Reversal: Chapter Seven
Title: Reversal
Show: DNAngel
Rating: Uh...Pg-13.
Genre: General/Humor
Warning: Awkward speaking habits.
Disclaimer: Not mine, man. If it were mine, some of the characters would have done the, *cough* can-can by now.
Description: Insert Jezebel. The answer to all Dark and Krad's problems. Or, so they think.
I decided to get a head start on this chapter. It's a promising one. Thanks again to Shizo and Proud for pushing me on my way. Without her, this chapter wouldn't exist so soon. XD Actually, without her this chapter might not exist at all, so make sure to give your thanks.
I'll give you a little heads up. In this chapter you will meet Jezebel. Her speech patterns are a little odd and a lot of fun to write, but might be a bit weird to read. She has a habit of starting a sentence and changing her mind of how to say it midway. She pauses, then starts her new sentence. Just wanted to point out that she's not stuttering.
Enjoy. ^___^
Chapter 7~ Jezebel
"Papa?"
"Yes, baby?"
"May I....I would like to go to the high school today."
"Eh? But...but...what about the shoot today?"
"Don't worry Papa. I'll be home in time. I would like to invite some friends."
"Okay then, baby. Invite anyone you like."
"Thank you, Papa."
-----
"I don't see why I had to go today while That Guy gets to stay at that dreadful house."
'If that house is so dreadful, why are you complaining?'
"Because, if I have to suffer, so does he."
Seirios sighed at his highly unwilling companion. Krad had taken to complaining the moment Aunt Riku said they had to appear at school so his father didn't have to suffer from making another half-asleep excuse for him. Krad had stated, in no uncertain terms, that Satoshi could go curl up with a jaguar for all he cared at the moment.
The Hikari teen could only sit and sigh. It wasn't bad, really, taking the back seat in his own life. Where ever he was seemed comfortable, if a bit empty. It was a warm golden color, empty to the naked eye, with no walls or floor. He could stand without getting tired, or sit in the nicest chair he'd ever had the pleasure of imagining. He didn't need to eat, or feel hungry. In fact, he didn't feel much of anything. It seemed boring, when explained, but it really wasn't.
No wonder Krad was going slowly insane. Being human seemed too complicated now that he had the chance to look on the experience with a detached eye.
"I know what you're thinking, boy. You're not staying there forever. As soon as I find out how, I am switching with you!" Krad growled. Sei smiled at him, cheekily.
'Yes, but until then, I am going to enjoy this.'
Krad just growled again and got off the traincar as it arrived at the top of the hill.
-----
School was absolute hell, he figured. It wasn't a method of teaching children, it was a method of torturing children. At least, torture those unlike Seirios or Satoshi, who were way too smart for their own good. Krad found many students ignored the homeroom teacher, while others played tricks on the math substitute. On the contrary, no one messed around in their language class.
Science was annoying. He was forced up to the front of the class with the annoying child from Monday. Luckily, however, she knew exactly what to say for the presentation, Krad had no good thing to say about 'bunnies' anyway, too many bad experiences, so all he had to do was stand still and try to smile.
School was hell.
Sei laughed at him, then at himself when he admitted he'd only been homeschooled all his life, instead of just a few years. He was already advanced well past the classes they were teaching in the year he was in.
Finally, the end came, and the poor man leaned against the nearest wall in relief, vowing he would never do that again. The only good part of the day had been when one of the science labs exploded, sending them all outside. He took out his frustration by pulling grass.
His relief was short-lived.
At the gate of the school, a short girl with ink black hair stood, staring right at him, or through him; he couldn't tell. Krad tried to ignore her and walk past, but she sidestepped in his way. He blinked. "If you don't move in two seconds, I'm going to make you move."
'Do you have to be so evil?'
'Don't push it.'
She merely looked up at him. Ten seconds passed, then another ten, with the two staring at each other. Finally she spoke. "You're the gold one."
Krad jumped in shock, stepping back to a safe distance. "What are you talking about?"
"Is the purple one not in school today? He should...I was meaning to help him as well." She continued, dreamily, as if she didn't hear him.
He paused, waiting to hear more. First she knew about him, and now Dark as well? Was she just guessing or did she hold some form of magic? She didn't feel like one who should know of them. Sure, she looked a bit weird: Long dyed hair, her roots were visible when one got closer; deep eyes that stared off into the distance; long jade hoop earrings; and clothes that were outdated at LEAST two decades. At least.
