Last night was tiring, It isn't easy being up all night thinking about the growing feathers behind her neck. It was really unnerving; she spent the last few hours of night time by stroking the smooth black feathers up and down. She tried plucking one out, it worked for at least 5 minutes until it oozes out black goo. Theo managed to stop it before anyone could have known. Nothing to do in the lonesome apartment she decided to have a short walk around Iwatodai. Walking around the port island station without her cloak for a change, she pinned her hair in a lose bun and placed a baseball cap, her right eye slightly covered with her bangs
Of course she had to cover that abnormality on her neck. Wearing a turtle neck shirt proved to be at least a bit useful. She then pranced another towards a walking distance on Iwatodai strip mall. She came across the infamous Wild Duck Fast food restaurant. A voice inside her head told her to stay away from that place in her current condition she might be suspected as a black over grown wild duck.
She laughed at the silly thought. And went in, she had a few yen to spare so why not treat herself for some Wild duck burger. The whole area was filled with customers. Once she had her order, she was greeted with full seats. She looked around for any empty seats she spotted one.
Relieved she walked forward, across her. Another customer was about to sit down. They both stopped abruptly as both at the same time placed their tray on the table. Surprised at both of their action.
"Sorry ... I thought the seat wasn't taken" Minako apologized in a soft voice.
"Hey ... No problem , I'm alone anyway. Want to share the table ?" Minako looked up at the man and took in some of his features, her eyes grew wide in shock. It was Yosuke ! She felt stiff all of the sudden. She can't move, unsure of what to do.
"I'm Yosuke ..." Yosuke took a seat in front of her. She was left standing, feeling a bit awkward, she limply sat down herself. Oh no ! What did I do ?! Yosuke begun opening his own burger, slowly she did so. A heavy silent atmosphere loomed over the two. Despite the noisy surroundings of the chatting people and shuffling feet. He felt a heavy wall between him and the girl. Taking a sip from his drink. He heard her mutter.
"Thank you for letting me sit with you." Minako kept her head down. She can't be seen.
"Hey, Don't mention it. " Yosuke replied with a laugh. Tilting his head he tried to view her face, Minako noticed it, deliberating trying to block the view.
"Oh ... sorry. I just wanted to see your face." Yosuke nervously said, feeling a bit weird after his attempt, who was he trying to do that to a stranger.
"Are you new here ? I haven't seen you around before." Yosuke asked, trying to make a conversation so he may lighten up any heavy boundary, he can't bear the atmosphere. Minako silently glanced at him. Isn't he new here as well ? . "I just arrived yesterday. I was looking around for a while... just killing time I suppose." Well, she wasn't entirely lying. Though inside she winces at her lame choice of words.
Yosuke nodded. "You know you remind me of someone I know. " Minako munched on a fries. Glancing up, indicating that she was listening at least for a moment.
"You even act like her, too. " He bit his lip. The heavy unfriendly atmosphere came back . A long pause. Minako can see the sad look on his face, the kind of face he showed her when she was still with her brother, the same face he showed her when she got wounded while learning self defence back home. Of course those times where way before the repeated years.
"Hey ! I know this is a bit sudden but ... want to go to the movies ?" Yosuke asked sheepishly.
Minako looked at him questionably; Yosuke noticed and laughed a carefree laugh. "Don't get mad ! I'm not hitting' on you or anything like that, it's just my buddy dumped me on some tickets And I got a spare..."
Fishing through his coat, he showed Minako two movie tickets, coincidentally the show on the cinema was her favourite. Her eyes sparkled for a moment and it surprised Yususke. Having finish both of their lunches he stood and gave her a ticket. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone ..."
"By the way ... What's your name ?"
Minako flinched at the question. Her throat suddenly blocked by a ball of air. She almost choked. Knowing he was watching her she silently replied.
