Crawford was just right outside of Nagi's door. His fingers slid through his sleek dark hair, while amongst thinking of what to say once he opened the wall that separated the two.
'I wish I could say you didn't have to do this. I wish that I didn't even have to remind you of your terrible past. I'm sorry, Nagi... but this has to be done.'
Tapping lightly on the door he cooed, "Nagi? Are you there? I need to talk to you for a minute."
Almost a weak cry the voice answered, "Yes?"
"Do you have a minute? I need to tell you something.. That's.. important."
Nagi struggled to get up, hesitantly he opened the door and waited dreadful words to be said aloud. "What did you want to say?" He asked, pretending to forget his earlier encounter with him and Schulidch.
"There's an assignment coming up. And you are the only one who can accept it, and you have to.
Este has requested that for this mission you must live back out on the streets. To see if your fears still exist from your childhood."
The young boy gulped, even all this time he was preparing not to be shocked.. it failed. He meekly replied, "Wh-why?"
"Nagi, you're strong now. You've learned how to harness your powers with ease. This task shouldn't be difficult."
His lips shivered, "....When?"
"Starting tomorrow. For a month. Look Nagi-"
"See you in the morning then." The teen started to turn towards his bed, not waiting nor wanting the older man to finish his words.
"Listen, I know your mind is facing much dilemma right now. This is a major assignment, it proves that Schwartz can prevail anything, all you have to do is survive for at least a month out there. That's it."
"Will I remain in contact with you?"
"I'm afraid not. This is a solo task and it's only meant for you."
"Oh goody." He rolled his eyes.
"Enjoy your last sleep in your bed, because tomorrow you'll have to make other sleeping arrangements." He said as he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Climbing into his bed he thought of Crawford's words, 'Because tomorrow you'll have to make other sleeping arrangements.. Other sleeping arrangements...... other sleeping arrangements.'
"I can't believe.. I'm going back.. back to that.. hell hole.. back where--"
Images of older kids came into his mind. All of them were throwing rocks and other materials that were hard or sharp. He tried to run away but they still could throw far enough for the objects to hit him. Scars from glass bottles, relatively large sediments and other rocky materials were still with him today. They were faded, but still visible if seen closely.
Avoiding the imagery that seemed to force it's way into his mind, Nagi slowly fell asleep. How he managed to sleep soundly for the rest of the night, Nagi didn't know. Maybe he was taking Brad's advice, in cherishing his last comfortable sleep.
The morning sun was blocked by the dark curtains in his room. Powerful rays seeped in through the curtain edges. The redheaded German silently slipped inside, careful not to wake the sleeping boy. "He looks so angelic down there that even I don't want to wake him up."
"Too bad we have to." A voice replied behind him. Schuldich almost yelped but the Irishman's hands had covered his mouth. "Don't scream," he hissed. "You'll wake him."
Farfarello released his grip. "Then don't scare me like that. Sheesh." The German replied. "And if we have to wake him up, why don't you do it?"
"Fine." Leaning in close to the young Japanese telekinetic he whispered, "Nagi. Wake up." A small moan escaped from his lips. His deep blue eyes slowly opened to see the two men who were standing in front of him.
"5 more minutes," he groaned, turning onto his side so then his back was facing them.
"Sorry chibi. You gotta get up now." Schuldich said.
The teenager groaned a few times before finally sitting up. The older man began to say, "Nagi, you look like you worried yourself to sleep."
"I did, you don't expect me to be carefree all the time do you? ....What's for breakfast?" he said as if wanting to forget everything that happened last night.
"We're treating you out... as a.. last get-together sort of thing."
"Oh I see. I'll get ready right away." The young boy ran to his dresser taking out his usual uniform and then glanced at Farfarello and Schuldich. The 2 men took that as a sign that privacy was needed and quickly hurried out of his room.
"I think that went too well." The Irish said as soon as he closed the door.
"Me too.. something was definitely wrong. Damn, he's not even out there yet and he's acting strange... where should we take him?"
"Let Nagi decide." Crawford said, already dressed up in his suit. He reached up and pushed the brim of his glasses further up. "It is his last day here." They both nodded and agreed.
'I'd never thought that I would think this.. but I'm gonna miss that kid like hell.. even though it is for a month. I just hope he can conquer this once and for all.' Schuldich thought as he waited outside, leaning on the side of his red car.
"Don't think too hard. Nagi will be just fine." The American said leaning on the other side of the vehicle. "We have to believe that he can do this."
"You didn't see him, Brad. When he woke.. he was.. acting.. so strange.. and he didn't even put his barrier.. like he always does to block me out of his thoughts. Not that I needed to read his mind to tell what he was thinking about. It was too obvious.... he's terrified, Brad. Right down to his stomach.. he's scared stiff.. Damn Estet.. couldn't they just leave him alone? He was fine days ago.. but all this shit had to pop out."
Brad let out a long sigh, "I didn't know you cared this much. We all feel the same way about Nagi. Just enjoy this last moment because it will be a long 30 days before a next one."
"Are we ready?" Nagi asked, barley the sound of a whisper. He and Farfarello were standing on the doorstep, like soldiers awaiting their orders.
"Yes. Let's go." Crawford said as he opened the car door and slipping inside the front passenger's seat. The others followed him.
The ride began as silence, before Nagi asked them where they were heading. "You choose, kid. Pick a nice place." The redhead replied. Placing his finger on his chin, the boy answered, "What about that Japanese place on 17th? I heard it was nice." Schuldich responded with a nod, and once again the disturbing tone of silence filled the inside vehicle.
When they arrived all of them stepped out of the car motionlessly. It was like something was controlling them all. The mood had it's way of draining all of their energy, almost like robots. Even when they ate, it seemed like a redundant cycle. The utensils would sink into the food then pick it up. Mouths would open and take in the food that was on it. After chewing and breaking down the food the cycle would repeat again.
After tapping his fingertips on the surface of the table Farfarello abruptly asked, "How's the food, Nagi?"
The boy took his folded napkin beside him and wiped his mouth before replying, "It's good.. I really like it."
Crawford looked at his watch, loathing the time it read. "We have to go. It's almost time." Reluctantly, they all stood up. Schulidich placed a few bills on the table and then left with the others.
Climbing back inside the car, the German drove back to the streets Nagi first lived in as a child. The teenager closed his eyes, not wanting to see the sights that were awaiting him. When the automobile slowly ceased on to a converged path, the 3 eldest members of Schwartz looked at Nagi uncomfortable. They could not bring their selves in saying, 'It ends here.' However the boy knew that it was time for his departure.
"See you guys in a month." Nagi opened the car door and stepped outside, breathing the air that he once did years ago.
Schuldich tightened his fist as he drove off. 'Take care kid.. I wish I could talk to you during the month.. but Mr. I-have-a-stick-up-my-ass-but-I'm-too-stubborn-to-see-or-feel-it has restricted that option. *sigh* So long, kid.'
The streets were still tinted with the same monochrome colour. Nagi wandered across the sidewalk when he heard a familiar voice. 'Not him.. dammit I thought he was gone.'
He turned to see a boy, not much older than him. His eyes were a shade of dark brown, while his hair was messy auburn covering his eyes. Just seeing his face would arouse all the fears, doubts and nightmares Nagi had had. Even though years have passed Nagi never failed to recognize him. Scars were incised on his face and arms signifying the many fights he was involved in. He wore a band around his forehead and his first impressions were easy to make of him.
A smirk came onto his rugged features, "Well, well looks like freak boy is back."
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