko looked down into Ganko's concerned face.
" Oh, nothing's wrong.... " She squatted in front of Ganko. " Hey Ganko. Can you keep a secret ? "
" 'Course I can! " Ganko put on her innocent baby act. But she crossed her fingers behind her back. If aunt Fuuko confessed her love for Uncle Tokiya, she would have no choice but to tell big brother Kaoru...
" I want you to have this ". Fuuko took out a necklace that had a diamond flower pendant. She put it around Ganko's neck. " I might have to leave for awhile, so I want you to keep this ".
" Where are you going? Are you coming back soon? " Ganko felt afraid... Where was Aunt Fuuko going?
" I don't know if I will be back. Hey, I promise you though, if I do, I'll get you that dress you always wanted ! " Fuuko ruffled Ganko's hair. " Then we can go check that bakery downtown and eat 'till we drop! "
" Aunt Fuuko...where... "
" You be a good girl now, and don't give Recca and Kaoru such a hard time, you hear? And remember that I love you very much ! " Fuuko gave Ganko a crushing hug.
" O-kay- Aunt- Fu-ko ! Ca-n't-bre-athe ! "
" Whopps! " She let go and instead placed a hand on Ganko's cheek. " Well, you take care of yourself! Toodles ! " Fuuko waved energetically at Ganko's retreating form going inside the school.
---o
Fuuko checked the forest area again and tapped her foot impatiently. Maybe she got the days mixed up or something. Did he say next week? She could have sworn it was today...Well if he didn't show up in the next five minutes, she was going to leave.
" Pardon my tardiness... "
" Raiha! Well it's about time! "
" Forgive me for that. I fear I had more pressing matters to attend to before I was able to come here ". Raiha stood in front of her, a smile on his lips. The guy probably overslept! Fuuko clenched her fists at her sides.
" Mind telling me why we're doing this? And don't give me that fates crap ".
" I'm afraid that it is the only explanation I have to give you ".
" What?! "
" You see, it was fate that killed mother. It was fate that brought the Reishin madogou to my hands. And it is fate that decrees we fight ".
" We can change fate, you know ".
" We could try. But the inevitable will come, and there is no changing destiny. It's nothing personal. But the Reishin must go against the Fuujin. It just so happened that fate put the Fuujin into the hands of my little sister ".
Little sister. Why did that sound... so wrong? " Come on. Can't you give me a better explanation than that? Like to take my Fuujin? Or because you admire Kurei so much that you want to have a big sibling battle like him and Recca? "
Raiha laughed and shook his head " Fuuko. When mother died...all the ties I had with our family died along with her. You may be my sister, but it is more important to me that you have the Fuujin and that the Reishin and the Fuujin go against each other ".
" Can't we all just... get along? Why can't they work together? "
" Because the fate- "
" And don't give me that fates crap! "
Raiha sighed and looked serious. " Because they are opposing madogous. One is meant for salvation. The other for destruction. I must know which is which ".
---o
Sunlight filtered through the window and found its way to his eyelids. Tokiya blearily opened his eyes. Was it morning already? His hands stung. The blood on his knuckles dried and caked over his hand. He should get cleaned up and go to school. And buy a new mirror while at it.
There was a knock at the door. He got up to answer it.
---o
" Wait, so how exactly is our fighting going to prove which madogou is which ? " Fuuko still didn't get why they had to fight. Now she kind of had a clue on how Recca felt when he had to fight Kurei. But Raiha wasn't evil. And neither was Kurei, but they only found that out afterwards. So during the Uroubatousatoujin, Recca could have killed Kurei without much guilt. But Fuuko didn't know if she could deliver the final blow on her brother.
" Our actions while we combat will prove it ". Raiha took out his sword and went into a battle stance.
----o
" Uncle Tokiya? Are you there ? " Ganko knocked one more time at Mikagami's door. Maybe he left already for school.
The door opened. Tokiya glimpsed left and right but saw no one. Guess it must have been a prank.
" Uncle Tokiya! Down here! "
Mikagami looked down and saw Ganko's pouty face. Her yellow fox -like pet whatever was perched ontop her head.
" Ganko. What are you doing here? And where did you get that ? " He had caught sight of a glint. It was Ganko's pendant on her neck. The same one Fuuko bought for her mother.
" Aunt Fuuko gave it to me. And she went somewhere! She said she might not come back. Do you know where she was going? I'm really scared..."
