Mages and Knights
Summery: AU Takuya is the son of a poor farmer and on one day discovers he is an Elemental. Powerful people are out to get him so he travels to a School were he meets a lot of interesting people. And maybe fall in love with one of the strangest. Kouji/Takuya
Warnings: Digimon crossover, Cursing, Yoai, M rating for later chapters
Chapter name: School of Choices
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. (sob)
Author Notes: Alright peoplehere's the fifth chapter. I hope you really like it and I worked my butt off for all you reviewers. I hope this chapter doesn't sound too Hogwartish, ya know? Tell if it does. I will try to change it a little. Well, here's the chapter you have been waiting for…. Hooray for me! (Hugs all reviewers)
This week had been one of the happiest weeks he had ever had.
Ever since he met Juri that first day, they had been hanging out every day. They met at the pastry shop and spent the day shopping or hanging out until five in the had almost felt as if Mimi was back with him and he was back in Izumai. Juri had even gone as far as to describe the classes he had with her. Since she was an Enchanter she didn't attend his other two classes (Spectral Chanting and Weapon Training) so she couldn't tell him much about the others.
All thought the week Takuya had seen little of Tanshin. He barely saw him in the morning and he arrived near midnight from wherever he went. Takuya's lessons with Kouji had left him mentally drained. Who knew reading was this hard? And writing was a pain in the ass, literally. Takuya kept sitting on the pen. It didn't help that Takuya felt oddly self-conscious with Kouji. He kept spacing out every time Kouji accidentally touched him. That was often since Kouji had to correct Takuya's grip on the pen many times.
These feeling confused Takuya to no end. Every time he saw Kouji his heart beat a little faster than before. And to top it all Kouji seemed to get a little more… comfortable around him. He even started acting nicer than before, Kouji patiently kept teaching Takuya. He even went close to smiling several times when Takuya got frustrated. Takuya felt oddly happy. He talked to Juri about this and she all but squealed and hugged him saying "its sooo cute" over and over again. She wouldn't tell him why, she told him he would have to find out by himself. Girls…
Takuya had gotten all his supplies with Juri's help. Some which had been very weird to say the least and Juri refused to tell him about them saying he would find out next week. One included was a palm-sized crystal ball with a little piece of opal floating around it. It sort of looked like the magic detector that Tanshin showed him back home. All Juri would say about it is that it was needed for Core Magic.
He also bought several pairs of clothes along with the black cape with red lining. Juri explained that the colors corresponded to what User you were. Mages were green, Enchanters had purple, Seers had yellow, Wizard's capes were completely black, and Knight's had blue ones. Takuya ordered red because the other colors didn't match and the list didn't specify. Takuya liked red anyway.
Takuya also bought a set of knives that really seemed odd especially when he didn't plan to buy them in the first place. Funny how it happened really.
Flashback
"Juri what are we doing here?" Takuya asked looking apprehensive as they entered the large weapon shop. It was gloomy and cold without many people inside. There were rows upon rows of swords, knives, shields, spears, or any kind of weapon or pointy device imaginable. To say Takuya didn't really like this place much was an understatement.
"Well," Juri said walking to the front. "It says on your list that you need a sword, knife, or spear because you're taking Weapon Training and, trust me, you're going to need them."
She looked around and walked toward a wall with several swords. Takuya followed her. The swords were made with amazing craftsmanship even Takuya, with his limited knowledge of weapons, could see that.
"Why?" he asked looking for a sword that wouldn't be too big for him or too long.
"Usually only Knights and Mages take that class. And Master Maki, the teacher, doesn't go easy on anybody," Juri said grinning at him. What kind of class needs weapons? Takuya found a nice looking sword. It was made of bronze, not to big, not too small, and perfect. The hilt was leather-wrapped. Takuya reached out to take it.
"I don't think that's the righ' 'un for ya" a rough voice said he behind them.
