"Stigmatized"
By: Na-chan
Disclaimer: I'm too young to own this anime series. The song ain't mine either.
Author's Notes: Thanks to those who reviewed. Sorry if the characters are OOC. And a reminder, this is just a fic.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
~Song~
Chapter 2: Miko-san and Kuro-kun
*******************************************************************************************
~If we find what's true, will we ever be?~
The afternoon sun's fiery rays bent out their anger on the town of Tokyo. It was expected of them, considering it was sometime in July, one of the hottest months in the country. But the current weather was of no concern of Daidouji Tomoyo's. The only thought running through her mind was about the boy who was holding her.
He released his hold on her and let out a sigh of relief. "That was close."
Remembering her manners, Tomoyo faced him, bowed politely and uttered her gratitude.
He looked at her in the eyes then shrugged. "You're welcome. I am always delighted whenever I rescue a beautiful damsel in distress."
This invoked the reaction he expected. She looked away, flushed. But the reason for the red on her cheeks wasn't there because she was complimented, it was because of his intense gaze on her. She felt like was a specimen being observed.
"It's rude to stare," she rebuked him.
"Gomen. I couldn't help but think we've met before...the shrine, perhaps?"
She nodded. "The cops were looking for you," She smiled, trying to conceal her slight fear of him.
"Not the best of first impressions," He grinned. He brushed off his clothes and left the alley. It was much brighter and the light glinted on his spectacles. "So what brings you to this part of Tokyo?" He queried.
She followed suit and replied, "I lost my way..." It was half-truth, half-lie.
He laughed. "You don't make a very good liar. You were following me. Stalking would be a more appropriate term." He smirked at her reaction.
She turned slightly pink and managed a childish comeback. "Don't flatter yourself," As soon as the words came from her mouth she covered the opening with her right hand. What was happening to these days her? She never argued with anyone, especially not someone she had just met. "Sorry." She apologized once more.
He smirked. "So you were following me." A pause. "For what? Are you connected with the police?" He frowned visibly.
"No."
"That's good to hear. It would be such a waste for someone like you to work there," His smirk reappeared. "So why were you tailing me?"
She was silent for a while before she replied hesitantly, "I got curious...You don't fit the job description of a fugitive."
"At least someone thinks I'm innocent," He muttered to himself.
"And you're not?" Apparently, Tomoyo had thought his mumbled statement was directed at her.
He looked away, nonchalant. "Maybe." A small smile played on his lips. Whoever this girl was, she was the first person who made him feel happy in awhile.
He felt a tug at his heart when he looked at her. She looked confused. Maybe he should do the right thing...
"You said you were lost."
She was surprised at first, but she replied almost as quickly. "Hai."
"Then let's get out of this place."
"Really?"
"I can't leave a lady in the precarious part of town. That would be unbecoming of me."
"Arigato."
*******************************************************************************************
It was around five when they reached the street Tomoyo promised she'd be in to Rinoko.
The servant was nowhere to be found, probably already at home being berated by Sonomi whilst every police officer in Japan was alerted to scour the country for her.
Tomoyo laughed at the thought.
Her savior looked at her oddly. "Are you all right, miko-san?"
Miko-san. The name he called her due to her soon-to-be priestess status. She had not given him her real name and he did not give his. They had a mutual understanding that they were to remain anonymous to each other until further discussion. "I'm perfectly fine, kuro-kun."
It was his turn to laugh. "That name sounds funny in an odd sort of way." Even though it was only two hours into their so-called friendship, he was slightly warming up to the girl. Slightly. She knew when to listen and when to talk. Basically, she would start the conversation and he would comment here and there.
But the one thing he liked most about her was her attitude towards him. Unlike the other women he had met, she did not fawn over him nor act like he was a stranger.
It was like he had known her since childhood.
She was talking and he gave her his undivided attention. "I think so too. But seriously, it fits you." Apparently, this was about her pet name for him. If they had met a few months back, she would have already known his address on their first encounter. But now was the time for caution, for care.
He would not be the one imprisoned.
"I guess it's better than megane or sempai. I happen to think that we're of the same age, miko-san." He chuckled once more. It was good to be able to free himself from the tension his current lifestyle brought. His defenses, however, were up 24/7.
"I'm only sixteen."
