Why didn't anyone tell me age 22 was too old for community college and the boys should be in specialised colleges/universities by this point?. I feel super stupid for not doing my research at the start of this story, though in my defence I was a teenager in college myself at this point and it wasn't so easy to get information about another country's education because the only access to anime was dubbed and since when do Americans care at this point in time about being accurate to 'local culture' so why would we (I) think about it. Rice ball shaped jelly doughnuts anyone?
Well now that's over. I'm leaving my files up on my computer so even if I'm not working on them they are there to remind me. Hopefully it will work. Also been rediscovering old bands I used to listen to on CD of all things, so we may get characters listening to more music in the background, though I will give their owners some love as they play just as I do in the author's notes to the ones I borrow for my fictional band.
Don't own remember?
-/-
"Speech"
Thoughts
'Exclamation'
Julian thinking
Yue thinking
(Author's note)
Hidden Lives, Hidden Destiny Chapter 12
-/-
Despite being updated on what happened after the fight the week before, Sayuri was unprepared for the interrogation from Kirana as soon as she got near campus on Monday. The girl was highly concerned about Sayuri's mental stability after learning about the sexual abuse and offered an ear if she wanted to talk, which Sayuri said she had been receiving therapy for years for what happened, only for Kirana to become more upset at that announcement and Sayuri had to placate the sobbing girl after realising the implications of what she had said.
Meiran had stood to the side wanting to tell the girl it was none of her business but kept silent because she knew the girl only wanted to help, when Kirana had started crying she considered wiping the girls memory, but had too much experience with that backfiring when triggers brought the memories back that she decided it wasn't worth it. An overprotective friend was better than giving that friend therapy when repressed memories caused mental blocks that had to be worked through. The mind went through it the first time over the span of days or weeks, depending on the event, when the memory resurfaced it was in the span of seconds, the brain doesn't have time to process the memories before it 'implodes' due to stress. Better to get it over and done with than make it worse.
They had managed to calm the girl down before first class and made her promise not to tell people about what Sayuri had gone through as it was something Sayuri wanted to keep private, she didn't want the attention the knowledge would bring and the stigma for the subject was still something that had the victims looked down upon, as if it was their fault. Kirana understood as she had a distant family member who suffered as a social outcast and had spent time in a mental institution for seeing something normal people shouldn't, not that Kirana knew what it was as her family didn't talk about it.
Kirana met up with Tristan during second class who informed her that Julian and Tori had almost been late this morning and planned to tease them at lunch where they would practice for the tournament. Tristan admitted to not teasing Sayuri for her tiredness and general unrest as it was like kicking a downed puppy. Kirana wondered out loud if Sayuri would still beat up Tristan for the teasing even if she was tired and told her teammate of the attack, leaving out what she had promised to keep silent on, but Tristan had a hard time believing Kirana and wondered if she had seen a film called Charlie's Angels before bed. Kirana avoided talking to him directly for the rest of the day which made lunchtime uncomfortable for the six of them until Meiran backed Kirana's story and made Tristan apologise.
After last class they watched the next round of the tournament with the others and tallied up their own answers when it was over and St. Marianna School of Medicine had won. It was after they had left for home and Meiran was preparing to go out on patrol when Dranzer opened a letter received that day that they would be having visitors over for the first week of summer break at the end of July in order to celebrate Tsukiko's birthday. When she relayed this to her daughter, the girl cheered and chanted something about her Gen-ji and how he was coming over. Dranzer was sad about missing so many of her daughter's birthdays, but Tsukiko reassured her that she understood why her mother was absent and didn't blame her. In fact her best birthday was the one when she had her mother with her for the first time. Dranzer had asked her younger brother for advice on what to do and he replied with 'just be there', it had certainly been an eye-opener.
There had only been one demon sighting so far but Dranzer was sure it would only pick up quickly from here. All five had taken up patrolling when possible, though Haku usually went with Chihiro as he was unfamiliar with the enemy. It would be easier when the others got there, that was for certain.
