Author's Note: SD original characters belong to Takehiko-sama and blah. ^_^
ARGH! Finally, the 3rd part. ^^;;; Pretty much one of the most complicating
fics I have ever written. *sweatdrops*
Chapter 1: Nothingness
Hanamichi glared at the fox-eyed boy in front of him, who simply grunted and walked away. He tried to argue, but stopped when he saw nothing but sorrow in Rukawa's eyes. "Matte. Kitsune. Is what you said really true? Demo. I don't remember anything." Rukawa continued staring at him with his cold, piercing eyes. "Ah."
Hanamichi blinked. "Demo. I thought that you live with your." "I live with no one. Just shut up now," Rukawa muttered icily as he started to dribble the ball. Kiyota was standing at the side and yawning.
"Do you guys always stay overnight in this dreary place to practise?"
Hanamichi answered, in a smug tone. "Yeah. I always knew that a monkey like you would never be as dedicated as the Tensai to play basketball at this hour." "NANI?" Kiyota yelled back, his fists trembling while trying to hold back his intended punches and kicks for Hanamichi. The latter just laughed and picked up a basketball from the crate.
"What else are you going to DO here? You already told me who I'm supposed to know, haven't you? Now go back home to your cozy bed, lazy."
He was fuming, but instead of flaming and throwing insults as usual, he managed to continue firmly. "Ever heard of Akihara Takako? She was the Matron. I can't believe it! You left at thirteen years old and actually FORGOT about it? I thought you and Rukawa looked pretty familiar when we had our match last year." Sakuragi shrugged and started to practise, his control of the ball incredibly smooth. much smoother than before, and much to Kiyota's surprise.
"You've improved, you know."
"Duh. I'm already a Tensai, you idiot."
"STOP THAT TENSAI THING!" Kiyota burst angrily. "It's. driving me nuts." "Sokka," Hanamichi made another new movement that even caused Rukawa to stop and look at him. A vein popped on Kiyota's forehead. "OKAY, listen to this. Akihara-sensei. She passed away." Rukawa stared at Kiyota and blinked.
"Well. who is she to me?" Hanamichi was laughing a little. "I don't think I know of her." Rukawa and Kiyota glared at him, confused. "You. don't know who she is?" "Ah." Hanamichi stopped and he eyed the basket slyly. The backboard was new, and so was the basket. The whole thing was damaged by some vandalizing trouble-makers last month, and the whole team had to pay together for it, since the trouble-makers were not caught.
"Answer a question, Sakuragi. What is your childhood like?" At that point, Kiyota felt a little suspicious. "AND, how did you learn your moves by not playing basketball for such a long time?" Rukawa rolled his eyes and went back to dribbling. Kiyota was surprised that Rukawa Kaede, MVP winner, was only practising dribbling. HELLO?
"My. childhood?" Hanamichi stopped. "I don't know. Oh, and thanks to the back injury, I have subscribed to cable television and watched the NBA so often, the bill is on the verge of blowing up." Kiyota snorted and Rukawa blinked.
Rukawa Kaede. I know you hear me, and you sensed my presence. Speak, young man. Do not be afraid of losing your inner self to the world. That can only make you braver, and this error of yours played a part in the conflicts and catastrophes of the time in the past.
"The. what? Who?"
"Kitsune? What are you doing?" Hanamichi nudged him softly. "You look. sort of dazed. You're weird today." "Sumimasen," Rukawa snapped, his head throbbing. not with pain, just with some strange. energy?
Huh? Am I going crazy?
Iie, Rukawa. I am Aphrodite.
Rukawa breathed deeply. What was this. thing that appeared out of nowhere. In his mind, he saw a beautiful woman... Astonishingly elegant, and he recognized that power. Her body was glowing brightly. Radiating warm light that caressed hi skin.
You are. WHAT?
Aphrodite. Venus, in other words. I have come to aid you. For you, together with your soul-mate, would be the key to averting a Cosmic catastrophe in the future. at the END of time.
Hanamichi looked worriedly at the blank-looking Rukawa. It was as if. as if he had a sudden blast of something in his brain. Usually, that person would end up dead. He shuddered at the thought and screamed silently in panic. Kiyota looked at Rukawa curiously, his eyebrows furrowed. "What's with him?"
"I don't know. He is usually not like that. I mean, he looks as if his spirit has flown off or something."
Kiyota sighed. "Oh yeah, by the way, Kiyota, my aunt said that I was involved in some kind of accident when I was young. I think it was a fire or explosion or something like that. That's what remained of my insignificant childhood." "OH, now there's a possibility. You have anorexia?"
