United
By Steph O'Dell
Based on the fanfiction "United We Stand" by Anime Master ZeroChapter 2: Make A Wish!
Takuya slowly woke up, prying his blurry eyes open, and winching at the bright light coming in through his window. He heard birds chirping happily outside.
Groaning, Takuya rolled over and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He looked around, and realized that he wasn't at home. He sighed. He'd forgotten the events of the day before. This was the AMGDI, not his home in Shibuya. And he now had to save the universe from annihilation.
He fell onto his back on the bed. Schoolwork was better than this…
A knock on the door caught Takuya's attention. He sat up. "It's open," he called.
The door slid open with a hiss, and Ryo stepped in. Smiling, Ryo held out Takuya's now clean clothes. "I thought you might want these," he said sheepishly.
Takuya smiled. "Thanks," he replied. He stuffed his head through the neck of his shirt.
"When you're dressed," Ryo began, "You can come have breakfast."
"Cool!" Takuya spoke up. He smiled wide. Food was good. Food would be a good thing.
Ryo smiled back and nodded. Takuya hurriedly dressed, eager to eat.
Walking down the hallways, Takuya looked around, trying to absorb as much information as possible. He caught glimpses of what appeared to be training rooms, and even shooting ranges. He saw a large garden, with a pond and a small bridge, and hot springs with ornate waterspouts carved to look like dragonheads. Takuya shook his head in wonder. How could a place have so much stuff all in one place? What exactly WAS this place?
A young girl ran up to Ryo. She had long blond hair that touched the ground, and the strangest ears that Takuya had ever seen. The girl handed a device to Ryo.
"Here you go, sir," she said. "Here's the communicator you asked for."
"Thank you, Chii," Ryo replied. "You've been a big help."
Chii bowed, turned and left.
Takuya stared at Chii as she left. "Who…what was that?!"
Ryo chuckled. "That was Chii. She's a Persicom." Ryo smiled wryly at Takuya. "A Persicom is a cyborg created to help people. We found her on another world. She's been a big help." Ryo handed the device to Takuya. "This is for you."
Takuya looked at the device. It was the same wrist-mounted device Ryo wore. "What is this?" Takuya asked.
"A communications device. We use them to stay in contact with each other." Ryo grinned. "Now that you're one of us, you get one too!"
Takuya smiled as he put the communicator on. One of them…
The mess hall was clean, and had dozens of tables where many, many people could sit and eat. At the moment, only a few people were enjoying their breakfasts.
Ryo tugged Takuya's sleeve. "Over here," he said.
Takuya followed Ryo over to a counter. He reasoned that this was where they would get their food.
Ryo rang a small bell on the counter. Immediately after, a voice called out from the kitchen. "Just a moment!"
A boy came into view a moment later. He was rather tall for his age, and had spiky brown hair held back by a pink hair band. A few long strands of hair poked out from the top of his head, making it look as if he had cockroach antenna.
"Hi!" the boy said enthusiastically. "Good morning, Ryo-san! And you're new, aren't you?" he asked Takuya. "I'm Azuma Kazuma. Pleased to meet you!" He shook Takuya's hand firmly.
"I'm Takuya Kanabara," Takuya replied shakily. He wasn't sure what to think of this strange boy.
Azuma laughed heartily. "What can I get you this morning?"
Ryo smiled. "What's on the menu today?"
Azuma looked around, as if afraid someone might overhear. "Just between us," he began, speaking low. "I just finished Japan #167. Would you like to try it?"
Takuya knitted his brows, puzzled. Japan #167?
Azuma placed two buns on the food trays, and then added fruit and other stuff. He smiled. "Tell me what you think."
Ryo picked up the bun, and smiled at Takuya. "You're in for a treat. Azuma makes the best bread around."
Azuma blushed, embarrassed. "I wouldn't say that, Ryo-san!"
Takuya picked up his bun, and took a bite. He chewed for a moment, and then he suddenly had a flash. He was standing in a garden, with the flower blossoms falling all around him. The air was still, with only a soft breeze moving the petals through the air towards the ground in a white storm. The air smelled so fragrant, and Takuya breathed deeply. He felt so at peace. Then suddenly, he was standing in front of Azuma again. The young bread maker had an anxious look on his face. "Well?" he asked.
"That's amazing!" Ryo and Takuya spoke up at the same time. Azuma looked delighted.
"Yay! I knew adding vanilla bean extract would add that little something special!" Azuma bounced up and down, clapping happily. "Another success!"
Ryo led Takuya over to the table where everyone else was eating. "Told you Azuma was good."
