(A/N: I'm sorry for delaying this so long! I apologize. I have been busy with a reseach paper that has been assigned as well as my life. I will begin a regular update system after things quiet down. It will be consistant so you may enjoy SDFG as well as all my stories. Thank you very much and please review.)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Samurai Deeper Kyo. However I DO OWN MY OWN CHARACTERS AND ALL OF MY IDEAS IN THIS FAN FICTION. THAT GOES FOR ALL MY FANFICTION.
Rating: PG
Step Down From Grace—
Chapter ten: The First Night
Feeling hopelessly lost, Yuya stood holding her lunch box that Mayumi had kindly prepared for her, in the chaos of the dining hall. It was a large area, without the student population inside. Yuya finally spied an empty table near the windows towards the back, she sped walked to the table and collasped. She broke apart her wooden chopsticks and began to unwrap the lunch box. Oh for pete's sake. I'm a total wreck! Here I am, without a real home, living with complete strangers (and I agreed to it too!), and not to mention with a jerk who says he wants to kill me. I guess...I was tired and my mind was clouded when I just said I'd stay. I've been acting like a baby. I'm not a helpless, whiny, girlish girl. I'm strong. Yuya lectured herself taking apart the lacquer lunch compartments. She stopped briefly from her mental lecturing to look over her delicious meal.
Yuya looked up from hunched over her lacquer box, straightening up and looking out the window to the quad, the court yard, the center of the school were the most socializing happened. Yuya pushed a carmel shrand of her hair behind her ear, and rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. She could do without the "higher" crowd, it bugged her completey since she lived with one of them. Her thoughts of hatred were interrupted by a familiar, yet irritating voice.
"Hey Miss Yuya! Did you survive you classes so far? Want some company?" Kyoshiro's grinning face was an inch away from hers as he gripped onto his own lunch box tied up with a cloth, that Mayumi had prepared for him as well.
Yuya wrinkled her nose, seeing his puppy dog eyes and his trembling lower lip. Rolling her emerald eyes, with a heavy exasperated sigh, "Boys will be boys. Alright sure. Just you better keep to yourself!"
Kyoshiro's grin broadened.
"What kind of guy do you think I am anyway?" he joked pulled up a chair across from Yuya who began to sample the different dishes Mayumi had prepared.
Yuya savored the home cooking, every bite. It was best she'd eaten in ages. It wasn't like she'd starved for all that time, but she just could never eat as much as she could. She always had gone to bed still feeling hungry, but she reminded herself, she got to eat that night. Some people, Yuya had reminded herself, had no food to eat at all.
"Your mom is quite a cook," Yuya commented looking across the table at Kyoshiro who ate casually, after all he ate her food everyday. "You're so lucky to have such nice parents."
Kyoshiro for a moment, Yuya swore, she caught a look of agony in his eyes at the mention of the Muramasa's. Yuya's eyes squinted, trying to get a closer look before Kyoshiro reverted to his usual self. He split apart his chopsticks, ridding them of splinters and chuckled a little. Yuya watched him with an annoyed expression, she should have known, the disgusting jerk.
"Yeah, Mahiro, Kyo, and I are sure lucky. By the way, has Kyo given you any trouble?" Kyoshiro's gaze shifted a more serious one, it tunneled into the truth and drilled into Yuya's own stare.
Damn, should I lie? Yuya gulped internally. It wasn't much use to lie. But what would happen if she did tell him who Kyo threatened her? Yuya gritted her teeth before replying.
"Not really, he did at first, but he lays off for the most part. I don't understand him at all. I don't want to. He's such a idiot anyway," Yuya growled bitterly, poising her chopsticks to pick up a piece of meat.
The dark haired Kyoshiro nodded thoughtfully, eating in silence. The silence remained for a while before the pair were interrupted and startled abruptly by a sharp voice. Yuya watched with a smirk as Kyoshiro yelped shrilly and leapt three feet off his chair. A satisfyed giggle emitted from the same person. Yuya sighed with relief, it was Mahiro. Her flicked some of her long curls over her shoulder and punched Kyoshiro's shoulder. He was breathing some what normally now.
"Think faster Kyoshiro. You're never alert! I mean after taking kendo and all-" Mahiro scolded jokingly, not acknowledging Yuya.
Yuya choked. Kendo? Kyoshiro did kendo? She dropped her chopsticks, her mouth, she was sure, was gaping open in complete surprise. It just wasn't a sport she believed someone as wimpy as Kyoshiro would particpate in. She closed her mouth after Mahiro exclaimed, "You look like a dying carp, Yuya-san."
