AN:
To Flamethrower710: No, Rouche isn't dead, so hold the tears please? ;)
To Tiger5913: Yes, Keniko and Jang will be added just cuz I think romance needs to be thrown in to stray from the dark mood set so far…
To everyone else: Please enjoy!!!
Rouche: Hey… umm… what is it I'm supposed to be doing again?
NDZ: Uggh… you're supposed to be unconscious. How'd you wake up so fast?
Rouche: I was hungry… : (
NDZ: You'll get to eat in a little while, now go back to being unconscious!! Sorry…
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8: Two Worlds, One Love
Silence draped over the room, as dust restlessly floated about the room trying to find a haven. Eyes drifted in different directions, ranging from silently staring at the padded floor, to eyeing the others in wonder of their thoughts. Each wanted to know the others thoughts and views of this newcomer, who had shown valiant efforts at attempting to overpower the lion zoanthrope.
The slumped figure remained motionless and untouched, still fatigued from the previous battle. Jane grew more and more concerned about him, as she did not wish any harm to come from this friendly bout. Exempt Alice, she was the closest one to him, waiting for the silence to be broken and her fears washed away. Slowly she eyed her father, wondering if he too felt some concern over their new friend.
No, how could he feel guilt and shame. He's always so dense and unforgiving. Always showcasing his non-existent emotions to others, making them feel miniscule. He's been that way for as long as I can remember, and maybe it's all the wars that triggered it. Maybe that's the only way he can really survive…
Although still lying dormant upon the bench he chose to reside to after the match, Gado did show signs of movement, though faint when he chose to. Truly he hadn't expected such a young fighter who obviously had no fighting experience to be such a powerful force. He was taken aback when he had witnessed the raw energy he had accumulated, and was shocked further when he had launched it straight at him, not even quivering his aim the slightest. Sliding his arm off his face, the great lion drowsily opened his eyes to view the ceiling so far above his head.
From what Jane had told him the few days before, he had assumed that this man had been briefed on at least some of the current issues plaguing the world. He detested the very fact that humans would not participate in a co-existent world. Conservative in thought, they chose to ignore the fact that zoanthropes were human to begin with, just changed genetically. So close-minded the world was, constantly trying to elude the facts that he had, time and time again, forcefully thrown about the floor, deliberating their truthfulness to all who would hear. True, he was a man of intensity and would not back down from any fight or argument, but he feared that without more proof this would be a fight not worth continuing. He wished the end of human genome projects, trying to make the ultimate soldier. There was no more need for war in a world that was so full of bloodshed and heartache.
A stir broke the old man's thoughts and he leaned over onto the ground to see what had disturbed him. All heads rose to notice Rouche stirring upon the floor, groggily slouching upward while holding his head with hesitant motions, as if there were a profound injury sustained there. Alice was given leeway to check if the dragon needed help of any kind.
"Mmmmmmm…. no no, I'm alright." Leaning his arm against the floor he blinked his eyes furiously against the irritating light. Gaining his bearings, he found that he was indeed still in the sparring arena surrounded by his peers. Somehow, during the fight he had expended all his energy in that final attack. Leaving him extremely fatigued, the last thought he remembered seeing was of Gado's hint of fear drawn upon his face for one split-second. After that, everything had gone black.
"Are you OK Jack?" asked Jane, her face that of worry and concern.
"Yea… I'm OK. That last attack I did really knocked me out is all, nothing to worry about. Don't know where it came from though…" he replied, rubbing his head lightly while his eyes remained squinted against the light.
"Well… don't try to over-do it next time. I don't want to have to take you into the infirmary again mister!" Alice scolded, a look of fierceness on her subtle features.
"I'll try not to…," he replied, disregarding her statement with a chuckle. "So… how long have I been out then?"
Slowly rising to his feet, the lion zoanthrope moved silently through the sea of others to extend his mighty hand outward. A smile played on the old veteran's face; clearly he was impressed at this one. His frail hand grasping the strong grip of the mighty warrior, Rouche was brought to his feet quite lightly, though he had expected to have been launched into the air.
