[FIC] 'Beauty and the Otaku,' Chapter Three
Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 2:15 am
A/N: Um. Well. *sweatdrop* Yes, yes, I know this chapter is several weeks past the deadline I had assigned myself, and I’m sorry, but my annual writer’s block (Nov. – Feb. annually, 2 wks. pd. vaca / Xmas) has been kicking me in the ass rather hard this time around. I haven’t been in the mood to write anything, from fics to LJ entries to…hm, that’s about it. Anyway, I apologize again for the lateness of the chapter, and I promise to attempt to try to be more efficient next time…
Many thanks to cultnirvana, MJP, Kelek, and all of my FMP-minded friends--you keep me sane. Also thanks to all the readers and reviewers that have somehow upped the hit count on this fic over at ff.net to over a thousand. Smack me with a wooden spoon and call me Doris, this is fairly popular? o.O Now I’m intimidated.
Oh, yes, and there's a big, giant SQUISHIES! warning for this chapter. Anysia writing mush. Get down on your knees and pray, kids, the Apocalypse is a-comin'!
---
“I’ll protect her no matter what!”
Kaname stared up at the ceiling, deep in thought. She had collapsed from exhaustion shortly after that indescribable surge of power that had somehow saved Sousuke’s life, but she could hear everything around her. It was an odd sensation, being somehow connected to the world through sound and spirit but wholly unattached, floating through some strange world that she couldn’t comprehend.
But she could think about that later.
Now, all she could think about was the man who had saved her life. ‘I’ll protect her…’ Her face flushed at the valiant declaration. The idea that someone she barely knew would risk his life to keep her safe…it was somehow chivalric and…romantic…
Kaname shook her head violently. “Don’t you dare even think about that word, Kaname,” she scolded herself through gritted teeth. “You’re on speaking terms with that lunatic now, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
But…he was fairly handsome…and he had come to save her…and he apologized for making her cry…
Kaname’s defenses immediately sprung to action at the wistful thoughts that had begun to fill her mind. Getting close to anyone was forbidden. If you don’t begin to treasure them, then you won’t get burnt when the inevitable fall-out occurs. That was her rationale, and it had protected her from emotional turmoil since the death of her mother.
Kaname sighed and burrowed deeply into the cocoon of blankets upon her bed. We can be friends, and it’ll stop there, she thought with great conviction. I’m not going to be anyone’s fool. Ever.
She refused to acknowledge the face haunting her thoughts as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
---
Sousuke remained in the Great Hall, absentmindedly poking the fire every once in a while to keep the embers burning. Kaname had retired to bed an hour earlier, but not before they had spent several hours talking about everything and nothing. She had revealed no earth-shattering secrets, but they had reached a point of civility. That would undoubtedly make his job much easier.
“Oh, Lord Sagara, what are you doing up?”
Sousuke turned to see Kyouko standing in the doorway, clad in a heavy bathrobe, her braids undone. “Oh, Tokiwa. I was just having some tea before bed.”
Kyouko smiled slyly. “Then why are there two teacups?” She sat next to Sousuke on the hearth and grinned broadly.
Sousuke observed the young maid quizzically, not entirely sure what she was implying. “Miss Chidori accompanied me earlier in the evening, but she went to bed about an hour ago. The second teacup is hers.”
“Ah!” Kyouko’s grin broadened even more. “Sparks are flying already, huh? I knew you had it in you!”
“Sparks?” Sousuke turned to stare at the fireplace. “I’m afraid I don’t entirely understand, Tokiwa. Is there a problem with the fireplace? Do you have reason to believe that there is a fire hazard in the fortress?”
Kyouko’s sighed and dropped her head into her hands. “Nevermind.” She shook her head. “Is Kaname okay? Well, ‘okay’ would be a relative thing after being accosted by those horrible men and nearly being forced to do despicable…things…”
“I’ve arranged for her to be examined by a physician in the morning,” Sousuke said simply. “However, there seem to be no adverse effects of her encounter with Amalgam’s agents.”
“That’s good to hear…” Kyouko silently collected the teacups and called over her shoulder, “Don’t stay up too late, okay?” She smiled. “Goodnight, Lord Sagara.”
“Goodnight, Tokiwa.” Sousuke turned his attention back to the fireplace, suddenly deep in thought.
‘No adverse effects…’ Perhaps no physical effects—after all, he had borne the brunt of the attack for her—but who knew what she could be feeling emotionally after that bizarre…he wasn’t sure what to call it. She had somehow taken out several trained assassins without moving an inch. It wasn’t humanly possible to do such a thing…was it?
She had also collapsed shortly thereafter. Could using such strange powers eventually destroy her? Or drive her to insanity?
And when had he become so concerned for her well-being?
Such were his thoughts as he doused the fire and headed for his quarters, making a mental note to have a serious talk with Kurz and Melissa in the morning.
---
“A manifestation of her powers?” the shadowy figure known only as Mr. Steel asked.
Leonard nodded. “I find it quite interesting that she harnessed her powers at a higher starting level than I would have guessed. Such an inexperienced Whispered would be more apt to begin with disruption of thought processes and weak psychological manipulation, but Miss Chidori moved immediately into telekinetic attack maneuvers. For a Whispered to immediately have the ability to use a power of such strength suggests that she is on some level very aware of her status and has been cultivating her talents for some time, if unconsciously.”
Mr. Steel stared at him.
Leonard sighed. Working with non-Whispereds could be so difficult. “She’s been developing as a Whispered for a long time; she just didn’t know it. But because she’s had so much practice, the first time she used her powers was explosive.”
“The Whispered have the ability to kill, though? Quite an interesting development.”
