Author's Note: So Sorry! School started and I wanted to finish An Identity Revealed, which I did, but I'm now back in the game! Thank you so much for sticking with me if you are still there. -_-'
Disclaimer: Haven't said in a looong time, but, sadly, I still don't own Saint Tail.
Chapter 4
" That nurse was so friendly." Asuka said happily putting her hands in the air as she walked. The breeze from Central Park danced with her hair as she pushed it gently behind her ears.
" Yep." He said briefly. Asuka shoved his hands in his pockets. The shade of the trees raced over the features of the two persons as they walked lackadaisically through the large park. Though no conversation was exchanged between the two beings, they each felt contently happy. Asuka suddenly looked down at his watch and groaned.
" Hmm?" Female Asuka asked noticing his anxiety.
" We have to get back to work now." He said grabbing her wrist and pulling her to the other side of the park.
" 'We'?"
" There is no time to drop you off at my apartment. Sorry."
" Oh I don't mind." They both quickly ran to his office. Asuka Jr. slammed the door open and almost collapsed on the floor exasperated.
" Sorry I'm late Takamiya. I had to take her to the hospital." He said bent over. Asuka quickly pointed to the woman behind her who seemed unhindered by the run they just had experienced. Female Asuka received a queer familiar look from the secretary.
" I'm sorry. My name is Asuka." The bright orange-haired woman smiled and stuck out her hand. Takamiya cautiously grasped it.
" C'mon Asuka. I'll show you my office." He said pushing her into the office. Takamiya's nose wrinkled in disgust.
" You're not fooling me again Meimi Haneoka." She whispered. She returned to her desk and pushed the intercom button. " Mr. Asuka, would you and your friend like anything to drink?" She asked in an overly sweet tone. Asuka Jr. looked over at the woman and she just smiled.
" Two waters will do Takamiya." He said and then turning off the intercom. " So what do you think?" He asked proudly.
" Wow. Your work and living conditions are totally different." She awed at the neatness of it all. " Can I take a closer look?" She asked curiously pointing at the wall of photos. He nodded before diving into a pile of paperwork. Asuka scanned across each picture eager to know more about the secretive man. Her eyes stopped on a newspaper article from 13 years ago. " This is really old." She said over her shoulder. Asuka Jr. looked up from his work and smiled.
" That was my whole life when I was a teenager. I wanted to be a detective like my father only a better one."
" Saint Tail is on the Prowl…" Asuka said quietly reading the headline of the newspaper clipping.
(I know who Saint Tail is!) A voice shouted in her head.
" Two waters." Said the same voice. Asuka twirled around to see Takamiya placing both glasses of water on Asuka Jr.'s desk.
(Stop running you coward!) A different voice rang in her head. Asuka cupped her hands over her ears and shut her eyes tightly.
" What's the matter Asuka?" Asuka Jr. asked worriedly getting up from his desk.
(That's his voice!) She thought hurriedly. (Where are these memories coming from?) Her eyes wet with overwhelming tears. Her knees gave way and she fell onto the floor still clutching her head tightly.
(I'm not lying. I'm just not ready to tell you.) She heard her own voice say.
" What is going on?!" Asuka screamed out loud. Asuka Jr. grabbed her shaking shoulders and tried to comfort her. Female Asuka strained to look up at the picture that had put her in this painful situation. The blacks and whites of the writing and picture engulfed her. The room buzzed then blurred around her. She saw in front of her the vague picture of a girl jumping from a rooftop. All of a sudden, the images flooded with color. The black of the suit, the pink of the skirt, and the orange of the hair were all too familiar. The girl in the picture turned around and smiled softly at Asuka.
" You're me!" She gasped. Her voice echoed off the invisible black walls that contained her.
" It's time to come back Meimi." The thief said holding out her hand. Asuka hesitated before slowly reaching out to her hand. As soon as her finger touched the black leather glove, her brain exploded with memories.
(He'll hate me! Don't hate me!) She heard herself yelling.
" Shut up! Leave me alone!"
" Asuka! Snap out of it!" She heard Asuka Jr.'s voice from a distant.
(May the Lord watch over us and keep us.) A fourth voice said softly.
" Make it stop! Make it stop!" She yelled tears streaming down her cheeks. Asuka Jr. was trying to wake her out of her nightmare, but nothing seemed to penetrate her trance. " Takamiya, call Seira now!" He demanded. The secretary stumbled out of the room.
(Haneoka…I love you. I'm not lying…I'm so happy when you're near me…) Asuka Jr.'s voice said lovingly. The voices stopped and the atmosphere slowly returned to her.
" Asuka! Asuka!" Asuka Jr. was shouting. He was shaking her shoulders determined to bring her. Asuka's desolate eyes became bright again momentarily before she fainted in his arms. He laid her gently down on the floor before looking at the photo that had triggered it all.
" Saint Tail…" He whispered.
Author's Note: Shock! I never would have guessed that Female Asuka was someone else! Never! This chapter was very enjoyable to write! I hope its as enjoyable to read!