Yuya felt her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment and anger. Now two members of her boarding "home" were down right horrible. It was bad enough she felt out of place to start. Here she was now just finding a home, a school, and one "friend". It wasn't much of a start, but it was better than nothing. Kyoshiro seemed to sense tension so he changed the subject.
"Mahiro, have you seen Kyo?"
"Heck no. I don't look after him, I'm not his keeper."
"Okay okay, just wondering. I haven't either. I was just curious. I bet he ditched school again or climbing on the school roofs . Maybe setting fire in the bathrooms..."
"SETTING FIRE IN THE BATHROOMS!"
Emerald eyes were bugging out of Yuya's head, her throat throbbing from screeching so loudly. Mahiro rolled her eyes, while Kyoshiro looked sheepish. He twindled his thumbs nervously.
"Well...Kyo is quite the bad boy trouble maker at school. He's your average rebellious teenager. Actually, he's more than rebellious I think. Dad says he'll stop sometime soon."
Mahiro snorted, rolling her eyes again. She sat herself down in a chair, resting her head on her hand, elbow propped up on the table.
"Kyo will never change. I bet you that. Mom says it's because he doesn't have a girlfriend. Or is lonely," Mahiro cast a dark glance at Kyoshiro who tried to look innocent, but looked very guilty and sheepish.
It was Yuya's turn to snort. She discarded her chopsticks and packed up her lunch box. Staring down Mahiro for moment, trying to think of something good enough. Yuya had a sly grin. Kyoshiro tilted his head in a confused manner. Yuya sat down again, crossing a leg over another. Yuya had an arm propped up on the table surface, resting her chin upon her palm. She wore a smile, a sly teasing one. Mahiro's eyes shifted towards Yuya with a glare.
"What's your problem blondie?" Mahiro lashed out, much to Kyoshiro's surprise.
His dark brows knitted into a disapproving frown, he waggled a finger at Mahiro who pretended to ignore him. Yuya felt hair bristle on her neck, but managed to ignore her anger for a moment. Coyly, she came up with a reasonable come back.
"Or maybe, you're just worried about your widdle brother. And the way you sigh, I think you want a relationship of your own. A boyfriend perhaps? Or maybe you've already found a love but can't ask the poor sap out?" Yuya grinned.
Kyoshiro snorted, a hand flying up to his mouth as he tried to surpress his obvious laughter. He turned around to face the window, his back to Mahiro. Mahiro at first was surprised looking at Yuya, a tinge of scarlet heating up her cheeks. Then came the fuming fury. She grit her teeth and balled her hands into fists, squeezing them until her knuckles turned white. Getting up abruptly from the table, overturning her chair as she stormed out of the dining hall. The chair twirled on a edge before toppling over with a loud crash.
Several seniors snickered cruelly; they pointed at Mahiro's hunched up form and laughed, with led to the rest of the students to do the same. Kyoshiro finally starting to breathe normally and begin to finish his lunch, ignoring the laughter all around himself and Yuya. Yuya rolled her eyes, seniors. Kyoshiro sighed deeply.
"Well, I have to put it to you Yuya, you sure know how to get a girl's goat. Or anyone's for that matter," Kyoshiro lifted his blue eyes to meet Yuya's.
Yuya blushed lightly, it wasn't an expected or wanted comment. She pouted, avoiding his gaze, looking off into space. She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning fully against the chair's back, slumping down in her seat. Any teacher would have said, "Most unladylike." Most unladylike my-
"I'm sorry. It's just that...well-oh nevermind Miss Yuya," Kyoshiro's face lightened up, his pale eyes brightening.
Yuya looked back at Kyoshiro, she was relieved. When he was serious, his eyes were like drills and she felt most uncomfortable when he was that way. Now it was as if a strong light had been dimmed, since he was cheerful again.
"Mahiro's going be in a rage for the rest of the day. Don't be mistaken, Mahiro's a nice girl. She's just a little moody and not as welcoming. I think later on, she'll warm up and maybe you two will become good friends. Just give it sometime, she's just upset about somethings right now," Kyoshiro advised beginning to pack up himself. "Ummm...by the way...she really does have a "love" of her own. I can't tell you, I'm sworn to the secret."
Yuya raised a brow, straightning up and grabbing her packaged lunch box, wrapped in the cloth. Kyoshiro stood up as well, brushing off his wrinkled uniform and pushing in his chair. Yuya scooted hers in, before joining Kyoshiro who was making his way to the exit.
