"Hearts Aflame" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 13
Vivien sighed and leaned back in her chair. "I guess I'm just not hungry." She shrugged. "Sorry, uncle, but I don't think I can eat any dinner."
Vivien's uncle raised a brow. "It's spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs."
Vivien opened her eyes and sighed. "On the other hand, I think I could use some dinner right about now. I'll be out in a few." She told her uncle as he closed her door.
Once her door was closed, she closed her textbook and covered her face with her hands. What was wrong with her? Everything had been perfect today. On her first day of school, she had established her image with an outfit that had suited her perfectly, she had dissed a jock snob, thus satisfying her semi-feminist ego, a really cute and descent guy had taken her on a fantastic date, and now her uncle was serving one of her favorite dishes for dinner. Things couldn't get any better.. but somehow, she still felt.. dead. Something was missing.. or someone.. Vivien sighed and moved her schoolwork aside before reaching for her bag.
She pulled out a clean sheet of paper. It had been announced that the small public school would be receiving suggestions for a new look for their school mascot. They had been called the Black Wolves formerly, but due to the racist connation that many believed it implied, it had been changed to simply Wolves. Suggestions for a lively adjective had also been encouraged. Vivien picked up her pencil and bit her lip. Wolves.. a very common 'cool' term. but what could make it stand out? She decided to work on the mascot first.
Should the Wolf be of another color? Black, white, yellow, and brown were ruled out, of course. Vivien wanted the name to stay. Purple and black.. or maybe Orange and White.. Nah. Vivien tapped her pencil impatiently. What would suit her school.. or her satisfaction, rather? Vivien thought hard, then, unbidden, a name rushed into her mind. Crimson Wolf. Vivien frowned. Crimson? She shrugged. Not bad.
Then she shrugged again. While she was at it, maybe they could have a new mascot altogether. The first animal to enter her mind was Falcon. Vivien bit her lip. How about.. the Scarlet Falcon? Vivien smiled. What was with her and the color red all of a sudden, when her favorite colors had always leaned towards the blues and yellows? Red.. like fire. Vivien's temples throbbed. Fire.. She started sketching, images of birds and wolves flashing through her mind. Finally, she stared down at the paper, and just stared.
A Phoenix. A red. phoenix.. Suzaku. Suzaku the red.. Vivien shook her head to clear her thoughts. Where had that come from? Suzaku? What was that? It sounded Japanese. She sighed. Maybe her mind was just worked up over the events of the day. Her imagination was overloaded. That was it. But the Falcon and the Wolf.. Her heart raced. She began to draw another sketch. A few minutes later, she touched her sketch with trembling fingers. A wolf.. and though it was uncolored, she knew it was red.. with golden-brown eyes.. intense with.. with.. To her shock, her heart started beating madly. Suddenly, from deep within her, a voice seemed to cry out, Tasuki..
Tasuki? Vivien drew in a breath. That sounded strangely familiar.. Tasuki.. Where had she heard that name before? Tasuki.. Why is my heart beating so fast?
"Vivi! Dinner's ready!"
"I-I'm coming!'
Vivien sighed. "What a beautiful day." She gushed.
Tom stared at her with disbelief. It was hot and humid. And she called it beautiful? He wiped the sweat from his brow with his already- thoroughly-damp handkerchief. He stared at Vivien. She looked as fresh as a summer morning. "Don't you have sweat glands?"
Vivien chuckled. "Hey, it's not my fault I don't sweat."
Tom smiled. "Hey, Vivien.."
Vivien suddenly checked her watch. "Oops, break's over. Let's get back on the path. Come on, Tom!" Vivien was already jogging towards the race path.
Tom let out an agonizing groan as he hurried to catch up with the girl with hair that shone in the sun like red gold. Her violet eyes were sparkling with life as they jogged down the path.
When they had finally finished their two-mile jog, Tom stopped to catch his breath while Vivien spread her arms wide, very much refreshed. "Tell me, do you do this often?"
Vivien smiled. "What?"
"But your potential boyfriends through this torture?"
Vivien blushed. "Er.. I really don't know.. coz.." How was she supposed to say it? "I've never actually had a.. b-boyfriend."
Tom's eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding me. The hottest sixteen-year-old girl I know never had a boyfriend?"
Vivien's blush intensified. "Stop it." She playfully punched his shoulder. Tom fought back a scowl. That hurt.
Tomo scowled blackly. "I don't know what you see in this man-woman, Suzaku seishi. She's abominable." His chi was already suffering because of Vivien's antics.
