Eleven
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR DEAR FRIEND. WE WISH TO DEDICATE THIS STORY TO YOU- YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE
"Miyoru!" Akane tried again, screaming her name. The girl was just staring at her, red eyes almost glowing. Akane didn't know what was wrong and what she was happening at all. Miyoru only stared at her, uninterested and not showing any indications that she heard Akane's words. Akane looked down. There was a steady cracking sound as more of her calf turned frozen and gray. Akane bit her bottom lip, then reached out a hand, doing whatever she could do to help herself and knock Miyoru out of her trance. Akane aimed right for Miyoru's face with a clenched fist. As the fist came within an inch, Miyoru moved slightly and dodged the punch with barely any movements at all. However, it seemed enough.
Miyoru gasped, breaking free of her trance and panting. She then looked wildly to Akane. "Akane, look away- i-it's getting out of control-" Before Akane could process anything, Miyoru let out a scream. The cracking sounds have stopped, and Akane could feel her stiff calves getting their feelings back. However, Miyoru then returned to staring at her as if nothing had happened.
…..
It came too quickly, the strike of the hand. Karina knew she had time to dodge and was completely able to, but she didn't. Kari sprung to her feet, still on the top bunk. "What was that for?" Karina said, her voice low. It has been a bit since both Akane and Miyoru left the room. Umira seemed to have jumped to a conclusion about what had happened before she came in. And her guess can't be too far off if her reaction was to slap Karina.
Umira took her president stance, looking straight into Karina's eyes. "Discipline and punishment."
"You didn't have to slap me." Karina said, tears still swimming around in her eyes.
"You didn't have to yell at Chiruma and Choira."
"It's none of your business." Karina muttered. She wanted nothing to do with anyone right now. She also didn't regret yelling, either. It felt weird, and she knew she shouldn't be yelling at her own teammates, but it was true.
"I can't have anyone breaking our team's bond. That was Akane's scream. I know it, and you know it. But no, you wouldn't go help a screaming friend because of your own ego." Umira's eyes were full of rage, something that was rarely seen on her.
Kari's retorts faltered a little at Umira's words and rage. She remained silent.
"Tell me, what happened?" Umira said, voice bossy and in charge. Karina looked sideways at Umira, standing short but fierce. The slap stung, keeping Karina's mind focused on what had just happened.
Karina avoided her gaze. "No. It's nothing. None of your business, either." Karina said, trying hard to seem menacing with the last few words by spitting them out. However, it didn't prove effective.
"Rash as you are, you aren't a sore loser, Sawada. What caused you to lash out?" Umira persisted, knowing a lie when it was under her nose.
At Umira's question. Looking down into the girl's blue eyes, Karina knew that Umira would know immediately if she told anything but the truth. As carefree as the class president seemed, she was deadly serious when she needed to be.
"Kawasaki, I'm telling you now. Leave me alone." Karina said, knowing that she was being a jerk. But what kind of a person slaps a crying teammate anyway? Does it matter what the teammate did as long as he/she didn't commit any crimes? At that, Karina's anger refueled a little. Umira finally seem to give in to her bossy stance.
"Yeesh! Enough already, Kari! Just tell me." Umira said, ditching her composure and kicking off her shoes. She then climbed up her bunk and snuggled into the blankets. "So…?"
Karina's stare softened. She really shouldn't be hurting anyone else today.
As Karina recounted what had happened to Umira, the class president went through different expressions, but for the most part, she just raised an eyebrow. Karina had to admit that it felt really good to share her worries. As more of what had happened came out, Karina found herself not so dragged down anymore- and more satisfied.
"That's it?" Umira said after Karina seemed to have finished speaking.
"What do you mean that's it?! Ichiyo called us garbage!" Karina whined, the light and sharp tone returning to her voice that makes her every sentence sound like it was exclaimed or yelled.
"Oh~ he did?" Umira said, picking at her nails, bored.
"Were you even listening!?" Karina yelled, slamming the mattress.
Umira shrugged, that old president and determined look returning to her face. "Even if he did, you had no right to lash out at your teammates. I understand your anger, but you need to control it and use that as fighting fuel. I'm going to go squeeze in some extra training. See you at the afternoon mock battle." With that, Umira hopped off the bed, her forever messy blue-purple hair flying after her.