"Good to see you are in fine health friend. I trust I have not wounded you seriously?" Gado asked, scoping out Rouche's state for himself.
"Heh, yea… I'm fine. Sorry to worry you all, my deepest apologies to all."
All merely shrugged their indifference and laughed at his slight comedic, if even that, tone he had used. Viewing his new friends as if in a new light, Rouche felt pride well up inside his heart, as he could now expunge the void in his heart where loneliness had once occupied.
A low growl was heard quite audibly through the hollowed walls of the sparring arena. It had appeared that not only had the fight drained the zoanthropes of their physical energy, but had also left them with hunger to contend with. Feeling quite famished all set out to the nearest restaurant where contemptuous onlookers would not disturb their large group. Though allowing some silence to pass through the dank air, conversation built on their journey and much laughter could be heard echoing off the crimson stone walls that surrounded their beings, shadowing their features from the world that loathed their existence.
* * *
Extending a booth with a rather unbalanced table, Yugo was set in the middle, using his foot to keep it from wobbling to and fro. Ever present in the air was tension, as they viewed the locals who surrounded them, calculating the possibilities of their knowing who they really were. Not wanting to cause and trouble, and hardly wanting a ruckus, they merely talked of "normal" issues that were about in the world. Gado had an obvious advantage, but enjoyed the diverse input of the others, taking note of some rather heated debates controversial to the mind.
"I'm only saying that if we were to introduce the fact that we are human ourselves, maybe people will convene with each other and come to some sane conclusion that we are not out to dominate the world." Jane argued, leaning close to the face of the table.
"Yes, I realize that, but if we expose ourselves, you know as well as I do that we'll be targets for the next trigger-happy sniper that just happens to be nearby." Yugo countered, trying to switch the stereotype they had fixated upon him.
"I have to agree with my brother on that. There are too many possibilities and variables to be counted. We cannot be able to factor in all of them and still hope the world will lean towards our judgement." Kenji put in.
Not wanting to be left out of the argument, and trying to change Kenji's outlook on her, Uriko decided to start listening to the meaningless blather that filled her innocent ears. She could not really know what it was that they were so uptight about; she was a teenager and wanted to live a normal life. She also wanted Kenji to come around to her, wishing he would expose his sensitive side to her so she could help him live a life of peace and happiness.
"Come on, you know I realize what you all are saying, but we cant just give up so without knowing of some possible hope that exists out there. There has to be someone who sympathizes with our situation, there always is. We just have to propagate ourselves to that type and hope they rally more to our cause. All we want is co-existence, you all know that as well as I do." Jane replied, her brow rising and falling with her stress on certain words.
"I do agree with Jane on this issue. There always is the opposer and the sympathizer. One cannot exist without the other; it is not logical. We must pursue this hope and attempt to make it our reality, for everyone's sake." The tiger put in, sharing his concern with Jane's.
Although this all was new to him, Rouche still felt that these issues were familiar to him, yet not in this perspective. He had often heard of such issues, where the one side that needed support had none, and all attempts to make the dream a realization failed. He took great interest in these debates, as he now felt a part of something more, something deeper than the hate and injustice the world had so harshly served to his soul.
"So what your saying is that we need to bust up these people who are controlling the experiments, right?" Uriko chimed in, starting to grasp what is was exactly that they were so interested in talking about.
"Uhh…. yea basically…" Jane started, trying to understand what the young zoanthrope was trying to say. "We need to break down these Tylon subsidiaries and show the world that they do not mean good, but are trying to harness a power far greater than our own. They are trying to make the next super soldier for their own profit!" She ended, emphatically pounding the table with her fist.
"Well… how would you say we go about starting this then?" The wolf asked, scratching his head as he attempted to create a plan.
Jane merely lowered her head, for she knew not the answer to what he sought. As they all pondered a possible answer, Rouche had a sickening flashback, and he shook slightly from the grotesque features of his malevolent plot.
'Yes Rouche, he is the prime target. Eliminate him first. Show him that some zoanthropes are worse than he fears. Pain beyond suffering awaits you Gailbo, and I shall be your only savior, sent to release you from your life here on Earth.'