-/-
Tsukiko was still cheerful as she relayed the news to Chihiro and Haku the next morning as the four made their way to school, Meiran wasn't with them as she had been summoned by what she called the 'council of pompous idiots' for a meeting and had orbed away mid-breakfast. They usually had meals together as the camaraderie improved morale in the group, they would gather in the Oran's flat and spend time together, having dinner before spending the rest of the evening in their own flats.
"It'll be interesting meeting the Bladebreakers, I've heard they have volatile personalities that often clash even when they're in a good mood" Chihiro had never met but had heard of the world-famous bladers and had to calm her inner fangirl when she heard they would be over for the summer. She had quickly updated Haku on the sport and the world-famous team who were more involved with what was going on than she at first realised. Not that she was a huge fan or she would have made their connection to Dranzer and her brothers years ago.
"They don't all clash" Dranzer defended, having been around them in some form for years, "Tyson and Master Kai have very different views on life, which makes them argue when they don't agree. Max and Rey tend to be in the middle, both in views and in arguments but don't usually start them themselves."
"If they have different ideals on life do they ever all agree?" Haku asked, trying to get some background just in case they pestered him later on. His question was met with a dark giggle from Tsukiko.
Dranzer smirked as she remembered being released from her bit-chip, "ever heard the phrase 'the enemy of my enemy is also my friend?'" at Haku's nod she continued "When Eli showed up my brothers were automatically on guard, which meant so were the boys. They took an instant dislike to him even before he displayed his magic, and when they were informed of how he knew me all of them got defensive. I've never heard Tyson and Master Kai agree on so much since they met."
Tsukiko giggled darkly again, "it was like being up against a wall of frowns, even after mum calmed down enough to talk with him in the dojo, everyone else protested and said he couldn't be trusted. And when he walked out alone everyone ran in to see if mum was all right just to find her in the middle of the dojo just thinking deeply. I even heard grandpa Granger threatening to give 'that beast of a trickster' a beating with his bokken if he ever showed up again" this gained a laugh from all three before they said goodbye and made plans to meet up at lunch.
As Dranzer met up with one of her classmates she remembered Eli's reaction to having her 'bodyguards' round for the summer and how she had to reassure him that he had not done anything to warrant a thrashing from them. He had looked a little uncomfortable at that and Dranzer wondered what he wasn't saying if he thought there was something to be feared from them. Well if there was, she would find out eventually.
"SAYURI" Dranzer looked behind her to see Julian and Tori approaching with their bikes. She put her weight onto her right leg and cocked her head to the side, "not late today then are you?" her classmate giggled before mentioning she would see Sayuri in class before walking away to meet another friend.
Tori gave her a half-hearted glare before asking his own question "where's Mei?"
"She had to go meet someone short notice, she wasn't looking forward to it"
"What about the demons?" Julian asked worried slightly that Meiran would be targeted.
"Where she went they can't get to her" was the answer, not that Meiran could be jumped if they did try for her. "She'll be fine".
"Where's that?" Tori asked.
"Somewhere we're not to know" she answered with a glare of her own. Julian and Tori shared a glance at that before putting their bikes away for the day. That sentence was heavy with implication, but it was clear Sayuri wouldn't elaborate. The three joined the throng of students in the hall and prepared for their own classes for the day, promising to meet up at lunch.
-/-
(Back in the past)
"Are we actually gonna watch this?" Duo asked, shifting in an uncomfortable manor, "isn't this supposed to be private?" several of the boys nodded in agreement.
"We were brought here for a reason" Une decided with confidence, "there is something going to happen that we need to see so we'll stay and watch until we have all the information we need. Who knows, maybe afterwards whatever sent us here might even take us home as well."
"If I may be so blunt commander" Wufei interjected, crossing his arms and standing taller, "I believe it's quite clear that a child is about to be born, that's what's going to happen" a few giggles were passed around and Duo had enough insolence to burst out laughing. "Why should we come all the way to wherever here is just to see a birth. If I wanted to see that I would have gone to a hospital." or found some other way he added to himself.
