Chapter 1 is up! Let the fun begin!
Disclaimer: I don't own SK. [How many times to I have to repeat this, seriously?]
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The bell rang.
Class today was officially over.
Dr. Takeshi Himura shifted to the front of the desk and announced, as people began to stand up and gather their bags, "On Monday, we start with the Edo Period! Don't forget to go over Chapter 24!" Takeshi raised his hand and said over the noise, "Pop quiz tomorrow; don't forget!"
It wasn't long before the students left the classroom. Within minutes, the room was empty…that is, except for Yoh, Anna and Takeshi.
Takeshi was fixing his books on his new desk, setting them on top of the other. Just as Anna laid one hand on top of one of Takeshi's books, the man took off his eyeglasses and tiredly set them on the table. Then he looked up at the both of them and smiled.
"Hey!" he exclaimed, beaming. "You two look like you're in pretty good shape! How's life?"
Neither of them answered. They just stared long and hard at Takeshi, unable to think of what to say to him, after his seven long years of absence.
Takeshi's smile faltered.
"Is anything wrong?" he asked, confused.
Yoh hesitated at first before eventually saying, "Sir, we…"
"Sir?" Takeshi interrupted, his tone dull and monotonous. He laughed. "Drop the formalities, Yoh. You make it sound like I'm forty. And besides, the two of us are practically brothers."
"You're my teacher. Our teacher," Yoh said, gesturing towards his wife.
"That's different. This is my job; this is all work. After class hours, that teacher-student whatnot means nothing to me."
Anna folded her arms, cocking a brow. "You were our teacher seven years ago. Don't tell me you forgot about that."
"Whoa, whoa." Takeshi raised both his palms up in defense. "Don't look at me like that, Anna. Of course I didn't forget." He paused. "But that's past. I'm sure you've both surpassed me greatly. I'm no longer a match for the likes of you shamans, so there's absolutely no need to call me Teacher anymore. I have nothing more to teach other than history, which you need to master in order to get a college diploma and land a job."
"That's ridiculous," Yoh remarked indignantly. "We can never surpass your God-awesome Saiyan strengths. You, of all people, should know that."
Takeshi held his breath, and averted his gaze, giving a momentary sigh. "Yoh, about tha—"
"Yoh's right," Anna interrupted coldly. "Don't you dare look down on yourself. You know you're so much more than that."
Takeshi swallowed. I'm not sure if I should tell them now… He nervously bit his lip. Maybe later. Maybe… Forcing back a smile on his face, Takeshi let out a hearty chuckle and said, "Gee, thanks, guys."
"So what are you doing here?" Anna suddenly asked, obviously not wanting to beat around the bush anymore.
"What, am I not allowed to come and see my friends here every once in a while?" Takeshi asked innocently, a trace of mock unhappiness evident in his voice.
"Every once in a while?" Anna repeated, incredulous. "You've been gone for seven years! You call that every once in a while?"
"We thought you were gone for good," Yoh said somberly. "You said you had to go home…wherever that home is."
Takeshi shrugged innocently, smiling lightly. "Well, I did come to teach history in Funbari University…and I also came here to see how my good buddies are doing."
Anna shot him a burning glare. "We know it's something more than that."
Takeshi stopped, flabbergasted. Then, he smirked, raising a palm up in surrender. "Fine, I'll come clean."
"Cool." Yoh leaned forward excitedly. "So why'd you come back?"
Takeshi casually locked gazes with Yoh and bluntly said, "I don't know."
Yoh blinked. "What?"
"What do you mean you don't know?!" Anna demanded, her voice rising to a shout.
Takeshi gave a loud sigh, as if exasperated. "Look. I don't know, okay? I don't know why I'm here. I didn't think I'd be back either."
"What is this, some kind of a joke?" Anna remarked in disbelief. "You came here and you don't even know why?!"
"Look, Anna, you don't understand," Takeshi argued, trying to justify his words. "I told you guys I came from a distant place—like a parallel universe—an otherworldly dimension. Another world. I told you guys that much before I left seven years ago."
"And…?" Yoh said, jaw hanging slightly.