He shuddered at this flashback, as he could not possibly believe that this was once the state in which he thought. He had actually thought of killing another innocent human being for his own selfish desires. But wait! Behold! Here was a possibility. No, leave the UN member alone and concentrate on the scientists. Surely they must be of some consequential value to Tylon!!
"I… I think I might have an answer.." the dragon spoke softly, the others not quite hearing him the first time. "I think I might know how to start this project up…"
"What do you have in mind?" Gado asked, plainly wanting to know what this young one had in mind.
The others crouched in close so they could hear better, and so as not to have unneeded ears listen in. As he explained the plot to them all, although not revealing his original dark intentions, they eventually all agreed that his plan seemed to have a good starting point. Of course, Hajime Busuzima was to be first on their list as he was nearest. Better to have all their power in one place than scattered about the country.
As they finalized their plan, all agreed to meet at the Nonomura residence for further outlining, as this was no such place to initialize such a feat. Two o'clock sharp they would see each other again, and not a minute later.
They slowly rose, stretching tired muscles as they had been in the same position for about two hours. Tired muscles racked with pain as cramps developed from non-movement. Bones easily cracked under slight pressure, disturbingly echoing off the placid walls of the restaurant. Divvying up the check they all paid their sum and parted ways, in some ways not wanting to leave, as was so rare the case they were all to convene.
A slight breeze traveled toward along a curving path, curving this way and that, as if not sure of which path to take. The irrefutable "smell" of carbon monoxide choked the very muscles of Yugo's throat, as well as Rouche's and Kenji's. Rouche had chosen to go with the brothers for he wished to learn as much as he could about boxing, as he thought of that as a good starting style. Eventually he would incorporate all styles into one, creating a hybrid of all the techniques he was soon to learn. He wanted to confuse his opponent by having them not be able to predict his next move, as it could be any style he saw fit.
Although deep in thought, the mole glanced towards the one called Rouche. He noticed his head bowed and eyes staring directly at the cold and unyielding cement. He could tell his thoughts were somewhere else, when, even at this angle, he knew Jack's eyes were out of focus. What do you think of friend? Or are you a friend at all? Foes often disguise themselves for friends, utilizing the sympathies of the human heart against the wielder. This I do not wish, as you are strong and have much potential. The things you will learn are of nothing you have ever seen before, and amazement will cross your thoughts, as it will be hard to intake the truth. Yes, the truth hurts, and people tend to not view our kind for what we really are. They much be shown the truth, no matter what the cost…
Turning his own eyes towards the ground, the mole ended his thoughts, thinking now of his past and future, as well as what was to come in their upcoming mission…
* * *
Why! Why won't this damn thing work right!! Again Jane threw the infernal machine to the marble table, as she grew more and more frustrated. I hate technology! Just give me a firearm and some ammunition and I'm all ready to go! A slight smile crossed her features, as she could not help but remember the shocked look on those soldiers faces when she stood proud next to her father, even as he raged at her for her incompetence in a war zone.
But that was all so long ago, and she had changed so much since then. Battle-hardened and always willing to fight, Jane found herself at a lose for emotions, as adrenaline seemed to be her only friend. She loved the rush, but felt as if there was something she was missing in life. There had to be more to life than fighting. Or was there? Smiling fondly, she remembered the day she and Long had first showed signs of attraction.
Over four years ago, they had been fighting against each other, trying to determine who was stronger. Of course they both were equal, as Long was not nearly finished with his martial arts training, and Jane was still showed signs of being green in combat. Somehow or another, Jane had tripped over herself, and Long, knowing this was not some trick, dove towards to tiles in an attempt to catch her. Awkwardly gazing into her eyes Long immediately dismissed the thoughts that began forming in his mind.
Looking as if he were searching her eyes for answers, Jane sensed sincerity in his eyes as she examined the emotions flowing from his features. Truly he showed some signs of affection for her, though he was one of the last people she would've guessed. Somehow she felt at peace during those few moments, and just as suddenly as it had occurred, the same emotions quickly dispersed. Regretting this dispersion a little, Long slowly drew her back up to standing posture, and they both dismissed any ideas of what had just happened.
