Unforeseen Circumstance

Of Lies, Tea, and Naruto

(Day 17)

By: Little Ucchan

Rain.

It was everywhere. Little droplets streaming out of the sky, down his back, soaking his hair. Cye lifted his head to the heavens, for a moment lost; his mind clouded. So he concentrated on the rain. Its cool feel against his body, and how it seemed to clear his mind; wash away all his troubles. It felt great. So pure…

"I like the rain."

Cye opened his eyes, turning towards the sound, even though the voice was within his own head. A memory from two nights ago of a peculiar girl with dark blue hair, as black as night.

"It won't harm me."

She was there. Across the street with her head cast towards the sky. Nancy stood, embracing the rain.

"I was called here." He remembered her answering. "I wanted to help."

She then turned to him, that same cheerful smile on her face as her image faded into the background.

"It must be fate then…" Her voice lingered in his ears. "It must be…"

***

The sun was rising lazily over the horizon, the rays of the early morning shining through the thin fabric of the boy's curtains. The light dimly lit the room, creating a hazy, surreal sort of feel tottering between night and day. A compliment to the dream he had just experienced.

Cye continued to stare at the ceiling, watching idly as the fan spun overhead. He had been awake long before the morning sunshine had reached his apartment.

He didn't know what to make of it. There was something about Nancy that he was reacting to. Was it her personality? Was he being drawn to her innocent charm? Attraction? Or something deeper? Nancy… why is it that when I look into your face, I see… He stopped mid-thought, frowning. For what he was thinking of was the ocean.

Reaching for his dresser drawer, Cye pulled out the silver locket he had found in Mr. Amaye's jacket. Holding the trinket in front of his face, he casually flipped it open, revealing the smooth gemstone concealed underneath. As absurd as it may sound, Cye found comfort within the precious stone. Like the rain in his dream, the gem washed away his worries; purified his soul. A silly notion, indeed. But it succeeded in calming him, nonetheless.

Closing the locket shut, he let it fall onto his chest, sighing to himself. Cye hadn't told the others that he didn't need to go to Naruto. He had wanted to, but he had no way of explaining the change; why it was that his armor had returned to full power while Rowen and Kento's had not. Why, all of a sudden, he was strong, almost matching either Ryo or Sage's strength, when he needed to be in the water in order to do so. Cye didn't have any answers. And with all the other mysteries that they still needed to solve, he didn't want to place this one on top of them.

So that brought him back to the question he had been pondering over since yesterday. What was he going to do? I could just go to Naruto, Cye reasoned. After all, the closest Ronin was Rowen, and the Amanohashidate sand bar was on the northern coast of Honshu. That would work. It's a solo trip, after all. Still, the fact that he didn't need to recharge his armor unnerved him. What had changed?

He waited. Maybe an answer would come. But when his alarm clock went off, reminding him that he still had school to attend, he knew that his reply wouldn't come today. Well, better get going. Placing the locket back in his drawer, Cye got out of his bed and readied himself for school.

***

"So how'd it go?"

"C'mon, Ry. He doesn't even have to ask, seeing as how he practically lives by himself anyway."

"Well for your information, I did ask my father and he said it was alright. I'm leaving Friday after school."

"And you?"

"Well, it took some begging, but it's a go. My train leaves Thursday, so I told my folks that I'm spending the night at Cye's place and that we were going to Mia's house early to help her move."

Eyebrows rose at the said excuse, both expressions asking the same question. Kento shrugged. "I said the main reason we were heading to Izu was because we were helping her move some extra furniture she was planning to give to a friend who just got an apartment there."

"Now that is a well thought out lie," Rowen complimented.

"Thank you very much." Kento took a dramatic bow. "I'm very proud of myself."

Ryo shook his head. "I'm starting to worry about how our lives seem to be built upon compound lies and half-truths."

Both boys sweatdropped. "Well, at least we're good at it," Kento offered, then backed down at Ryo's warning glare.

He sighed to himself. "I'm just worried that we're gonna get caught. And not at lying about where we've been."

"It can't be helped right now, Ryo." Rowen leaned his back against the fence. "We'll just have to be careful." Ryo frowned at that, but didn't say anything more.

"Hey, has anyone seen Cye?" Kento scanned the rooftop, then peered over the ledge at the students below. "Wasn't he supposed to meet us here?"

"I don't know." Ryo looked around himself, wondering where the eldest Ronin could have gone. "Rowen, didn't he just have physics with you?"

"Yeah, but he said he had something to attend to and left right when the bell rang." Rowen placed a hand under his chin. Now that I think about it, Cye doesn't normally skip out on meetings, especially of our kind. What could have been so important that he had to run off so suddenly? "I hope nothing's wrong."