"Go get your...Bring him too. You will meet me...Come to my house. I can help you." She pulled out a piece of paper, with an address scrawled aross one corner. "Ask for...My name is Jezebel." With that she turned on her heel and left him standing there, feeling stupid.
He was not supposed to feel stupid!'She said she could help. Let's go get Dark! I'm sure we can find the house.'
-----
They both KNEW the peace wouldn't last long. By the time they had gotten themselves lost Takahashi had caught up with them, wondering why 'Seirios' hadn't waited for him to get out of class. Though neither of them had retrieved his camera it was somehow once again glued to his palm, running.
"So you're heading for the Saga residence? They're running a shoot today, I heard. Keiji Saga is a famous director." He quipped, when they showed him the address.
Dark froze, staring at nothing. "Saga? You're taking me THERE?" He accused Krad darkly. The other man just crossed his arms and looked away.
"Like I was supposed to know that girl was a messenger for the crazy recorder kid."
Taka stared at them and Dark punched his other, hissing. "You're out of your act!"
Krad shrugged. "I couldn't care less." He muttered back.
The rest of the trip was made in silence. Relatively. If they could count silence as them ignoring each other while Taka talked at them in the background.
Dark was sure Krad wanted to strangle the boy even more than him, right now. It was almost enough to make him feel sorry for the man.
The house they arrived at was huge. There was even a gate they had to get cleared through first. Though the guard merely looked at them and waved them on, Dark supposed it was because the Saga family was still just as weird. They were probably the only family in the world that would never get targeted by an assassin or a thief. They were just moronic enough to have the perfect defense. Any enemy would run screaming long before they got to do what they came for.
The front door opened before they could knock, a dark, endless eye staring at them through long, wet, ink black bangs. 'Jezebel.' Dark thought, recognising her from Krad's description. She looked like the girl from that horror movie Daisuke had him sit and watch with the family. Something about a well and a dead girl. Or something like that. He was only the cling person anyway, unable to have his arms to himself for a whole hour and a half.
"Welcome." She said, voice low, almost a whisper. The door swung open further and all at once she seemed more human, if no less creepy. "Come with me." Jezebel turned on her heel and floated over the marble floor towards a far door hidden between two staircases that curled close to each other.
Quiet for once, Taka shared a look with them both and shrugged. He moved past them, into the house to follow, making sure he pointed the camera at least once at everything. Dark glared at Krad, who returned it twicefold, and they both pulled up the rear.
As they neared the now open door, they heard voices. A man, who's tone was familiar to the artistical beings, even if the voice was not, followed by a woman who's voice was sharp and bored.
"And then they kiss, and live happily ever af-"
"Seen it."
"-ter and...wait. What?"
"Seen it." She repeated, matter of fact.
There was a pause. "Where have you seen this movie!?"
"Gone with the Wind." Wasn't that a western movie? Dark wondered.
"I hate you."
"As do I to you, dear." By this time, they had gone through the door to see the two bickering adults. They sat at each end of a long table, though they didn't have to raise their voices to hear each other.
Saga, for it was definately the crazy producer who bothered Daisuke for that commercial, fumed. His light hair falling in front of his face, as if conforming to his attitude. His clothes were casual, a sweatshirt over a dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the throat and sleeves, with slighty frayed jeans covering now long legs. He looked somewhat more mature, even if he didn't sound like it.
The woman looked like Jezebel. Long graceful hair, though it was blonde, proving even more that the weird horror girl's hair was dyed, swooped up into a loose bun; thin frame, but not delicate; very expensive clothing, obsessively neat and pressed; and the most bored expression on her face, cradling a small cup of tea, or coffee, 'Or alcohol' Dark thought to himself, in small graceful hands.
"Mama. Papa." Jezebel said, adoration coloring her voice. The two looked over and Dark had to doubletake.
Who in their right mind would MARRY Keiji Saga!?
The director's face brightened. "Jezebel! Baby! Tell Mommy that she's being horribly cruel and unsupportive to your Papa again." He whined, jumping up to hug his daughter. The girl only stood, smiling sweetly, obviously used to the exchange.
The three at the door could only share another look, trying to keep as quiet as possible and hoping they would be forgotten. No such luck, however. Jezebel turned after being greeted by her mother as well, and swept her arm wide to indicate all three of them. "These are... Meet my friends."
The thief wondered, while being engulfed in a hug by Saga, how they gained the title of 'friend' without even introducing themselves. Krad looked practically murderous as he was hugged as well, and Takahashi somehow tumbled them both to the ground without even moving.