Takuya and Juri whirled around to find the man who spoke to them. He was a big, sturdy looking man with several earrings. He had short brown hair and was quite good looking. He kind of looked like a pirate thought Takuya. He had that rough accent too.
"Excuse me?" Takuya said on the defensive. Juri looked like she was hyperventilating. From the good looks on the man or the shock Takuya could only guess.
"That's not the sword fo'ya," he said in his gruff voice. "Tis' bronze and does'n go with ya fire users."
Takuya stared at the man shocked. How did he know he was a Fire Elemental? He had never even met the man before.
Juri seemed to snap out of her daze. "How do you know Takuya is an Elemental?" she asked curiously.
"I know things," the man said. He turned around and started walking away. "Ya com'n or wat'?" he called over his shoulder and he disappeared thru a door way.
Takuya and Juri looked at each other before following the strange man. They walked down the hall before they entered a room. It was small and even darker than the store. In the middle was a table. Hanging on the back wall were several huge swords and knives. Leaning against a corner were silver pointed spears. They were pretty old looking but kept in really good shape for what looked like years. They seemed to radiate power and experience.
Juri gasped at the room and excitedly whispered to Takuya, "These weapons have several high level runes!" Takuya looked at the weapons awed. The man stood in the middle of the room near an old chest. What are runes anyway?
Takuya felt like he had enough mysteries at the moment. "Who are you?"
The man glanced at Takuya and seemed to ponder that question before he answered, "I'm the own'r of te' shop. Name's Inbi." The owner of the shop?
"Okay, why did you bring us here?" Takuya asked wondering why Inbi brought them here (hence the question.)
Inbi walked over to a chest and opened it. Dust shot out of the chest making Takuya and Juri sneeze and cover their eyes. When the dust cleared Inbi stood with two daggers in either hand.
The left dagger was made out of some kind of black metal and the hilt was also black with an obsidian stone on the end. The black blade had several ragged pieces sticking out on the edges as if the blade had miniature thorns crafted on it. It was lethal looking and seemed as if it could kill on its own. It seemed to make the room colder that what it originally was.
The right dagger was the complete opposite. The blade was made from fine silver and was as smooth and sleek as silk. The hilt was white leather with a beautiful clear diamond on the end. It felt gentle and the edges looked soft. It seemed to radiate light that brightened the room. The two daggers were as different as the sun and moon but in some way looked like they were kin. The daggers both were about the size of Takuya's forearm.
Takuya felt that the daggers were the oldest thing in the room even if they looked bran new.
"These are wat'," Inbi said and walked over to Takuya. He offered the daggers with extended arms. Takuya looked at Juri and she shrugged obviously not getting something odd from the daggers. Takuya gingerly took either dagger in either hand. They fit perfectly in his hands. The diamond and obsidian on the hilts glowed a little, a small sharp burst of light then it was gone.
Inbi looked really pleased. "Abou' time dey took som'body," he said and took the daggers from Takuya and walked to the chest again.
Takuya felt odd the moment they were taken away like he had something taken that had been waiting for him, meant for him. Inbi took a smooth wooded box out of the chest and walked over to the table. Takuya followed leaving Juri at the entrance of the door. Inbi placed all three items on the table and opened the box. The inside was covered in red velvet and had two dagger-shaped indents. The lid had the picture of a sun and moon delicately carved on it.
"Where did you get them?" Takuya asked.
"Dey arrived fourte'n yea's ago," Inbi explained as he put the daggers in the indents. They fit perfectly. "Woul't let an'body hold 'em but meh till ya came." He closed the box.
"Why?" Takuya said itching to hold the daggers again.
Inbi looked sharply at Takuya. "Lis'en kid, these ar'nt normel daggers. Dey came from powe'ul people. Dey told meh to wait fer a kid of exterdonary fire sk'lls. Those two women ar'nt to be mess'th with especially when dey control yer life," he added under his breath. Takuya looked curiously at him. Who are these two women who brought the daggers?
