Here's the second chapter. Thank you for your reviews! I'm glad that you all loved Two Alone so much. Hehehe.
Disclaimer: Here comes another one. No, I don't own Saint Tail... its creator does.
Signed, Anonymous
Chapter Two: The Fortune
By: Enchanted Pink Jade
*~*~*~*~*
Meimi pulled the diary out from her bag. Right after school, she ran to the bench and took the diary, not bothering to take a little peek to see if there was another entry written by the mysterious person. She went into a small fast food restaurant and ordered a drink. When she got and paid for it, she put that aside and decided to read what the person wrote next, if there was a next entry. She clutched it hard and hoped that there would be something... And to her surprise and joy, there was another entry. One that was as equally long as hers.
I understand what you're trying to say perfectly. I'm just like you in some respects. No, actually, it's more than just some. We're almost exactly alike. Almost. I have everything. But not really everything. I've got a good education (Last year of high school), a home... And I already have a somewhat fulltime job, although I'm still not getting paid to do it. I already know what I want to be, after I get out of high school. I'm doing part of it now, too. And wanting something that you can't have is not being selfish, everyone does it. It's just human nature. We're all insatiable. Never truly satisfied. And there's this someone I like too. This person, really sweet, and kind. But that's when I'm not around. Whenever I am... I don't know, things just seem to fall apart. I mean to say something nice, but something else comes out. I don't do it on purpose. It just happens. This person is making me crazy... and I don't know... I'm so confused at times. And at other times, I get this unknown feeling.... I think that it might be love, but I'm not sure. I really care, I've known this person for a very long time now... You could say that we're friends, but you wouldn't know that if you'd only just met us for the first time. But I believe that we're friends. Maybe we can become something more, and yet that seems like I'm hoping for too much. I'll be content about having this person near, and being near and close by. It's hard though...And... there's another that I really like a lot, too. This other one is very mysterious. And I love trying to solve mysteries. So maybe that's one reason I'm attracted to this mystifying person. I've never really seen this one, and yet I have these strong feelings. Feelings for the two of them. Both of them are very different, and yet they both are also the same, when I think about it. They're not twins or anything, but... One always reminds me of the other. It's really weird. Both are always on my mind. I never thought that this would happen to me, you know? It's like, when I was younger, I always thought that I would never fall for anyone. But I did so anyways, and I still haven't reached the bottom of the hole. I just keep on falling and falling. Not ever knowing when it will all stop. I get those same emotions you do. The mixed ones.... Hope to hear back from you soon...
~Anonymous #2
Meimi finished reading what the person said and smiled. Looks like I've made another friend. She skimmed it once more and frowned. Whoever was writing to her, did not give any indication of being either a he or a she. They'd admitted that they liked someone, but didn't give the gender either. She puzzled at this, but shrugged it off. Probably just another one of those secretive people. But it seems like it's a female... What guy would waste their time in writing in a diary to an unknown girl? Ah well, it doesn't really matter...
The bells to the door rang, indicating that someone was coming in. Meimi glanced up and moaned. It was Asuka Jr., and he was heading straight towards her. She quickly thrust the diary back into her bag, and sipped her drink.
He took the seat right across hers and asked if she minded. She said no, of course, and he settled himself comfortably. After he ordered something, they both lapsed into silence. Asuka noticed three other guys ogling Meimi from the table next to them.
One of them called for Meimi's attention. Another winked at her. "Hey, sexy. If you want a real man, call me up." Meimi turned around as she felt the blood rushing into her face. Asuka growled under his breath and gave them a death glare, hopefully telling them to back off. Obviously, it worked because they soon turned towards each other, talking amongst themselves. Asuka watched as they got up and left, giving Meimi side-long glances, though she wasn't looking, and glowered threateningly at Asuka.
Silence once more.
"What a coincidence seeing you here, huh?" Meimi finally said. She was getting uncomfortable with the quietness. No one said anything, but it's not like the other had something to say. It felt awkward sitting across from him this way.
"There are no coincidences in life. The things that happen, happen for a good reason, whether or not you can explain that reason doesn't matter," he said, as a matter of fact. He mentally winced at the way he sounded. There I go again. I wasn't supposed to say that. Asuka no BAKA!!!
"So you mean to tell me that there's a reason why we met like this?"