Takuya nodded in agreement.
Ryo and Takuya sat down, and everyone looked up, except Kai, at the other end of the table. It took a moment, but Takuya realized Kai was asleep, probably the first sleep he'd had in a long while.
Ryo began introducing Takuya to everyone at the table. "Takuya, this is Ritchie, our transporter chief." Ritchie smiled at Takuya, and the two boys shook hands.
"If you ever need anything at all, Takuya, don't hesitate to ask," Ritchie told Takuya. Takuya smiled wider. "Thanks."
"This is Sora, who you met briefly yesterday. He helps run the training programs," Ryo continued.
Sora smiled and shook Takuya's hand. "Don't worry, we'll get along fine!"
"And this is Chaud," Ryo finished up the introductions. "You probably won't see him much. He works in the programming sector, keeping all of our tech going. He built the Holodecks we'll be using later for training."
Takuya's eyes got very big. Chaud gave a sniff. "It wasn't that big of a deal," he stated dryly. "Don't make a big deal over it."
Takuya was about to say something, when the lights went dark, and an alarm went off. A red light flashed.
"Damn, the alarm," Ryo grumbled. "Breakfast will have to wait…"
Everyone stood in the meeting room ten minutes later, some very tired looking, others very grumpy looking, and others (no names coughKaicough) were both. Takuya looked around, amazed. This small handful of people was keeping this huge building running?
A door opened, and a woman stepped into the room. Takuya gasped. She was tall, with long blue hair, and sharp blue eyes. She was clothed richly in a kimono, which was hanging elegantly on her thin frame. She had fish-like webs on her arms and legs, between her fingers and toes, and feathery gills extended from her throat. She cleared her throat sharply and glared at Takuya.
"Do you have a staring problem, Mr. Kanabara?" she asked sharply.
Takuya looked shocked, then ashamed. "No, ma'am…" he replied, abashed, averting his gaze. Sora stifled his giggles behind his hand.
"Sora," the woman spoke up sharply, looking at the Keyblade holder. Sora shot to attention.
"Yes, Umi-Sama! How can I help you, ma'am?" he asked.
Umi sat on her desk, and Takuya blushed. Umi's kimono fell off her legs, revealing her creamy white skin in a way that made Takuya nervous. It was very sensual, too much so.
"I've had a revelation, Sora," Umi said, speaking as if Sora was the only person in the room. "It occurred to me this morning, in the bath. I mean, I can't be everywhere at one. Byakku knows I try. She references Byakku like 'God'. So read it like 'God knows I try'. But then, I realized, 'Hey, Yuko LOVES this kind of thing!' So I want you to go get her. Now."
Silence followed. Sora cleared his throat. "What?"
Umi looked annoyed. "You heard me. Go. Get. Yuko. NOW." She waved Sora off. "Don't just sit there. GET GOING!"
Kai scowled. "You talk too much."
"Yeah? And you've got an attitude problem, asshole!" Umi shot back.
The door opened again, and Hien came in. He sighed. "Umi, quit mouthin' off."
Umi rolled her eyes. "Oh, boy…"
"Why are you so worked up?" Hien continued. "You're so upset, it's raining out there! And not just a gentle spring rain either!" Hien looked upset. "Stop being angry!"
Umi stuck out her tongue. "Bite me, asswipe!" she snapped, growing more irritated.
Hien visibly restrained himself from smacking Umi. Clearly, this wasn't the first time she'd done this.
The door opened again, and Susanou came in. He ran over to Umi, and began rubbing her arms.
"Oh Umi!" he cooed, trying to comfort her.
Hien rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Susanou asked. "Tell Susanou all about it!"
Umi pouted. "I want Yuko, and no one will get her for me! I want Yuko!"
Susanou looked at Umi seriously. "Why do you want Yuko, Umi-chan?"
"BECAUSE! She's Yuko!" Umi began to hold her breath.
Susanou looked at Hien. "Yuko may be a help here."
Hien looked enraged. "You're just going to give in to her? Man, you are whipped!"
Susanou's eyes flashed. "I just feel that we'd all win if we brought Yuko here. She IS the Space-Time Witch after all…"
Hien looked at Umi, who was turning blue. He sighed. "All right…"
Umi released her breath. "YAY!" she cheered, leaping up and giving Hien a huge hug. Hien gasped for air. "Let GO!" he gasped, struggling to get free.
Susanou turned to the group as Hien struggled with Umi in the background. "Okay, your new mission is to go to World CLMP 999-46542 and retrieve Yuko. Understood?"
"Yes sir," everyone spoke up.
