I actually wrote this before the Facing Death chapter but stopped because of a major headache... Anyway, Pharos–I adore him and I hope you guys do too because this one-shot centers around his meetings with Minako and Minato. :P
To Guest ?, thank you for reviewing! I'm glad that you enjoyed the previous chapter. :D Haha, yeah, I do tend to pick on Minako... But that shall change in this one-shot! *evil laugh* And many thanks for the suggestions; I shall try my best to take them into account in later one-shots.
And now, without further ado, enjoy! C:
Fragments of Our Life
Pharos
Monday, April 20, 2009
So tired…
Half-lidded red eyes stared up at the cream-colored ceiling, blinking slowly.
Too bad my thoughts won't shut up…
A groan left her lips as she raised her hands to rub at her throbbing temple.
Shadows… Personae… The Dark Hour… SEES…
She wondered how her life had suddenly turned out like this barely two weeks after returning to Iwatodai.
Maybe I really am cursed…?
A blink later and everything was suddenly bathed in green.
Eh?! It's this late already?!
Not bothering to look at the clock, Minako ducked under her blanket and curled up into a tight ball in an effort to ignore the faint metallic scent.
Just sleep, Minako. Sleep and ignore it all…
The soft sound of strings echoed in her mind and she tensed for a second in surprise before slowly relaxing as a soothing melody played.
…Thank you…Eurydice…
Her chest seemed to hum with warmth and the brunette couldn't help but smile as her eyes began to flutter close.
This is nice… she thought while snuggling into her pillow, The last time someone helped me sleep was…
A gentle voice, a bright smile and the feel of warm arms around her ghosted at her senses.
Mama…
She began dozing off, trying to lose herself in those distant shards of memories, when–
"Hi, how are you?"
–she jerked upright and reflexively threw her pillow at her intruder.
It thumped against his face and fell to the floor.
Minako stared at the young boy in shock, recognizing his bright blue eyes and distinct birthmark, before she scrambled out of bed and cupped his face, stuttering,
"S-Sorry! You surprised me and I just reacted and–!"
A faint smile played on his lips as he reached up and held her hands.
Cold, she blinked in confusion, Why is he so cold?
"It's fine," came his rather airy response, "There was no pain."
And, looking him over, the brunette saw that the mysterious boy didn't seem ruffled in the slightest. There wasn't even the faintest pinkness to his nose that indicated a direct hit to his face.
"…If you say so," Minako murmured after another moment of simply looking him over before she took a step back and dropped her hands, "So… Who are you?"
"We've met before," he chuckled softly and she was about to explain that that wasn't what she meant when he suddenly said, "Soon, the end will come."
Stunned by the non sequitur, the brunette simply gaped at him.
But he showed no signs of bother or even amusement as he continued speaking lightly, "I remembered, so I thought I should tell you."
Closing her jaw with a click, Minako responded hesitantly, "Thanks…?"
A flicker of surprise danced across his face before he laughed gently, "I wasn't expecting you to thank me," he paused a beat, "But you're welcome," uncertainty crept up in his eyes, "That…is what I'm supposed to say, right?"
The way that he suddenly seemed so confused with something that should've been basic tugged at her heart in an endearing manner and she couldn't help but reach out to ruffle his hair with a smile and a nod.
He returned it with one of his own, looking less empty and almost childishly delighted at the gesture, before a frown appeared on his lips.
"What is it?" Minako asked as she saw his sudden change in mood, "Is something wrong?"
Her hand slipped from his head, about to retreat to her side, when he grabbed it in a gentle but surprisingly firm hold.
"I…to be honest," he looked vaguely disturbed and his grip tightened a bit, "I don't really know what this 'end' is about."
The end…
It could've referred to anything from benign to utterly disastrous and something tugged at her but she ignored it in favor of feeling empathetic towards the mysterious boy because she too knew the feeling of not knowing.
Instead, she simply tugged him into a hug.
He stood awkwardly in her embrace, as if unsure of what she was doing, before his arms slowly wrapped around her waist in an attempt to mimic her.
For a moment, they simply stood there and basked in the gesture of comfort.
"…Oh," the child shifted in her arms and tilted his head a bit as if hearing and seeing something within her, "Looks like you've awakened to your power…and an unusual power it is."
His eyes glazed over as he murmured more to himself than to her, "A power that takes many forms, yet is bound by none…"
He knows?
Minako supposed that she shouldn't be too surprised considering the fact that the contract he'd given her had appeared in Igor's hands in addition to his being an overall enigma but…
"It may prove to be your salvation," a flicker of pain and mild perplexity danced across his face, "Depending on where you end up."