"Then I guess I am your sempai. I'm seventeen." My age does not matter.
"I'll be of that age in a few weeks."
"Then we'll stick to kuro-kun," He decided. My name is of utmost secrecy.
Black? Yes, she was right, the name suited him. His dark hair which was reminiscent of the night sky and his deep cerulean blue eyes...
She flashed him a smile. "Yes. I know my way from here. Thank you once more, kuro-kun. How can I ever repay you?"
"Your thanks is token enough for me," He kneeled down and kissed her hand.
She looked at him, embarrassed. "Are you sure?"
"It is I who should thank you." He stood up and looked her in the eye.
"For what?" She stared back steadily. Why should she be afraid?
"I don't know...just because." It was unusual for him to have no reason for something quite so simple.
She seemed to understand his predicament. Her smile returned. "Maybe we should do this another time."
"Maybe." It was highly unlikely, but he sensed the veiled hope in the statement. It wasn't a promise anyway, just a reassurance.
She nodded then bade her goodbye.
"Ja ne." And with that, she bowed then walked away.
He followed her with his eyes until she was out of sight.
*******************************************************************************************
The Daidouji household was not the silent and calm mansion it usually was that afternoon. The dominant feelings of the people present were almost as apparent as their physical form.
"Where could she be? She could be hurt!" Sonomi was frantic.
"I'm sorry, Daidouji-sama...." Rinoko was remorseful.
"Don't worry, madam, we'll find your daughter." The chief of police was hopeful.
A knock on the door.
"She's here!" The anxious mother practically jumped up from her sitting position and ran towards the gate. She came face to face with her daughter.
"Konbawa, Okaasama."
"Tomoyo!" Sonomi wrapped her arms around the younger girl. "Where have you been? Are you all right? I was so worried..."
"I'm fine, Okaasama. I just got lost, that's all."
"That's all? Child, you could have been killed!"
"No, really. I'm all right, mother." Tomoyo patted her mother's back reassuringly.
"Don't ever do that again. I don't want to lose my only heir...to anything or anyone."
Her daughter smiled ever so slightly. "Don't worry, Okaasama. I won't leave you, I promise."
I promise...
*******************************************************************************************
He walked cautiously along the street, careful not to be subject to any suspicion. He must not be found or caught all costs. He didn't want anyone to be in danger because of him. He stopped in front of a small house and rapped softly on the door.
It was opened momentarily by a lanky man with black hair. "Hiiragizawa!"
"Shh..." The man addressed brought a finger to his lips.
"Sorry. What took you so long? I was worried you had gotten yourself caught."
Eriol managed a grin. "That won't happen, Yamazaki."
Yamazaki shrugged and let him inside. He checked if no one had seen him letting Eriol in and hastily closed the door.
"Looks like Mihara-san's been here earlier," Eriol commented as he surveyed the room. It was a small place, extremely simple but it had a comfortable and safe aura about it. Earlier, it had been topsy-turvy but now, the place was sparkling clean. Yamazaki rarely cleaned on Sundays.
"She tends to barge in more often lately," The owner of the house had a far away look on his face when he said that.
"Don't go romantic on me, Yamazaki."
"Yeah. I just can't believe I'm getting married..."
Eriol chuckled. "I never expected to hear that from you."
"Did you know that arranged marriages originated from ? They say that--"
"You should save those tales of yours for Mihara-san."
Yamazaki's face lit up. "Of course! And maybe you can help me sometime," Then he looked serious. "You should look for someone for yourself too, Hiiragizawa."
The sapphire eyes of Eriol looked doubtful. "I'm not ready yet. And besides, what life can I give her if I keep running from the police? I'll only put her in danger like hiding here. You could be in danger by just talking to me."
"Nonsense. I believe you didn't do it. Those were all lies..."
"Hmm...that's the second time today. You know, not all beliefs are true."
"Who's the first?" A twinkle of curiosity appeared in Yamazaki's eyes.
"...just some girl I met in town."
"Does she know your name? This may mean trouble, Hiiragizawa."
"No, I didn't tell her."
Yamazaki sighed. "You have to keep a low profile. Someone might recognize you."
"Yes, mother."
"Hiiragizawa."
"I know. This is not the time to be making jokes. But those crooks really got me good. Making up lies about my loyalty to the emperor."
