notes: 天 : ten no ryuu, 地球 : chi no ryuu, 神威 : kamui, CCD : CCD era
(07/08/07 : 41/50) 神威
Kamui disliked irony. Most anything that had ever struck him as ironic seemed designed to make his life even shittier. So one might imagine his face when, in a rare moment of academic outreach, he sought out Keiichi's usual gazebo and instead found Fuuma. Nothing could prepare him for what happened next: His Gemini glanced at him over a book and immediately looked... disappointed.
Kamui blinked, wondering why they hadn't sensed each other. Meanwhile, Fuuma regrouped and emerged with the usual cruel smile. But the damage was done. Kamui had seen through him, and that vulnerable expression twisted his insides.
(07/09/07 : 42/50) 神威
Fuuma had to admit that things were beginning to spin way out of control. He'd been so intent on his usual study date with Segawa that he hadn't bothered to keep a signal out for other Dragons. And to be caught off by Kamui, of all people--he'd kick himself if it weren't completely useless. But what was done was done. So he stepped out into the clearing, readjusting his posture and smile to threatening. It felt awkward, but it was nowhere near the horror that struck the both of them when Keiichi appeared, gleefully knocking him flat with kisses.
(07/10/07 : 43/50) 地球
If you asked him why he did it, he might shrug and say all is fair... But when Keiichi came into the wooded space across from the gazebo and saw Monou take up that ridiculous stance, something wicked curled into his smile. Apparently, that silly man of his still needed to learn how obvious his bullshit was. He crouched and sprang at the other, delighting how Fuuma abruptly turned deer-in-headlights before the ground rushed up to catch them. Once on top, he pressed his advantage, so involved in his victory and those undignified, breathless noises, he never noticed their audience.
(07/11/07 : 44/50) 天
Kamui stared for a long minute, unable to comprehend exactly what he was watching. His "normal" classmate Keiichi, sitting astride Fuuma, the superhuman antichrist, completely overwhelming him with... uh... He was certain that if his brain were capable of function in that moment, it would fail anyway, like a car switching gears without a clutch.
It wasn't until the impressions started coming through--the emotions and images associated with Wishes--that a hot knot of nausea rose in his gut. He didn't know when he unlocked that technique, but it was nothing short of voyeurism. Mortified, he turned and fled.
(07/12/07 : 45/50) 天
Several kekkai fell in the weeks following the onset of Kamui's newest bout of depression. His dragons, justly concerned, visited often in hopes of rousing him. They were losing. They needed him. But Kamui wouldn't speak—hadn't since the day Nokoru found him huddled in the park. Whatever happened, he refused to acknowledge. Instead he lay in bed for days, staring out the window. Watching. Waiting. For what, he wouldn't say.
The chairman grieved quietly at his bedside, positive he was responsible somehow. But eventually the wait ended. Kamui rose, embracing him with whispered gratitude, and left.
He never returned.
(07/13/07 : 46/50) 地球
The cold ocean air whipped around them, seeping into his clothes and stinging his cheeks pink, but Keiichi's hand remained warm inside his as they climbed down the rocks to the water. His lover carefully cradled an urn with his free arm, his face somewhat pale as they reached their final destination. It was time to scatter the ashes.
"I should have done this days ago," Keiichi admitted, voice suddenly hoarse, "but... 'kaasan always asked about you. It wouldn't feel right if you weren't here with me."
Fuuma squeezed encouragingly. "I made her a promise. I intend to keep it."
(07/14/07 : 47/50) 天
Despite all the recent upheaval, the chairman found himself curiously balanced. The Seals passed around him, distraught, but he had no words of comfort. Kamui was beyond help. That was a fact. He'd gone to serve a higher purpose—to decide Judgment. Their purpose now was to await the outcome—to be Judged.
Die with no regrets.
Kamui's final words were imbued with damnation and strength. Their implications empowered him. And so it was that Nokoru finally approached Suoh with his heart on his sleeve. "How is Nagisa-jo?"
Surprise, then relief met him. A smile. "I thought you'd never ask."
(07/15/07 : 48/50) 地球
Keiichi was worried. Something was coming. He couldn't explain how he knew, but it seemed as tangible as that look in Fuuma's eyes whenever there was an earthquake—and there had been an increasing number of those, lately. His boyfriend was involved. He knew that without asking, and he knew better than to ask...
But the night came when there were no disturbances and Fuuma got that look in his eyes anyway. When he kissed him goodnight, Keiichi couldn't bear it any longer. "Will I see you again?"
No answer came, only a hug that crushed his ribs and heart.
(07/16/07 : 49/50) 神威
The Final Day foretold never came to pass. Instead the kamui came together quietly, settling onto opposite sides of a sun-warmed bench, their shinken laid harmlessly between them. They hardly acknowledged one another, but that also seemed appropriate in such an anticlimactic setting. Nearly an hour passed before Kamui breached that silence, his tone ironic. "I finally understand you. I always wanted to, but I think I like this less."
Fuuma chuckled wryly. "The more I learned, the more I realized I didn't understand you at all."
For the first time in years, they shared a moment of self-depreciating laughter.
(07/17/07 : 50/50) 神威
It could only be avoided so long, and inevitably their conversation had to address the business at hand. It was with some reluctance that Kamui acknowledged that. "Now what?"
"This is the End," Fuuma replied, raising and tilting the shinken softly against his throat. "Are you afraid?"
He didn't flinch. There was no threat to him. "No, not anymore."
The blade withdrew. "Good. I won't go easy on you. If you can't stand against me seriously, you will die." A pause. "But I'll give you three days. Convince me."
Kamui couldn't breathe. Fuuma wanted to talk. "Yes. We'll decide together."