Written by : Teno Hikari
Idea inspired my good friend Jewel, and co-authored by Lady Douji.
Summary - AU. The more things change, the more they stay the same. In a futuristic Spooner, Sorcerer Hunter Carrot, finds himself in the middle of a new Spell Wars and forced to face the demons of his past. Most importantly, the demon inside him.
Warning - Contains Shounen Ai / Slash / Male pairings. Ratings may go up in future chapters.
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Chapter Two
As the gate close shut behind him, the young Sorcerer Hunter began to wonder if he had "looked before he leaped" for accepting this challenge. Carrot cautiously walked further into the large detached house's enormous garden filled with luxurious flowers and trees. It might as well been central park minus the crowd of people. There were several types of exotic flowers, and with their soothing aroma in this quiet, beautiful place, one could easily mistake it for a tropical resort. As he paused by a ceramic bin of vibrant oriental lilies, he wondered why anyone would want to challenge him here.
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as he glanced sideways to the new comer he sensed had been watching him for quite sometime. From his viewpoint, it first appeared to be a woman with pale skin and long dark inky black hair. Once he turned around completely to face the person, Carrot knew he had mistaken.
Marron Glace greeted him with a friendly smile.
"I'm glad you decided to come."
Carrot wasn't so surprised to see the new student again. After all, the other boy was a white mage, and anything related to magic was related to his job. His lips thinning into a straight line, he wondered if his cover was blown. What other reason did the amber-eyed young man had challenged him?
The crinkling noise of paper made him glance upward to see something fly over his head. It was the living piece of origami, that had been the challenge invitation, was returning back to it's master. Marron had said nothing more as the bird circled him once before changing back into its original form. Catching it, the mage folded the slip of paper neatly before slipping it into the breast pocket of his uniform.
"Who are you?" Carrot asked with a tone that pretty much scared many of his peers both at work and school away, "what do you want?"
Marron wasn't the least bit intimidated, which the other had to silently give him credit for. His warm golden eyes never wavered from Carrot ice cold glare.
"I apologize for invading your privacy," Marron replied, "I merely wanted a chance to talk to you outside school grounds."
Was it possible for the white mage to give him a straight answer? Had this new student been a juvenile delinquent Sorcerer, he would have been more than glad to turn him into a pile of ash. Okay that would have gotten him into a shit load of trouble with his superiors, but Carrot was having a bad day.
"What for?"
"Well, I thought it would be nice if we got to know one another," the other boy explained in a friendly tone, "After all, we are going to be on the same team."
The sorcerer hunter blinked, dropping his glare. "Team?"
"That's right!"
Turning around quickly at the new voice, Carrot's dark eyes widened as he saw two familiar faces that somehow snuck up behind him. They were the two other new students he had met that day. Tira smiled while Chocolate smirked. Of course, this had to be the head of Stellar's doing. What now?
"Yo!"
His head was practically spinning as he looked over to yet another new comer who approached. Carrot wished the gun that was secretly concealed in his jacket's holster, was now wanted an alarm clock. He needed to wake himself up from this bizarre dream.
Now everything started to make sense as an all too familiar face joined the party. The newcomer was another man who towered over them with his height and muscles. He flashed them all with a brilliant smile and sparkling blue eyes. Carrot started to feel a headache begin to form. With the arrival of Gateau Mocha, there was no doubt in his mind that Stellar had gone and done something against his wishes.
"Well," the blonde began and gave the glaring spiky haired teen a smirk, "Looks like we're all here!"
The sisters returned the smile, which didn't compare to Mocha's flashy one that was built to woo both male and female in his sights. Was it Carrot's imagination, or was the blonde using the full force of his smile on Marron? Glancing at the mage again, instead of a blush on the other's pale face, there was a twitch of irritation.
"How come you weren't in school today, Gateau?" Tira asked the blonde who seemed completely oblivious of the raven-haired teen's expression. The question made Carrot's headache even worse. Mocha had moved to Heliopolis branch of Stellar, was now attending the same school as him, and apparently on the same team. This wasn't a dream, it was a freaking nightmare.
"Ah, I would have, but you see my girlfriend kept me in allllll night."
Tira blushed while Chocolate tsked and shook her head.
"Don't you mean 'boyfriend'?"
"Uh..."
If possible, Marron's twitch rate had sped up.
Carrot felt out of place among his peers and (unless he could convince his superiors otherwise) team-mates. It was very similar to times he would be on a train, alone at first, but almost instantly he would find himself mixed in with total strangers. Too many people crowding around often made him feel as if he were suffocating.
'I need to get out of here!' he thought frantically as the other teenagers seemed to move in closer. They were talking around him, ignoring the fact that he was an outsider to their group, or even there at all. Carrot had wished for the latter.
The girls quickly stopped their giggling at Gateau's antics about Marron planning to put to the end of their 'slumber parties', when Carrot brushed past them. The white mage took a step forward and attempted to call the other teen back; but Carrot left without a word. The gate slamming shut behind him.