"If you hadn't gotten on their bad side--"
Eriol cut him off. "If I hadn't gotten on their bad side, lots of industrious citizens would have lost their hard earned money. And some of them only got their positions because they're priests!"
"Just be careful Hiiragizawa. And try not to cross swords with anyone if possible."
"I will."
*******************************************************************************************
Yamazaki's House, Three days after.
Mihara Chiharu was a nice girl. She came from a decent family and she was a cheerful individual to boot. She had known Yamazaki since they were born.
Hiiragizawa Eriol was a polite gentleman who was half English, half-Japanese. He was intelligent, cunning and handsome. He had known Yamazaki for five years.
These two individuals sat in the same room together with their only connection to each other, Yamazaki. Chiharu had just come to visit him.
The latter of the two, Eriol, polite as he was, informed the couple (Chiharu and Yamazaki) that he would leave them to give them some "privacy". He didn't want to intrude on anything.
Chiharu, on the other hand, insisted he stay. The debate carried on until the owner of the house took Eriol's side therefore sending the wanted man out into the streets for the time being.
Eriol sighed. It was getting hard to run from the police. It was only a matter of time before the authorities issued a reward for his capture. But if word of his freedom reached the ears of certain officials, the said party would conjure quite a stir. He knew many of them would plead him innocent but he knew their opinions would reach only deaf ears. And the other mystery was that girl...miko-san.
He sighed once more.
"Low on cash?"
Eriol raised his head to come face to face with a rugged-looking man with brown hair.
"Excuse me?"
"I said are you broke?"
The dark haired protagonist played along. "Maybe."
"Well that's good enough. Do ya know dice?"
'Gambling. So that's what this man is up to. I've never tried it since it would be a terrible vice...'
"What's the catch?" Eriol asked.
"If you win, we'll give you all our yen. If ya lose, you know the routine."
"We?"
"My friends and I run the joint. It's not so far from here anyways."
*******************************************************************************************
"If it's even, you win. If it's odd, pay up."
The game of dice was a feat Eriol never found amusing. But he was finding it amusing now. Especially since he had won nine straight games in a row.
The two dices rolled and stopped to reveal two ones. Even.
"Man, that's the tenth time already! Are you sure that that's not loaded dice?"
"No, it's not. And if it was, he wouldn't be winning. Besides he's a newcomer. Damn beginner's luck," The dealer was a short man. His height was as short as his temper.
"Up for another round?" One of the men asked.
"No, I think I'll pass." Eriol declined. He never knew rolling two cubes with dots to represent numbers could be so tense. Lady Luck seemed to be shining on him today.
"Suit yourself. Who's next?"
"I'm up. Must win to be able to buy Tomoyo-san a ring." A brown haired man stepped into the light.
"You always say that and you never win. And you're too late. The girl's going to be the next priestess of the Amamiya Shrine."
Eriol's ears twitched. The Amamiya shrine? That's where I first met Miko-san...
"What!? But I was planning to propose!"
"You're not the first one. Many have come before you and failed miserably."
"Excuse me, but who are you talking about?" Eriol was curious. His miko could be this Tomoyo they were talking about.
"Have you been living under a rock or something? Daidouji Tomoyo. She's the daughter of Sonomi, one of the richest women in Tokyo. It helps that she's from the prominent Amamiya lineage."
"Her long raven tresses shimmers a unique purple hue in the light. She is an absolute goddess..."
"And her eyes...?" Eriol really wanted to know.
"Hey, that's my Tomoyo you're talking about!?" The Tomoyo groupie piped up.
"It's a rare amethyst shade."
Bingo.
"Thanks for telling me," Eriol stood up and left the building in a hurry.
"Wait! How about your winnings?" The dealer called after him.
"Keep it." Money wasn't a priority right now. He could always return for more.
He had found miko-san. Or Tomoyo-san for that matter. It was information he did not need, information that was unnecessary.
But why did it bother him so much?
^____TsUzUkU_____^
A.N.: I have nothing against the Shinto religion. It just makes the plot thicken. I hope none of you are offended. Please don't take it the wrong way.
*Japanese Terminology
Kuro-black
Miko-priestess
Arigato-Thank you
Hai-Yes
Sempai-Senior
Ja ne-Later
Konbawa-Good evening/afternoon
By: Na-chan
Disclaimer: I'm too young to own this anime series. The song ain't mine either.