“It’s a higher-level ability, but yes, it’s possible.” Leonard paused. “I would advise against relying entirely upon the possibility that Miss Chidori might be used as some kind of living death machine, however. Whispered usually only have the ability to kill at whim during times of extreme emotional stress.”
“But you informed me that she wasn’t in any true danger at the time of her powers’ manifestation.”
A slow, devious smile crept across Leonard’s features. “I’m glad you’ve brought that up—it’s the reason I wanted to speak with you.”
Mr. Steel cocked one eyebrow quizzically.
“It was Sagara. He saved her.”
“Sagara…the same Sagara you battled in the regional conflict in the East?”
“The very same. He hasn’t changed at all—still overly-chivalric and determined to ‘do the right thing’.” Leonard snorted. “But here’s the interesting thing—Miss Chidori only managed to defeat my men via the power of the Whispered after Sagara’s life was threatened.”
“You think she fought to protect him because she has some sort of emotional attachment to him?”
“I’m saying that I think we now have a powerful bargaining chip with which to convince Miss Chidori to come to our side.” Leonard’s eyes had taken on a devilish gleam.
Mr. Steel smirked. “I see. When would you prefer to engage your plan?”
“I believe several weeks would be adequate. With Miss Chidori and Sagara both confined to Merida Fortress, the two will naturally become closer, and when we invade…”
“…Miss Chidori will be so emotionally attached to her protector that she’ll gladly surrender?”
Leonard smiled.
Mr. Steel thought for a moment, then replied, “However many troops you need, I’ll see to it that you get them.”
Leonard bowed deeply. “Thank you, Sir.” His smiled widened. My lovely Miss Chidori…ah, what a tangled web we weave.
---
The next morning, Melissa listened carefully to Sousuke’s retelling of the previous night’s encounter with Leonard and his accomplices from Amalgam. “So you’re saying she took down a bunch of muscle-bound assassins without even touching them?”
“Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t have believed it myself had I not borne witness.” Sousuke still appeared somewhat uneasy.
“So, what, can she just kill at will or what?” Kurz asked, his brow furrowed.
“I—“ Sousuke began. He thought for a moment, then started again. “Leonard Testarossa stated that she had ‘harnessed her powers,’ whatever that means.”
“Her powers as a Whispered?” Melissa frowned.
“I suppose so.”
“What exactly are the Whispered? I mean, what can they do?” Kurz asked. “Do we have some kind of definitive answer apart from Kaname’s ability to slaughter brain-dead assassins with her mind?”
Melissa shrugged. “Maybe it’s some kind of psychic thing. Hell if I know. But if she’s in this much danger, we’d better double our security efforts.”
“Absolutely, big sister. For instance, they could attack her when she’s bathing, so I’ll supervise her. The mere idea that the poor girl could be assaulted when she’s nude and vulnerable…”
*smack*
Melissa ignored Kurz’s muffled swearing as he nursed his injured nose. “So, Sousuke, do not let the girl out of your sight. If she escapes again, you’ll find your balls in the moat. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Sousuke saluted.
“Now shut up and go get me something to drink,” Melissa said with a dismissive wave. “After dealing with Weber for two hours, I need a buzz.”
---
Kaname sat upon the window seat of her bedroom, watching a few lingering flurries dance through the air. Her eyes had begun to droop from sheer boredom; she’d already baked a pie, attempted needlepoint (which had lasted all of two minutes before she pricked her finger and threw the entire project into the fireplace), and taken a long bath. Entertainment options in the fortress were certainly limited. “Maybe I should ask Sousuke to teach me how to fire a gun,” she said in a monotone. “At least it’d be better than sitting here watching it snow…”
“Would you like to get some fresh air out in the courtyard, Miss Chidori?”
Kaname shrieked and fell out of her seat, landing on the floor with a hard ‘thud’. She groaned and rubbed her injured side, whining, “Sousuke, could you please stop sneaking up on me like that?”
“My apologies, Miss Chidori.” Sousuke offered her his hand.
Kaname blushed slightly as she took his hand and hoisted herself to her feet. “Aren’t you afraid that someone will attack me and use the snow as coverage?”
“Doubtful. You are quite safe within the fortress. Nevertheless, it would be advisable for you to stay by my side.”
Kaname’s blush deepened. Oh, come on, girl, knock it off! She tossed her hair carelessly and remarked, “Fine. If I have to put up with a military maniac like you in order to get some fresh air, I guess I’ll make do.”
Heavy snow had fallen for most of the morning, and the soldiers’ attempts to clear the courtyard’s pathways had resulted in towering drifts that came up to Kaname’s chest. “This snow must have just come out of nowhere,” Kaname observed.
“Be careful,” Sousuke stated. “The pathways are somewhat icy.”
They continued to walk in silence.
Kaname frowned slightly to herself. Why wasn’t he saying anything? “So…did you talk to your superiors about yesterday’s…incident thing?”
“Yes.” He said nothing more.
“And…did they say anything interesting?”
“Nothing of true importance, no.”
“Oh.” Kaname focused her attention on her boots and she and Sousuke continued down the path.
In reality, Sousuke had no idea as to what he was supposed to talk about with his charge. What did they possibly have in common? Besides, he was her protector. A certain degree of distance had to be maintained in order to ensure that he was capable of…
Kaname’s cheeks had flushed a bit from the cold, and several flurries clung to her waist-length blue hair. Occasionally she would steal a glance at him from the corner of her eye, but she remained largely focused upon the pathway. Sousuke continued to watch her surreptitiously, somewhat aware that couldn’t entirely take his eyes off her.
