"See? So cool, isn't it? Those ghosts guys made it for me." Zero's grin was even wider now and it was matched with an even more adorable laugh. "It's so big on you! Looks like you're wearing a massive cape." I struck a ridiculous pose, fluffing my hair and doing my best imitation of a super-model pout, which only caused Zero to laugh harder. We both paused, though, at the familiar beeping noise that interrupted our little reunion and the antics that followed. "A finder?" Instantly, our eyes darted back to the ghosts, who ripped their sheets off with dramatic force, revealing the two people hidden beneath. A small pause ensued, where both sides stared unblinking at each other. Recognition flitted across Zero's expression as he jumped up, stabbing his finger towards the intruders, who both copied his movements.
I, on the other hand, could only feel confused as they yelled. From what I could guess, I was in danger once again. I can never really catch a break, can I? Sighing, I tuned back into the conversation, my hands already fidgeting, picking at my sleeve as I raised up to my feet, edging closer to my safety- the boys. "I never thought you guys were examinees!"
"That's our line, stupid!" Zero said, pulling a face. He was still far too immature to really stop himself from doing things like that. But then again, sometimes immaturity was one of Zero's most endearing qualities. "It took you long enough to get here. But we're not giving the Crystal Pearl up." What? Well, apparently, this was not a pleasant meeting. So, they... know each other ? They really don't look like they get along all too well... Evidently, I was correct with that assessment, as they rushed to attack each other, too caught up with their emotions to really think straight. Now, I wasn't stupid. As soon as Zero and Ichii raced past, I high tailed it to safety. They were powerful, Zero and Ichii were, I was already well aware of that. I figured it would be easier for them to fight if they didn't need to worry about me getting caught in the middle.
I wondered briefly whether I should wade in and assist the boys. After all, they hadn't spent several afternoons teaching, and reinforcing my knowledge, of self-defence for nothing. But, then again, would I really be much help against two sorcerer's? I highly doubted I'd ever be presented with the opportunity to get close enough to land a blow, and even then, my way of fighting was exceedingly different from Zero's decimating Karate-style hard and fast strikes. My best possible punch probably wouldn't even do more than surprise those examinees and I could only imagine the wounded look of confusion their faces would display. That, or they'd cripple me with one hit back. Neither were entirely desirable, especially seeing as though I would've been attempting to be tough. My aim to protect the boys, for once, would've halted right away.
Magic collided and with a sharp bang, exploded in several loud flurries. Scorching heat flushed the area, forcing me to back away, lest I got burned. With a decisive buzz, the pathetic, wan lights that had been illuminating the corridor disappeared, leaving the area blanketed in pure darkness. An... An outage? I gave a small shriek, which was obviously noticed by the ever perceptive Ichii. He never really missed much, which didn't really surprise me any more. "Hikari? Are you alright? Try to stay calm for me, okay? Don't move from that spot, I'll find you." Zero added his own comment, albeit less reassuring than Ichii's. More along the lines of, I'm on my way, so don't you dare move because I will not be a happy bunny if I have to waste time hunting you down. Rokka was also having a mini-freak out session, much more dramatic and obvious than my own, though only Gou seemed to be at all bothered with paying her any attention.
A hand grasped my wrist and with gentle insistence, pulled me forward. They were saying something, but with the general clamour and Rokka's death cries, I couldn't really identify the voice or the words as they were whipped into an incomprehensible mess. It didn't really seem like Zero. Whenever Zero led me somewhere, he was always so excitable and did so faster than I can really go, often giving me little tugs to encourage me forward. Ichii, on the other hand, was gentle and patient, matching my speed but still keeping us at a swift pace, much like now. So, I was calm. Because I assumed Ichii had found me and was whisking me away from a situation he was already aware I wasn't comfortable with. I didn't struggle, because that assumption was so like Ichii, I couldn't really find any fault with it.