Tasuki grinned. "It takes the right guy to appreciate a strong woman, you bum. Let me guess.. she's too much for you, isn't she?"
Tomo caused the vines to wrap more tightly around Tasuki's limbs. Tasuki's grin didn't leave his face, however, and that infuriated the Seiryuu seishi. "You will keep your tongue if you don't want me to kill her right now." He was also deceiving Miaka in his clam shell, and his energies were divided in manipulating both women. But Vivien was costing him more energy, and for that, he was resentful.
Tasuki laughed at the expression on Tomo's face. "You've got your work cut out for you, you rat. Vi's a very special woman. Only the right man can make her burn.." His eyes gleamed. "And you ain't him. So give it up." His expression turned deadly. "She belongs to me, and me alone. No one's going to take her away from me." He was ready. Suddenly, the vines wrapped around him burst into flames as he shifted form.
Tomo stared. "No! How?!"
Tasuki was in front of the Seiryuu seishi the next instant. He lunged, and bared his teeth when Tomo landed hard on the ground, pinned beneath his paws. Tomo stared. How could he change shape, when his power was in the tessen?
Tasuki read the bastard's mind. The tessen's only a bonus, you maggot. It was inherited. This power's all mine.
As the wolf began to maul the Seiryuu seishi, Tomo screamed.
"Tom!" Vivien gasped when her date suddenly fell to the ground and started screaming. "Tom!!" Vivien looked wildly around. "Somebody, help!" But everything was already disappearing around her.
Blood splattered on her face. She stared in horror as gashes inexplicably appeared on her date's body and his face started to change. Suddenly she was staring into the screaming face of man with a painted face and a feathered headdress. Her memory returned to her in a flash. "Tomo!"
The dying man grabbed her by the throat. Vivien croaked out a startled gasp. Tomo's hand tightened around her throat. Vivien closed her eyes tight. Tasuki!
"Tasuki!"
"Vi!" Tasuki grabbed Vivien by the shoulders and stared into her face. "Vi! Breathe! It's me! Tasuki!"
Vivien's eyes were closed. Her lips were starting to turn purple. Tasuki began to panic. "Vi! It's an illusion! He's killing you!" He cursed! How could Tomo's chi last this long? "Vi!!"
"Tasuki! What's going on? How did I get back here?!" Miaka demanded of her seishi. Then she saw Vivien, and she paled. "Kyo-chan!!"
"Vi! Wake up!" He pressed his lips hard against hers and willed her to awaken. Slowly, Vivien's color returned. She opened her eyes. "Tasuki..?" She whispered. Tasuki looked into Vivien's eyes. "Thank God.." Vivien drew in a deep breath as her lungs began to take in air again. "Tasuki.. Am I.. back?" Tasuki smiled. "You're home, Vi.. You're home." Vivien smiled back. Her eyes sparkled wetly. "I.. I know."
"Vivi!" Samantha slammed into Vivien's room. She didn't pause when she saw her sister in Tasuki's embrace. "Lover-boy, take a hike! Vivi, I want an explanation, now!" Tasuki smiled with amusement. He looked at Vivien and asked a question with his eyes. Vivien smiled softly. "I'll be fine." She assured him. When Tasuki had left, Samantha let on to her sister with a fury. "Vivien Michelle Smith! You will not tell me you almost died in Tomo's shell! You will not!" Vivien smiled gently. "Then.. I won't." Samantha's eyes widened with rage. "No, you will not!" She shouted in agreement. "You will listen to me now when I tell you you are an absolute moron! You have the brains of a red-headed pincushion! You selfish bratty little fool! I'm going to kill you!" Samantha advanced on her sister. Vivien's eyes widened. She started to grow alarmed. "Now, Sammy, I think you may be over-reacting a bit.. Calm down. I'm fine. Really, I am." "Fine?!" Samantha shrieked. "Oh, I am definitely not over-reacting, you stupid little brat! You almost died in that freakin' clam shell! You knew what would happen if you got caught in that leftover piece of seafood! And you knew all about it's deception, and still, you still managed to nearly get KILLED! Do you hear me?! KILLED!" "I'm sorry?" Vivien squeaked. Samantha was scary. "Oh you will, once I'm through with you! I think I'm going to kill you myself! .. GET BACK IN THAT BED, YOUNG LADY! OH, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT! COME 'ERE!"