Saga grinned and moved to hug Dark again. "Ah! I recognise that look! You're Niwa's daughter, are you not?" Dark nodded slowly. "I knew it! Look, how would you be interested in doing a new commercial-"
Dark, hoping to find something human in Saga's daughter, gave Jezebel a pleading look.
Jezebel tilted her head. "Papa. We have something to do. The shoot....You'll call us for the shoot?" Shoot? What shoot?
Jezebel's mother nodded and stood up. "Don't worry, my dear. You and your friends will not be left out. Please, stay for dinner as well." She asked, bowing slightly to them. Dark and Taka bowed back, Krad just huffed. "Come, dear. We must discuss your...planning stages." She grabbed Saga's ear and, throwing a wink at them, which managed to look more scary than reassuring, she dragged him away from them.
Dark breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't like Saga before, he liked him even less now that he was a father. He supposed having the ability to ask someone else to help raise your child meant you missed out learning the lessons that came with it. Shame, really, but he didn't think the man ever had hope to begin with.
Jezebel tilted her head and looked at him. He blinked once, suddenly feeling as if he could fall into her eyes and get lost, like in that well. He shuddered as she finally looked away. "You need my help most of all. Funabashii." She called, so soft, yet it carried into the shadows where a tall man stood, previously unnoticed. Dark recognised him. He was older, but he still had the same bored, slightly apologetic, demeanor he had before. "You come...My room needs more light."
-----
Krad was going out of his mind. Sei had been mercifully silent since they first met Jezebel, making the random comment here and there, but nothing overly annoying. Taka had thankfully stopped talking the moment they had arrived. Yet, he quickly found out he'd rather stay outside listening to them talk at him than stay in this house any longer.
Yes, it seemed plenty normal at first, as long as you avoided all signs of life. However, once they reached the hallway Jezebel had made her room in, magic thrummed along his skin, powerful and chaotic.
So she really did see them as they were. He was curious to find out where her power came from, but he was dismayed to find he couldn't do that and run from it at the same time.
Her room wasn't scary or magical at all, despite the increased power. It was quite laughable, as if she watched every hippie/witch/fantasy movie in existence and used the experience to decorate a large mini-dungeon she called a bedroom. There were no electric lights, only dozens, possibly hundreds of candles, in various sizes, colors, and smells. Some were lit, some weren't. Oddly enough, it wasn't the smell that annoyed him. It was kind of relaxing.
The walls weren't really stone, he could tell, but it wasn't just clever paint either. There were paintings around the room, away from any flames, as well as statues, various necklaces hanging around everywhere, and a jewel that pulled at him. It took him another five minutes to even find the bed in the background gloom.'What is it?'
"This." He whispered, in slight awe. How did such an odd, somewhat normal human girl get her hands on such a powerful Hikari item? Dark noticed it too, for sure, probably before he did. Niwa were automatically drawn to Hikari artifacts.
Jezebel appeared at his shoulder, unexpectedly. "The Rose Compass." She whispered. "A jewel shaped like a rose that bloomed into a cross, to indicate the four gods of Chinese Legend." The candles flickered. "It aids me, allows me to see things."
Krad startled, looking down at her. This was the clearest he'd ever heard her speak. "That is how you saw me?" He inquired. She nodded and picked up the jewel. The power throbbed and he jerked back, almost pained. Magic like that was chaotic, yet it responded to her. Something was wrong in the artifact realm. First their magic died, and now the Hikari jewel responded to someone unrelated. It was unthought of.
"I saw her. Trapped, in a room of deep purple. I see him as well, in a prison of gold." Sei curiously looked around, seeing his mind in a new light. Krad frowned. She was right, after all. "I can help you, if you like."
Dark glanced around. "You will sacrifice some of your control for us?"
Jezebel smiled. "It is what is meant of me." Her gaze drifted and her expression turned dreamy again. "Sit...Please take a seat in front of me." She plopped onto a cushion, settling the jewel in front of her, the candles throwing her face into wild shadows. They glanced at each other and sat down. "Suzaku, Seiryuu, conflicting powers. Guide them. Genbu, Byakko, Open up their minds. Four Gods, sacrifice for their cause."
The candles flicked again and went out, as one. Krad could feel the power increase, activated on its own, rather than by the words. His eyes were closed, though he never remembered performing the action, and four different lights flickered on his eyelids. Bleeding into two different colors, blue and gold, bouncing off each other, he saw them merge for a fraction of a second, then the power exploded and he blacked out.
