TWEWY: A Fall Into Honor:
This story is about how Joshua became the Composer. The story is from Joshua's point of view, and others if the story needs to. This is a prequel of the game The World Ends With You. TWEWY is made by Square Enix. And I own the OCs. This is a FAN FICTION and not the real prequel. Enjoy! =3
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EeveeGen9988: Here's the true Chapter 50! *throws confetti in the air again, bringing out her broom to clean up the confetti again*
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Week 2, day 3:
Chapter 50: Breezed Moments:
"You didn't have to be that extreme with telling him the truth," Ayumu said as the ashen blond sighed at that.
"It seemed subtle, Ayumu..." Joshua replied sadly, glancing around for any sign of blue hair. "I wasn't trying to drive him off..."
"But you did, Josh."
"I know, I know!" Joshua retorted in frustration as he ran his fingers through his scraggly locks. "I didn't mean to! It was the best option I had."
"Show, don't tell... huh?" Ayumu tilted his head to one side.
Joshua let out another sigh. 'Ayumu...'
If only Izo didn't flip out from discovering the fact he was under Leiko's influence... they would already be rushing to their mission's destination. Joshua sort of understood how Izo might have felt, seeing that Joshua himself was first of them to be smitten with Leiko. But that didn't matter now, they had to finish the mission and survive...
"I-I see him!" Mayu meekly pointed towards a drinking-fountain, where Joshua easily recognized the uncool navy cape Izo's jacket had.
"Great job, Mayu!" Joshua turned to smile at her, in which she blushed in response.
"It doesn't matter how Izo feels," Ayumu said emotionlessly, "only-"
"I'll get him," Joshua said quickly, brushing past his half-brother before he could continue his sermon. It was starting to get too tedious hearing Ayumu recite his lecture whenever emotions were involved, merely of the reason that Joshua hated the sound of Ayumu's current robotic voice. The longer he heard it, the more he wanted to speed through the week to reclaim and refill Ayumu with his emotions.
As he walked up to the fountain, he noticed how Izo was drenched as he franticly splashed water at his face. Most of his dark blue hair was against his scalp, nearly black from the water it absorbed. And Izo didn't even have his glasses on...
"Whoa... I didn't think you'd take a shower over some lipstick?" Joshua said with surprise, stopping to stare at Izo who was rubbing his lips roughly. "And I don't think we even have any towels to spare..."
"Shut... up..." Izo's eyes flickered up to him, and Joshua winced from the hostility present in them. "B-Brat..."
The ashen blond raised his hands up warily. "Seriously, drenching yourself doesn't seem all that practical..."
Stiffly, Izo stood up with his shoulders hunched, placing his glasses on his nose. His hardened maroon eyes were filled with nothing but sheer aloofness that sent a shiver down Joshua's spine. Joshua had a sudden urge to run and hide beating through him, but he fought against his instincts however bad the situation was becoming. He seriously didn't want to spare another second with his friend, but how the dark blue haired teen was acting made Joshua strangely stand before him, feeling ready to sweat a yucky bucketful.
'Wow... he doesn't seem to take the truth well...' Joshua let out a sigh and shook his head, seeing that the poet needed to come with him for the mission rather than glaring daggers at him.
"We've decided to work together, so... we should get to the mission now..." Joshua explained smugly, narrowing his eyes slightly as Izo growled and grumbled. "It was... a majority vote, so I'm not letting you drown yourself in the fountain, dear..."
Izo snorted, keeping his posture rigid as he snarled harshly, "I'm not working with that craven!"
"Huh?" Joshua was taken aback a bit by the terminology. "What do-" He shook his head before he spoke bitterly, "Okay... I don't understand why you're calling my brother a... 'craven' now, Izo?" It was enough that Izo called Ayumu a Blind Brat... but a craven? What was a craven!? If it was an expletive slander, Joshua would personally strangle Izo!
Izo's glare twisted as he clenched his fists. "I was talking about your inept Partner, Aleck! She's nothing but an addle-minded craven you do nothing but fawn and swoon for!"
Joshua gasped, setting a glare of his own onto the poet. "Excuse me? But Mayu is a shy girl, Izo! Why are you insulting her? And..." He grimly pursed his lips. "A craven is...?"
"A coward!" Izo snarled icily as he growled. "A stupid, inept, coward!"
