This is my first Flame of Recca fic . Warning: This is pretty long by my standards. And this also isn’t completely done in the sense that I think there are still some questions I have to answer. So read at own risk. It’s a chapter 1 out of 2 or 3. ( don’t know how many inter related fics I’m going to do ). The title may seem weird, but I liked it. It kinda fitted. So there it is and there it is to stay. 

I have never read the manga Flame of Recca, much less seen it. I have only watched the episodes, starting to where Mikagami was introduced until Fuuko’s fight with Mitoka. Mintora. ( That chick with the poisoned nails madogou . Don’t really know her name. I just know that she’s a real $@#* and it was a good thing she died ) Forgive me if I have not captured Meguri Kyoza’s personality right. I have only read descriptions of him from the sparse FOR websites available that I have found. Heck, I don’t even know if he’s alive! If he is dead, then whoops. In my fic he isn’t, so just imagine him to be alive. Pretty Please.

These characters are not mine, blah blah. Usual disclaimers. Don’t sue me,  I’m dirt poor. Etc. Anyway, without much further ado, here it is. And Please enjoy, although I may have sounded like I was discouraging you from doing so:

ThE WhImSicAl MiSAdVeNtuRes oF My TuToR ‘N  Me

Another fine day for  the Hokage team. Recca was busy talking to his  ‘ hime  ‘ while Fuuko was giving Domon another bump on the head for making some crude comment (with no intention of making it sound crude. He was just making a simple comment ) about coconuts and women. Which left Tokiya and Koganei alone to say their good-byes to each other for the morning . Tokiya promptly left for class while Koganei jogged to his middle school nearby.

Nah, wait. Bad beginning. Let’s fast forward to where the story really starts:

 “ Aw ! Not another F! My dad’ll kill me! ”

 The obvious displeasure came from the throat of the boyish Fuuko Kirisawa.

“ You may be smart Fuuko, but you do know that studying is part of the key to passing. “ As gently as possible Yanagi informed her friend of the reason why there was a disappointing red mark on her current math exam.

“ Yea, but.. aw ! I HATE having to memorize useless crap. Geez, it’s not like I’m gonna be an engineer or something that I’ve gotta learn advanced algebra… “ Fuuko smushed the paper to her face as if it would wipe away the apparent red mark.  But all it did was leave some pen marks on her face. She continued on in an even more depressed tone “ I’d rather be fighting in the Uroubatousatoujin all over again if it would avoid this stupid grade… “

“ Well maybe I can help… “  But Yanagi’s face showed doubt that she could actually manage her time well enough to tutor Fuuko, take care of her household, go out with Recca,  and baby sit the kids in the kindergarten. Fuuko sensed this and sighed. She waved away the offer with a swish of her hand.

“ No worries Yanagi. I’ll find some other way . But thanks a lot for wanting to help . “ Fuuko glanced at the clock behind Yanagi and gave a yelp of dismay. “ Ah! I’m gonna be late for my next class! I’ll see you later Yanagi! Gotta run! “ . Grabbing her school bag she raced across the halls to find her next room, masterfully dodging students littered along the way. But turning a sharp corner without looking, Fuuko accidentally crashed into none other than the school principal. The force of the crash was not enough to make her lose her balance, but it did send the principal sprawling on the ground. The next few moments in Fuuko’s mind had to do with a noise that oddly resembled a loud foghorn.

“ KIRISAWA! GET YOUR BUTT INTO MY OFFICE RIGHT NOW! “ Cursing her luck and muttering a reluctant ‘Yes sir, right away sir ‘, Fuuko trudged unhappily behind the principal leading her to a place all too familiar.

--- o

“ Kirisawa. I am fully aware that you are not performing as expected of you these last few months.“

“ Yes sir… “

“ And I am fully aware that you have also not been attending school for the past few months as well. “

“ Yes, sir.. “

“ And I am to understand that these absences and this decline in standard performance has to do with you being sick with a rare disease that sucks out brain cells even as we speak. “

“ Uhm… yes sir ? “

The principal took a deep breath and sat down in his seat.

“ Ms. Kirisawa. Just how stupid do you think I am? A rare disease that sucks out brain cells by the second ? “

“ Uhmm … “

“ Ms. Kirisawa. Since you  seem to show no interest whatsoever in improving your grades, we will have to do the necessary measures for students like you. “

“ Sir ? ” Panicked thoughts of being kicked out started flooding Fuuko’s mind. Her dad was gonna kill her, she wouldn’t see her friends as often, she’d have to adjust…

“ We must assign a tutor for you .“

“ …. “. Definitely not what was expected. The principal continued on.

“ There is a very bright student who is one grade above you. Apparently you know each other and that is what will make it even better for you to learn well. “

Oh please don’t mean…

“ His name is Tokiya Mikagami. “

“ Not the Fridge Boy! “ Fuuko clamped her mouth hurriedly with her free hand, but it was already too late.

“ Yes,  the Fridge Boy! Uh, I mean, Mikagami! He will be your tutor until the end of the semester and if you do not improve by then…. “

“ Ah ! yes sir! “

“ Now get to your next class Kirisawa! You will meet back here after your last class to talk to Mikagami. Is that clear? “

“ Yes sir! “ Relieved to get away, Fuuko grasped the doorknob  to turn it and exit from the office of the evil…

“ And KIRISAWA! “

“ Ulp! Yessir! “ She stood up straight with back turned to the principal, too afraid to be met with his glare once again. What else did she do wrong?

“ You will have 2 days of detention , starting tomorrow, for bumping into me. “

---- o

                It was not like she hated Mikagami. Hate is such an strong word. No, more  like she felt a bit… uncomfortable. You’d think that she would feel a bit more relaxed around him after fighting in the same team and all. She could chum around with Domon and Recca. Chat with Ganko and Yanagi. Tease Koganei to no end. But Mikagami … Oh, she tried to treat him in more or less the same fashion, but all that did was get her odd stares from him. It made her feel… uncomfortable. Damn uncomfortable.  It was better to leave him alone and not really bother engaging in small talk. But now she had him as a tutor. Well, maybe, just maybe, she could  learn to feel more at ease in his presence this time. They weren’t fighting anyone, so the pressure of winning was not going to be there. She was more worried on whether or not he would teach her properly, and heck, if he was even willing to teach her!  Patting her hair and smoothing out her uniform, Fuuko entered the room. Tokiya was sitting down on a chair in front of the principal’s desk, arms folded across his chest, legs crossed , and looking at her with uncaring, bored eyes. So what else was new.

“ Ms. Kirisawa. About time you got here. “

“ Sir. “

“ I have talked to Mikagami, and he has agreed to be your tutor for  the semester. “

Ah, he was willing. Now the next problem was  whether or not she would learn anything from him. Only time would tell that.

“ Mikagami, I will count on you to make sure that Ms. Kirisawa passes all her courses “.

Tokiya faced the principal.

“ Yes sir. “

“ Now both you are dismissed. Kirisawa, be here at 7 a.m. sharp for detention. “ With that the principal waved them off and they exited.

                Left alone, Moesama slumped down in his seat. Being principal was not an easy job. He liked Fuuko. She was a smart girl. He would hate to see her transfer. But he would do it if he really had no choice. Being her father also did not make it easier to kick out his own daughter. It was a shame to see such  intelligence go to waste. But cases of unused brain power were frequent and it had to really count on the student’s decision on whether or not to continue their studies. His eyes then strayed over to a worn out photograph of his family framed on his desk. Thoughts of his dead wife flashed through his mind . Fuuko had the same bright blue eyes and smile. But his wife was more feminine. She would have taught her daughter a bit more on being ladylike. Moesama Kirisawa proceeded to grab a cigarette and puff away. To hell with school policies of no smoking in the building. He needed one badly

--- o

 “ So, Mikagami, what’s the deal ? “ Raising her arms to lock her fingers behind her head, Fuuko walked beside Tokiya.

“ No deal really. If you pass, then I get to stay in the school for one more year, free."