"Really? Too bad you can't tell me. I'd like to know myself. What kind of guy would it be anyway?" Yuya asked aloud, walking beside Kyoshiro to the quad.
A pair of eyes followed the two from above, as they exited the dining hall out into the crisp air of the outdoors. The quad was a large area, with many trees planted in large elaborate fixtures, with benches placed around. The trees provided shade, as well as fruit in the summer and spring time. The school's pride were the beautiful flowering, cherry trees that lined the square shaped quad. It was beautiful how the sakura petals would float and swirl in the wind, as they were blown off the trees. Though it made quite a job for the janitors.
The eyes narrowed, those two...Hatred was brewing inside Kyo. As Kyoshiro predicted, Kyo had escaped the mob of students to the safety and tranquility of the school roof tops. It was quite a view. He sat alone watching Kyoshiro mostly, before he noticed the girl, Yuya Shiina with him. His crimson orbs narrowed again. She, she was quite an interesting girl. He had to admit that; whether it was torture or respect, he spared her. He was impressed, truthfully, she was the only girl, person, who hadn't begged or cried. She threatened him, just a girl, a young fragile worthless woman. He smirked. But he would watch her. Always watch her.
He got up from where he sat, standing watching the pair until they went out of sight. He was beginning to turn away when a voice stopped him.
"It's been a long time, Demon Eyes Kyo."
Kyo closed his eyes, his obsidian hair was ruffled, his hands resting causually in his pant pockets. He turned his head, reopening his eyes that rested upon the speaker. It was slenderly built boy, a bishonen or pretty boy. In some ways, one might mistake him for a girl yet he was definately masculine in permanent factors. It was just his thin, slender appearance, but was stronger than he seemed. Another kendo expert, in the art of swordsmanship. He had light colored eyes, a sky blue color, pleasant but mysteriously eerie. He was clad in the same uniform as Kyo's, it told others, he was junior. His hair was long, silky, black, that curved outwards in layers.
Kyo leaned to the left, ah, so he wasn't alone. That was usual. Two others appeared behind him. One was a lowly freshmen, a young boy with faded lavender hair, a bowl like cut with angry golden eyes. The other was a young man, in his later twenties, not at all a student. Kyo smirked, with a cocky grin.
" 'lo there ninja brat, you don't look happy to see me. You wound me, boy," Kyo's words dripped with heavy teasing sarcasm with infuriated the "ninja brat".
"Why I outta-" he lunged forwards just to be caught by the older man.
"Sasuke! Sasuke calm down, it's to be expected of Kyo."
"I hate his guts. Aw, why'd I have to come. I hate this!"
Sasuke growled at the first boy who just chuckled good naturedly in response.
"Come now, I didn't make you. Saizo did, cheer up Sasuke. I won't take long," he said in a soothing voice that Sasuke shook off.
Chuckling again, he faced Kyo. He brushed some hair over his shoulder, it was becoming a nuisance. Kyo was beginning to get annoyed himself. His expression shifted to a frown.
"What is it you want, Sanada."
"Oh c'mon Kyo. Don't be like that. I mean it's been awhile since the last time we met. It must have been when we were finishing elementary school. It's been at least three years. I'm hurt to hear you haven't missed me," he made a sad puppy face that had no effect on Kyo, who was unmoved.
"Sanada" continued, "Well anyways, I've gotten permission from my family to go to a real school again. I did get my middle school education from tutors, but I felt I wanted to spend the rest of my high school education at a private school. So Saizo had to come with me and of course, Sasuke already attends the school and everything."
Kyo looked bored and fiercly annoyed. He cracked his knuckles. Saizo fidgeted a little warily of Kyo's aggression and the tension that was rising. Sasuke was on the guard, already wanting to do serious damange to Kyo from his earlier words. Sanada remained calm with a pleasant face.
"I wanted to find out, what the Mibu Clan is up to. It's been years since The Incident and you know He is up to something. I think they've got some tricks up their sleeves. Also a little birdie told me you and Kyoshiro took out a mafia guy and picked up a cute chick. Apparently it seems she's living with you. I didn't know you were still into girls?" Sanada teased.
Kyo remained silent, his red eyes flashed open, a warning. Sanada nodded knowingly.
"Alright alright, I understand. You're still not over her. I'm sorry," he mumumred. That's interesting. I want to know more about this girl however. Maybe...maybe she can help Kyo. Somehow...
He turned to leave, beckoning to Saizo and Sasuke who both looked relieved. The trio began to walk off, until Kyo spoke up.
