Online Romance: Chapter 5
Several days past in the World
Blackrose was sitting by the river in Mac Anu. Gazing down at her reflection and wondering when her twin blade friend was going to come back online. She haven't heard of him since that night in the distorted city. The memories of that day still lingered on. She sent him dozens of e-mails but still haven't gotten any replies. Same with Balmung as well. No one seems to have heard of him or seen him for the past couple of days. Orca, is still searching for the man.
But Blackrose had no idea that Kite was serious about Balmung. She just figured that he'll eventually stop liking him and open his eyes and see her.. Blackrose sighed. None of this really mattered at the moment. Suddenly Blackrose thought this was one big soap opera. She began to laugh and leaned back slightly. Taking the marvel of Mac Anu. The buildings all colored in elaborate pigments. How she wished that Kite was beside her..
"You miss him too?" Mistral settled herself beside her old comrade. Her high-pitched voice broke the silence around the Heavy blade. After receiving no response from the other girl, Mistral continued. "There's still no sign of Balmung either. Orca thought you wanted to know that." She crossed her legs and brought her staff closer to her. She still doesn't know what happened between Kite and Balmung, but she's willing to help in any case.
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Balmung, in the real world, finally stepped away from his PC at home and walked to his kitchen. He began to rub the back of his neck when he stepped into his kitchen. He realized that it was still day out and that he didn't spend his entire day on his computer as he did the other previous nights. He decided to take a walk to clear his head. And perhaps to more thinking.
Quickly he grabbed his coat and keys and was soon standing outside his door locking it. He slipped his keys in his pocket and left the apartment building. As soon as Balmung left the building, his stomach gave an alarming sound..stomach growls "..." Guess he wasn't eating properly for the past few days. All he did eat was instant noodles and crackers. There was nothing else in the fridge or cupboards. So he decided that this was the perfect time to go shopping for groceries. He dug in his pockets and found a small amount of money.. Probably he could afford a loaf of bread.. He could survive a little longer on toast and cheese-wiz.. Or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He still has several slices of cheese left.. He can make grill cheese sandwiches as well! This perked him up somewhat and was on his way to his local grocery store.
Upon arrival, Balmung had found several coins on the ground in the parking lot and the spare change would help greatly. Not only he could buy bread, but he has enough to afford some eggs! Or milk. He still hasn't decided yet.
He pushed through the doors of the store and picked up a basket. He was greeted with a friendly smile and a polite "Good evening." from one of the workers of this grocery store. The place wasn't terrible busy nor it was quiet. The intercoms above played really dull music you would only find in elevators in the building that he worked in.
Immediately he went over to the bakery and followed down the pastries and onto the bread section. Already sliced bread.. Or a loaf of bread? Sliced is a bit pricy and the loaf is much fresher. Balmung reached and picked up a bran loaf and slid it into a paper bag... "Hm. I have enough for two."
After picking his bread, Balmung marched right over to the dairy. The milk in his fridge was way past its due on the expiry date and he was beginning to get thirsty. He grabbed a liter of milk and examined it. It's good until next month. And soon after the milk Balmung walked by the cheese and such and stopped in front of eggs. If he didn't have enough to pay for what he has his in basket, he could always put the eggs back.
After looking over his goods he walked up to a cashier and settled his basket down. He began unpacking his food and the young man who was behind the till asked if he would be paying in cash or card.
"Cash." Balmung breathed.
After the items were ringed in and the total was calculated. The young man looked to Balmung and smiled.
Balmung dug in his pockets and pulled out whatever loose change he brought. He had a few bills and he handed that to the cashier. Soon after counting everything and paying, Balmung left the grocery with one bag in hand and walking back towards his apartment. There wasn't very few people out, but the ones who were were couples. Happy-in-love couples.. Holding onto each other, gazing and smiling at each other.. Balmung groaned and headed home.
After walking into his apartment and unpacking the food and sliding down the wall with his back against it, Balmung ran his fingers through his hair. His mind went back to Kite. Tormenting him once again. He need to speak to him, to hear his voice once more. But he had frightened or angered the young lad.