"Actually, there is," he stated calmly, but if you knew what was going on inside of him, you'd think differently. He knew he had to say this to her now, before he lost all of his nerves. Meimi leaned in closer, interested in what he had to say. But the space between the two got smaller that way, making it all the more harder for him to speak. Either Meimi was oblivious to that fact, or she was hiding it really well. Asuka didn't know which, but that was beside the point.
Meimi's one eyebrow cocked up in questioning. "Well?"
*B-bump*
*B-bump*
Is he going to...? Nah... That's not something he would do... is it?
"Um... I saw you go into here, and I just decided to follow you. And to say... that um..." Asuka hesitated, then frowned as he thought of the three guys from earlier. He didn't come here only to insult me, did he? Meimi thought as she looked at him suspiciously, not knowing where this was headed.
"I wanted to apologize for yesterday. And the day before, things just didn't come out the way I wanted them too, and... yeah..."
There. He said it. Now all he had to do was wait. Asuka groaned inwardly, knowing that that "wait" would seem like hours to him.
Whatever Meimi had been expecting, it wasn't anything like this. Asuka Jr. was apologizing to her? It just wasn't possible. If he didn't seem so serious at the moment, Meimi knew that she would have been rolling on the floor and dying of laughter. She eyed him wearily, waiting for the surprise "I was just kidding".
But none came.
She didn't know what to say to this new side of him. One that she had never seen before. Meimi was completely dumbfounded, and it must have been apparent to him for he suddenly said that she didn't have to say anything.
Snap out of it Meimi! her mind screamed at her. Asuka is being nice to you for a change! Isn't that what you always wanted? Now that he's nice to you, you don't say anything at all? But what brought on this sudden change? She finally smiled then. "Apology accepted, Asuka," he heard her say. Asuka released the breath that he didn't know he was holding, and sighed in relief. Meimi thought that she had seen a flash of hope shine through his eyes, but thought nothing of it more.
Maybe there's still hope for me yet, he thought wryly. He studied her features appreciating how every nuance and crevice made her look like the goddess that she was, in his eyes.
Blood rushed up to her face when she noticed his enduring gaze. "Is there something wrong?" she asked.
Asuka shook his head. You've gotta keep it cool Asuka, so that she won't suspect a thing, his mind said to him. He almost snorted. "Well, um, I have to go now... So I'll see you around." Asuka got up and walked out. Meimi watched his retreating back and smiled to herself. Maybe things are changing? She made sure that no one else she knew was around before getting the diary back out, and started to write something back to Anonymous #2.
*~*~*~*~*
Meimi had gone straight to Seira, right after she put the diary back in it's hidden place. She made her way into the back of the church, where she knew that her friend would be waiting for her. She was sitting on a patch of grass, looking serenely as ever in her white habit.
"You called?" Meimi asked, as she settled herself across from her friend.
"Yes. As you probably might have guessed. It's another lost lamb. Which means-"
"Another case for the infamous Kaitou Saint Tail," Meimi finished. "So what is it this time?"
"Oh, it's another bunch of antique collectors, robbing an antique store. A woman saw and heard them, but was too frightened to go to the police officials. She didn't know what to do, so she came to the sanctuary of the church to pray."
"Ah. I see. And you being there, comforted her? Well, where can I find them? The antique thieves?"
"At the Cherry Blossom Inn. They're staying in room 405. But you must hurry, Meimi. They plan to move out tonight."
"Alright, just leave it to me! Saint Tail is on the job!" And now, to send my calling card.
*~*~*~*~*
Asuka groaned as he made his way home. He had meant to go to the bench first, to see if there was a new entry by the nameless girl, but he had seen Meimi, and decided to confront her first. When he had left the fast food restaurant, he had bumped into Sawatari, and the dimwit, as Asuka thought, prevented him from getting to the bench right away. When he finally did get to the diary, he saw that there was another entry, and was about to continue reading it, when Rina came. What's her deal anyways? Asuka thought tiredly, as he remembered what had happened.
*Flashback*
As soon as he had gotten the chance away from that Sawatari character, he went to the one bench and checked to see if the person had written back. When he found that she had, a slow grin spread across his face. A grin that soon faded when SHE came. He didn't hate her, but that didn't necessarily mean that he really liked her either, he just thought of her that way because of her annoying habit of showing up at the most unwanted times.
Like right now.
He was just about to start reading when Rina popped into his line of view, and looking really peeved at that.