That was, of course, until we emerged outside and I caught a glimpse of the person as they stepped into the shafts of moonlight peeking out from behind the morose grey clouds. Tall. As tall as Ichii. But with a startling mop of messy, red hair, compared to the rich brown I was accustomed to. Definitely not Ichii. Yakumo. I struggled to stay calm as my heart skipped a beat. It's one of those examinees! The ones Zero and Ichii were fighting. This isn't good... "I think this is far enough. Well, what do we do now, Nanase? We need a plan to get The Crystal Pearl before Ichii and Zero-"
"Hey, let go of me!" I said, sharply, attempting to free myself and failing spectacularly. "You're hurting my hand!"
"Huh? What're you talking about-" I could almost seeing the question mark floating above his head as he threw a quick glance in my direction. I put on my best smouldering glower as he did an immediate double take. Though I couldn't see my own expression, I figured I probably looked as fierce as a kitten, which obviously wasn't helping me one bit. I decided to ramp up the intensity and he faulted slightly, though I couldn't tell whether it was because of my expression, or the fact that he'd noticed there was a random girl next to him. "Who... Who the hell are you?" Oh no. What do I do? I need to get out of here! If he finds out about the Crystal Pearl... He'll definitely capture me!
"Yakumo, you idiot!" Said boy was the promptly smacked on the head by a very well aimed sandal, instantly dropping his grip on my hand. Unfortunately, I got caught with the backlash and spared a moment to give a small, pained whimper. Seeing as though I was now free, I took that as my chance to place some well-needed distance between us. "Thanks a lot for running off like that and leaving me behind, you jerk! What's even worse, you mistook me for that ugly girl, even though I'm definitely way cuter." Ugly? How rude! This guy has less tact that Zero and that's saying something. Unfortunately, their little spat was interrupted by the finder, which, being in such a close proximity to me and all- was sensing the Crystal Pearl. Uh-oh! Busted. I'm totally done for! Maybe if I make a run for it now, I can get away? Both boys turned to stare at me. Gulping, I took a precautionary step back, which they didn't seem to object to. "What? This reaction... Don't tell me... You're the girl that swallowed the Crystal Pearl!" Nanase snorted contemptuously. "I thought that was just a rumour, but for there to actually be someone stupid enough to swallow the Pearl-" I really felt an itching urge to wipe the look right off his face. Luckily for him, I had abundant amounts of self-control, so I was pretty adept at resisting negative feelings.
"Hikari!" Quickly, I wheeled to face the familiar voice. Zero! "Hey, I found her. She's over here, Ichii!" Upon hearing Zero's words, the brunette agilely vaulted out of a second story window and landed with cat-like grace. The movement was so fast, so unexpected, I didn't even have time to panic for his safety. Evidently, he was unhurt, which calmed me greatly. "Are you alright?" I nodded frantically, feeling a wave of relief roll over me. They're here. I'm okay. I'm safe. Though as I went to join them, to take Ichii's extended hand and be pulled to safety, I was roughly dragged back. "Hey," Zero yelled, an angry note held firmly in his voice, fists clenched tightly at his side. "Don't do that, idiot! She's delicate."
Ichii, meanwhile, apparently had no qualms about stepping right up into Yakumo's comfort zone. With the two being of similar heights, and the smouldering fury showing clearly in Ichii's usually soothing hazel eyes, it was a fairly terrifying sight to behold. "What the hell are you doing, Yakumo?" His voice was slow, low and decisively deadly.
Yakumo crossed his arms and rolled his eyes in an almost bored manner- seemingly not too interested in Ichii's impressive display of tranquil fury. "Now we know the girl's the Crystal Pearl, we're not giving her up that easily-" Ichii chanced a small peek at my face, his fierce expression only seemed to increase in intensity as he caught sight of my pleading eyes. I gave a start of surprise as Yakumo bent lower to examine me, his face mere inches from my own. With no space to retreat to, I was left there, completely trapped, feeling pretty insecure and fighting an overwhelming urge stemming from my fear to strike out and bolt away as fast as I could. "Now that I take a closer look, she's pretty cute. Relax, we'll protect her until the exam is over."