…capable of being professional. Of not getting attached to the mission objective.
Sousuke sighed. Such was his lot in—
His thoughts stopped abruptly as he was struck in the face. A cold sensation immediately overwhelmed him, and his battle instincts kicked in. He had just begun to engage in defensive maneuvers when he heard a lilting laugh from beside him. He gingerly touched his face with one hand to realize that the enemy was not a bomb but a snowball. “Miss Chidori…?”
Kaname laughed as she formed another snowball between her fur-lined gloves. “Oh, come on, Sousuke! Live a little!”
“Miss Chidori, I ask that you do not compromise my reactions. I may become unable to protect you for a brief moment, and a moment is all the enemy needs.”
Kaname shook her head and sighed. “You know, you are just no fun at all.” She smiled wickedly and threw another snowball, this time catching Sousuke in the arm. “How’s that for compromising your reaction—“ She stopped.
Sousuke had winced slightly at the impact and was now carefully massaging his arm. “Sousuke—what’s wrong?”
“It’s…not a problem,” he said through gritted teeth.
“It is a problem!” she said worriedly. “Let me see your arm.”
“Miss Chidori, please…”
“Shut up and let me see it!” She grabbed the arm in question and rolled up his sleeve, gasping as she observed the deep gash that had undoubtedly been obtained during last night’s scuffle with Amalgam. “Oh my God…”
“The wound has already been treated. The impact of your projectile merely caused pain from its close proximity to the bruises.”
Kaname was suddenly wracked with guilt. Not just from the fact that she had inadvertently hurt him just by playing around, but that he had received such a horrific wound from his attempt to rescue her. How ungrateful had she been? Was she that horrible a person? “…I’m sorry, Sousuke.”
“It’s not a problem,” he repeated.
“Here, let me see.” Kaname tugged off her gloves and reached into her pocket for a handkerchief. Stopping briefly to wet it with a handful of snow, she began to dab at the wound. She knew that it wouldn’t ease the pain, but she felt as though she had to do something.
Sousuke felt a blush rising to his cheeks as Kaname carefully tended to his wound, her features twisted with worry. The feel of her warm hand against his arm contrasted sharply with the cold handkerchief and made him that much more aware of her presence. She had stopped screaming and yelling for a few moments and was acting somehow…nice. Sousuke began to wonder at the strange warmth welling up from inside his chest.
Kaname finished her treatment and tied the handkerchief around his arm, giving her handiwork a final pat. “There. All better.”
In fact, she had tied the handkerchief so tightly that Sousuke had begun to lose feeling in his arm, but he wasn’t about to risk her wrath by telling her so. “Thank you, Miss Chidori.”
“But you know…” Kaname hesitated. “You should be more careful. You don’t have to go all gung-ho and crazy every time you think I need protecting.”
“It’s my duty.”
“Fine, but try not to kill yourself, okay?” Kaname smiled weakly, then hesitantly laid her hand upon his arm, ignoring the fact that she was trembling slightly.
Sousuke gulped loudly at the contact; half of him was wondering why Kaname was acting so strangely, while the other half wondered at the strange emotion he had begun to feel since she first noticed his wound. He found that he could only nod in response.
From inside the fortress, a figure watched amusedly at the scene unfolding in the courtyard. “Heh, poor boy has a beautiful girl practically hand-delivered to him and he still doesn’t know what to do with her,” Kurz observed with a smirk. “You think he’s falling for Kaname, big sis?”
Melissa looked up from her report long enough to scowl at her subordinate. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with his duty, who cares?”
“I just think it’s interesting.”
Melissa growled and slapped down the paper, storming over to Kurz. “’Interesting,’ huh? Well let me tell you something, our job is not to serve as a catalyst for whatever weird ‘relationship’ you’ve cooked up in that deluded mind of yours, alright? We have our own lives to deal with without focusing every second of our lives on Sousuke and Kaname, okay?”
Kurz smirked. “Is that some kind of commentary?”
Melissa punched him in the arm and returned to her work, but not before noting, “I will say this—if he is falling for her, we’re in a hell of a lot of trouble.”
---
She was dreaming.
It was an odd sensation—she knew she was dreaming, but she couldn’t break free of the dream. All she could do was wander aimlessly through this strangely blank, watery world. Where am I…? she attempted to ask, only to find that she could not speak. She grasped her throat in fear.
You still don’t understand? A pity.
Kaname spun around to face the source of the sound, only to see nothingness stretching before her. Who are you? she thought, her mind frozen in terror.
You saved him, you know. I was quite impressed that you managed to do so.
Kaname continued searching blindly for the owner of the seemingly disembodied voice. It was just a fluke.
No. It is who you are, the source of everything you will become.
Kaname growled, balling her hands into tight fists at her sides. For Christ’s sake, stop speaking in riddles! I’m sick of all this ‘Whispered’ garbage! Would you just show yourself to me so I know I’m not going crazy? She turned her head at the sound of a slight chuckle to her right…
…to see herself. Not entirely a mirror image—the woman before her had darker eyes that held a sense of determination and conviction and somehow exuded a sense of danger. I am you, Kaname heard, though the woman had not spoken. Your stronger self. The source of your power. The woman smiled—a cold, dangerous smile. And should you choose not to develop and hone your talents, I will become you. The dominant persona.
Stop, stop, stop! Kaname thought desperately, tearing at her hair in frustration. What the hell is wrong with me?!
You’re weak. I despise weakness.
Leave me alone, dammit!