***

'Lunch at lake view terrace. ~Lady Sierra'

Cye refolded the little piece of paper and stuck it in his back pocket. Lake view terrace, huh? To his knowledge, there was no place named 'lake view terrace' near his school. But he was certain that the ninja wasn't referring to an actual restaurant. Instead, he remembered that there was a park five minutes away from Han'a High with a terrace walkway circling around a manmade lake. That's where he waited. Perched atop the metal railing that separated the cool water from the sidewalk, he waited for the girl that had sent him the note.

A few minutes had passed before Laura showed up. She picked up her speed when she spotted Cye, carrying a small paper bag in her right hand. "Thanks for meeting me out here," she greeted.

"No problem." He looked at her curiously, holding up the note. "What's this about, Laura?"

She nodded, getting straight to the point. "You're going to the Naruto Whirlpools this weekend, right?"

"Yes."

"But you don't have to, right?"

"No—" Cye stopped a second too late. If he had been in any more shock, he would have lost his grip on the railing and fallen into the water below. "H-how…"

"You were standing next to Kento all day yesterday," she told him as a way of explaining. "The difference in your powers was pretty obvious."

He looked down guiltily. "Gomen. I didn't want anyone to know."

She had figured as much. "Do you know why?"

"No." He sighed, meeting her gaze with a rueful smile. "Only that it happened after my battle at Kanaji."

"The incident you didn't want to tell me about?"

Cye chuckled, shaking his head. "It wasn't that."

"…So what are you going to do now?"

He leaned back, swaying precariously on the railing. "Go to Naruto. Maybe the trip will help me figure this all out." Cye suddenly stopped rocking in his makeshift seat, seeing the familiar smirk on Laura's face, the one someone would use when they were up to something. "Laura…"

"Can I come with you?"

This time Cye did fall over the railing.

***

"Oh wow." Curious eyebrows rose at the sight, a hand reaching out to tap her classmate on the shoulder. "Hey, Ken-kun. Isn't that your friend?"

Kento blinked, wondering what Mimi was talking about when he spotted a familiar mop of auburn hair approaching the school gates… completely soaked from head to toe. "Cye??" Kento rose from his seat, sliding open the window. "Cye!!"

The brunette looked up, Kento doing a double take at the tired and rather annoyed expression he had on his face. "What happened to you?" he asked more delicately, for once cautious of Cye's temperament.

"I'd rather not say," he replied and stalked through the school doors, most likely heading for the boy's locker room.

Kento watched him go, drumming his fingers against the windowsill, indecisive as to what to do. Screw it. He dashed towards the door.

"Mr. Fuan," his teacher called. "Where do you think—"

"Bathroom!"

***

I can't believe I just did that! Cye grumbled to himself, pulling off his jacket and shirt the moment he entered the locker room. He rung out his jacket, the excess water dripping down on the hard tile floor, then threw it on the bench, picking up his shirt and doing the same. I feel like such an idiot. But he had been surprised. …Okay, 'surprised' is a mild way of describing his reaction. More like 'stupefied to the point of inactivity.' That's what had him release his grip on the railing, after all.

What was Sage going to say? he wondered, then remembered someone else. Oh my God! What's Ryo going to say?? Cye groaned, banging his head against his gym locker in despair. He's going to blow a blood vessel when he finds out! And I had to agree with her! Why couldn't I have just said 'no'?? He banged his head again.

"Interesting way of drying off."

"Kento!" Cye jumped, almost in the same way that his heart skipped a beat. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" Kento raised an eyebrow at him. He didn't recall being quiet enough to be able to 'sneak up' on anyone.

Giving his companion a once over, he made a face at his sodden clothes and tossed Cye a towel to dry himself with. "If Sage can get away with walking around school in his kendo gi, I'm sure you'd be fine wearing jogging pants and the school sweatshirt."

"Thanks for the suggestion," Cye said, drying off his hair.

"Don't mention it." He waved a hand, signaling that he was going. "Just wanted to make sure you weren't mugged by some demon freak. Ja ne!"

He watched as Kento made his way to the door, smiling at the consideration and the fact that he didn't push him to explain. Thanks, Kento.

Cye unlocked his locker, pulling out his gym sweatshirt and pants and setting the dry clothes on the bench. The next few minutes were spent focused on changing his clothes and drying himself off, his mind peacefully occupied with that one task. He kicked off his shoes and socks, slipping on a new pair before pulling out his running shoes and placing them on his feet. It was while he was tying his shoelaces that his mind strayed, wandering back to the conversation he had out by the docks.

"Cye! Are you okay???"