-----
Seriso's head hurt, like someone had taken a rabbit, chased it with an army of very loud vaccum cleaners, and then gave it her ear as the only method of escape. She groaned, opening her eyes to a very soft light. She was laying on something very warm and she didn't really feel like moving, but this wasn't where she last remembered she was.
She'd been in her room, then she had that dream of that purple room, then... where was she now? Seriso tilted her head up, seeing a flash of blue hair. That was familiar, at least. The arms that circled her shoulders were comforting, and protective, as Sei's used to be before he became such a jerk. Or a wannabe jerk, anyway. He was fast asleep, breathing easily.
"Bout time you....You're awake at last." The soft voice made her jump, close enough that she should have heard something from the young girl sitting near them. She was almost hauntingly beautiful in the candlelight, no older than she herself was.
"Where am I?" She asked, slightly alarmed that her voice was groggy.
"The Saga residence. Your cousin will explain everything, but it's late. Your parents might...You should probably be getting home."
"The...Saga...?" What was she doing in such a majestic place?! She was just...just...
"I am Jezebel. Here, take this." Jezebel, Saga's daughter, Seriso remembered, held out an ornate hand mirror. "It will allow you two to talk."
Seriso sat up and took it, confused. It looked like a normal hand mirror. And weren't magic mirrors cliche? "Talk? Who?" Jezebel lifted a finger to slightly curving lips and pointed. Sei groaned, starting to wake up. "Sei?" Seriso turned, confusion momentarily forgotten.
"Nhn...Krad?" Sei asked, blearily opening his eyes. He took a look at Seriso and sat up. "Ooow, my head."
Seriso was confused again. Something was sitting in her stomach wrong. "Sei, it's...it's late. We should go home."
He blinked and leaned foreward, hugging her. "My house is closest." He muttered, still half-asleep and in pain. "Father won't mind." Seriso wondered what was going on.
Jezebel stood and, after a moment, helped them up. "Funabashii will show you to the door. Please....Walk safe."
The two teens dizzily nodded, too out of it to question, and allowed themselves to be lead out of the residence. Somewhere along the way, Takahashi joined them. Neither of them complained when he just followed them to the Hikari residence. It was later than either of them thought it would be.
-----
As they walked up to the door, Sei glared blearily at a fruit basket sitting innocently on the front step. He picked it up and looked for the tag. "For dad? Who would be giving him gift baskets?" He wondered. Shrugging it off, he led the other two to the living room, comfiest couches in the universe, and moved around on autopilot, grabbing blankets and pillows so they all could crash.
The fruit basket placed on the kitchen counter, his cousin promised answers in the morning, and Taka fully death threated against taping them in their sleep, Sei finally allowed himself to rest, somehow more exhausted than he felt he should be.
-----
Seriso sat up long after her cousin and Taka fell asleep. Sneaking into the bathroom, she turned the light on, sat on the edge of the bath, and pulled out the hand mirror. Staring for a moment, she sighed. "Am I supposed to say anything?" She thought a minute. "Mirror mirror in my hand, show me the answers I demand."
She smiled, slightly embarassed. What could a mirror do?
"You know, it's just a mirror. Nothing special about it." A groggy voice answered hers. Shocked, she nearly dropped said mirror. No one was in the room.
Looking down, she noticed the mirror no longer reflected her own reflection. Her heart seemed to still and her breath caught as Dark Mousy blinked sleepily up at her, rubbing a hand through his hair.
TBC
AN: Groaaaaaaan. Longest chapter yet, I'm sure. ::sob:: I am sooo tired. But I couldn't stop writing. It waaaanted to be saaaaaaaid.
Hope you like it, Schizo. I'm writing this the same twelve hour stretch I finish the last chapter, so this should be at least two weeks later that you're reading this. Be happy. I'm trying to be on time and a little ahead now. You owe me story chapters. ::growl::
So anyway, guys, what'd you think? Drop me a review. Suggestions, guesses at what's going on? Cameo requests? Complaints? I can use those too. XDD
Don't forget, feel free to yell at me to update faster. I need it. ::nodnod::
Sei asked him, alarmed, feeling the power as well. Krad wandered carefully over to the jewel and looked down at it. Krad toyed with the idea of leaving Dark to fend for himself, then decided he didn't want to sit through Sei complaining. Exhausted already, with the day only half gone, he returned to the house for his other half.