"Huh. Dad really is shameless". She paused for a moment . “ So, sensei, what are your plans for me ? “ Fuuko threw a smile in Tokiya’s direction, and immediately wished she didn’t tease him so. He was looking at her weird again. He saw her look of surprise and his eyes once again shifted back to indifference.

“ I need to know your schedule first of all. Who your teachers are, what areas you need the most help in ”.

“ Sure, no problem “.

“ I also need to know why you’re not attending class. “

Fuuko halted. “ Why do you need to know that ? “

“ Well, in order to get rid of the problem we have to first find the root of it. We just finished the tournament, so no excuses there for you being absent. What really is your problem? “

Fuuko shrugged. “ Nothing really. I just don’t like the teachers, that’s all “.

Tokiya didn’t look like he bought her explanation. But he shrugged as well and accepted it, for now. “ Fine. So give me your schedule, and tell me  where you’re failing in."

--- o

                It had been two weeks. Two weeks of pure hell. Tokiya was not a very merciful tutor. He would spend at least an hour lecturing and another 2 on drilling her with exercise problems. And if she took too long or answered incorrectly he would look at her with such resentment that made her feel like crawling under a rock to hide. He would also scribble something down in his report to the principal, which she couldn’t see no matter how hard she pleaded, cajoled, or tried to trick him into showing her. It was enough to make her commit suicide. But at least the good part was that she understood. She still didn’t attend class though, only coming to school to take the quizzes. And this bothered Tokiya. He was supposed to act as a tutor, as in someone who helped a student who did not understand everything. He was not supposed to take the entire task of teaching. If this kept up he would have to ask the principal for payment. 

“ What is the square root of x when y is divided by 2xy and 5 cubed? “ 

Fuuko took a moment to write down her answer on a piece of paper. Too long. Tokiya narrowed his eyes and scribbled on his report.

“ Fuuko, you are still  taking too long “.

Fuuko looked up and sighed.  “ I still haven’t gotten used to the system yet, that’s all."

“ Fuuko, your major exams are tomorrow. If you do not get an A at least… “

“ I know,  I know. If I don’t ace it then I still fail “. She cursed herself for getting so low in her past exams that even if her quizzes were now good, she would still need an A to pass. Tokiya sat down beside her and looked straight into her eyes. She couldn’t help but fidget a little under his gaze.

“ Which is why you will be staying here an extra two hours to practice “.

“ WHAT?! It’s past 5! I gotta go home soon! “

“ For what? “ Tokiya doubted she had anything important to do.

“ Uhm.. for.. “ Fuuko desperately searched through her mind for an excuse. “ er, I gotta fix dinner for me and my dad." Yea, that was it. “ He can’t cook so…"

“ What nonsense are you giving me Fuuko? We both went to the Uroubatousatoujin remember? We stayed there for weeks. One night will not make a difference."

Drat Mikagami for being sharp. Maybe if she touched on his selfish side…

“ How about you? You must have something more important to do. Like say, study for your exams? They’re tomorrow too “  Fuuko silently pleaded in her mind : Please, please don’t make me stay for another 2 hours. I’ll collapse from exhaustion!

“ Unlike you, my grade will not suffer greatly if I miss a few exams “. Fuuko conjured a mental image of blowing Mikagami out the window with her Fuujin. He continued on - “ quit making excuses and give me the answer to 22a to the 5^th power, minus 50d when 7c is multiplied by the square root of 57 “.

Fuuko took a minute.

“ Too slow Fuuko! “

She gritted her teeth. Her pencil was on the verge of snapping.

“ I’m doing my best, okay “.

---O

                Two more hours of hell had passed. But strangely enough, Fuuko felt fine. She even felt happy. The problems didn’t seem so hard anymore, in fact, now she felt as if she could take on whatever math problem the world threw at her . Mikagami, however, was beat. Two more whole hours of lecture, giving her practices and scribbling down notes, was enough to make him want to fight Kurei all over again. Broken bones were nothing compared to this.  ‘ It could have been worse though ‘ , he thought.’ It could have been that idiot Recca instead. Good Lord,  I can just imagine  Domon. It would take months to teach any of them anything ‘ . Fuuko’s voice interrupted his mental judgements.

“ Hey, Mikagami, I still don’t get this part “. Leaning over to where Mikagami was seating , Fuuko pointed out a problem with her pencil. Tokiya couldn’t help noticing a faint smell of lavender in the air. She was close. He could put an arm around her chair, just like he’d seen some guys do in the movies. And maybe she wouldn’t notice… ‘ Damn. Since  when did I start thinking like some pervert? ‘ He frowned and pushed away all thoughts he considered indecent. It must be because he was tired. Fuuko saw the frown and bit her lip. She assumed it was because she had asked for help, or taken too long to understand or something or other. In any case, she expected him to scribble in his blasted report.

“ Here, you just divide the 63, add 89, carry over the 94 and multiply the xyz. Then you subtract 22 and you get the answer. See, simple “.

“ Oh I get it. I must have missed the getting the square root of 42y in the beginning. Thanks “. Fuuko wrote down the answer and had to marvel at Tokiya’s ability to calculate at lightning speed. And Tokiya couldn’t help but smile ever so slightly at his pupil’s quick learning ability. He once again thanked his lucky stars it was not Domon in her place. He stood up from his seat.

“ I declare this session over. I guarantee you’ll do fine tomorrow “.

Fuuko stretched her arms and grinned. “ Great, let’s eat then. I’m starved !“.

“ Let’s ? “ Tokiya frowned again. He had no intention of staying another minute with this girl. Fuuko expected the scowl to show on his face. She just grinned even wider. She knew he wanted to go home, but damned if she wasn’t going to exact a little revenge for making her suffer. Hooking her arm around his in a grip that threatened to cut off his circulation, she ushered him out the door.

“ Yes, let’s! “

---o

“ C’mon! I’m treating you! Call it a thank-you for helping me out! “  Fuuko still had her arm hooked around his, not really because she wanted to, but just in case he wanted to escape. Tokiya didn’t really seem to notice. He had his mind set on more important things. He had to go home and get at least a little studying before sleeping.

“ You can thank me by letting me go home! “

Fuuko put her hands on her hips. “ O no you don’t! I am treating you to dinner and you are going to like it ! Now tell me where you want to eat “. She searched for a nice, preferably cheap, Ramen house. Fuuko didn’t hear a muttered ‘ I thought I was I going to choose ‘ remark from Tokiya. She found a cozy looking Ramen house and promptly dragged him there, despite more grumbling and complaints he had to say.

---0

                She was late. Half a minute late. Did she do poorly on the exams? Maybe he should go look for her. Maybe she met an accident along the way.. maybe she.. maybe nothing. Now a minute late. If it was something Tokiya Mikagami could not stand, it was waiting. He turned his back on the door. Apparently he had been watching it, expecting it to open any second and to be greeted by an annoyingly cheerful “ Hi Mikagami! Sorry I’m late! “ . His eyes absently wandered to Fuuko’s seat. Last night had been enjoyable. There really was nothing like a warm meal shared with a good friend. Plus it was free. ‘  Good friend? ‘ . He scoffed.  Since when did he use  that description for anyone?

 The door suddenly slammed open. He turned around to face Fuuko with the best stern look he could muster. But what she saw instead was complete surprise and a slight blush forming across his face. He had only been hugged by Fuuko once,  when he won his first fight in the Uroubatousatoujin. Luckily for him, though, Ganko’s little pet whatever had thrown itself on his face, giving him enough time to gain his composure back. Now it was a different story. All he could do was blink his eyes in disbelief and stammer a  “ What.. “

“ I passed the exams! Tokiya!! I owe it all to you! “ Fuuko took a step back but still had her arms secured around his neck. “ I’m so happy, I could kiss you! “

Tokiya gawked at her. Vague thoughts of ‘ what’s stopping you ‘, ( odd ) and ‘ when did you start calling me Tokiya ‘ and ’ get away from me ‘, and ‘ what’s happening ‘ skipped across his mind.  But all he could utter was an even louder “ What ? “.

She took her arms off from around his neck and showed him a piece of paper which had her exam grade on it. It had been on the bulletin board so other people’s names were written down as well. She proudly presented her 98% .

