Okay, I'm back! There's a few notes I want to make.
One. Thank you for that review! You are the lone reviewer...I'm gonna call you LR. LR!
Two. Lets thank my good friend Jackie! She's the one posting these for me! I'm emailing her the chappies and she's posting them for me, which is very nice of her... Have a cookie Jackie!
And Three. The story! Time to get back to the story! Cause that's what I do, yo.
Alright, I'll stop acting ganster and start writing...
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"How about...this one!"
Akito just stared at her. Risshou frowned and put down the shirt. She fingered through a selection then held up a nice, bright, red sweater.
"This one would go great with your hair," she said, holding it up to him, shoulder to shoulder.
Akito pushed it away quickly. "It has...color," he snarled at her. Risshou rolled her eyes. Later that afternoon, Akito had ripped-once again- his shirt. Those wings of his may be great for fighting, but they always tore through cloth like it was wet paper. In fact, it would probably just be better if he just didn't wear any shirt (Risshou wouldn't mind that...) but he insisted that it was...cold.
Sighing in defeat, Risshou picked up a black shirt that buttoned up in the front. It had a small collar and looked like something a person would wear to a casual party. She held it out to him and Akito looked it over.
"It'll do," he said simply. God, Risshou thought to herself, he's so picky.. She turned around as he took off the jacket he was wearing. She felt him sling it over her shoulder and it weighed her down, making her balance a bit off.
"I'm not a coat hanger, Akito," Risshou snapped at him, as she heard him pulling on the shirt.
"Really," he replied, in mock-suprise, "You fooled me..."
She turned around and tried her best not to show her suprise...or shock. But...she couldn't seem to avert her eyes either. Akito was buttoning up the shirt, but his marble chest was exposed. He was strong... Risshou had always wondered what it would feel like to have his arms around her...
She quickly pushed those thoughts away and threw his jacket at him as he buttoned the last button.
"Let's just get out of here..." she muttered, turning around and heading for the exit.
Like most places, they expect you to pay for the things you pick out. Risshou and Akito...never followed this rule. They didn't have money to spare-so why waste it on clothes? A manager rushed up to them, but Akito sent him a glare that made him stop with one foot in the air. Sure, he'd be calling security on them...but at least he wouldn't be chasing them.
For the moment, anyway.
"Look, now that we have my new shirt, I was thinking that we-"
"Could go train," Risshou said, cutting Akito off. He narrowed his eyes.
"What's wrong with training?" he asked, sounding insulted.
"Just that we train 24/7. Isn't there other stuff you like to do?" She asked.
Akito stopped walking and grabbed her wrist, causing her to stumble a bit. Risshou pulled at her arm, but he wouldn't let go. Great, she thought, I've made him angry...
"Is this all a joke to you?" he hissed. She could see the fury in his eyes. Fury that was directed at her. "Do you think this is some game that we can just play and when it's over, it's over?"
Finally, she shook his hand off her arm. "No," she snapped at him, her voice colder than she meant it to be. "I don't think that. If I thought that, would I be here?"
For just an instant, she thought that maybe she had broken through that wall Akito had put up. His eyes just seemed to soften... But then, she reilized that was impossible as they hardened again and turned away from her.
"You don't even know the answer to your own question," he muttered and started walking away.
Risshou stood there for a moment just staring at her shoes. Maybe he was right... Maybe she did think it was a game. It just all still didn't seem real to her. It hadn't sunk in. That there was this other world and they needed a new king so they were fighting on her world. That does sound impossible, doesn't it?
Risshou looked up, and her eyes widened. Where was Akito? She looked around frantically. Great. He had left her. Now she was all alone. If there was one thing Risshou hated, it was being alone. It reminded her all to well of being in that alley...with those men. Of course, she had had Akito to fight them off (though it seemed like he didn't want to). Now? Now, Akito wasn't even here. What if someone took her? What if she was attacked again? Who would help her?
"You look like an idiot,"
Risshou whirled around facing Akito. He was standing there looking at her with one eyebrow raised. She blushed. She hadn't noticed that she had been stumbeling around.
"Where did you go?" she asked him, the panic slowly going away. Her heart beat was returning back to it's normal beat.