"If this had been a normal birth then I would have asked the same question, but it isn't a normal birth" Une continued.
Noin pretty much summed up what the others were thinking "how?" several nods went round the group though Heero seemed to be thinking deeply.
Quatre had a rather pensive look on his face, "maybe it's because of WHO it is" the raised eyebrows in return made him continue. "Don't you see? There are ten of them there, there are ten Elementals, it's obvious that she is one of their own and from the others colourings she must be Fire. The most powerful and longest serving member of them all".
Trowa was confused "longest serving?"
"It's a life long commitment" Wufei added his own knowledge to Quatre's, "the Elementals have been quite famous throughout history for thousands of years, each incarnation of the group having the same goal, 'return balance to the world'. Mostly the members reincarnate each time but there are also times when a member decides they don't want to return, or can't, so they get replaced with someone else. Winner's referring to the leader who, not only has been in the group for the longest, but was also it's founder".
"It's not like you to believe in fables Wufei" Sally commented with a grin, "shouldn't you be thinking these are only children's stories?" It was well known that Wufei was a big believer in fact, not fiction.
"When I was younger I believed that way" Wufei suddenly turned solemn, "I often heard it from one of the girls my age and scoffed at the idea, thinking it was something parents told their children so they would believe that there was a reason to hope that the fighting would all be over. I didn't believe there was any truth to it until now" he turned to the drape and gave an amused huff "she was right after all".
Everyone looked around at each other before turning to the Chinese teen, "who?" they chorused together, several wincing as they realised they sounded like owls.
"The one in black, now I understand why she felt so strongly about it, she was one of them."
Heero caught the tense in his friend's words "was?"
"She died before I joined the war" Wufei was trying to restabilise his emotions "the reason for it actually".
"You?" Duo grinned "Joined the war" the grin became menacing "For a girl?" a scowl was his answer, "that must have been one hell of a girl" and he fell to the floor in laughter. He didn't get to laugh long as they were reminded of what they were witnessing with s shrill cry'
"Something's wrong" Dark called from behind the drape "and not with the baby". Water approached the drape and called out to his sister who drew out a hand from a partition in the drape and he clasped it with both his own, the shadows of the girls continuously moving as the birth progressed.
"What's going on?" Dark Fire called as he took a step toward the middle of the room.
"Do you think we're gonna need that spell?" asked one of the girls acting as a prop asked after a minute of rest, a long pause came before another answered what must have been a heavy question "It's likely".
"WHAT THE HELL!" shouted Dark Air over the renewed groans and calls of encouragement, nearly toppling the tools on the workstation as he turned to the others. "Are you telling me you really believe that crazy old woman" he took a couple of steps forward and pointed to Dark Fire who raised an eyebrow at the accusation. "Ryo is the reason I know that old hag is lying, he wouldn't even be here if it was true. You cant base Okaa-sama's fate on superstition when we have scientific proof right here.
'scientific proof' ran round Milliardo's brain like a train, the general location of time for these people was confusing to figure out: first they were using candlelight and herbal remedies that suggested a bygone era, pre industry. But that woman had used some sort of 'magic' to take the old man away and now they were talking about science as if they were in the modern world. When the hell were they?
"He sounds like you, Maxwell" Wufei snorted "trying to be smart but being so dumb at the same time", Duo looked like he wanted to beat the crap out of him for that comment but was held back by the sudden movement from Heero who seemed to be more tense than the others, it was clear the teen didn't want them to fight but Duo noticed that something was bothering him. It must be serious cause I can SEE it.
"I don't understand" Quatre mused from his position next to Noin "how can his existence be proof she wont die?" it was a sentiment shared by the others.
"There's nothing we can do but prepare" Dark called back, "magic works in mysterious ways, it's wise not to take it so literally". At that moment a boom sounded from outside the structure the cave was in, "I thought you put up a barrier?" Dark yelled as the entire chamber began to shudder.