“ Look! Look! Isn’t it great?! C’mon , it’s a Friday! You! Me! Let’s go out and celebrate! Let’s paint the town red! “

Celebrate? Tokiya Mikagami did not celebrate. He had to tutor her. He had better things to do than indulge in her whims. She could go find Domon, or Recca, or Yanagi to play with. He simply would not waste time. And he told her so. Fuuko didn’t seem to hear him. Despite vehement protests he was once again suckered into keeping her company for the afternoon.

---o

                Fuuko smiled to herself. She couldn’t help it. If it was one thing she noticed during the past two weeks, it was that if Tokiya was shocked and wasn’t given enough time to think,  he most probably could  be pushed into whatever situation. Hence, the reason he was with her now. She would have invited Recca and Yanagi, but it was parent’s day in the kindergarten and Recca insisted that his ‘ hime ‘ might need his protection. Domon was…well, Domon, and although he was more full of life than Tokiya, he had to work in his mother’s shop. Fridays were busy days for them. She could have gone with Koganei or Ganko, but Koganei had promised Ganko that he would spend the day with her, like a big brother should.

So that left Fridge Boy. But she didn’t see him as that anymore. Not as much as before anyway. On rare occasions she had seen him smile. And he was always concerned about her current standing in class. Then again, it could be because she needed to pass in order for him to stay in school for free. No, but he did stay last night to help her out, at the cost of his own school standing. And didn’t they have a pleasant dinner together? He could be nice, in his own arrogant way. Satisfied with her deductions and her excuses on why she was with Tokiya, Fuuko turned to look at Mikagami.

                Mikagami was lost in thought. Here he was, in the stupid fair with, of all  people, Fuuko. If it was all up to him, he would not even be here in the first place. Heck, if it was all up to him he would not even be tutoring Fuuko! But, the free year of schooling was very tempting. His inheritance would not last forever so until he could get a full time job he would have to suffer. And despite his best efforts to brood, he was actually …

“ Having fun Tokiya? “ Fuuko tilted her head sideways a bit and flashed him a grin. He looked so deep in thought, maybe finding a way out of this fair, that she decided to cut in.

Her question was awarded with a very bored “ No “.

She took no heed of what he said.

“ So let’s try out the rides next, okay ? “ Ever energetic, Fuuko started to walk towards the rides. They had already tried most of the booths. She had won a stuffed teddy bear about the size of Ganko, but had given it away to some crying kid whose ice cream cone had melted. Besides, there was the fact that she kinda cheated. She used her Fuujin to alter the winds, in order to direct the ball so that it would  hit the bottles. The stall owner was pretty mean anyway.  Hmmm.. she was getting hungry, maybe she could try getting Tokiya to buy her a drink or something, and then they would try out the ferris wheel --- Her planning was brought to a halt however when a warm, soft  hand too hold  her’s from behind.

“ There’s someone watching us “. Mikagami held on to her hand to restrain her from going any further. He was sure he saw a bush move.

Fuuko instantly scanned the surroundings with suspicion. Whatever Mikagami saw, it was not there now. But she waited for a few moments before making sure that there was nothing.

 “ It’s gone. I don’t sense anything. What exactly did you see Tokiya ?  “.

“ I could swear I saw a bush move , and uh ? “. Why was Fuuko looking down ? Was there something on the ground that…

Tokiya dropped her hand like a hot potato. He was too engrossed with the  bushes to realize he was still holding on. She didn’t notice either until she looked down. Both turned away from the other, muttering a change of subject like the weather and how it was really late and they should go home now. Fuuko could feel her face getting a little hotter and scolded herself for that. He just held her hand for God’s sake! She’s hugged him twice! She folded her arms across her chest while Tokiya stuffed his hands in his pockets. They were definitely not going to repeat that little accident again.

---O

                In the small forest grove located at the outskirts of the fair, the ‘ bushes ‘ argued.

“ Would you quit crying Domon? You make it sound like her hooking up with Mikagami is the end of the world “. Recca Hanabishi was getting a bit peeved at Domon Ishijima’s wailing. It sounded too much like a small pig being slaughtered.

“ So it’s true then!! My poor, darling Fuuko has been seduced by the charms of Mikagami! “ Domon couldn’t help stop the flow of tears. To be betrayed by his one true love like this!

“ I  think it’s really sweet. They look like such a cute couple. “ Yanagi Sakoshita added her two cents worth. She really thought it was a bit romantic. Besides, it was nice to see Fuuko and Tokiya out on a date.

“ Yeah, they look real cute all right. A tomboy and an overly feminine guy . They’re perfect for each    other. “  Kaoru Koganei felt stupid wearing the bush costume.

“ But Aunt Fuuko does look good with Uncle Tokiya “ . Ganko chimed in.

“ Yes, it seems like a good match “.

All heads turned in shock at the extra voice. Recca Hanabishi was the first to speak out.

“ Mom ?! “

“ Yes? “ . Kagerou Kagehoushi had decided to join in their little camaflouge mission. She looked absolutely darling in her little bush costume. Only her head stuck out from the green foliage.

“ What’re you doing here mom?! “

“ Well I decided to see for myself how far this little tryst between Tokiya and Fuuko would go. I like to keep an eye out for my son’s friends “.

In the background all the while was Domon’s lamenting wail.

---o

“ Hey Domon! Wait up! “ Fuuko ran to catch up with her friend. He didn’t seem to hear her because he wouldn’t stop. “ Hey! Domon! “  She finally caught up with him and placed a hand on   his shoulder .         “ What’s wrong? Didn’t you hear me ? “

Domon spun on his heels to face Fuuko, big watery eyes about to pour. 

“ How could you!!! “ Then burying his face in his  arm  he ran as fast as he could, leaving a huge trail of dust behind.

Fuuko’s hand was still in mid air, to where Domon’s shoulder had been. She was too bewildered to even ask what exactly was he talking about.

---o

“ Hey! Recca, Yanagi. What’s with Domon? “ Fuuko hoped that maybe they could tell her what was wrong.

“ Well, well.. aren’t you the sly one “.

Fuuko didn’t like Recca’s grin. She didn’t like it at all. It looked too malicious, and that usually meant bad news for her. Yanagi’s next statement however explained more or less what was going on.

“ We’re so happy for you Fuuko! But why didn’t you tell us that you and Mikagami were going out ? ”

“ We’re WHAT?! ‘ Fuuko felt a chill run up a down her spine. “  You know he’s my tutor! Since when did you get this crazy idea from?!  “

Recca butted in.

“ Aw, don’t play dumb with us Fuuko. We saw you together at the fair yesterday “.

“ You what?! How did you… waitaminnit. How did you know that?! Weren’t you supposed to be at the kindergarten ?! “.

An alarmed ‘ opps ‘ escaped Recca’s lips before he was chased away by a ranting Fuuko. She turned to demand an explanation from Yanagi.

“ We’re sorry Fuuko. Someone said they saw you and Tokiya eat dinner at a fancy restaurant. You seemed to be having such a good time. And we knew how badly you wanted to go to the fair, so we thought that if we were all busy then you would go with Tokiya without us along and Tokiya looked like he needed to loosen up a bit and … “

Yanagi babbled on inserting numerous apologies along the way. Fuuko more or less got the picture of all of them spying on her. Now she knew how Yanagi felt the first day of school when Recca had promised to be her ninja and everyone had found out. This was probably revenge from Recca. Fuuko did help spread the rumor around. But after making sure Yanagi understood that they just had dinner at a Ramen House, Fuuko exasperatedly put in her trademark saying whenever someone accused her of liking a guy.

“ Would you please stop thinking that way about me Yanagi? I’m just not that kind of girl “. That would usually shut them up.

“ Yes, but… “ Yanagi was unsure of how Fuuko would react. “ But you’re still a girl, right ? “

Of course she was! What was that supposed to mean?!

---o

“ Well, Mikagami. It’s a nice weather today, isn’t it?”