Certainly there were other people, of course. Balmung had many admirers inside and out of work. He dated several of them but never got into a real relationship. But Kite was different. He made things stir up and dazzle him. Whenever he would be near him in The World, his heart would quicken.. Like it is right now, thinking about him. But they were miles apart he was sure. If only he could meet him again he could tell him that he was sorry and they could go their separate ways. But Balmung tried to contact him though The World and to no success.
Forgetting him is out of the question. He than began to beat his head against the wall, hoping to knock some sense into him.
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"Yes, doctor. He's been moping around the home for at least a week or longer. I don't know what to do. My husband and I tried everything. We even left him alone which didn't help at all." Kite's mother was on the phone in the den. Her husband sitting on the recliner, holding a cup of coffee in his hands.
"Yes. I see. Of course." she would go on listening to whatever the doctor was telling her. If they can't do anything then they would seek professional help. But this wasn't any doctor in the phonebook. He was their family doctor and he happened to be some sort of psychological doctor. "Thank you. We'll see what we can do. Good bye." she lingered on the phone after the other person on the other side of the line had hung up.
"Well?" her husband spoke up.
She set the headpiece back onto the wall and turned to her husband. "He wasn't any help either. Just said that Kite might have fallen into depression. Maybe something at school upset him. Then he went on about what we could do. Oh, dear. What if we did something to upset him?" she kneeled down beside her husband and placed her hand on his knee. "What if it was 'us' who hurt him? Maybe it was me? I kept on bothering him not to play that silly game and go outside and get some fresh air. I probably said something that cause all of this."
"Honey. Calm down." he placed his hand over hers and set his cup down on the table. "You've done nothing but be a good mother to Kite. I'm sure it has nothing to do with you and I'm sure that he'll get better soon." Frankly, he didn't know if Kite would snap out of his behavior, but his wife was beating herself up. For a cause that they had no clue on.
Sitting on the top of the stair sat none other than Kite. He looked at his parents and he had no idea that he was causing then grief. He didn't want them to blame themselves for something they didn't do. He was too embarrassed to talk or discuss what was the matter with his mother or father. So he kept quiet and stay in his room and sleep. He'd miss several days of school and just stay home. But to see his parents like this.. Worried about him. Afraid it was them who did this..
Kite slipped into his room and looked at the clock. It was nearing 9 pm. He stepped in front of his monitor and sighed.
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After skimming through the numerous unopened mail in the mailbox. Kite realized that more then half belonged to Balmung. He didn't open any of them. So he adjusted the Neuro Goggles and entered the city Mac Anu in The World. Several minutes won't be bad. And he missed the game immensely.
The player Kite stood alone by the golden rings. He was staring at the ground. He nearly forgot about the crack that was there on the stone ground. For some odd reason he would always look there in that particular spot whenever he would visit here. He smiled. Memories. Looking up slowly, expecting to see a familiar blue and white angel approaching him, he sighed. This was the second place they met. The first however was much more uncivil. Recalling that fateful day when his world soon turned upside down. The first time his eyes fallen onto the silver-plated man. He wished for those days to never end. But like life, they did.
"Kiiiiiiiite!"
After being knocked down on his back and his vision blurred, Kite felt some weight on top his chest. He pushed himself up with the support of his arms behind him, clinging to him was none other than Mistral. "Oh Kite, oh Kite, oh Kite! I've missed you soooo much!" she squeezed him tighter. Looked as if he may be an illusion and afraid that if she let go of him he might disappear. "Kite! Everyone'sbeensoworriedandwereafraidthatyouwon'tcomeback.ButIknewyouwouldandI'msoveryhappy:)"
He didn't catch any of that. He heard the word 'worried' and 'happy', but was still baffled to be tackled to the ground by a over-hyper girl– women. "Huh?" he couldn't think of anything else to say at the moment.
"Come one come on! I wanna take you to see Blackrose! She'll be soo happy:D" she jumped up and began to drag him towards the stairs.
"Mistral, wait!" he pushed himself off the ground and looked at her. He smiled. Also remembering when Balmung saved them both. "Where is she?" he asked.
"I'll take you to her:)" she grabbed his wrist and dragged him behind her.
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"Kite?" Blackrose stared confused and speechless on the ground. She was still sitting where Mistral left her.
"H-hello."
She stood up very quickly and strode over to Kite. "You jerk!" then she slammed her fist into his jaw. "What the hell were you thinking! You had me worried sick! Didn't even bother replying to the e-mails I've sent!" she stood over him with hands on hips. She looked pissed.