Water let go of his sister's hand and stood up, "I did, he may not be able to get through it but even a mountain will shake if you hit it hard enough"
"That is obvious" Dark Fire responded dryly as he walked to the weapons pile and reached for the pistol to tie at his hip. The room shook again, "he has a lot of power to be able to shake this mountain" and picked up the shashka before heading to the entrance. "We can't let it fall" and with one last look at the drape he left the room, Water and Dark Air following with their own weapons.
"Air, Earth, Dark Earth help them" demanded Dark as she continued to aid the birth, several denials were her answer ranging from "Okaa-sama needs us" to an outright "NO" from Air.
"Go" breathed Fire between contractions and stopping any exclamation of 'we're needed here with you' with a "if he gets through... you wont be able... to help me... then". Fire's full weight was transferred to Dark Water so the three could reach their weapons and leave the room after the boys, Earth reclaimed her staff, Air picked up her bow and quiver of arrows while Dark Earth left with her naginata after moving the bucket into the draped off area.
"What exists in this world with such power?" Trowa asked, helping to keep Commander Une upright as they shook along with everything else.
Noin held her arms up to the sides to keep balanced "I usually wouldn't say this, but since one of them teleported earlier I'd have to say magic" she thought that magic was a silly fairy tail excuse but Occam's Razor suggested otherwise in this case.
"I think this is what Commander Une was referring to when she said something would happen" Milliardo added uncertainly, having a better time of balancing like the boys "but who is attacking?"
"Su-chan you need to calm down the baby is fine, I'm just turning the shoulders into position" her voice was strained as she said this and Fire's intermittent panting was mixed with groaning as the baby inside her was turned so it could pass through her pelvis, the poor woman was clearly having trouble with the birth, she sounded as if she had no energy left to finish. "Come on, one big push" Dark demanded to her best friend, hoping she had enough energy to do so. Fire gave a low weak scream as she attempted to push the widest part of her baby out, Dark Water moved away some white strands from the woman's face and gave encouragement when she could.
There was a sudden movement and noise as the child slipped out into waiting arms and there was some cooing and an exclamation of 'it's a girl' from Dark as she and Light cleaned the newborn up and prepared her for her first breath. There was a tenseness in the air that was felt by everyone, several held their breaths as the wait began, one that meant more to some than others but all waited, something that could not be explained with anything other than instinct. Then... the expected cry sounded throughout the cave as the new princess announced herself to the world for the first time, the tension was cut and everyone could breath again. Tears were shed as Dark placed the newborn onto her mothers stomach and Dark Water helped Fire to keep the child there, allowing Dark to prepare for the afterbirth. Hopefully it would come soon, her friend was loosing energy fast, she couldn't keep her eves open as it was, could she even see her daughter. The afterbirth came quickly and was intact but Fire had lost what energy she had left and had passed out, leaving Dark Water to hold the child, until Light swaddled the girl in a blanket and took her in her arms, handing over the cloth with the gemstone in to Dark.
All was quiet, even the attack on the mountain had stopped. "Did she even get to see her?" Dark Water asked quietly, stroking Fire's hair.
"I don't think so" Light replied solemnly while Dark finished cleaning up, "will this little one still nurse?" she said after a while.
The trio looked at each other hopefully "there's only one way to find out" Dark took the newborn from Light and with Dark Water's help, laid the newborn next to her mother's breast so she could suckle, "please work" they held their breaths.
After what felt like forever the newborn reacted to the nipple caressing her lips and attached to it, starting to suckle and taking all the life giving nutrients she could from her own mother for the first and last time. More tears fell at the both joyous but also saddened sight. Six months, that's how long the two were together as one while the child was still growing inside her mother, but now the two were face to face... it was a cruel fate. Dark Water gasped "she opened her eyes", there was a rush to see just who's eyes the child had taken but her attention was only on the still form of her mother's sleeping face, and so was difficult to see from most angles.
"She takes after her father" Dark commented taking in those silver blue eyes, so innocent, so eye catching... so recognisable if Clow ever caught wind of this. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach, "she can't stay here" her voice was hollow as she said this.
"WHAT!" "WHY?"