"It's AMNESIA, idiot!" Hanamichi started laughing, and clutching his stomach. "Anorexia? WAHAHAHAH!" Another vein popped on Kiyota's forehead. "TEME!" "Whatever, but I'm sure that we grew up in the same orphanage. Me and Jin got out first, followed by Rukawa, then you." "Matte. Soichiro is in this too?" "Hai!" Kiyota grinned. Hanamichi raised an eyebrow. "What was that for?" "Hm?" "That cheeky monkey face of yours?" "NANI?" Kiyota growled menacingly at the now laughing red-head.
All this while. Rukawa still had not moved an inch. Hanamichi glanced nervously at him. Kiyota looked between them curiously. "You two a couple or something?" "Iya!" Hanamichi yelled immediately, blushing. "Why would we like each other? He's such a KITSUNE!" Kiyota gave up teasing Hanamichi and concentrated on Rukawa. At the mean time.
Demo. Afro. Whatever. Venus-sama, ano. what are you saying? Or did I fall asleep while standing?
Rukawa found himself engulfed in darkness. With no feeling of any of his body parts, no feeling of his muscles and bones. Everything was empty. This feeling was familiar.
Aphrodite. You didn't fall asleep. I pulled your spirit out.
E? What Cosmic Catastrophe?
He found himself afraid. Very afraid. He never had a real phobia about anything, but he felt afraid of the sudden emptiness. He had been experiencing that dark, empty feeling ever since he entered Shohoku, but he told no one. He suffered during the late nights, when that feeling came, causing his sleepiness in the day and his reluctance to remain alone by himself at night. But now. it was day.
Rukawa, I can read your mind, you know? This feeling must be filled, for it symbolizes the Hole of the Universe. It must be filled by that Other part of the Soul. Cosmic Catastrophe is the destined calamity of Man, it is the war of the stars. The Umbra Race and the Neubra Race - The opposite races of the stars. The Hole is caused by their battle and it is up to your Soul to fill it up and to stop the war. If it is not filled, the whole universe shall be destroyed.
Rukawa listened the whole time, feeling a strain on his mind. He could not understand why this happened so suddenly, but he understood the importance of her message.
Ano. Who is my other soul-mate?
Only you yourself know. And remember. to solve that, you must overcome your inner self. take that mask away.
Slowly, the voice faded off, and so did the darkness.
"Oi, Kitsune! Daijoubu?" That familiar voice. Annoying, yes, a little maybe, but comforting. So comforting that he almost smiled in relief. "Sakuragi?" The other boy sighed. "So the fox is still sane." "Do'aho." Grunting, he walked away, pondering over what he had encountered. "That is weird." Abruptly, he put the basketball back into the crate and left the Shohoku gym, leaving two people with very idiotic-looking expressions.
Chapter 2: Charmed
"How. on Earth." Rukawa's hushed voice broke the silence of the empty street. "Nani. nanishiterun. desu ka?" The voice. it came again. Only that it was singing a beautiful, soothing tune, that relieved his tense muscles. There were no words to the song, just a simple tune. However, it sounded. heavenly.
He wanted to question Aphrodite, but stopped himself. His questions were too many to be answered, and moreover, talking was not his style of communication, if they was any, anyway. Those questions of his, he believed, could only be answered by himself, that was why he had to search for those answers.
Snow started to fall from the sky, flake after flake of delicate whiteness. He caught one on the tip of his tongue, the snowflake settling softly on its moisture. He loved doing that ever since he was young. before he left the Orphanage. He had left before Sakuragi. He would recognize the red-head anywhere. and was puzzled at first when Sakuragi did not seem to remember him. He ignored that fact later, because he did not care. At least, that was what he would like to think.
He liked Sakuragi. A lot. Even before leaving the Orphanage. He recalled the fateful day when his uncle fetched him from the gate.
[FLASHBACK]
13-year-old Rukawa looked at Hanamichi, his blue orbs glistening with tears. The red-head was, surprisingly, in total control of himself. Silently, he removed his old scarf and put it around Rukawa's neck.
"Ganbatte ne, Kaede-chan," Hanamichi smiled. "We'll definitely meet each other again. I'll be living in Kanagawa, with my Oto-san, who will be coming tomorrow. Remember! I'll be in Kanagawa!" Rukawa nodded, looking sad and lost. Hanamichi took Rukawa's hand and put something in it. He opened up and gasped in awe. It was a beautiful self-made charm.
