anoaki

043- gloomy

2009-10-20T20:10:12Z

043 Giggly

Title: Snap

Fandom: Original

Characters:

Prompt: 043 giggly

Word count: 1,655

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: a discussion, a game of snap and a revelation .

The evening meal was more subdued than it was the previous night. Aries, Takashi and Reki were all brooding on various matters, and Leo was just being quiet as usual. Wolfee, Sakamaru and Libraya tried to engage in conversations, but found it uncomfortable with the looming silence that hung over the rest of the party. Eventually they gave up, and once they had finished eating, left to the room across the hall where Libraya and Sakamaru and woken up that morning, to have a bit of fun and a decent conversation.

Leo left shortly afterwards. Aries glanced at him as he left and felt her back prickle uncomfortably. She was equally disturbed by the awful way he had made her feel and his teasing and newly found habit of making snide comments to her. She nudged Reki in the arm and indicated that she was going to leave. Panicked, Takashi said that he would also retire for the night. Reki’s eyes welled up and she grabbed Aries’ wrist as she was leaving, and stared forcefully at her to tell her she had to talk to her. Takashi said a curt goodnight to them and left, leaving Aries and Reki to walk down the corridor to Aries’ room.

“What was it you wanted to talk to me about?” Aries asked as she shut the door behind them.

“What happened with you and Leo when I was gone?”

“Nothing happened. I just don’t like him.” Aries tried in vain, knowing this wouldn’t fool her friend.

“What did he do?”

“I don’t want to tell you. I don’t even know! It’s stupid anyway, and you wouldn’t believe me.”

“I trust you Aries. You wouldn’t make up something ridiculous for no reason.”

“I- fine.”

They sat down on the side of Aries’ bed, and she explained to Reki what had happened. She slowed down when she tried to explain how she had felt when Leo had kissed her.

“I don’t even know how it felt, it just felt…bad. It scared me a little. It didn’t feel like it was Leo that made that feeling, it was as if…it was something else, something inside of him…”

Reki flinched a little at the description, but Aries wasn’t paying her much attention, so it went unnoticed.

“I know you didn’t make that up…that time when I passed out on the village green, that was from Leo…it just sort of hurt. Like his soul was screaming at me and trying to kill me.”

Aries looked at her.

“Uh…it wasn’t that bad. It made me afraid, but not like I was in danger. Just like, like he could kill me if he wanted to. Not like he was going to, you know?”

“Um, yeah. I guess I had a more extreme reaction to it. I wonder why.”

Aries smiled.

“You know why, though no one else does. I know you’re hiding something from me Reki, that there are parts of your story I’m missing, and if you get your way I’ll never know them. That’s okay, you don’t have to tell me. There are things you don’t know about me as well.”

“Yeah…you’re right. I would tell you if I could, Ari.”

“I know.”

“Thank you.” Reki hugged her.

“I wonder just what he is…I don’t really want to travel with him anymore, but at the same time, I’d feel better knowing he’s here, so I know he’s not…doing anything weird.”

Reki raised an eyebrow and giggled.

“Oh- you know what I mean! The man uses dark magic. I don’t think he’s human.”

“SNAP! I win again!”

“Fuck you Sakamaru! How good are you at his game? I’ve only won one hand!”

Sakamaru grinned as Wolfee forked over the money he had been betting. Wolfee grumbled and took another swig out of the bottle next to him.

“You know that alcohol dulls your senses, Wolfee? Maybe that’s why you keep loosing.” Libraya was lying on the sofa, and flicked a bottle top at Wolfee’s head as she spoke. Wolfee over-reacted when it hit him, right on the nose. Libraya smiled- one of her best talents was her precise aim. She had only been drinking lightly, so she found it endlessly amusing watching the wolf-boy slurring and trying to work out how Sakamaru kept winning at snap. He keeled over and started giggling on the floor, and Libraya raised and eyebrow. Sakamaru shrugged happily and pocketed Wolfee’s money.