A stilted silence fell over them…
What does that mean…?
…before he randomly asked, "Do you remember when we first met?"
An image of the young boy standing behind the receptionist desk with two red booklets flashed across her mind's eye.
He smiled and stepped back, "I expect you to honor your commitment."
I chooseth this fate of mine own free will.
"I'll be watching you," he continued and, for some unknown reason, Minako felt that that was right before his smile turned faintly melancholic, "Even if you forget about me…"
She wanted to protest that she remembered because it had barely been two weeks but he was fading into the shadows, whispering,
"Okay then, see you later…"
And she was alone again.
Wrapping her arms around herself, Minako stumbled back and landed on her bed heavily before rubbing her face and sighing with a hint of exhaustion.
Where did normalcy go…?
And the Dark Hour ended.
Monday, June 06, 2009–Dark Hour–Tuesday, June 07, 2009
"…ngh…"
Silver eyes fluttered open to see black darkness slowly fading into and eerie mix of blue and indigo.
Where…am I…?
Pushing himself up, Minato winced as his temples throbbed painfully and he cradled his head gingerly to avoid exacerbating it. For a moment, he closed his eyes and simply sat there, breathing slowly until the fuzziness cleared. Reopening his eyes, the blue-haired boy looked around.
This is…Tartarus…?
He frowned as he took note of the different color and scheme, concluding that this was a new area that he and the others–
"Minako…!"
Jerking a bit, he whipped his head around to find her but saw no one around as the floor appeared ominously quiet.
Biting his tongue, Minato quickly stood and patted himself down, losing some of his tension once he realized that he still had his weapon, Evoker and other belongings.
"Tch," he adjusted his grip on his katana and narrowed his eyes in thought, Now what?
"Oh, you're awake."
Whirling around, the blue-haired boy barely stopped himself from slicing through the child. As it was, the blade stopped a mere centimeter away. Minato grimaced at that and sheathed his weapon, grunting,
"You…"
His visitor tilted his head a bit, as if wondering how he should take that comment, before he smiled faintly and mused, "I'm glad that you remember me," his large blue eyes trailed around their surroundings, "This is the first time we've spoken outside of your room, isn't it?"
Minato didn't bother replying to the other's rhetorical question and looked around again, asking, "Where are the others?"
Where's Minako?
"Don't worry," the mysterious boy chuckled almost cheerfully, "You'll see them soon," his smile turned a bit mischievous, "She, on the other hand…"
Silver eyes glinted steely as his grip tightened around the hilt of his katana and he took a half-step forward when–
"Minato-kun…?"
–he quickly turned around in surprise.
Confusion and relief were evident on her face as she stepped out of the shadows, gripping her naginata close to her chest.
"Thank goodness," she sighed softly as her tense shoulders relaxed a bit, "I was worried that I might've missed you…"
"Minako-…chan," he barely remembered to add the honorific as his worry further dissipated and he looked her over with a critical eye, "Are you okay?"
Smiling weakly, the brunette turned a bit to show her unharmed body as her skirt fluttered around her legs, answering, "I'm good. A bit disoriented at first but I think that's 'cause of how we entered…"
Red eyes trailed over his form and Minato mimicked her actions to show that he too was fine.
Stepping closer to her companion, Minako caught sight of the mysterious boy and perked up, bowing once and chirping, "Thank you so much for telling me where Minato-kun is!"
Said boy blinked, surprised by her comment, as the child clasped his hands behind his back and smiled up at the brunette, speaking softly, "You're welcome."
She smiled back with bright eyes and Minato was a bit irked, feeling as if there was some secret joke being shared between the two, but he pushed the feeling away and asked bluntly, "Why are you here?"
The mysterious boy turned back to the blue-haired boy and that sly undertone entered his voice again as he giggled, "I told you, remember? I'm always with you.
And Minato shivered, unsettled by the emphasis.
But he was snapped out of his anxiety by a tug on his sleeve as red filled his vision.
Ko-chan…
She smiled at him before turning back to the child, repeating the question.
"We don't have much time to talk," the child answered with a small frown, "Tonight, there is more than one ordeal you must face," he trailed off as worry flickered in his eyes, "You should hurry," he gestured upwards, "She's waiting for you."
"Do you mean Yamagishi-san?" Minako asked as she straightened up and tightened her grip on her polearm, "Is she okay?"