"Good. Then let's get a move on, people!" Susanou replied.
"I'm going?" Takuya repeated, disbelieving.
"That's right," Ryo said. "Hien gave you the go-ahead. He thinks it's good experience."
"All right!" Takuya celebrated.
"Don't get too happy right away," Ryo warned. "Kai's coming, too."
Takuya sobered. "Awww…"
Ritchie turned in his seat at the Transporter. "All ready to go on your command, sir!" he said.
Sparky, Ritchie's Pikachu, saluted and agreed. "Pika pi!"
Ryo nodded. "Good. Open the gate, and prepare for transport."
Takuya took his place at the gate with Ryo and Kai. Kai gave him a nasty look, but said nothing. Takuya tried not to think about it.
"Energize!" Ryo said. Steph dies laughing. Star Trek joke!
Ritchie nodded, and started the Transporter. Takuya blinked, and everything went white for a moment, then another scene came into focus.
He saw a large building with a high fence. Takuya blinked. "Is this it?"
"Yeah…" Ryo looked as shocked as Takuya. "Wow, for someone with Yuko's reputation, you'd think she lived in something…bigger."
Kai grunted, unimpressed.
Two girls appeared at the gate. They grabbed hold of the three boys, and dragged them all inside.
"Welcome!" one said. "I'm Maru!"
"And I'm Moro!" the other said.
"The Mistress has been expecting you!" the two girls said in unison. They sat the boys down, and brought them tea. "She'll be right with you," they said, again in unison, and left the room.
Takuya looked around. The small dojo was very clean and neat. There were curious objects on the walls, and odd furniture was here and there. He turned at the sound of footsteps outside.
A boy about seventeen was coming inside. He had dark hair and glasses. He was carrying many bags of groceries. The boy stopped when he saw the boys.
"Oh…guests…" he looked flustered. "You must be here to see Yuko. Umm…I'll go get her…"
"Actually," Ryo spoke up, holding his hand out, "Maru and Moro went to get her. Do you need help with those?"
"No! No! I'm fine!" the boy said, embarrassed. "I do this all the time!" He kicked off his shoes, and ran into another room.
A moment later, the boy was back. "Can I get you anything?" he asked.
Takuya looked at his tea. "Maybe some honey. This tea's kinda bitter."
The boy nodded, and ran into the other room again. He came back with honey, which he gave to Takuya and sat down.
"I'm Kimihiro Watanuki," he introduced himself. "I work at this shop."
"I'm Akayami Ryo, this is Kanabara Takuya, and Hiwatari Kai," Ryo introduced everyone to Watanuki. "We're here on business."
Maru and Moro entered the room. "Yuko will be with you momentarily," they said, in unison. They sat down on the floor, and began to play cards.
A moment later, a tall woman with long, dark hair entered the room. She was wearing an extravagant kimono, and was very pale. She smiled knowingly.
"Ahhh…Akayami-san…welcome. I've been expecting you." Yuko sat down with the others.
Takuya looked amazed. "How did you know—?"
"She was probably behind the screen, and heard us when we introduced ourselves," Kai reasoned dryly. "Nothing to be amazed about."
Yuko winked at Kai. "Ahh, yes. The disbeliever."
"We're here because—" Ryo began, but Yuko cut him off.
"Umi wants to see me. Yes, I know. I'll be there. Just let me pack." She turned to Watanuki. "Start packing."
Watanuki looked both shocked and irritated. "What?! Why can't you pack your own things?"
Yuko laughed. "Your things too. You're coming with me."
Watanuki yelled and pulled his hair. "NOOOOOOOO!!" he seemed very agitated. "I have school, and practice, and…and…Himawari-chan!"
Yuko grinned, obviously enjoying Watanuki's pain. "Silly boy! Where we're going, you won't have to worry about that stuff!" She laughed. "Now, go help Maru and Moro pack my things." She shooed him out of the room, and Maru and Moro pulled him along by the sleeves.
Ryo laughed. "You're awfully mean to him, Yuko-san!"
Yuko smiled, wryly. "Yes, well, he needs to learn. Can I get you anything?"
"Actually, if you don't mind," Ryo replied, "We'd like to help Watanuki-kun."
Takuya nodded.
Yuko grinned. "By all means!" she said, waving them in. Ryo and Takuya left the room.
Kai stared at Yuko. Yuko looked back at him. "You want to ask me something, don't you?" she said, finally.
Kai didn't respond, but he lowered his eyes.
Yuko leaned closer to Kai. "You want to know how to reach him…"
Kai's head snapped up. He glared at Yuko. How did she know…?!