“You are going to give that back to him, aren’t you Sakamaru?”

“Nope.” He smiled at her. “Why would I?”

“He was totally stoned when you won it off him.”

“Even better, he won’t remember it’s me who has it.”

“Sakamaru!”

He raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Look, it’s not just because he’s off his head. I just happen to be good at snap.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. Want a game?”

Libraya shrugged and lifted herself off the sofa, and took a less comfortable seat on the floor opposite Sakamaru. He started dealing the cards, but Libraya stopped him.

“I think I’ll be doing that. I wouldn’t want you to cheat.”

Sakamaru smiled.

“I could never remember all those cards. I rely on my quick fingers and dashing looks to throw my lady opponents off.”

Libraya rolled her eyes and finished dealing the cards. Sakamaru looked at her with a wide grin on his face.

“So what should our stakes be?”

“If I win, you give Wolfee back his money.”

Sakamaru made a face.

“Fine, but if I win, you owe me double.”

“…Just how much is that?”

“Not much, only 600 gold.”

“O-oh.”

“Don’t back out now, Libraya.”

“I’m not backing down!”

She noticed too late the smile on Sakamaru’s face, which clearly showed that he had been egging her on. She whined and flipped over a card.

Ten minutes later, The two were still on the floor, with fierce looks of concentration on their faces. The piles they had in front of them were just about equal. Sakamaru was secretly a little worried; his quick fingers usually allowed him to beat any opponent within a matter of minutes, but Libraya was agile and had fast reactions. He didn’t like the thought of giving Wolfee back his gold though, so he kept his focus.

Libraya won the next hand, leaving only 20 cards. They flipped them over one by one. By the time they got to the last card, Sakamaru had made up his mind. As it stood, Libraya was winning. If he yelled snap at the end, he lost nothing if he was wrong. If he was right, however, the game was his. Libraya flipped it over.

“SNAP!”

Sakamaru grinned triumphantly at the two aces in the centre of the floor. Libraya groaned as she realised that she had lost.

“Pay up, dear.”

“I don’t have it. When I get it, I’ll give it back to you, okay?”

“Okay.” Libraya began to pack up the cards.

“Actually no, wait.”

She gave him a quizzical look.

“Let’s just say you owe me a favour, hmm?”

“I don’t know if that’s better or worse than the money.”

“Much better. For both of us.” He grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a quick contract on it, and held it out for Libraya to sign. She gave it an evil glare before signing it. She felt sure it would come back to haunt her, but when Sakamaru pocketed it with a happy smile on her face, she felt sure that her friend wouldn’t treat her too harshly.

The next morning, the party found themselves seated in the circular room again, with the exception of Takashi, who still hadn’t turned up. A maid had bought the tea, toast and berry cordial that they were consuming, before opening the curtains and slipping away before Wolfee could catch her. Libraya and Sakamaru had been conversing about the night before, trying to avoid saying anything that would let Wolfee know that he was 300 gold short, whilst Aries and Reki were having a heated discussion about the nature of mountain bears. Leo didn’t have a book, so he was lazily throwing the odd comment at Wolfee, who responded with a waterfall of words that Leo was only half listening to. The air was bright and cheerful, with laughter hanging around them.

The doors opened, and a very washed out Takashi entered the room. He plonked himself down on a sofa and discontentedly poured himself a cup of tea. Reki got up and sat down next to him, giving him an inquisitive look, but he just shook his head. She tried a few times to engage him in conversation, but found him unresponsive and chose to settle with eating another piece of toast.

By the time Takashi had finished his tea, the whole party had noticed Takashi’s gloom and were sitting in near silence. Finally, finding the silence irritating, Aries spoke up.

“Takashi, you look like a man whose last hope was snuffed out. What wrong? Did someone tell you you can’t wear frills anymore?” She looked disdainfully at the ruffled cravat he wore at his neck.