"Yeah," he coughed, pulling himself up on the docks, located a good ten feet below the raised walkway. "I'm okay." Good thing there was nothing but water beneath him when he fell.

He allowed Laura to help him up, his newly soaked clothes making him a bit clumsy. "Laura, what did you mean by that?"

She straightened up, knowing that he was referring to what she had said earlier. "I wanted to know if I could come with you."

"Why?" he asked, though the reason didn't seem that important right now. "Is it really okay for you to be traveling in your state?"

"Actually, if I keep moving, it's harder for them to trace me," she said. "Why do you think I'm out here right now? I could have gotten your phone number and called you."

"But still… this is so sudden. Why with me?"

"Because you don't have to recharge your armor," Laura responded. "I won't be bothering you, unless you have something else to do."

"No," he shook his head to affirm that he didn't. "I don't but… what about Ryo? You could have asked him."

Laura diverted her eyes. "There's no point in having him go if he doesn't have to."

"I don't know Laura…" Something about the idea seemed wrong to him. And in a minute, he understood why. "You're not going to tell Ryo, are you?" Her prolonged silence told him that she's wasn't just going to keep this from Ryo. "You're not telling anyone??"

"You know how Ryo's been acting as of recently, especially since I can't mask my aura. I was planning to go on my own, but thought that to be a very stupid idea. Not to mention some people will be pretty mad at me if I do. So that's why I wanted to go with you. At least when I get caught, it would seem like I did some thinking before pulling this stunt."

"So it's a definite that we're not going to get away with this."

"I wouldn't actually say a definite…"

"And how do you plan on sneaking out of Sage's house without him knowing?"

"He has to leave by Thursday if he wants to get to Akiyoshido and back on time. I'll leave a little bit after his train and be back before he does."

Damn it! I thought I had her there. "Laura, I'd rather not go behind everyone's back." Oh, this has disaster written all over it. "Besides, I'm sure if you tell Ryo about this, we won't have to go through…" Cye stopped, seeing how Laura shook her head from side to side. "…You ran it by him already, didn't you?"

"Tried to this morning. As you can see, I didn't get very far." Laura sighed. "Cye, I don't want to put you in this kind of situation. I really don't. But Ryo will not let me get on that train if he knew. And I need to get to Naruto."

That one declaration had prompted him to ask what was waiting for her in Naruto. Cye had almost forgotten that he didn't even know the reason behind this whole scheme. But he did know that it had to be important, with how persistent she had become. However, he was not expecting the answer that she had given him.

The armors… Cye shook his head ruefully. I guess she still feels responsible for what happened. But why did he have to get dragged into this?? He sighed, stuffing the rest of his clothes into his locker. This is going to be a loooong week.

***

"You're not going."

"Otousan, that's not fair. I—"

"You just got back from the hospital and now you want to go out with friends for the weekend? You are in no condition to do such a thing."

"But that's not the reason why you're not letting me go!"

"Seiji, I'm warning you… My patience is wearing thin on your insolent behavior."

"Insolent? You call protecting my friends insolent?" You would have done the same thing in my position!"

"That's it! You are grounded for the rest of the week! No TV! No phone! No kendo!"

"Otousan!"

"Seiji, go to your room!"

"…"

"NOW!!"

Jonathan Date watched as his son shot him a cold glare before he stormed up the stairs and slammed the door behind him. The older man didn't so much as flinch. Inwardly, however, his heart was crushed by the sound. This was not how he had wanted the conversation to play out.

A quiet hand was placed on his shoulder, Miyoko coming up to her husband's side. "Was that really necessary, dear?" she asked, pulling her arm down around his waist. "He just got home today."

He sighed heavily, looking up the stairs before shaking his head. "He needs to learn that he cannot pull stunts like what he did Monday. It's not heroic to throw yourself into a fight like that. We shouldn't encourage him by letting him go unpunished."

"I know. But…" Miyoko looked at her husband, her gaze unwavering as she searched for an answer. "What would you have done?"

He didn't answer his wife, instead finding a convenient distraction at their front door. The silent click of the knob being turned signaled that Laura had just come back. "Jonathan…" Miyoko looked sternly at the man, clearing expecting an answer before he did anything else, but got none as Laura walked into the hallway where they were holding their conversation.

"Hello Laura," he greeted, giving his wife an apologetic look before attending to their guest. "Did you just come back?"

"Yeah, I just stepped out to get some tea." She held up the brown paper bag, as proof of her purchase. "Where's Sage?"

Jonathan was about to respond, but Miyoko beat him to it. "He's upstairs, in his room. Did you want to give that to him?"

"Yeah. That and his medication. He's supposed to take it—" She glanced at her watch. "—right about now. Is he asleep?"

