Author's note: I'm sorry for my lack of update. Like I said earlier my comps had a major breakdown making all my files go byebye (faints) I put my work in priority first before the fics so I'm so sorry because this fic is an early warning of a person who gets lucky if he gets at least 5 hours of sleep in a day due to close approaching deadlines.
Disclaimer: if this is mine which is obviously not. Conservative prejudice people would be demanding for my head! So there…N.O.T M.I.N.E.
Chapter14: It's Not Trust
There was always something peaceful about long train rides. Maybe it's the rich scenery that passes you by. It just felt like there is nothing going wrong. The light amount of snow and greenery mixed together outside.
Mint
The view reminded Tokiya of mint. The smell makes you relax. Though people always assume the herb in a very positive manner it did have its effect. If it accidentally lands in your eye then you are in deep trouble. Damn it would hurt. Hurt enough to make the toughest person cry.
Yes mint. People traveling with him today were like mint. They were relaxed and no doubt enjoyed the New Year festivities but one wrong move and tension would break loose.
…………………..
Tokiya was always an early riser despite how late he turned in for the night. It was a normal occurrence when one lived alone for as long as he did. He also did not bode well with a snoring gorilla roommate. Placing the outer festival robe he wore over his sleeping clothes, providing protection from the chilly air. He stealthily left the room though there was really no reason to since it appeared that his roommate rivaled a rock when asleep. The isolated Cliffside view of the house was perfect for sunrise and he intended to see the first one this year.
Despite being in high altitudes the surroundings were clear of mists. You can see the view perfectly and because of that he did not miss the man silently clearing the scattered twigs and snow. Tokiya had many opinions about that man but one by one his views were being proven wrong since he met their former adversary last night. The site before him was a perfect example. Who would imagine that the arrogant and cruel Kouran-prince would be up before the sun and doing chores. If the man knew that Tokiya watched him from afar he did not show it. But he had a gut feeling the other was aware of him despite the lack of acknowledgement.
He was startled by a bird that flew in front of him. He gazed at the perfect combinations of gentle warm and cool colors that only the sunrise could make. He briefly glanced at his unexpected companion who paused to watch the event too.
"Still don't trust him, right." The long haired teen was startled but he managed to calmly turn around. Recca's grinning face greeted him.
"Did I scare you?"
"Not really." He replied despite the loud hammering of his heart.
"Mind if I take a seat beside you?" the younger teen asked.
"No go ahead." Tokiya watched the younger male seat beside him. He was more at eased now than yesterday. Recca offered him another grin then turned his gaze affront. He notice that Recca's grin turned into a gentle smile. Curious, he followed the younger male's stare.
Kurei
Kurei somehow would put Recca more at ease than anyone else and he would have never thought of this situation…ever. Then he noticed the older flame caster finally turned back to where they were and was returning Recca's smile with a slight tug of the lips of his own before turning back his eyes on the son slowly peeking out. What had transpired between the two? What exactly had happened that made such intense enemies be this close?
"Oniisan" He heard Recca whisper. That's right they are. Events in the past made the ensui user to forget. This two flame casters who battled fearlessly with each other are brothers, now sharing small smiles at each other. Tokiya wondered if this is how easily a sibling forgave the other, If this is how easy they became close. Having and older sister for himself he could somehow understand the nameless bond that they have but could the two of them be really that close in such a short amount of time?
"You really don't trust him." Recca voiced out from Tokiya's intense eyes fixated on his brother.
"Hn. He has given me no reason to. But he has, in every opportunity in the past went on his way to make are lives more than a little difficult." The other was about to retort but he cut him off. "Lets' put it this way, a hard employer would seem like a tyrant to his employees but still remain a hero in his child's eyes." Recca stared at him in confusion. "I meant that for me Kurei still is a cruel man but somehow became a good brother to you. I will always hate Kurei but I'm willing to give your brother the benefit of a doubt." He never looked at his companion as he stood up to leave. "This is my view; however do not assume the others feel the same way. And by the way..." He examined the flame caster for a moment. "The clips are still on your hair." He walked a walked and suppressed a chuckle as he heard the string of curses the younger one made. He did not need to turn around to see hi embarrassed face.
……………………
Yes mint. People traveling with him today were like mint. They were relaxed and no doubt enjoyed the New Year festivities but one wrong move and tension would break loose.