Enjoy the day early chapter.
Show: DNAngel
Rating: Uh...Pg-13.
Genre: General/Humor
Warning: Awkward speaking habits.
Disclaimer: Not mine, man. If it were mine, some of the characters would have done the, *cough* can-can by now.
Description: Insert Jezebel. The answer to all Dark and Krad's problems. Or, so they think.
I decided to get a head start on this chapter. It's a promising one. Thanks again to Shizo and Proud for pushing me on my way. Without her, this chapter wouldn't exist so soon. XD Actually, without her this chapter might not exist at all, so make sure to give your thanks.
I'll give you a little heads up. In this chapter you will meet Jezebel. Her speech patterns are a little odd and a lot of fun to write, but might be a bit weird to read. She has a habit of starting a sentence and changing her mind of how to say it midway. She pauses, then starts her new sentence. Just wanted to point out that she's not stuttering.
Enjoy. ^___^
Chapter 7~ Jezebel
"Papa?"
"Yes, baby?"
"May I....I would like to go to the high school today."
"Eh? But...but...what about the shoot today?"
"Don't worry Papa. I'll be home in time. I would like to invite some friends."
"Okay then, baby. Invite anyone you like."
"Thank you, Papa."
-----
"I don't see why I had to go today while That Guy gets to stay at that dreadful house."
'If that house is so dreadful, why are you complaining?'
"Because, if I have to suffer, so does he."
Seirios sighed at his highly unwilling companion. Krad had taken to complaining the moment Aunt Riku said they had to appear at school so his father didn't have to suffer from making another half-asleep excuse for him. Krad had stated, in no uncertain terms, that Satoshi could go curl up with a jaguar for all he cared at the moment.
The Hikari teen could only sit and sigh. It wasn't bad, really, taking the back seat in his own life. Where ever he was seemed comfortable, if a bit empty. It was a warm golden color, empty to the naked eye, with no walls or floor. He could stand without getting tired, or sit in the nicest chair he'd ever had the pleasure of imagining. He didn't need to eat, or feel hungry. In fact, he didn't feel much of anything. It seemed boring, when explained, but it really wasn't.
No wonder Krad was going slowly insane. Being human seemed too complicated now that he had the chance to look on the experience with a detached eye.
"I know what you're thinking, boy. You're not staying there forever. As soon as I find out how, I am switching with you!" Krad growled. Sei smiled at him, cheekily.
'Yes, but until then, I am going to enjoy this.'
Krad just growled again and got off the traincar as it arrived at the top of the hill.
-----
School was absolute hell, he figured. It wasn't a method of teaching children, it was a method of torturing children. At least, torture those unlike Seirios or Satoshi, who were way too smart for their own good. Krad found many students ignored the homeroom teacher, while others played tricks on the math substitute. On the contrary, no one messed around in their language class.
Science was annoying. He was forced up to the front of the class with the annoying child from Monday. Luckily, however, she knew exactly what to say for the presentation, Krad had no good thing to say about 'bunnies' anyway, too many bad experiences, so all he had to do was stand still and try to smile.
School was hell.
Sei laughed at him, then at himself when he admitted he'd only been homeschooled all his life, instead of just a few years. He was already advanced well past the classes they were teaching in the year he was in.
Finally, the end came, and the poor man leaned against the nearest wall in relief, vowing he would never do that again. The only good part of the day had been when one of the science labs exploded, sending them all outside. He took out his frustration by pulling grass.
His relief was short-lived.
At the gate of the school, a short girl with ink black hair stood, staring right at him, or through him; he couldn't tell. Krad tried to ignore her and walk past, but she sidestepped in his way. He blinked. "If you don't move in two seconds, I'm going to make you move."
'Do you have to be so evil?'
'Don't push it.'
She merely looked up at him. Ten seconds passed, then another ten, with the two staring at each other. Finally she spoke. "You're the gold one."
Krad jumped in shock, stepping back to a safe distance. "What are you talking about?"
"Is the purple one not in school today? He should...I was meaning to help him as well." She continued, dreamily, as if she didn't hear him.
He paused, waiting to hear more. First she knew about him, and now Dark as well? Was she just guessing or did she hold some form of magic? She didn't feel like one who should know of them. Sure, she looked a bit weird: Long dyed hair, her roots were visible when one got closer; deep eyes that stared off into the distance; long jade hoop earrings; and clothes that were outdated at LEAST two decades. At least.