Yuko smiled. "I can tell you…if you're willing to pay the price for it…"
Kai gritted his teeth. He was silent for a while.
"I'll think about it," he whispered softly.
Watanuki leaned on Yuko's luggage, panting for air. Ryo and Takuya also seemed rather winded.
Yuko kissed Maru and Moro. "Be good, and run the shop while I'm gone," she said. "It won't be for too long."
"Goodbye Mistress! Goodbye Watanuki!" the girls chimed in unison.
Ryo called Ritchie on the communicator. "Ritchie, you got us?"
"Reading everyone loud and clear!" Ritchie replied. "Preparing to transport now!"
Takuya saw everything go white again, and then Ritchie came into focus. They were all back at the AMGDI.
"Welcome back, sirs!" Ritchie said. Ryo smiled and stepped forward.
Umi ran into the room, squealing. "YUKO!!" she squeaked happily, throwing her arms around the equally enthusiastic woman. The two hugged.
"Umi! Good to see you! You've been well, I see!" Yuko stared at Umi, delighted.
Everyone stared at the two women, sweatdrops visible.
Susanou, Hien, and another woman Takuya hadn't seen entered the room. Yuko smiled and waved. "Susanou! Hien! Gaia! Good to see you all!"
Gaia blushed, hiding her eyes. He long brown hair swayed as she moved, and the ivy tendrils in it whispered with every movement.
Susanou turned to Ritchie. "Please escort Yuko-san to her room."
Ritchie nodded, and stood up. Sparky climbed onto Ritchie's shoulder.
"Please, follow me, ma'am," he said to Yuko, ushering her out of the room.
"Come, Watanuki, and bring the bags!" Yuko tosses over her shoulder.
Watanuki's face was one of fury. Ryo patted Watanuki on the shoulder.
"We'll help you. C'mon, Takuya, help me with these." Ryo picked up a couple of bags. Takuya did the same, and the three followed Yuko out of the room.
Kai left the room, and walked slowly to the medical ward. He entered to see Chii attending Rei. Chii looked up, startled, and quickly left the room. Kai sighed. He sat down beside Rei, and stroked Rei's hand. Rei hadn't changed. He was still in a deep sleep, his face tranquil. Kai felt his eyes droop. Too tired to fight sleep, he gave in. He laid his head on Rei's chest and fell asleep, listening to Rei's heartbeat.
Kai snapped awake when Yuko put her hand on Kai's shoulder. He looked up into her face, and she smiled, bemused.
"Did you think about what I said?" she asked gently.
Kai looked at Rei's serene face. Finally, he nodded. "I did," he said tiredly.
"And…?" Yuko prodded gently.
"Alright, tell me," Kai replied, grimly.
Yuko nodded. "In order for me to tell you, you must pay me equal payment."
"How much?" Kai asked.
Yuko shook her head. "This isn't money we're talking about. This is something much more precious to you." She looked at Kai, sadly. "For this information, you must give me ten years of your life."
Kai looked shocked. "What? How--? That's impossible!"
Yuko closed her eyes. "You must give me one of your tail feathers."
Kai stared at Yuko in absolute shock. How did she…no one knows about…
Yuko opened one eye. "Let me pick it. I can see which one is the right one."
Kai stood up. "I don't know how you found out, but there is no way I'm going to let you yank one of my feathers out! Forget it!" He started to leave.
Yuko held onto his shoulder. "I know this is hard, but you have to trust me. A phoenix's life is in his feathers. You have to let me do this if you want Rei to wake up."
Kai looked at Rei again, tears welling up. Finally, he sighed.
"Alright…turn away, please."
Yuko turned, and Kai unbuckled his pants, and pulled his tail free. He let it fall to the floor, and sighed. Yuko turned around, and smiled.
"Ohhh…this is very beautiful! A fine specimen! I haven't seen a phoenix tail like this in a long time!" Yuko gushed over the soft feathers.
Kai growled. "Just hurry up already!"
Yuko cleared her throat. "Right." She ran her fingers over the tail, until she came to one that was the right length. She seized hold and yanked.
Kai yelped in pain as the feather was pulled out. Yuko smiled, and snuggled her cheek against it.
"Ahh…so soft and warm…you are a pureblood after all." She slipped it into a pocket in her kimono, and turned back to Kai, who had hurriedly tucked his tail back into his pants.
"In order for Rei to awaken, his heart needs to be rebuilt. To do this, his memories must be restored to him. You can help him accomplish this by letting him borrow a piece of your heart." Yuko smirked.