Inbi closed the lid and said Takuya, "The white 'un is called Shiroi an' duh black 'un Kuroi. Respect duh blades an' dey will respect ya back." He gave the box to Takuya and walked back to the chest. He closed it. The box was smooth and cool to touch and light.
"Nah, let's ta'k abou' payment."
End Flashback
The daggers had cost eleven gold and two silver coins. Takuya had not shown the daggers to Tanshin or Kouji for some reason, he felt as if the time wasn't right just yet. He hid his box under his bed. Yes, a most obvious place but he didn't know where else to put it. They now currently were gathering dust under there.
Takuya had gotten as far as he was going to get in his lessons. He could now read several sentences with minimal stumbling. He can write some small sentences but it always ended up with his wrist almost falling off.
But all in all, Takuya has had an excellent week but Takuya was really nervous anyhow. Why, you ask? Because tomorrow was the first day of the School.
The morning was bright and sunny like all the past days. Takuya hazily opened his eyes confused. He had the weirdest dream only he couldn't remember it. He felt somehow as if the dream as important. Takuya shook it off and looked over to the other bed. It was empty. Kouji was up as usual. Gee, how early does that guy get up at?
Takuya bounced from the bed happily, his sleepiness disappearing in an instant. Today was the day! Takuya quickly got his clothes out of the chest that had all his supplies. He combed his hair as best as he could and splashed water on his face from the bathroom. He couldn't help but be excited at the notion of attending the school of every kid's dream.
Takuya double checked that he had everything using his limited reading skills. He took the box from under the bed and checked that Shiroi and Kuroi were safely in their wooden enclosure. He put it in the chest and closed the lid. Takuya sat down on the lid and waited for Kouji or Tanshin to appear.
After a few minutes of waiting Takuya started pacing, feeling restless. His stomach was a bundle of nerves and he started wondering where Tanshin and Kouji were. What if they abandoned him? What if all this was just a cruel joke? Maybe he wasn't an Elemental maybe he was just an ordinary kid who had a strange gift? What if- his frantic mental discussion was cut short by Tanshin. He opened the door and came in. He was dressed in a pair of dark blue pants with a light blue shirt. He had a cape around his shoulders. The cape was black edged with gold.
"Ah! You're up, good," Tanshin smiled. "There's a carriage waiting down stairs. Leave your chest here. Someone will come to pick it up." Takuya nodded and stopped pacing. "You should put on your cape; anyhow, we will be waiting downstairs." And with that he walked downstairs.
Takuya hurriedly pulled his cape out of the chest. He put it on his shoulders and closed the red pin to secure the cape. It went all the way to his ankles and if he brought the sides of the cape together it could encompass all his body expects his shoes and head. It was quite comfy.
Takuya walked out of the room and down the stairs. Once in the main lobby he found Tanshin and Kouji waiting. Kouji stood there looking kind of irritated and annoyed. He was wearing his blue-edged cape with grey pants and a long-sleeve blue shirt. Takuya's face felt a tad hotter than before but plastered a smile on.
"Come on we don't want to get stuck in traffic," Tanshin smiled. He turned to Rukku who was standing on the side with the two boys who took the horses the first night. The boys had two chests. One was Kouji's and the other Takuya. "Thank you for your hospitality, Rukku."
Rukku waved a hand, "Not at all, it was my pleasure Master Minamoto." He bowed. Tanshin inclined him head and walked outside, Kouji in tow. Takuya hurried after them.
Outside was an expensive-looking carriage. It was a dark blue with gold trimmings. On the harnesses were Raikou and Awai. Rappa was nowhere to be found. The two boys carrying the chests deposited them on the back of the carriage. They all entered the carriage and sat down. Tanshin on one side and Takuya and Kouji in the other.
Takuya fidgeted in his seat. He was terribly nervous and having Kouji sitting next to him wasn't helping. The carriage shuddered as the horses started pulling them and off they went.