He shrugged. "I took-" he said simpley. "-a walk,"
Risshou would have argued with him, but his head snapped up. His eyes were alert and glancing around everywhere. Risshou knew this look. He could sense someone near. Someone...not human. She frowned despite herself. And here she was having a pretty good day..
"We've got to go," Akito said quickly. He was at her side in moments and had scooped her up into his arms as if she weighed nothing. Which, she did pratically weigh nothing.
And then, he was off. It didn't matter if people saw this streak going past them, faster than a normal person could run. What mattered was getting out of there. Fast. And, Akito was a natural runner. His explanation was that he could always run fast and enjoyed it. That was the only time they had had a real conversation.
Risshou tightened her grip around his neck, afraid that she would slip out of his arms and fall to the ground. That would never happen though. Akito's grip on her was tight, his arms holding her like she was a princess. He stared straight ahead though, when she glanced at his eyes. He was concentrating on getting them far away. But, she knew they would be followed. They were just getting out of the public eye.
Akito slowed to a stop when they entered the forest they had been staying in. Risshou could see their stuff against a tree. It was tattered and torn. Someone had gone through it... She was glad she had decided to take the book with her. It was pressed tight to her side. Akito released Risshou and she almost fell to the ground, but she managed to catch herself before falling onto her butt.
"Akito, what-"
He held up a hand and nodded in the direction of a large bush. Risshou froze, her grip on the book tightening. The bushes shook a bit, then two people emerged. One, was a tall and skinny man. He wore an odd looking top hat and a black, penguin suit. His hair was blond and his face was long and stretched out. His eyes were the plain color of green, nothing out of the ordinary.
The girl with him, though, was out of the ordinary. She was short, perhaps only three feet tall, and wore a plain simple yellow dress. It went down to her knees. From her back, were two pale wings. Her face was pale and her expression was...freaky to Risshou. Her eyes were wide and she wore a smile. A smile that hadn't changed. Her eyes were blank though, holding no emotion. The man grinned at them, brushing himself off. The green book at his side was in plain sight.
"Well, well, well. I seem to have found you after all," he said. "You've ruined my game of cat and mouse,"
Risshou's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" She already knew the answer though.
The man laughed, his laugh bouncing off the trees. "You know. I work for Arlmondi (Arell-mond-dee) and he's been looking for you, pretty girl. He's got search parties out looking for you. I'm one of them."
Risshou was about to comment about where Arlmondi could put his search parties when Akito stepped infront of her. He looked murderous...
"I will not allow you to harm her," he said, his voice cold and sharp like daggers. The man seemed taken back for a moment, then regained his composure.
He straightened up and opened his book. "Fine, then we'll have to do this the hard way,"
Risshou opened her own book. She hated this fighting, but it was necessary. She had to. Akito had to. There was no other way.
"Ishima!" she yelled, at the same time the man yelled "Orocho!" (O-row-ko). Akito let out that all-to-firmiliar howl as he began to morph into the dark angel that he was. His wings sprouted out of his back, once again making two large holes in the shirt. At least it wasn't ripped in half though. The small girl's eyes glowed and her hands danced around. Risshou could hear...music. The faint sound of music. The world suddenly seemed like it had dancing lights all around it...pretty lights...amazing lights...
Akito glanced back at his book keeper, confusion in his eyes. She looked like she was in a daze. "Risshou," he said sharply. "Pay attention," She shook her head and nodded, but she seemed a bit off. What was the matter with her? Akito turned around back towards his opponent. It must be a girl thing, he thought to himself bitterly.
He extended his wings and stood up straight. His wings made him look even taller. More...dangerous. The small girl never stopped smiling though, her hands constantly weaving in and out in the same pattern. This made Akito puzzled. The mamodo was doing nothing to him. He felt fine. His senses were all in tact and he didn't feel like anything was crushing him. Most of the mamodo's he'd fought had immediately sent rocks, or ice, or some large element at them that threatened his or Risshou's life. This was different though. Nothing was happening!
And that bored him immensely.
He rushed forward towards the small girl swiftly, his wings guiding the way. Normally, he'd never make the first move. It was against everything he went by. But he had lost interest in this fight and wanted to end it quickly. His fist was about to connect with the side of the girl's face when she laughed and jumped up. She jumped into the air by pushing her foot against Akito's back. This made her go up...and Akito go down. The whole while, the girl's hands never stopped moving. The man laughed, his blond hair shaking.