Zero scoffed, and promptly took hold of my arm, pulling me away. "Yeah, right. We're the one's protecting Hikari. Just leave her alone!"
"Yeah?" Nanase challenged, doing the same with my remaining hard, so forcefully I stumbled and whimpered slightly from the pain that flared up my leg. "Who decided that? We also have a right to protect this girl, you know!" That, obviously, commenced a tug-of-war game between the two, with my limbs being used as the rope. Back and forth I was yanked, like I was so prized doll they both wanted possession over, the two volleying insults at such a fast pace, they couldn't even hear my pained cries and pleas to be released. "Let go, Zero!"
That's it. Next person to do that is going to pay. Heavily. With screaming. "STOP IT!" I screamed, pushing both boys away and curling in close. "I SAID THAT HURTS!" Evidently, from the way all the boys seemed to have faltered, they were very surprised at my outburst. "Jeez, how can you guys argue so much? You better tell me the reason right now!"
Ichii glanced up, seated on the floor just like the others, his head lazily propped up with his hand. "A reason, you ask? Well, we were all classmates at the cram school in the Magic World. While everyone has their respective types, you still learn a fair amount. Anyway, once a month, we'd all get into pairs and battles would take place. As you can probably tell, it was always me and Zero against them, but during those times we'd always end up in a tie, so a clear winner was never really decided." So... That's it? They're both so competitive... It's just a silly rivalry? Well, seeing how they are, it's probably pretty serious for them...
Yakumo, clearly distressed, smoothly interrupted and spun his tragic tale about his wounded heart which started by demonstrating his magic type- the ability to change anything he wished into a weapon, which elicited such a joyful, endearing grin out of Zero, it instantly made listening to his rather boring spiel at least a little worthwhile. He laid it on so thick, though, about how a younger Ichii had ruined his confidence and self esteem with a single tactless comment, that I lost interest in the matter. fairly quickly. Though, Ichii saying something apparently so harsh Yakumo was still upset over it is a little intriguing... He's always so nice, I can't imagine Ichii ever saying anything horrible to anyone...
Though Nanase soon took over, abruptly pushing Yakumo away- the boy had still been berating Ichii, the poor brunette desperately staying calm as he attempted to explain that he'd already apologised for the matter, which sounded a lot more like him. As soon as Nanase started talking, I had a sinking suspicion I wasn't really going to sympathise with him at all, something which was soon proved to be right. The boy had tricked others into believing he was female to gain popularity- something which he immediately lost when Zero unwittingly revealed Nanase's real gender after crashing into him. "Your intuition works on weird levels." Ichii commented quietly, once Nanase had finished his over-dramatic ranting.
"Anyway, we won't lose to you guys this time, Zero, Ichii! We'll be the ones to protect the Crystal Pearl! Come with us, Hikari."
Zero and Ichii both glared and calmly stepped forward so they were acting as my shields, blocking me from their scrutiny. Strong, confident, they stood before me, unwavering from the mission set clearly in their minds. Rigid in the promise they had made me, all those many months ago. "No way." He said. "Isn't it obvious? We've been protecting Hikari this whole time. She's not just going to Waltz off with someone who popped out of nowhere! She doesn't know anything about you. And you guys- you don't know her at all. Not like us. You don't know her like we do. So, no- she's not staying with you."
"No? You say she doesn't know anything about us, but I bet she knows even less about you two, am I right?" Yakumo said, pleased with the sudden worry that flashed across the boy's faces. "Have you bothered to tell her anything about your past? Because I bet once she knows, she won't be so keen to hang out with you guys any longer." Zero scowled, which only seemed to amuse Yakumo even more. "If you're so confident in your relationship, then why don't you let Hikari decide? Whoever she picks, she stays with. End of story. Agreed?" To my surprise, Ichii seemed pretty nonchalant. With a confident tip of his head, he turned smartly on his heels and practically forced Zero to follow as he backed away, primly ignoring the younger boy's loud protests.