"Takuya we should explain some things about the school before we get there," Tanshin said. Takuya listened raptly. He would need as much help as he could. "The dormitories are in the east side of the school, each one has at least two students. Usually there is two of the same magic but the school paired you up with an extra student."
"Oh, who?" Takuya asked stealing a glance sideways at Kouji.
"You'll find out when you get there," Kouji looked over catching Takuya's look. "It's not me just to tell you." He smirked.
Takuya blushed and looked away. "There are four classes a day, each different according to the week," Tanshin continued ignoring Kouji. "They start at nine and go until three. The rest of the day you can do your homework or go do whatever you young people do these days. The weekends are free and on some occasions you can visit Canalis." The silence feel again leaving Takuya with his thoughts.
He looked out the window. There were a lot of carriages and people on horseback filling the street. He wondered where Juri was. Why did he want Kouji as a roommate? A sudden picture popped up in his head of Takuya and Kouji sleeping in the same bed. With nothing on! Takuya's face turned as red as a tomato. What! No, bad Takuya bad! Get picture out of head, now! But deep inside he felt a trill of… what? Disgust, no. Happiness, closer but no. More like... longing. Takuya felt like bashing his head against the side of the carriage.
"We're here." Tanshin's voice broke thru Takuya's thoughts. The door opened they all piled out. Takuya stood in front of a huge stone building, emphases on huge. The whole place was in the shape of a square c. In the space in between the sides was a circular road and right in the center was a pair of big stone walls that were open. They were ones of the first to arrive but still the place was full with kids and crying parents. In the back of it was a big clear lake. There was tons of noise as the three walked up the stairs and thru the doorway.
Takuya was amazed at the place. It was twice as big as Izumai at least. Inside they walked down a light filled corridor. Takuya stuck close to the others trying not to get lost in the crowd of people. Tanshin and Kouji strode thru; the crowd seemed to part before them and Takuya saw some people even bow. Takuya felt overwhelmed at the crowd and the size of the place. The kids with capes looked much more sophisticated and more at ease than he could ever be.
They exited the corridor into a large circular room with seven doorways into different halls. On the wall there was a big, big stone tablet that went from celing to floor. On it was filled with names, all different colors, all neatly written under one another. There were a bunch of people standing in front of it,all kids and parents. Kouji walked over to it and Tanshin motioned for Takuya to follow him as he stayed behind. Takuya did, nervously as people started to stare at him. The crowd parted as Kouji and Takuya walked forward. In front of the tablet was a stone pedestal with the indent of a hand on it.
Kouji stopped in front of it. Takuya looked on curiously. Kouji then lifted his hand and placed it in the hand-shaped indent. As soon as he put his hand down the pedestal started shining a light blue color. Takuya started awed. From the base of the pedestal shot a single blue string of light that ran from the ground onto the wall almost like a colorful shadow. The light ran up the wall and into the nearest space in the tablet that didn't already have a name. It curled and transformed into the words:
Kouji Minamoto 3rd Knight
The light faded and the blue words were now engraved in the tablet. There were several cheers from the onlookers. Kouji backed away and a stone on the top of a hallway on the right glowed softly. Kouji looked at the hallway before nodding. He motioned for Takuya to step forward and he looked at Tanshin who smiled.
Takuya walked towards the pedestal trying to ignore the glances and stares of the kids. A few whispers reached Takuya's ears and he nervously swallowed. Takuya stood in front of the pedestal looked one more time to Kouji. Kouji was watching with a guarded expression and gave no more. Takuya took a deep breath and placed his hand on the indent.
