The Pieces of You
Chapter 12: Leaving You -Revised-
(Book Two)
A pair of soft, brown eyes stared out a foggy window, peering down at the people below him. The boy leaned his body weight against the bookshelf, rubbing his temples. Jun had left Daisuke in the Fiction section of the bookstore to check up on her favorite magazines. It meant a lot to Dai that she believed in him, and trusted him, enough to leave him alone for a few moments.
The Tokyo Bay seemed to steam in the setting sun, making the tiny people look like those hazy blurs when you sleep. The city lights were being light, and all the nighttime goers were leaving their homes to spend a night out on the town. The City Center and the bookstore he was in currently was located near the tower, a busy section of Tokyo. Bustling people shoved past each other, grunting short apologies in spite of their hurry.
All around Daisuke, people were busy shopping. To Daisuke it seemed as though he were trapped in the center of a merry go round, with him never moving, and all those people enjoying their lives. What would happen when they found Kara? Everything would be explained, or so they hoped. But was about the situation with Ken...?
// I really do love him, that much I'm sure of. But, last night... wasn't right. We shouldn't have done it, and we shouldn't for awhile. I thought that maybe I was confused, but that's not it. We both took advantage of each other last night, whether we knew it or not. I wanted to be saved from my depression so romantically, like in the movies. Ken, I don't know what he wanted. Most likely to help me, or himself or both of us. Neither of us were ready, me especially. After the Shadow Walker...
It always felt like no comfort would ever be enough, and that no blanket could ever stretch as far to cover the whole of him. What we did was for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to show Ken that I was okay, and ready for something I wasn't ready for. I lied to him. Nobody should lie in a relationship, that piece of advice I do know. And I also know this much: We can't be together, at least not yet. \\
------
Unfortunately for Ken, he still had not noticed the silent figure that was watching him like a hawk. Ken strolled down the main hallway, and down the staircase, leaving the bug eyed Warden behind. He had just reached the bottom of the mahogany stairs and was making his way down the carpeted floor, when a complete stranger linked arms with him a nearly yelled, " Hello! Boyfriend!"
Ken would have stopped in his tracks if the mysterious girl pulled him along. Before he could say anything, the girl was hissing to him.
"Don't look back, keep your head held high and let's carry on a grotesque conversation about the movies, okay?" Her voice was rugged and heavy, and held a hardcore Brooklyn accent.
"Who the hell are you, and why should I listen to you?" Ken snarled under his breath, not fancying where they were headed.
" Will's the name. I'm from New York. Why should you listen to me? Because I'm gonna take you to Kara, that's why. And also because, Mr. Head-in-the- Clouds, you're being stalked by a somewhat sinister and demented evil villain, also called a Shadow Walker," Will explained, using hand gestures. Now Ken stopped and turned to look Will in the eye. The girl was a tall, lanky but well built girl with curly black hair and tanned skin.
She wore a red tank top with was embroidered with colorful threads to give it an Indian look. The shirt and black pants were embedded with rhinestones and tiny mirrors. Her hair was tied back into tiny braids and her feet were concealed beneath black carpenter boots. Ken was sure she carried some sort of weapon. Her eyes were a strange pink-red color, which was constantly covered by her tinted eyelashes and eye shadow.
However, the rebel gleam in her eyes told Ken enough about her. She was trust worthy, and of the highest type of those to be trusted. Shortly, his head bobbed up and down to show cooperation.
Will smiled, and they continued.
------
Jun grinned wildly as she returned to find her brother curled up in a window seat, digesting an illustrated copy of 'The Lord of the Rings'. He looked so cute and innocent as he sat there, a serious face on and chewing on his fingernail. His reading glasses were slipping down on his nose, forcing the boy to keep pushing them back.
"Good book?" The elder sibling asked, a giggle submerging in her throat. Whence Dai looked up and smiled, Jun laughed and sat next to him, a pile of books in her arms.
"Yeah. I always wanted to read it, but I never got around to it. What did you get?" Daisuke questioned smoothly, easily enjoying the timid conversation.
" Just a few magazines, a manga and some old classics, like Pride and Prejudice and something called 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. Did you see Ken anywhere?" Jun told him, showing her loot like an overly proud pirate. Dai's expression went from happy to thoughtful in an instant.