It was a Saturday morning in the principal’s office. Moesama Kirisawa looked out the window and wondered just how fast time passed by. First they were tiny babies, then they would start walking, then talking, then when they reached their school years, they would eventually get married, have children….

Mikagami answered an emotionless “ yes “.

Moesama Kirisawa sighed.

“ How is my daughter doing with her studies? Has she flunked any exams yet? “

“ No, in fact she is doing very well. She has exceeded my expectations of her “ . Tokiya managed a half smile. She had indeed passed his expectations. He couldn’t help but congratulate himself for also being an excellent tutor. Moesama Kirisawa continued to gaze out the window.

“ Yes, she is very smart. Isn’t she ? ”

“ Yes. She learns fast “.

“ And… she is kind and caring too, isn’t she? “

“ Uhhh.. I guess .. “

“ And lovely? Don’t you think she’s pretty? “

“ I … suppose, sir.. “ He never really noticed. What exactly was the principal getting at?

“ And she can take of herself, you know. Tough as nails, my daughter is. That’s why you got to be firm with her! “ Moesama Kirisawa faced Tokiya with a look of pride.  “ But she can get into a lot of trouble, and that’s why I need to ask you… “. He took Tokiya’s hands in his own. “ I must ask you to take care of my little girl!  “

Tears were practically welling from the principal’s eyes. Mikagami was  at a loss of words. He supposed that being her father and the principal made the man’s concern doubled. But this was ridiculous.

---o

“ Domon! Hey, Domon! “

Domon was on his bed unhappily staring at the wall. He could hear the alluring voice of Fuuko in the distance . Taunting him. Calling his name…

Fuuko elbowed him on the head ( that part mostly unused so it wouldn’t hurt as much )  and snapped him back to reality.

“ Fuuko?! “ He could not believe it. His angel had come back!  He grasped her hands tightly, tears of joy springing from his eyes. “ I knew you’d come back to me my darling! I knew you’d see past Mikagami’s looks and come back to the man that loves you the… “

“ Knock it off Domon. “ Fuuko slapped his hands away. “ I came here to tell you something “.

Domon kneeled down to where Fuuko was sitting.

“ Domon. I know how much you like me and… “

He grasped her hands again. “ Yes, my love? “

“ Would you cut it out Domon?! I’m not here to confess my love for you or anything stupid like that “. She took a frustrated intake of breath. “ I really like you as a friend. You know that. I’d give my life for yours just like you’d do the same for me “. Damn. She was not used to intimate conversations. She’d much rather be beating the crap outta something, or someone.  This was getting a bit difficult for her. But she had to say her peace. “ And I know you aren’t  really in love with me.. “

“ How could you say that?! “ Domon felt a heart attack coming on. Why was his beloved doubting his feelings for her?

“ Domon! Please! The only reason you think you’re in love with me is because I beat you all the time when we fight!  You’re confusing admiration with love.  “

Domon’s mouth gaped open. So that was the proper word for it. Fuuko still wasn’t finished.

“ And so… I came to offer you a.. well call it a compensation of sorts… a gift of appreciation ”.

What exactly did Fuuko have in mind? Domon was still a bit dizzy from absorbing this newfound piece of information. But he had his pride . Did she think his affections could be bought by mere materials?

“ Domon. I found this really cute girl from school who seems to have a really big crush on you “. Fuuko prayed she wouldn’t get zapped by lightning for telling such a big lie. The girl had actually said that she had a small interest in big, dumb, strong types. Domon certainly fitted into that category by Fuuko’s standards. And she wasn’t really THAT cute. She was… well.. average actually. But average was better than nothing.

“ A girl? To replace you? “ Domon blinked his eyes. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned his face snootily to the side. Hmpff. He wasn’t going to be swayed. No way. Even if Fuuko didn’t like him, he would stick to her no matter what… “ How cute  exactly ? “

---o

                 Domon deserves better than me  . Fuuko turned one last time to look at the café where she had left Domon and his date. They seemed to hit it off pretty well. Domon expected a total babe and was about to say so if he wasn’t pinched by Fuuko at the last moment. The girl seemed satisfied. When Fuuko had found her, the girl was talking to her friend on how she wanted someone big and strong to protect her. The girl also wanted a boyfriend desperately to buy her things. It seemed to Fuuko like this girl wanted someone obedient, so Domon was practically perfect. Of course, Fuuko threatened that if this girl ever broke Domon’s heart she would not live to regret it. But everything had turned out well for now. The girl was pretty sweet. And Domon would be a sensitive and caring boyfriend.

Fuuko was a bit surprised when she felt a pang of jealousy. It was not because Domon was not her ardent admirer anymore. Actually that fact kinda made her feel like a huge burden had been taken off. She wouldn’t have to keep up with his supposed advances any longer , or his cheesy one liners of love. No, it was more like… like her friends were growing up in front of her eyes. Recca was acting more responsible and he was totally devoted to his ‘ hime ‘. Yanagi loved Recca and they practically acted like some married couple already. Their minds and feelings were one. Domon was acting more mature. He was  even on his first date! Koganei was almost graduating from middle school, and little Ganko was soon going to be 9 years old. Fuuko scoffed at her sentimentality. She must have received that part from her father.

But… what was it that Yanagi said? Wasn’t she still a girl? A puddle left by the rain a little while ago was still intact. Fuuko could see her reflection clearly in it. Yes, she was still a girl. And her only admirers were a dirty old dragon, some pervert club and, up till now, a hulking gorilla. A menagerie of sorts. Yanagi had found her soulmate. And why shouldn’t she? She was kind, and sweet, and pretty and loving… Much more deserving of a great guy like Recca. Huh. Fuuko stamped her foot on the puddle, making the water splash in all directions. What was wrong with her, thinking of stupid stuff at a time like this?! Screw her feelings as a woman. She didn’t need it. She was happy having great friends, and a caring father.

---o

                Mikagami was confused. He didn’t know what was wrong with the principal. During the time at the office, the  principal was more interested on Mikagami’s “ intentions “ on his daughter. Tokiya didn’t really know what to say, except that he intended for Fuuko to pass so that he could get a free school year. The principal only nodded his head gravely and looked at Mikagami up and down . Tokiya felt more like he was on   trial for homicide. He only expected to hand in his report on Fuuko’s progress and have a few comments on her study habits. He did not expect to be drilled with useless questions on what he thought of her and of his “ intentions “.  Tokiya shrugged it off. Moesama Kirisawa was Fuuko’s dad after all. It was probably only parental concern that made him ask all of those things.

                Tokiya exited the school grounds and was making his way home. Walking through the alleyway he ( speak of the devil ) saw Fuuko look back towards a café. Domon and a girl he did not recognize were having a snack. He saw Fuuko smile wistfully and continue on her way until she came to a puddle. From there  her face distorted to a frown. It didn’t suit her at all. He was used to seeing a smile on her face. What surprised him even more was when she stamped on the puddle and proceeded on her merry little way, a grin  pasted on her face once again. Did she have feelings for the overgrown lummox? It always seemed to him that Fuuko did not. It must be something else. Today was certainly strange. Hmmm.. and it was high time he found out where exactly she went whenever she skipped school.

---o

                Ay Yi aY i  ay, I’M a LeeTtlE buTteRfly…

The music was at full blast. A large group of people were beginning to gather. Fuuko Kirisawa hit the dance pad keys expertly . Her timing was perfect. It was a Monday morning. There were no quizzes for the day and her tutorials with Mikagami were still later on in the afternoon. She prayed to every deity she could think of to please not let anyone she knew see her do something this demeaning. She couldn’t let anyone stop her. She was on a winning streak. Just a few more moments, then she would be finished with this song and could go on the semi finals.

Ey aY i Ay I aY…

EY ay I ay I yAy…

Ey ay I Ay I aY… WAsTe oF sUmMer …

“ Wak! “

Something grabbed her from behind. She dug her heels on the ground to prevent from being dragged away from the dance pad. Fuuko looked down to see what seized her. An arm was wrapped tightly around her waist. Boy, was she mad. This pervert really had some nerve, grabbing her like some piece of property. He picked the wrong girl to tangle with and just when she was almost done with …

“ MIGAKAGAMI! “ Fuuko had tilted her head upwards in order to look at his face. Her eyes went wide and lips parted slightly with surprise. She relaxed a little upon recognizing him and stopped trying to break hold of his grip.