"Mayu is shy!" screamed Joshua furiously as he clenched his fists. "Why have you been such a jerk to her!? She hasn't been in this damn Game long and- and you've been nothing but rude, criticizing, and cruel towards her! Why- What is your problem!? She has done nothing, nothing to you, Izo Shuuito! Nothing to you! Yet you scare and belittle her- and make her feel horrible inside! Fess up to why, Izo! Why!?"
Izo snorted, frowning unpleasantly as he grumbled to himself. He wasn't bothering to even reply which angered Joshua so much. But then he met Joshua's eyes with cold maroon. "She has no worth... abstain your doting on that craven..."
Joshua bit his lip, glaring at Izo as he glowered back.
The ashen blond had no clue why Izo had such aversion to his Partner, but Joshua hated how Izo was acting nonetheless. Mayu was a good person; Izo had no right to challenge that fact. Joshua knew for one thing that Mayu would never hurt a fly. Mayu had fortes that constantly helped them yesterday, and they might not be standing here because of her. She had worth... Izo was wrong about her!
But doting? Was Joshua doting on her? He couldn't be... he was aiding and supporting her, not doting on her. She needed his help... she was still getting used to the Game. How was that doting!? Izo had to be wrong about that fact...
Izo was about to stalk past Joshua, continuing to grumble under his breath, but Joshua snagged the poet's wrist in time. Joshua couldn't help but flinch at how cold the skin was...
When Izo scowled at Joshua, trying to tear his arm away, Joshua simply smirked. He tightened his hold and twiddled the storm blue grey cellphone over the wet haired boy's head. "Ring, ring... Want this?"
Izo instantly lashed his hand for it, only for Joshua to step backwards, dangerously teetering to fall hadn't it been for his luck. The slightly taller teen growled as Joshua kept it from reach.
"I want to thank you, for your phone," Joshua said lightheartedly, as he shook it gently.
"Impede your petty shelving!" Izo set his cold maroon eyes on him, frowning as he tried to swipe for it from Joshua.
"I was under the impression you wanted to leave..." Joshua released Izo's wrist to easily sidestep around to avoid Izo's grasp, somewhat meandering in a wonky circle that could be mistakened as a moonwalking totter.
"What resolve are you training on for this!" spat Izo angrily as he soon stopped chasing the ashen blond, adjusting his glasses as he squinted at him murderously.
"Mmm... I dunno..." Joshua snickered a bit as he relaxed, cradling the odd phone in his grasp. "An apology? For Mayu...?"
"Never!"
"It would be nice..." Joshua slowly pocketed the poet's phone and smiled at him. "And for you to come with us today, also, would be great... We did have a vote..."
"When was I permitted a subpoena to your otiose poll?" Izo slightly brushed his dripping bangs away, huffing as they returned again, only to adhere against his face this time.
"The moment you were reciting your love for the GM~" Joshua fluttered his eyelashes, quickly resting the tips of his fingers together to make a heart. Soon he tilted his head to the side as he smirked. "You voted for... your 'Lovely Chrysanthemum'~"
At once Izo scrunched his face up.
"How about this, Izo?" Joshua stared at the slightly taller teenager with a twitch of his shoulder. "You come with us, for the mission, and I'll return your phone at the end of the day... Sound good?"
"So, you are compensating my cellphone's life over the mission?" Izo growled as he glared at him, he curled his lip. "How maladroit..."
"But... it seems to work on you." Joshua smirked with a chuckle, half-closing his brilliant lavender eyes as he gestured towards their Partners. "Shall we depart?"
Izo shoved past him, grumbling and keeping his glare as fiery as it ever was. A few seconds later of watching Izo stalk away, Joshua shrugged before joining the rest of his teammates.
As he walked up, he noticed how tense Mayu was as Izo glared at her. At once Joshua rested his hand on her shoulder, making her jump before relaxing soon after. Joshua caught Izo glaring lividly at him.
"By any chance, Izo, do you know the mission?" Joshua asked politely, hiding his rage, that was boiling through his body, from coming into his tone.
Izo stiffly shook his head, probably too angry about the arrangement to utter words.
Joshua merely smiled. "'Vanquish the graffiti wallowing fiends.'"
Izo blinked before he frowned, snorting soon after.
'He better clean up his attitude soon...' thought Joshua grimly as he watched the poet seethe in silence, frowning as he soon slid his hand away from Mayu to cross his arms. 'As simple as this one is... we need full participation from him... I don't want to end up erased because he wants to be grumpy-two-shoes all the way...'