" No, I haven't. Do you think we should go look for him?" his voice was soft now, and he shuffled uncomfortably.
"I'm sure he'll show up. And then, you need to talk to him, okay Chu? Tell him what you told me. It may not be easy, but remember, you will sleep tonight," Jun beamed and kissed his forehead before helping him up.
"You sure?" Dai demanded loosely, eyes twitching.
"I'm sure, always and forever,"
------
Will and Ken had reached the main entrance to the City Center, and were prepared to leave. Will had reluctantly pulled out a mirror so Ken could see their pursuer, and Ken was sure he didn't want to see it again. The Shadow Walker was tall, nearly 7 feet tall and decked out in black leather and hidden beneath a flowing black cloak. His steps were silent, and his face was hidden, but Will assured Ken that he didn't want to see his face. The figure was too evil for words to ever express without the talker tripping over their words.
"Why can't anyone else see him?" Ken had noticed that the people around them didn't even look at the large demon, and acted as though nothing were wrong.
" He is transparent in everybody else's eyes. We can see him because we're connected to the Digital World," Will answered shortly, and pulled out her mirror again.
"Okay, Ken, this is it," they were now standing on the marble steps outside of the center, " The Shadow Walker is going to strike any time now. Do you know of a Church near here?" Will asked, her voice deathly.
"You mean a Christian one?" she nodded.
"Yeah, there's one a few blocks away, but it's pretty empty. The missionaries are failing to convert us," Ken grinned.
"I'm not Christian myself, but they'll have prayer candles and that's our protection against Mr. Ugly back there. Lead us there, I'll take care of the rest," Will grinned wolfishly, and Ken dragged her away in the direction of the Church.
Behind the Shadow Walker disappeared. When Ken turned to look back, Will informed him, " He's gone to get his horse, and head us off at that intersection. Come on!"
Will's voice was lost to the wind as they broke into a run, sneakers and boots pounding down on the cement. All thoughts were shoved from their minds as the Shadowy rider appeared up ahead, sword drawn and poised in the air.
"Oh, shit!" Will exclaimed, and shoved Ken behind her as they advanced.
" What are we going to do?" Ken was breathless, and so was Will.
"You, go find Daisuke and his Sister, take them to that Church. I'm going to fight him, and I'll meet you at the Church. Stay next to the candles, okay?" Will growled her instructions, and shoved him in the direction of the coffee shop. Rather than arguing, Ken complied and left in search of Dai and Jun.
That done, Will turned back to the face off.
------
Ken found Jun and Daisuke as the exited the bookstore, each carrying a brown paper bag. He nearly ran into Jun, but was pushed into a window by a man.
"Ken, are you okay?" Daisuke asked, helping him up.
"We have to go, now. Don't ask- just follow me, okay? I'll explain later," Ken told them hoarsely, and started running for the Church, Jun and Dai following. Across the street, Will was throwing angry words and the rider. She seemed confident enough, and Ken believed she could pull it off. She seemed strong enough to survive and hurricane. Three pairs of feet pounded on the city's floor, and the thwap and slap of the paper bags smacking against various body parts echoed in the alleys.
Up ahead, a run down Church lay, the sign falling apart and graffiti decorating the stone walls. Dim light was reflected through the stained glass windows, flickering in time with the wind. Candles.
The sun had faded by now, and rain was pouring heavily. Umbrellas were unleashed into the sky, but they continued, rainwater soaking through their clothes. The rain pattered around them, making all the lights blur together and nearly blinding them. Eventually they reached the Church and entered, leaning on each other for support.
Inside, the pews and hallways were empty, and old. It appeared as though no one had been there forever, which was probably true. Cobwebs and thick layers of dust covered everything. The glory of the Christian faith had once been here, but had long faded. The saturated group moved into the alter area, and settled next to one of the rows of candles.
Breathless, Ken informed them of what was going on.
------
Will watched as the indigo haired boy led his friends to safety, smiling as they went.
// Brother, you seem so righteous, just like you always were. You are the one for the throne, that I know now, \\
Her thinking through, Will cleared her mind and breathed deeply. Now, the real work began.