Author's Notes: Thanks to those who reviewed. Sorry if the characters are OOC. And a reminder, this is just a fic.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
~Song~
Chapter 2: Miko-san and Kuro-kun
*******************************************************************************************
~If we find what's true, will we ever be?~
The afternoon sun's fiery rays bent out their anger on the town of Tokyo. It was expected of them, considering it was sometime in July, one of the hottest months in the country. But the current weather was of no concern of Daidouji Tomoyo's. The only thought running through her mind was about the boy who was holding her.
He released his hold on her and let out a sigh of relief. "That was close."
Remembering her manners, Tomoyo faced him, bowed politely and uttered her gratitude.
He looked at her in the eyes then shrugged. "You're welcome. I am always delighted whenever I rescue a beautiful damsel in distress."
This invoked the reaction he expected. She looked away, flushed. But the reason for the red on her cheeks wasn't there because she was complimented, it was because of his intense gaze on her. She felt like was a specimen being observed.
"It's rude to stare," she rebuked him.
"Gomen. I couldn't help but think we've met before...the shrine, perhaps?"
She nodded. "The cops were looking for you," She smiled, trying to conceal her slight fear of him.
"Not the best of first impressions," He grinned. He brushed off his clothes and left the alley. It was much brighter and the light glinted on his spectacles. "So what brings you to this part of Tokyo?" He queried.
She followed suit and replied, "I lost my way..." It was half-truth, half-lie.
He laughed. "You don't make a very good liar. You were following me. Stalking would be a more appropriate term." He smirked at her reaction.
She turned slightly pink and managed a childish comeback. "Don't flatter yourself," As soon as the words came from her mouth she covered the opening with her right hand. What was happening to these days her? She never argued with anyone, especially not someone she had just met. "Sorry." She apologized once more.
He smirked. "So you were following me." A pause. "For what? Are you connected with the police?" He frowned visibly.
"No."
"That's good to hear. It would be such a waste for someone like you to work there," His smirk reappeared. "So why were you tailing me?"
She was silent for a while before she replied hesitantly, "I got curious...You don't fit the job description of a fugitive."
"At least someone thinks I'm innocent," He muttered to himself.
"And you're not?" Apparently, Tomoyo had thought his mumbled statement was directed at her.
He looked away, nonchalant. "Maybe." A small smile played on his lips. Whoever this girl was, she was the first person who made him feel happy in awhile.
He felt a tug at his heart when he looked at her. She looked confused. Maybe he should do the right thing...
"You said you were lost."
She was surprised at first, but she replied almost as quickly. "Hai."
"Then let's get out of this place."
"Really?"
"I can't leave a lady in the precarious part of town. That would be unbecoming of me."
"Arigato."
*******************************************************************************************
It was around five when they reached the street Tomoyo promised she'd be in to Rinoko.
The servant was nowhere to be found, probably already at home being berated by Sonomi whilst every police officer in Japan was alerted to scour the country for her.
Tomoyo laughed at the thought.
Her savior looked at her oddly. "Are you all right, miko-san?"
Miko-san. The name he called her due to her soon-to-be priestess status. She had not given him her real name and he did not give his. They had a mutual understanding that they were to remain anonymous to each other until further discussion. "I'm perfectly fine, kuro-kun."
It was his turn to laugh. "That name sounds funny in an odd sort of way." Even though it was only two hours into their so-called friendship, he was slightly warming up to the girl. Slightly. She knew when to listen and when to talk. Basically, she would start the conversation and he would comment here and there.
But the one thing he liked most about her was her attitude towards him. Unlike the other women he had met, she did not fawn over him nor act like he was a stranger.
It was like he had known her since childhood.
She was talking and he gave her his undivided attention. "I think so too. But seriously, it fits you." Apparently, this was about her pet name for him. If they had met a few months back, she would have already known his address on their first encounter. But now was the time for caution, for care.
He would not be the one imprisoned.
"I guess it's better than megane or sempai. I happen to think that we're of the same age, miko-san." He chuckled once more. It was good to be able to free himself from the tension his current lifestyle brought. His defenses, however, were up 24/7.
"I'm only sixteen."