"Would it involve all of the graffiti murals?" Ayumu asked as he tilted his head, blinking his blind pewter eyes as he held his hands together. "Me and Mayu thought it could involve them, considering how popular they are in Shibuya..."
Mayu nodded quickly, fear shimmering in her pretty eyes.
"Oh really? It makes sense." Joshua mused mindfully, glancing at Izo who didn't seem to pay attention to their idea. At least Joshua's half-brother and Partner had the right idea, Izo could at least do single worded responses or head gestures to indicate his opinion on it.
Joshua sighed, soon asking Izo as cheerfully as he could, "It makes sense to you too, right, Izo?"
The dark blue haired teen crossed his arms, glaring at him before he snorted coldly, "Feh, we don't even know if it comprises the frescoes yet. Repute or not, we were petitioned to trounce Noise."
Right away Joshua could tell Izo was in a bad mood... not just his sullen temperament; he was in a dreadful mood. He could tell Izo was trying to not agree with their idea, most likely for the fact that he would be agreeing with Mayu, for whatever irrational reason he loathed her. But at least he brought forth a new idea...
"Yeah, Noise always seem to be on the chopping block," Joshua replied pleasantly with a chuckle, smiling at Izo. "We don't seem to get a vacation from them, do we?"
Izo snorted at that, adjusting his small oval glasses.
At once Ayumu spoke, "You should leave Izo alone." Joshua flinched at that and faced his half-brother. "He sounds angrier than usual, Josh."
Joshua bit his lip. He never expected the petite blond would say that to him...
It now felt awkward, and Joshua ran his fingers through his scraggly hair to dispel how he felt. But to no avail, it didn't. He flickered his lavender eyes to everyone a couple times nervously, mostly staring at his half-brother who failed to meet his. It was a few seconds before he sighed.
Slowly Joshua reached over and ruffled his half-brother's blond and golden tipped hair, somewhat smiling as he whispered, "I guess that would be a good idea, huh, Ayumu..."
Ayumu gave a nod.
As much as he felt self-conscious from being reprimanded by Ayumu, he felt like Ayumu could smooth him out like this without much effort. Plus, Joshua couldn't help but wonder if Izo was having a hard time being tugged into conversation after what Leiko had done to him. So Joshua could only assume Ayumu understood Izo needed time to himself to cool down...
Joshua groaned mentally in annoyance. 'Bad puns follow me everywhere... First Ayumu... now Izo... ugh... There has to be no puns relating to Mayu... or I'll grow insane...'
"Does anyone know where the graffiti murals may be?" Joshua blinked as he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's our... best bet for the mission, I guess... hehe..."
"U-Um... wh-where would th-they be?" Mayu whispered timidly, trying her best to inch away from the frosty poet.
"When I was alive, you mentioned some to me, Josh." Ayumu tilted his head to one side. "And a couple kids from my school kept thinking about them, too."
Joshua sweatdropped at once, frowning to himself as he thought in embarrassment, 'Oh yeah... I did...' he rubbed the back of his neck, his finger's brushing past his shirt collar as he blinked. 'I can't believe I forgot that... Maybe my memory is failing me... but that makes no sense! I'm not even an old man yet!' He wished he had the 12 year old he met yesterday's memory, it sure was vivid and outshone his any day... 'It's weird... how I keep forgetting about things lately...' Joshua could only let out a sigh, promptly messaging his temple before he concentrated on his group again.
"Th-Thinking?" The smoky black haired girl flinched at once.
"I often read the minds of my classmates," explained Ayumu as his head turned slightly to her. "I hope you didn't forget about what we discussed, Mayu... How I'm psychic."
Mayu flinched again, frowning as she stuttered, "I-I didn't mean to offend you!" At once she bowed down, the exact same way she did for Joshua. "I'm sorry!"
Joshua gently brought her out of her awkward stance and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Mayu! It takes awhile for everyone to remember that Ayumu is psychic."
Mayu lowered her gaze at once.
"There were some near Towa Records and in Mitashita Underpass," Ayumu said hollowly, as though Mayu's moment never happened. A spike of anger sliced through Joshua, which bewildered him. Normally he never felt annoyed at Ayumu? So the anger boiling inside him made no sense to Joshua! "And there was a... fuss, about Udagawa."
Instantly Joshua groaned, "Not Udagawa..." facepalming promptly and messaged his temples. "Not Udagawa!"
Soon everyone's eyes (except Ayumu's) turned to him.
Joshua frowned as he spoke warily, "It's a bad neighbourhood! Gangs live there!"