"Spirits, Hinder me thou may, Moon Stars cannot be promised glory, swords cannot be forged without the sweat and blood of Man and Animal, Persist I do, Ancient legend of the dark, aid a quest so sword not used!" Her chant blew into the wind and the words washed over the approaching demon.
Softly, the wind picked up around her, and blew her hair in circles around her now glowing body. Her eyes closed and body set on meditation, Will carefully traced the center of her chest and a tiny sapphire emerged from her skin. With a perilous scream, Will dug her hand into her chest and removed the sword that had been hidden there.
Her clothes immediately disappeared, but new ones reappeared in their wake. Now, her chest was confined in a black lace bodice and tight black pants which tied up at the sides lay on her legs. Black boots still remained, and her makeup had gone to a dark, glittery theme. Every strand of hair was pulled back, so to not interfere with movement. Finally, Will shifted her feet into an attacking stance, and prepared for the blow.
// Mother protect me...\\
-----
After explaining the situation to Jun and Davis, Ken collapsed wearily against a stone pillar, the faint candlelight showing the weariness he felt. With a nod from Jun, Daisuke moved forward, trembling, and sat next to Ken. Jun politely went across the room to the other set of candles, where she would be out of earshot and hidden behind an orange lace screen.
"Ken," Dai whispered.
"Yea, Dai?" Ken replied, opening an eye lazily.
"We need to talk... about last night I mean," his word quivered on his lips, but Ken's affirmative answer gave him strength.
" Last night, was well, for all the wrong reasons. I wasn't ready and I don't think you were. And, I think we just used each other, for whatever reason. I'm not pointing fingers, because it's both of our faults. I just... wasn't me then and...and..." Dai's speech was failing, and quickly. Tears were threatening to spill, forcing him to wonder if he should turn back. But there was no chance of that now.
Ken didn't answer.
" Ken, I feel terrible, but I'm sorry. I led you on... I do love you, but I'm not ready for a relationship right now, neither mentally or physically," Daisuke continued, his teary eyes mixing the candles and Ken's face together.
" What do you..." Ken muttered softly, eyes tracing the floor.
"I can't be with you... not now," Davis whispered, and turned away.
Silence.
"I... I understand," Ken said softly, and got up, and walked away.
-----
Chapter 12: Leaving You -Revised-
(Book Two)
A pair of soft, brown eyes stared out a foggy window, peering down at the people below him. The boy leaned his body weight against the bookshelf, rubbing his temples. Jun had left Daisuke in the Fiction section of the bookstore to check up on her favorite magazines. It meant a lot to Dai that she believed in him, and trusted him, enough to leave him alone for a few moments.
The Tokyo Bay seemed to steam in the setting sun, making the tiny people look like those hazy blurs when you sleep. The city lights were being light, and all the nighttime goers were leaving their homes to spend a night out on the town. The City Center and the bookstore he was in currently was located near the tower, a busy section of Tokyo. Bustling people shoved past each other, grunting short apologies in spite of their hurry.
All around Daisuke, people were busy shopping. To Daisuke it seemed as though he were trapped in the center of a merry go round, with him never moving, and all those people enjoying their lives. What would happen when they found Kara? Everything would be explained, or so they hoped. But was about the situation with Ken...?
// I really do love him, that much I'm sure of. But, last night... wasn't right. We shouldn't have done it, and we shouldn't for awhile. I thought that maybe I was confused, but that's not it. We both took advantage of each other last night, whether we knew it or not. I wanted to be saved from my depression so romantically, like in the movies. Ken, I don't know what he wanted. Most likely to help me, or himself or both of us. Neither of us were ready, me especially. After the Shadow Walker...
It always felt like no comfort would ever be enough, and that no blanket could ever stretch as far to cover the whole of him. What we did was for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to show Ken that I was okay, and ready for something I wasn't ready for. I lied to him. Nobody should lie in a relationship, that piece of advice I do know. And I also know this much: We can't be together, at least not yet. \\
------
Unfortunately for Ken, he still had not noticed the silent figure that was watching him like a hawk. Ken strolled down the main hallway, and down the staircase, leaving the bug eyed Warden behind. He had just reached the bottom of the mahogany stairs and was making his way down the carpeted floor, when a complete stranger linked arms with him a nearly yelled, " Hello! Boyfriend!"