"Go get your...Bring him too. You will meet me...Come to my house. I can help you." She pulled out a piece of paper, with an address scrawled aross one corner. "Ask for...My name is Jezebel." With that she turned on her heel and left him standing there, feeling stupid.
He was not supposed to feel stupid!'She said she could help. Let's go get Dark! I'm sure we can find the house.'
-----
They both KNEW the peace wouldn't last long. By the time they had gotten themselves lost Takahashi had caught up with them, wondering why 'Seirios' hadn't waited for him to get out of class. Though neither of them had retrieved his camera it was somehow once again glued to his palm, running.
"So you're heading for the Saga residence? They're running a shoot today, I heard. Keiji Saga is a famous director." He quipped, when they showed him the address.
Dark froze, staring at nothing. "Saga? You're taking me THERE?" He accused Krad darkly. The other man just crossed his arms and looked away.
"Like I was supposed to know that girl was a messenger for the crazy recorder kid."
Taka stared at them and Dark punched his other, hissing. "You're out of your act!"
Krad shrugged. "I couldn't care less." He muttered back.
The rest of the trip was made in silence. Relatively. If they could count silence as them ignoring each other while Taka talked at them in the background.
Dark was sure Krad wanted to strangle the boy even more than him, right now. It was almost enough to make him feel sorry for the man.
The house they arrived at was huge. There was even a gate they had to get cleared through first. Though the guard merely looked at them and waved them on, Dark supposed it was because the Saga family was still just as weird. They were probably the only family in the world that would never get targeted by an assassin or a thief. They were just moronic enough to have the perfect defense. Any enemy would run screaming long before they got to do what they came for.
The front door opened before they could knock, a dark, endless eye staring at them through long, wet, ink black bangs. 'Jezebel.' Dark thought, recognising her from Krad's description. She looked like the girl from that horror movie Daisuke had him sit and watch with the family. Something about a well and a dead girl. Or something like that. He was only the cling person anyway, unable to have his arms to himself for a whole hour and a half.
"Welcome." She said, voice low, almost a whisper. The door swung open further and all at once she seemed more human, if no less creepy. "Come with me." Jezebel turned on her heel and floated over the marble floor towards a far door hidden between two staircases that curled close to each other.
Quiet for once, Taka shared a look with them both and shrugged. He moved past them, into the house to follow, making sure he pointed the camera at least once at everything. Dark glared at Krad, who returned it twicefold, and they both pulled up the rear.
As they neared the now open door, they heard voices. A man, who's tone was familiar to the artistical beings, even if the voice was not, followed by a woman who's voice was sharp and bored.
"And then they kiss, and live happily ever af-"
"Seen it."
"-ter and...wait. What?"
"Seen it." She repeated, matter of fact.
There was a pause. "Where have you seen this movie!?"
"Gone with the Wind." Wasn't that a western movie? Dark wondered.
"I hate you."
"As do I to you, dear." By this time, they had gone through the door to see the two bickering adults. They sat at each end of a long table, though they didn't have to raise their voices to hear each other.
Saga, for it was definately the crazy producer who bothered Daisuke for that commercial, fumed. His light hair falling in front of his face, as if conforming to his attitude. His clothes were casual, a sweatshirt over a dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the throat and sleeves, with slighty frayed jeans covering now long legs. He looked somewhat more mature, even if he didn't sound like it.
The woman looked like Jezebel. Long graceful hair, though it was blonde, proving even more that the weird horror girl's hair was dyed, swooped up into a loose bun; thin frame, but not delicate; very expensive clothing, obsessively neat and pressed; and the most bored expression on her face, cradling a small cup of tea, or coffee, 'Or alcohol' Dark thought to himself, in small graceful hands.
"Mama. Papa." Jezebel said, adoration coloring her voice. The two looked over and Dark had to doubletake.
Who in their right mind would MARRY Keiji Saga!?
The director's face brightened. "Jezebel! Baby! Tell Mommy that she's being horribly cruel and unsupportive to your Papa again." He whined, jumping up to hug his daughter. The girl only stood, smiling sweetly, obviously used to the exchange.
The three at the door could only share another look, trying to keep as quiet as possible and hoping they would be forgotten. No such luck, however. Jezebel turned after being greeted by her mother as well, and swept her arm wide to indicate all three of them. "These are... Meet my friends."
The thief wondered, while being engulfed in a hug by Saga, how they gained the title of 'friend' without even introducing themselves. Krad looked practically murderous as he was hugged as well, and Takahashi somehow tumbled them both to the ground without even moving.