"No. I'm sure he wouldn't mind seeing you." Miyoko caught the look her husband was giving her. When he had said Sage was grounded, he also meant from any visitors, including Laura, despite the fact that she was staying with them. His wife only smiled. "Oh, didn't I tell you? Laura is going to be taking care of Sage for me since she won't be going back to school till next week. As much as I'd like to, I still have classes to teach at the dojo, and since Laura's had practice caring for patients before, she volunteered."

"But what of what we had just discussed a few minutes ago?" he demanded.

"She is caring for my son," she answered tightly. "I thought you wouldn't mind, seeing as how you grounded him because he's ill, correct?"

After a moment, Jonathan nodded, relinquishing victory over to his wife. She smiled, this time in defiance, and motioned for Laura to follow her. "Come, sweetie. Let me help you make that tea."

"Hai. Thank you," she nodded, quietly following Sage's mother into the kitchen, hoping to avoid any more possible quarrels between the couple. But apparently, the worst was over, leaving her a brief moment to her thoughts. Sage is grounded? You've got to be kidding me! What could he have possibly done in an hour to get grounded?? She then remembered the 'little' fib Ryo had told his parents the night he was hospitalized. She stopped herself from groaning out loud. This was just perfect. Now how was she going to get out of the house?

"I'm sorry I dragged you into that." Laura snapped out of her thoughts enough to realize that Mrs. Date was talking to her.

"It's alright. Really, I don't mind."

She smiled, opening up one of the bottom cabinets to pull out a tea kettle. "It's just that I don't think what my husband did was fair." Laura nodded wordlessly. She watched as Mrs. Date filled the kettle with water, setting it on the stove. "Laura?"

"Hai, Date-san."

She laughed a bit at the formality. "Please, call me Miyoko."

"Alright, Miyoko-san."

Mrs. Date shook her head, bending over to adjust the height of the flame. "May I ask you to do something for me?"

"Yes?"

"After you see my son, can you tell me how he is? He and his father had gotten into an argument before you arrived. I'm worried about him."

Laura nodded after a moment in compliance to her request. "Hai. I'll come see you afterwards."

She bowed. "Domo arigato."

***

Damn it, he cursed, digging his fingers into his hair, shutting his eyes tight. Why… why did I have to pick a fight with him? Yelling at his father was not one of his brighter moments. And he was now regretting his actions, for numerous reasons.

His vision was clouding over, chest tight and out of breath. The sudden blood rush from his confrontation downstairs left his head spinning. But what could he have done? Not say anything, of course. His father, after all, was not going to ground him to begin with. Not until he opened his mouth.

Sage leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes and regulating his breathing to further help calm himself. A lie. He had yelled at his father over a lie. And his father had yelled back at him. For putting his life in danger in order to help someone else, his father was angry with him.

Ironic. Although a lie, it was very close to the truth.

He sacrifices his life for perfect strangers every day and I can't even do that for my friends?? "Tch." The very thought burned him up inside. What's wrong with giving my life for people I care for?

His breath quickened, sweat dampening his face and neck. I'm getting worked up again. I need to calm down. But that feeling was back. That suffocating tightness he felt in his chest, swirling and knotting inside, making him feel so unbearably uncomfortable.

Just stop thinking.

He did not want to yell at his father.

Just stop and breathe!

He just wanted to welcome him home.

Knock! Knock! Knock! His eyes snapped open, for a moment startled at the sound before he realized that someone was at his door. Sage pulled his head upright only to feel a sudden wave of vertigo assault his mind. He placed a hand to his head, unable to answer the visitor with words, only able to concentrate on his breathing.

It remained silent on the other side of the door for a few minutes, Sage's forced breathing the only rhythmic sound. Then he heard the turn of the doorknob, the wood creaking open to let in the unspoken visitor.

Laura stopped the moment she caught sight of him sitting on his bed, one of his legs pulled up to his chest while his head was cradled in his hand. Sage had moved to get a look at who it was, but it was unclear to her if he had recognized her. In his state, she wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. Walking over to his desk, she set the tray she had brought in with her down and left the room.

Sage watched her go. He had realized who it was that had entered his room and fought even harder to get his emotions under control. He had his breathing down to a minimum by the time she had moved to set the tray on his desk. He didn't like looking vulnerable in front of this girl.

He was about to get up to close the door, waiting for a moment when he felt up to the task when Laura walked back into his room, this time carrying a wash basin and towel. She pulled out the chair by his desk with her free hand and set it down near the side of his bed, all the while being watched by the boy's scrutinizing gaze. Laura set down the basin on top of the seat and draped the towel over the backrest. She meet his eyes briefly, catching a glimpse of that stubborn pride of his, but didn't say anything, leaving the room once again.