“ Fuuko. You are coming back to school. Right now “. Mikagami frowned. He was a bit caught off guard when she tilted her head. Her face  was too close.  But if he released his arm now, she would run away.

“ I can’t leave now! The semi finals!-- 

The song ended and a buzzer rang. An announcer’s voice screeched in the microphone telling the next contestant to step in. Fuuko sagged against Tokiya’s chest. He instinctively tightened his arm hold on her  thinking she might faint.

“ Tokiya. I can’t believe you did that. You blew my one chance I had “. A corner of her mouth twitched upwards in an amused smile. Tokiya let go of his hold. Maybe now that she was calmer she would explain what she was doing here, and why. And then they would go to school, explain to the teachers somehow and he wouldn’t have to tutor her anymore.

 Instead, Fuuko ran up to the announcer and demanded she have another chance since some weirdo had prevented her from finishing.

---O

                Tokiya Mikagami had never been so embarrassed in his life. Not only had Fuuko yelled like she was about to be bloody murdered, it was what she said that made it even more humiliating. The obscenities he could handle. But without her even realizing it,  she had made it seem like he was some sort of sex slaver. She pleaded that she would be good to him, to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. And in not some cutesy tone. Oh noooo. It was said in either a totally submissive tone or in a completely seductive one. And when her pleading didn’t work she shifted into threatening demeanor. Then it made him seem like he was a total pansy. It didn’t help that she was squirming the entire time.

                Students and teachers were staring. Well let them. Fuuko was too furious to care. Tokiya had no right to do this! He was just supposed to tutor her! What the hell did he care if she missed a few classes here and there?! As long as she passed he could stay in school for free. And what enraged her even more was that she couldn’t seem to get away. His grip on her waist was like iron. The delicate turd had more strength than she gave him credit for! She had already dug her heels on the ground the entire time and he had still dragged her. Her shoes had even left a trail from the arcade. And no matter what she said it would not make him stop.

They finally reached the empty classroom used for tutoring. Tokiya plopped her not too gently on the chair. He put one hand on each of her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes accusingly. Here he was, honestly thinking that maybe Fuuko had a really good excuse as to why she was always absent. Instead he had found her wasting her time, money, and intelligence on some arcade game. And this, for God knows what reason, aside from the embarrassing scene caused earlier, riled him up.

Fuuko glared back at Mikagami. No way was she going to stand down in this glaring contest. Who did he think he was?!

Mikagami had to admire Fuuko’s guts. This act of stubbornness had to add points for his respect. It also bothered him to no end that he found himself getting attracted to the fire in her eyes. Damn it, he was not here to admire her, he was here to get an explanation!

“ What were you doing wasting your time in that arcade?! “

“ I don’t see how that’s any of your business! “

“ Tell me why you were there, otherwise I tell them exactly what you were doing! “ Tokiya banged open the door to reveal her friends, the principal , and a whole bunch of other students intently eavesdropping on their conversation. They scrambled in all directions once found out. Fuuko looked to her side, unable to meet Tokiya’s gaze.

“ I .. I wanted to get some money “

“ By dancing in an arcade?! “

“ It’s  a contest, okay! It seemed like the quickest way to get cash , but they only held it during weekday mornings until noon. “

Tokiya sat opposite her.

“ What exactly did you need it for? “

“ Uhm.. To buy this necklace for my mother “. She twiddled with her own necklace hanging from her neck and still didn’t look at him. Not good. She was hiding something. Tokiya narrowed his eyes.

“ How big a fool do you take me for? Moesama Kirisawa is a widow. “

“ I don’t take you for a fool at all! I was telling you the truth! “

“ Then how…. “ Why was she so angry? He was the one supposed to be mad !

“ I … “ Her voice trailed off. She didn’t want to tell him. She didn’t want to tell anybody. Especially not him.  Well she didn’t have to tell him anything, so why bother? Fuuko faked a bright smile and faced Tokiya “ Nothing, I just thought it would be nice “.

“ What?! That doesn’t make sense! You aren’t telling me something. What are you hiding? Is it really so bad for me to know? “ Tokiya asked her the latter question in the most gentle voice he could.

“ Careful Mikagami, you’re starting to sound like you care. “  To sound like he cared… Too late. She couldn’t take her words back. Fuuko winced when she saw Tokiya flinch at her words. Why did she always say the wrong things at the wrong time?

So what he got for asking nicely was a sharp rebuke. So be it. It was totally illogical to continue this conversation any longer. He would meet Fuuko for tutorials as usual…

“ No, wait! “. Fuuko stood in front of him, blocking the doorway. He had no time to accept apologies, it was his own fault for getting involved with someone. He had already forgotten his golden rule of never getting too close to anyone. She still stood in front of the doorway  though,  preventing him from leaving .    

“ I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it! I  was just mad, that’s all! “

He still edged towards the door. She would not move. “ Please! I know you care! You’re a very good friend, even though you try so hard not to show it… You’ve risked your life time and time again for Kaoru, and you would protect Yanagi with your life, and you… “ Why the heck was there a lump stuck in her throat all of a sudden? She couldn’t get a word out anymore. And why in the world did her heart feel like bursting?!

Tokiya Mikagami did not know what to do. The Fuuko Kirisawa he knew had never, ever, been seen without a happy smile on her face. This one seemed to be on  the verge of crying. ( not quite though ) . She looked so upset and Mikagami was too stunned to even move. But something clicked in his mind and in the pressure of the moment he cupped Fuuko’s chin to raise her face in level with his own.

“ Fuuko. Did you know that you are probably better than me in masking your feelings? I at least show that I am constantly upset with something. You, however, hide behind a smile… “

Fuuko  froze in place. This wasn’t supposed to happen! Why now? Why him? Why not him?!  He’s not going to kiss me, is he ?! It’s not like he’s moving closer! I wouldn’t know what to do! I’ve never been kissed in my entire-

“ Watch out! “  Fuuko pushed Mikagami away from the window  with enough force to make him fall to the floor.  Lucky for him. Unluckily for Fuuko, she absorbed the brunt of the bullet. The last thing Fuuko saw before getting in contact with the ground was Tokiya’s expression of pure horror.

---o

“ Mikagami... It wasn’t your fault “. Yanagi Sakoshita tried her best to lighten Tokiya’s spirits. She didn’t know if it was working though. His expression didn’t change. He had his arms folded across his chest, eyes staring at Fuuko who lay unconscious on the hospital bed.

“ C’mon Mikagami. You should get some sleep. It’s been a long day for all of us. “ Recca hoped that maybe Tokiya could get some rest. But Tokiya did not move an inch. And he still had not blinked. Recca kinda wondered how exactly that was achieved.

“ Recca. Leave us “. Kagehoushi appeared out of nowhere giving Recca a fright. But he recognized her tone of seriousness and the need for privacy, so he took Yanagi by the hand and left. Along the way he stopped an unfortunate Domon who just arrived in the room. Kagehoushi went to stand beside Tokiya.

“ Tokiya. I know you know this, but I have to say it anyway. Getting your revenge will not bring your sister back “.  Tokiya still stood where he was.  Kagehoushi expected no change in his behavior and continued on.

“ And it may not make any difference to you, but I can understand what exactly you are going through. And I can understand how painful it is to love again after seeing someone close to you die. “

Tokiya did not take his gaze off Fuuko but answered like a man in a trance. “ How would you know ? “

Kagehoushi’s eyes softened. “ I know. I have seen my entire clan die, and my beloved husband perish. I have had …393 more years than you to regret my folly,  and live with my grief. But I found a reason for living. My son.  And believe it or not… “  Kagehoushi paused to brush away a stray lock of hair that fell on Fuuko’s face    “ Fuuko has gone through the same type of suffering. And like you, she is slowly learning to love and let time heal her wounds. “

Kagehoushi turned to exit. “ Tell me Tokiya. Is revenge really what your sister wanted? Once you get your revenge, then what will you do? “

With that she let the door close as gently as possible.

