Chapter six
…Ah, Good old physical education Sorata thought to himself as he walked out of the locker room, all dressed down and ready for whatever their instructor decided they would do today. It was the last hour of the day and after last hour's biology test, he was ready to expend a little pent up energy.
He glanced over to see a group of kids near the bleachers laughing and seemingly having a good time, but no sign of Kamui. Eyes scanning the spacious gym he finally found Kamui casually leaning against one of the walls of the gym, staring at nothing and talking to no one.
Sorata released a tired sigh. Why Kamui? Why seclude yourself? You're a great guy, you could have so many friends if you'd just give them half a chance. Shaking his head, Sorata started to make his way over to Kamui.
Kamui looked up as he heard Sorata approaching but gave no sign that he noticed or even cared. But inwardly, Kamui couldn't help but be somewhat grateful for the strange yet friendly monk.
"What are ya standin' around here all alone for Kamui? Not feelin' the social scene today?" Sorata joked as he came to stand at Kamui's side. Kamui shrugged as though he couldn't care less and made no reply. Sorata opened his mouth to say something else but stopped as he heard his name being called.
Both Sorata and Kamui looked up to see Yuzariha coming towards them, an uncharacteristic frown on her face and distress in her eyes.
"Yuzariha! What's the matter? Why the long face?" Sorata asked in sincere concern.
Yuzariha shook her head as she approached and hesitated a moment before answering.
"It's…it's miss Arashi." She finally blurted out, looking up at Sorata.
"What about Arashi!?" Sorata immediately questioned, any traces of earlier humor completely gone.
"She's ok," Yuzariha quickly assured. "She just… got into trouble in class last hour and was sent to the principle's office. So now she has to stay after school today for what happened."
"What DID happen?" Sorata asked, relieved to hear she was ok, but VERY concerned as to why Arashi would EVER be sent to the principle's office.
"We were in the middle of our art history class and our professor noticed that Miss Arashi had fallen asleep during his lecture. Mr. Kanami, our professor, called her name but she wouldn't wake up." Yuzariha explained hastily, but paused before starting her story again.
Sorata could feel himself losing his patience, which did NOT happen often, but Arashi's strange behavior had him extremely worried.
"Then what happened?" he asked anxiously.
"Then, Mr. Kanami became very angry and slapped his ruler on her desk. It must have been pretty hard because it was very loud; it even made me and Inuki jump. And poor miss Arashi, she screamed and jumped so quickly out of her seat that she crashed into the desk next to her and both she and that student fell to the floor."
Yuzariha paused again and looked down. When she looked back up both Sorata and Kamui were surprised to see a look of insuppressible anger on her face and tears welling up in her eyes.
"Hiouki said he was just helping her up, but I saw what he did and Arashi was right to slap him for it!" she cried angrily.
"What about Hiouki!?" Sorata exclaimed, his impatience now replaced with feelings of loathing and disgust.
"It was his desk that Arashi crashed into. Arashi landed on him and he…HE!" Yuzariha couldn't go on as angry tears started to streak down her face. Inuki growled angrily, showing his support for Yuzariha.
She didn't need to go on. Sorata could imagine what a creep like Hiouki would try to do when a beautiful girl like Arashi was confused and vulnerable. The thought made it nearly impossible for him to breathe, he was so furious.
"Anyway," Yuzariha said after taking a deep breath "Arashi did what any girl would have done and slapped him. I don't think Mr. Kanami saw what Hiouki did, because he pulled Arashi up and sent her straight to the principle's office."
Loud laughter on the opposite side of the gym caused all three to look up and over at the group of laughing students. Hiouki was at the center of the melee, talking and laughing about what, all three could probably guess.
Yuzariha looked up at Sorata and watched the muscles in his jaw flex tightly as he grit his teeth. The look that encompassed his handsome features caused her blood to run cold with fear. Then he took in a very deep breath and exhaled it slowly. He suddenly turned to both she and Kamui and put a hand on both their shoulders.
"I need the two of you to do me a favor ok?" he asked in a surprisingly calm voice.
Too startled and curious to refuse, both Kamui and Yuzariha nodded silently, waiting to hear the favor.
"I need the two of you to walk home together ok? I'm going to stay after and come back to the mansion with Arashi." He said as he shot another glance over at the chuckling group of students.
"Will the two of you do that for me?" He asked, his attention reverting back to the both of them again.
Kamui and Yuzariha both looked at each other and nodded yet again. Sorata smiled at the two of them gratefully and gave both their shoulders a reassuring squeeze before dropping his hands to his sides.
"Good." He stated almost happily and turned to leave.
"Sorata?" Kamui called after him in confusion.
Sorata continued walking, not missing a beat, but called over his shoulder to BE CAREFUL when they walked home after school. Kamui glanced over at Yuzariha who looked just as confused as he did. Both watched as Sorata walked steadily, almost determinedly, toward the group of students.
Some of the students looked up as Sorata approached and made way as he stalked right through the center of the crowd to stop right behind Hiouki. The laughter died down but Hiouki continued to laugh as though nothing was wrong. Sorata just stood there for a moment, completely silent, fists clenched tightly, his face an emotionless mask.