Saga grinned and moved to hug Dark again. "Ah! I recognise that look! You're Niwa's daughter, are you not?" Dark nodded slowly. "I knew it! Look, how would you be interested in doing a new commercial-"
Dark, hoping to find something human in Saga's daughter, gave Jezebel a pleading look.
Jezebel tilted her head. "Papa. We have something to do. The shoot....You'll call us for the shoot?" Shoot? What shoot?
Jezebel's mother nodded and stood up. "Don't worry, my dear. You and your friends will not be left out. Please, stay for dinner as well." She asked, bowing slightly to them. Dark and Taka bowed back, Krad just huffed. "Come, dear. We must discuss your...planning stages." She grabbed Saga's ear and, throwing a wink at them, which managed to look more scary than reassuring, she dragged him away from them.
Dark breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't like Saga before, he liked him even less now that he was a father. He supposed having the ability to ask someone else to help raise your child meant you missed out learning the lessons that came with it. Shame, really, but he didn't think the man ever had hope to begin with.
Jezebel tilted her head and looked at him. He blinked once, suddenly feeling as if he could fall into her eyes and get lost, like in that well. He shuddered as she finally looked away. "You need my help most of all. Funabashii." She called, so soft, yet it carried into the shadows where a tall man stood, previously unnoticed. Dark recognised him. He was older, but he still had the same bored, slightly apologetic, demeanor he had before. "You come...My room needs more light."
-----
Krad was going out of his mind. Sei had been mercifully silent since they first met Jezebel, making the random comment here and there, but nothing overly annoying. Taka had thankfully stopped talking the moment they had arrived. Yet, he quickly found out he'd rather stay outside listening to them talk at him than stay in this house any longer.
Yes, it seemed plenty normal at first, as long as you avoided all signs of life. However, once they reached the hallway Jezebel had made her room in, magic thrummed along his skin, powerful and chaotic.
So she really did see them as they were. He was curious to find out where her power came from, but he was dismayed to find he couldn't do that and run from it at the same time.
Her room wasn't scary or magical at all, despite the increased power. It was quite laughable, as if she watched every hippie/witch/fantasy movie in existence and used the experience to decorate a large mini-dungeon she called a bedroom. There were no electric lights, only dozens, possibly hundreds of candles, in various sizes, colors, and smells. Some were lit, some weren't. Oddly enough, it wasn't the smell that annoyed him. It was kind of relaxing.
The walls weren't really stone, he could tell, but it wasn't just clever paint either. There were paintings around the room, away from any flames, as well as statues, various necklaces hanging around everywhere, and a jewel that pulled at him. It took him another five minutes to even find the bed in the background gloom.'What is it?'
"This." He whispered, in slight awe. How did such an odd, somewhat normal human girl get her hands on such a powerful Hikari item? Dark noticed it too, for sure, probably before he did. Niwa were automatically drawn to Hikari artifacts.
Jezebel appeared at his shoulder, unexpectedly. "The Rose Compass." She whispered. "A jewel shaped like a rose that bloomed into a cross, to indicate the four gods of Chinese Legend." The candles flickered. "It aids me, allows me to see things."
Krad startled, looking down at her. This was the clearest he'd ever heard her speak. "That is how you saw me?" He inquired. She nodded and picked up the jewel. The power throbbed and he jerked back, almost pained. Magic like that was chaotic, yet it responded to her. Something was wrong in the artifact realm. First their magic died, and now the Hikari jewel responded to someone unrelated. It was unthought of.
"I saw her. Trapped, in a room of deep purple. I see him as well, in a prison of gold." Sei curiously looked around, seeing his mind in a new light. Krad frowned. She was right, after all. "I can help you, if you like."
Dark glanced around. "You will sacrifice some of your control for us?"
Jezebel smiled. "It is what is meant of me." Her gaze drifted and her expression turned dreamy again. "Sit...Please take a seat in front of me." She plopped onto a cushion, settling the jewel in front of her, the candles throwing her face into wild shadows. They glanced at each other and sat down. "Suzaku, Seiryuu, conflicting powers. Guide them. Genbu, Byakko, Open up their minds. Four Gods, sacrifice for their cause."
The candles flicked again and went out, as one. Krad could feel the power increase, activated on its own, rather than by the words. His eyes were closed, though he never remembered performing the action, and four different lights flickered on his eyelids. Bleeding into two different colors, blue and gold, bouncing off each other, he saw them merge for a fraction of a second, then the power exploded and he blacked out.