Ken would have stopped in his tracks if the mysterious girl pulled him along. Before he could say anything, the girl was hissing to him.
"Don't look back, keep your head held high and let's carry on a grotesque conversation about the movies, okay?" Her voice was rugged and heavy, and held a hardcore Brooklyn accent.
"Who the hell are you, and why should I listen to you?" Ken snarled under his breath, not fancying where they were headed.
" Will's the name. I'm from New York. Why should you listen to me? Because I'm gonna take you to Kara, that's why. And also because, Mr. Head-in-the- Clouds, you're being stalked by a somewhat sinister and demented evil villain, also called a Shadow Walker," Will explained, using hand gestures. Now Ken stopped and turned to look Will in the eye. The girl was a tall, lanky but well built girl with curly black hair and tanned skin.
She wore a red tank top with was embroidered with colorful threads to give it an Indian look. The shirt and black pants were embedded with rhinestones and tiny mirrors. Her hair was tied back into tiny braids and her feet were concealed beneath black carpenter boots. Ken was sure she carried some sort of weapon. Her eyes were a strange pink-red color, which was constantly covered by her tinted eyelashes and eye shadow.
However, the rebel gleam in her eyes told Ken enough about her. She was trust worthy, and of the highest type of those to be trusted. Shortly, his head bobbed up and down to show cooperation.
Will smiled, and they continued.
------
Jun grinned wildly as she returned to find her brother curled up in a window seat, digesting an illustrated copy of 'The Lord of the Rings'. He looked so cute and innocent as he sat there, a serious face on and chewing on his fingernail. His reading glasses were slipping down on his nose, forcing the boy to keep pushing them back.
"Good book?" The elder sibling asked, a giggle submerging in her throat. Whence Dai looked up and smiled, Jun laughed and sat next to him, a pile of books in her arms.
"Yeah. I always wanted to read it, but I never got around to it. What did you get?" Daisuke questioned smoothly, easily enjoying the timid conversation.
" Just a few magazines, a manga and some old classics, like Pride and Prejudice and something called 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. Did you see Ken anywhere?" Jun told him, showing her loot like an overly proud pirate. Dai's expression went from happy to thoughtful in an instant.
" No, I haven't. Do you think we should go look for him?" his voice was soft now, and he shuffled uncomfortably.
"I'm sure he'll show up. And then, you need to talk to him, okay Chu? Tell him what you told me. It may not be easy, but remember, you will sleep tonight," Jun beamed and kissed his forehead before helping him up.
"You sure?" Dai demanded loosely, eyes twitching.
"I'm sure, always and forever,"
------
Will and Ken had reached the main entrance to the City Center, and were prepared to leave. Will had reluctantly pulled out a mirror so Ken could see their pursuer, and Ken was sure he didn't want to see it again. The Shadow Walker was tall, nearly 7 feet tall and decked out in black leather and hidden beneath a flowing black cloak. His steps were silent, and his face was hidden, but Will assured Ken that he didn't want to see his face. The figure was too evil for words to ever express without the talker tripping over their words.
"Why can't anyone else see him?" Ken had noticed that the people around them didn't even look at the large demon, and acted as though nothing were wrong.
" He is transparent in everybody else's eyes. We can see him because we're connected to the Digital World," Will answered shortly, and pulled out her mirror again.
"Okay, Ken, this is it," they were now standing on the marble steps outside of the center, " The Shadow Walker is going to strike any time now. Do you know of a Church near here?" Will asked, her voice deathly.
"You mean a Christian one?" she nodded.
"Yeah, there's one a few blocks away, but it's pretty empty. The missionaries are failing to convert us," Ken grinned.
"I'm not Christian myself, but they'll have prayer candles and that's our protection against Mr. Ugly back there. Lead us there, I'll take care of the rest," Will grinned wolfishly, and Ken dragged her away in the direction of the Church.
Behind the Shadow Walker disappeared. When Ken turned to look back, Will informed him, " He's gone to get his horse, and head us off at that intersection. Come on!"
Will's voice was lost to the wind as they broke into a run, sneakers and boots pounding down on the cement. All thoughts were shoved from their minds as the Shadowy rider appeared up ahead, sword drawn and poised in the air.
"Oh, shit!" Will exclaimed, and shoved Ken behind her as they advanced.