For a second nothing happened then softly the floor started shaking and then harder and harder. Some people screamed as they backed away and fell down. Kouji and some other teens managed to stay on their feet. Takuya started to panic and took a step back but somehow his hand was stuck in the indent. It wouldn't let go! The pedestal started glowing a sharp red color that grew stronger and stronger until Takuya couldn't see in front of him. The light seemed to push Takuya back straining his arm. Takuya felt the light shine thru him as if looking for something and then the wind picked up inside even if there was no windows. Swirling around him and the pedestal like he was stuck the middle of a tornado. Takuya's cape whipped around suddenly all the light drew back in the pedestal. The ground stopped shaking and the wind spiraled away into nothingness. Several deep red strands of light shot from the base with a big bang and up the wall. They twisted up, around sideways, and into circles all over the tablet. The lights met right under Kouji's name turning into one strand that curled elegantly into the red words:
Takuya Kanabara 3rd Fire Elemental
Takuya's hand jerked from the indent finally free. He turned around to meet the scared, awed, and fascinated looks on the people's faces. Even Kouji looked surprised. Takuya stood there not sure what to do. Then Tanshin walked up to Takuya and whispered, "Follow the third hallway on the right to the door that has a red waterstone on it, that's your room."
Takuya nodded and quickly walked thru the third hallway into a hall. Takuya heard full-blown whispers and talk explode behind him. He walked a little faster, trying to slow down his heart rate. That was amazing, what happened at the pedestal. The light had touched something deep inside him. The part that engulfs him when he has a temper flash. The source of his power. But why did the ground shake like that? And the wind? It didn't happen to Kouji. Maybe it's an Elemental thing…
Takuya was so deep in thought that he didn't notice that the passed the room with a red waterstone. He backtracked to the door. The door was one of the several ones that dotted the hall. Where the handle was suppose to go there were a red waterstone and another yellow one. The yellow stone looked like yellow mist swirling in a hollow shell. It was cold to touch. How was he suppose to open the door? Well, the red waterstone is here so now what?
Takuya touched the waterstone trying to twist it or something when the door opened. Takuya jumped back then carefully walked inside. It was a medium-sized circular stone room. It had two four-poster beds on either side of a big window with a ledge. It had green curtains. His chest was on the foot of the bed on the right side. On the walls near either beds there were desks with chairs. It was a comfy looking place. On the left wall there was a door that lead to the bathroom.
The bathroom had two showers with no dividers funnily enough. Two sinks and two chamber pots decorated the marble bathroom. Okay, weird…
Takuya went back to the room and opened his chest. Just to do something, he took out his books and neatly stacked them on the desk closest to his bed. He took out his dagger box and placed it under his bed. Why? He didn't know he just felt better having his daggers where no one could see them. He arranged the rest of his stuff in his chest. His chest was big one. To reach to bottom he had to stick all his upper body in the chest. He was just finishing when the door crept open. Takuya's head shot up and he hit himself on the open lid of the chest.
"Ooww!" Takuya wailed as he rocked back holding his head. It hurt.
"Hey are you Ok?" Takuya turned around to stare at the person who just came in. It was Kouji. He seemed to have changed clothes to a white shirt and green pants.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Did I forget anything in the carriage?" Takuya asked standing up. It was the only reason he could think of to what would cause Kouji to come into his room especially since Kouji told him he was not Takuya's roommate.
"What?" Kouji asked looking confused. "How would I know what you left in your carriage?" Kouji was acting odd.
Takuya started at him. "You were there the whole way and what did you do to your hair?" he asked noting that Kouji's silky black hair had been cut to his chin and he had more bangs too. Takuya had liked Kouji's long hair.
"I never did anything to my hair," Kouji said looking now utterly confused. "I've never seen you before."
"What!" Takuya started at him incredulously. Things were getting way too weird now. "We spent the whole last week together with Tanshin. What's the matter with you, Kouji?"
Kouji stared at him for a minute then burst out laughing. Takuya stared as he doubled over in mirth. Takuya was now seriously worried for the health of Kouji's state of mind. Maybe he should go to the infirmary, like, now. Kouji now managed to get a hold of his laughter and stood up smiling.