"Stop whining. It'll be gone by morning." Samantha grumbled. Vivien gingerly pressed a kerchief against her shiner. "Well, you shouldn't have been so angry. I should sue. This is abuse, Sammy." She grumbled. "Straight-out abuse." Samantha sniffed. "Well, you deserved it." Vivien sighed. "But I told you.. I'm fine now." Samantha looked away. "Right. You're just recovering from a near-death experience. No biggie." She said sarcastically. "From the feel of this shiner, It'll take a good while more for me to recover." Vivien said wryly. Samantha narrowed her eyes at her sister. "Oh, I know. And I couldn't be happier? How's your side?" She asked sweetly. Vivien scowled. Her side ached like hell. Her ribs were going to be sore for a week! Samantha sure packed a lot of power in her punches. "Hey, all's well that ends well, right? And where were you when I was going through that? Getting all snuggly with your cuddle-buddy, I bet." Samantha's face turned beet-red with guilt. "Er.." Vivien gaped. She hadn't meant it, but Samantha's face gave her away. She had actually.. with Amiboshi.. right after.. A grin slowly spread across her face. "Talk about heated reunions. I'm so happy for you, Sammy." A grudging smile replaced Samantha's scowl. "Thanks, Vivi." "It's Vi." Samantha's smile broadened. "Whatever." Then her expression changed completely. "Hey.. I saw Lily." Vivien's smile faded. "How is she?" She asked tentatively. Samantha looked down. "Not good.. She's.." "She's what? Is she hurt?" Vivien turned pale with fear. Samantha shook her head. "No.. She's fallen in love with Nakago."
"Say that again." Samantha sighed. "She's fallen in love with Nakago." "No.. you must be mistaken. How could she fall in love with.. the enemy, for crying out loud?" Samantha sighed. "I.. don't know. I didn't get the chance to tell you before.. But there's more. Vivi.. Lily is in love with Nakago.. but he.." She closed her eyes. "He used her, Vivi. He used Lily."
Tasuki paced outside Vivien's room. What was going on in there? Suddenly, he heard someone punch the wall. He opened the door quickly. "Vi? What's going on?" Vivien didn't see Tasuki. "The bastard! How dare he!" Her eyes were blazing with fury. She grabbed Samantha's wrist. "Let's go! We're moving! Now!
Chapter 13
Vivien sighed and leaned back in her chair. "I guess I'm just not hungry." She shrugged. "Sorry, uncle, but I don't think I can eat any dinner."
Vivien's uncle raised a brow. "It's spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs."
Vivien opened her eyes and sighed. "On the other hand, I think I could use some dinner right about now. I'll be out in a few." She told her uncle as he closed her door.
Once her door was closed, she closed her textbook and covered her face with her hands. What was wrong with her? Everything had been perfect today. On her first day of school, she had established her image with an outfit that had suited her perfectly, she had dissed a jock snob, thus satisfying her semi-feminist ego, a really cute and descent guy had taken her on a fantastic date, and now her uncle was serving one of her favorite dishes for dinner. Things couldn't get any better.. but somehow, she still felt.. dead. Something was missing.. or someone.. Vivien sighed and moved her schoolwork aside before reaching for her bag.
She pulled out a clean sheet of paper. It had been announced that the small public school would be receiving suggestions for a new look for their school mascot. They had been called the Black Wolves formerly, but due to the racist connation that many believed it implied, it had been changed to simply Wolves. Suggestions for a lively adjective had also been encouraged. Vivien picked up her pencil and bit her lip. Wolves.. a very common 'cool' term. but what could make it stand out? She decided to work on the mascot first.
Should the Wolf be of another color? Black, white, yellow, and brown were ruled out, of course. Vivien wanted the name to stay. Purple and black.. or maybe Orange and White.. Nah. Vivien tapped her pencil impatiently. What would suit her school.. or her satisfaction, rather? Vivien thought hard, then, unbidden, a name rushed into her mind. Crimson Wolf. Vivien frowned. Crimson? She shrugged. Not bad.
Then she shrugged again. While she was at it, maybe they could have a new mascot altogether. The first animal to enter her mind was Falcon. Vivien bit her lip. How about.. the Scarlet Falcon? Vivien smiled. What was with her and the color red all of a sudden, when her favorite colors had always leaned towards the blues and yellows? Red.. like fire. Vivien's temples throbbed. Fire.. She started sketching, images of birds and wolves flashing through her mind. Finally, she stared down at the paper, and just stared.