He took a sharp intake of breath. Damn it! Fuuko knew! She knew she didn't stand a chance against Raiha! All that training was just to put up a good fight! She knew even with the training, it wasn't enough. She was prepared to die ! That conversation in the gym... that was why she had said Recca and the others were willing to listen and why she didn't include herself...Damn it!
Cursing himself again for added measure, Tokiya grabbed his ensui and ran past Ganko.
---o
" You can do better than that! I've seen you fight! Give me everything you've got! "
Raiha executed another slice with his sword. Fuuko evaded his attack with ease. Mikagami had shown her the basic moves of a swordsman. It was easier to dodge Raiha's attacks because of it. Doing a backwards somersault, Fuuko bounced off the ground and slashed at him with her Onitsume claws. She got lucky. It drew blood across his chest.
Raiha grinned. It was time. " Reishin! Give me your power! "
---o
Domon stood in front of Mikagami, blocking his way.
" I found Uncle Domon before I got to your place, Uncle Tokiya ". Ganko yelled it out at him, like he hadn't figured that out.
" Domon, we have to find Fuuko ".
Domon didn't budge.
" She'll need our help Domon! "
" You don't deserve her ".
" What? "
Domon shook his head. " I couldn't be the one she fell in love with. "
" Please, stand aside... " Please don't put up a fight Domon...
" I could treat her better. I could be there for her... "
" Domon ... " Tokiya's warning voice grew dangerously low.
Domon smiled lopsidedly " It just had to be you . "
Tokiya relaxed his grip on the ensui. Domon stood aside. " Go on. She needs you. I'll get Recca ".
Tokiya nodded. " She'll be at the forest nearest the cemetery ".
---o
She couldn't keep this up anymore...Her shoulder hurt like mad. Her legs were turning to lead and the loss of blood was making her feel all light headed. Raiha saw her weakening. Fuuko's vision blurred between blessed slumber and painful awakedness.
Recca... Domon...my closest friends... I've never thanked you for all those great years...
Raiha slowly walked over to her slumping form.
Yanagi, Kanojo... I've felt like I've known you for a long time. Please take care of those two morons. They mean well....
Raiha looked down on her, his smile still in place.
Ganko... you'll grow up beautiful, I know it. The boys will be all over you that you gotta beat them off with a stick...
Raiha tightened his hold on his Reishin.
Kaoru... I'll miss you, you little imp! You take care of Ganko...
Raiha raised his madogou.
Dad, I love you... I'm sorry I couldn't more like mom.... And Tokiya...
Raiha paused. There was something in Fuuko's eyes...
" MIKAGAMI !! I HATE YER GUTS! "
Strength renewed, Fuuko knocked down Raiha with all she had.
---o
Tokiya felt a chill run down his spine. Why?
He squeezed the cuts on his hands from breaking the mirror. It bled anew.
It must be because she could be dead already...If that were true, then he'd use his own blood to kill Raiha. He'd make sure of that.
---o
" Why... why did you side with Kurei? " Fuuko barely had enough energy to raise her head up. Even replacing Raiha's face with Mikagami's didn't work anymore. Raiha shrugged.
" We were both victims of circumstance. It felt right for me to join him ".
" And it feels right of you to kill me now?! "
Raiha frowned. " No. But I can see that I carry the madogou of evil. It's urging me to kill you..."
Fuuko tried to stand straight. Damned if she died lying down. Raiha looked at her with regret.
" Any last words, little sister ? "
" Hurry up and kill me. The sooner I die, the sooner I get to haunt you ". She raised her Fuujin to eye level. Only one chance to aim a Hikuu dart at his direction...
" Ha, ha... Defiant to the bitter end. I am sorry about this... but destiny- "
" Shut UP with all this talk of destiny! We make our own! "
" Oh, have it your way Fuuko. "
He called on the power of his Reishin.
Fuuko silently pleaded with her Fuujin.
" STOP! Stopstopstopstopstopstop!!! STOP! "
" Dad?! "
" Father?! "
Moesama's pot bellied form stood in front of Raiha. He was blocking Fuuko's opportunity to hit her brother with a dart. Moesama slapped his son on the cheek.
" That was long overdue! You deserve an even bigger spanking for what you've done! " Then bursting into tears, Moesama grabbed his son and hugged him. " Oh, you have no idea how happy I am to see you! And Hane... Hane would be so happy too! "
Raiha dropped his sword. It fell to the ground with a muffled cling. His eyes closed and he hugged his father back for about two seconds, max., and then pushed him away to arms length.
" Father. It is good to see you."
" Ohhhh.. my son, my son... " Moesama sobbed.