Huh? Oh god, I feel so much pressure! But it's obvious... isn't it? It's obvious who I should choose... I paused, allowing my teeth to slide against my lip. But.. Maybe he's got a point... Maybe, Yakumo is right... I mean, the truth is, I really... don't know anything about Zero and Ichii's pasts. Just because I'm always with them... and they're always protecting me... Doesn't mean that I understand who they really are... Does it?
No. My fists slowly clenched into balls, so tight my nails dug into my skin. The pain didn't bother me. In fact, it helped me to focus on what was truly important. That's not true. I do understand them and I know everything I need to about both Ichii and Zero. I know that they'd protect me with their lives and they've proved that on numerous occasions. I know that they care about me- just like I do with them. I know that if I'm upset, Ichii will always be there, my shoulder to cry on and his comforting words would lull me into a peaceful sleep. And Zero? I know that Zero would take one look at my expression and instantly arm himself with a shovel to bury the loser that made me cry- even if he wouldn't willingly admit it aloud.
I know that they make a lot of effort to avoid situations they know I'm not comfortable with. I know that they can always sense when something's wrong and always take the appropriate measures to fix that problem. I know that sometimes, Zero speaks without thinking and sometimes that can hurt. A lot. But I know he means well, really. And I know that Ichii can sometimes be too thoughtful, that sometimes putting others before himself so many times is really tiring for him and that whenever he gets the chance to rest, he's really grateful. Even if that rest might be a quick power-nap, curled up on my bed with Tabby purring like a steam engine right next to his ear. I know a lot about them. Just like they know a lot about me. I know that Zero actually gets embarrassed pretty easily, especially when he's being praised. I know that Ichii can charm his way out of almost any situation, which comes in handy sometimes when we have to leave class early to avoid other examinees.
I know that Zero, while despising the stuff himself, often makes Ichii a big mug of coffee in the morning- in his own words, so dark the spoon melts- because the older boy often had difficultly rising. I know that Ichii often helps Zero out with his homework, because the younger boy hated English and struggled greatly with it. I know that, when he's proud of me, Zero will often ruffle my hair in his affectionate way, or chip me underneath the chin. I know that they worry when we have to split up- even if it's just for a moment, because they simply can't bear the thought of anything happening to me, just like I couldn't with them. I know that when he's nervous, Zero will pick at the hem of his shirt and that Ichii will be touching his hair in some form. I know that Zero favours puffing his cheeks out when he's feeling put-out and Ichii has an amusing habit of rolling his eyes at our antics, especially when he thinks we're not looking. I know that I trust them. And I know that they trust me. And truthfully? I figure that's all the really matters.
Ichii looked calm. He seemed very collected. When he noticed me looking, I saw his lips quirk in a small, warm smile. Zero was busy focusing on his sleeve as he tugged at the fabric. I chanced a glance back over at the other two. I couldn't tell what they were thinking at all. But something, a small, familiar something laying on the ground right near Nanase's feet caught my eye. Something that must have been dislodged when the sandal hit me. And it instantly had me walking towards them. Behind me, I could tell Zero faltered as he looked up- eyes wide with shock. I didn't dare imagine Ichii's expression. "You're wrong." I said quietly, once I'd reached Yakumo. "You're wrong, Yakumo. I do know about them- and even if their pasts are brought into the equation, I'd still trust them with my life. Ano... I'm sorry, Yakumo, Nanase- I appreciate the offer, I really do. But, I'm staying with them. I'm staying with Ichii and Zero." With that, I bowed, picking my abandoned lollipop off the floor and practically galloped back to my friends, leaping at them with my signature flying-tackle-hug, something which I'd recently learned off Ayumi.
Zero squeezed me tighter than he'd ever done before. Ichii's grip was lighter, gentler, but still holding the same amount of emotion. "I always had faith in you, Hikari. I knew that you'd stay and I'm happy that you're back with us." He said. His kind words gave almost the same amount of warmth as Zero, when he rested his forehead against my own, skin cool and slightly clammy as he quietly begged me never to worry him like that again. My skin tingled wistfully, already aching from his absence, once he pulled away, which he did as soon as I agreed, his cheeks noticeably flushed a little darker than before.