Akito murmered some profanities as he spit out some dirt. Stupid girl...stupid, stupid girl.
"Akito, be careful," Risshou said, loud enough for him to hear. Her voice sounded strangeled though...as if she had to try to speak and not speak so easily as she always did. Akito tilted his head as things went through his head. What was the matter with her?
He flew upwards, pushing himself up off the ground, and towards the girl. He wanted this over. He wanted to be back on the road or training or something other than fighting a mamodo. He would never tell, but he didn't like the fighting very much. It was just another chance to be destroyed.
And another chance for Risshou to be destroyed...
But, again, he'd never tell.
The girl was faster in the air though. As swift as Akito was, and as easily as he could move, the girl was smaller. She was like a bullet. She dodged his attacks with ease. Akito glanced down at Risshou. Why wasn't she saying another spell? They did have three spells already. One made him just have wings, no morphing but it increased his speed. Another made him just morph with no wings, but it increased his strength and senses. The last was a combination of both, but it made him a bit slower and a bit weaker. Maybe they needed another spell. Perhaps the second one. That would make him be quicker to react to things.
But, Risshou wasn't doing anything. She was holding her head and swaying from side to side. Akito landed on the ground a few feet infront of her. "Risshou, what the hell is the matter with you?" he asked, his voice hard and angry. They were going to loose if she didn't do anything.
Risshou couldn't hear a thing. Well, except that beautiful music... and she could see the lights. She could also see the blurry outline of trees and Akito. He was saying something, but what? She couldn't make out the words. The music was so wonderful... It swept her away. She didn't even know if her feet were on the ground anymore. Her hand went up and gently touched her head. She didn't want to be here anymore. She just wanted to listen to this music until the day she died. It was peaceful. The type of peace she had never known.
"Risshou!" Akito yelled again. Yes, something was wrong. He could feel panic rising in his chest. Nothing could ever happen to Risshou. Nothing! But her eyes looked glazed over. Her expression was blank. It looked like...
It looked like the girl's. The one he was fighting.
The man laughed, wittnessing this all. Akito turned to face him, his own expression dark. "What is going on?" he shouted. His hands curled up into fists. He could feel his fangs digging into the side of his mouth.
The man merely rolled his eyes. "You are not a very intelligent mamodo, are you?" Akito narrowed his eyes. He was smart. Smarter than most other mamodos. "Haven't you figured it out?"
Akito glanced back at Risshou who was standing perfectly still now. Her head was tilted just a bit and the book hung limply at her side. It didn't make sense... It didn't make-
"You see, dear boy, Holli's spell does not hurt you, the mamodo. In fact, it has nothing to do with you. It's a rare spell that only affects-yes, you guessed it- the person holding the book..."
Akito's eyes widened. No, he thought, that's not possible! It was only supposed to affect the mamodo! The spells never were directly aimed at the book keeper! But here...here this man had a spell that affected Risshou. Without caring about the man anymore, Akito was at her side. His hand gently touched the side of her face, careful not to scratch her with his claws. She didn't even look at him, didn't swipe him away. It was like... It was like she wansn't even there anymore.
"She's in my control now, boy," the man said, obviously enjoying this. "And there's nothing you can do about it."
Akito looked helplessly into Risshou's eyes, searching for any sign that she was there. She still looked blank and expressionless. Akito touched the side of her face again with the back of his palm. "Risshou?" he said softly.
There was no reply. She simply looked straight ahead. Akito felt determination burn inside of him. No. She was still there. She could hear him and he knew she was fighting to break free. She could break free. He would help her.
The man raised his hand and snapped his fingers. "Risshou, pretty girl, come here to me...and bring your book. It's awfully cold out and we could use something to start a fire,"
Risshou's legs moved almost as if she was a puppet. She moved like she was going to break any moment. Her eyes never stopped staring ahead though. The little girl, Holli the man had called her, let out a sharp laugh and her eyes were suddenly wild. She was enjoying this. Akito's eyes widened in suprise. Risshou...was going to him! She was taking the book!