"Arigato gozaimasu, Hanamichi. I don't know why to say." Kaede blinked as a tall, burly man walked towards him. "Kaede, let's get in the car. Your mother's waiting." "Ah. Jaa, Hanamichi!"
"Jaa! Remember to take care of the scarf! I knitted it!" The voice had echoed in his ears again and again, while he looked back from the car. A tear trickled down his cheek. "Jaa, Hanamichi. I promise, I'll find you."
[END OF FLASHBACK]
Rukawa took a deep breath of the chilly air and stuck a gloved hand into the pocket of his coat, pulling out a tiny velvet box. He tossed it into the air as he walked, and it fell into his possession again. Slowly, he opened the cover, revealing the very same charm that Hanamichi had given him when they were both thirteen and leaving the Orphanage. He examined every detail of the beautiful looking charm. A tear-shaped bead of clear quartz with pink sequined flowers on top of it. The scarf that he was currently wearing now was the one that Hanamichi made for him. Even though it looked old, and needed a few extra stitches from time to time, Rukawa treasured it.
Hana-chan. He is so much like a friend, yet so much of a rival. How can he forget about me? I'm supposed to be his best friend. Ever since the first few days of school, we were like brothers. He. nan de.
A wave of uncertainty passed him as he passed the Sakuragi Residence. It was similar to his. Lonely, and very quiet. He wondered if Hanamichi still lived with his father, or even met up with his mother. Maybe he had siblings? Just then, Rukawa realized how little he knew about Hanamichi, even though he was his best friend in the past. He felt hurt when Hanamichi hated him starting from the very start when they entered Shohoku. Very hurt.
It was never his idea to school in Kanagawa. It was for Sakuragi Hanamichi. He tried to look for the red-head in the district, but never found him when he was still in junior high. And he admitted to Shohoku, feeling near hopeless. But they met. And he was suffering from amnesia. How he did, was never known. It was strange that that red-head never spoke of it. The snow started falling faster, and the chilly wind struck his bare face hard.
Shimatta. Must get home soon.
Silently, he fought against the wind as he wound the scarf around his face, leaving only his eyes. He removed the keys from his pockets and stuck it in the key-hole of a gate, which opened. He slid another into the door behind the gate and finally entered the warm interior of his house. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the living room.
He was SURE that he came into the right house, since the keys fitted and such. He remembered that the walls were white, and the whole house was full of silence and was cold, literally. Now, the walls were a beautiful shade of light blue, compromising his white marble floor and midnight blue couch. The rest of the furniture were the usual. mostly black, white and midnight blue.
On the table was a parcel. A parcel wrapped in glossy white paper, and light blue ribbons. "Nani de yo." he said under his breath, softly. He hardly received presents, even during occasions like Christmases and birthdays. He hardly knew his relatives, and his parents were always away. and always forgetting his presence.
He hated to admit it, but he liked getting presents. At least, some one had showed that he or she cared. While relishing the feeling of receiving a gift, he wondered why and how it got in the house. Slowly, he removed the paper neatly to reveal a large box. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw its contents. The box was half-filled with folded stars in gold paper, and on it, was Sakuragi Hanamichi's diary.
With a start, he dropped the box on the floor, and the gold stars rolled out, glistening under the light. "Ko. kore wa." Gasping, Rukawa picked the diary up again. Why was that do'aho's diary in that box? A crystal was in the box as well. It was of a translucent blue. Resembling how he showed himself to the world - Icy.
"RED-HAIRED MONKEY!"
"NANI?!"
Sparks flew between the two "monkeys" and Hanamichi turned away. "I won't waste my time on a stupid animal." "Now WHO's the stupid ANIMAL, Sakuragi, hm?" Kiyota growled. Sakuragi laughed and pointed at Kiyota. "YOU!" "NANI???"
"Whatever. It's late. I'm going home."
"Demo. what about Akihara-sensei?"
"Huh?" Hanamichi blinked. "What about her?"
A vein popped on Kiyota's fist. "She's the matron of the orphanage AND she passed away! She took you in when you're little!" Hanamichi shrugged. "I don't know her." Kiyota sweat-dropped as Hanamichi grabbed his bag and marched out of the gym, singing his "Ore wa Tensai" song. A stone- like structure was wrapped in gray paper in front of his door, addressed to him.
1 Hanamichi raised an eyebrow. "Ne? A gift?" He ripped the paper open and stared at what he received. "A PINK crystal? Who would give this kind of stuff to me, ne." Yawning, he ignored his own question and entered his house, slamming the door behind him.