Sage watched the door Laura had just exited from, expecting her to walk back in any second. But she didn't return. Further listening on his part revealed to him that she was downstairs, his ears picking up the sound of cabinets opening and closing. Sage frowned, first eyeing the tray, then the chair next to him. Just what's she up to?

Finding his room to be unbelievably hot for fall weather, Sage eased himself towards the edge of his bed, picking up the face towel Laura had left him and dipping it in the wash basin. He ringed it out once before applying the damp cloth to his forehead, relishing the feel of cool water against his burning skin. He dipped the cloth in again, this time wiping his face and neck to get rid of the sticky feeling of sweat on skin. It was when Sage soaked his towel for a third time that Laura returned with a thermometer and a bottle of Tylenol.

"Should you be mixing that?" Sage asked, taking the thermometer from her outstretched hand and putting it in his mouth.

"Doctor said it was okay, if you're feeling any discomfort other than fatigue."

She pulled out two tablets, setting them beside the other two that was prescribed to him by the hospital. Sage made a face at the medication, refraining from shuddering in revulsion. His tolerance towards anything involving hospitals and doctors could only stretch so far.

While they were waiting, Laura took the teapot she had set on the tray and poured its contents into an empty cup. She hesitated before the second teacup, raising an eyebrow at Sage in a silent inquiry. He answered with a nod, and she filled his cup with the steaming hot liquid. She sipped at her own tea to pass the time.

Sage looked at the clock, deciding that enough time has passed, and took out the thermometer, glancing at the reading. "99.2."

"You have a slight fever." Laura looked at the thermometer herself before setting it on the tray. "You better take it easy for the rest of the day."

He snorted derisively at that. "It wasn't like I was going to do anything anyway." He quickly shut his mouth in disbelief that he had just said that out loud. But Laura didn't respond to it like he thought she would. Actually, she had looked at him with understanding upon hearing that bitter remark. Which only meant one thing. "You know about earlier."

It was a statement more than a question. A statement she confirmed with a simple nod. "Not by choice, mind you," Laura added, trying to justify her knowledge of the encounter. "Will you be able to recover on your own?"

"I should be fine," Sage answered glad for the diversion. He had thought that the conversation would lead to something he wasn't willing to get into. But Laura normally didn't pry when it came to other people's relationships. "The trip to Akiyoshido would have worn more on me than if I just stayed home. Besides, I didn't feel like going anyway."

"Are you sure?" Laura asked, gathering together Sage's medication and handing them over to him, along with his tea. "That you'll be alright?"

"Yeah." He looked disdainfully at the pills. "I'll just meditate for the rest of the week." He then smirked, glancing at Laura teasingly. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were concerned about me."

Laura looked at him in shock, caught completely off guard before she gathered herself together, crossing her arms over her chest. "Obviously you don't, if that's what you're thinking," she snapped, glaring at him. "I'd just think it'd be a shame if we run across a demon and you're not up to par. Wouldn't want you to be embarrassed and all."

"Riiiiiight." He swallowed the first two pills, washing it down with some tea. Sage paused, taking a moment to taste the flavor of his drink. This isn't… He took the last two pills and finished off the rest of his tea, a puzzled yet inquisitive look crossing his face.

Laura, in the meantime, was getting ticked off really fast at the way Sage was acting. "You know, if you're going to be like this every time I—!"

"Jasmine."

She stopped. "Huh?"

Sage pointed to his empty cup. "The tea. It's Jasmine, right?"

"Um… yeah." She would have been even more put out at the way he had been ignoring her if she wasn't so surprised at his observation. "How did you know?"

He shrugged, handing his cup back to her. "Lucky guess."

Laura scowled at his evasive speech, setting the cup back on the tray. "Well, get some rest, okay." She picked up the tray, leaving the Tylenol and a bottle of water behind. "I don't do night shifts."

Sage chuckled and leaned back against his bed. Left to himself again, his thoughts were a bit lighter after the ninja's visit. We don't have Jasmine tea. His smirk lingered, even as the medicine started to take effect, and he dozed off into sleep.

***

"Ta… Ta!" The small brunette bounced up and down, reaching her hands up into the air. "Ta! Ta!" The young man finally gave in to the toddler's wishes, picking her up in his arms. She giggled, screaming her favorite phrase over and over again; a little ball of energy in the man's arms. He laughed, then yelped when Maya grabbed hold of his ponytail, yanking the silver hair in playful enjoyment. He cringed at the constant tugging and tried to coax the girl into releasing her prey. Celine was quietly laughing in the background…

Even if he thought that these visions were starting to get annoying, that last memory made him smile. Relaxed, Sage opened his eyes, taking in the scene of white clouds painted over a blue sky. He blinked. Where am I?