Perhaps it would be better if you surrendered now…
Kaname sat up straight in bed, beads of sweat running down her forehead, her nightgown clinging to her body. Her breath came in sharp pants, and her head still swam from the vivid nature of her nightmare. Goddammit, that creepy voice is going to drive me insane. She let out a shuddering breath and lay back down, only to discover that she was too unnerved to fall back asleep.
She switched positions—on her side, stomach, back, and even attempting several yoga positions in an attempt to get comfortable—but every time she closed her eyes, the haunting image of her doppelganger loomed before her, taunting her.
Two hours later, sleep remained elusive. Worse, Kaname’s paranoia had grown to the point that she was convinced that there was another person in the room with her, hell-bent on destroying her. Goosebumps rose up on her arms as she carefully inspected each corner of the room, and when her inspection bore no fruit, she became convinced that whoever was attempting to harm her was merely an expert at hiding.
God… she thought, wrapping her arms around her shaking frame. There’s only one way I’m gonna be able to get any sleep tonight… She grabbed her robe and slippers and padded quietly down the hall to the third room on the left.
“Sousuke?” she whispered, squinting into the darkness of the room. “Sousuke, are you asleep?” A floorboard creaked loudly as she took one step forward, and Kaname suddenly found herself flung to the floor, a knife pressed against her throat.
“State your name and purpose,” a husky voice stated from above her. “If you surrender quietly, I may be merciful.”
“Sousuke,” Kaname coughed, “it’s me! Would you knock it off?”
The knife was abruptly removed from its position against her throat, and the room was suddenly lit by an oil lamp on the nearby table. Sousuke regarded her curiously, still clad in fatigues. Doesn’t he ever sleep…? Kaname brushed aside her thoughts and asked, “Did I wake you?”
“Negative. I rarely allow myself to fall into a state that involves unawareness of my surroundings.” He carefully sheathed his knife. “Was there something of dire importance that you needed to discuss with me?”
Kaname blushed slightly, then admitted sheepishly, “I…had a nightmare.”
Sousuke stared at her. “A nightmare?”
“Yes, a nightmare!” Kaname snapped, clearly irritated. “But…it was so vivid, and that stupid voice in my head was haunting me again, and…”
“Voice in your head?”
“Don’t interrupt!”
Sousuke wisely remained silent.
“It’s just…it’s so vivid, you know? And she tells me that she’s going to destroy me because I’m so weak, except, you know, she’s me, so I don’t understand how she’s going to destroy me, or maybe her, or whatever, and I…I just feel like something horrible’s going to happen.” Kaname frowned worriedly and focused her attention on her hands, suddenly feeling very foolish. I woke him up just to tell him about the strange voices in my head and how I think someone’s going to kill me through a dream. Brilliant, Kaname! Way to convince him you’re sane!
“Would you like me to stand guard in your room while you sleep?”
Kaname was torn from her thoughts at Sousuke’s sincere question. Did he actually believe her? “You’re going to give up your night’s sleep just to protect me from a dream?” She shook her head. “You know what, I’m sorry I bothered you. I’ll just go back to sleep and…” She turned to leave but was stopped by Sousuke grabbing her hand.
“If you believe that you’re in danger,” Sousuke said seriously, “it is not my place to question why. It is, however, my duty to ensure that you feel safe at all times. And I will fulfill my duty no matter what. I will protect you.”
Kaname felt as though her heart had stopped. Here she was, in the middle of the night, acting like a scared little child upset by a bad dream, and Sousuke was holding her hand and promising to protect her from whatever monsters her mind conjured up. What’s happening to me? she thought vaguely. Something had definitely changed in her attitude towards her protector…but she couldn’t quite put a name to it.
“Only if you promise not to do anything perverted,” Kaname said finally.
“Pardon?”
She yanked her hand away from his in order to poke him hard in the chest. “Nothing perverted, you hear? No peeking at me or touching me or coming within a three-foot radius of my bed. Got it?”
“Understood.”
“…then I wouldn’t mind having a bodyguard for tonight. Just for tonight, though.”
“It is not a problem, Miss Chidori.”
Sousuke escorted her back to her room, thoroughly inspecting it for intruders before declaring the premises safe. He sat cross-legged against the far wall as Kaname climbed into bed. “Remember, nothing perverted if you want to be alive in the morning,” she said sternly as she settled her head against the pillow.
“Understood.”
“And…” Kaname paused, gathering her courage. “Thank you. For helping me.”
Sousuke merely grunted in response, examining his weapons.
“And Sousuke?”
“Hm?”
“Don’t…don’t leave me, okay? Not until morning.”
“I promise.”
“…goodnight, Sousuke,” she said finally, closing her eyes.
Sousuke watched her carefully as her breathing deepened and became more even, indicating that she had fallen asleep. She had been afraid…but of what? Kaname was a strong, forceful woman; it didn’t seem logical that she would be so afraid of a mere dream. There had to be something else, something more sinister at work.
But that could wait until morning.
Sousuke sighed and laid his head against the cool stone wall. Life had been so much simpler when he had been nothing more than a mercenary, fighting battle after battle, suppressing human emotion for the sake of the fight. Emotion was a true liability.
But…
But now someone needed him to protect her. She was angry and peevish, with a violent temper, but she clearly had a kind side. And Sousuke was still attempting to determine her motivation behind her careful tending of his wound earlier in the day.
It was all unbearably confusing…but for some strange reason, Sousuke found that he didn’t really mind.
And when she awoke in the morning, he was still by her side.
|To Be Continued…|
End A/N: Oh Lord, and here we go with the squishies. I really hope I kept everyone (mostly) in-character. Sousuke’s not one to be overly-romantic, so I imagine he’d be more confused about his feelings towards Kaname than anything else.