Chapter 1: Nothingness
Hanamichi glared at the fox-eyed boy in front of him, who simply grunted and walked away. He tried to argue, but stopped when he saw nothing but sorrow in Rukawa's eyes. "Matte. Kitsune. Is what you said really true? Demo. I don't remember anything." Rukawa continued staring at him with his cold, piercing eyes. "Ah."
Hanamichi blinked. "Demo. I thought that you live with your." "I live with no one. Just shut up now," Rukawa muttered icily as he started to dribble the ball. Kiyota was standing at the side and yawning.
"Do you guys always stay overnight in this dreary place to practise?"
Hanamichi answered, in a smug tone. "Yeah. I always knew that a monkey like you would never be as dedicated as the Tensai to play basketball at this hour." "NANI?" Kiyota yelled back, his fists trembling while trying to hold back his intended punches and kicks for Hanamichi. The latter just laughed and picked up a basketball from the crate.
"What else are you going to DO here? You already told me who I'm supposed to know, haven't you? Now go back home to your cozy bed, lazy."
He was fuming, but instead of flaming and throwing insults as usual, he managed to continue firmly. "Ever heard of Akihara Takako? She was the Matron. I can't believe it! You left at thirteen years old and actually FORGOT about it? I thought you and Rukawa looked pretty familiar when we had our match last year." Sakuragi shrugged and started to practise, his control of the ball incredibly smooth. much smoother than before, and much to Kiyota's surprise.
"You've improved, you know."
"Duh. I'm already a Tensai, you idiot."
"STOP THAT TENSAI THING!" Kiyota burst angrily. "It's. driving me nuts." "Sokka," Hanamichi made another new movement that even caused Rukawa to stop and look at him. A vein popped on Kiyota's forehead. "OKAY, listen to this. Akihara-sensei. She passed away." Rukawa stared at Kiyota and blinked.
"Well. who is she to me?" Hanamichi was laughing a little. "I don't think I know of her." Rukawa and Kiyota glared at him, confused. "You. don't know who she is?" "Ah." Hanamichi stopped and he eyed the basket slyly. The backboard was new, and so was the basket. The whole thing was damaged by some vandalizing trouble-makers last month, and the whole team had to pay together for it, since the trouble-makers were not caught.
"Answer a question, Sakuragi. What is your childhood like?" At that point, Kiyota felt a little suspicious. "AND, how did you learn your moves by not playing basketball for such a long time?" Rukawa rolled his eyes and went back to dribbling. Kiyota was surprised that Rukawa Kaede, MVP winner, was only practising dribbling. HELLO?
"My. childhood?" Hanamichi stopped. "I don't know. Oh, and thanks to the back injury, I have subscribed to cable television and watched the NBA so often, the bill is on the verge of blowing up." Kiyota snorted and Rukawa blinked.
Rukawa Kaede. I know you hear me, and you sensed my presence. Speak, young man. Do not be afraid of losing your inner self to the world. That can only make you braver, and this error of yours played a part in the conflicts and catastrophes of the time in the past.
"The. what? Who?"
"Kitsune? What are you doing?" Hanamichi nudged him softly. "You look. sort of dazed. You're weird today." "Sumimasen," Rukawa snapped, his head throbbing. not with pain, just with some strange. energy?
Huh? Am I going crazy?
Iie, Rukawa. I am Aphrodite.
Rukawa breathed deeply. What was this. thing that appeared out of nowhere. In his mind, he saw a beautiful woman... Astonishingly elegant, and he recognized that power. Her body was glowing brightly. Radiating warm light that caressed hi skin.
You are. WHAT?
Aphrodite. Venus, in other words. I have come to aid you. For you, together with your soul-mate, would be the key to averting a Cosmic catastrophe in the future. at the END of time.
Hanamichi looked worriedly at the blank-looking Rukawa. It was as if. as if he had a sudden blast of something in his brain. Usually, that person would end up dead. He shuddered at the thought and screamed silently in panic. Kiyota looked at Rukawa curiously, his eyebrows furrowed. "What's with him?"
"I don't know. He is usually not like that. I mean, he looks as if his spirit has flown off or something."
Kiyota sighed. "Oh yeah, by the way, Kiyota, my aunt said that I was involved in some kind of accident when I was young. I think it was a fire or explosion or something like that. That's what remained of my insignificant childhood." "OH, now there's a possibility. You have anorexia?"