"I'm Nyx ... "
Minako accepted the ticket, She saw the fast change of expression of Yosuke. she was not supposed to get any closer into this at the risk of being caught dead. But, it won't hurt for just one movie right ? Besides she can always make a run for it.
"Nyx. That's a pretty weird name ... You born overseas or something ? "
"well, or something" Both teens exchanged soft laughter. Minako can't help but feel a bit of pain inside her chest.
As the two teens walked side by side towards the cinema, By the corner of the stairs, they saw a homeless person playing a song on his rusty guitar. It's melody smooth and saddened. They both stopped and watched for awhile. Minako found compassion in her and fished through her purse for some spare change. Yususke watched as she tossed a few coins. He smiled.
"That's really nice of you Nyx ..." Yosuke commented. Nyx smiled and both went on the movies.
The film was showing about Time paradoxes and Alien creatures whipping the memories of their victims. The hero was caught and was almost killed. The film showed tons of light effects and explosives. The booming sound effects from the huge stereo sets made her jump a bit. The ending was good at some point. The hero gets the girl, talk about a cliché ending. But, she liked it. She favours on how the story was told in the heroes point of view. And how his heroism developed during the climax of the movie.
Yosuke showed signs of him being amazed. Minako can't help but feel guilty and sad. There was still light at the time they finished the movie. Yosuke invited her again to see another movie, regretfully she declined. He could see the sad expression that was showing when she said no.
Yosuke took it well enough to laugh again. He went on his way, with s light wave t her, she waved back. Heading towards the opposite direction probably back to his dorm. She pondered if Yosuke is here no doubt Yu and her brother are not far behind, she just hope that he did not suspect anything from her.
She's not ready to go back yet, the day was still young. She passed an old bookstore where an old couple was chatting happily inside. There was nowhere else to go. She thought of a visit to the shrine might kill some time. Besides, no one will know. Approaching the stairs she breathed a sigh. The sign above her indicated the name of the shrine. A sudden impact of nostalgia met her.
She let out a small chuckle, climbing the stairs, her head bowed. She was not paying attention to where she was heading, she accidentally bumped to a figure. Snapping her out of her day dream. The Impact slightly made the cap she was wearing fall and her with it as well. A hand grabbed her wrist as to set her balance back.
"Sorry ... Didn't see you." The figure said still holding her wrist. Minako blinked adjusting her cap.
"You alright ? "
"I'm fine ... Sorry I'm not paying attention to where I'm going, sorry to cause you trouble !" Minako stammered bowing her head in an apologetic matter. He replied with a matching tone, she looked up to greet him. It shouldn't have surprised her, what are the odds of meeting 2 familiar people of which she was trying to avoid on the same day ? This is completely unbelievable.
Turning to her heals to get away from him. Suddenly his hand has a tight grip on her wrist What is it with boys and me today ?! Not looking up, carefully not letting him show any glimpse of what was under her cap. "What is it ?" softly she asked. Yu shook his head and apologized to her, not letting go of her wrist. "Nothing, You just look familiar."
"That's the second time I've been called familiar ... " Saying as a joke, she laughed nervously. Yu was silent as if trying to get a good look at her, sensing this she stiffened. "Sorry but I got to go ... I don't mean to be rude but can you ... let go of my wrist ? " Yu hasn't notice but his grip was beginning to grow tighter, reluctant to let her go. Nyx was really getting nervous, she was sure that's she'll be caught now.
"Hey !"
Jin ? The blue haired teen approached them, Nyx was both embarrassed and relieved. Yu lets her wrist gently go. "sorry " Yu bowed at her which made her step back for a moment, she bowed herself. Jin's glare was cold but Yu didn't notice it as he walked away from them. Nyx eyes followed him until he disappeared down the stairs.