" I have to leave again, father.... I'm sorry "
" Ohhhh.... It's fine... Just knowing that you're alive and well..."
Raiha glanced over at Fuuko. " Don't make the same mistake I did. I was a fool to throw away the ties of my family. Be at rest. I will not bother you again ". So saying, he picked up his sword and disappeared into the forest.
Moesama waved a white hanky in his son's direction. Fuuko just felt so weird. Would someone explain what just happened ?! She shook her head.
" I swear dad, you are such a ditz ".
---o
They stood huddled in a corner, just below the stairs leading up to the rooftop of school. Domon held a camera. Kanojo took care of the tape recorder. Yanagi wrote an excuse. And Recca carried some protective gear. Recca went down the checklist.
" Polaroid? "
" Yep ".
" Tape recorder ?"
" Check! "
" Speech of apology? As an excuse? "
" Remember! Make it sound as apologetic as possible! " Domon interceded.
" I'm not sure about this Recca... "
Kanojo chimed in. " We'll take that as a yes, Yanagi "
" And I've got the safety gear to protect us from their wrath! "
Recca puffed his chest out.
" All right Hokage Team! Let's go! "
---o
Tokiya stood alone up on the rooftop of school. In a year's time he would graduate and would never see them again. Any of them. Good. It was what he wanted after all. Right? Right. Why did he even doubt. But there was a dull ache in his heart. Ah, It didn't matter... In a year's time he would leave. And with time everything would be back to normal for him again. No connections, no pain...no love.
" Tokiya! My, what an amazing coincidence !"
Fuuko's bright smile brought him out of his reverie. He turned his back on her and continued to gaze at the clouds. Yes, even she would fade away with time. He would make sure of it.
" Why are you here? What do you want? "
Fuuko decided to switch to serious mode. Her cheerful act wasn't working. " To talk. You looked so bummed out... everyone needs a friend at some point in their lives. Even you. Especially you ".
" I don't need- "
" Listen. Kagehoushi told me, that in the all 400 years she's had to walk on this planet, the one thing most painful was to lose a loved one. But later on she realized that she shouldn't cry over the loss... and instead she should feel honored. To have known that person and to have shared memories with them. She should have been glad for all the years they had spent with her...I felt better after hearing that. For nine years I knew a wonderful mother. How many people do I know can say the same? "
" Why bother to get attached then? "
" If you don't, then all you'd feel is empty. I'm not saying you should forget. I'm just saying that you should learn to let go. Even Ganko knows that! ".
Fuuko placed her arms on the railing. Tokiya stared back at the sky.
" What you said now... and before... made sense ".
" Glad to help ".
" You trained with me for a week. But you knew it was no use. Why? " He already knew the answer. But hearing it would mean that he had understood more of her. Not that he really cared, of course.
" I wanted to put a good fight. And I honestly did think that I stood a chance. But... maybe I will the next time I fight him. Besides, I got to kick your butt every once in a while... ".
" You wish, Kirisawa ".
He just made a crack ! It felt good. Her light hearted jests were contagious. Fuuko blinked her eyes in surprise, and then chuckled. He smiled fondly at her.
There were no apologies asked for the gymnasium incident. None were needed.
" I love you ."
" ...."
" ! "
"WHAT DID YOU SAY ?! "
They both said the exclamation at the same time with complete shock. If it wasn't either of them, then who???
" Ssshh... Yanagi! They might hear you "
" Opps. I'm sorry Recca. But I thought one of them was going to say it and I just couldn't handle the waiting anymore...I couldn't control myself... "
Fuuko kicked the door open. " Well. Recca. Domon. Why am I not surprised ? "
Domon hid behind Kanojo. " There's a good explanation for this Fuuko... It was Recca's idea! Honest! "
" Oh I believe you... NOT! Get over here! You're dead! " She chased him around the rooftop.
Recca looked at Mikagami with conspicuous distaste. " We were supposed to catch you two locked in a passionate kiss. A torrid embrace at least that could scandalize the entire school! "
Tokiya coolly glided past Recca . " You are a pest Hanabishi ".
Yanagi started to read out her excuse. Kanojo decided to keep the tape recorder on.
Across the rooftop the irate shouts of Fuuko could be heard.
" And you're next Recca! "
The End... Or is it?
Comments! Think Domon sounds to intelligent? I was aiming for sensitive. Think the rooftop and gymnasiums of the school are too ' conveniently ' empty for the sake of my fic? Too many plotholes? Not coherent? Think I resorted too much on crude jokes?
e-mail: ceraby@yahoo.com
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