But the youngest didn't answer and simply stated, "You guys will need her…"
The brunette looked torn between wanting to get more answers and wanting to run off to save the missing girl and Minato was about to step in when the child suddenly straightened up.
"Okay, then," he said and took a step backwards, "I hope we can speak again."
Blue eyes met with red and flickered over to silver and the Wild Cards blinked.
The mysterious boy vanished.
Minako gaped at the spot for a moment as Minato frowned, feeling as if he'd been challenged in some way.
Unfortunately, he couldn't ponder that thought any longer as a familiar beep caught their attention.
"Are…you…alri–? …distance…too far. …can't prove–…back up. … You got s–…from Akihi–…."
Mitsuru's voice abruptly cut off and the two frowned.
Casting a glance at one another, they nodded in silent agreement.
It was time to regroup.
Friday, June 12, 2009–Dark Hour–Saturday, June 13, 2009
"Whoa…!"
Minako landed with a heavy thud, sprawled awkwardly at the foot of the sofa, and flushed heavily when she saw Minato raise a brow at her. His lips twitched as he suppressed the urge to smile at how cute she was but the brunette saw regardless and huffed at him before pushing herself up and rubbing her back sulkily.
"Stupid Dark Hour," she grumped, trying to glare at the green environment but ending up simply pouting, before she sighed, "Well, I guess it's a good alarm…"
A yawn escaped her lips and she rubbed her eyes sleepily, asking softly, "Are you still working on your homework?"
Writing down the last answer, Minato shook his head and closed his books, answering, "I'm done now."
She stretched and sighed before smiling at him. "That's good! We fell a bit behind with that double ordeal…"
Her voice trailed off as her eyes widened in surprise.
"It's you…!"
Tensing, Minato snapped to attention and pursed his lips in annoyance when he saw a familiar face smile at the brunette.
"You've prevailed yet again," the mysterious boy hummed from his seat on the backrest of the love seat, "But it's funny," his blue eyes slid over to meet Minato's, "Considering the vast potential within you, your victories don't seem too certain…"
Red eyes dimmed and Minako looked away as Minato scowled, automatically placing himself in front of her as a shield. The child looked confused at the gesture before his eyes widened a bit, as if just realizing how scathing his comment sounded given the less than stunning defeat of the most recent Full Moon Shadows, and he looked away. There was a moment of tension but, surprisingly, Minako was the one to break it.
"You're right," she whispered as she gazed seriously as her hands, "Our victories aren't foolproof," Minato pursed his lips, wanting to object but also feeling that she had more to say, "But, that's why I've gotta keep at it," she lifted her gaze and pinned the males with her burning eyes, "I screwed up pretty badly…and I'll probably screw up again but," she shifted her attention to surprised silver orbs and smiled softly, "I shouldn't dwell on my mistakes, right? I should learn from them and move on because…because I'm not alone now."
And he smiled back, feeling so, so warm and proud that she took his words to heart.
Her grin gained a bit more confidence and she returned her gaze to the silent child who seemed deep in thought as he whispered, "Because you have…friends, right…?"
And suddenly he looked so lonely that even Minato felt his heart ache for him despite his usual irritation.
A pale hand reached out and gently brushed against the younger one's cheek, causing him to look up at her in confusion, and Minako smiled brightly at him, chirping, "We're friends too, y'know!"
Blue eyes widened as his jaw dropped just a bit in surprise before the mysterious boy abruptly closed his mouth and smiled back with the faintest blush dusting his cheeks.
Silver eyes narrowed at the way the child was looking at her but Minako seemed oblivious to it as she tilted her head in thought and suddenly gasped,
"Oh…! But I still don't know your name…"
"Name…?" the boy echoed and glanced away before nodding in comprehension, "Oh, I see. I need a name."
The brunette didn't seem all that perturbed that he didn't have a name but she did seem sad and Minato frowned a bit, wondering if it's because of her own situation, but they were shaken out of whatever thoughts they had as the child spoke again.
"My name is…Pharos," said boy smiled up at them, "You may call me that if you wish."
The sound of glass shattering echoed in their minds and Minato tensed with narrowed eyes but Minako simply brightened up.
"…It's getting late, so I'll go now," Pharos said as he reached out to ghost her hand and Minato bristled a bit but wasn't able to do anything as the boy began disappearing into the darkness, whispering, "I'm already looking forward to our next meeting…"
And then he was gone.
A silly grin appeared on Minako's lips as she bounced on the balls of her feet, chirping, "I hope we see Pharos-kun soon!"