“Shut up, Aries.”

They all looked at him in mild surprise at the frankness of his response. Aries furrowed her eyebrows.

“Now I’m really confused. What’s going on?”

“I-”

He stopped and mumbled an excuse, making to leave the room, but Reki grabbed his shirttails and pulled him back. She gave him a stubborn stare, telling him he wasn’t going anywhere until he talked. Takashi slid his eyes to the side, refusing to make eye contact with her.

“I’ve been talking things over with my parents. You’re all off the hook with the whole execution thing…”

“Hey! That’s a good thing! Now we don’t get, like, killed.” Wolfee waved his arms frantically in happiness.

“Well, there’s a condition.”

“Whatever it is, it’s better than being dead! Name your price, m’dear!”

“I’m not travelling with you anymore.”

042 Giddy

2009-10-06T17:35:05Z

042 Giddy

Title: Stalker

Fandom: Original

Characters:

Prompt: 042 giddy

Word count: 1058

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: Leo only does it to annoy her (and freak her out for kicks).

Aries was very, very annoyed. After the whole incident, Leo had finished his tea and left, probably to the gigantic library or a quiet turret (she was trying hard not to think that a girls room might be on that list too) before Aries could get him back. She was stomping in a rather unladylike fashion around the gardens. To top it off, she was lost; the gardens were insanely large. She just wandered around without a purpose, believing that if she didn’t try to get out, eventually she would find the exit. Fate didn’t want to humour her though, and left her unrelentingly lost in the sweet-smelling maze.

She snapped out of her deep thought to realise that she had just passed the stone statue of the great king Conroy the second for the third time. Annoyed, she plonked herself down on an ornate stone bench under a rose arch. She snuggled into a corner and sighed, pondering how long she could wait before she got restless and had to move again.

Leo had been wandering around the castle, trying to find somewhere quiet to sit down and read. However, Wolfee had been following him everywhere- he didn’t seem to understand that Leo’s idea of a good afternoon was not surrounded by people. He had tried to shake him off in the library (Wolfee couldn’t stand sitting still for more than a few minutes) by sitting down and reading a thick leather-bound tome on poisonous plants, but Wolfee had amused himself by flirting with the librarian.

Though he hadn’t had much success, it still kept him more entertained than Leo wanted. Finally he had given up, shut his book and left. Wolfee had, of course, followed him, but he had managed to loose the unrelenting wolf-boy by slipping into a small side corridor. Unfortunately, there was nowhere he could sit quietly, as the corridor ended in a cleaning closet, so he decided to find somewhere a little more glamorous. After checking Wolfee wasn’t behind him, he set off to the gardens.

Libraya and Sakamaru had set off exploring, much to the dismay of the king and queen. They narrowly escaped an unpleasant conversation with the monarchs; Caelet pulled them round a corner just as the king and queen started down the corridor they had been in moments before. Caelet then hurriedly explained that the queen had insisted on wandering the castle and trying to catch the travellers out and give them an excuse for a re-trial. He winked and told them to keep alert, before disappearing to join the queen’s side.

On the third throne in the main hall, Takashi was waiting for his parents. He had been there for about half an hour, without any word. He had tried to leave twice, but the palace guards had ushered him back to his seat. He had thrown his legs over the armrest, with his back to the opposite corner. It wasn’t incredibly comfortable, but it was better than sitting normally- that made him feel like a pompous snob. He was letting his thoughts drift around, trying not to think about Reki who had snuck out of the castle to survey the town and forest. After five more minutes, the monarchs finally arrived, and took their seats. The thrones were arranged in a semi-circular shape, so that they could see the people on the floor down the steps and each other.

Takashi let out a sigh, knowing precisely how this conversation was going to go.

Aries woke, letting out a small moan- the stone she had been sleeping on made her back ache. She sat up, rubbed her eyes and spluttered.

On the opposite end of the bench was Leo, calmly reading his book.