He knew he should have been more alarmed than he was. Maybe it was his drug-induced body that made him take in his situation with such a calm air. He was lounging on the grass, in the shelter of a tree that reminded him of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The air was cool; the breeze just the right speed. And the view was spectacular! A knoll overlooking a vast valley with purple mountains framing the picture perfect setting. How odd, that this place gave him a sense of déjà vu. Then it hit him.

My dreams… Sage gave a start, sitting up in alarm. The place where it all started. Did this mean he was going to relive his dreams yet again? The thought sent a shudder down his spine.

But something was different. More peaceful, as if this entire place was frozen in time; the backdrop of something more. He sighed. "Why am I always brought back here?"

"I was hoping you could tell me."

Sage's voice got caught in his throat, his entire body going rigid. It couldn't be…! He hastily jumped to his feet, whirling on his heels to come face to face with the man he had come to know only through his dreams.

Takeru smirked, amused at the blonde's jumpy behavior. But the expression soon faded as he regarded the young man before him. A thousand questions flickered behind his gray eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to voice a single one. Instead, he looked out across the horizon, down on the valley that was his home.

Sage watched him in awe, soaking up his very presence, so calm and graceful. He wore the same clothes that he had on the streets when they had briefly met that one Saturday afternoon. His coat rustled against his legs, falling in waves. His hair blew in the same fashion. The man seemed too grand to be real. What this really happening to him? Was this really Takeru standing before him?

His lips unexplainably pulled up, the silver-haired man chuckling to himself. "I used to come up here a lot. To catch a glimpse of the city the gods favored." He brushed the base of his foot against the blades of grass, reminiscing. "You see, I didn't always live in Darbossa. Like I didn't always live in the castle. I was born in a little village to the east. Illis was its name, if I recall correctly."

"Where are we?" Sage finally snapped out of his stupor. "Is this real?"

"I'm not sure." Takeru glanced around him. "This is the very image of my home kingdom of Aethos. Yet, I know we can't possibly be there. If we were…"

"…It wouldn't look like this," he finished for him. Takeru sighed, lowering his head. "You don't know what's going on, do you?"

He shook his head, laughing humorlessly. "It's funny. I've been wanting to meet you. And I don't even know your name."

Sage's heart tightened. Takeru wanted to meet me? …Then he knew. All those times that he relived his worst nightmare… his own memories… He knew that there was someone there with him. Someone inside of him. "…It's Sage."

"Sage…" He repeated the name to himself. "Right. I guess you know who I am, then."

He nodded. "You're Takeru."

Takeru smirked again, as if finding humor in his own name. "Right… I'm Takeru."

Sage raised an eyebrow at him, his response troubling. "You are Takeru. Right?"

"Right." He laughed, nodding his head. "Sorry. It's just—nothing really. This is so strange for me," he admitted, a touch of humor still in his voice. "I've never talked, as in really talked, to another person in my dreams before."

"This is a first for me too," Sage assured him. "So we are dreaming."

"More or less." Takeru bent over and grabbed a clump of grass, tossing it into the wind. "Pretty real for a dream, huh?"

He nodded, watching the blades float down to the earth. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Takeru sat down on the knoll, reclining back on his elbows.

"Can you—you know—" He waved his hand about, searching for words. "—see inside my head whenever I—we're dreaming?"

"No," Takeru replied, understanding what he meant. "That's why I didn't know your name. I only remember what I see, and what I did. Though I can feel your presence, I can't see into any of your memories."

For a moment, Sage was relieved. He didn't know how he'd take it if he found out that Takeru could see into his mind. That anyone could view his memories, his feelings and thoughts. Then Sage remembered that he could.

"I'm sorry, if I seem like I'm invading," he apologized, bowing his head. "I'd make it stop if I could."

Takeru shook his head. "It's alright. I'm not bothered by it." He then smiled slyly. "Maybe if you were a prick, I'd be upset. But since you aren't…"

Sage stared at him, stunned for a brief moment before laughing out loud. "Thanks for the compliment. I think."

Takeru chuckled. "If anything, I should be thanking you. Sharing what happened… It seems less of a burden now that someone else knows."

Sage bowed his head. "I'm honored."

They kept each other company, neither one speaking. Just watching the wind sweep across the grass and rustle the leaves. What could they say? Where could they possibly begin? One thought to be dead and the other, an enigma until now. It was overwhelming.