The row in front of him was Yoshino, Recca's father and Kagero who were all quietly watching the scenery though he could tell that the old man was dying for a smoke. Ganko and Kaoru were playing a linked Gameboy. Domon was again dead to the world though he was slightly anxious about being in the same train as Kurei. At his side were Yanagi and Kirisawa helping each other decide which souvenirs they should give to their relatives. Though they were not talking about it he could tell that both wanted to talk to Recca. The young teen approached Kurei, who was checking at his cell phone again.
Kurei sat on the farthest part of the cart alone he did not give any invitation for anyone to join him but Recca decided to sit by him.
"You're in deep thought. What's on your mind?"
"Recca I want to tell you what happened before the day you found me."
The younger stiffened. Kurei was now willing to let his know what happened to him. He felt happy that his brother was opening u but dreaded the word that will come out of the other's mouth.
Tucking his Phone he was currently reading a message from behind his back pocket he motioned his brother to seat closer beside him.
"Niisan" Recca started but the older raised his hands to silence him giving him a small smile. Recca thought that his brother's smile was beautiful but despite that he felt something akin to hurt.
"Hush otouto. I want to tell you without interruptions."
………………..
"Kurei-sama." It was dark and a little cold. His body hurt a lot and breathing was difficult. He knew he was out of danger because he recognized the voice.
"Neon." He murmured.
"Hai." The woman confirmed.
"What happened?" he asked groggily.
"I jumped after you and treated your injuries the best that I can." Oh now he remembered. The tournament, Recca, that old bastard, gunshots cliff…
"Ka'san." He shivered. His mother... Did he…
"She's alright Kurei-sama. Raiha secretly went to where they kept her. He took the bomb out and helped her escape." Kurei relaxed. "Please take a rest Kurei-sama."
The final flame dragon wanting to choose him but neither took sides
Recca and he fought
A four century old grudge and a ninja keeping a promise to his princes
A greedy and impatient man
An entity that looked just like him
"KUREI-SAMA" Kurei startled but unable to move due the men holding him down.
"Kurei-sama!" the redheaded woman screamed as two men held her down. Kurei was not fully recovered from her injuries and so restraining him did not pose a problem.
"So this is where you have been hiding." A man said. Kurei could not see this man's face since he was also held down and still out of it.
"Kurei-sama." The woman struggled but her exhaustion for the past weeks were showing.
"Well our boss should be happy when they see you Kurei-sama." The voice it was so familiar but he could not identify who.
"You! How could you betray him like this…Ugh." She was cut off by a strong jab to her stomach.
"Neon." Kurei rasped voice called out. He tried to pry his aggressors in attempt to save her but they would not even budge. He cursed his weakness again. He could never do anything when he was needed the most. He clenched his fist and look down on the floor in shame
"Argh!" one of the men holding him was thrown of. Kurei looked up to see Neon holding her flute between her lips her Madougu, Fukyo Waon activated. "Kurei-sama! Hurry up and get out of here."
She was too concerned of her well being to notice the man whose face was still hidden due to the poor lighting of the shack. The man grabbed her arm and twisted it with a sickening crack and she could do nothing but scream.
No.
Too many people have suffered because of him and he would not take it hands down again. The injured flame caster stood from his crouching position. Face void of emotion, he faced stared at the eyes of Neon. He took his bracelet of and a strange and eerie flame surrounded his right arm.
"Neon do not disobey me…" He said a he opened his left palm to release a light colored flame that resembled a female woman with wings.
"I want you to…" The flame from his right arm grew and every person in that shack could feel the danger that was being held their. Everyone stood still.
"RUN, HIDE AND DON'T EVER TRY TO FIND ME." He blasted the siren looking flame at Neon that threw her out of the shack while his other flame engulf the whole shed with flames that burned and exploded like the underworld.
…………….
"So how exactly did you end up where I found you?" his younger brother impatiently asked.
"I did not think that I would survive but when I regained consciousness I was on the run from Mouri Kouran's men." The latter replied.
"And Neon?" Recca added.
"I don't what happened to her but I hope that since she has not been in contact means that she is safe and hiding somewhere…." Kurei faced the window to indicate that the story is over. Recca nodded but somehow the odd pain on his chest where the pendant lay told him that his brother is hiding something. He unconsciously felt for the older one's hand and held it tighter than necessary. Kurei looked at him questioningly. He wanted to ask so many things but he did not know how or what to ask so instead he settled with smile at the pale male. Recca laid his head on Kurei's shoulder and stifled a yawn.