"Hmph... These... gangs... scare you?" Joshua flinched when Izo scowled at him.
"Well, no... It's dangerous," replied Joshua sheepishly.
"And they are in the RG, Aleck," growled Izo rudely with a snort, crossing his arms and snorting again, "Feh..."
Joshua let out a sigh. 'Oh dear... Izo must believe I'm scared of the RG pedestrians... It's not like they can harm us anyway... I can't believe I'm making myself an idiot today...'
Udagawa wasn't his favorite place... Sure, it was isolated and was a tad less busy than the rest of Shibuya... but the largest problem was the gangs camping its streets. Many issues on the news talked about the shenanigans they played, it was the talk of the first 15 minutes each newscast actually. And expecting parents never bought their dream home there, considering the crime abundance it was ranked highest for in the city. Which was why Ryou and Sora turned into the horrible people they were today, considering how they were brought up in those sketchy streets. He had heard rumors of how Sora and Ryou came to Cadoi Square Elementary, that they broke a preschooler's leg at the age of 5 and were expelled after numerous attempts to sate their hostile behavior. So it was most likely the teachers thought a more upbeat, shopping district like Cadoi City might help them become better citizens... yet look at the punk bullies now... It definitely was too late to change them...
"From what I can remember... Udagawa had some kind of mural CAT made," said Ayumu when the silence lasted at least ten seconds. "It's a hype I picked up a lot from everyone... So it's our best bet."
"Y-Yeah... It's not like any delinquents are going to tear through the fabrics of the Planes to throttle us or anything... heheh..." Joshua smiled gauchely, weaving his fingers through his ashen blond locks to calm himself down. He didn't want to seem more like a fool than he put himself out to be, so he sadly had to agree. Plus, Joshua was sure Ayumu would appreciate that he was supporting him by the time the petite blond regained his emotions.
"I-I heard CAT c-created the m-mural in the backstreets..." Mayu's soft voice nearly escaped his hearing, so Joshua turned to her as she held her hands to herself self-consciously, perhaps uncomfortable that the fact was already mentioned.
Regardless of the repeated information, Joshua smiled brightly as he chirped, "Oh yes, its pretty cool."
Mayu smiled slightly at him, and he could pick out excitement shining in her pretty turquoise orbs. He was glad Mayu was looking forward to the trip; his promise for exploring Shibuya with her would start as of now. He could feel his heart quicken at the idea he would give her this tour...
"Which exit must we venture?" Izo wrinkled his nose as he brushed his frizzy, drying bangs away gracefully, soon fixing his cold maroon scowl on the both of them as they broke eye contact. Joshua could only glare daggers at him before he slipped on his lips a flat line, deciding to scan their surrounds rather than watching the frosty poet who was trying to straighten his drying hair now from becoming frizzier.
It looked like all the entrances to each district was open, considering how Support Reapers stood at their posts… except the way to the Center Street Entrance… Which was weird, considering how that spot wasn't vacant yesterday. So seeing how they had to go to Udagawa, Towa Records, and Miyashita... the route they took yesterday was the best. They all went towards the Shibu Department Store, since this route was the fastest access to two of their destinations. So they could always snag Udagawa last (thankfully) to finish the mission off. But as soon as they approached the generic Reaper, they crossed their arms and shook their head.
"Nope..." he grunted as he jabbed his thumb behind him. "Closed route for today, Players."
"Huh?" Joshua wasn't familiar with this; normally they had to do the objective to proceed. He assumed that process could open all routes.
"You mean we can't pass?" Ayumu asked as he was tugged forward roughly by Izo, causing Joshua to glare at the cobalt haired teenager momentarily.
"Basically." The Reaper sighed as he adjusted his black fatigue cap, protruding from his hood. "'Closed' means no access, y'know? Just because I allowed you to pass yesterday, doesn't mean you can slide on through today, Players..."
'Wonderful...' Joshua sighed as he folded his arms, looking at the Reaper curiously. "Do we need to use another one then?"
"Clever." The Reaper shoved his hands into his pockets, twitching his black, tattooed wings as he shifted a bit. "It's clear you need to, so why don't you scurry along before you fade."
"Why thank you, dear Reaper." Joshua smiled. "At least someone is concerned about our wellbeing." He giggled after that. "All this 'thrown to the curb' treatment is starting to wear me down."