"I'm not Kouji," he smiled. "I'm Kouji's twin brother Kouichi."
"What! No way," Takuya looked at Kouichi. It made sense in a way. Why Kouichi acted different that Kouji. Kouichi looked much happier and open. "Kouji never told me he had a twin."
"Yeah, he never liked to advertise it that much," Kouichi said and walked over to Takuya. He plopped down on the left bed and opened the chest there. "Looks like we're roommates." He smiled at Takuya who grinned back. He liked this Kouichi not like Kouji of course, more like friendship-based.
Takuya nodded and walked in front of Kouichi. To his irritation Kouichi was the same height as Kouji. Kouichi suddenly stuck out his hand, "I think we should appropriately introduce ourselves. I'm Kouichi Minamoto."
Takuya grabbed Kouichi's hand and shook it. "I'm Takuya Kanabara, nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Kouichi looked curiously at Takuya. "I've never seen you before. Are you new?" They let go of their hands.
"Yeah, just found out what I am a week ago. Tanshin and Kouji found me in Izumai," Takuya explained.
"Oh so that's where Kouji was bugging father to go," Kouichi mused. "What User are you?"
"Elemental," Takuya whispered with a smile. Kouichi's eyes got impossibly wide as he took in the information.
"You aren't lying," he said looking down at Takuya in fascination. "That's amazing. So you're the one who caused all that commotion in the Entrance Stone room."
"How do you know I'm not lying?"
"Oh," Kouichi showed Takuya his cloak which was edged with yellow. "I'm a Seer and we can detect lies."
"Awesome!" Takuya gasped and in his excitement in seeing his first Seer stuck his face inches away from Kouichi's face. Kouichi grinned, amused.
Then the door opened and the original Kouji came in. His expression became stony as he looked at them. Kouji walked in and stiffly pulled out a Traker from his pocket and dropped it on the bed. He walked out with out a word.
"Okay," Takuya said slowly and he backed away. That was odd. It looked like Kouji was reverting back to his cold ways. Takuya felt a little sad inside. He liked the calm and nicer version and now he was gone.
"Kouji," Kouichi called out but upon hearing no reply, he turned to Takuya. "That's weird Kouji almost never acts this way towards me. I wonder what's wrong." Takuya shook his head meaning he had no clue. Takuya hanged his head a little and walked over to his bed. He had somehow upset him again?
"It's almost as if he were jealous." Takuya heard the softly spoken whisper and turned around but Kouichi shook his head. "That can't be right. What is there to be jealous of?"
Takuya shrugged. Maybe Kouji was jealous of Takuya getting the same room as Kouichi?
"We better get dressed up," Kouichi said as he grabbed some better clothes. "The opening ceremony will start soon. After all we can't keep the gossips waiting to see the new Elemental, can we?" Kouichi laughed as he ran into the bathroom to avoid the pillows that Takuya was throwing at him. Takuya shook his head and chuckled.
Ten minutes later both Kouichi and Takuya were all dressed and ready to attend the opening ceremony. They walked down the corridor that was beginning to flood with students. Takuya kept close to Kouichi because he didn't know the way. They passed the Entrance Stone room and continued down to a bigger hallway. Takuya had to grab Kouichi's cape in order not to get lost in the stampeding crowd. Kouichi had to stop several times because of an over tugging of his cape.
They melted with the crowd. It was times like these that Takuya cursed his lack of size. Finally after being pushed, shoved and several kicks to the knees they arrived at a big, big room. Is there anything at this school that isn't huge or relatively big? Across the front of the hall was a long table with gold table cloth. Sitting in around looked like all the teachers, including the headmaster. There were several long rectangle-shaped tables that went vertically down the length of the hall. The table clothes were all white. Students were sitting down but they all avoided the middle table leaving it bare. Along the walls were torches that gave the hall a sort of creepy but soft feeling (is that even possible?).