"Sleepy." Kurei asked.
He received a shy snuggle in response as his brother tried to have a comfortable position without letting go of the other's warm hand. Kurei sighed and positioned his younger brother's head in between his neck and shoulder. He leaned more to the glass window as he too settled to get comfortable.
With his nose buried on Recca's soft ebony locks, Kurei soon fell fast asleep with his brother's calming sent.
Unaware of the people on the same train
…………………
They reach the city by three in the afternoon. Numb from the lack of muscle use everyone took a moment to stretch.
"Damn that felt good!" Kaoru exclaimed. "Staying at one place isn't my thing."
"Kaoru." Kurei motioned for Kaoru to come near him. He was again wearing a cover-up and an eyewear.
"Hai Kurei-nii." He grinned. Kaoru really enjoyed the festival, especially when Kurei was playing games with him and promised to do that again. "Please behave and stay at Hanabishi-san's house tonight. I have already informed him." At the statement the brown haired boy frowned.
"Why." He whined. "I'm going to drop by the station tonight." He replied a little to fast which did not go unnoticed by a certain Fuujin user and a long haired male.
"Kurei-kun you just got back from the holidays and you are already thinking about work." Yoshino interrupted. Kurei did not look directly to her eyes but he nodded. "Yes but I can find the time to accompany you to your house and have one cup of tea." The woman smiled and nodded in understanding.
"Niisan." Both Recca and Kaoru said in unison although one was more of a whine while the other was more of concern. Kurei turned to both of them with a stern look. "If I find out that Kaoru was passed his curfew your dead Recca…" Kaoru snickers but quickly took it back at Kurei's next words. "… and Kaoru could kiss his Puzzles goodbye. Now hurry up Hanabishi-san is tiered" What was supposed to be a firm command became an assuring statement to both males and they quickly nodded to their older brother and went on their way.
"Let's go Yoshino-san." He takes some of Yoshino's bags when a firm hand settled on his shoulder.
Tokiya was about to speak but Fuuko cut him off. "I still don't trust you and I don't think I ever will anytime soon." She said with determined eyes. "But I don't think anyone deserves to carry a heavy burden all by themselves." Kurei did not grace her with any reactions but he did look her directly in the eye as if searching for the meaning of her words. After a moment of silence Kurei walked out towards the exit.
"Oi." She called again. Kurei paused
"Don't make Recca hurt."
………………………..
Chamomile tea was placed in front of him. Yoshino stared at the man sitting quietly for half an hour on her table.
"What is it Kurei-kun?" She knew that something was troubling the male but he refused to even move from where he sat.
"Yoshino-san, Do you any place safe where you are sure no one would be able to find you." He suddenly blurted out.
"Wha-what are you saying?" she could not help but tremble not for herself but for the man sitting across from her.
"Please answer the question." He cut back.
"Yes." Her hands were shaking. "Go there and do not talk or give information to anyone that you don't know."
"Kurei…" she started.
"Don't comeback until you now that it is over. You will now when I am sure."
"No." the tea spilled as she suddenly stood to hug the ebony haired male. "I know what you are up to! Please don't." Kurei allowed himself the comfort of that motherly hug. He had missed it. "He has them…I have to get them back." Yoshino stiffened at this. "No…" she shuts her eyes hoping it was all a bad dream and anytime she would wake up from this nightmare.
"I'm sorry." That statement made it all clear to her how reality hurt. "but I don't want you involved too."
……………………
Kurei gently shuts the garden gate of Yoshino's household. Tomorrow she will be gone. Picking up his ell phone he read the text message once again.
'We have them waiting for you here "Kurei-sama" and I know you have DYING to meet them since they did not return your calls during the holidays'
TBC
Woohoo finished yey. This wasn't as good as the first one I made but what can I do about it(sigh)
So sleeeEeeepy………
Warning spoiler or sneak preview:
"Are you asking me on a date?"
Kurei smirked as he continued to sip the hot chocolate offered to him.
"You could say that."
Mwahahaha! I'm so evil….hehe anyway please review I'm sorry If I didn't reply to reviews…again but I will. But I'm not posting it here anymore except of course when it's an anonymous so there
Thank you very much
I'm open for suggestions though I cannot really answer events in the story that hasn't been posted yet.