"If you mean the others living here, then yeah, I get it." The Reaper turned his hood towards the 104 Building. "But, let me tell you this: we aren't horrible people, us Reapers. Just because we chose to abide by the rules of this Plane, doesn't mean we hated the Realground. I haven't been here long, so I haven't forgotten what it was like to be like you, Players...
"But..." He shook his head. "No one wants to be erased... nor do we Reapers want to waste our time watching all of our friends and loved ones aging, moving on without us, and dying..." The Reaper paused, letting out a pained exhaled grunt as his hood dipped to the ground. "We have to erase Players to survive, it's inhumane, I know. It can wear down the person in the long run. ...By that, I mean our jobs can disturb us, causing us to form new personalities… Which is why, you should remember: No one is always your foe, nor are they your friends."
Suddenly the Reaper met Joshua's gaze, making Joshua flinch as he noticed how dull the Reaper's grey eyes were. "This Game, will change who you are... for the good or for the worst... You can't halt the Game from corrupting your being, but it's not your fault if you surrender to its influence... So beware… this Game will mess with you… mess with you how it likes to. You might need to accept your fate, sealed or unsealed, even if you disagree with it wholly."
'Corrupt us?' How could the Reaper's Game corrupt you? It tested your internal and external strengths, all for what you cherished and your will for survival. Joshua saw there was nothing that could turn him over to something akin to the Composer; he wouldn't let himself forget what he wanted. This Game wouldn't mess with him, but this warning from this Reaper was enough to send shivers down Joshua's spine when he thought about it.
"Stay strong. As long as you don't let any lies sway you, you Players should be fine." said the Reaper sternly as he inhaled before sighing, keeping his breathing steady as he continued coolly, "If it helps, ignore the western routes and head towards that one." He jerked his shoulder towards the way to the Center Street Entrance.
"If, the Reaper was extant…" growled Izo aloofly, brushing his moist bangs aside as he glared at the Reaper. "How do we benefit headway when they are not there to sanction us admittance?"
"Well, they should be there," replied the Reaper curtly. "And I'm positive that Reaper will be eager to help you."
"And why would that be...?" Joshua asked in confusion as he watched the Reaper, crossing his arms.
"You will know when you go over," the Reaper said shortly. "Trust me, you might find relief if you do. You guys are not alone, as long as you stick together." Then he flew off, effortlessly soaring over their heads and disappearing from their sights.
Joshua slowly turned to face his friends, a bit puzzled by what that Reaper meant. Of course, staying together did quell the definition of alone, so why did he emphasize that?
"We might as well go that way..." Joshua sighed as Ayumu nodded, rubbing the back of his neck as he added thoughtfully, "That Reaper didn't seem to be lying..."
"Feh, you can never tell, Aleck," Izo snorted as he reached to grab Ayumu's arm, only for Joshua to snag his half-brother's hand before the walking freezer's long fingers could.
"I'll lead Ayumu from hereon, Izo," Joshua said quickly as he started to amble forward, carefully making sure he kept his pace steady to ensure his half-brother didn't trip over his own feet. Joshua could feel Izo glaring into his skull, but he ignored the burning sensation as he tightened his grip slightly.
He despised how Izo mistreated Ayumu, roughly dragging him by the collar or by the arm... His brother was not an animal you would walk and drag along by a leash!
"What that Reaper said made sense," said Ayumu quietly as he held Joshua's hand, his bangs shifted and bounced as Joshua slightly looked over his shoulder to regard him. "If we divide, we lose each other."
"We won't, Ayumu..." Joshua chirped as they halted before the district, turning to him fully as he let go. "If we stick together for the rest of the week, we'll have a better shot at finishing the missions faster than yesterday."
"That's not what I meant."
Joshua frowned at Ayumu. "It wasn't?"
"You're acting differently." Ayumu said as his pale pewter eyes moved slightly.
"I don't understand why I would be...?" Joshua blinked as he frowned. "Could you explain?"
Ayumu inhaled before he replied, "You act differently to Mayu."
"She's shy, Ayumu."
"I know that," Ayumu said emotionlessly, "but you... dote on her..."
Joshua could only sigh in exasperation at that. "Izo told you that?"
Ayumu nodded. "I don't understand it."
"I'm not doting on her, just to be honest, Ayumu," said Joshua sternly, crossing his arms as he frowned. "She's very insecure and not confident in herself... so I'm trying to help her come out of her shell and be her fizzy self."
"Are you sure she wants you to?" The petite blond tilted his head to the side.