"That time—and now—I didn't come here because I wanted to. I came here because I was literally pulled from my own world and was forcefully shoved into this new world I'm not a part of. But whenever that happens, that only means I've got something I need to do here—or wherever it is I'm being put into. Suddenly being placed here means I'm needed…in one way or another."
Anna held her breath, piecing everything together. "So that means…?"
Takeshi nodded. "That means, seven years ago, I was here because there were two things I needed to accomplish: one, to help me conquer my self-proclaimed fears and anxieties, and two, ultimately, to help the two of you understand how much you truly mean to each other and help you get together."
"Wow, cool!" Yoh exclaimed excitedly. "So you were like…our Cupid?"
"Don't be stupid, Yoh, that's preposterous," Anna snapped at his husband, before looking back at Takeshi and saying, "You can't be serious."
Takeshi, for the first time in a long time, threw Anna an icy stare and said, "I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this, Anna. What's so hard to believe? You found it incredibly easy to believe my Saiyan, spirit-demon and Duel Monsters abilities. I think those things are even more unbelievable than this one, and you soaked 'em all up quick and easy, like a wet sponge." Takeshi narrowed his eyes soberly. "What I said is the truth. I don't know why I'm here, and I took a job to support myself while I'm trying to figure out my purpose for being sent here. If you won't believe that, then that's entirely your problem."
Anna didn't know what to say back. She had no counter-attack, which was new. Yoh looked back and forth from Anna to Takeshi then suddenly burst out laughing. "Man, Anna! Takeshi sure got you owned!"
Anna gritted her teeth and smacked Yoh hard against the side of the head. "Shut up, Yoh."
She then took a deep breath, and reluctantly looked at Takeshi. The man blinked. Was that guilt I saw in her eyes? Anna quietly said, "I'm sorry I doubted you…I didn't mean to."
Takeshi reared his head, taken aback. Uh, wow. Okay. He then grinned boyishly, nodding. "Sure, apology accepted."
Takeshi gathered his books and neatly placed them inside his suitcase. Then, the trio exited the classroom, closing the wooden door with a soft click.
Yoh looked up at the overhead clock in the hallway. He then looked back at Takeshi and said, "Hey! How's about you drop over to the inn and we can do some quick sparring?"
Takeshi swallowed. Not this again. "Uh, sparring?"
Yoh nodded eagerly, like he had just lost 10 years of age. It was like he was fourteen all over again. "Yeah! It's been a long time since I got to fight someone as strong as you! I kinda miss all the action and the excitement!"
"Yoh, I…" Takeshi hesitated. "Yoh, I don't spar…anymore."
Yoh laughed, brushing off what Takeshi had just said. "Funny, funny. Haven't laughed that hard in ages!" Takeshi sweat-dropped. I think he's serious. "You always had a thing for jokes, Teacher!"
Before Takeshi could respond back, Yoh suddenly yelped, making Takeshi jump in surprise.
"Yoh, you look like you're going out of your mind," Anna commented flatly. She rolled her eyes. "Stop that."
"Anna, I'm so sorry!" Yoh said, falling to his knees in front of Anna. Anna stared at him, bewildered. What is he doing? "I forgot to tell you! Tamao just signed a record label yesterday and she's off in a conference in Kyoto with her agent, so I was supposed to pick Hana up from school!"
Anna narrowed her eyes. "And when do Hana's classes end?"
Yoh gulped. "Uh…thirty minutes ago?"
"Yoh, you idiot," Anna said coldly. "You know Hana doesn't like being alone for too long; he gets scared, loses his temper and starts smashing things." Takeshi turned away, hiding an amused smirk. Yeah, just like you, Anna.
"I know, I know," Yoh said apologetically. "I'll go pick him up now. I'll just meet you guys back at the inn." He hurriedly turned to Takeshi. "Hey, man, can you please do me a favor?"
"Like what?"
"Can you please take Anna home for me? It's going to be a long walk to Hana's school and to the inn, and I don't want her to get too tired. Please, Takeshi?" Yoh made the puppy-dog-eyes face and pleaded silently.
Takeshi smirked sarcastically. "Oh, how sweet." He lightened up and grinned. "Alright then. I'll do that."