---o

He was ten again. With his sister, Mifuyu. They were so happy. He loved his sister more than anyone else in the world. Running in the fields for the first time, and he accidentally tripped. But his sister kissed his knee and made the pain go away. A present. She gave him a present from his father on his tenth birthday . It looked like an odd shaped  rock. It didn’t look like much, but his sister said it was a great toy. He should keep it with him no matter what. It would protect him. He clutched it to his chest and smiled at her . She smiled back and ruffled his hair. They were so happy…

                Relaxing at home. His sister was teaching him his multiplication table. 1 x 1 is 1. 1 x 2 is 2…Some men barged  their way in. They took hold of Mifuyu. He got up and was instantly knocked down by one of them. His sister was crying… pleading with them for his life…

The men only shoved her away. She fell to the floor with a thud. Everything else was a blur after.. They aimed a gun to his head. Demanding an item he did not know he had.. Something that started  with an ‘ en ‘.. He didn’t have it! They insisted he did . No he didn’t! Yes he did! They would not listen. He waited for the gun to go off. He would not close his eyes but face death openly. And this part of the scene he knew well. His sister stood in front of him  to take the blow. But as she fell her long flowing brown hair was replaced by a short rose colored boy cut that looked strangely familiar. And her lustrous green eyes replaced by that of cobalt blue…

                Tokiya awoke with a start. A nightmare. That was all it was. He must have fallen asleep after all. He was still in Fuuko’s hospital room. A basket of flowers were on the side table. From her father it seemed. The principal must have visited while Tokiya dozed off. Fuuko was still unconscious. He should be going home, it was getting late. The men who shot Fuuko were targeting him. His staying here would only bring her danger. The last thing he wanted was someone dying for him all over again. No one was going to die while he was around.  Not Kaoru, not Domon, not Ganko… not even that nincompoop, Recca. And especially not Yanagi.

He took one last look at her before standing up. It should have been him in her place. Twice death had presented itself to him and twice it was deprived of its spoils. Her expression asleep was one of peace. Peace. What inner turmoil stirred her so?  What made her hide behind false beams of happiness? He did not know the answers to those questions. But that fact made them more alike than they were both willing to admit. He really should leave. Strangely enough, part of him wanted to stay beside her. He shook his head. No, it was not so strange. He could put a name to these feelings he felt for her. He took her hand and squeezed it. Reaching down to her face, he kissed her forehead farewell. Like a good friend would.

---o

                Why exactly did he find a stronger bond with  Fuuko  out of all the others? It was a mystery to Tokiya and he pondered on it while taking the long walk home. Yes, she could be as annoying as the other Hokage Team members, Recca being the most irritating, and yes, he did wish she would not force her company on him. Or maybe it was because of those traits that made him fond of her. She was the only one at first who had treated him no differently than others. He could not help but stare at her when she made him feel like they had known each other for a long time.

To be accepted. It felt strange. For 7 years he had never had it and never asked for it. How did she seem to  feel so at ease around him when no one else was?  Even Yanagi would look scared of him. And it hurt more than he was willing to admit. She looked so much like his sister that, had she been alive,  it felt like his own sibling feared him. Tokiya snorted . How ironic then that the one person who could see through him probably could not even see herself…that the most cheerful person he knew hid her feelings the best and was probably the most torn out of all of them. Out of the Hokage Team, Fuuko had warmed up to him the fastest. And out of the Hokage Team, she was probably the most distant. Next to him of course.

“ Well you certainly took your time “. He looked up to see a figure emerge from the shadows under the lamplight.

“ Fuuko? “

Tokiya thought it was his eyes playing tricks on him. What was she doing here? She was supposed to be in bed. As if reading his thoughts, Fuuko spoke.

“ I got out on good behavior “. Tokiya took a step closer. She was wounded and should be in the hospital. He would knock her back unconscious if need be. Fuuko saw him step nearer and shooed away his concern like one does a fly. “ Yanagi healed me, okay? Ya happy? “

He still did not speak. Like he doubted she was really there in front of him. She puffed her cheeks out and exhaled a deep breath. “Those dinks that did this to me. You know who they are don’t you? “

Silence.

“ I want to get back at them Mikagami. They would have killed me. Heck, they would have killed you ! It was you they were aiming at, wasn’t it ? “

Silence.

“ MIKAGAMI! “

“ How .. did you reach my place so fast anyway? “

Fuuko felt like hitting the wall repeatedly with her head. “ I took a cab!  I thought you would be home by the time I got here. But the lights were all closed, so I figured you must have walked. “

She wanted  to get back to the subject at hand. “ You were planning on going tonight, weren’t you ? “

He slowly nodded. She tried again to get him talking.

“ Who were they anyway? “

No good. She tried again.

“ So where are we headed? ”

That did it. She saw his eye twitch for a split second.

“ WE are going nowhere. YOU  are going back to rest. “

“ Please! Like one dumb bullet is going to stop me! “

“ It’s too dangerous for someone in your condition and .. “

“ Danger ?! Hah! I thrive on danger! Danger is my middle name ! “.

“ No, your files say your middle name is Hane. And you are going back right now! “

He moved closer. Fuuko took out her Fuujin.

“ Tokiya. Step one more inch closer, and we’re gonna have to fight “.

Her jaw tightened with determination. There was no changing her mind. He stopped advancing and Fuuko lowered her arm weapon. 

“ Now. Shall I go get Recca and the others to help us out? “

Tokiya shook his head slightly. “ No. You already going  is more than enough  “.

“ Don’t mind putting me in danger, eh ?”

 “ I thought you thrived on it “.

“ Darn right I do “.

----O

                That IDIOT ! How could he have missed the target ?! And after all that waiting! The targets took so blasted long in coming to the classroom! What kind of kids were these, delinquents?! Did they always come to school so late? Bah!

Musuko Kyoza dismissed the hired assassin and plopped on the nearest chair. His flawless plan of eliminating Tokiya once and for all had been wrecked. Tokiya was the reason for his father abandoning his mother !! Well, no, actually Kai was the reason for that. Meguri then abandoned Kai for Tokiya. But in a transitive way, somehow, Tokiya was a reason why Musuko was not chosen to be his father’s pupil for the Hyoumen Ken technique. And besides, Kai was dead. So that left Tokiya as the only existing student of his father that had to be exterminated. Musuko would have his revenge on the people that took the father- son relationship that so rightfully belonged to him! That and the mere fact that Tokiya was handsomer than him  was driving him insane. He did not anticipate Mikagami’s girlfriend to jump in like that. Hmm.. since when did the Fridge Boy ( Musuko snickered at having thought of such an original nickname for Tokiya ) get a girl? Ah well, no matter.  All he had to do was sit and wait for Tokiya to come.

----O

“ Are you sure this is the place ? “ Fuuko looked the at dojo a little uneasily. She turned to Mikagami whose mind seemed to be somewhere else. Like he was remembering something from long ago.

“ This is the place of the man who killed my sister . “

Tokiya  said it more to himself than to Fuuko. She kicked herself mentally. She shouldn’t have made him remember that. Now he was back to his brooding self. It was to be expected anyway. If she recalled correctly on their talk before entering, Mikagami told her  that his teacher was responsible for Mifuyu’s death. And then his teacher was the one who took care of him after that. Fuuko didn’t know what kind of sick mind was at work. But she did know that this place held so many memories for him and she probably should keep her mouth shut before saying something stupid again. 

“ ah-  hAAHAhahhHAHAH!!!! Go no further Tokiya Mikagami and girlfriend! “

                What the hell?! Where was that voice coming from?! And what girlfriend was he talking about? It didn’t mean… Arggggh! Fuuko realized that it was implying her and let loose a stream of darts from her  hikuu at the general direction of the voice.

“ ah- HahahHAHAHAHA !!!!! My, my… temper,  temper. I thought you went for the more gentle ones Mikagami. “

Musuko revealed himself from the shadows. “ Tsukaeru!! Show yourself and deal with this impudent girl while I fight with Mikagami “. He snapped his fingers and the hired assassin came out.