"She trusts me," Joshua replied curtly, wondering why his half-brother was bringing this up.
"Enough to be doted on? Like a trophy?" Ayumu blinked as he added, "You're sheltering her, Josh, more than you think. It's more likely you're suffocating her than helping."
"Mayu needs my help," retorted Joshua as he narrowed his eyes, "and- I'm not doting on her!" Why didn't Ayumu understand his reasoning?
"I don't understand…" Ayumu said as he looked away slightly. "You're pouring energy into her and not focusing…"
The ashen blond opened his mouth only to close it, softening his expression as he watched his half-brother. Joshua wondered if Ayumu was trying to tell him he wasn't paying attention to him, which made sense if Ayumu had emotions. But nonetheless, he did talk to Mayu more than Ayumu lately… and supported her more than him…
Shame trickled into his heart and he grimaced. "I'm ignoring you? Is that it?" Ayumu didn't respond to him, and he took that was a yes. Instantly he sighed and wrapped his arms around the petite blond, closing his eyes as he murmured sadly, "Sorry, Ayu… I didn't mean to do that. It's just… she needs support right now... You know how she's new to the Game… and it's scaring her quite a bit… I think once she becomes comfortable here, she'll be fine on her own…"
Ayumu didn't reply, even as Joshua inhaled shakily.
For a few moments they stayed like this, silent, as if time stilled. That was until something occurred to Joshua. He soon drew back, frowning as his heart sank when Ayumu continued to stay quiet. He continued to wait, raising his expectations each second he stared at the petite blond hopefully. But then he closed his eyes, shaking his head as he choked out, "Aren't you… going to tell me the reason why I shouldn't call you 'Ayu'?"
"Do I have to?" Ayumu replied hollowly. "I don't see the point to. You should understand that it made me feel angry before, but now I don't. You know why."
"B-But you always…" Joshua's strained voice died as he bit his lip.
"If it makes you feel better, I could remind you that it's a girl's name if you want me to." Ayumu tilted his head to one side. "Sound good?"
Joshua couldn't believe this, and it bothered him so much. Ayumu shouldn't remind him why the nickname he used since their first meeting shouldn't be used because Joshua wanted him to, it should be a normal response. For years he wanted Ayumu to accept that he was going to call him by that nickname, despite loving the cute responses he always got when Ayumu protested against it. But now… Joshua didn't want his Entry Fee to be the reason as to why Ayumu would drop doing his act. It was normal for Ayumu to remind him, but for Ayumu to do it because it was for Joshua's satisfaction didn't feel right to him.
"Do you want me to, Josh?" Ayumu asked as he kept staring away from him.
It was a few moments before Joshua hesitantly replied, "Y-Yes…"
Ayumu nodded. "Okay." After a pause he spoke, "You shouldn't call me Ayu, Josh, it's a girl's name. I'm a boy, not a girl." He tilted his head to one side. "Does that make you feel better?"
'No… it didn't…' Joshua bit his lip again, wanting to feel the acquainted taste of blood on his tongue for once. He shook his head; painfully aware Ayumu was waiting for him to agree. But he couldn't tell Ayumu that it made him feel glad, or comfortable… it wasn't right! 'How could this… happen to you! You don't deserve this! You should have your emotions! You should be alive! You should be telling me the Reaper's Game doesn't exist! This should never have happened to you! I did this to you! I'm sorry!'
Suddenly Joshua was aware of Ayumu patting his hand against his face, soon resting it against Joshua's cheek as tears climbed over it to continue to fall. "You're crying again…"
Joshua didn't answer, he sniffled as Ayumu began to tilt his hand and shape it into a cup as the tears (that Joshua was unaware of until now) fell into it. "I should have made you happy, I did what you wanted me to. You normally are laughing at my attempts to stop you from calling me 'Ayu'… I don't understand why you're crying… you shouldn't be sad. But… are you crying because you're happy? It's rare, but makes no sense."
Soon Joshua took Ayumu's hand and drew it away, squeezing it gingerly as he tried to blink away the rest of his tears. "Josh, do you want me to do that? If it makes you cry…"
"You can do it," Joshua replied sadly, wanting to stop Ayumu from talking about his tears. "You don't need my permission, Ayumu." He made himself smile, hoping he could dismiss the pain and remorse churning through his heart and make himself cheerful. "You never needed permission before!" He let out a giggle, but knew he failed to make it sound cheerful. "Hehehe..." It sounded more girly, unnatural, and in a sense he found it to be grating on his nerves. He hated that giggle he made…
Ayumu nodded and blinked his pale pewter eyes. "Okay."