But that was long ago, but yet they still showed signs of affection for the other, and they had grown quite fond that the other agreed. Jane felt a strong bond to Long, stretching far greater than friendship. She felt love emanating from this bond, and in the beginning she was unsure as to how to act to this. She was a little shocked when Long had admitted to the same, but they felt relief pass over as they could experience this emotion for the first time with each other.
Permitting a heavy sigh to release from her chest, Jane laid her head down upon the marble table once more. Often she had done this, often ritualistically, and all the while had found it comforting. The cool breeze danced upon her skin, wishing the endless waltz to never cease its beautiful composure. She chuckled a bit, as this tickled her skin. Just as soon as it had arrived, the dance moved onward, forever seeking a refuge where it could forever express the emotions played forth. Thus, Jane found fatigue creeping upon her doorstep, only wanting companionship. Greeting this new friend, she welcomed it in to stay for a while, not wanting loneliness to cloud her mind. Thusly, she found sleep and her weary eyes drooped closed, the last sight she saw being her own dank reflection smiling back at her from the spotted table.
* * *
For another, however, slumber had quite the distance to travel if it hoped to greet him. Walking in silence, the two Ohgami brothers headed for home, still wondering if such a plan concocted by this newcomer had the potential to succeed.
While Yugo began reeling the heavy calculations through his mind, Kenji thought of another subject, and found himself quite vexed when an answer would not surface.
Constantly I see Uriko playing her affection for me right in front of my face, and still I do nothing more than stare at the unmoving ground. What is it that I fear so desperately that I cannot even show my emotions towards her? Is there some secret buried within my heart that wishes to not reveal itself least it cause hurt upon another? No! This I know not to be true! Or at least I think…
As he gazed upon the concrete slabs, he could distinctly hear low talking, as if the very concrete beneath his feet were trying to tell him of the history he knew little about. All the stories that encompassed the city were vainly attempting to voice themselves towards this youth.
Although intrigued by this, Kenji dismissed it, as he sought to learn of something of a different scale. He yearned to learn of this thing called love, and how he could attain the vast secrets it held in its grasp. He sought to free his mind of these void emotions, learn to live and breathe and feel like a human being once more. No longer did he wish to be some automaton in a world filled with happiness and joy. Although stripped of a childhood that did not mean that he was also privy to being stripped of a natural adolescent life.
So still, he wondered as to how he could express his true feelings towards the young cat zoanthrope. He wished to convey that he too felt the same way she did, although with much less energy. Slowly, he brought his gaze upon his brother and asked himself if this man could give him answers that he so sorely needed.
Still somewhat confused as to how to ask his elder of his question, the boy lowered his head once more, trying to find more answers to questions he hated to ask of himself.
Looking down upon his little brother, Yugo felt pride well up in his heart. Though, at the same time, he sensed that something was troubling this youth. What is on your mind little bro? What can be causing you all this pain?
Darkness had set in, and black and purple seemed to mesh together, providing a rare sight indeed. Low clouds rumbled their calls, daring the other to challenge their might. Not liking the sudden change, the two quickened their pace.
Returning home without the added effect of precipitation, although perspired thoroughly, the two made their way to their small living room. Dropping their dead weight into the soft couch cushions, Yugo noticed that Kenji's eyes still fumed with confusion, as well as the well-formed creases plastered onto his brow.
Still panting in an attempt to regain his breath, Yugo asked him: "What are you so confused about?"
As though he had been entranced, Kenji snapped out of the illusion that had held such a firm grasp upon his consciousness.
"Well.... umm…. Its kinda embarrassing really.." He replied, red creeping onto his face.
"Come on, you can tell me."
"Well… I was kinda wondering about what love really is. I mean, how do you really express it to someone else?"
At first Yugo thought of playfully joking with his younger sibling, but that would further embarrass him, and then he would get no answers. He also sensed that his tone was more serious than playful.
"Well…. heh, I wasn't really expecting that." He admitted, truly taken aback that Kenji would be having these thoughts now, right after witnessing a big fight.
Hearing this, the boy merely lowered his head once again, for what Yugo thought was shame.