Anyway, that’s chapter three for you. Sorry for the wait! Comments, criticism, and death threats are all welcome. Oh, and flames, too. I don’t get nearly enough flames, and they amuse me so! I feel somewhat unloved…or perhaps unhated. Which is even worse.
Many thanks to cultnirvana, MJP, Kelek, and all of my FMP-minded friends--you keep me sane. Also thanks to all the readers and reviewers that have somehow upped the hit count on this fic over at ff.net to over a thousand. Smack me with a wooden spoon and call me Doris, this is fairly popular? o.O Now I’m intimidated.
Oh, yes, and there's a big, giant SQUISHIES! warning for this chapter. Anysia writing mush. Get down on your knees and pray, kids, the Apocalypse is a-comin'!
---
“I’ll protect her no matter what!”
Kaname stared up at the ceiling, deep in thought. She had collapsed from exhaustion shortly after that indescribable surge of power that had somehow saved Sousuke’s life, but she could hear everything around her. It was an odd sensation, being somehow connected to the world through sound and spirit but wholly unattached, floating through some strange world that she couldn’t comprehend.
But she could think about that later.
Now, all she could think about was the man who had saved her life. ‘I’ll protect her…’ Her face flushed at the valiant declaration. The idea that someone she barely knew would risk his life to keep her safe…it was somehow chivalric and…romantic…
Kaname shook her head violently. “Don’t you dare even think about that word, Kaname,” she scolded herself through gritted teeth. “You’re on speaking terms with that lunatic now, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
But…he was fairly handsome…and he had come to save her…and he apologized for making her cry…
Kaname’s defenses immediately sprung to action at the wistful thoughts that had begun to fill her mind. Getting close to anyone was forbidden. If you don’t begin to treasure them, then you won’t get burnt when the inevitable fall-out occurs. That was her rationale, and it had protected her from emotional turmoil since the death of her mother.
Kaname sighed and burrowed deeply into the cocoon of blankets upon her bed. We can be friends, and it’ll stop there, she thought with great conviction. I’m not going to be anyone’s fool. Ever.
She refused to acknowledge the face haunting her thoughts as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
---
Sousuke remained in the Great Hall, absentmindedly poking the fire every once in a while to keep the embers burning. Kaname had retired to bed an hour earlier, but not before they had spent several hours talking about everything and nothing. She had revealed no earth-shattering secrets, but they had reached a point of civility. That would undoubtedly make his job much easier.
“Oh, Lord Sagara, what are you doing up?”
Sousuke turned to see Kyouko standing in the doorway, clad in a heavy bathrobe, her braids undone. “Oh, Tokiwa. I was just having some tea before bed.”
Kyouko smiled slyly. “Then why are there two teacups?” She sat next to Sousuke on the hearth and grinned broadly.
Sousuke observed the young maid quizzically, not entirely sure what she was implying. “Miss Chidori accompanied me earlier in the evening, but she went to bed about an hour ago. The second teacup is hers.”
“Ah!” Kyouko’s grin broadened even more. “Sparks are flying already, huh? I knew you had it in you!”
“Sparks?” Sousuke turned to stare at the fireplace. “I’m afraid I don’t entirely understand, Tokiwa. Is there a problem with the fireplace? Do you have reason to believe that there is a fire hazard in the fortress?”
Kyouko’s sighed and dropped her head into her hands. “Nevermind.” She shook her head. “Is Kaname okay? Well, ‘okay’ would be a relative thing after being accosted by those horrible men and nearly being forced to do despicable…things…”
“I’ve arranged for her to be examined by a physician in the morning,” Sousuke said simply. “However, there seem to be no adverse effects of her encounter with Amalgam’s agents.”
“That’s good to hear…” Kyouko silently collected the teacups and called over her shoulder, “Don’t stay up too late, okay?” She smiled. “Goodnight, Lord Sagara.”
“Goodnight, Tokiwa.” Sousuke turned his attention back to the fireplace, suddenly deep in thought.
‘No adverse effects…’ Perhaps no physical effects—after all, he had borne the brunt of the attack for her—but who knew what she could be feeling emotionally after that bizarre…he wasn’t sure what to call it. She had somehow taken out several trained assassins without moving an inch. It wasn’t humanly possible to do such a thing…was it?
She had also collapsed shortly thereafter. Could using such strange powers eventually destroy her? Or drive her to insanity?
And when had he become so concerned for her well-being?
Such were his thoughts as he doused the fire and headed for his quarters, making a mental note to have a serious talk with Kurz and Melissa in the morning.
---
“A manifestation of her powers?” the shadowy figure known only as Mr. Steel asked.
Leonard nodded. “I find it quite interesting that she harnessed her powers at a higher starting level than I would have guessed. Such an inexperienced Whispered would be more apt to begin with disruption of thought processes and weak psychological manipulation, but Miss Chidori moved immediately into telekinetic attack maneuvers. For a Whispered to immediately have the ability to use a power of such strength suggests that she is on some level very aware of her status and has been cultivating her talents for some time, if unconsciously.”
Mr. Steel stared at him.
Leonard sighed. Working with non-Whispereds could be so difficult. “She’s been developing as a Whispered for a long time; she just didn’t know it. But because she’s had so much practice, the first time she used her powers was explosive.”
“The Whispered have the ability to kill, though? Quite an interesting development.”
“It’s a higher-level ability, but yes, it’s possible.” Leonard paused. “I would advise against relying entirely upon the possibility that Miss Chidori might be used as some kind of living death machine, however. Whispered usually only have the ability to kill at whim during times of extreme emotional stress.”