Kai knitted his eyebrows together. "How?"
Yuko smirked farther. "I can fuse your hearts together. As Rei's heart grows back, you'll gain more of your heart back, and Rei will be able to function more under his own power."
Kai thought for a moment. "What would happen…? I mean, wouldn't I feel…?"
Yuko nodded. "You'd feel his pain, and he'd feel yours. If one heart stops beating, they both would." Yuko's face became serious. "You wouldn't be able to leave each other's sides for the first while. You'd need to be very close."
Kai nodded. "I can do that."
Yuko smiled. "You're brave. But you'll need to be. He'll be very weak and child-like for the first while. Remember, most of his memories are gone. He'll be afraid, and clingy. He'll need you to take care of him. He'll need to feel safe and secure."
Kai nodded again.
Yuko became serious again. "Then, let's get on with it." She stepped up beside Rei and placed one hand over his heart. The other hand she placed over Kai's heart. Yuko then closed her eyes, and concentrated.
A bright circle of light appeared, and a wind picked up. Yuko's voice was strong as she chanted.
"Two hearts, lost in a sea of black, come together as one. Light, guide them to the shore. Binding force, seal the light together. AI DA! Guide them home!"
Kai felt a searing pain in his heart, and suddenly his head swam. He felt hollow, and weakened, but a comforting spirit enveloped his cold heart, and he calmed. An old feeling he hadn't felt in months came flooding back to him.
"Oh Rei…" Kai felt like crying. "How long has it been since I've felt this happy?"
Kai opened his eyes. He was leaning over Rei, panting heavily. Yuko paused at the doorway. "I'll leave you two alone now." She left.
Rei's face had colour. Kai slowly and softly placed his hand on Rei's cheek. It was warm! Kai sucked in his breath. Tears that had welled up in his eyes began to flow down his cheeks. A single tear fell onto Rei's cheek.
Rei's eyes fluttered open. He moaned softly in sleepiness, and blinked a few times to clear his vision. His soft gold eyes seemed misted over and somewhat lost, but Kai could still see Rei's spirit in them, like he had so long ago. Kai began to sob in happiness, and buried his face in Rei's shoulder.
Shocked, Rei stared at this strange boy who was holding him tight and crying. He slowly wrapped his arms around him, rubbing him comfortingly.
"…Don't cry…" he whispered.
Kai's sobs quieted, but he continued to cry freely. He tightened his grip on Rei, glad to be able to hold him again.
"I'll never let you go again, Rei. Never, never, never…" The thought echoed in Kai's head.The two boys sat there, holding each other. Rei tried hard to remember this boy. He seemed familiar. A name came to him.
"K…ai…?" The name seemed familiar. The boy tightened his grip even more.
"Yes, Rei, that's right. That's my name. I'm here, and I'm never going to leave. So don't be afraid." Kai's voice was slightly muffled, but Rei heard every word, and suddenly felt like crying.
So the two sat there and just cried, and held each other as if the world was ending.
Takuya and Ryo walked down the hall together. Suddenly Chii dashed past, as if she was afraid. Ryo caught her hand.
"Chii?" he asked, worried. "Are you alright? You look scared to death."
Chii shook her head. "I was…in the medical ward…and Kai entered. I know he doesn't like anyone being around Rei, so I left. But now I don't know what to do…"
Ryo smiled. "I'm sure you can go back in, Chii. I'll be there. If he makes a fuss, I'll talk it over with him."
Takuya made a face. Kai sure is a pain… he thought.
The small group walked back to the medical ward, and Ryo opened the door. He stopped short and gasped.
Takuya and Chii forced their way in, and also gasped.
Kai and Rei looked up. Rei looked rather confused, and then scared. He buried his face in Kai's shoulder, and began to cry like a frightened child. Kai began comforting Rei as he shot the group a dirty look.
Ryo struggled for words. "Kai…? When…? How…?"
"A little while ago," Kai answered. But he avoided the how question.
Takuya stared. Rei was a hansom young man, with his shiny raven hair, soft gold eyes, and creamy skin. The way Kai held Rei told Takuya there was more to Kai and Rei's relationship that just friendship.
Chii walked over to Rei, and softly laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. She cooed softly, and Rei's sobs quieted. Kai looked up into Chii's comforting face blankly.
Then Rei made a noise. It was a noise Kai loved, and one he hadn't heard in a long time.
Rei purred.
Kai looked down into Rei's face, and saw he was asleep, curled up safely in Kai's arms. Kai gave a ghost of a smile. Takuya was surprised. Kai seemed less scary when he smiled. He almost seemed…kind.