“ You’re the guy that shot me! “ Fuuko tightened her fist into a ball. She could feel her blood nearing boiling point.    “ Tokiya. Go ahead. This guy is all mine “. 

Mikagami nodded and disappeared along with  Musuko into the training hall. Fuuko flashed  her most evil grin at Tsukaeru. Tsukaeru looked back at her with the big frightened eyes of a puppy. He looked completely distraught and twiddled with his thumbs.

“ Errrr. Terribly sorry about that mistake. About shooting you and all. I was aiming at someone else, and you just seemed to jump in.. Bad timing it was.. “

He looked at her with the most pitiful face she had ever seen .  “ Terribly sorry. It won’t happen again. “

Fuuko was taken aback. She scratched the back of her head. What was this man doing apologizing? He sounded sincere.. maybe she should just let him go. Such a shame, she was all psyched for a good fight and-

“ Wuff! “

In a mere moment Tsukaeru’s pitiful expression changed to one of pure cruelty. He hit her stomach with everything he got.

They stood blinking at each other in surprise. Tsukaeru looked panicked . She was supposed to faint real ladylike into his awaiting, masculine arms.

Fuuko felt like she had been punched by a baby. She only let out a gasp out of being startled more than anything else. Guess this guy wasn’t so tough without his gun. She covered his face with  her hand and blew him away with enough force to send him to India.  

---o

“ So Mikagami. Here we are. Doesn’t this place bring back such pleasant memories for you  ? “  Musuko baited Tokiya. He wanted to make Mikagami mad.

Mikagami took out his Ensui. He was not the type to be swayed by emotions so easily. Musuko readied his Hyoumaen. Tokiya looked at it warily.

“ Where did you get that? “

oh hHoohoHoHo. So Mikagami was scared. Musuko smirked. “ I got it from the dead body of Kai “.

“ Do you even know how to use it Musuko? “

“ Well I know a bit, and… sh.. SHUT UP! I know how to use this thing! I’ve seen you and I’ve seen Kai practice a million time in the dojo! Of COURSE I know how to use it! “ Musuko gripped his weapon tighter.

“ Where is your master Musuko? I must talk to him. “

“ You’ll see him in hell Tokiya! “ No, must keep calm. Mikagami’s just trying to make me angry. Yes, he should focus on Mikagami.

“ Mmmm..  Where did you get that dishy friend of your’s ? Once I kill you, maybe I should  give her the same treatment as I did your sister ? “

“ You killed her? “ Tokiya had been misguided before as to who his sister’s killer was. He was not going to believe so easily again. Kai had told him it was Meguri Kyoza. Musuko could be a possibility however. He was Meguri’s trusted servant. Musuko grinned.

“ Yes, I was the one who killed her. Father told me to. He said that once she was dead then he would make me his sole heir to the Hyoumen Ken. “.

“ Father ? Meguri Kyoza was your father? “ It was making more sense now.

Mikagami narrowed his eyes. Musuko tapped his chin thoughtfully.

“  But then he said that you were more deserving of the technique than I…Even after doing his bidding. It wasn’t fair! I was older than you! I was his son! I should have been the one! Not Kai! Not you! “

Musuko suddenly rushed forward and stabbed with his sword. Tokiya easily blocked it with his own weapon and jumped back a little. Musuko looked at Mikagami with purely exposed hatred. Tokiya stood where he was. Musuko charged again and Mikagami dodged. But Tokiya didn’t see that Musuko’s other hand was made into a fist and it hit him square on the face.

“ Tsk tsk tsk… underestimating me Mikagami? “ He waggled a finger mockingly in Tokiya’s face.  “ Don’t you know you’re not supposed to - WAUGH! “

Tokiya connected his knee with Musuko’s midsection. If it was a fight Musuko wanted, it was a fight he was getting. “ You talk to much  “.

Musuko wiped a trickle  of blood from his mouth. “ You’ll pay for that Mikagami “.

---o

Fuuko sighed. She should have known by now to never let her guard down. Especially with pitiful types. You’d think she would have learned her lesson with her fight against Fujimaru, the pervert of the Kuu team that tried to rip her clothes off in the Uroubatousatoujin. In any case, they were both wimps who belittled females. She should be checking up on Mikagami. 

Running to the training hall Fuuko slid open the door just in time to see  an Water Snake headed straight for her.

Mikagami instantly turned his back on Musuko and rushed to where Fuuko was... Move faster !! Oh god, he might not make it in time…

Musuko licked his lips with anticipation . How delicious!  He did not think that evading Tokiya’s Water Snake would kill off the girl. Two birds with one stone. The emotional agony it would bring Mikagami would be a tasty treat. And here Musuko thought he was the playing the bad guy. Guess Mikagami was capable of making his own life hell.

Fuuko’s battle instincts kicked in when she saw the Water Snake right in front of her face. Raising her Fuujin arm she prayed that she could gather enough wind to alter the wave’s direction…

Mikagami saw that Fuuko had everything under control. But it was only  in mid air tackle that he realized that.

The water snake dissolved. Phew. That was too close. Hey, why was Mikagami lunging for her?

Tokiya only intended to collide into Fuuko in the desperate attempt to shield her. But since there was no Water Snake, it looked quite laughable really. To see Mikagami knock Fuuko down once the present danger had passed. He got up quickly and muttered an embarrassed  “ Are you all right ? “. Aside from getting the wind knocked out of her ( pun unintended she assured him ) Fuuko said she was fine.

“ Now , Now, kiddies. Why can’t you just get a room? “ Musuko was really having a fun time. The expression on Tokiya’s face! That was priceless! It was almost as good as seeing it when Mifuyu died!

                The room suddenly went pitch black . What was going on? A blackout? What’s this? Fog... inside?! Musuko gripped his sword. It must be Mikagami’s  doing... Ow! Something hit him from behind! Pain! And again on his side!  He couldn’t see! What was happening?

                Tokiya let Musuko have it. This man could have killed Fuuko! He already killed his beloved sister! For seven long years Tokiya  searched for this person and the killer was right under his nose! All that time and he could not avenge his sister! For once in those seven years Tokiya  would sleep in peace! The nightmares of Mifuyu’s death would stop haunting him!

“ Tokiya! Stop! That’s enough! “ Fuuko never saw Mikagami like this before. There was so much hatred and rage in his eyes that Fuuko could feel her blood freeze upon looking at it. Musuko was being beaten so badly that she feared he was already dead. She held Tokiya’s fist from hitting Musuko again.

                The fog cleared. Tokiya blinked. He still held Musuko’s collar and Fuuko was refraining him from hitting Musuko again. Musuko slid to the floor when Tokiya calmed down and let go.

“ Musuko. If your father treated you so badly, why did you do it? “

Musuko looked up at Tokiya. “ I did it… because I thought it would make him love me.. Kai was treated better… like his own son… then when Kai was abandoned, I thought I had a chance….“

“ Where is your father ? “

“ You will find him…. In the bed room. “. With that Musuko fainted. Very undignified.

Fuuko looked at the pathetic man slumped on the floor.” Who was that ? ”

 “ That was my teacher’s…no, Meguri Kyoza’s son. He always watched me train. I assumed he was some servant boy but… “

Tokiya did not finish. Without looking back, he proceeded to the bedroom.

---o

“ Musuko, I told you not to barge in like that “.

Meguri Kyoza had told his son a thousand times. His heart could not take the strain of being surprised like that.

No answer. “ Musuko? .. Who’s there ? ”

Tokiya slowly walked in. Meguri’s eyes widened initially but went back to normal upon recognizing Tokiya. “ So… you have come after all. What took you so long? “

Mikagami  kneeled beside the fuuton of his former teacher. He did not expect  Meguri to be bed ridden and sick. Thoughts of avenging his sister disappeared when he saw that the man could not even move. He would get answers first of all. Deciding what to do next would come later.

“ Meguri. Why did you order me killed? “

“ Killed? Hah. That must have been Musuko’s doing. I told him to wait until you were to come and finish me off. “

“ What about my sister? “.