"Then I guess I am your sempai. I'm seventeen." My age does not matter.
"I'll be of that age in a few weeks."
"Then we'll stick to kuro-kun," He decided. My name is of utmost secrecy.
Black? Yes, she was right, the name suited him. His dark hair which was reminiscent of the night sky and his deep cerulean blue eyes...
She flashed him a smile. "Yes. I know my way from here. Thank you once more, kuro-kun. How can I ever repay you?"
"Your thanks is token enough for me," He kneeled down and kissed her hand.
She looked at him, embarrassed. "Are you sure?"
"It is I who should thank you." He stood up and looked her in the eye.
"For what?" She stared back steadily. Why should she be afraid?
"I don't know...just because." It was unusual for him to have no reason for something quite so simple.
She seemed to understand his predicament. Her smile returned. "Maybe we should do this another time."
"Maybe." It was highly unlikely, but he sensed the veiled hope in the statement. It wasn't a promise anyway, just a reassurance.
She nodded then bade her goodbye.
"Ja ne." And with that, she bowed then walked away.
He followed her with his eyes until she was out of sight.
*******************************************************************************************
The Daidouji household was not the silent and calm mansion it usually was that afternoon. The dominant feelings of the people present were almost as apparent as their physical form.
"Where could she be? She could be hurt!" Sonomi was frantic.
"I'm sorry, Daidouji-sama...." Rinoko was remorseful.
"Don't worry, madam, we'll find your daughter." The chief of police was hopeful.
A knock on the door.
"She's here!" The anxious mother practically jumped up from her sitting position and ran towards the gate. She came face to face with her daughter.
"Konbawa, Okaasama."
"Tomoyo!" Sonomi wrapped her arms around the younger girl. "Where have you been? Are you all right? I was so worried..."
"I'm fine, Okaasama. I just got lost, that's all."
"That's all? Child, you could have been killed!"
"No, really. I'm all right, mother." Tomoyo patted her mother's back reassuringly.
"Don't ever do that again. I don't want to lose my only heir...to anything or anyone."
Her daughter smiled ever so slightly. "Don't worry, Okaasama. I won't leave you, I promise."
I promise...
*******************************************************************************************
He walked cautiously along the street, careful not to be subject to any suspicion. He must not be found or caught all costs. He didn't want anyone to be in danger because of him. He stopped in front of a small house and rapped softly on the door.
It was opened momentarily by a lanky man with black hair. "Hiiragizawa!"
"Shh..." The man addressed brought a finger to his lips.
"Sorry. What took you so long? I was worried you had gotten yourself caught."
Eriol managed a grin. "That won't happen, Yamazaki."
Yamazaki shrugged and let him inside. He checked if no one had seen him letting Eriol in and hastily closed the door.
"Looks like Mihara-san's been here earlier," Eriol commented as he surveyed the room. It was a small place, extremely simple but it had a comfortable and safe aura about it. Earlier, it had been topsy-turvy but now, the place was sparkling clean. Yamazaki rarely cleaned on Sundays.
"She tends to barge in more often lately," The owner of the house had a far away look on his face when he said that.
"Don't go romantic on me, Yamazaki."
"Yeah. I just can't believe I'm getting married..."
Eriol chuckled. "I never expected to hear that from you."
"Did you know that arranged marriages originated from ? They say that--"
"You should save those tales of yours for Mihara-san."
Yamazaki's face lit up. "Of course! And maybe you can help me sometime," Then he looked serious. "You should look for someone for yourself too, Hiiragizawa."
The sapphire eyes of Eriol looked doubtful. "I'm not ready yet. And besides, what life can I give her if I keep running from the police? I'll only put her in danger like hiding here. You could be in danger by just talking to me."
"Nonsense. I believe you didn't do it. Those were all lies..."
"Hmm...that's the second time today. You know, not all beliefs are true."
"Who's the first?" A twinkle of curiosity appeared in Yamazaki's eyes.
"...just some girl I met in town."
"Does she know your name? This may mean trouble, Hiiragizawa."
"No, I didn't tell her."
Yamazaki sighed. "You have to keep a low profile. Someone might recognize you."
"Yes, mother."
"Hiiragizawa."
"I know. This is not the time to be making jokes. But those crooks really got me good. Making up lies about my loyalty to the emperor."