Minato gave a noncommittal grunt.
Sunday, July 12, 2009–Dark Hour–Monday, July 13, 2009
"It's good to see you again."
"Pharos-kun!" Minako greeted happily as she tackled the smaller boy into a hug, "Boy, am I glad to see you…"
Picking up on the strain in her voice, the child frowned a bit even as he hugged her back and his eyes trailed over to the other blue-haired boy. Silver eyes glanced irritably as where the younger one's arms rested around her waist but Minato didn't say anything. Taking that cue to leave the topic alone, Pharos decided to simply muse aloud, "How long has it been since we first met?"
Minako pulled back a bit and scrunched up her nose in thought, "Um… Three months, I think?"
He smiled, "Time passes so quickly," his voice sounded so much older than he looked before swiftly turning childishly curious, "So, how's life as a Persona-user?"
"It's fulfilling!" the brunette chirped as she glanced over at Minato with a smile and a similar one played on his lips.
"Oh," Pharos watched them with a tilt of his head, "That's good to hear," there was a beat of silence before he spoke again, "I remembered something else about the coming of the end…"
Minako frowned a bit at that and plucked at a random thread on the boy's black-and-white outfit, asking softly, "What did you remember, Pharos-kun?"
Blue eyes glazed over in remembrance, "It all goes back to an occurrence that took place many years ago," and they narrowed imperceptibly, "Ten years ago, if I remember correctly," a pause, "Hey…"
The Wild Cards stiffened.
"Didn't both of your parents pass away about ten years ago?"
His jaw clenched as Minato turned away, looking as if he'd eaten something bitter, and Minako bit her bottom lip as her brows furrowed in frustration. Pharos was silent for a moment, looking as if he wondered why they were acting the way they were, before he changed the topic.
"A Persona is like a mirror," he said and the non sequitur caused the other two to look at him in bafflement, "Which means, a Persona-user can never escape from his or her true self."
"True…self…?" Minako whispered as her grip loosened around his shoulders and wrapped around herself, Can I even have one…if I can't even remember…?
Warmth from her side roused her from her thoughts and she looked up to see Minato standing beside her with his sharp eyes fixed on Pharos.
Something about it seemed to make him smile and Pharos took a step away, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Regardless, I will stay with you," the young boy said and Minako wondered what she'd missed when he began fading again, "Because we're friends."
Minato seemed to huff at that and Pharos' smile widened as he murmured,
"Good night…"
Minako barely got in her own well wishes before the child disappeared and the two Wild Cards sat on the love seat in silence before she sighed, "Do you think they'll make up?"
The blue-haired boy tilted his head and thought for a second before bumping his shoulder against hers in reassurance.
She smiled up at him and slumped against the backrest, leaning a bit on her companion and making him smile secretly.
Everything'll be fine…
Friday, August 07, 2009–Dark Hour–Saturday, August 08, 2009
"Hi, how are you?"
Silver eyes deadpanned at the child sitting on the table before him before Minato grumped, "Get off. You're crushing my homework."
Pharos giggled at that but did as he was told and reappeared beside the slumbering Minako.
Blue eyes took in the way she nestled her head against her crossed arms and breathed softly before the boy leaned back when a pencil flicked passed him.
"That's dangerous," he commented airily, not at all offended by the attack, "You could've hit Minako-chan."
"No, I wouldn't," Minato snapped back automatically before he narrowed his eyes and spoke lowly, "And since when did you call her that?"
The younger boy simply grinned mischievously at him and the alert Wild Card almost hissed like a feral cat but quieted when the brunette shifted in her sleep and mumbled incoherently before settling down.
There was a beat of silence as each male gazed at her fondly before the older one returned his frigid attention to the child and asked, "Why are you here?"
Pharos parted his lips and Minato abruptly cut in, "Don't say that you're 'always with us' because that's not what I meant."
The younger boy seemed to pout at that before sobering and speaking, "I remembered something else…"
Losing his glare, the older one placed his book down and focused his attention on the other.
"The end won't be brought about by anyone in particular," Pharos continued as he gazed outside at the waning moon, "It's coming because there are many people who wish for it…as if it was destined from the start," his attention returned to Minato as his expression turned vaguely puzzled, "But doesn't that seem like a strange thing to wish for?"
A frown tugged at Minato's lips but he couldn't say anything.
"Dun want it."
The boys jumped a bit and turned their attention to the roused brunette who rubbed her eyes sleepily but maintained a rather serious look that commanded their attention.