"Watch it Sanada. You better be watching, 'cause I'm watching you."
Sanada smiled before walking off.
"I'll see you later too, Kyo."
Kyo growled as the trio disappeared. Damn you Yukimura.
"Class dismissed."
Yuya burst from the classroom relieved of torture sessions and having to talk to that idiot! She huffed. One boy, just one boy, was in almost all of her classes and almost always got a seat next to hers. He wouldn't stop grinning like a chesire cat and talking to her. She despised him from the minute she met him in P.E.
She had tripped during the run and he'd grinned down at her. She had back talked him just to hear him respond, "OOOO! Cute and fiery, the way I like 'em. You are the maiden of my dreams that I've dreamt about all these years!"
Yuya stopped and sat down at the base of a pine, in the front of the school. For a while she watched students pass by, before she began to fume about Benitora. He was going to be a problem in addition to her other unsolved problems. If she had anymore, it might be the death of her. She sighed, leaning against the rough bark of the tree trunk. She had been instructed by Muramasa to wait there. He told her the others met there to walk home.
Yuya slumped down, her posture form was horrible, but at least she could rest for a little while. It seemed to be a long time time before she heard footfalls behind her. She whirled around hoping it was Kyoshiro. Her heart sank. It was Kyo.
Her emerald eyes widened. Kyo...did she fear him? No, not a jerk like him. So what he threatened her, but now all she could do was loathe his existance and whatever he said to her. At least, she sighed, that awful girl wasn't with him. That would have made her snap.
"Oh it's you," Yuya said, her eyes half closed with disappointment.
Kyo didn't say anything. He ventured further, slinging his backpack off, it hit the ground with a thud. Yuya's muscles tensed, he wasn't going to sit next to her was he? Yes he was. Kyo plopped down, lying on his back, against the cool grass, using his backpack as a "pillow". His hands rested upon his chest, his eyes covered by his dark black bangs. Yuya stiffened, she was completely uncomfortable with the fact of him nearby. It was quite...nerve racking and she felt a swirl of mixed emotions.
She scooted away from him, but froze when he asked, "So you're just a coward? Hmph, you had guts to threaten me, yet you can't stand your "Hated" nearby you."
Yuya clenched her jaw, feeling steam building up inside of her. She whirled around, her carmel ponytail hitting her in the face. Her emerald eyes flashed.
"You concieted-I'm no coward. You don't know anything do you? You don't know the pain of losing everything! I can't say if I'm brave, but I KNOW I'm strong. Just shove it Kyo!" Yuya snarled, her voice breaking.
She buried her head into her knees, loose shrands of hair falling around her. Kyo lifted his head, black bangs falling away from his eyes, he saw her curved form. Her head resting upon her knees, her arms hugged around herself. He lay back down again.
"You don't know anything do you? You don't know the pain of losing everything!"
Do you think? Of course I know that pain. I know it better than anyone esle. Well guess what Yuya, I'm strong too. Stronger than you.
Dinner was unusually, or usually quiet depending on how Muramasa or Mayumi looked at it. Mahiro had finished early and was up in her room, music blaring, the vibrations could be felt in the dining room as the family and Yuya ate. Kyoshiro was nervous, sneaking glances at Kyo who sat on Muramasa's right near the head of the table, across from Mayumi. Yuya avoided gazes with Kyo who seemed to be staring off into space or his eyes were closed. Mayumi and Muramasa had begun to speak, Kyoshiro began to as well. Yuya said a few words, when she had to.
There was silence again when Kyo finally stood up, collected his empty dishes and vanished into the kitchen. Then he disappeared upstairs to his bedroom. The conversation had risen again.
"So Shiina-san, did you enjoy your first day? I hope it went well," Mayumi asked tenderly.
Yuya lied through her teeth, "Oh it was great. I have to admit, a little difficult to find classes, but I will manage."
Muramasa nodded then announced, "I'm finished."
Dinner was finished, soon afterwards. Mayumi retreated back and forth, cleaning and clearing the dishes. Yuya helped her. Kyoshiro did as well, until he heard Muramasa yelling and banging on Kyo's door.
"Kyo! Kyo! Open this door immediately!"
Silence.
"KYO!"
Crickets could be heard, as Mayumi, Yuya, and Kyoshiro peaked around the corner of the kitchen to watch.