…..
Ryuuji burst through the doors of his shared room at a piercing scream, to find Miyoru and Akane standing in the hallway. When he sensed the other boys running up to see what was happening behind him, he gestured for them to stay back. He could handle this alone.
Even though his stance was full of confidence, as he walked towards Miyoru, dread filled him. It had been a long time since it happened, and now it was happening again.
Akane was looking down at her feet, which were turning steadily frozen. She then shifted her gaze when Ryuuji came rushing. Staring at him with fear in her eyes, Akane did not know what he would do and was scared by the fact that she was turning into stone.
"Close your eyes or look away, Akane." Ryuuji said, but saw that Akane was already doing that. He reached Miyoru from behind quickly, albeit with a slight limp and bandaged arm. He set his good hand on top of her white hair and ruffled it, sighing.
"Mi-chi," he began in a soft voice. "You're scaring everyone. Calm down. Nothing is wrong with you - it's not your fault." Knowing Miyoru's low confidence in herself, Ryuuji knew exactly the right words to say. He felt the albino's shoulders relax. "You're turning Akane into stone, Mi-chi. You don't want that, do you? They've allowed us into their team. We should be grateful and maybe not turn them into statues." The orange-haired boy winced inwardly at his wording. He never really had a way with words.
Miyoru barely budged, and Ryuuji scratched at his head like it was a completely normal situation to be in. As if the whole world could turn each other to stone every other minute of the day. Ryuuji decided that he really needs to do it this time. Inhaling expertly and showingly, Ryuuji opened his mouth. "Miyoru." He stretched his mouth into a smile and squeezed the girl's shoulders, bracing himself. A second later, Miyoru jerked and turned towards him. He was quite worried himself that she would turn him into stone as well. However, when no more cracking was heard, Ryuuji looked up to see that Miyoru was looking down.
"I'm sorry," Miyoru said in a quiet voice. "I lost control of myself. Please forgive me, Akane-san." Ryuuji touched the back of his head. It was definitely lucky that it worked. Now they must have lots to explain to their fellow teammates.
"..." Akane started, but was too shocked from what had happened. After a moment of silence, Miyoru turned her face away, hiding her eyes in her thick white hair again. Ryuuji watched to see what the two would do. Akane opened her mouth, but then closed it again, clearly at a lost for words. Ryuuji frowned. Whatever she needs to say, Akane better say it soon. Or else-
Right after Ryuuji's frown, Miyoru fell forward into Ryuuji's arms like a child. She had passed out, just like the few times before when this same thing happened… But what could have made Miyoru so upset that she lost control this time? Was it someone? Ryuuji would never forgive anyone for hurting a good friend. Unless there was a good reason.
…..
"When are we going to get there?" Gokudera muttered under his breath, walking with that usual hunch with hands stuffed into his pockets.
"Soon. According to Reborn's message their base should be ahead- in that old house and down a trapdoor in the basement." Yamamoto whispered, dragging Gokudera back behind a tree. "Don't let your guard down." Gokudera bit the inside of his mouth, peeking out from behind Yamamoto.
"What's wrong? Are you chickening out?" Gokudera said, one eyebrow raised.
"No… But remember? That day after the attack, Reborn told us to hide our presence. Our job is only to receive information if they're a threat to us or not."
"You heard what tenth said- that guy told us to not recruit any new people! That alone already counts as a threat. They want to weaken us in numbers for sure," Gokudera spat. "Come on." With that, he ran from behind a tree lightly towards the house. With a sigh, Yamamoto could only follow as Gokudera charged on - although quietly.
They managed to sneak in easily – there were no guards or security. Just as well, as this was supposed to simply be an old house.
"Shabby for a man who has imposing threats," Gokudera muttered under his breath, tracing his fingers along the walls. He wiped the dust off on his pants.
…..
Haru had motioned for Karina to take the others and leave the room, knowing well what was going to happen next. She would be escorted through the headquarters, greeted by nearly every single agent, then taken to Tsuna –
"Ma'am, would you please follow me?" Mira, Ryuuji's mother asked.