Kite was shocked. He had expected a shove or a punch on the arm.. But losing half of his HP to a punch like that? "I-I'm sorry." it was the only thing he could think of to say at the moment.
Blackrose huffed and crossed her arms. She then noticed the people who were watching from the corner and bridge. "Add me and Mistral to your party and lets get outta here." she ordered.
Kite did as instructed and all three of them ran to avoid anymore eyes. They were at the spot where Mistral found Kite. "Where to?" he asked Blackrose.
"Um. I wish I could go with two but I have a few chores to do today :(" Mistral removed herself from Kite's party and smiled. "I promise I'll be free next time! See you laterrr:D" then she logged off. Leaving the two friends alone.
"Well, it's just the two of us then." Blackrose looked at Kite. "Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground." the keywords to that place.. Then she noticed that Kite was looking at her. She growled. "Do it!"
Then the duo were whisked off, encircled by the golden rings.
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Kite opened his eyes. Blackrose beside him. He looked forward and there stood the remote church, with one door slightly ajar with clouds in the distant. The memories of this place unsettled Kite. Reopening the wound. Kite abandoned the thoughts that were threatening him to draw him to tears, he looked at Blackrose and with a nod they went forward.
"So you finally got tired of moping around and decided to come back? Heh, I'm not surprised." Blackrose has a funny way of showing her feelings. But she was relieved that he was back. Even though if this is his final time or not logging back into The World. "Have you read any of the e-mail's I've sent you?" the silence was too unnerving for her.
Kite climbed the stairs and shook his head. "No. I'm sorry, there was so many and most of them were from Bal--" he stopped moving forward.
"Balmung." Finishing what he started, Blackrose rested her hand on the Twinblade's shoulder. "Cheer up, okay?" Then she started thinking.. Helba's plan didn't work at all. Neither of them had the chance to talk to one another. 'I guess she doesn't know everything..' she thought. They deserve each other, even though if Kite and Balmung are miles apart.. She smiled. "Come on." she began to pull him inside the Church, which he didn't offer any resistance but to be dragged along.
Their footsteps could be heard throughout the building. Echoing. But what they had not known is that there is another player in the building.
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Balmung was sitting in one of the many benches that were rowed and lined. He had heard them nearing the entrance, before the other two had entered. Not knowing who they were and seeking solace, he decided to log out. But curiosity stopped him. Who else learned of this place? So he got up and hid behind the nearest pillar. The shadows embracing and concealing him. With his back against the stone marble, he waited..
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"You're such a lag! Come on, move it!" she ordered. It was like she was dragging a corpse, he hardly moved at all. "I know you don't wanna be here but this was the only place I could think of so deal with it."
"..." Kite remained silent. Then she stopped tugging and both looked at the statue that was entangled with chains. Such a beautiful artifact yet sorrow emitted from it. They had passed the rows of benches and both were standing in front of the statue. Kite rested his hands on the railings. He turned around and leaned against the rail, taking a better view of the place. Chains hung from the grand ceiling, other statues and paintings decorated the place, and pillars on either side. The building made of stone and marble.
"What are you thinking, Kite?" Blackrose was watching him the whole time.
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'He's here!' Balmung couldn't believe his ears. He so badly wanted to go to him and embrace him and never let go. However, Kite may run.. He knew he recognized Blackrose's voice, but it didn't occur to him. After days and weeks without seeing or hearing his voice, Balmung remained where he was at.
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"A million things." he replied to her question.
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Balmung's heart could have burst then.. Hearing his voice again..
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"Yeah.. Oh! After you took off that one night, I was bored without you around and all.." she then began to rummage around her items list. "I got most of the remaining items for the contest! We still have a ways to go but at least I got some EXP Points for the trouble of getting these by myself. Here you go." she gave Kite all the items she collected and was pleased with herself.
The Twinblade accepted everything and looked over the items. "Thank you." he looked at her and smiled.
Blackrose saw this and turned away. "I-it was nothing!" a light blush crept to her cheeks. She hated feeling this way, all giddy and girly. "It was no big deal! Like I said, I was bored." she glanced over to see if he was still looking, "Didn't I say it was rude to stare!"