Yoh hastily stood up, shaking Takeshi's hand happily. "Oh, thanks a million, Takeshi! I owe you one!"
"Sure." Takeshi paused. "Uh, Yoh…who's Hana?"
"My son," Yoh said proudly. He suddenly felt a nudge against his ribs. He let out a soundless "ow" and added, smiling weakly, "I meant…our son."
Something stirred in Takeshi's memory. I think I may have heard of the little tyke. The blond little guy with a murderous left kick? "Ah, right. Congratulations on the kid." He smiled.
Yoh quickly strapped on his backpack and said, "Thanks, man. I'll introduce you to him later; you'll love him, he's the greatest." He checked the clock again. "Aw, crap. It's getting late! I better get going!" He immediately bent down and gave Anna a quick peck on the cheek. Takeshi felt a small pang in his chest. It disappeared as quickly as it came. Now where did that come from?
Anna smiled and nodded, meeting Yoh's gaze. Takeshi felt another pang of jealousy. It was small, but nevertheless, it was there. It was something he hadn't felt in years. Takeshi inwardly cursed himself. Damn it. I guess old habits—or feelings—die hard.
And Yoh was gone. He sped off like a speeding bullet.
Takeshi looked at Anna and flashed a friendly grin. "So, I guess it's just you and me then."
"No funny business, Takeshi," Anna quickly said, glaring at him. "Or I'll fry you alive."
Takeshi frowned, offended. "What do you take me for? Some kind of a slimy pervert?"
"No…that's not what I meant…" Anna said slowly. I didn't mean to say that.
"Good." Takeshi beamed at her, offering his arm in a somewhat dashing manner. "Now shall we take off? You've got a family waiting for you at home."
Anna stared at Takeshi's arm, taken aback. She felt her cheeks heat up. She looked away, hoping Takeshi didn't notice. There's something quite different about him that I can't place… Something's changed…but what? He does look different, but he's still the same person…right?
Takeshi didn't manage to catch Anna blushing. Shame. When Anna looked back at him, her indifferent expression was back on fire. She slowly took Takeshi's arm and off they went.
Once they had left the university grounds, Takeshi then looked up at Anna and smiled. "You look great."
Anna's eyes widened slightly. What? She looked like she was fighting the urge to tear her gaze away from Takeshi's eyes. But it was hard not to look at them; something about them seemed more captivating than it should be.
"What do you mean?" she said slowly…cautiously.
Takeshi smirked, amused. "You don't know? Weird… Doesn't Yoh ever tell you that?" He grinned knowingly. "It means you're beautiful."
A deep blush quickly spread across Anna's face. Strangely, she looked down to the ground, avoiding Takeshi's gaze.
"Hey, you're blushing," came Takeshi's amused comment. "Now that's something you don't see everyday."
Anna swallowed again and boldly locked gazes with Takeshi. "Takeshi…I'm married."
Takeshi cocked his head to one side, still smiling. "Yeah, I know." Anna didn't answer, so Takeshi added, "So?"
"You can't…flirt with me anymore," Anna said, the coldness in her voice returning. "I have a son, a husband…a family. It's not the same anymore, Takeshi."
"I'm not flirting with you," Takeshi replied back heatedly. He scratched his head, frustrated. Sure, he found Anna as gorgeous as ever, but he knew that attraction he used to have for her had dissipated already. At least he thought so. Besides, he had his own fair share of young love during the past seven years, after all. "I'm just paying you a sincere compliment," he said.
The itako grew quiet. Takeshi didn't feel so comfortable with that silence.
"Anna."
Anna didn't meet his gaze. Takeshi frowned. What's up with her?
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, bending down to peer at the girl's face. Before he could get the chance, he found himself getting slapped on the face with Anna's Legendary Left.
Takeshi yelped and staggered back in pain. He winced. "Uh…that still hurts…" He pulled back his hand to reveal a reddish lump on his cheek, quickly blackening into a bruise. He winced. "Ugh…it's even worse than last time…"
Anna immediately looked up and hurriedly touched his bruised cheek, concerned. Takeshi winced painfully.