"I'll admit, that I'm completely lost," Sage was the first to venture forward, breaking the silence that had passed between them. "How is any of this—" He opened his arms wide to the utopian world around him. "—possible?"

"We have a connection," Takeru answered quietly, still sorting through his own thoughts. "Some common ground that binds us both."

"But what?" Sage demanded, his mind working faster, now more alert. "I've never met you before. I've never seen this world before. How can we have a connection when we are literally worlds apart??"

"Through the rune."

"The rune?" Sage echoed, his mind slowing down to a halt. "What do you mean by that?"

Takeru didn't answer, instead looking at him with a bit of surprise. "You haven't seen all of my memories, have you?"

"…No. But what does that have to do—" He stopped, eyes widening at how Takeru's body began to fade in and out. "What's happening??"

The silver-haired man looked down at his hands, first solid, then transparent, then solid again. He shook his head, smiling sadly as he rose to his feet. "Looks like my time's up."

"Wait! You're leaving??"

He shrugged apologetically. "Sorry. But I can't very well tell my body not to wake up." He smirked. "And it looks like you're not too far away yourself."

Sage looked down at himself, his body flickering in the same manner that Takeru's had before becoming solid again. "How typical," he groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Whenever I'm actually getting any headway, something has to happen."

Takeru chuckled. "The gods like toying with you."

"Apparently."

He smiled again, nodding his head in approval. "You're an okay guy, Sage. I'll be happy to figure this out with you another time." Takeru gave out his hand. "Till we fall unconscious again?"

Sage laughed, taking his outstretched hand and shaking it. "Till we fall unconscious again," he agreed.

"Alright." He released his hand. "You take care of yourself."

"Yeah," Sage nodded, watching as Takeru faded, carried off by the wind. "You too."

***

His room was dark when Sage awoke later that evening. It's quiet. He wasn't aware of the time, only the stillness of the house, everyone already asleep. Moving his arm, he touched his forehead. My fever's down. A good sign.

Sitting up in his bed, he checked the time. He almost winced at the number. 12:30. He didn't mean to sleep for that long. What time had he dozed off? He couldn't even remember, his meeting with Takeru still fresh in his mind.

Takeru… He had met him. In his dreams. Somehow, our spirits found each other… He shook his head. That's… Impossible was the word he wanted to use. At least, under normal circumstances. Even his connection with the rest of the guys, how strong their link through the armor was, never allowed him to communicate with them directly like the experience he had just gone through now. Maybe it's possible with Rowen. Or Cye because he's sensitive to spiritual occurrences. But Takeru…? The whole thing reminded him of his meditation and ability to travel through the astral plane. But that was the spirit world, an actual place that the gifted could pass through and communicate. But through someone's dreams? To be inside their head, and without their prior knowledge to it… The whole idea completely baffled him.

Still, the meeting was a giant turn for the better. I'll be able to find my answers. If not slowly, he added. But I'll still be able to find them. That last thought was invigorating. So much that Sage had no trouble getting out of bed, walking out of his room to get something to eat.

He quietly traversed the halls, checking to see if anyone was awake, especially his parents. I know I'm grounded, but they could have at least called me for dinner. His stomach growled in agreement.

I wonder what Okaasan—Huh? Sage stopped. The living room light was on.

He approached more cautiously, trying to figure out who could be up at this hour. The only one he could think of was Yayoi, but she had gone back to med school the day after their father had arrived. Maybe it's Satsuki, Sage thought as he entered the living room. She had a chronic habit of falling asleep in front of the TV.

He stopped at the door, observing Laura's sleeping form hunched over the coffee table. He had not realized it was her at first, her face turned away from him, resting against her bare arms folded over the mahogany wood surface. In the dim light of the room, she could have passed for his younger sister if it were not for two things. One, Laura's ponytail was longer than Satsuki's. And Two, his youngest sibling did not do homework. Not this late, at least.

Sage eyed the papers, books, and notepads scattered across the table. There wasn't that many, but the way they were skewed about made it seem like there was. What could she be doing this late at night? He walked up to the coffee table, careful with his footsteps so as not to wake her. Singling out one of the notepads, Sage picked it up, skimming through the first few lines. She doesn't have to worry about school till next—What the?? He read down further, his alarm growing with every word. These are notes on our armors. Extensive notes at that. Where did she get this information?? These were the kind of notes only they would know. The kind of notes that only Mia Koji would know. But Laura?

Sage stopped at the bottom of the page, coming across a small note scribbled at the bottom. 'Primary source: Rowen Hashiba. 6:33 P.M. October 27…' Wait, this was today. The tension started to leave his shoulders, everything beginning to make sense. He almost laughed at how worried he was. Rowen told her about the armors.