"Tch, what's with him?" Chocolate asked as they stared in the direction the umber-eyed boy had taken. "He acts like he's never been on a team before."
Tira could help but feel bad for not telling Carrot at school like she had wanted to. But he had refused the lunch offer and pretty much avoided any kind of conversation with anyone from class. She had thought his behavior would be a bit different when it came to work. They saw Carrot's track record and were impressed by how outgoing and obligated he was towards each mission. Could there be some truth to the rumors she had heard at Stellar's branch in Platina?
"Despite the rules, he's been working alone for the past couple of years," Gateau explained, his tone was serious now. He sighed a little, and looked away from the gate, knowing the question that was on the tip of everyone's tongue. "His last partner was killed on a mission."
Millie was rinsing some vegetables in the sink when he felt a piercing glare burning a hole into the back of his head. He had been too occupied singing along with the song on the radio, that he didn't even notice Carrot enter. He sweated nervously, glanced at the clock on the microwave, before turning to smile over his shoulder.
"Ah, you took your time coming home. How was school?"
Carrot shot him a glare that could easily be read as 'cut the crap'.
"I take it you met your team then."
Umber eyes narrowed as the older man went back to his preparations for their dinner. "So you knew."
"Found out this morning," Millie replied honestly, "Lady Stellar did say that she would put you in a team if the situation in Platina's Branch had gotten worse."
"I don't need this."
Sighing Carrot's guardian gestured for him to sit down at the table. He knew how anti-social the teen was, avoiding contact with people like a cat would water. On a regular basis, he let his ward do as he pleased by allowing him to stay home from school and go on solo missions. But with numerous problems rising in the city of Platina, adjustments had to be made in order for Stellar to gain some control of them.
"I'm sorry, but it's not up to either of us."
Carrot's frown grew wider, but he did not shout and complain or storm off to his room like Millie had expected he would.
"How long?" the boy asked finally, turning his head away when his guardian gave him a small smile.
"I'm not sure, but it may only be temporary until certain matters in Platina have been settled."
"Hn."
"I'm glad you understand. Now, come on and help me with dinner."
Carrot eyed the frilly pink apron his guardian wear in distaste before nodding quietly. Ignoring the offer of a similar apron, he began to peel some potatoes; all the while he resisted the urge to throw a tantrum. He just had to tell himself that this was only temporary and with any luck they wouldn't even have a mission together.
"So," Millie began as he diced some vegetables for the soup he planned on making, "How's Gateau doing?"
"He's fine."
"Glad to hear it... did you get well acquainted with the others?"
Now working on celery, the boy shrugged his shoulders. Well they did exchange a few words that day. Surely that was progress enough.
"Where's Dotta?" Carrot asked, changing the subject. Normally she would be helping out in the kitchen with them. He didn't like the idea of her being out so late - especially when slime ball sorcerers (or any male in particular) were on the prowl.
"Your sister is in the bathroom, having a hair crisis."
Worry went flying out the window.
"Is it still on her head?"
"Yes."
"Then its not a crisis."
Millie chuckled at that and continued to put the rest of the ingredients together into a boiling pot. "Why don't you go wash up while I set the table."
Carrot nodded without responding as he turned towards his room inside their small home. The three of them shared a single apartment which wasn't so confining when he and Dotta were little. The children had actually shared the same room, and still did to that day. Well tried to anyway. The room was divided by silk screens and several long and thick black gossamer curtains. It made their shared room even smaller.
Sighing as he heard the girl on the other side fuss about hair ornaments, he quietly tuned her out and stepped towards his dresser. Pulling out a t-shirt, some track pants, and some boxers to change into; Carrot paused before he could turn towards the bathroom.
Sitting on a dresser was a manila folder with Stellar's seal. That's not what bothered Carrot. What did though was the small origami frog perched on it. Not only was each paper fold precise to make the paper creature look realistic, but it was moving around as if it were alive.
'The white mage again?' he wondered as he extended his hand. The frog quickly bounced onto his palm and croaked softly and began to unfold itself.
'Carrot - I apologize for what happened this afternoon,' the note read, 'I really wanted to talk to you, but I suppose we can socialize another time. See you at school - Marron.'
The frog note croaked again when he set it down on the dressed. Carrot just blinked as it folded itself back up and turned to hop out the window that had been cracked open a little. Marron's actions and words had confused him; exactly what did they have to talk about? So they were going to be on the same team for awhile, big deal right?
He then turned his attention to the manila folder that been left for him from the Stellar organization. Opening it, the first form had stated clearly that he was now going to be assigned to a five man team. Supervised by not just one but two Haz Knights. Carrot knitted his brow, this news was highly unusual.
The Haz were the elite of Stellar's forces, surely one would have been enough - but two?
'Millie Feullie'
Well that was of no surprise. His guardian pretty much supervised him when he had gone on solo missions. Millie trusted him and did not interfere until he was one hundred percent certain that his assistance was needed.
'Onion Glace.'