"I feel safe when I'm with you." And, gosh was I caught up with my emotions. I couldn't hear a word Yakumo or Nanase were saying. It felt as if I were floating on air, and nothing, not even them could take that away from me. Zero, though, was pretty startled over some comment Yakumo had made and his grip tightened a little, almost possessively, as he scowled after the boy.
"Let's go home."
"It is pretty late," Ichii agreed. "Asahina-san is probably worried about you, Hikari. We better be quick."
And so we did. Though, I noticed neither boy let go of my hand the whole way there.
She squeezed me tightly, already caught in one of her infamous spinning hugs, squealing loudly, her cheerfulness pretty evident. Tabby meowed loudly and pranced around our feet, looking just as, if not more, excited than my mother. Sometimes I really thought Tabby would've been better off being a dog, the way she acted. Sometimes I figure my mother was part dog, with the abundant amounts of energy she has, tucked up in that little body of hers. Yes. The short gene did run in the family.
She paused with her incessant squishing to hold me at arms length and I could fully see her emerald eyes shinning with anticipation. "So, my little star, did you have fun? You did enjoy yourself, right? And how did you do? I want to know everything! Every single little detail. I'm so, so, so proud of youuuuuu~!" And then she laughed at my expression. I was pretty dizzy. It probably showed fairly well on my face.
"Ano... It was okay... Much better than last year, though. I was paired Ichii, which was really good. He's so sweet, mum. He was so nice to me and took really great care of me. And guess what? I even got further than last time! Almost to the stairs! When I freaked out, Ichii was right there. He even let me hold his hand- though I think I almost cut off his circulation... I'm a little sad though, I still didn't make it all the way through..." Another squeal and I was brought back into a second, crushing hug. I was already well aware that this was my mother's unusual way of showing affection- absolutely squeezing the life out of a person.
"Aw, Hikari! You're my little angel! You almost got to the stairs this time? That's amazing! I'm so proud of you! I know that one day you'll manage to get through. But, you know, sweetheart, I'm always be proud of you no matter what. So even if you don't do it, you'll still be perfect in my eyes. Now~ You don't have school tomorrow, do you?" I replied with a simple shake of my head. "Yaaaay~ This calls for a movie marathon! Junk food and fizzy drinks all around. We'll celebrate your victory until dawn!"
With Tabby snoozing contently on my lap, I drifted off in my mother's embrace, listening to the rhythmic beats of her heart, allowing the familiar sound to lull me into a peaceful sleep. I couldn't hep but feel like the luckiest girl in the world. With two best friends who protected me with their lives. Another two, I'd felt I had know forever, who supported me indefinitely. And mother who loved me with all her heart.
A/N: And that concludes my 14th chapter. I actually mix-and-matched with the Anime and Manga on this one, so much so I can't really tell which one I used the most. I really hope you guys enjoy reading this! And I'm awfully sorry that it's a couple of days late. The reason is that I'd completely ruined the battery on my laptop- Advice of the day, never leave it charging for indefinite periods of time, it completely screws it up. So, my laptop kinda died and I lost everything I'd wrote so far- which was pretty annoying, but it could be fixed. It was returned a couple of days ago, after they'd take it to install a new battery for me. *Sweatdrops* I'm determined to keep it in perfect condition!
LoveInuyasha22: I'm really glad you liked it, and that you found it less confusing than the anime. I'm glad you noticed that~ I figured Zero did seem pretty immature, in certain situations and decided to play on that a bit. Yes, Hitomi is really fun to write, I really do like developing really enthusiastic, energetic characters, probably because I spend so much time with someone similar to her~
AJPJweallluvJJ: I thought it would be pretty ironic if Hikari was this Shrinking Violet type character and her mother was a massive Genki Girl on a permanent sugar rush. Do you like it? Or do you think that it'd maybe a bit too much? (Also, excuse my use of tropes they seem to have threaded their way into my vocabulary)