Sage had to admit that his best friend did love to talk, especially on this particular subject. He and Laura must have met that evening, when he was asleep. That would also explain the ninja's current state. If she talked with Rowen, no doubt they didn't finish till late evening.

But that still didn't answer one question: why Laura would need this information to begin with? She didn't express an interest in how our armors worked before. Setting the notepad down, Sage looked over the other papers that were lying around the table. Binding rituals… Exorcisms… Restoration spells… He frowned. All of them were spell techniques belonging to utsubotsu. Sage narrowed his eyes. She's up to something. And it involves us.

He gathered up the scattered pieces of paper, placing it all in one neat stack underneath her books. Either way… He closed a few of her notepads, setting them on top of her other things. These shouldn't be lying out in the open. He had no idea when Laura was going to wake up, if she was going to wake up at all tonight. Better be on the safe side. Casting one last look at the sleeping girl, Sage smiled to himself before heading off to the kitchen. She can thank me later. Now onto some food.

Lucky for him, his dinner was already sitting on a plate in the microwave waiting for him. He peeked under the paper towel that was covering it and smiled before starting the microwave. Thanks, Okaasan. At least one of his parents was sympathetic towards him.

Sage reached for the refrigerator door, seeing what he could drink with his dinner when he spotted a red rectangular box sitting on the kitchen counter. Curiously, he picked it up. The characters on the box were written in Chinese.

Smiling to himself, he pulled out a tea kettle and poured some water in it.

***

"Mmm." Laura stirred, eyes slowing coming into focus. Where…? She blinked sleepily, then sat bolt upright at the unfamiliar setting. Panic started to rise in her chest before she remembered that she was in Sage's living room, that she was staying with his family, and that she had fallen asleep while doing her research. Research! Oh God, what time is it?? She glanced at her watch and groaned. 2:00.

Laura reached up and started to massage her temples. This was not how I wanted to spend my night. She had barely started when she had dozed off into sleep some time around ten. Laura was hoping to at least get some of her work done before she left with Cye. Guess I'll have to do it on the train. But that possibility was already giving her a headache. I'm too tired to do this. Damn that Rowen. I didn't expect him to keep me for that long.

She was about to gather her things together and head over to the guest room when she realized that they were no longer scattered across the table. What? She glanced to the side, spotting the neat pile of papers and notepads, sitting quietly one on top of the other. Laura eyed the stack suspiciously. Who…? That's when she realized that her papers weren't the only things on top of the coffee table.

Sitting on the other end was a tray with a teapot, matching cup, and plate of rice crackers. The cup, she noted, was already filled with tea.

Laura reached out and placed her palm against the side of the teacup. It was cool to the touch. She then checked the pot itself. Still a bit warm. Maybe an hour.

She leaned back against the base of the couch, staring at the gleaming pot and cup. No doubt whoever left her the tea also cleaned up the table for her. She reached over and took a rice cracker, nibbling at the edge of the disk-shaped snack as she thought. Whoever left me this had set it down at the very latest by one o'clock. Who could have been up? She was under the impression that everyone in this house slept early.

Laura finished the rest of the cracker and took a sip of her cold tea… and nearly chocked. She swallowed, then coughed, staring wide-eyed at the teacup in her hand. "Jasmine…" She knew who had left her the tray.

Why that little sneak! She shook her head, setting her teacup back on the table. With a sigh, she rested her chin in the palm of her hands, and smiled. How considerate of him.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

*blink blink* Wow. I'm on a non-cliffhanger role. Moving on…

I GRADUATED!! From high school, for all of you who were curious to know. And, I'm guessing, by the time of this update, some of you have gotten out of school for the summer, yes? No? Anyway, ^_^ thank you all of my reviewers!!! You do too much good for a writer like me. Feel free to write your opinions, thoughts, or just some random monologue (like I know some people can do) and tell me what you think of my writing. Truly, I LOVE all of your support and telling me that you like what I do, but it'd help me a lot as a growing writer to know what you guys like or don't like. Or what irks you. *cough*Keebler*cough* ^-^

I'm not sure when the next update will be. I'll be on vacation in Vegas from the 7th till the 14th and then entertaining guests, or my future husband (Let's pray), for the next two weeks. Just telling you so you guys get an estimate of my QCT (Quality Computer Time). Most likely, end of June or Early July. And as for my re-write status… I'm still thinking about it. Possibly at the end of UC, I'll start revamping Shadow.

*Annoying announcer voice* In the next chapter of Unforeseen Circumstance… ^^;; Ahem! Anyway… Be prepared for some more Laura/Sage-ness. Add a little Cye. A touch of Rowen and viola! Chapter 40: Departure Date.