"Clow" the silence that followed was heavy.
"He'll kill her" Light concluded "kill them both", Dark Water could do nothing but agree.
Dark gazed at her comatose friend, why was fate so cruel to the daughter of eternal fire itself. She gathered her tools together "we need to prepare for the spell, Light pass over a robe and send for the others, Dark Water help me dress her." A shuddering boom followed her orders. There was no more time for dallying, Light did as she was asked handing over a white sleeping yukata before heading to her crossbow and sword, Dark and Dark Water were trying to dress Fire without dislodging her baby. "by the way, what did Okaa-sama decide for a name?"
There was only one name Dranzer wanted if her child was a daughter, and it was so that not only her daughter would know where she came from, but if the two would ever meet, she hoped the name would let Yue know that she, without fear, was his.
"Tsukiko"
The group watched as Light left the room and Sally let out a sniff, she hadn't been scorned at as many others were considering something similar. Many emotions were running through them including but not limited to sadness, shock, anger and confusion. They had watched as most of the ghosts of the past left the room to fight, then heard as Fire gave birth, and finally as they realised what had happened to the new mother, but what got them most was the revelation that someone would kill a newborn, the whole event had been shocking to say the least.
"Who?" Duo was shaking in anger, "who was so... so... evil to slaughter a baby? And why?" he was clutching at the cross pendant underneath his jacket.
"Family" Heero answered sadly, he continued when the looks turned to him. "She takes after her father" he recited, "someone didn't want that particular line to continue". The others thought about it and realised he was right, her father was mentioned before the decision to sent the child away came up. This 'Clow' must have been some bastard if they were certain he would kill both mother and daughter, and for a bloodline dispute at that.
Dark Water came from behind the drape with the child in her arms and they went to take a look at her eyes, only to find the newborn was asleep, at least she wouldn't be able to witness what was going to happen to her mother. Dark pulled down the drape and picked up the unconscious mother, allowing the group to see her for the first time, and she certainly wasn't what they expected. Long white hair with a few red strands scattered throughout, and it was LONG, what was once neatly braided hair was now frazzled and slick with sweat, and blood was even seen on the lower sections, it must have been as long as herself. A pale, scarred arm was dangling to the floor as Dark carried her to the centre of the room and set her down on the rug, moving her pliant limbs into a foetal position then curled her braided hair around her form.
They were startled when Earth, Dark Earth, Dark Air, Water and Dark Fire entered the chamber, all looking a little roughed up, Duo even whistled when he saw Dark Air's arm where there was a long, jagged and bleeding cut. Water took the child from his darker counterpart to take a good look at his niece, the love was clear on his face, as well as the sadness.
"So it's really happening" it was clear from Dark Fire's tone that it wasn't a question, though Dark nodded as she took out the gemstone, unwrapped it and placed it into Fire's hands and curled the woman's fingers around it. Dark Fire then moved over to her and crouched next to Dark, placing his left hand on Fire's head while his right clasped her hands and gemstone, Dark stepped over her best friend and placed her right hand on her head next to Dark Fire's while the left hand was placed over her heart, symbolising a circle between the three. The two spoke some words in an ancient language and stepped back as there was a flash of light from the obsidian gemstone.
Both groups watched in awe as the gemstone grew and grew, covering and encasing Fire before taking on a reddish tone, pulsing and vibrating with power before stopping as it finished not only covering it's holder, but had grown to over one and a half metres in height. Commander Une walked over to the dark red crystal like structure to see it was opaque in appearance except she could see a small red sphere in the centre. "It's like she's gone" she commented as if in awe.
There was another shudder as the mountain was attacked, "We need to seal the entrance" Dark Air decided, "So no one will know where she is" the rest of the family unanimously agreed.
"I'll do it" Dark Earth announced. "Dark Water can you cover me just in case he tries to get through?" So she's the reason we had to dig so far through earlier Milliardo thought.
"Sure" Dark Water nodded before picking up her sai and tambo, "good luck" she said to Dark before leaving the room.