“And just WHAT are you doing here?”

He glanced at her through his black-rimmed glasses.

“Reading.”

“I noticed. I mean what are you doing HERE?”

“Aah, then you should have emphasised ‘here’ the first time. Though the answer is still the same. I’m reading.”

“Don’t get smart with me! I passed hundreds of benches on the way here, why did you choose this one?”

“That statue is very famous, you know. I wanted to see it. Don’t fool yourself- it has nothing to do with you.”

Aries looked at him fiercely, resisting the urge to send out a flame to burn his book, or better yet, his face. She’d seen his powers firsthand though, and knew it wouldn’t work. She satisfied herself with retaliation.

“I bet you just wanted to watch me whilst I slept, you stalker.”

“You’re bothered by my love-life, aren’t you?”

“Excuse me?”

“You found out that I sleep around, and now you think differently of me. Or you would’ve said something else.”

Aries steamed, knowing he was absolutely spot on.

“Shut up. You think you’re so wonderful and gorgeous, but you’re not. Seriously though, you are stalking us- everyone else was invited whereas YOU just starting following us.”

“I have business with your friend. Plus, Wolfee happens to be the only person I can at least partially trust. It makes perfect sense for me to be here. More importantly, you don’t think I’m gorgeous.”

“How is that more important?! And no, I bloody well don’t!”

“No?”

“No!”

Before she knew what was happening, Leo had stood up and moved in front of her.

“What the hell-?” she cut off when Leo leaned in towards her. He had one hand on her shoulder, the other still holding his book. He stared into her eyes, and Aries shuddered again. His eyes were so sharp it hurt. It took her a few moments to process what was happening, but when she did she struggled. Leo didn’t let her- instead, he moved his moth until it touched hers, and kissed her.

She couldn’t think. She found herself blushing profusely and wanting to scream. She didn’t exactly mind the kiss- but it hurt, being so close and connected to Leo, as if hell was lurking in his body and trying to touch her.

Leo pulled away and she gasped, feeling far more scared and uncomfortable than she’d ever want to admit, even to someone as close to her as Reki. Leo smiled and she felt herself tremble with fear. He walked off without saying a word, leaving Aries on the bench, alone, afraid and perplexed.

041- frustrated

2009-10-03T16:09:27Z

041 frustrated

Title: fiend

Fandom: Original

Characters:

Prompt: 041frustrated

Word count: 635

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: it’s very short.

“I was so damn happy as well!”

They had gathered in yet another of the castles rooms, a large, bright, circular room with golden wallpaper and windows on more than half of the walls. There were several large, squishy armchairs gathered in a circle around a table, which had seven breakfast trays a teapot and a coffee pot. Libraya, Sakamaru, Aries, Reki and Takashi looked at Wolfee, who had just thrown the doors open with his exclamation and plonked himself ungracefully in one of the armchairs.

“What happened?” Libraya asked, whilst pouring him a much needed cup of coffee.

“Well, this morning, I woke up and there was a really pretty maid opening my curtains and laying out new towels and stuff. I was talking to her-”

“You mean flirting with her.” Aries threw into his monologue.

“Well, yes, actually, I was! And it was going really well! And and and…” he smiled deviously, “I kissed her!”

“Well, good for you. However, you’ve been making out that you’re unhappy- did she slap you afterwards?” Aries poured herself another cup of coffee. Her hangover had made her even more irritable than usual.

“No! She giggled and left the room. So I decided to go and boast about it to Leo, who always steals my sweethearts away.”

“Did HE slap you?”

“No one slapped me, Aries!”

“Then what happened?”

“I walked in and started telling him about how I kissed her, and she was reeeally pretty, and he kept nodding and saying ‘good for you, Wolfee, finally getting some action’, and JUST as I was about to leave- this blonde maid walked out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe and asked if she’d left her bra under the pillow.”

Sakamaru furrowed his brow.