It was all routine by now.
Mira led Haru down a corridor. "Ma'am, if I may, I want to talk to you. Privately."
Haru raised her eyebrows, though unseen by the woman in front of her. Talking to her privately? This was new. "Sure, why not?"
The agent opened the door to a small room, gesturing for Haru to walk in first. After Haru had seated herself in one of the two chairs, she sat opposite of her. The door was closed, and the windows were covered with blinds. Haru clutched her purse, prepared to defend herself if Mira decided to murder her. However, she took note, with amusement, that Mira's aura changed quite a lot from when she was seen at the lobby. She had a sharp look in her eyes, and gave a professional feeling compared to when she acted happy-go-lucky a few minutes ago.
"So –"
"It's about your husband."
"Eh?" Tsuna? Did Mira and him have an affair? No, Tsuna would never do that! Was he ill? Dead?!
"I'm quite worried about him." What, so he's sick?! Not dead, but maybe injured horribly?
"Well, um,"
"Please do not tell anyone this information. I have only told the Tenth and the Guardians so far – and I would most likely be fired if it was found out I told you."
"Wh – am I not supposed to know?! I'm your boss' wife!"
"And you, of all people, should know how he likes to separate work from family."
Haru slumped back in her chair, defeated. She nodded, gesturing for Mira to go on. The woman's eyes darted around the room cautiously, as if looking for spy cameras. She leaned in, and spoke in a soft voice.
…..
"What!? Really…?" Akane exclaimed, standing up suddenly. Ryuuji sighed. Of course, everybody has this reaction when they first hear the news… He was already prepared for this. However, then they process the information and will eventually get scared and will likely avoid them from now on. Ryuuji studied Akane carefully to watch if her expression changes from shock to fear soon. However, it did not.
"Well… I already pretty much guessed that." Akane said, sitting down. She didn't want to make such a fuss about it. So Miyoru can turn people to stone when she needs to… but the power isn't fully under control yet. Akane was shocked, but after experiencing the events earlier, she had already guessed that Miyoru had somehow inherited the legendary 'Medusa' power. When Ryuuji didn't make another sound, Akane looked up at him, curious. Instead, his expression shocked her. "W-what!? Are you… crying?" Akane asked, standing up again. The sudden movements in the past minute made her knees painful. Akane stood frozen for a moment to let her knees recover.
Ryuuji's sniffs filled the room. Akane reached over and put a hand on Ryuuji's shoulder. In a flash, Ryuuji tensed and slapped Akane's arm away. Bending over, Ryuuji clutched his arm tightly, and Akane heard a pained moan. What happening now?
"Are you okay?" Akane asked after rubbing her slapped arm. Ryuuji breathed heavily, then he straightened a little. In the awkward silence, Akane didn't know how to comfort him and didn't dare touch him again. Then Ryuuji looked up at her and nodded. Akane noticed a hint of guilt. "Well what just happened?"
"..." Ryuuji looked away. Miyoru shifted in Ryuuji's lap. "Don't tell Karina." Ryuuji said as he lifted the sleeve of his shirt. Akane's eyes widened at the bloody arm.
"When did this happen? Was it during the tournament?" Akane asked, worried. "We should get you to the nurse."
"No, no. It's just a cut." Ryuuji said.
"But I thought you said you were fine and had only minor injuries!" Akane said- it was what she told Karina after all… Maybe she should've paid more attention.
"Yeah… this isn't major or anything… I'm not dying." Ryuuji said, looking away. Akane sighed.
"Come on, I'll carry Miyoru- and escort you to the nurse." Honestly, Akane did not EVER want to go back to that lunatic nurse again… But now isn't the time to dawdle. Akane stretched and bent towards Ryuuji. Squeezing one arm under Miyoru, she lifted her awkwardly. Miyoru was just a little bit taller than her, so she went through quite some trouble getting her properly up and into her arms. Ryuuji helped, of course, or Akane would've dropped Miyoru's arm… although it was as if Miyoru was completely dead.