"Hey, you. What were you doing with Haneoka?" she asked. No, it was more like a demand to him, as he stared back at her.
"What are you talking about?" Asuka said, playing dumb. He knew it. She knew it. He knew she knew it, and it angered her more.
"What were you too doing together in that small restaurant? And sitting so close to each other might I ask? It better not have been a date."
"That's really none of your business-" Rina looked like she was going to explode right then and there so he quickly added, "But if you must know, I was telling her to keep her mouth shut next time, so that I wouldn't end up in detention." Asuka mentally winced at the lie. He hated to do it, but if it was gonna save his life...
"Really? There was nothing more to it? Honto ne? If I find that you're lying to me... " she said, still looking skeptical.
"Um, uh... Yeah. Of course I'm sure. I'm not lying," he said, and nodded, putting more emphasis to his answer. And just as quick as she was to anger, her expression changed, and became one of extreme happiness. This girl is weird. One second, it looks like she'll bite your head off. And then the next, she's all sweet and nice, Asuka thought. Lina then noticed the pink diary in his hands, and asked him about it.
"Hey, Asuka. What are you doing with that?" She pointed to the book that was still in his hands. He looked down at it and blushed slightly.
Uh oh.
"Can I see it?" Rina asked, as she made a grab for it.
"No. It's something personal. But it's not really important."
"Whose is it? I know it's not yours."
"It is mine. At least half of it is." The half that I write in.
"Then let me see your half." Rina was getting impatient. Why was he acting this way? "If it really isn't important, then let me see." Asuka gave her a shake of his head, giving her another no. "Fine then! Be like that Asuka Jr.. BAKA!" she screamed, and then stormed off.
*End of Flashback*
Asuka gave another heavy sigh. Jeez... That Takamiya girl... As soon as I get home, I'll read the entry and then write back. I wonder who she is. How old is she? Does she go to the same high school as I do? I wonder...
Suddenly he heard a lot of giggling nearby. "Look! It says that sometime this month someone will ask me out on a date! And on one of my lucky days!" a voice squealed. Then came more giggles.
"Would you like your fortunes given as well?" a hooded figure came up and asked in a husky voice.
"I don't believe in that kind of stuff," he said.
"But it's for free. Why not look and see?" she persisted. Asuka relented, telling himself that if he agreed, she'd go away. So she asked him what month his birthday was and handed him a small sheet of paper. He stared after her retreating back as she went off to some other group of people, giving them their fortunes. Then he decided to read his.
Today, you will have been forgiven
by a friend whom you've wronged,
and who has wronged you.
"Huh? That sounds like what had happened today with Meimi...."
Tonight you will have bad luck
in a pursuit of someone. Unwise choices
will lead to your downfall once again.
"What could I possibly be doing tonight that would lead to my downfall?" he asked himself. Then he went on reading.
And once again, you will play the
role of the detective, but not very
well.
"What the hell is this supposed to mean?" Crappy fortunes....
Hahaha! I've gotcha!
I will steal back a couple
of antiques from Room 405
at the Cherry Blossom Inn, tonight,
at 7:30.
~Saint Tail
At that last part, Asuka's eyes widened. He read it again to make sure that he wasn't just seeing things. It's from Saint Tail! he thought excitedly, as he read it over again. Demo... she's insulted me here too! And how did she know about being forgiven by a friend? He looked at his watch, and saw that he still had a lot of time. So he decided to go home first and read what the girl wrote back to him.
His father was there when he got home. "So, son. Is there any news from Saint Tail?" he asked flippantly.
"Yup."
"What?" He sat up abruptly. "There is? I didn't think that there would be one..." Asuka just rolled his eyes. "Well, what is it about this time?"
"She says that she's going to steal back some antiques from a hotel," Asuka said. He knew why his father was interested. There would probably be some evil person here, doing wrongs. And the criminals were most likely to be the very people who she was going to steal the items from.
Asuka's father saw this pattern in her thieveries, and used it to his advantage. He no longer wanted to have her captured, since she was always such a big help. He had asked his son once why, if he knew that she stole from the bad, did he keep on pursuing her in a hopeless chase? All his son had said was that he took it upon himself to capture her, and that he loved the challenge. But he had a suspicion that it was something more than that. He just only left the matter alone, knowing that his son couldn't catch the intangible and honorable thief.