“Really? Leo? I didn’t think he was that kind of guy. He seems…you know, quiet.”

Wolfee shot him a dark look.

“He is quiet, and sexy, a combination that girls love. He never spends more than a night with them, but he does spend a lot of nights with different girls.”

“I don’t believe you. Who would sleep with an arse like him?”

“You remember when we were at the casino, Aries? And you went up the stairs on the left? Well, right at the start of the night, Leo went that way. He wasn’t up there when you went, was he?”

“No, but that doesn’t necessarily mean-”

“Yes it does. One of the girls I was flirting with was sharing a room with a couple of friends of hers, so we went up there, but she went in then came out. She told me one of her friends was ‘busy’ with a blonde man.”

“Just because it was a blonde man-”

“Wearing an all-black suit.”

“Anyone could wear an all-black suit-”

“With a top hat and a thick book about ancient Hallowhell?”

“Anyone could-”

“No, I assure you Aries, that that was me.”

Leo walked in, letting the doors Wolfee had left open swing closed behind him. He sat down in a chair and poured himself a cup of fancy, aromatic tea. He looked at them lazily, daintily sipping his tea.

“Bloody hell. You’re a man-whore.”

“Perhaps, though I prefer the term ‘sexual fantasy’.”

“You’re no ones sexual fantasy, you bastard!”

“Oh? Then look me in the eyes.”

Never one to back down from a challenge, she fixed her eyes on his. It made her shudder- there was something dark and chilling about his piercing green eyes.

“Right, now imagine me naked…”

She spluttered and blushed profusely.

“I think that clears that up.”

“You- you fu-”

“BEEEEEEEP.” Reki inserted weakly into the argument, but it wasn’t quite loud enough to mute the string of insults that tumbled from Aries- she still felt awful from the night before.

Leo simply smiled and finished his tea.

040- flirty

2009-09-24T20:30:00Z

040 Flirty

Title: beer

Fandom: Original

Characters:

Prompt: 040 flirty

Word count: 1,949

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: blah. The ending is very abrupt.

Dinner had been a boisterous, though not unpleasant affair. The king and queen had flat out refused Takashi’s request for them to eat at the main table, so the food had been taken instead to a rather large and expensive looking drawing room, where several small coffee tables had been pushed together to make room for the enormous amounts of food that were brought through. Much beer and wine was consumed, and before long the majority of the party were singing and slurring. The mood was dampened slightly by the fact that they were still officially under ‘examination’, but Takashi assured them it would be near to impossible for a retrial.

Takashi smiled as his friends danced around the room, singing a folk song about moon fairies. Wolfee and Reki were the main ringleaders of this particular stunt, and had commandeered Libraya, Sakamaru and a rather grumpy Aries to join in. Leo was sat at the side, sipping the fine champagne that had been left untouched by the others, trying to ignore the commotion.

He had been nervous about talking to all of them, especially Reki, but they all seemed to have either forgotten or forgiven him as none of them mentioned (except in jest) the whole affair. He and Reki had been talking awkwardly for short amounts of time, until either he turned away or Reki reached for another plate of food. This particular problem disapitated after Reki had gotten several bottles of beer into her system, and Takashi had been very tempted to join her in the happy, mindless state that alcohol induced, before remembering that he had to plan what to say to her. Now he sat in the corner in a rather squishy and luxurious armchair, plotting his plan of action. Not that he’d be using it tonight- he assumed his plans to meet her on the tower had been erased by the alcohol. But it was going to happen at some point, so he felt the need to prepare.

Leo was the first to leave, truthfully claiming he had an immense headache. With much booing and some rather inappropriate language from Wolfee and Aries, he exited swiftly with the porter that had come to show him to his room. A short while later, a very giggly Sakamaru and Libraya left, though they only made it to the drawing room across the hall before collapsing, fast asleep on a sofa. Wolfee and Aries hung around moaning about the terrible state of life until they had both sobered up enough to walk without support through the door that Takashi dutifully held for them. He let the door fall too with a sigh, and turned around to see the floor strewn with bottles and plates, with Reki lying in the middle.