"I don't wish for the end," Minako spoke clearly as she straightened up, "Being here, meeting everyone, even if we have to fight," the girl continued earnestly, "I love every bit of it," her cheeks flushed a bit, "Well, except when I mess up."
She mussed her bangs in clear embarrassment and Minato smiled before nodding and agreeing, "Aa, same here."
And she stuck her tongue out at him, knowing that he agreed to every single bit.
Blue eyes dropped to his hands as Pharos thought deeply before he shook his head and spoke again, "There's something else I wanted to tell you today…"
Minako looked over at him with a hint of worry when he trailed off and he quirked a faint smile at her before continuing,
"Soon, the poisonous flowers will bloom," he spoke solemnly and confusion became evident on the Wild Cards' faces, "One in your own garden, and three in the garden opposite yours."
Something akin to apprehension flickered in Minato's eyes as Minako furrowed her brows, pondering the poetic but vague hint.
"I don't know whether or not this has anything to do with the end," Pharos inputted his own thoughts with a dissatisfied frown, "But you should be careful."
"…I don't get it," she said at last and pursed her lips in a pout.
Losing his negativity, Pharos chuckled, "I just wanted you to know," he placed a hand on hers, "That I'm worried about you."
The younger boy hid a cheeky grin when he felt a deathly aura hover from behind him and jumped to his feet.
"I'll come again if I find out anything useful," he continued as he easily brushed off the killing intent, "That's what friends are for, right?"
Minako frowned a bit and reached out a hand to poke him on the forehead, making him blink rapidly in confusion.
"Don't say that," she scolded lightly before softening when his bewilderment intensified, "Just come around whenever you want to," she grinned brightly, "We'll always have time for you because we're friends!"
Blue eyes stared widely at her for a moment and trailed over to the other boy who looked away and nodded a bit stiffly before Pharos glanced down and smiled softly.
"I'll remember that," he whispered before straightening up, "Well then… Good night," he paused and another spark of mischief appeared in his eyes that immediately caught Minato's attention.
"What–?!"
Her question was cut off as Pharos swiftly kissed her on the cheek, teasing gently, "My dearest."
He vanished before Minato could throttle him and the blue-haired teen cursed incoherently, glaring at where the boy had been before turning to sulk as he caught sight of Minako's smile.
…You better watch your back, Pharos.
He could almost hear the other's giggle.
Saturday, August 29, 2009–Dark Hour–Sunday, August 30, 2009
"Hel–!"
A pillow to his face cut off his greeting and Pharos pouted a bit when the bag of fluff fell to the floor with a soft thump.
"Well now, that wasn't very nice."
"Don't care," Minato glowered at the younger boy with narrowed eyes, "You deserved it."
Blue eyes sparkled as the other tilted his head and questioned in mock confusion, "Whatever for?"
"You know why," the older one hissed as his eyes turned to slits.
Pharos merely widened his eyes even further and, with a tilt of his head, became the image of perfect innocence.
"You," Minato towered over him as the faintest glow of blue surrounded his form, "You k-k-ki–!"
He couldn't even say it, feeling that dark feeling bubble in his guts again at the very thought of it, and raised his hands as if preparing to choke the other.
A spark of playfulness appeared in his eyes as Pharos practically sang, "I kissed her, yes~?"
And he quickly disappeared when Minato tried to tackle him, reappearing on the older boy's drawer and laughing softly when the Wild Card almost slammed into the wall.
"In any case," Pharos continued, thoroughly ignoring the curses that came his way, "I thought I'd remind you," he disappeared and reappeared at the foot of the bed, dodging the sheathed katana, "The next full moon will be in one week."
"I already know," the older boy growled and pointed his weapon at his perceived intruder, "Now leave."
The younger boy heaved a sigh, "I see that I'm not wanted," but his eyes glittered slyly, "So I'll just go where I am wanted."
Silver eyes widened at the implication and Minato made a grab for him but he'd already disappeared with a ghost of a whisper.
"Oh, my dearest~!"
And the Wild Card was left to curse in silence once more before bowing over in depression.
…I should've thought that through…
But he wasn't about to leave it as it was and prepared himself.
Executions or no, I'm not leaving her alone with him…!
And, like a ninja, he vanished…
…through the door.
Saturday, September 12, 2009–Dark Hour–Sunday, September 13, 2009
"Hi," Pharos greeted with a childish smile, "It's been a while."
Not long enough, Minato thought irritably as he remembered their last meeting but he couldn't voice his thoughts as Minako greeted the boy happily, Why does she have to like him…?