Kai stiffen a yawn, unsuccessfully. He blinked his bleary eyes, and eased himself and Rei onto the bed. A moment later, both boys were asleep. Chii tucked them both in.
Ryo shook his head. "Well, this is a good thing, I guess."
Takuya was still trying to recover from the shock. He looked at Ryo. "What now?" he asked.
Ryo turned. "Let's go tell the Guardians. They need to know."
"That's WONDERFUL news!" Umi cried. "Rei-chan's awake!"
Susanou nodded. "We have the aid of another Stoneholder. But we mustn't get ahead of ourselves now. By the sounds of it, Rei is weak. He won't be able to work with us for quite a while. He'll need attention."
Hien snorted. "What a hassle…"
Gaia smiled woefully at Hien, then turned back to Ryo and Takuya. "It is indeed a happy day for us all. But it also means Kai will cease his morning. It will be a joy to see him happy again."
Umi nodded. "He has been down lately. It's such a drag…"
Hien gave Umi a noogie. "Quit pickin' on Kai. You got a lot of nerve!"
"Oww! Not the hair!" Umi shrieked.
Susanou sweatdropped. "They do this a lot. Hien can't stand the fact that Umi's got as much say as she does around here, and yet she acts like a total bubblehead sometimes. Plus, Umi thrives on picking on Hien."
Takuya shook his head. For a bunch of Celestial Beings, they acted more like teenagers…
"Have we told you the story of how we all came together yet, Takuya-san?" Gaia asked Takuya. He shook his head.
Gaia nodded at Susanou, and the two began their story.
Every universe has four elements that tie it together—Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth. A fine balance of the four is what keeps every universe together. We are the ones who make sure that balance stays.
However, the Darkness is a strong force. It began feeding on the negative feeling of living beings, and before long, it was out of control. The fine balance we kept was threatened. We panicked, and reached out to try to save the worlds in jeopardy. However, we were too late. All we could reach were four soles whose powers were flickering dangerously low. We pulled them to safety, here in between worlds.
Susanou found Ryo. Ryo was teetering on the edge. He'd been unable to save everyone close to him, and was now despairing so badly that the darkness almost had him. But Susanou would not give up so easily, and pulled him back.
Gaia found Chaud. Chaud was so convinced that his money and power could solve everything; he'd been unable to save everyone around him. Lost and ready to die, Gaia had pulled him in, and gave him the strength to keep going.
Hien had found Kai and Rei. Kai was so enraged and horrified over getting Rei hurt, he had almost committed self-destruction. Hien had pulled the two to safety, and held Kai until his sanity had returned.
Umi had found Sora. Sora had been the first one to lose everything at the hands of the Darkness. He had fought hard, but not even his best efforts had saved his home and friends. Umi had taken him in as Sora had tumbled into the dark waters that swept him into the nothingness.
The five refugees had come to the conclusion that they would fight back. They set up the AMGDI, building it from the ground up. The Guardians had helped where they could. They wouldn't admit it, but they needed the refugees as much as they needed them. With every world destroyed, their powers waned farther and farther.
Susanou held up a file. "Look at this. I just got it this morning."
Everyone looked at the sheets inside. They described, in detail, a couple of teenagers. One was a girl by the name of Kaname Chidori. The other was a boy by the name of Sosuke Sangara.
"I have reason to believe that Kaname is one of the Seraphims," Susanou concluded. "Her power levels are far above normal levels. I think that you should go and bring her in. Better to be safe than sorry."
Ryo nodded in agreement. "Yes sir, we'll go immediately."
Takuya looked at Ryo. "I can't remember. Did you explain what the Seraphim are again? "
Ryo smiled. "No, I don't think so. There are three girls out there, on three different worlds, with exponential powers. When they're brought together with the Stoneholders, a miracle is said to happen."
Kai walked in at that moment. "Hien, I need to say something to you."
"What?" Hien asked.
"I can't go anywhere for a while. Rei needs me. I have to stay with him." Kai looked firm.
Hien was shocked. But he nodded, and sighed. "Alright, then. Gaia, Chaud will have to take Kai's place. Inform him, please."
Gaia nodded. She stood up, and prepared to leave. As she passed Kai, she paused, and put her hand on his shoulder.
"I am proud that you are being so strong, Kai. I am happy for you." Gaia left.
Chaud didn't look too happy to be going on a mission. And, as far as Takuya was concerned, he was just as bad as Kai. He was moody, quiet, and sullen. It gave Takuya the willies.
Kai stood at the doorway to the room, Rei leaning heavily on his arm, tired and quiet. But he was smiling, and even Kai was happier than usual.