"That looks terrible," she commented, shocked.
"Yeah, thanks to you," Takeshi shot back glumly.
Anna stared at Takeshi in disbelief. "What happened to you, Takeshi?"
Takeshi cocked a brow at her in wonder. "What happened? You hit me."
"No, I mean…" Anna jerked her head to one side, sizing Takeshi from top to bottom. He wasn't like this before. Sure he'd say it hurts, but he never gained some sort of injury from it. Not once. "You've grown…weak. Haven't you been training?"
"Training…?"
Anna folded her arms, not responding. She was waiting for Takeshi to answer and explain.
"No, of course not." Takeshi sighed, this time looking away from Anna. "There's no need to."
"You're a Saiyan!" Anna cried. "How can you neglect your training just like that?"
"I'm not a Saiyan," Takeshi blurted out indignantly. "I'm just a normal twenty-four-year-old, living my life."
Anna was knocked back in shock. She couldn't believe her ears. "What?"
Takeshi bit his lip. This was it. It was time for the truth to be made known.
"Anna, I have to tell you something…"
Man, this is hard. This was the second time he had to say this to his old "childhood" characters. The first one had been Goku. It hadn't been easy. This one with Anna, he was sure, would be twice as difficult. This was Anna they were talking about, after all.
"I'm not who I used to be," Takeshi said softly.
"What are you talking about?" Anna asked, dread creeping into her voice.
"It's as you said. It's different now. I'm not a Saiyan…at least, not anymore. I'm not a spirit-demon…or a duelist either. There's nothing special about me anymore…special…like you guys are."
"You lost your powers?" Anna said in shock. "Why…how?"
"Maybe for you I did…but in truth, I didn't. I've never had them in the first place…they were all creations of my very vivid imagination."
"I don't understand…" Actually, Anna was starting to get it, but a part of her was trying to deny the truth set before her.
"All that…they were all…nothing," Takeshi said, his voice cracking. "I was an imaginative kid…too imaginative, in fact…that I foolishly allowed my mind to wander and to build worlds and identities I wanted to have but never had."
Anna was speechless. Takeshi paused, then continued.
"My name is Takeshi Himura, a Japanese-American who was born and grew up in Shibuya to normal human parents, the same as everybody else. I'm human. I'm not extraordinary. At all. And I'm not a warrior, Anna. I'm a history teacher. A dedicated scholar. And a writer. And that's all I'll ever be, I'm sorry."
Anna took a step back and almost fell to the ground, if Takeshi wasn't there to catch her. He straightened her up and held her hand gently.
"There's nothing wrong," he whispered. "I just grew up, that's all. Don't worry; you're not the only one who felt this way when I told people the same thing." He chuckled. "Goku had a field day when I told him I'm not a Saiyan anymore."
Anna couldn't find her voice. She was much too shocked to say anything. What she did instead was to translate all her bottled emotions into tears.
At first, Takeshi didn't notice the tears streaming down the itako's face. Her face was hidden by her long blond locks of hair. But then he heard sobbing. He couldn't believe his ears.
"Anna?"
She had stopped on her tracks. Takeshi doubled back and gently held her shoulders, trying to look at her face. "Anna, are you oka—"
Takeshi's eyes widened upon seeing the usually indifferent girl crying uncontrollably. This can't be happening. "Anna…you…you're…crying?" He swallowed. "Why?"
"Takeshi, you doofus," Anna said between angry and painful sobs. "Are you really that naïve? I'm crying because of you! Because you've changed. You're different. You're not the same person I knew and loved seven years ago."
Loved. There it was, a word he'd been wanting to hear when he was seventeen, and he didn't even notice she had just said it. But did she even mean it in the way Takeshi wanted?
Takeshi was shaking. "What?"
Anna turned away from him, still crying. "You're just not the same anymore!"
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Cliffhanger, huh? Yeah, I'm that evil. :)) Kidding. Kidding.
So how was that? I didn't even need to wait for reviews to start writing the second chapter--or the first one, since chapter one was a prologue. Would ya lookit that. ^_^ Any thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Anything? Don't forget to review, but no flaming, 'kay? Be constructive. Thanks. :)