“But you informed me that she wasn’t in any true danger at the time of her powers’ manifestation.”
A slow, devious smile crept across Leonard’s features. “I’m glad you’ve brought that up—it’s the reason I wanted to speak with you.”
Mr. Steel cocked one eyebrow quizzically.
“It was Sagara. He saved her.”
“Sagara…the same Sagara you battled in the regional conflict in the East?”
“The very same. He hasn’t changed at all—still overly-chivalric and determined to ‘do the right thing’.” Leonard snorted. “But here’s the interesting thing—Miss Chidori only managed to defeat my men via the power of the Whispered after Sagara’s life was threatened.”
“You think she fought to protect him because she has some sort of emotional attachment to him?”
“I’m saying that I think we now have a powerful bargaining chip with which to convince Miss Chidori to come to our side.” Leonard’s eyes had taken on a devilish gleam.
Mr. Steel smirked. “I see. When would you prefer to engage your plan?”
“I believe several weeks would be adequate. With Miss Chidori and Sagara both confined to Merida Fortress, the two will naturally become closer, and when we invade…”
“…Miss Chidori will be so emotionally attached to her protector that she’ll gladly surrender?”
Leonard smiled.
Mr. Steel thought for a moment, then replied, “However many troops you need, I’ll see to it that you get them.”
Leonard bowed deeply. “Thank you, Sir.” His smiled widened. My lovely Miss Chidori…ah, what a tangled web we weave.
---
The next morning, Melissa listened carefully to Sousuke’s retelling of the previous night’s encounter with Leonard and his accomplices from Amalgam. “So you’re saying she took down a bunch of muscle-bound assassins without even touching them?”
“Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t have believed it myself had I not borne witness.” Sousuke still appeared somewhat uneasy.
“So, what, can she just kill at will or what?” Kurz asked, his brow furrowed.
“I—“ Sousuke began. He thought for a moment, then started again. “Leonard Testarossa stated that she had ‘harnessed her powers,’ whatever that means.”
“Her powers as a Whispered?” Melissa frowned.
“I suppose so.”
“What exactly are the Whispered? I mean, what can they do?” Kurz asked. “Do we have some kind of definitive answer apart from Kaname’s ability to slaughter brain-dead assassins with her mind?”
Melissa shrugged. “Maybe it’s some kind of psychic thing. Hell if I know. But if she’s in this much danger, we’d better double our security efforts.”
“Absolutely, big sister. For instance, they could attack her when she’s bathing, so I’ll supervise her. The mere idea that the poor girl could be assaulted when she’s nude and vulnerable…”
*smack*
Melissa ignored Kurz’s muffled swearing as he nursed his injured nose. “So, Sousuke, do not let the girl out of your sight. If she escapes again, you’ll find your balls in the moat. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Sousuke saluted.
“Now shut up and go get me something to drink,” Melissa said with a dismissive wave. “After dealing with Weber for two hours, I need a buzz.”
---
Kaname sat upon the window seat of her bedroom, watching a few lingering flurries dance through the air. Her eyes had begun to droop from sheer boredom; she’d already baked a pie, attempted needlepoint (which had lasted all of two minutes before she pricked her finger and threw the entire project into the fireplace), and taken a long bath. Entertainment options in the fortress were certainly limited. “Maybe I should ask Sousuke to teach me how to fire a gun,” she said in a monotone. “At least it’d be better than sitting here watching it snow…”
“Would you like to get some fresh air out in the courtyard, Miss Chidori?”
Kaname shrieked and fell out of her seat, landing on the floor with a hard ‘thud’. She groaned and rubbed her injured side, whining, “Sousuke, could you please stop sneaking up on me like that?”
“My apologies, Miss Chidori.” Sousuke offered her his hand.
Kaname blushed slightly as she took his hand and hoisted herself to her feet. “Aren’t you afraid that someone will attack me and use the snow as coverage?”
“Doubtful. You are quite safe within the fortress. Nevertheless, it would be advisable for you to stay by my side.”
Kaname’s blush deepened. Oh, come on, girl, knock it off! She tossed her hair carelessly and remarked, “Fine. If I have to put up with a military maniac like you in order to get some fresh air, I guess I’ll make do.”
Heavy snow had fallen for most of the morning, and the soldiers’ attempts to clear the courtyard’s pathways had resulted in towering drifts that came up to Kaname’s chest. “This snow must have just come out of nowhere,” Kaname observed.
“Be careful,” Sousuke stated. “The pathways are somewhat icy.”
They continued to walk in silence.
Kaname frowned slightly to herself. Why wasn’t he saying anything? “So…did you talk to your superiors about yesterday’s…incident thing?”
“Yes.” He said nothing more.
“And…did they say anything interesting?”
“Nothing of true importance, no.”
“Oh.” Kaname focused her attention on her boots and she and Sousuke continued down the path.
In reality, Sousuke had no idea as to what he was supposed to talk about with his charge. What did they possibly have in common? Besides, he was her protector. A certain degree of distance had to be maintained in order to ensure that he was capable of…
Kaname’s cheeks had flushed a bit from the cold, and several flurries clung to her waist-length blue hair. Occasionally she would steal a glance at him from the corner of her eye, but she remained largely focused upon the pathway. Sousuke continued to watch her surreptitiously, somewhat aware that couldn’t entirely take his eyes off her.
…capable of being professional. Of not getting attached to the mission objective.
Sousuke sighed. Such was his lot in—
His thoughts stopped abruptly as he was struck in the face. A cold sensation immediately overwhelmed him, and his battle instincts kicked in. He had just begun to engage in defensive maneuvers when he heard a lilting laugh from beside him. He gingerly touched his face with one hand to realize that the enemy was not a bomb but a snowball. “Miss Chidori…?”