"Don't get killed," Kai said.
"…Good luck…" Rei added, his voice quiet and tired.
Ryo and Takuya nodded. Chaud snorted.
Ritchie fired up the transporter, and the three boys were gone.
Kaname ran down the road, looking at her watch, chewing a piece of toast.
She was late.
Damn Sosuke. This was all his fault.
Kaname skidded around the corner, and ran smack-dab into someone. Landing on her butt, Kaname immediately began apologizing.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I'm late—"
She looked up and saw Sosuke.
"SOSUKE!" Kaname screamed, leaping to her feet.
"Ma'am!" Sosuke replied, leaping up as well.
"What the hell are you doing?! I'm late for school! I don't have time for this!" Kaname picked up her book bag and kicked her toast. Too bad, but she couldn't eat it now.
Sosuke nodded. "I'm aware that you're late. That's why I've prepared a shortcut for you. It is guaranteed to get you to school in adequate time."
Kaname arched her eyebrow. "What? No, Sosuke. I don't have time. Every time I take a shortcut, I get into trouble. Not this time."
Sosuke stopped Kaname and held up a detonator. He pushed the button, and suddenly a hole was blasted into the wall. Kaname looked through the hole, and saw a row of holes, through more walls, that reached all the way to the school. She twitched.
"See? The perfect shortcut," Sosuke stated.
Kaname was preparing to cream Sosuke when, all of a sudden, Ryo and the others landed on them
"RITCHIE!!" Ryo screamed into his communicator angrily. "What the fuck was that?!"
"Uhh…sorry sir…" Ritchie replied, weakly. "I, uhh, might have forgot to reset the altitude meter after the last tune-up I made…"
Ryo growled angrily, but got up, and got Takuya and Chaud off of Sosuke and Kaname.
"I'm so sorry, ma'am," Ryo said to Kaname, brushing her off. "Are you alright?"
Kaname scowled. "I'm fine. Where the hell did you come from?"
Ryo pointed straight up.
Kaname went pale, and her eye twitched. "Did you fall…from the sky?"
Ryo chuckled. "Sort of."
Takuya grabbed Ryo by the ear. "C'mere, Ryo. Let's talk…"
"Oww, oww, oww! Not the ear!" Ryo squealed, as Takuya dragged him off.
"We're not here to flirt!" Takuya scolded.
"I'm not!" Ryo responded.
Chaud looked at Sosuke and Kaname seriously. "You're going to have to come with us."
The two looked at Chaud. "Huh?" They looked shocked and nervous.
Takuya slapped his head. Ryo sighed and shook his head. "Nice…"
Chaud turned to Sosuke. "I have orders to escort the two of you to a safer location. Do you understand, soldier?"
Sosuke stiffened, and saluted. "Yes, sir. Perfectly clear!"
Kaname smacked Sosuke with a paper fan. "What are you doing, you idiot?! He's not a soldier!!"
Chaud was about to respond, but at that moment, a blast of fire came from nowhere, and barely missed the group, who had dodged just in time. Turning, Chaud saw the boy with the platinum hair.
"Rikku!" Ryo yelled. "I should've known you'd be here!"
Rikku smiled, and laid his Keyblade onto his shoulder. "Hmph. Honestly, when will you realize that you can't win? Just give up now, and save yourself the trouble."
Takuya pulled out his D-Tector, and his eyes burned. "We have some unfinished business." His Fractal Code flashed on.
"Ritchie," Ryo spoke into his communicator, never taking his eyes off of Rikku, "It's about to get ugly here. Send Cyberdramon."
"Gotcha, sir," Ritchie responded. A moment later, Cyberdramon materialized in front of Ryo. Ryo pulled out his D-Scan. "Okay, Cyberdramon, let's rock."
Cyberdramon grunted in response.
Takuya scanned his code.
EXECUTE! SPIRIT EVOLUTION! AGUNIMON!!The Warrior of Fire stood tall, flame dispersing from around him.
Chaud pulled out his PET. "Protoman, shall we?"
"Ready, sir," Protoman responded.
Chaud pressed a button on his communicator, and suddenly a field materialized around him. He pulled out a Fusion chip.
FUSION! PROTOMAN OVERSOUL!Chaud suddenly re-appeared, now in Protoman Fusion Mode. He uploaded a Fighter Sword.
Rikku chuckled as he looked at the small army in front of him. "Sad, really…" he mocked. The ends of his bandana fluttered in the wind. "Even blindfolded, I can beat you all…"
Kaname and Sosuke stared, amazed. "Who…what are you guys?" Kaname asked.