" What are we going to do?" Ken was breathless, and so was Will.
"You, go find Daisuke and his Sister, take them to that Church. I'm going to fight him, and I'll meet you at the Church. Stay next to the candles, okay?" Will growled her instructions, and shoved him in the direction of the coffee shop. Rather than arguing, Ken complied and left in search of Dai and Jun.
That done, Will turned back to the face off.
------
Ken found Jun and Daisuke as the exited the bookstore, each carrying a brown paper bag. He nearly ran into Jun, but was pushed into a window by a man.
"Ken, are you okay?" Daisuke asked, helping him up.
"We have to go, now. Don't ask- just follow me, okay? I'll explain later," Ken told them hoarsely, and started running for the Church, Jun and Dai following. Across the street, Will was throwing angry words and the rider. She seemed confident enough, and Ken believed she could pull it off. She seemed strong enough to survive and hurricane. Three pairs of feet pounded on the city's floor, and the thwap and slap of the paper bags smacking against various body parts echoed in the alleys.
Up ahead, a run down Church lay, the sign falling apart and graffiti decorating the stone walls. Dim light was reflected through the stained glass windows, flickering in time with the wind. Candles.
The sun had faded by now, and rain was pouring heavily. Umbrellas were unleashed into the sky, but they continued, rainwater soaking through their clothes. The rain pattered around them, making all the lights blur together and nearly blinding them. Eventually they reached the Church and entered, leaning on each other for support.
Inside, the pews and hallways were empty, and old. It appeared as though no one had been there forever, which was probably true. Cobwebs and thick layers of dust covered everything. The glory of the Christian faith had once been here, but had long faded. The saturated group moved into the alter area, and settled next to one of the rows of candles.
Breathless, Ken informed them of what was going on.
------
Will watched as the indigo haired boy led his friends to safety, smiling as they went.
// Brother, you seem so righteous, just like you always were. You are the one for the throne, that I know now, \\
Her thinking through, Will cleared her mind and breathed deeply. Now, the real work began.
"Spirits, Hinder me thou may, Moon Stars cannot be promised glory, swords cannot be forged without the sweat and blood of Man and Animal, Persist I do, Ancient legend of the dark, aid a quest so sword not used!" Her chant blew into the wind and the words washed over the approaching demon.
Softly, the wind picked up around her, and blew her hair in circles around her now glowing body. Her eyes closed and body set on meditation, Will carefully traced the center of her chest and a tiny sapphire emerged from her skin. With a perilous scream, Will dug her hand into her chest and removed the sword that had been hidden there.
Her clothes immediately disappeared, but new ones reappeared in their wake. Now, her chest was confined in a black lace bodice and tight black pants which tied up at the sides lay on her legs. Black boots still remained, and her makeup had gone to a dark, glittery theme. Every strand of hair was pulled back, so to not interfere with movement. Finally, Will shifted her feet into an attacking stance, and prepared for the blow.
// Mother protect me...\\
-----
After explaining the situation to Jun and Davis, Ken collapsed wearily against a stone pillar, the faint candlelight showing the weariness he felt. With a nod from Jun, Daisuke moved forward, trembling, and sat next to Ken. Jun politely went across the room to the other set of candles, where she would be out of earshot and hidden behind an orange lace screen.
"Ken," Dai whispered.
"Yea, Dai?" Ken replied, opening an eye lazily.
"We need to talk... about last night I mean," his word quivered on his lips, but Ken's affirmative answer gave him strength.
" Last night, was well, for all the wrong reasons. I wasn't ready and I don't think you were. And, I think we just used each other, for whatever reason. I'm not pointing fingers, because it's both of our faults. I just... wasn't me then and...and..." Dai's speech was failing, and quickly. Tears were threatening to spill, forcing him to wonder if he should turn back. But there was no chance of that now.
Ken didn't answer.
" Ken, I feel terrible, but I'm sorry. I led you on... I do love you, but I'm not ready for a relationship right now, neither mentally or physically," Daisuke continued, his teary eyes mixing the candles and Ken's face together.
" What do you..." Ken muttered softly, eyes tracing the floor.
"I can't be with you... not now," Davis whispered, and turned away.
Silence.
"I... I understand," Ken said softly, and got up, and walked away.
-----