They were going to burn it!
He grabbed her from around the waist and she struggeled to get free. "No, Risshou, you've got to listen to me!" Akito stammered. "This isn't you!"
Maybe he could take the book and run... Get out of here. But that would leave Risshou with this man. They had made a promise to each other. He would help her get away from the man, Arlmondi, and she would help him become king. He wouldn't go back down on that promise. Even if it meant risking his life. Risshou struggeled in his arms, but he wouldn't let her go.
Risshou could hear the music. It had gotten louder. It was calling for her, no, it was screaming for her. She had to go to it! There was a deep pressure in her chest. Something building up and suffocating her. The music would take it away! It would make everything better! Something was holding her back though. Something didn't want her to be happy! She pulled and pulled, but she was still held back. Why wouldn't it let her go?
"Risshou! I know you can hear me! You've got to break free!" Akito yelled, wincing as her nails dug into his pale skin. She had...sharp nails. Much like his claws. But his claws were diminishing. Their third spell had a time limit. He could feel his wings slipping back into his skin, and could feel his senses dampening. He needed the strength and speed though! He needed it! "Risshou, please!" She merely struggeled against him.
"Give it up, boy," the man said, his voice was teasing Akito. He knew there was nothing Akito could do. "She can't hear you. All she can hear is sweet, sweet music. It calls to her, draws her towards me. Just let her go, boy, and let her be happy,"
"Going to you would not make Risshou happy!" Akito exclaimed.
The man raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know it wouldn't? Do you know everything about your book keeper?"
"I know more than she thinks I do," Akito said harshly. He tightened his grip as he felt her nails break his skin. He wouldn't let go though. But...soon...he may have to. He could crush Risshou in half if he wanted to, but he couldn't hurt her. He could knock her unconcious but he just...didn't want to see her eyes close.
Risshou glanced around in her music filled world. For a second...it sounded like she heard a voice. A voice of a young man's. It sounded firmiliar and brought her heart momentary joy, more joy than the music brought. She wanted to hear it again, but the music got louder. Who's voice was that? Who was speaking to her? She could barely feel a pressure around her waist now...like two arms holding her still... But..who would be holding her? Who would do that? Then, like a train hitting her, it all came rushing back.
"Just let her go, boy," the man said again. "I grow tired of waiting."
"I'm never letting go," Akito said sternly. But, the man could see Akito's eyes weaken. He couldn't hold on forever. Sooner or later he'd have to let go. Holli let out an insane laugh and continued weaving her hands.
"AKITO!"
Akito almost did let go. Risshou had screamed. She was still struggeling but she had screamed his name. It sounded like she was in agony. Was he causing her pain? No...it sounded like she was struggeling. Akito held her tighter and closer to him.
"Risshou, come on, you can break this..." he whispered into her ear. "I know you can because I know you,"
Tears formed at the edges of her eyes and spilled down the sides of her face. The man laughed at her display of determination. "Just stop. Who are you kidding? You're only putting her in more pain,"
Akito didn't hear him though. He buried his head in Risshou's shoulder while she struggeled against him. She could break free. He knew she could. Just calling his name had been enough proof. The man may be saying he had won, but Akito had seen him waver for a second. He was shocked that she had been able to speak.
Risshou's head was pounding. She wanted to break free. The music was no longer pretty to her ears, but it was horrid. It made the blood rush to her head. She wanted to her Akito's voice again. She wanted to hear the soothing tone of it and she wanted to see. Everything had gone dark! She wanted Akito! She wanted him to be here right now! Where was his voice though? She looked around in her music filled world and then heard it... He was saying her name... She loved when he said her name...
Akito could feel himself wanting to give up. It seemed that Risshou could almost break free. She could get to the door but it was locked. Something was holding her there...something that wouldn't let go. Then, it clicked.
Holli.
What had she been doing the whole time? She had been moving her arms as if she was some hypnotist. Which, by this time, he was almost sure she was. It would be a risk, but he had to take it. If he could get Holli to stop moving her arms, the spell would be broken. But in that time, Risshou could get to the man. She could give him the book. It would all be over then. Stilll...he had to do something. He couldn't just stand here and try to break her out of it. He had to act.