She let out a sharp sigh; she glanced up to Jin thankfully offering a gentle smile. Jin just stared at her expressionless, she felt so small compared to him. The wind picked up and she felt a chilly sensation run up her spine. Rubbing her hands over her arms searching for warmth. Jin turned away and walked towards the apartment. Minako gingerly followed, keeping a respectful distance from him. He noticed that he wasn't carrying his suitcase full of explosives and his laptop wasn't with him either. A though crossed her mind that made her heart jump. Did he look for her ? Noticing the sun was already setting the red and orange horizon with accompanied by the gentle blow of the wind. Jin 's back was facing her, the whole walk was silent, it made her re-think her thought about him.
Oh well wishful thinking... wait, why was she even thinking about that ?
They both entered the apartment, the walk was silent. An unseen tension was hovering above them. When they finally reached he stopped and opened the door for her to enter. Slightly surprised she blushed. As she was about to enter. Jin spoke softly only to her ear.
"I won't tell, if you would do the same... Nyx"
The tone from his voice was missing the usual coldness. It felt different. Keeping it to herself she nodded and mouthed a small thank you.
"Mistress ..." Nyx entered the room and was greeted first hand by Theo, his hand over his chest bowing like what he does when he was still inside the velvet room. She nodded a greeting, Jin entered as well. Theo walked nearer to her guiding her hand in hand then he whispered something to her ear.
"I have came contact with my sisters ... later tonight my master will visit your dream."
Nyx was somewhat annoyed. She motioned Theo to follow her . "Theo I'm not going." She whispered firmly. Theo raised an eyebrow "... Why not ? "
Minako looked distress she gave a firm face "I can't tell you why , not now ... I just can't".
"But, this is your chance to ask Master about ... " he motioned his own neck. "he might provide some information." Minako looked down, as if thinking her choices. "I suppose you're right. "
The velvet resident looked relieved.
"You can ask him instead of me !" Minako countered, taking Theo off guard. He was about to protest when Minako gave him a light kiss and made him promise without rejection. Stunned in silence, unsure of what his next move will be. He watched as his Mistress ran inside their room and came out with her usual attire.
Minako can't sleep, knowing that if she did she will be transferred in a dream. The members of STREGA was asleep. Meaning she could easily work out an escape. Theodore already knows what she'll do, and she reckon she would get back before anyone would know she left.
After the first 2 and a half weeks Minato already wanted to go back home, he can't believe that he would miss all his paper and office work so dearly. Sure they might be a pain but it beats waking up early. The SEES were in their rooms studying or doing whatever they do, the night was still young. He kept thinking about the warning about his sister being in danger. And Yosuke and Yu is concerned about it as well, earlier today they seemed to be out of themselves. Walking around the streets crowded with people doing about their business. He saw children and teenagers ,adults and many more. He noticed the usual number of the people infected by the illness.
They looked like walking corpses with those gray-ashen skin and the sinking lobes of where their eyeballs should be. Walking limply and lazily. All the other people tends to avoid them. Both hands inside his coat pocket, subsiding the chilly atmosphere. His not sure of what he was doing, but what more could he possibly do. The warnings they gave him doesn't make any sense. And also he forgot to ask them about the visions.
He reached the mall and went into the back alley, the glowing door remained there as he left it, The key which they gave him glowed like Margret's fitting it in to the key hole, turning it with a silent click, pushing the door open silently. He was greeted by Elizabeth.
"How can I help you ?"
"I'd like to talk to Igor please." He took a seat in front of the long nosed old man. Resting his head on his fist, Igor glanced up. "A question in mind my boy ?" He nodded.
"What would you like to know ? "
"Everything you know about my sister" Minato seemed reluctant to even ask. Igor gave a grin.
"I suppose you would like me to explain on how I've come to know about your sister " The blue haired boy gave a nod. "Just as I said before... She has a special power quite but not entirely similar to you. Your sister is special. Very special indeed. Her power has no limits, she also knows that. We have come to know each other for quite some time."
"How "
"How you ask. 2 words boy. Through the Repeated Years. "
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... To be continued on chapter 13