Hiouki, completely oblivious to Sorata's presence, snorted as he gloated "She may be an ice queen but I'm telling you guys, Kishuu has an amazing pair of …."
That was as far as he got before Sorata grabbed Hiouki by the shoulder, and whipped him around to stand face to face before each other. Hiouki's smile vanished and without a word, Sorata punched Hiouki square in the face. Hiouki flew backwards several feet before crashing hard to the gym floor. There wasn't a single student whose mouth wasn't hanging open in sheer shock at what had just taken place.
"Arisugawa!" the gym instructor's voice rang loud and clear throughout the gymnasium. "Change back into your school uniform and then march yourself straight to the principles office for detention!"
Sorata's face lit up in a cocky and confident smile. Just what I was hoping for he thought with pleasure as he offered a "Yes Sir" to his instructor.
Walking towards the locker rooms Sorata paused for just a second as he passed Hiouki, who still sat where he fell, nursing a bloody nose.
"I told you I'd teach you respect if you needed it Hiouki. And I'll be happy to do it again if you so much as talk to, look at or even THINK of Arashi Kishuu. And if you EVER lay a finger on her again I'll teach you a lesson you won't be walking away from. Do I make myself clear?" Sorata spat, glaring in rage at Hiouki.
One look at Sorata and Hiouki could tell that he was deadly serious. He nodded shakily to show he understood completely and then looked away, unable to hold Sorata's soul piercing glare. Satisfied, Sorata continued on his way to the locker room. Don't worry Nee-chan he thought both troubled and concerned I'm coming.
…………………………..
Humiliated, infuriated, and completely ashamed, Arashi sat secluded in one of the desks in the school's detention room. There were only two other students in the room besides herself, neither of which she knew. They both sat away from her and away from each other, mostly minding their own business. One sat reading a rather smutty looking novel, and the other was sketching in a notebook. Both were probably sophomores since they looked so young but from their appearances, and the smell that both gave off, they had probably gotten caught smoking on school grounds.
Arashi folded her arms on the desk and rested her head on them. Not once in her life had she EVER done anything that would require her to be disciplined. She had always done what she'd been told and never gave anyone any trouble. Even when she was brought to live at Ise as a Miko at such a young age, she had always done her share; had endured endless hours of physical and mental training without a word of complaint.
Who am I that I should complain or cause problems? My life, though destiny has a purpose for it, is expendable and insignificant compared to others she had always thought. So she had always diligently and relentlessly sought to work hard, to push herself to the limits to achieve the destiny given her. To be the Dragon of Heaven she was meant to be, sworn to protect Kamui, and to defend the human race.
So now, like an emotionally unstable teenager, I go and slap some high school kid for copping a feel! A kid I'm supposed to protect. How could I do such a stupid thing!?! Her mind fumed. And yet, despite her sense of duty, personal integrity would not allow her to regret what she had done. He had it coming the second he touched her and instinctually, she let him have it.
"Ugh!" She groaned miserably. The experience made her flush in embarrassment. She just didn't know how to handle boys. She never really had to worry about them when living at Ise. Her upbringing there had truly sheltered her from such concerns and now, it seemed like she couldn't escape them, no matter how hard she tried.
That thought brought her to the issue of Sorata. She had never before met anyone like him. At times he acted like a complete and utter fool, but just when she thought she had him pegged he would surprise her. He had so much power, was often cocky and a little too self-confident but then he'd turn around and amaze her with deep insights, was kind and compassionate.
Arashi reached beneath her uniform collar and stroked her new necklace thoughtfully……….. She had found it on her bedroom windowsill a few days ago, in a beautifully wrapped box with a small note that read,
"A beautiful gift for a beautiful girl." – Your secret admirer
Arashi had looked around for some other clue as to who could have left it, but honestly…who else could it have been from but that love struck monk? Upon opening the box, she had found the beautiful silver necklace, a glistening delicate star pendant hanging on the shiny chain. She couldn't ever recall anyone giving her a gift before. It brought tears to her eyes, for she still couldn't understand why someone like Sorata, or truthfully, anyone else for that matter,would care much for someone like herself.
Reaching into the box, she tenderly picked up the necklace but immediately dropped it as she felt a tiny shock run up the length of her arm and shoot through the rest of her body, causing her heart to skip a beat. Confused, she hesitatingly reached for the necklace again. Feeling nothing at all this time, she pulled it from the box and slowly walked over to the mirror above her dresser.
Undoing the tiny clasp, she reached behind her neck and put the necklace on. Looking at it thoughtfully in the mirror, she fingered it tentatively. She didn't own many possessions, and certainly not any jewelry, but the tiny present actually made her feel…pretty. It brought a soft smile to her lips.
But what do I do about it? Rejecting his gift would be rude… she thought with apprehension, but to accept it would only encourage him even more. And what if…..what if it wasn't from him?... But she quickly refuted that thought. 'Your secret admirer?' who else COULD it be?!