"No no Kenji, don't take it that way, its just that I didn't think you'd be asking that after such an intense fight." Yugo said quickly, hoping not to damage the young mole's pride.
Raising his head slightly, the shadows displaying frightening images toward Yugo's mind, as if Kenji might lose himself to Bakuryu once more. This thought was soon dismissed, as the shadows disappeared to the light as they filled in the dark crevices that seemed etched upon his features. Cold eyes viewed through hollow sockets were the only welcome Yugo received. Truly this boy was hurt, as he only wished answers to his ever-flowing curiosity. Instead, pain and anguish were cruelly dealt towards his fragile figure. Although his intentions were meant well, Yugo's comment had obviously hurt him far more than he had anticipated. Trying to put together some worthwhile way of speaking his apologies, as well as attempting to find a valid answer to his question, Yugo sat for in the silence, elbows hinged to his knees, hands grasped together cupped over his chin.
Moments dragged on for eternity, their weight like that of a mighty sword forced against time itself, trying sever the link that held all space together. But time would not give way to this unearthly force, and moved on its proper course, finally providing the wolf with an answer suitable to his dire need.
"Kenji," He started, still contemplating if this was truly the right way to convey his thoughts to his younger sibling. "love is something that can't exactly be explained in a simple way. I mean, well… When you actually love someone, you know it. It burns within your heart, your very soul. It's unmistakable. And if you truly want to show your love to another person, you should follow what your heart tells you, because more than likely it will lead you in the right direction…"
Viewing his face as if in a new light, as if the boy had just been brought into this world, Yugo's love for this boy grew more than he thought possible. Now, rather than stare back with a look of contempt, the mole's face light up with ecstasy, as he took in the delicate words that had shot forth with such emphasis from his brother's mouth.
Never before had Kenji heard such force come from his brother's mouth, as if God were intervening to explain a piece of His great plan to a mere mortal. Sincerity etched itself into every fiber of Yugo's being, and Kenji was privileged to witness such a magnificent feat. Everything soon became clear to him, all his deadened senses reawakening, calling, telling, urging him to move forward. They eagerly anticipated his next move, wanting nothing more than to take in all that the world had to offer. His "throat" became parched, and he knew that his hunger would soon become insatiable, turning into a great manifestation that only wanted to partake in the search for knowledge and understanding.
Pushing his frail yet strong arms against the immobile chair, the mole made his way towards his brother, who still looked away in what appeared to be shame.
Turning his brother's head so it met his gaze, he squatted down to be eye level with his elder.
"Do not develop such a look brother of mine. Though I have shown signs of hate and contempt towards you, it was not meant, and I am truly sorry for this misunderstanding. I merely wanted to know answers to questions I myself could not answer. Therefore, I thank you greatly, though you may not realize it, you have shown me a great deal, and I am forever indebted towards you for it."
Now Kenji seemed matured, as if he had attained some inner peace that had been revealed to him through the simple words that Yugo had offered. Now walking with grace in his walk, and force in his step, the mole silently left their house, now feeling satisfied with his life and anxiously awaiting what was in store.
Uriko, I am sorry for the pain I have imbued upon your fragile heart. But now I shall mend the heartache and be there to comfort you as you have so wished since the first time that we met. I merely hope that I have not caused you such anguish that it cannot be mended, for if that has happened, then I cannot live in such a world.
The darkness enveloped his form, concealing his form from outside view. Though he had often used such tactics to his own advantage, he now looked quizzically at this scene, wondering how it would now be viewed. Slowly walking, he began his trek across time itself, only hoping he could return the loving sincerity that another had so tenderly tried to instill upon his life.
* * *
Thunder clashed and wood exploded, as air pockets soon ignited into flames, bursting forth with such force that had not been witnessed for generations. Greedily the fire consumed all in its path, not wanting to miss anything that it could possibly feed off of. Onward, upward, downward and sideways the fiery snake crawled, covering every square inch of the charred carcass that it had claimed as its own. But now an intruder attempted to steal what was rightfully its own! What thoughts dared to interrupt such a feast?!?