It wasn't because he didn't have faith in Asuka's ability, it was only because he knew that Asuka's heart wasn't truly focused on capturing her. And because Saint Tail was just too good. Saint tail reminded him of another thief, the Fallen Angel, she was called. But he never succeeded in catching her either. She just stopped appearing. And all of a sudden, all the things that she had ever stolen were returned.
Asuka's father shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Let me see the calling card," he said, and Asuka handed it to him in a sulky sort of manner. After reading the first few lines he said, "This looks more like a fortune being told."
"Just keep reading."
He laughed when he finished. "She got you there, son," he said as he gave him a slap on the back. Asuka only muttered obscenities under his breath. "I'll get the other officers ready for this. It might have something to do with the antique robberies that have been going on." He grabbed a light coat and headed out the door.
Asuka headed up to his room and flopped onto his bed, still sulking a little about what Saint Tail had said. He knew that she was only teasing him. Oh well, it's not like she lied or anything, he thought wryly. He flipped onto his back and placed his arms behind his head comfortably. He thought about the talk he'd had with Meimi, and smiled. She forgave him, just like that. He'd expected her to throw some sort of tantrum and ramble on about stupid wanna-be detectives. But what happened was the complete opposite. Meimi smiled at him and forgave him right on the spot. Then his mind wandered back to those three guys, and he scowled. Although I really couldn't blame them.... he thought.
Hey... wasn't I supposed to be doing something? Oh! That's right! The diary! He instantly got on his feet and walked to where he deposited his bag on the floor. He took the pink book out, sat at his desk to read what she had to say this time.
Hm... Love... Yes. I think that that's exactly what I'm feeling for this guy. And we've known each other for so long... Oh! I had an encounter with him today, and his attitude was wholly out of range. Something has come over him, because he was really nice. Everything seemed so out of place. I thought that the whole thing was just a fragment of my imagination. And I thought that I saw something in his eyes, telling me that me might just feel the same way as I do. But then again, that could've been my heart and mind with wishful thinking. It's amazing how love can take the simple things in life, and turn it into something much more unexplainable and complicated, don't you think so? I wonder how it comes to happen. How people can get so attracted to others. I like this guys looks. Don't get me wrong, but he is good-looking. And yet I can feel that my attraction runs deeper than that. I like him for who he is... Demo, it's a depressing thought to know that he doesn't feel the same way. And I think that it's true, what you said about it being human's nature to be insatiable. But I'm pretty sure that if the guy I like... well, you know. I'm sure that I'd be content. If he's with me, I couldn't ask for more. Maybe then my life wouldn't be so miserably and lonely. Demo... you have two people to chose from. That's even more complicated than my situation. I'm no expert at these things... But have you thought about it lately? Like have you asked yourself which person is the one who makes you do all these unexpected things? Which one is more compatible to you? And most importantly, who is the one you love? You know... stuff like that. Someday, you are going to have to choose, because you CAN'T have both. Think of how they would feel about it... Hmmm. You never thought that something like this would happen, and yet there you are torn between two people you like. That goes to show you how we sometimes are forced to eat our own words, ne? Oh yeah, and instead of signing at the end with "Anonymous" or "Anonymous #2," hehehe, let's give ourselves pseudonyms. You know, something like a pen name, or false identity. Okay? Well, I have to end my... uh... entry here. We can't really call them letters, now can we? Hope to hear from you soon.
~Hime
Asuka smiled at that last part. He got out a pen and started to write something back to her. When he got to the end, he gave some thought as to what he would call himself. When he finally decided on one, he signed his entry, and closed it shut. He glanced at his watch. Seeing that it was almost "Show Time," he grabbed his jacket and left. I'll return the book tomorrow, he thought, as he quickly made his way to the Cherry Blossom Inn, where his father should already be.
*~*~*~*~*
Author's Note: Ohohohoho! Sometimes I surprise even myself. Meimi said to Asuka that he couldn't have both the people he liked, when one of them is really just an alternate ego of herself! Oh the irony in it all! ::ahem:: So, they still write to each other, not getting any closer to finding out who they're writing to. When do they know? Only I know the answer to that! Muahahahahaha!
ANYWAYS, ( -_- ) ...... don't forget to review! And tell me what you think! Any comment is welcome.
'Till I get the next chapter out... Ja!
~Enchanted Pink Jade
E-mail: Lyricalaznangel@aol.com