Kaname laughed as she formed another snowball between her fur-lined gloves. “Oh, come on, Sousuke! Live a little!”
“Miss Chidori, I ask that you do not compromise my reactions. I may become unable to protect you for a brief moment, and a moment is all the enemy needs.”
Kaname shook her head and sighed. “You know, you are just no fun at all.” She smiled wickedly and threw another snowball, this time catching Sousuke in the arm. “How’s that for compromising your reaction—“ She stopped.
Sousuke had winced slightly at the impact and was now carefully massaging his arm. “Sousuke—what’s wrong?”
“It’s…not a problem,” he said through gritted teeth.
“It is a problem!” she said worriedly. “Let me see your arm.”
“Miss Chidori, please…”
“Shut up and let me see it!” She grabbed the arm in question and rolled up his sleeve, gasping as she observed the deep gash that had undoubtedly been obtained during last night’s scuffle with Amalgam. “Oh my God…”
“The wound has already been treated. The impact of your projectile merely caused pain from its close proximity to the bruises.”
Kaname was suddenly wracked with guilt. Not just from the fact that she had inadvertently hurt him just by playing around, but that he had received such a horrific wound from his attempt to rescue her. How ungrateful had she been? Was she that horrible a person? “…I’m sorry, Sousuke.”
“It’s not a problem,” he repeated.
“Here, let me see.” Kaname tugged off her gloves and reached into her pocket for a handkerchief. Stopping briefly to wet it with a handful of snow, she began to dab at the wound. She knew that it wouldn’t ease the pain, but she felt as though she had to do something.
Sousuke felt a blush rising to his cheeks as Kaname carefully tended to his wound, her features twisted with worry. The feel of her warm hand against his arm contrasted sharply with the cold handkerchief and made him that much more aware of her presence. She had stopped screaming and yelling for a few moments and was acting somehow…nice. Sousuke began to wonder at the strange warmth welling up from inside his chest.
Kaname finished her treatment and tied the handkerchief around his arm, giving her handiwork a final pat. “There. All better.”
In fact, she had tied the handkerchief so tightly that Sousuke had begun to lose feeling in his arm, but he wasn’t about to risk her wrath by telling her so. “Thank you, Miss Chidori.”
“But you know…” Kaname hesitated. “You should be more careful. You don’t have to go all gung-ho and crazy every time you think I need protecting.”
“It’s my duty.”
“Fine, but try not to kill yourself, okay?” Kaname smiled weakly, then hesitantly laid her hand upon his arm, ignoring the fact that she was trembling slightly.
Sousuke gulped loudly at the contact; half of him was wondering why Kaname was acting so strangely, while the other half wondered at the strange emotion he had begun to feel since she first noticed his wound. He found that he could only nod in response.
From inside the fortress, a figure watched amusedly at the scene unfolding in the courtyard. “Heh, poor boy has a beautiful girl practically hand-delivered to him and he still doesn’t know what to do with her,” Kurz observed with a smirk. “You think he’s falling for Kaname, big sis?”
Melissa looked up from her report long enough to scowl at her subordinate. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with his duty, who cares?”
“I just think it’s interesting.”
Melissa growled and slapped down the paper, storming over to Kurz. “’Interesting,’ huh? Well let me tell you something, our job is not to serve as a catalyst for whatever weird ‘relationship’ you’ve cooked up in that deluded mind of yours, alright? We have our own lives to deal with without focusing every second of our lives on Sousuke and Kaname, okay?”
Kurz smirked. “Is that some kind of commentary?”
Melissa punched him in the arm and returned to her work, but not before noting, “I will say this—if he is falling for her, we’re in a hell of a lot of trouble.”
---
She was dreaming.
It was an odd sensation—she knew she was dreaming, but she couldn’t break free of the dream. All she could do was wander aimlessly through this strangely blank, watery world. Where am I…? she attempted to ask, only to find that she could not speak. She grasped her throat in fear.
You still don’t understand? A pity.
Kaname spun around to face the source of the sound, only to see nothingness stretching before her. Who are you? she thought, her mind frozen in terror.
You saved him, you know. I was quite impressed that you managed to do so.
Kaname continued searching blindly for the owner of the seemingly disembodied voice. It was just a fluke.
No. It is who you are, the source of everything you will become.
Kaname growled, balling her hands into tight fists at her sides. For Christ’s sake, stop speaking in riddles! I’m sick of all this ‘Whispered’ garbage! Would you just show yourself to me so I know I’m not going crazy? She turned her head at the sound of a slight chuckle to her right…
…to see herself. Not entirely a mirror image—the woman before her had darker eyes that held a sense of determination and conviction and somehow exuded a sense of danger. I am you, Kaname heard, though the woman had not spoken. Your stronger self. The source of your power. The woman smiled—a cold, dangerous smile. And should you choose not to develop and hone your talents, I will become you. The dominant persona.
Stop, stop, stop! Kaname thought desperately, tearing at her hair in frustration. What the hell is wrong with me?!
You’re weak. I despise weakness.
Leave me alone, dammit!
Perhaps it would be better if you surrendered now…
Kaname sat up straight in bed, beads of sweat running down her forehead, her nightgown clinging to her body. Her breath came in sharp pants, and her head still swam from the vivid nature of her nightmare. Goddammit, that creepy voice is going to drive me insane. She let out a shuddering breath and lay back down, only to discover that she was too unnerved to fall back asleep.
She switched positions—on her side, stomach, back, and even attempting several yoga positions in an attempt to get comfortable—but every time she closed her eyes, the haunting image of her doppelganger loomed before her, taunting her.