Ryo turned his head. "We're the good guys, ma'am. And we're here to protect you."
Rikku unleashed another Fire attack, but Agunimon punched, and the flames dispersed around his fist. He then released his own attack.
BURNING SALAMANDER!! The fire blast caught Rikku off guard, and he fell to the ground, his clothes singed.
Chaud appeared in front of Rikku, and slashed. Rikku blocked the attack with his Keyblade, and threw the sword off. He slashed at Chaud, and Chaud dashed backwards. Chaud attacked again, and Rikku deflected it.
"Cyberdramon! Attack now!" Ryo commanded. Cyberdramon obeyed, and slashed at Rikku. Rikku dodged the attack, and Cyberdramon unleashed his attack.
DESOLATION CLAW!!Rikku dodged as many of the projectiles as he could, but one clipped his leg, and he stifled a cry. He fell to the ground.
Chaud appeared over Rikku, his sword pointed at Rikku's throat. Rikku growled.
"It's over, Rikku," Ryo spoke up. "Just surrender, and make it easier."
"It's never over!" Rikku yelled, and with blinding speed, he knocked Chaud away, and went for Kaname, blade drawn. Kaname gasped.
However, Sosuke was fast as well. He stood in Rikku's way, and caught the blade with his hands. The blood flowed freely over the blade, and Sosuke's eyes blazed.
"I can't allow you to hurt Miss Chidori," he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.
Rikku gritted his teeth. "Oh really?"
Sosuke threw Rikku backwards, and drew his gun. He aimed, and shot. Rikku felt the bullet enter his shoulder. He cried out in pain.
"That was a real bullet!!" Kaname screamed. "Sosuke!"
"It's a gun I keep for emergencies only, Miss Chidori," he said calmly.
Rikku stood, panting. He clutched his bleeding shoulder, and growled. "This isn't over," he spat as he vanished.
Sosuke trained his gun on the spot where Rikku had been standing for a few more moments after Rikku had vanished. Then, suddenly, he collapsed.
Kaname ran to his side, and rolled him over. Sosuke was bleeding heavily from his hands, as well as a gash in his side.
"You idiot!" Kaname began, suddenly realizing she was crying. "You…got hurt…protecting me…"
"Part of the job…Kaname…" Sosuke replied.
Takuya and Chaud returned to normal, and Ryo dashed to Sosuke's side.
"It's not life-threatening, but he needs attention," he stated. He spoke into his communicator. "Ritchie, get us out of here. And get Chii. We have a medical emergency."
"Yes sir!" Ritchie replied.
Kaname sat on the chair beside Sosuke's bed later that day, and sighed. Sosuke's hands and side were heavily bandaged, and he was now sleeping. She absently swept a strand of hair out of his face and rubbed her blurry eyes.
Takuya entered the room, and laid a hand on Kaname's shoulder.
"You should sleep…" Takuya sounded concerned.
Kaname shook her head. "No, I feel guilty. He was…just protecting me…idiot…"
Takuya smiled weakly. "I think it's more than that…"
Kaname's head snapped up, and she blushed crimson. "Wha—? NO! It's not like that at all! I— he just—"
Takuya backed up, hands up in defence. "Wait, no! I didn't mean it like that!"
Kaname looked down. "I knew that…it's just that I…" She began to cry.
Sosuke bolted upright in bed. He looked around, and then looked at Kaname. He gathered her in his arms, and rubbed her back.
Kaname sobbed into his chest. "Baka…baka…baka…"
Takuya looked on and smiled. He knew the two were going to be fine.
Susanou sighed wearily. "All her tests came back negative."
Umi's face was hard. "Still, we didn't expect to find one right off the bat, now did we?"
Susanou shook his head. "Still, where'd the information come from?"
Umi looked absently into space. "Perhaps there's a connection to that, and why Rikku was there. Perhaps it was more than just coincidence."
Susanou's face became worried. "I came into my office this morning and it was laying on my desk. Could it be…that it was planted?"
"Or…" Umi added. "Maybe someone is trying to help us…"
"Either way," Susanou finished. "I think we need to be more cautious…"
(End of chapter 2.)
NEXT CHAPTER: Yuko has an idea, and it ultimately leads to another Stoneholder! Meanwhile, Ritchie has an accident, and it leaves the team crippled! Without a way to get around, will the team be able to stop Rikku and the SoulHunters before they destroy another world? And just where are the Seraphim? And when more information surfaces, questions arise to its origins. Is someone from the SoulHunters trying to help them? And why?