"Oof she's quite heavy... " Akane said through gritted teeth as Ryuuji opened the door with his good arm. Akane looked down. Like this, Miyoru looked really pretty… Akane could never imagine how ANYONE would even THINK she was not nice looking.
…..
The narrow hallway filled with Karina's footsteps.
"I thought you said there were only minor injuries?" Karina asked in a sharp voice, turning her head to Akane. Akane could only look down at one brown diamond after another on the red carpet as she walked fast, right after Karina.
"Yeah, but Ryuuji didn't tell me before." Akane said after a pause, feeling that she has not done a good enough job. Even though Ryuuji told her not to tell Karina about his arm after she found out, Akane still felt the need. So despite Karina's wild behaviours earlier on, Akane dared to go tell Karina. Of course, Akane expected Karina to still be in a very angry state, and the embarrassment of what Akane did in response was catching up with her. However, Karina's reaction when Akane went back into the dorm was surprising. Fascinating, even.
"Akane!" Karina had said with exceptional brightness. Akane could tell that Karina had been crying due to the red rims around her eyes… but her cheerfulness was unexplained. "So I see you're finally back… So uh… How's Miyoru?" Akane had noticed an obvious glint of guilt in Karina's eyes as she asked but pretended not to notice. Akane then proceeded explaining Miyoru's powers and eventually, Ryuuji's wound.
"So… Miyoru…" Karina had shook her head. "Where are they now?" Half of her body hanging down from the top bunk, her face upside-down.
"I brought them to Dr. Shamal-" Was all Akane had said when Karina suddenly flung off the top bunk, landing perfectly on her feet.
"What!?" Karina had exclaimed, and ran out the room. Akane of course went after Karina and thus they started running down the hall before Akane reminded Karina that no running was allowed. Even in mafia hallways.
Flashes of Karina's long black hair lying after her as she made a sharp turn towards Dr. Shamal's office was the only warning for Akane to turn as well and avoid the hard wall.
"Watch out there… Goodnes." Karina huffed, reaching out and grabbing Akane's arm. "You know what Dr. Shamal is like. He abhors males! You should've brought him to me before Dr. Shamal!" Karina sighed, bringing one hand to her forehead. "He would refuse to treat Ryuuji, for sure. No- that's the best possibility! If he feels like it, Dr. Shamal can kill Ryuuji easily!" At that, Akane stopped dead in her tracks.
"What!?" Was all Akane managed to squeak before getting a tug from her friend.
"Yes, you heard me. Now, how did he get those injuries?" Karina demanded, her bossy demeanor on and at work. Akane tensed up. Ryuuji did tell her… but Akane knew her friend would feel bad and guilty if she tell her.
"Um," Akane mumbled, pinching a piece of her hair between her fingers.
"Just say it, Akane!" Karina seemed agitated again, and Akane frowned.
"Fine. Earlier when you were attacking a target, another snuck up behind you. Ryuuji was the only one capable of reacting in time, so he interfered and came between you and the target- using herself as a shield. You should've seen the target he brought down! I saw him, but… I didn't know he got hurt." At that, Akane could clearly see the guilt written over Karina's face. One part of Akane was glad that Karina knew the trouble she had caused and thought that she deserved the guilt, but another part of her knew the trouble wasn't really caused by Kari and that as a friend she really shouldn't wish any negativity on another friend - no matter what.
-END OF CHAPTER-
Regi: okay first off I'd like to apologize for our absence and this very very short chapter. We kind of had to rush it, since it's long overdue. Sorry, again!
Also, it's not Reg.
Also, SAO season 2 is horrible and boring. Or at least the first episode was.
Ailurophilek: Ahaha, you'll change your mind about SAO II soon enough~ (*sigh* you have a grand adventure awaiting you, Nacht- chan! I just finished it today, actually. (July 2nd much~) Yuuki- chan T^T I shed tears for you... A-anyways, off topic BUT DONT CALL ME LU-CHAN! It reminds me of Fairytail too much and makes me want to start the second season- BUT I MUST NOT, NOT YET!
Ail: Hey… you know. Today's already September 27th…. we're bad at keeping this up… and tbh I didn't really write this WHOLE chapter by myself…
Ail: It's October already… oh no we have to hurry!