-----
Seriso's head hurt, like someone had taken a rabbit, chased it with an army of very loud vaccum cleaners, and then gave it her ear as the only method of escape. She groaned, opening her eyes to a very soft light. She was laying on something very warm and she didn't really feel like moving, but this wasn't where she last remembered she was.
She'd been in her room, then she had that dream of that purple room, then... where was she now? Seriso tilted her head up, seeing a flash of blue hair. That was familiar, at least. The arms that circled her shoulders were comforting, and protective, as Sei's used to be before he became such a jerk. Or a wannabe jerk, anyway. He was fast asleep, breathing easily.
"Bout time you....You're awake at last." The soft voice made her jump, close enough that she should have heard something from the young girl sitting near them. She was almost hauntingly beautiful in the candlelight, no older than she herself was.
"Where am I?" She asked, slightly alarmed that her voice was groggy.
"The Saga residence. Your cousin will explain everything, but it's late. Your parents might...You should probably be getting home."
"The...Saga...?" What was she doing in such a majestic place?! She was just...just...
"I am Jezebel. Here, take this." Jezebel, Saga's daughter, Seriso remembered, held out an ornate hand mirror. "It will allow you two to talk."
Seriso sat up and took it, confused. It looked like a normal hand mirror. And weren't magic mirrors cliche? "Talk? Who?" Jezebel lifted a finger to slightly curving lips and pointed. Sei groaned, starting to wake up. "Sei?" Seriso turned, confusion momentarily forgotten.
"Nhn...Krad?" Sei asked, blearily opening his eyes. He took a look at Seriso and sat up. "Ooow, my head."
Seriso was confused again. Something was sitting in her stomach wrong. "Sei, it's...it's late. We should go home."
He blinked and leaned foreward, hugging her. "My house is closest." He muttered, still half-asleep and in pain. "Father won't mind." Seriso wondered what was going on.
Jezebel stood and, after a moment, helped them up. "Funabashii will show you to the door. Please....Walk safe."
The two teens dizzily nodded, too out of it to question, and allowed themselves to be lead out of the residence. Somewhere along the way, Takahashi joined them. Neither of them complained when he just followed them to the Hikari residence. It was later than either of them thought it would be.
-----
As they walked up to the door, Sei glared blearily at a fruit basket sitting innocently on the front step. He picked it up and looked for the tag. "For dad? Who would be giving him gift baskets?" He wondered. Shrugging it off, he led the other two to the living room, comfiest couches in the universe, and moved around on autopilot, grabbing blankets and pillows so they all could crash.
The fruit basket placed on the kitchen counter, his cousin promised answers in the morning, and Taka fully death threated against taping them in their sleep, Sei finally allowed himself to rest, somehow more exhausted than he felt he should be.
-----
Seriso sat up long after her cousin and Taka fell asleep. Sneaking into the bathroom, she turned the light on, sat on the edge of the bath, and pulled out the hand mirror. Staring for a moment, she sighed. "Am I supposed to say anything?" She thought a minute. "Mirror mirror in my hand, show me the answers I demand."
She smiled, slightly embarassed. What could a mirror do?
"You know, it's just a mirror. Nothing special about it." A groggy voice answered hers. Shocked, she nearly dropped said mirror. No one was in the room.
Looking down, she noticed the mirror no longer reflected her own reflection. Her heart seemed to still and her breath caught as Dark Mousy blinked sleepily up at her, rubbing a hand through his hair.
TBC
AN: Groaaaaaaan. Longest chapter yet, I'm sure. ::sob:: I am sooo tired. But I couldn't stop writing. It waaaanted to be saaaaaaaid.
Hope you like it, Schizo. I'm writing this the same twelve hour stretch I finish the last chapter, so this should be at least two weeks later that you're reading this. Be happy. I'm trying to be on time and a little ahead now. You owe me story chapters. ::growl::
So anyway, guys, what'd you think? Drop me a review. Suggestions, guesses at what's going on? Cameo requests? Complaints? I can use those too. XDD
Don't forget, feel free to yell at me to update faster. I need it. ::nodnod::
Sei asked him, alarmed, feeling the power as well. Krad wandered carefully over to the jewel and looked down at it. Krad toyed with the idea of leaving Dark to fend for himself, then decided he didn't want to sit through Sei complaining. Exhausted already, with the day only half gone, he returned to the house for his other half.
Enjoy the day early chapter.