Two hours later, sleep remained elusive. Worse, Kaname’s paranoia had grown to the point that she was convinced that there was another person in the room with her, hell-bent on destroying her. Goosebumps rose up on her arms as she carefully inspected each corner of the room, and when her inspection bore no fruit, she became convinced that whoever was attempting to harm her was merely an expert at hiding.
God… she thought, wrapping her arms around her shaking frame. There’s only one way I’m gonna be able to get any sleep tonight… She grabbed her robe and slippers and padded quietly down the hall to the third room on the left.
“Sousuke?” she whispered, squinting into the darkness of the room. “Sousuke, are you asleep?” A floorboard creaked loudly as she took one step forward, and Kaname suddenly found herself flung to the floor, a knife pressed against her throat.
“State your name and purpose,” a husky voice stated from above her. “If you surrender quietly, I may be merciful.”
“Sousuke,” Kaname coughed, “it’s me! Would you knock it off?”
The knife was abruptly removed from its position against her throat, and the room was suddenly lit by an oil lamp on the nearby table. Sousuke regarded her curiously, still clad in fatigues. Doesn’t he ever sleep…? Kaname brushed aside her thoughts and asked, “Did I wake you?”
“Negative. I rarely allow myself to fall into a state that involves unawareness of my surroundings.” He carefully sheathed his knife. “Was there something of dire importance that you needed to discuss with me?”
Kaname blushed slightly, then admitted sheepishly, “I…had a nightmare.”
Sousuke stared at her. “A nightmare?”
“Yes, a nightmare!” Kaname snapped, clearly irritated. “But…it was so vivid, and that stupid voice in my head was haunting me again, and…”
“Voice in your head?”
“Don’t interrupt!”
Sousuke wisely remained silent.
“It’s just…it’s so vivid, you know? And she tells me that she’s going to destroy me because I’m so weak, except, you know, she’s me, so I don’t understand how she’s going to destroy me, or maybe her, or whatever, and I…I just feel like something horrible’s going to happen.” Kaname frowned worriedly and focused her attention on her hands, suddenly feeling very foolish. I woke him up just to tell him about the strange voices in my head and how I think someone’s going to kill me through a dream. Brilliant, Kaname! Way to convince him you’re sane!
“Would you like me to stand guard in your room while you sleep?”
Kaname was torn from her thoughts at Sousuke’s sincere question. Did he actually believe her? “You’re going to give up your night’s sleep just to protect me from a dream?” She shook her head. “You know what, I’m sorry I bothered you. I’ll just go back to sleep and…” She turned to leave but was stopped by Sousuke grabbing her hand.
“If you believe that you’re in danger,” Sousuke said seriously, “it is not my place to question why. It is, however, my duty to ensure that you feel safe at all times. And I will fulfill my duty no matter what. I will protect you.”
Kaname felt as though her heart had stopped. Here she was, in the middle of the night, acting like a scared little child upset by a bad dream, and Sousuke was holding her hand and promising to protect her from whatever monsters her mind conjured up. What’s happening to me? she thought vaguely. Something had definitely changed in her attitude towards her protector…but she couldn’t quite put a name to it.
“Only if you promise not to do anything perverted,” Kaname said finally.
“Pardon?”
She yanked her hand away from his in order to poke him hard in the chest. “Nothing perverted, you hear? No peeking at me or touching me or coming within a three-foot radius of my bed. Got it?”
“Understood.”
“…then I wouldn’t mind having a bodyguard for tonight. Just for tonight, though.”
“It is not a problem, Miss Chidori.”
Sousuke escorted her back to her room, thoroughly inspecting it for intruders before declaring the premises safe. He sat cross-legged against the far wall as Kaname climbed into bed. “Remember, nothing perverted if you want to be alive in the morning,” she said sternly as she settled her head against the pillow.
“Understood.”
“And…” Kaname paused, gathering her courage. “Thank you. For helping me.”
Sousuke merely grunted in response, examining his weapons.
“And Sousuke?”
“Hm?”
“Don’t…don’t leave me, okay? Not until morning.”
“I promise.”
“…goodnight, Sousuke,” she said finally, closing her eyes.
Sousuke watched her carefully as her breathing deepened and became more even, indicating that she had fallen asleep. She had been afraid…but of what? Kaname was a strong, forceful woman; it didn’t seem logical that she would be so afraid of a mere dream. There had to be something else, something more sinister at work.
But that could wait until morning.
Sousuke sighed and laid his head against the cool stone wall. Life had been so much simpler when he had been nothing more than a mercenary, fighting battle after battle, suppressing human emotion for the sake of the fight. Emotion was a true liability.
But…
But now someone needed him to protect her. She was angry and peevish, with a violent temper, but she clearly had a kind side. And Sousuke was still attempting to determine her motivation behind her careful tending of his wound earlier in the day.
It was all unbearably confusing…but for some strange reason, Sousuke found that he didn’t really mind.
And when she awoke in the morning, he was still by her side.
|To Be Continued…|
End A/N: Oh Lord, and here we go with the squishies. I really hope I kept everyone (mostly) in-character. Sousuke’s not one to be overly-romantic, so I imagine he’d be more confused about his feelings towards Kaname than anything else.
Anyway, that’s chapter three for you. Sorry for the wait! Comments, criticism, and death threats are all welcome. Oh, and flames, too. I don’t get nearly enough flames, and they amuse me so! I feel somewhat unloved…or perhaps unhated. Which is even worse.
Keep it up anysia. Love the 3rd chapter with Kurz and Mao... LOL