“  Kai should have told you about that. That one , I planned. “

“ Why? “

Meguri chuckled softly.  “ You had potential Mikagami! You had the potential to be the best Hyoumen Ken student I would ever train! And I would be your teacher! But you needed motivation. I had her eliminated. It was much faster that way “.

“ You had Mifuyu killed for your own ambitions?!? “  This man killed his sister for the sake of personal glory?! How dare he! Tokiya drew his ensui and prepared to strike. But it stood poised above the man’s heart, never coming in contact with the flesh. Meguri had coughed out blood and now smiled woozily at Tokiya.

“ Go ahead. It was what you have always wanted isn’t it? Kill me. I killed your sister! An innocent girl! For seven years it has haunted me. I took care of you more out of guilt than of personal glory. I abandoned Kai for you! I traded my worthless son and his equally worthless mother to train you… I deserve to die . For seven long years I have waited for this day!  The day my pupil would get his revenge on me !  “

Tokiya raised his sword once again and Fuuko rushed to stop him from committing something he might regret later. But he intentionally missed and hit the floor patch beside Meguri’s head. Kyoza looked straight into Mikagami’s eyes, remorse clearly shown in them.

  “ So. This is how I die. Without you at least getting your revenge... I die, without my sins being atoned…How fitting… for a man like me. “  Meguri closed his eyes and breathed his last .

Tokiya bowed his head. His eyes were hidden by his hair. Meguri Kyoza  was now dead. He tried to stop it , but a single tear fell in grief for the man who had trained him and taken care of him for seven years. The  man who he would have called his foster father…And the same man who killed Mifuyu. Abandoned Kai. Severed all family ties with Musuko. All for the sake of personal gain , only to regret everything afterwards. Tokiya had the chance for his revenge and threw it away. Years of waiting and hate went down the drain in a single moment... It was too ironic, really. Mikagami clutched his ensui tightly and did something he had not done in seven years. He threw his head back and laughed.

Fuuko wrapped her arms around herself and shivered involuntarily. She saw a tear slide down Tokiya’s cheek and felt like crying . Now Mikagami was laughing his head off. She didn’t blame him. He must be going mad. The revenge he wanted so badly was taken away. She wanted to run up to him and hold him close and tell him everything would be all right. But it wasn’t and it probably wouldn’t be for a long time. 

----o 

Now what? Fuuko was sure that the question was running in Tokiya’s mind right now. His only reason for living was to kill his sister’s murderer. And he didn’t.. no, he couldn’t do that. They had left Musuko unconscious in the training hall. So what exactly was he going to do? Go on with life? Commit suicide to be with his sister? Fuuko hoped that wouldn’t happen. They’d been through a lot together - her , him , Domon, Recca, Kaoru… and the loss of another  person she loved would be something she might not be able to handle. She was prepared for it though-  the Uroubatousatoujin did that for her. But having it actually happen was not the same as being ready for it.

“ You took a bullet for me “. Mikagami turned his head to look at Fuuko walking behind him. She scratched the tip of her nose and grinned back at him.

“ Yeah, well… You would have taken a Water Snake full force for me “.

“ But I didn’t. “

“ Hey, don’t worry ‘bout it Mikagami. That’s what friends are for right? “ She still kept her smile on. Might make him feel better.

                Friends. Mikagami managed to smile back. Yes. The idea of joining his sister had crossed his mind, seeing that the person behind her death had already passed on. But what was it Kagerou had said? Would his sister have wanted revenge and have wanted him to die as soon as he got it? No, he still had a purpose in life. To protect the people he had come to care about. He looked up at the stars and made a silent vow to do so. Today he would be living for himself and start thinking about the people still alive. That was probably what Mifuyu wanted.

“ Say Fuuko… “

“ Yup? “

“ I think I’ll… stick around. Until I can pay you back for saving my life “.

Fuuko gave him a hearty slap on the back. “ Told ya not to worry about it! “

Tokiya gave her one of the ‘ odd ‘ looks again.

----o

“ Hi Mikagami! Sorry I’m late! “ The door slammed open to reveal a harassed Fuuko who was out of breath at the moment from running up the stairs.

“ Fuuko, you are 23 seconds late. You know I don’t like having to wait “. Tokiya scribbled something in the report to the principal.

“ I’m sorry!!! But my teacher dismissed us a bit later than usual! “ Fuuko took a seat beside Mikagami and took out her notes.

Her hand subconsciously went to the part of the forehead where he had kissed her ; when he thought she was asleep in the hospital. She started to remember imagining what he would be saying when she arrived at his place that night. What HAD she expected after that incident of him cupping her chin and later kissing her forehead? Did she expect him to say  * insert images of certain dark forest -haired  bishounen epitome of perfection  complete with sparklies and chubby cupids flying  by*   “ Like Recca who has his ‘hime ‘, so you will be mine  “, then kneel down to kiss her hand and she would blush oh so delicately ? Ick. That would have seriously made her barf. Maybe that kind of thing would work on Yanagi or other girls, but not her. She refused to be protected by anyone.

Actually she had been awake that night since her father came in to give her flowers. She only pretended to be asleep to give Tokiya a scare before he left. But when she peeked an eye open she saw him reach down to kiss her forehead and she stiffened up and immediately shut her eyes .

And then she started to think about when he himself was sleeping on the chair beside her bed. And how even asleep he was plagued by Mifuyu’s death. He mumbled her name at least twice. But that was the only time his self defense mechanisms were down and he looked so… vulnerable. She was probably the only one to see him asleep. She was also the only one to see him laugh. Sure he sounded like a maniac, but he laughed. And she was also probably the one to see him shed a single tear. And seeing his humanity  made her feel…proud to be the one.

She didn’t want to lose him. No matter how many times she told herself that getting close to anyone would only bring heart ache… it was much easier to live a life of fake cheer and to pretend everything was okay. Hey, it beats living one of complete depression and having to spread that misery everywhere you went. Like Mikagami over there. Naw, but he really was showing a little of his true self each day she spent with him.. And she liked him even more and more. He might not say his good side with words, but his deeds showed otherwise .Wow, now she felt like she could really hang out with the  Walking Popsicle . Ohh… she was so mean…

Fuuko turned to him and grinned. Tokiya looked up from his report and again returned the smile         ( actually a corner of his mouth turned upwards. But it counts as a smile for him. The effort was there ). Oh well. It was  a start.  It lit up his face somewhat and he didn’t look so much like Mr. Doom and Gloom.

 For now, the bond between them was stronger. But not strong enough to break down the barriers long forged in their hearts due to personal loss and pain. Maybe one day they could be. But not today. Because for today Fuuko had to catch up with all the classes she missed and Mikagami had to take on the task of tutoring her. 

El Fin. The end. Owari. Wakas. That’s it. No more. Einde. 

Well, okay. Maybe there is more. But not for a long time. Chapter 2 is still at work. It’s supposed to answer more on Fuuko’s family. Her relationship with her dead mom and brother. The key word here is  ‘ supposed ‘. But who knows if I can really pull it off.

Comments? Think that Meguri Kyoza having a son is impossible?  Email me. No flames accepted ( and no pun intended. Can’t help it if there are a lot of puns that have to do with elements of nature ) , except maybe for so called ‘ constructive criticisms ‘. Those, I think I can handle. But the minute I don’t like it , it gets chucked out. Sorry. I don’t need my work to be down graded by others. I am already dissatisfied with it enough! ( it’s a “ strive to be better “ thing )  Oh actually, I’m NOT sorry.  But comment and suggestions are welcome. E-mail me at: ceraby@yahoo.com

Acknowledgements: 

Jacquey for helping me come up with the title, for reading this and telling me her opinion. Really appreciate it!

Bear and Angel for posting my fic and also telling me their opinion. Thanks!

My bro for putting me down all the time, therefore making me want to finish this and rub it in his face

To the glorious person who invented chocolate. That wonderful, saccharine-loaded, fattening-agent, that has kept  me awake and given me some ideas.

And Mummy dearest  for pretending to be interested and being patient enough to listen to me gripe.