Dark Earth, Water and Dark Fire went to follow her when Water stopped and turned to Dark, "What's her name?" the rest of the family was also curious.
"Tsukiko"
"Isn't that risky" Earth asked wringing her hands, her words were what the others were thinking. "Considering..." there was no need to finish her sentence, they all knew what it would be.
Dark turned to the red crystal that commander Une was still standing by. "it's what she wanted" none of the family could dispute that so the three left.
"Why is this kid's name such a cause for concern" Duo asked in confusion.
"Tsukiko is a Japanese name roughly meaning 'child of the moon', it's a little direct to who she is" Heero decided revealing this information wouldn't be too descriptive for someone who hadn't known her parents. Watching this again had been difficult, more so because he had new knowledge he hadn't had before, there was no need to add anymore suspicion on top of what his rival had already given him.
"I assume that means her father had a lunar name as well then" Trowa concluded, connecting the dots, though he was sure there was something else to this that Heero wasn't sharing. Had this become a legend and Heero's Japanese ancestry clued him in or was there something more.
"Which means if anyone who sees her and knew her father also hears her name they will instantly recognise her ancestry" Wufei added. Was naming the child so close to the father she resembled wise in the end?
Dark Earth chose that moment to return and rub her hands in agitation, she turned to the door and aimed her arms at it, her palms touching the edges of the hole the visitors had made in the present. "Water has left the battlefield" she said as her hands started glowing, "He'll take her far away from here, out of the country, even over the ocean I think he was insinuating" a new ghostly version of the wall the visitors had dug through rose up from the floor sealing off the chamber, but only to those of the past.
"Good" Dark said as she picked up her swords "the further away from 'him' she is the better" the four then took compass points around the red crystal. Duo grabbed Une away from the centre of the ring, though they were in different times, there was always a chance something could happen so it was better safe than sorry. The four then raised their arms to each other as if to touch fingers before they all started glowing. Earth and Dark Earth had brown glows, Dark Air had a dark greyish yellow glow and Dark's was almost black. Suddenly there was a flash of colour bright enough to blind and the four were gone, leaving behind four smaller crystals behind.
The vision was over.
The group moved around to examine the room and found the five crystals were covered in a layer of dust as were the workstations and bedding, the candles had burned to the stub and the rug was curling at the ends. The herbs had dried, rot had consumed most of them, as had the bedding and something that had been in a wooden bowl which meant the bowl itself was rotting away. The room now showed the test of time and the only light was once again from themselves. Quatre touched one of the smaller crystals to find symbols etched onto it's surface. "there's something written on these crystals" causing the others to examine the crystals as well.
Heero and Commander Une were examining the larger crystal when it pulsed with red energy, it had been stronger than the other pulses in the vision, leading Une to believe it's inhabitant had gained strength in the time she had been sealed inside. "You want out don't you" she whispered to it, touching the surface with her palms the same time Heero did on the other side and there was a sudden flash of red light and the sound of a thunder crack and all went dark.
"Hey!" Duo called from somewhere near where Dark Earth had been standing in the vision. "Who turned off our lights?" referring to the soft glow that permeated their bodies since the start of this adventure of knowledge, if you could call it that. In response the four smaller crystals also started glowing in their respective colours allowing everyone to see that the big red crystal now had a huge crack on it's surface and a chunk of it had even disappeared. The four crystals continued to aggressively glow causing everyone to move away from them for safety. They pulsed three times before exploding and then darkness took over once again. "What the hell!" despite the language they were all thinking the same thing. What HAD happened.
A blue glow near the entrance drew their attention as a voice told them they were no longer alone. "So you are the ones who invaded my sisters tomb. The blue light in the raised palm of the new visitor showed them a figure of a man in modern clothes, and he wasn't happy.
-/-
Well that went out a lot faster than I expected, though to be honest, more than half is dedicated to the past and that was pre-written a while ago so I kinda cheated a bit. One more visit for the Gboys before they go home and out of my story, though I may be convinced to do a side story where Trowa confronts Heero about what he knows.