A Phoenix. A red. phoenix.. Suzaku. Suzaku the red.. Vivien shook her head to clear her thoughts. Where had that come from? Suzaku? What was that? It sounded Japanese. She sighed. Maybe her mind was just worked up over the events of the day. Her imagination was overloaded. That was it. But the Falcon and the Wolf.. Her heart raced. She began to draw another sketch. A few minutes later, she touched her sketch with trembling fingers. A wolf.. and though it was uncolored, she knew it was red.. with golden-brown eyes.. intense with.. with.. To her shock, her heart started beating madly. Suddenly, from deep within her, a voice seemed to cry out, Tasuki..
Tasuki? Vivien drew in a breath. That sounded strangely familiar.. Tasuki.. Where had she heard that name before? Tasuki.. Why is my heart beating so fast?
"Vivi! Dinner's ready!"
"I-I'm coming!'
Vivien sighed. "What a beautiful day." She gushed.
Tom stared at her with disbelief. It was hot and humid. And she called it beautiful? He wiped the sweat from his brow with his already- thoroughly-damp handkerchief. He stared at Vivien. She looked as fresh as a summer morning. "Don't you have sweat glands?"
Vivien chuckled. "Hey, it's not my fault I don't sweat."
Tom smiled. "Hey, Vivien.."
Vivien suddenly checked her watch. "Oops, break's over. Let's get back on the path. Come on, Tom!" Vivien was already jogging towards the race path.
Tom let out an agonizing groan as he hurried to catch up with the girl with hair that shone in the sun like red gold. Her violet eyes were sparkling with life as they jogged down the path.
When they had finally finished their two-mile jog, Tom stopped to catch his breath while Vivien spread her arms wide, very much refreshed. "Tell me, do you do this often?"
Vivien smiled. "What?"
"But your potential boyfriends through this torture?"
Vivien blushed. "Er.. I really don't know.. coz.." How was she supposed to say it? "I've never actually had a.. b-boyfriend."
Tom's eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding me. The hottest sixteen-year-old girl I know never had a boyfriend?"
Vivien's blush intensified. "Stop it." She playfully punched his shoulder. Tom fought back a scowl. That hurt.
Tomo scowled blackly. "I don't know what you see in this man-woman, Suzaku seishi. She's abominable." His chi was already suffering because of Vivien's antics.
Tasuki grinned. "It takes the right guy to appreciate a strong woman, you bum. Let me guess.. she's too much for you, isn't she?"
Tomo caused the vines to wrap more tightly around Tasuki's limbs. Tasuki's grin didn't leave his face, however, and that infuriated the Seiryuu seishi. "You will keep your tongue if you don't want me to kill her right now." He was also deceiving Miaka in his clam shell, and his energies were divided in manipulating both women. But Vivien was costing him more energy, and for that, he was resentful.
Tasuki laughed at the expression on Tomo's face. "You've got your work cut out for you, you rat. Vi's a very special woman. Only the right man can make her burn.." His eyes gleamed. "And you ain't him. So give it up." His expression turned deadly. "She belongs to me, and me alone. No one's going to take her away from me." He was ready. Suddenly, the vines wrapped around him burst into flames as he shifted form.
Tomo stared. "No! How?!"
Tasuki was in front of the Seiryuu seishi the next instant. He lunged, and bared his teeth when Tomo landed hard on the ground, pinned beneath his paws. Tomo stared. How could he change shape, when his power was in the tessen?
Tasuki read the bastard's mind. The tessen's only a bonus, you maggot. It was inherited. This power's all mine.
As the wolf began to maul the Seiryuu seishi, Tomo screamed.
"Tom!" Vivien gasped when her date suddenly fell to the ground and started screaming. "Tom!!" Vivien looked wildly around. "Somebody, help!" But everything was already disappearing around her.
Blood splattered on her face. She stared in horror as gashes inexplicably appeared on her date's body and his face started to change. Suddenly she was staring into the screaming face of man with a painted face and a feathered headdress. Her memory returned to her in a flash. "Tomo!"
The dying man grabbed her by the throat. Vivien croaked out a startled gasp. Tomo's hand tightened around her throat. Vivien closed her eyes tight. Tasuki!
"Tasuki!"
"Vi!" Tasuki grabbed Vivien by the shoulders and stared into her face. "Vi! Breathe! It's me! Tasuki!"
Vivien's eyes were closed. Her lips were starting to turn purple. Tasuki began to panic. "Vi! It's an illusion! He's killing you!" He cursed! How could Tomo's chi last this long? "Vi!!"