The noise was deafening. Everybody was whispering, talking, or shouting and it hurt his ears. Suddenly a high kneeing cry all but made his ears explode.
"Takuya!" And Takuya got the life hugged out of him by a smiling Juri. Kouichi watched on with a grin. "Oh, my gods, I haven't seen you in so long."
"Juri..can…can't..breathe," Takuya wheezed. Juri apologized and let him go. Takuya breathed the precious air into his deprived lungs. Kouichi laughed along with Juri. Juri took hold of Takuya's hand and dragged him to a table next to the empty middle one; Takuya grabbed Kouichi and so they both arrived at said table. They sat down with Juri across from them and Takuya stared at the expensive silver plates and cutlery in front of him.
"Hello," Juri said cheerfully introducing herself. "I'm Juri 3rd year Enchanter."
Kouichi nodded smiling, "I'm Kouichi 3rd year Seer." They shook hands over the table.
Takuya and his new friends talked about their lives. Takuya and Juri both told Kouichi their family lineage. Juri even showed Kouichi Bok which currently was stashed in a pocket inside her purple-rimmed cloak. Kouichi was utterly fascinated with the puppet. In turn Kouichi told them about his family over all the noise. Kouichi was born right before Kouji in their manor. Their father was one of the twelve Knights that guarded the king and their mother was a high-ranking court Seer. He was going on to tell about his cousins when total silence reined over the hall.
Takuya looked over to the entrance where all the others were looking. Kouichi and Juri both sighed. Six teenage boys came thru. The first one was Kouji, looking very good Takuya noted. A tall blonde entered in tow with a younger blonde. They looked like brothers. Next came a violet haired teen with a navy haired one. And last came a brown haired boy with blue eyes. They were all very good-looking and all the girls in the crowd melted except Juri who looked annoyed. They sat down on the empty table near the back part.
"Really," Juri huffed. She looked at Takuya who was promptly confused. "Oh, those six guys is one of two groups of people who think they own the school. They are called the Lone Wolves." Oh, yeah Kouji would be one of the popular people. Takuya felt a little down heated at the notion.
"Kouji always did need to be in the spot light," Kouichi mused. "And they should be coming soon…" And then they came thru the door in similar fashion.
'They' turned out to be a group of haughty looking girls. The one in front looked like the leader. She had silky blonde and blue eyes that would have looked pretty if they weren't filled with self-importance. She strutted over with five other girls following her all throwing these looks that told others that they were inferior compared to them. They took the other empty seats in the middle table. The blonde girls practically threw herself on Kouji. Takuya felt a burn of jealously as he glared at her.
"Who is she?" Takuya whispered as he glared daggers at the blonde girl.
Juri snickered and responded, "That's Izumi and her little gang of followers. They are the biggest self-centered airheads that ever graced this school. Now hush the headmaster is going to speak."
The man in the middle chair on the teacher's table stood and walked forward. He was a tall man with black hair that touched the ground. His hair was tied from the middle of his back leaving the hair under it to curl elegantly to the floor. His gold-trimmed cape encompassed his body completely. His pitch black eyes searched the hall from left to right before falling directly on Takuya. Takuya started as he met the eyes and looked right back. The man's lips curled into a delicate smile before he turned to address the student body.
"Good afternoon," he said his voice carrying in the noiseless hall. "We are here to start a new school year. For all the new students I am Koumori Ashi the headmaster but you may call me Master Ashi. Now before we start to eat I would like to make an announcement." The few whispers from the speech died out. It looked liked an announcement didn't happen often.
"For the first time in a hundred years a new User has graced our halls," Master Ashi said. Oh, no, oh, no! Please don't tell me he is going to do what I think he's going to do Takuya though frantically. Master Ashi glanced sideways towards Takuya and smiled softly. Oh, no he is! "I present the Fire Elemental, Takuya Kanabara," he waved a hand at the Takuya and the whole hall looked at him.