Joshua kept his smile on, letting go of Ayumu's hand to wipe his tears away. He didn't want Izo or Mayu to ask him about why he was crying; it was embarrassing enough that Ayumu had to chat about his tears…
His breath hitched, and he looked around feeling confused. "H-Hey, Ayumu…?"
"What is it, Josh?"
"Wasn't Mayu and Izo behind us?" Joshua asked as he furrowed his eyebrows, continuing to search for the familiar figures. "It wasn't a far way to walk... and they should be with us?"
"I don't know, maybe they trailed behind to talk," Ayumu supplied as he played with his hands. "It's a pretty useful way to distance themselves and talk in private, Josh."
Joshua grimaced, gazing back to the route they came from, feeling his heart race. "Let's go, Ayumu. It's not like the Reaper is here anyways…"
"Okay, you lead the way." Joshua quickly took Ayumu's hand and began to lead them back the way they came.
Joshua didn't see a reason for why Izo would want to talk to Mayu. To Joshua, Izo seemed to dislike the introverted girl for some odd reason, so for them to not follow Joshua and Ayumu for a nice little chat didn't feel right to Joshua. For crying out loud, Izo called her a coward! There was no way Izo harbored positive emotions to Mayu, or positive emotions in general, so why would he do that?
He continued to tug Ayumu along, noticing how his steps were steadily accelerating each time his heart thumped. He didn't know why, but he felt uncomfortable and anxious that something could have happened to them. Something bad could have happened to them…
Ignoring his brother's comments on the matter, Joshua started to dash forward as he whipped his head around for either of his two companions. It was only a few moments later that he stopped when saw Izo stalking over while Mayu slowly followed.
"There you guys are!" Joshua exclaimed breathlessly as he let go of Ayumu, soon trotting over the last stretch between him and the other two as he added with concern, "You weren't with us when we got to the route…"
"What? Did you deem we perished?" barked Izo bitterly, shoving past Joshua as he continued, "Tsk, how nice of you to apprize our wellbeing…"
Joshua widened his eyes as he turned around to watch Izo stalk away, nearly choking on his inhale as he felt baffled as to why Izo was acting rudely to him… even though it shouldn't come to him as a surprise… He dismissed it as aggravation that Izo despised how he had to come along for the mission and this earlier morning's incident.
Once he had enough of pondering about that, he turned around to greet his Partner, catching Mayu's pretty gaze only for his remark to dwindle to dust. Past their shy layer, he noticed that sorrow was hinted in them.
"A-Are you alright?" Joshua asked in concern, causing Mayu to flinch as she nodded with tiny bounces of her head. She soon smiled gently at him, which made him relieved a bit. He went over and placed his hand on her shoulder. "That's good…"
He bit his lip, slightly shifting his gaze towards Izo who was already at the gate of the route they had to take. "I hope Izo didn't give you trouble or anything…"
"N-No, he didn't…" she murmured timidly as they fell into an amble. Joshua somehow gained a faster pace than her so he reduced his to match her slow one. "It must have been horrible… h-how L-Leiko…" Mayu didn't finish her sentence, faltering in her steps and Joshua halted as well.
"Yeah, I understand." Joshua inhaled quietly before sighing, soon crossing his arms as he mused with annoyance, "Izo's generally surly to people, so don't think of it as an offence to you, Mayu… I've worked with him last week, so, I know how cold he can be…"
The shorthaired girl half-closed her eyes, frowning as she gazed slightly at Izo. For a moment, Joshua thought she was shaking, but he quickly dismissed it when she started to walk towards Izo again, this time at a faster pace. However, Joshua instantly observed she was hobbling a bit when she passed by Ayumu, which made him widen his lavender eyes.
"H-Hold on!" Joshua briskly moved over and stopped his Partner; she flinched at once when he studied her legs. He narrowed his eyes when he saw how one of her legs was awkwardly fidgeting a bit on the spot. "What happened?" he sternly asked, lifting his gaze to Mayu's frightened turquoise.
"I-It's n-nothing!" she protested weakly as Joshua clenched his hands into fists. "I-I sort of t-tripped back there, a-and Izo noticed th-that! That's w-why we didn't c-catch up w-with you t-two!"
As much as he wanted to believe her, something smelled off about it.
"Was it Izo?" Joshua asked warily, soon lowering his voice as his frustration swirled in it. "Did he hurt you?"