"It's AMNESIA, idiot!" Hanamichi started laughing, and clutching his stomach. "Anorexia? WAHAHAHAH!" Another vein popped on Kiyota's forehead. "TEME!" "Whatever, but I'm sure that we grew up in the same orphanage. Me and Jin got out first, followed by Rukawa, then you." "Matte. Soichiro is in this too?" "Hai!" Kiyota grinned. Hanamichi raised an eyebrow. "What was that for?" "Hm?" "That cheeky monkey face of yours?" "NANI?" Kiyota growled menacingly at the now laughing red-head.
All this while. Rukawa still had not moved an inch. Hanamichi glanced nervously at him. Kiyota looked between them curiously. "You two a couple or something?" "Iya!" Hanamichi yelled immediately, blushing. "Why would we like each other? He's such a KITSUNE!" Kiyota gave up teasing Hanamichi and concentrated on Rukawa. At the mean time.
Demo. Afro. Whatever. Venus-sama, ano. what are you saying? Or did I fall asleep while standing?
Rukawa found himself engulfed in darkness. With no feeling of any of his body parts, no feeling of his muscles and bones. Everything was empty. This feeling was familiar.
Aphrodite. You didn't fall asleep. I pulled your spirit out.
E? What Cosmic Catastrophe?
He found himself afraid. Very afraid. He never had a real phobia about anything, but he felt afraid of the sudden emptiness. He had been experiencing that dark, empty feeling ever since he entered Shohoku, but he told no one. He suffered during the late nights, when that feeling came, causing his sleepiness in the day and his reluctance to remain alone by himself at night. But now. it was day.
Rukawa, I can read your mind, you know? This feeling must be filled, for it symbolizes the Hole of the Universe. It must be filled by that Other part of the Soul. Cosmic Catastrophe is the destined calamity of Man, it is the war of the stars. The Umbra Race and the Neubra Race - The opposite races of the stars. The Hole is caused by their battle and it is up to your Soul to fill it up and to stop the war. If it is not filled, the whole universe shall be destroyed.
Rukawa listened the whole time, feeling a strain on his mind. He could not understand why this happened so suddenly, but he understood the importance of her message.
Ano. Who is my other soul-mate?
Only you yourself know. And remember. to solve that, you must overcome your inner self. take that mask away.
Slowly, the voice faded off, and so did the darkness.
"Oi, Kitsune! Daijoubu?" That familiar voice. Annoying, yes, a little maybe, but comforting. So comforting that he almost smiled in relief. "Sakuragi?" The other boy sighed. "So the fox is still sane." "Do'aho." Grunting, he walked away, pondering over what he had encountered. "That is weird." Abruptly, he put the basketball back into the crate and left the Shohoku gym, leaving two people with very idiotic-looking expressions.
Chapter 2: Charmed
"How. on Earth." Rukawa's hushed voice broke the silence of the empty street. "Nani. nanishiterun. desu ka?" The voice. it came again. Only that it was singing a beautiful, soothing tune, that relieved his tense muscles. There were no words to the song, just a simple tune. However, it sounded. heavenly.
He wanted to question Aphrodite, but stopped himself. His questions were too many to be answered, and moreover, talking was not his style of communication, if they was any, anyway. Those questions of his, he believed, could only be answered by himself, that was why he had to search for those answers.
Snow started to fall from the sky, flake after flake of delicate whiteness. He caught one on the tip of his tongue, the snowflake settling softly on its moisture. He loved doing that ever since he was young. before he left the Orphanage. He had left before Sakuragi. He would recognize the red-head anywhere. and was puzzled at first when Sakuragi did not seem to remember him. He ignored that fact later, because he did not care. At least, that was what he would like to think.
He liked Sakuragi. A lot. Even before leaving the Orphanage. He recalled the fateful day when his uncle fetched him from the gate.
[FLASHBACK]
13-year-old Rukawa looked at Hanamichi, his blue orbs glistening with tears. The red-head was, surprisingly, in total control of himself. Silently, he removed his old scarf and put it around Rukawa's neck.
"Ganbatte ne, Kaede-chan," Hanamichi smiled. "We'll definitely meet each other again. I'll be living in Kanagawa, with my Oto-san, who will be coming tomorrow. Remember! I'll be in Kanagawa!" Rukawa nodded, looking sad and lost. Hanamichi took Rukawa's hand and put something in it. He opened up and gasped in awe. It was a beautiful self-made charm.