Casually the long metal rod drew back, returning to its bearer, quite relieved that the intense heat it had sustained was now over. Cool air wafted in from the open window, returning the ebon rod back to its natural state.
Slowly Long sipped his tea, not wishing the calm serenity of the blaze to disperse and also not wanting the peace to end. The steam rose to his nostrils, opening his sinuses fully, allowing him to take in all the smells that lingered so lightly upon the world. He enjoyed moments such as these, where he could silently let all the world's troubles melt away.
Yet he somehow felt not at ease. Something kept assaulting his mind, trying to grasp his attention for its own jealous benefit.
This thought was of the earlier battle. Nothing could surpass what he had witnessed. Somehow the man known as Jack Rouche had proven himself to the other zoanthropes, though how was beyond his comprehension. How was it that a man with no previous fighting experience whatsoever, military or civilian, could possibly hold his ground against the fiercest of their "group"?
Could it be that he had become anointed with a power greater than their own? Granted that, how could he have summoned raw energy from deep within his bestial core? No… Or could he?
These thoughts immersed themselves into his consciousness, each asking different questions, though as a combined voice, voicing the same concern. All wished to know how he had attained this. Not that Long wanted to partake in the same experiments he had, dear God no! He had already had enough of Tylon as he could stand, and wished in their ultimate destruction.
But what of this man? Could they teach him anything new that could help him in any way? Or was he already best suited for the task ahead? Gradually his thoughts shifted towards Jane. She had been his lover for so long now, and they merely wanted to extend it further. They had both experienced so much together, both good and bad.
But what of her father? Would he object to his presence in her life, or would he welcome it? No one truly knew what went on in his mind, for it was ever changing and constantly reeling with thoughts unknown. Silently he prayed that all would go well when they announced their relationship to the others. Love and affection grew deep in both their hearts, and abandoning that would be heart wrenching for both.
O Jane… What shall we do about our predicament? Shall we valiantly cross the desert, prevailing against all obstacles, defeating any foe to cross our path and find that our love holds strong through and through? Sincerely, in my heart, I know it to be true! We firmly believe in each other and rely on each other's strengths to make up for our weaknesses. That is what makes our bond so strong, though I know prying eyes would think otherwise…
Slowly he lifted his stance, rising on unsteady, weak legs, testing their balance. Finding them suitable, he walked over to the open window and viewed the surrounding landscape, if one could call it that.
His quite retreat being near the heart of the city, Long had grown accustomed to the passage of large clusters of automobiles, while taking in what little scenery the city had to offer. Though tall skyscrapers often blocked his field of vision, man would never be able to shield the sky from view. And behold! What a beautiful night it was indeed! Sky of pure midnight blue blotted the sky, though leaving room for the bright luminescent stars to shine through for all eyes to see.
Letting out a great sigh of joy, he smiled at this placid night. Everything had gone well today, with the exception of Rouche's collapse after his match. He found himself wondering what the dragon might be doing so late at night, as well as the next time their paths would cross.
* * *
As nightfall grew to climax, the night air sent most to slumber, instilling peace and tranquility to all who would observe it. Serenity calmly swept over the great city, wishing no outside force to disrupt this soothing moment. As the clouds and stars slowly moved onward through space and time, one man moved restlessly in his bed, shifting about uncomfortably, trying to find answers to his vast questions. Visions flared in his mind, as Rouche dreamt of the earlier fight. Gradually Draedgo took in all that had happened, storing all he could see in his memory.
I am sorry for these troubling thoughts dear friend, but I too need answers to my query. Though this pains me to see you in such discomfort, all will pass…
Still shifting about his bed, Jack restlessly slumbered, the night passing by him slowly, as if examining exactly it was that was troubling him. Finding no sustenance in its query, the night gradually moved on, still retaining seven more hours for its own personal use. So onward it moved, watching the world with interest, taking note everything that had happened, so as not lose track of the sights beheld by such weary eyes. One lone figure walked amongst the mist of time, walking towards an unknown destiny and an uncertain future…
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AN:
NDZ: There!!! Done! And only 5431 words!! Wow, are my fingers tired. Well… time to upload it, so I hope you enjoy it!