The tip of his pencil broke from pressure and he resisted the urge to sigh.
A poke to his side made him jump involuntarily and Minako giggled at his reaction, making him pout faintly.
"Here," she said as she passed hers over, "You can use mine while I sharpen yours."
He took the pencil, feeling a bit amused by the pink wrapping and familiar hamster character, and returned to his work while keeping an eye on the smiling child.
Blue eyes caught his and Pharos' smile grew, gaining a slightly evil (in his honest opinion) hint to it, and Minato twitched, wanting to throw his borrowed pencil at the other but refrained from doing so.
"So," Minako spoke up as she stuck the tip-less pencil into the sharpener and turned it, "What should we talk about, Pharos-kun?"
Said boy hummed a bit from his place on the table, kicking his feet a bit, before he reflected softly, "Three seasons have passed since we met," and wonder lit his eyes, "Time goes by so quickly, and many things change," before he gazed at the Wild Cards softly, "Yet, some things will always remain the same… Don't you agree?"
The brunette tilted her head a bit as she thought about that before she smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Some things just don't change."
Her eyes sought out silver ones before Minako paused and glanced away with a puzzled look on her face, Why did I…?
"Yes," Pharos continued, hiding a smile when he saw her subconscious glance while Minato remain oblivious, "By the way, speaking with you both has stirred up certain memories…"
The older boy paused in his writing as the girl blinked and tilted her head in silent question.
"…That tower for instance," the child murmured after a second's hesitation, "I've been thinking about it lately…"
The Wild Cards glanced at one another.
"I wonder," Pharos seemed to be mumbling to himself, "Will our relationship stay the same…?"
His eyes trailed to hers as he asked, "Or, will it evolve…?"
Minato pursed his lips, not liking the sound of that, but said nothing given how lost the child suddenly seemed.
Shaking his head, the younger boy smiled at them, speaking softly, "No matter what the future holds, you and I will always be friends," he stood up, "That is for certain."
So why do you seem so sad? Minako couldn't help but question and parted her lips to ask when he suddenly leaned in.
Minato's knee jerked and hit the table, making Pharos grin craftily.
"I'll come again," the younger boy chirped and brushed his nose against hers in an innocent eskimo kiss, "Until then, good night…"
And she blinked owlishly as he whispered in her ear,
"My dearest…"
He disappeared and a hiss from Minato snapped her out of her surprise, causing her to turn to him with a worried look on her face.
"Are you okay, Minato-kun?" she asked as she crawled over to him and placed a hand on his knee, massaging it lightly, "Does it hurt badly…?"
He knew his cheeks were burning and didn't trust his voice so he simply shook his head in the negative.
I'm fine…
She frowned a bit and glanced away for a moment before perking up as a thought hit her.
Seeing this, Minato was about to question her when he froze instead, staring at her incredulously.
You…!
She straightened up and smiled a bit sheepishly before bouncing to her feet and retreating upstairs, chirping, "Nighty-night, Minato-kun~!"
…
The moment her footsteps became inaudible, the blue-haired boy fell onto his back and pressed his cold hands against his heated cheeks.
She kissed me…
Albeit on his injured knee but…
She kissed me.
Pressing his knuckles against his lips, Minato couldn't stop himself from grinning goofily.
Maybe I'll let him slide this time…
Tuesday, October 06, 2009–Dark Hour–Wednesday, October 07, 2009
A warm breath caused the window to fog up and a finger drew a frowning face before pausing and wiping it away as a familiar presence made himself known.
"…It's cold tonight," Pharos commented airily as he sat on the edge of her bed, "Can you believe it's already autumn?" he was twirling a red leaf in hand, "It'll be winter before you know it…"
He trailed off as he finally took note of her pallid complexion.
Frowning, the boy reappeared beside her and brushed his fingers against her cold cheek, murmuring, "You seem tired…"
She didn't respond and he lowered his voice, asking softly, "Did something happen…?"
Red eyes glanced to the lower right in remembrance before Minako finally spoke, "Say, Pharos-kun," she paused and fiddled with her pajamas before taking a deep breath and asking, "What do you… What do you think of death…?"
Blue eyes blinked at the seemingly random question but the boy took the question in stride and responded after a moment's thought,
"In this world, people die every day," he saw her flinch but continued on, "Until recently, this was the same to me as the blowing of the wind," red eyes raised to catch his in interest, "But now, I see things differently," he smiled softly and held her hands, "For the first time, I have a friend…two friends," he amended and she chuckled softly.