"Arigato gozaimasu, Hanamichi. I don't know why to say." Kaede blinked as a tall, burly man walked towards him. "Kaede, let's get in the car. Your mother's waiting." "Ah. Jaa, Hanamichi!"
"Jaa! Remember to take care of the scarf! I knitted it!" The voice had echoed in his ears again and again, while he looked back from the car. A tear trickled down his cheek. "Jaa, Hanamichi. I promise, I'll find you."
[END OF FLASHBACK]
Rukawa took a deep breath of the chilly air and stuck a gloved hand into the pocket of his coat, pulling out a tiny velvet box. He tossed it into the air as he walked, and it fell into his possession again. Slowly, he opened the cover, revealing the very same charm that Hanamichi had given him when they were both thirteen and leaving the Orphanage. He examined every detail of the beautiful looking charm. A tear-shaped bead of clear quartz with pink sequined flowers on top of it. The scarf that he was currently wearing now was the one that Hanamichi made for him. Even though it looked old, and needed a few extra stitches from time to time, Rukawa treasured it.
Hana-chan. He is so much like a friend, yet so much of a rival. How can he forget about me? I'm supposed to be his best friend. Ever since the first few days of school, we were like brothers. He. nan de.
A wave of uncertainty passed him as he passed the Sakuragi Residence. It was similar to his. Lonely, and very quiet. He wondered if Hanamichi still lived with his father, or even met up with his mother. Maybe he had siblings? Just then, Rukawa realized how little he knew about Hanamichi, even though he was his best friend in the past. He felt hurt when Hanamichi hated him starting from the very start when they entered Shohoku. Very hurt.
It was never his idea to school in Kanagawa. It was for Sakuragi Hanamichi. He tried to look for the red-head in the district, but never found him when he was still in junior high. And he admitted to Shohoku, feeling near hopeless. But they met. And he was suffering from amnesia. How he did, was never known. It was strange that that red-head never spoke of it. The snow started falling faster, and the chilly wind struck his bare face hard.
Shimatta. Must get home soon.
Silently, he fought against the wind as he wound the scarf around his face, leaving only his eyes. He removed the keys from his pockets and stuck it in the key-hole of a gate, which opened. He slid another into the door behind the gate and finally entered the warm interior of his house. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the living room.
He was SURE that he came into the right house, since the keys fitted and such. He remembered that the walls were white, and the whole house was full of silence and was cold, literally. Now, the walls were a beautiful shade of light blue, compromising his white marble floor and midnight blue couch. The rest of the furniture were the usual. mostly black, white and midnight blue.
On the table was a parcel. A parcel wrapped in glossy white paper, and light blue ribbons. "Nani de yo." he said under his breath, softly. He hardly received presents, even during occasions like Christmases and birthdays. He hardly knew his relatives, and his parents were always away. and always forgetting his presence.
He hated to admit it, but he liked getting presents. At least, some one had showed that he or she cared. While relishing the feeling of receiving a gift, he wondered why and how it got in the house. Slowly, he removed the paper neatly to reveal a large box. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw its contents. The box was half-filled with folded stars in gold paper, and on it, was Sakuragi Hanamichi's diary.
With a start, he dropped the box on the floor, and the gold stars rolled out, glistening under the light. "Ko. kore wa." Gasping, Rukawa picked the diary up again. Why was that do'aho's diary in that box? A crystal was in the box as well. It was of a translucent blue. Resembling how he showed himself to the world - Icy.
"RED-HAIRED MONKEY!"
"NANI?!"
Sparks flew between the two "monkeys" and Hanamichi turned away. "I won't waste my time on a stupid animal." "Now WHO's the stupid ANIMAL, Sakuragi, hm?" Kiyota growled. Sakuragi laughed and pointed at Kiyota. "YOU!" "NANI???"
"Whatever. It's late. I'm going home."
"Demo. what about Akihara-sensei?"
"Huh?" Hanamichi blinked. "What about her?"
A vein popped on Kiyota's fist. "She's the matron of the orphanage AND she passed away! She took you in when you're little!" Hanamichi shrugged. "I don't know her." Kiyota sweat-dropped as Hanamichi grabbed his bag and marched out of the gym, singing his "Ore wa Tensai" song. A stone- like structure was wrapped in gray paper in front of his door, addressed to him.
1 Hanamichi raised an eyebrow. "Ne? A gift?" He ripped the paper open and stared at what he received. "A PINK crystal? Who would give this kind of stuff to me, ne." Yawning, he ignored his own question and entered his house, slamming the door behind him.