Glace? If his memory served him correctly - like it always does - that had been Marron's last name as well.
The next piece of paper in the folder was a note that he, Carrot Casserole, must now attend school just like any other hunter his age. Failure to do so would result in automatic suspension from taking any missions for a month and possibly longer. He only wished this was a joke but the letter was signed, sealed and stamped by Lady Stellar herself.
It was his final nail in the coffin.
After the shower, Carrot ate dinner with his family unit in silence. Well, at least he was quite. Dotta was busy prattling on about the dance she had tried to convince him to attend. Going about some dress she saw at the mall, and how she wanted Millie's opinion. Millie, while be a male was way very in touch with his feminine side.
Was he finished eating, the silent teenager retired to his half of the room for the night. Reading over the file left on his dresser for the umpteenth time, he began to accept his fate. Right now he was just a sorcerer hunter - practically a grunt in Stellar's armed forces even though he didn't see himself that way. In order to get up to Millie's ranks, he had to do everything Stellar wanted of him. Teamwork was a major component, one he knew he couldn't avoid any longer.
Sighing he glanced at his clock and then back and forth from the text books on his bed to the holster hanging above his dresser. A small grin formed on his face. All Stellar wanted was for Carrot to go to school, it wasn't like they wanted him to be on the freaking honor roll. He grabbed the holster and his jacket and headed out with a "going out - don't wait up" mumble towards his guardian. Millie only acknowledged him with a nod and continued to cry over his soap opera on television.
If there was one place other than home he found solace in, it was of course the training area at head quarters. Especially now late in the evening when most hunters and agents were either off resting or dispatched on a mission. At least here he could vent out his frustration with bullets.
After checking his guns' ammo, he followed the standard safety pre-caution and slipped on some earmuffs and goggles. As he fired shots at his still-life targets, he could feel all the pent up emotion slowly go away. It was odd how firing a clip into a cardboard person could be so relaxing.
He ceased firing a couple rounds later, Carrot had realized more than an hour had passed. But even when he lowered his aim he still heard the muffled sound of gunfire to his right. Blinking he turned his head and frowned slightly to see Gateau there with the same gear.
Satisfied with his score, the blonde boy lowered his weapon and turned to see Carrot stare at him, and smiled. It wasn't the same dazzling one he had gave earlier that day. Just a small friendly smile that put him at ease.
"Thought I might find you here," Gateau said casually as they both lowered their earmuffs, "Although I couldn't believe it at first, I guess Millie was right about you."
"'Right about me,' what?"
Carrot raised an eyebrow as that smile widened a little.
"That you're a workaholic."
Shrugging, the raven-haired boy turned away and reloaded his gun. So what if he spent his time off training and took on more missions than any hunter at his branch. Why did everyone make it sound like a bad thing?
"So how's Dotta doing?"
"She's fine."
"And you?"
"Same."
Gateau dropped the smile and put his own gun down to fold his arms across his chest. "I know we haven't seen each other in years; but jeez don't get all emotional on me, Carrot!"
He chose to ignore the sarcasm but knew there wasn't a chance to get back to shooting practice now. Slipping off the goggles, Carrot turned and let his umber gaze lock onto Mocha's icy blue one. A small inaudible sigh escaped his throat; if this had been another hunter he would have just turned and walked away. But it wasn't just another hunter. The young man who stood before him had fought alongside him on several missions. They had watched each other's backs in fights and often accompanied one another even after work.
Carrot guessed he could define Mocha as a 'friend'; but that was then, and this is now.
"It is good to see that you're doing well, Gateau," he admitted finally. "Forgive me if I don't have the same enthusiasm I once did. A lot has changed since you left for Platina."
Gateau's features softened a little and he absently ran a hand through his short hair. "Yeah, I guess so. I was just hoping that you would still be like your old self... even a little bit. I know we got into fights over stupid stuff, but I thought - no still, think of you as a best friend."
Silence permeated the air for as Mocha's words began to sink in. Dark eyes closed shut for a moment while Carrot fought down another annoying headache. In his mind he heard the gentle voice of a child laughing and calling out his name.
'Hey Carrot, you know that you and Gateau are my best friends, right? Let's always stay together as a team - I know we'll be unbeatable!'
'Always', was a childish promise that could never be kept.
'Always be there for you.'
'Always love you.'
'Always...'
"Carrot?"
He couldn't make another promise like that. Even for a 'friend'. Slowly he opened his eyes to stare coldly at Gateau who flinched.
"You shouldn't think like that Mocha," he said as he turned towards the exit, "in the end it will only get you killed."
Author's Note
Carrot very OOC - but he has good reason to angst. Yes, I brought Gateau back - I would never leave him out, because wherever Marron goes he has to follow.
Yeah I know, what the hell took me so long? To be honest, the Sorcerer Hunter fandom kind of died for me for awhile when I got into other fandoms. For that I apologize and want to say that I'm back now... and will try to update my fics on a normal basis.
Please review - thanks!