"I remember." his eyes turned from her and towards the entrance. It was no use.. He couldn't stop thinking of him. How could he? How did he allow himself to fall for someone as righteous as Balmung? They were on the same side before Kite used the Twilight Bracelet and placed him on the other side from Balmung. And after what they've been though, they set apart their differences and joined forces. But it wasn't the Bracelet that brought Balmung and himself together. It was Blackrose. If he hadn't met her he wouldn't have been introduced to this place and the whole meeting with Balmung wouldn't have happened here.
"Plan on leaving me in the dark here? So what are you gonna do?"
"I don't know. I've never felt this was before. It tears me inside remembering him with Helba.."
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Balmung frowned. Yes. It was that day that he would regret for the rest of his life. If he exposed himself now and try to explain what really happened and not the scene that Kite thought, Kite would think that he was spying and eavesdropping on their conversation. He might have ruined his chances with Kite, but he would do anything to make him happy. Even if it cost him his own happiness..
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"Kite.. If I tell you something, will you believe me?" She was going to tell him everything what Helba had said to her that day.
Kite looked back to her, "Tell me what?"
"The real reason why Balmung and Helba kissed." she waited for his reaction.
"What is there to tell? It's plain and simple. They kissed, so doesn't that mean they have feelings for each other?"
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'Kite.. No. That's not it at all..' Balmung turned around and sighed softly. Still leaning against the pillar with his left shoulder, he carefully and slowly looked forward to get a glimpse of the younger male. Seeing him again for what seemed like an eternity, filled him with sad delight.
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Blackrose began to twiddle her thumbs. "Not exactly." she turned around and leaned against the rail, just as the same as Kite. "You see, right after you and Balmung left, I got angry at Helba. Fortunately for you, she has no feelings for that jerk Balmung."
"I don't get what you're saying."
"Let me finish." she smiled weakly. "That little kissing scene was just an act. Helba was counting on you to arrive in time to see her and Balmung kiss. I guess she figured that you two will never get the guts to say anything so she tricked Balmung into kissing her and for you two to you know.. Get together or something. Or at least for you to tell him how you really feel. That's all I know."
It was Kite's turn to look away blushing. "For us.. to get together.." he took a moment to say that again in his mind.. However, he was afraid that it was too late. "I assumed wrong. I blamed him for nothing.. But it's too late to do anything now. He probably doesn't want to see me or hear from me again.."
"Don't be that way! Didn't you say that over half of your e-mails are from him? I'm pretty sure that has got some meaning. You are so out of it when it comes to love." she crossed her arms across her chest. Tapping her foot on the floor, the small sound echoing.
'Love..? Is it really love?' Kite thought.. Still unsure..
"Too bad that Balmung isn't still online." she murmured. Kite grimaced. "No one saw him since you left. He probably left for good?" Blackrose shrugged. Then she saw how crestfallen Kite looked. "Don't take my word for it, Kite! I don't even know what I'm saying half the time!"
"I have to go." Kite pushed away from the rail and was stopped by Blackrose, she grabbed onto his bag.
"Where the hell you going, huh? Did you think you can just ditch me?"
He lowered his head, "I'm sorry but I really have to go."
She eventually let him go, "What are you going to do?"
"I don't know yet. I need time to think first. Then I'll go from there."
"Are you going to look for him?"
"..." Kite waved and logged out.
Blackrose growled. "That brat!" then she too logged off shortly after him.. Leaving the lone player.
Balmung had kept his eyes on Kite the whole time. So now he knows. Kite does harbor feelings for him. It was as if a sudden weight was lifted from him. His heart beating at an unreal pace. He finally exhaled. His thoughts now scattered.. He moved from the pillar and it's shade to sit down in the same spot he sat before the two younger players came. "Kite.. You have no idea what you've done to me.." Still stunned, he made up his mind. "You don't need to search for me.. I'll find you."
.oOo.
A/N: Wow... took a while huh? I'm sorry. It's a little long, no? I hope you enjoy - Don't worry, I have already started on the next chapter.. I wonder what's going to happen. XD
Hmm.. I've read a couple of the new reviews.. Yes, I'm beating around the bush.. But it's more fun that way, ne? No? Well.. I'm stopping here.. :D Not the story! Just the AN.. phew