I'll just keep it for now she finally concluded, and when the time is right I'll thank him for it. And with that decision made, she tucked the necklace under her shirt collar and headed back downstairs to help start dinner……..
Arashi's train of thought was interrupted as she heard the detention room door open. Her mouth dropped open wide as she watched none other than Sorata himself, characteristic grin in place, enter the room and make his way toward her desk.
He has GOT to be out of his mind! She thought in shock as she watched him take a seat in the desk next to hers, his eyes never leaving her face for a minute.
"Nee-chan should be careful; she could pull a muscle with her beautiful mouth open wide like that." He joked quietly. Forgetting that her mouth was, indeed, hanging wide open, Arashi immediately shut it, and simply continued to stare in disbelief.
"What are YOU doing here!?!" she finally exclaimed, completely unsure as to how to react to his presence. "Shouldn't you be in class? You'll be in trouble if you get caught in here!"
"Nee-chan is so kind to worry for me, but it's not necessary. I'm already in trouble; that's why I'm here." He stated happily, as if it were a good thing.
Arashi shook her head in confusion and could feel a headache coming on.
"You're in trouble? Why? What could YOU have possibly done to wind up here!?"
"Don't you worry your pretty little head about it Nee-chan. What's done is done and here I am. So how bout' you? What's a nice girl like you, doing in a place like this?" He asked with a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
At that question Arashi turned away from him and brought her hands up to cover her face, a gesture that caused Sorata's throat to tighten with empathy.
She doesn't deserve the strain and pressure that she's been put under. Why her? He thought as he watched her rub her eyes and shake her head. His desire to hold her and comfort her was overwhelming but somehow he maintained the strength to stay where he was.
"I…" Arashi started but then stopped, not wanting to tell Sorata just how childish she had acted today. She was a priestess, someone who should be a perfect role model of temperance, strength and fortitude. But her behavior lately had been anything but and she just could not understand why.
"Its ok Nee-chan!" Sorata quickly jumped in. "You don't have to tell me. I don't care how you wound up here. All I care about is whether or not you're all right."
Arashi stopped rubbing her eyes and looked back over at him.
"I'm fine." She stated flatly.
Sorata couldn't help the tiny little lift of one eyebrow, giving off a somewhat skeptical look.
Arashi's defenses crumbled just a little under his gaze.
"I'm just…so tired," she sighed miserably as she brought her head to rest in her hands again.
I know Nee-chan, I know. Sorata quietly worried to himself, knowing that her answer would be something to that effect.
"If you're tired… then….. you should sleep Nee-chan." He soothed tenderly.
Arashi looked back over at him, somewhat surprised that he'd encourage her to do that now, especially since its what got her sitting there in detention in the first place. And yet, all she longed for at the moment was to slip into blissful unconsciousness.
Sorata watched her look of surprise turn to one seeking out permission, HIS permission! Well THAT was simply ridiculous; he would give her anything that her heart desired… all she had to do was ask. And once asked for, no force on heaven or earth could stop him from granting her wish.
Taking off his uniform jacket, he rolled it up into a makeshift pillow and handed it to her.
"Here, use this Nee-chan, it's not much but its better than nothing. And don't worry about getting caught; I'll keep an eye out for anyone coming. I'll wake you before anyone comes in. Just rest."
Arashi felt a knot form in her throat as she carefully took the jacket from his outstretched hands. Why do you care so much Sorata? She wondered to herself as unshed tears started to blur her vision. Not wanting him to see her tears, she hurriedly looked away and started fluffing the jacket with her hands. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly, trying to get a grip on her emotions.
Once she felt the jacket was sufficiently fluffy she slowly laid her head down on it. It was soft and it smelled of him. She took another deep breath, drinking in his scent. She wasn't sure why, but it brought her comfort and completely relaxed her. It made her feel…safe.
Tilting her head to look back over at Sorata, she saw him sitting quietly at his desk, his complete attention focused on the classroom door. Her eyes skimmed over the white T-shirt that he had worn underneath his uniform jacket and she felt tears sting her eyes yet again as she reflected on his selfless gesture, the feel of his jacket fabric soft on cheek.
I've never had a real friend…until now. I'm not even sure I know how to be one in return. But I promise…I'll do whatever it takes to keep you she silently pledged.
"Sorata?" Arashi whispered hesitantly.
Sorata turned around sharply at the sound of her voice and shot her a questioning look.
"Yes Nee-chan?" he whispered back.
"Thank you." she whispered sincerely, hoping that he could feel her gratitude.
Sorata smiled fondly at her and sat up a bit straighter.
"You are more than welcome Nee-chan! Anytime you want me to see me without my shirt on, all you have to do is ask." He joked while flexing his arms.
Arashi rolled her eyes and turned her head the other way, hoping to hide the small smile he had brought to her lips. She heard him turn back to face the door, and she released a deep sigh, feeling her eyelids start to droop. Closing them, she felt herself fall into dark nothingness……
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Well? How am I doing? I hope you liked this chapter, since its my longest yet! I PROMISE that the next chapter will be MUCH more action packed….that is…if you WANT me to keep going? Just review and let me know!