Exasperated, Muramasa left the door to the closet. He pulled out a funny contraption, that Yuya couldn't recognize at first. It was a tool, a wrench. Mayumi sighed and returned to the kitchen work and Kyoshiro gulped and ran up to his own room locking the door. Yuya watched the two and stepped out into the hallway to watch.
Muramasa after a while managed to wrench the door off its hinges which got Kyo's attention right away. He stormed after Muramasa who was carrying off his bedroom door. The two argued like a cat and dog until they realized Yuya was watching. Kyo said nothing while Muramasa looked embarrassed and sheepish.
"Oh Shiina-san, I'm sorry. You see when my children misbehave I find taking away their privacy is the best way to cure their behavior. You can go along do whatever you like, finish homework or whatever fancies you. Kyo and I are going to the dojo," he explained, walking down the stairs with Kyo following him, reluctantly docile.
Yuya sprinted after the two calling after Muramasa.
"Wait! I want to come too! I'll watch!"
Kyo glared, a crimson glint of rage. His answer was obvious. However Muramasa nodded much to Kyo's displeasure.
"Sure, that's fine. I hope you won't be bored," Muramasa smiled.
He led the two adolescents outside, down a stone pathway through the gardens to the dojo. It was a well kept building, an ancient design with pretty fixtures and decorations. The alter was set at the back of the building, with an offering to the Gods. There was caligraphy art that lined the walls along with the names of the students that raged ages. Yuya looked around, not daring to touch anything as it seemed so neat and perfect. While she gaped at the dojo, Kyo and Muramasa armed themselves.
Kyo retrieved a wooden katana, Muramasa had one as well. Muramasa took a casual stand while Kyo prepared himself, ready for training. Yuya turned around and took a seat by the wall nearby, watching in awe. So Kyo was a swordsman like Kyoshiro? And Muramasa was the instructor? Yuya smiled. So this told her a little more about the family.
In only a brief second, the fight had begun. Kyo charged forward with immense speed attacking his father his skills and tactics. He wielded the sword beautifully, his stances deadly, and his movement rhythemic. Muramasa didn't think, he reacted with reflexes and his own talents. Both proved to be excellent in the art. However, Muramasa's talent was...breathtaking, spectacular...Yuya ran out of words. She admitted bitterly, she admired Kyo's own abilities.
She watched as Kyo again and again, attacked and defended perliously. Muramasa was calm and experienced, a seasoned man compared to Kyo's callowness in behavior. Yuya began to compare them. It was hard to believe they were father and son.
Muramasa who good looking, he had light blonde hair unlike her carmel blonde color. It was sort of spikey and curved outwards, in a fanshion most teenaged boys prefered. He was polite, welcoming, comforting, and very wise. He was a good looking man that looked younger than Yuya guessed he was. On the other hand Kyo, had dark colored hair, obsidian like the night's shadows and eyes the color of fresh blood. He hated everything, yet his swordsman skills were great. He seemed to have a "passion" or liking for the sport. Kyo was mysterious like the family, he was dark, sarcastic, stoic, and quiet. The complete opposite of Kyoshiro.
Yuya blinked. Kyoshiro, Kyoshiro was a great person. He was popular, funny, and then again he was a grubby little parasite at times.
There was a thud. Yuya jumped. Kyo had been knocked to his feet, Muramasa sighed. Kyo had lost. Muramasa's look changed to a smile.
"You've gotten better Kyo."
"Shut up."
Kyo picked himself off the floor threw away his wooden sword and headed for the house. He paused for a moment before walking off. Muramasa placed both swords in a closet and beckoned to Yuya. He smiled.
"Did you like that? I guess it's quite interesting to you."
"Yes it is."
"Well come on Shiina-san, it's your first night at our house. Mayumi fixed up the spare bedroom. You can decorate the room the way you choose, I believe you'll be staying for a while. Just be yourself around here. Everyone is that way."
Yuya bowed to him.
"Thank you very much."
She followed him out of the dojo and into the fresh night air. She looked up. So many stars...
Well for my first night. It isn't too bad. I know the sun will rise tomorrow, and a new school day will begin. I wonder what it will be like, brother?
Yuya sighed and walked back into the main house. She prayed her brother would stay with her. And watch over her as she spent her first official night in the Muramasa's.
(A/N: I hope that wasn't too bad. I'm sorry I haven't been updating that often. I will update every Sunday from now on. It will be regular kept schedule. PLEASE REVIEW! (grins) Well I hope minna-san, you're glad that Yukimura showed up. I have plans for him later. But I'll give you a hint: It's going to be up to him to get Kyo to be nicer to Yuya, by any means.)