Takuya wanted nothing more than to melt into the floor as his face flared up. He bowed his head fidgeting with his hands. Kouichi and Juri did their best to glare at the onlookers telling them to back off. Then the whispers erupted all over the place. The only people who were quiet were the Lone Wolves who were watching him with calculative eyes. Everybody wanted a look at Takuya who just glared at the headmaster.
Master Ashi had a swift smirk on his face and cleared his throat to get the attention of the students. It wasn't working. He nodded to Tanshin who was seated next to him on the right. Tanshin stood up and waved a hand. The torches on the wall flared to the ceiling with a blinding light and everybody drew back to their seats. The flames died back down to their original size. Takuya thought that the flames looked awesome at their full-heat.
"Now that you all have met our newest addition-" Takuya glared even more fiercely at the man "-let the banquet begin," Master Ashi said and a crowd of people laded with various dishes and pitchers entered the hall. The people all had white robes on. They scurried to the tables and began putting them on the tables. A little boy about nine years old approach Takuya's table with a pitcher. It was about as big as the kid's head and looked pretty heavy since he looked about ready to drop it. He was about to too if Takuya hadn't reached out and grabbed it at the last second. The boy stumbled and looked up at Takuya with fear in his eyes.
"I am sorry, I won't do it again," the kid said his eyes beginning to water with tears. Takuya looked at him startled.
Takuya smiled softly, tying to reassure the kid and said, "It's alright. Accidents happen right?" The kid nodded uncertainly, the tears beginning to go away. Takuya put the pitcher on the table.
Juri who as watching with a smile said, "You should go back to the kitchens before they miss you." She winked at the kid.
"Don't worry we won't tell Junsei," Kouichi added looking over Takuya's shoulder. The kid smiled happily and said a small "thanks" before disappearing into the crowd of servants.
The table was now full with delicious and delectable foods. Takuya immediately piled his plate with as much food as possible. Takuya started eating but then stopped. This food was heavenly but he just looked at the piece of chicken in his hand. He remembered the way his mother use to make chicken back home on holidays. It was plain and not as richly spiced as this one but it was missing that loving, homemade touch that Yuriko always had as if she made it especially for him. How he missed her and his father even little Shinya with his annoying banter. And Mimi… he touched his chocker on the side where her sketch was hidden. Mimi was a terrible cook and made Takuya eat her stuff that barely looked like food. But…
Juri looked worriedly at Takuya who was staring at his piece of chicken. "Are you alright Takuya?" Kouichi also looked up bothered by Juri's statement.
"Are you feeling alright? Do you have to go to the nurse? We can take you there right now if you want to," Kouichi was now feeling Takuya's forehead frantic to find anything wrong with his new friend.
Takuya battered his hand away. "I'm fine. Really," he added as Kouichi gave him an unsure look. Kouichi reluctantly nodded and went back to eating. Takuya was touched by Kouichi's worry about his health. He knew that the time ahead was going to be difficult but he now had trustworthy friends to help him on the way. Not to mention the two strange daggers under his bed. Who sent them anyway?
"Hey," Takuya turned to met the biggest mass of gravity defying brown hair he had ever seen. The owner of said hair was a sixteen year old boy with kind brown eyes. "I'm Tai 5th Knight." Tai sat down next to Takuya.
"Oh! Um, I'm Takuya," he smiled. "How does your hair stay up like that?" Takuya stared at it.
Tai laghed, "It's natural. So what's up?" They spent the rest of the banquet talking and laughing. Maybe this wasn't home but it was as close as anything could get.
Finashed! Wow, you know what? I am pretty happy how that chapter turned out. Yeah… anyway R&R for me and tell me any ideas that you have. All ideas are welcome ('cause I need them). I love you all my lovely reviewers! And now to part once again until the next chapter: Sayonara, Chao, Adiosu, Adios, прощание, istenhozzád, farväl or just plain goodbye!