"If you hadn't gotten on their bad side--"
Eriol cut him off. "If I hadn't gotten on their bad side, lots of industrious citizens would have lost their hard earned money. And some of them only got their positions because they're priests!"
"Just be careful Hiiragizawa. And try not to cross swords with anyone if possible."
"I will."
*******************************************************************************************
Yamazaki's House, Three days after.
Mihara Chiharu was a nice girl. She came from a decent family and she was a cheerful individual to boot. She had known Yamazaki since they were born.
Hiiragizawa Eriol was a polite gentleman who was half English, half-Japanese. He was intelligent, cunning and handsome. He had known Yamazaki for five years.
These two individuals sat in the same room together with their only connection to each other, Yamazaki. Chiharu had just come to visit him.
The latter of the two, Eriol, polite as he was, informed the couple (Chiharu and Yamazaki) that he would leave them to give them some "privacy". He didn't want to intrude on anything.
Chiharu, on the other hand, insisted he stay. The debate carried on until the owner of the house took Eriol's side therefore sending the wanted man out into the streets for the time being.
Eriol sighed. It was getting hard to run from the police. It was only a matter of time before the authorities issued a reward for his capture. But if word of his freedom reached the ears of certain officials, the said party would conjure quite a stir. He knew many of them would plead him innocent but he knew their opinions would reach only deaf ears. And the other mystery was that girl...miko-san.
He sighed once more.
"Low on cash?"
Eriol raised his head to come face to face with a rugged-looking man with brown hair.
"Excuse me?"
"I said are you broke?"
The dark haired protagonist played along. "Maybe."
"Well that's good enough. Do ya know dice?"
'Gambling. So that's what this man is up to. I've never tried it since it would be a terrible vice...'
"What's the catch?" Eriol asked.
"If you win, we'll give you all our yen. If ya lose, you know the routine."
"We?"
"My friends and I run the joint. It's not so far from here anyways."
*******************************************************************************************
"If it's even, you win. If it's odd, pay up."
The game of dice was a feat Eriol never found amusing. But he was finding it amusing now. Especially since he had won nine straight games in a row.
The two dices rolled and stopped to reveal two ones. Even.
"Man, that's the tenth time already! Are you sure that that's not loaded dice?"
"No, it's not. And if it was, he wouldn't be winning. Besides he's a newcomer. Damn beginner's luck," The dealer was a short man. His height was as short as his temper.
"Up for another round?" One of the men asked.
"No, I think I'll pass." Eriol declined. He never knew rolling two cubes with dots to represent numbers could be so tense. Lady Luck seemed to be shining on him today.
"Suit yourself. Who's next?"
"I'm up. Must win to be able to buy Tomoyo-san a ring." A brown haired man stepped into the light.
"You always say that and you never win. And you're too late. The girl's going to be the next priestess of the Amamiya Shrine."
Eriol's ears twitched. The Amamiya shrine? That's where I first met Miko-san...
"What!? But I was planning to propose!"
"You're not the first one. Many have come before you and failed miserably."
"Excuse me, but who are you talking about?" Eriol was curious. His miko could be this Tomoyo they were talking about.
"Have you been living under a rock or something? Daidouji Tomoyo. She's the daughter of Sonomi, one of the richest women in Tokyo. It helps that she's from the prominent Amamiya lineage."
"Her long raven tresses shimmers a unique purple hue in the light. She is an absolute goddess..."
"And her eyes...?" Eriol really wanted to know.
"Hey, that's my Tomoyo you're talking about!?" The Tomoyo groupie piped up.
"It's a rare amethyst shade."
Bingo.
"Thanks for telling me," Eriol stood up and left the building in a hurry.
"Wait! How about your winnings?" The dealer called after him.
"Keep it." Money wasn't a priority right now. He could always return for more.
He had found miko-san. Or Tomoyo-san for that matter. It was information he did not need, information that was unnecessary.
But why did it bother him so much?
^____TsUzUkU_____^
A.N.: I have nothing against the Shinto religion. It just makes the plot thicken. I hope none of you are offended. Please don't take it the wrong way.
*Japanese Terminology
Kuro-black
Miko-priestess
Arigato-Thank you
Hai-Yes
Sempai-Senior
Ja ne-Later
Konbawa-Good evening/afternoon