"Tasuki! What's going on? How did I get back here?!" Miaka demanded of her seishi. Then she saw Vivien, and she paled. "Kyo-chan!!"
"Vi! Wake up!" He pressed his lips hard against hers and willed her to awaken. Slowly, Vivien's color returned. She opened her eyes. "Tasuki..?" She whispered. Tasuki looked into Vivien's eyes. "Thank God.." Vivien drew in a deep breath as her lungs began to take in air again. "Tasuki.. Am I.. back?" Tasuki smiled. "You're home, Vi.. You're home." Vivien smiled back. Her eyes sparkled wetly. "I.. I know."
"Vivi!" Samantha slammed into Vivien's room. She didn't pause when she saw her sister in Tasuki's embrace. "Lover-boy, take a hike! Vivi, I want an explanation, now!" Tasuki smiled with amusement. He looked at Vivien and asked a question with his eyes. Vivien smiled softly. "I'll be fine." She assured him. When Tasuki had left, Samantha let on to her sister with a fury. "Vivien Michelle Smith! You will not tell me you almost died in Tomo's shell! You will not!" Vivien smiled gently. "Then.. I won't." Samantha's eyes widened with rage. "No, you will not!" She shouted in agreement. "You will listen to me now when I tell you you are an absolute moron! You have the brains of a red-headed pincushion! You selfish bratty little fool! I'm going to kill you!" Samantha advanced on her sister. Vivien's eyes widened. She started to grow alarmed. "Now, Sammy, I think you may be over-reacting a bit.. Calm down. I'm fine. Really, I am." "Fine?!" Samantha shrieked. "Oh, I am definitely not over-reacting, you stupid little brat! You almost died in that freakin' clam shell! You knew what would happen if you got caught in that leftover piece of seafood! And you knew all about it's deception, and still, you still managed to nearly get KILLED! Do you hear me?! KILLED!" "I'm sorry?" Vivien squeaked. Samantha was scary. "Oh you will, once I'm through with you! I think I'm going to kill you myself! .. GET BACK IN THAT BED, YOUNG LADY! OH, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT! COME 'ERE!"
"Stop whining. It'll be gone by morning." Samantha grumbled. Vivien gingerly pressed a kerchief against her shiner. "Well, you shouldn't have been so angry. I should sue. This is abuse, Sammy." She grumbled. "Straight-out abuse." Samantha sniffed. "Well, you deserved it." Vivien sighed. "But I told you.. I'm fine now." Samantha looked away. "Right. You're just recovering from a near-death experience. No biggie." She said sarcastically. "From the feel of this shiner, It'll take a good while more for me to recover." Vivien said wryly. Samantha narrowed her eyes at her sister. "Oh, I know. And I couldn't be happier? How's your side?" She asked sweetly. Vivien scowled. Her side ached like hell. Her ribs were going to be sore for a week! Samantha sure packed a lot of power in her punches. "Hey, all's well that ends well, right? And where were you when I was going through that? Getting all snuggly with your cuddle-buddy, I bet." Samantha's face turned beet-red with guilt. "Er.." Vivien gaped. She hadn't meant it, but Samantha's face gave her away. She had actually.. with Amiboshi.. right after.. A grin slowly spread across her face. "Talk about heated reunions. I'm so happy for you, Sammy." A grudging smile replaced Samantha's scowl. "Thanks, Vivi." "It's Vi." Samantha's smile broadened. "Whatever." Then her expression changed completely. "Hey.. I saw Lily." Vivien's smile faded. "How is she?" She asked tentatively. Samantha looked down. "Not good.. She's.." "She's what? Is she hurt?" Vivien turned pale with fear. Samantha shook her head. "No.. She's fallen in love with Nakago."
"Say that again." Samantha sighed. "She's fallen in love with Nakago." "No.. you must be mistaken. How could she fall in love with.. the enemy, for crying out loud?" Samantha sighed. "I.. don't know. I didn't get the chance to tell you before.. But there's more. Vivi.. Lily is in love with Nakago.. but he.." She closed her eyes. "He used her, Vivi. He used Lily."
Tasuki paced outside Vivien's room. What was going on in there? Suddenly, he heard someone punch the wall. He opened the door quickly. "Vi? What's going on?" Vivien didn't see Tasuki. "The bastard! How dare he!" Her eyes were blazing with fury. She grabbed Samantha's wrist. "Let's go! We're moving! Now!