She shook her head. "I-I'm fine." she tried to get past him but he barred her path.
"Please," he murmured dolefully, searching Mayu's eyes as he put in a bit crushed, "Did he?" He realized his tone had become pleading in the last few seconds he asked her, but he couldn't help it. If Izo hurt Mayu, Joshua would definitely confront Izo about it and give Izo's attitude a fix. It worried Joshua that Mayu and Izo didn't seem to get along, and he was tired of Izo's behavior. It was enough for Joshua to want to stalk over and punch the poet out cold.
When Mayu didn't respond right away, Joshua's voice stuck shrilly as he cried, "Just tell me!"
Mayu kept quiet; she reluctantly gazed back into his eyes with uncertainty.
Joshua let out a sigh, breaking eye contact to lower his gaze to the ground. Somehow he felt like he was just beaten, and he couldn't save what he lost. Why didn't Mayu want to tell him?
"You don't have to say, Mayu." Joshua widened his eyes, turning to Ayumu as the petite blond blinked and added, "Let's just worry about the mission, 'kay?"
Mayu looked a bit taken aback, but she quickly scurried in her limp around Joshua and headed towards to Center Street Entrance's gate.
Suddenly a rush of rage swelled in his chest, Joshua whipped to Ayumu as he scowled. "Why did you do that!?" Joshua spat harshly as he clenched his fists, feeling his breathing accelerate as he faced his half-brother.
"First of all," Ayumu responded with apathy, "I said it, not did it." He blinked his blank, pupiless pewter eyes before he went on, disregarding how the breeze tickled his blond hair, "Second, you made her uncomfortable."
"I was worried about her!" retorted Joshua as he shook, feeling his mind whirl as he pointed abruptly at Ayumu. "She got hurt and I want to know why!" His lavender eyes still remained narrowed as he let out a huff, "Especially if it's Izo's doing!"
"Relax." Suddenly he felt Ayumu pawing for his shoulder, soon resting his hand on it as the petite blond blinked. "You should let her be, Josh…"
"What!?" Joshua recoiled as soon as he threw off Ayumu's hand, glaring at his half-brother. "This needs to be settled no-"
"Oh, I guess I phrased that wrong." Ayumu tilted his head to one side; in turn his bangs draped over half his face. "You scared her."
Joshua's voice expired; he didn't even close his mouth so he left it in a gape. For a while he stared at Ayumu in silence, unable to comprehend the words his half-brother had spoken.
Ayumu inhaled softly, soon speaking again when he seemed to understand Joshua wasn't going to speak, "I know I can't see, feel, or sense things, Josh, but I think you were pressuring her. And the key word is 'think', Josh." He paused momentarily before he finished, "Just the way you sounded… it's a bit too early."
Joshua soon found his voice. "Early?" He found his voice had been shaking.
"Yeah." Ayumu's head bounced, he played with his hands as he explained, "If she seemed this hesitant to tell you, don't you think she isn't ready to tell you yet? I think you were a bit too rash, Josh." He tilted his head. "Hmm… maybe harsh as well." Joshua's heart stopped beating briefly. "So, why don't you just wait until she comes to reveal to you what had happened? That way, she feels comfortable with telling you and isn't frightened instead."
Joshua declined his expression, frowning as he let the slightly messy-haired boy's words seep into his brain. 'I-I guess Ayumu's right…' he let out a sigh as he continued to ponder forlornly, 'Even if I was worried, I shouldn't have been that tough on her… just like yesterday…'
The memory of Mayu rushing towards her dropped makeshift weapon that Joshua created yesterday ran through his mind. He felt so scared that she nearly got herself erased. Now that he thought about it, scolding her about her actions didn't mediate the situation. Nor did it change how he felt back then, perhaps now as well. Even if Mayu thought he wasn't harsh with her during that instance, he felt his heart sink as he knew he was.
It was always a quality he had that was akin to his father's… One that politeness often was overrode by… He even remembered that his father once said, "Playing nice won't always get the point across. Sometimes you have to be rough in order to get your voice heard. Yoshiya, there's one thing that I want you to remember: Situations cannot always be dealt with if you are soft to them."
He closed his eyes, dipping his head as he bit his lip. "I guess I was…" Ayumu didn't reply, and Joshua was glad. He needed some silence right now.
Even as he watched the timer count down from 2 and a half hours, his mind could only linger on his Partner.
To be continued… hope you enjoyed the chapter =3