"…Sometimes, with the way you two act," Minako smiled wryly, "I'd wonder if maybe you were brothers."
His eyes widened a bit at that and a thoughtful frown appeared on his lips before he smiled with a hint of shyness, "Do you really think so?"
She tapped her lips and pondered for a moment longer before smiling back and nodding, "Yup! Truth be told…"
Leaning back a bit to get a better look, Minako trailed her eyes from his dark blue hair to his facial features and poked his birthmark, humming, "I'd probably mistaken you two as family if I hadn't known any better…"
Red eyes softened before she pulled him into a hug, giggling, "Well, regardless, I think you're already family to us," she paused, "Even if Toto-kun's being stubborn."
Pharos laughed at that and they fell into a comfortable silence as Minako began nodding off. Her head bobbed a few times before resting against his as her grip relaxed. The boy smiled and shifted in her loose embrace until he slipped out and padded over to her bed to grab a blanket before pausing.
"…Should you be in here?" he asked lightly and glanced over at the door, "Again, Minato-kun?"
Silver eyes gave him a look and Pharos grinned cheekily before Minato shook his head and sighed, closing the door quietly behind him and answering, "So long as I don't get caught, I doubt anyone would care."
He paused and slipped his arms behind Minako's shoulders and under her knees, lifting her up easily before continuing, "Besides, she remembers now so she won't care," another pause before he amended, "Much."
Pharos chuckled at that and pulled back the blanket before Minato tucked her in and sat on the edge of her bed, glancing over at the younger boy and asking, "So? You've got something on your mind, right?"
Blue eyes widened at that and the Wild Card rolled his own.
"Even though we've already told you to visit whenever, you still only come when you have something important to say," the teenager pointed out with a sharp glance, "Spill it."
The child didn't say anything for a moment before smiling with a hint of amusement, "Isn't this how a 'Papa' is supposed to act?"
Heat dusted his cheeks and Minato flicked the boy's forehead, grumbling, "I'm not old enough to be a father."
And Pharos' grin widened as he continued to tease, "But you'd want to be one if Minako-chan's the 'Mama' right~?"
Choking a bit on his spit, the Wild Card blushed furiously before roughly mussing the boy's hair and scowling, "S-Spill it already…!"
Snickering a bit longer, the younger boy finally calmed down and his smile faded as he answered soberly, "You know the end I've spoken of?"
Embarrassment fading, Minato straightened up a bit and subconsciously grasped Minako's hand.
"Some people refer to it as 'the Fall' but, regardless," Pharos continued as he bowed his head a bit, "It's drawing near."
Blue eyes raised to pin the older boy's gaze with hint of worry, "Don't you sense it…?"
The confusion in those silver orbs answered his question and the child suddenly seemed extraordinarily desolate, "We are kindred spirits, you and I," he glanced at Minako for a second before turning away with a pained look, "So why is it that only I can remember?"
His small hands clutched his shirt, just over his chest, as he whispered, "This is a heartrending matter… Is my existence something you are unable to accept…?"
His smile was filled with melancholy.
And Minato wasn't sure how to reply.
Finally, the younger boy shook his head and stood up.
"Forgive me if I have said anything peculiar today," Pharos murmured as he looked outside, "Perhaps it is the change of seasons," he turned back to him, "Of course, our friendship remains steadfast."
A pause as he looked over at the brunette and stepped forward to pat her head, "Well… I shall bid you farewell for now," Minato allowed him to and simply nodded as a brighter smile played on Pharos' lips, "Good night," he stepped away, "I'll always be by your side…"
And once more he was swallowed by the shadows.
Silver eyes closed for a moment until the heavy atmosphere faded and reopened to see the normal night once more. With a sigh, he got up and was about to return to his room when he felt her grip tighten. Looking over at her, Minato sighed softly at her huddled form.
"You heard."
She didn't say anything for a moment before pushing away her cover and looking up at him sadly.
"What have we forgotten?" Minako asked softly, "Is it that night…?"
And Minato pursed his lips, not answering.
Because even he was unsure.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
"Good morning."
Thunk!
"Shi–!"
Minato cursed incoherently and rubbed at his newly acquired bump, glaring weakly at the child as Minako giggled from her seat on his bed.
"Good morning, Pharos-kun," she greeted him after smiling apologetically at her other half, "This is new."
Grinning unrepentantly at the still-scowling male, Pharos turned to the brunette and tilted his head in thought before musing, "That's right. This is the first time we've talked during the daytime, isn't it?"