That's what Risshou would do.
He turned her around in his arms so that she was facing him. She still struggeled but now he could clearly see the agony on her face and the tears that streamed down. He held her tightly with one arm and wiped away some tears with the other. "Risshou," he said, softly, almost as if saying good-bye. "Forgive me, please," Quickly, he kissed her roughly on the forehead and let her go. She stumbeled from the sudden movement and fell backwards. Then, slowly, ever so slowly, she stood up and turned towards the man who had burst out laughing in triumph.
Akito focused on Holli. She was fast. He didn't have wings now or claws. He was just...him. But he was fast. And he could fight. Now, he just had to figure out a way to make her stop moving... There was no time to think though. Risshou had started moving towards the man. He jerked his head towards Holli and sprinted towards her. She laughed and flew upwards but underestimated how fast Akito was. He jumped up and grabbed her foot so he went up with her. She let out an angry scream and tried to swat his hand off. Akito let out a yell as she clawed his eyes but didn't let go of her foot. Her arms hadn't stopped moving.
Still, he was determined. He tightened his clutch on her foot until he heard the sound he had been waiting for. A satisfying...wonderful...crunch. Or snap. Whichever one fit better. The girl, Holli, let out a piercing scream as she plummeted downwards. It wasn't enough though. And Akito was a bit worried. He didn't have wings now...and the ground was hard. He closed his eyes and braced himself.
The impact wasn't as bad as he thought it was. He landed on his side and quickly rolled out of the way to avoid Holli. His shoulder was struck with a sharp pain and he knew he had at least popped his shoulder out of place. His side wasn't feeling to good either...perhaps a few ribs had gotten broken in the fall. He stood though and walked over to Holli, who was lying on the ground her arms still moving, but she was howling in pain. She was determined. He would give her that. Evidently, she had never faced pain like this before. WIth one glance, he could see that Risshou was stopping at the man at handing him the book. Quickly, he grabbed one of Holli's hands. She twisted in his grip but he squeezed harder until he heard her hand break.
The noise sent shivers up his spine, but he knew he had to do it. Her other hand still moved and he grabbed it. Holli went limp. She was screaming now, big tears falling from her eyes. Akito felt a bit of guilt then pushed it aside. This girl was trying to hurt Risshou. He broke her other hand swiftly.
Risshou stopped, her arm in mid air. She blinked and looked around. She could see again. And she could hear. The man infront of her looked angry and lunged for the book. Risshou pulled back. What was she doing standing here? She had been all the way on the other side of the lot... In an instant, Akito was at her side. He took hold of one of her hands and glared at the man in the top hat.
"Really now, I-I didn't mean anything," the man stammered. He was on the ground now. The book was defenseless beside him.
"Like hell you didn't," Akito said harshly. He picked up the book while the man began to sputter his apologies. Then, quietly, he walked over to Holli who was crying softly. He bent down on his knees and held the book. She knew it was over, that was clear. Akito placed his hand on her forehead and pushed away a lock of blond hair. "I am sorry," he said gently. Then, he snapped the book in two. It burst into flames and Holli dissipeared into the air.
Akito made his way over to Risshou, who watched with interest. The man had gone now and most likely wouldn't be coming back. He had bigger problems to worry about. Akito stopped infront of Risshou and she looked at her feet.
"Akito...I'm sorry," He didn't say anything. "I should have been stronger. If I had been stronger then this wouldn't have happened. I would have been able to break free. I'm so sorry. And I know, I'm weak and horrible and you probably-"
She stopped. Akito took a step forward and engulfed her in a hug. She fell to her knees with Akito, her arms around him and tears flowing easily from her eyes. Akito wrapped his hands around her waist and one hand was clutching onto the back of her head, weaved into her purple hair.
"There is nothing," he said sternly. "-to be sorry about."
He held her closer and Risshou cried harder. It was just the two of them, sitting in the middle of a forest...
Their hardest yet to come, yet so many things won already...
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Okay. What did you think? Definately the longest chappie I've ever EVER written. I wrote it all for you, my loyal reviewers. It looks like I have two now... I apologize for taking forever, you know me, I never have the time.. Lol. So, well, that's all I got for now, I hope it keeps you all going!
-E