"Yup," Minako chirped and stretched before falling backwards on the bed, "I'm still a little sleepy to be honest…"
Silver eyes rolled and Minato nudged her over, making her pout though she complied, before he sat down and drawled, "So what's up?"
Pharos hummed softly as he gazed at the sunlight that trickled into the room with a fascinated look on his face, "Nice weather, isn't it?"
"Yeah," the brunette smiled as she pushed herself up and followed the child's line of sight, "It's a brand new day."
"A brand new day," he repeated and his shoulders slumped a bit, "For all of us."
Worry appeared in her red eyes as Minako glanced over at Minato who frowned and sat up.
Blue eyes dulled as Pharos turned away from the sunlight and gazed at a shadowed corner of the room, whispering, "All the fragments of my memory… They've finally come together."
Their eyes widened in surprise as anxiety clenched their stomachs.
"I now know my role clearly," the child seemed increasingly distressed, "The time has come…"
He bit his lower lip and hesitated.
Warmth wrapped around his small hands and Pharos looked up to see Minako gazing warmly at him.
"No matter what," she spoke softly, "We'll always be together."
And he smiled, chuckling weakly, "'I'm always with you,' huh…"
His grip tightened around hers and his smile tipped back into a frown.
"As difficult as it may be," he paused, not wanting to continue but knowing that he must, "I must tell you something…"
Minato pursed his lips, feeling his heart ache twice over, before speaking bluntly, "You're leaving."
Minako tensed, looking alarmed and yet expecting, and Pharos smiled sadly, murmuring, "Yes. I am afraid this is goodbye…"
"…Why?" the brunette asked as she glanced between the two males, looking hurt and disturbed and so, so sorrowful, and their hearts called out to her, "Do you really have to go…?"
At that moment, she looked much younger than she was, like a lost child, whereas the smaller boy seemed to age with regret as he nodded slowly.
Biting her lower lip, Minako struggled internally before pulling the younger boy into a tight hug, sniffling, "Will you come back…?"
He was silent for a moment, simply returning her affection, before mumbling against her shoulder, "I want you to know," he glanced over at Minato to make sure that he was listening (and he was), "For me, our friendship was a miracle," Because I'm not human, went unsaid but not unnoticed, "But, miracles don't last forever."
If only they did…
Her grip tightened and Minato shifted closer, wrapping his arms around both of them, as he swallowed his own bitterness at the situation…
…but there's no such thing as forever anyway.
…because, despite their initial conflict, he'd grown to care for the mysterious boy who came and went like a ghost and knew of things that couldn't be explained.
"I shall treasure our conversations always," Pharos continued softly, "Even if today is the end, the bond between us can never be severed."
He pulled back and gave a watery smile that brought tears to her eyes.
"Remember that, Minako-chan, Minato-kun."
A surge of power rushed through their bodies but they ignored it to focus on the fading boy, wanting to commit him to their immortal soul.
"It was fun while it lasted," Pharos reluctantly slipped out of her embrace and took a step backwards before he looked over at the other male and chuckled, "Oh, but I won't give up, Minato-kun."
Silver eyes narrowed at that and the younger boy grinned cheekily, sorrowfully, joyfully.
"Farewell…"
And silence reigned as Minako held Minato's hand tightly.
Let's meet again…
Monday, November 09, 2009
"Somehow, everyone seems pretty excited," Minako whispered to the blue-haired boy sitting beside her, "Don't they…?"
Silver eyes gazed lazily at their chattering classmates before Minato shrugged in response, making her pout a bit.
"Alright everyone," Toriumi-sensei caught the class' attention with a clap of her hands, "Today we have yet another transfer student…"
Excitement was almost palpable as Minako tilted her head in interest and Minato slouched in boredom.
"As you all know, this is our third," their teacher smiled wryly, "That makes it a hat trick."
There was a moment of silence as everyone deadpanned and her brow twitched before Toriumi-sensei turned to the closed door and called out,
"…Please introduce yourself."
The door slid open and the Wild Cards almost jerked to attention.
"My name is Ryoji Mochizuki," the newcomer spoke with a soft smile, "I would be grateful if you could show me the ropes."
Familiarity tugged at their core as red and blue glanced at one another in silent question.
Doesn't he seem…?
Yeah…
They ignored the excited chatter that sprouted up around them and returned their attention to see blue eyes shining brightly in their direction.
"…Nice to meet you."
And their lips quirked up into an unbidden smile.
(Pharos...)
In character? Out of character? Tell me what you think!