She giggled as he went over to her, and reached for the half-empty champagne bottle that Leo had left. Takashi smiled in vague amusement before moving the bottle away from her outstretched hand. She whined a little, before dragging herself into a sitting position.

“Mmmmfg. Takashi~ taki~ ta-ta-Takashi…hee! Taaaaaaakaaaaaaashiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~! Oh- oh frick, my head hurts…”

Takashi slid his arm round her and attempted to pull her into standing.

“I’m sure. Look-” he pointed to the floor under the table “You drank about half of those bottles.”

“Huh. Takashi, I’m tired.”

Takashi led her to the door, helping her over the debris and making sure she didn’t cut her feet on any smashed glass. She managed to get nearly halfway down the corridor before loosing her balance, and sat giggling on the floor after a few unsuccessful attempts to get up.

“Can I sleep here tonight?”

“No, come on, its only…two more floors to your room…” he groaned inwardly at the thought of getting her up that many stairs.

“Then can I sleep in your room?”

“No! my parents aren’t too keen on you as it is.”

“Then can I sleep in your bed, Takashiiiii? I knoooooow you want me too!”

She winked at him, before collapsing into another heap of giggles. Takashi sighed and picked her up, carrying her in both arms.

“Oooh, Takashi~! Are you going to carry me over the threshold? We’re not even married yet! Or do you just want the honeymoon?”

“You know, I think I might just leave you in the corridor after all…”

“No no no no no! I want to sleep in your room! How far away is it?”

“one more flight of stairs.”

“yay!”

“…”

“Takashi, I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Oh, fu-”

Takashi broke into an awkward run up the last flight of stairs. He flung the door open and rushed her to the toilet just in time. The next ten minutes were spent pulling her hair out of the way and handing her tissues. By then, a large quantity of the alcohol was out of her system, and she had sobered up a little.

“Thanks, Taki. This is bloody rubbish. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. I’ve got more to apologise for anyway.”

“I guess. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Why? It’d ruin my reason for staying with you. I left the castle a year ago…”

He stopped, and Reki gave him a curious head tilt.

“It’s a pretty long story.”

“Bedtime story?”

“You’d better get ready for bed first.”

“will you help me?”

“Don’t even try. I know you’re sober enough now.”

“Awww.”

Takashi sat on her bed, and waited for her to appear. She emerged from the bathroom half an hour later, in a fluffy white bathrobe and a towel over her hair, smelling considerably nicer than she had been before. She climbed into bed and Takashi tucked her up, sitting on the side and resting on one of the many pillows. Reki smiled at him, giving him the go-ahead.

“…I left the castle a year ago, because I was pissed off.”

“At what?”

“My parents and life in this place. All the time, everyone was all ‘Takashi, don’t talk like a commoner!’ and ‘Takashi, those people are poor and unclean, don’t go near them!’. I hated it. I still hate it. I don’t get how I’m meant to rule this country if I have no idea what the majority of the citizens need! I’ve been taught to associate with nobility, but never with common people. I got a wake up call at the end of last summer, when a woman requested a doctor for her husband. The last village doctor had moved away a few months before, so the only doctor was at the palace…she was refused, and her husband died shortly afterwards. I watched them carrying the coffin off to pink town. I asked my parents why they refused, and their only response was that she was a peasant, and there were plenty more where her husband had came from. I…couldn’t stay after that. I left to find out how people really lived.”

“What does that have to do with travelling with us?”

“For the 48 span before I met you, I travelled across multi, working in fields or around town to earn a meal and a bed for the night. If I wasn’t in a town, I slept outside. Only nobility really know what the royal family look like, so nobody recognised me. I learnt very quickly that life was a lot harder when you didn’t have people catering your every need. I got to experience first hand the tyranny of overlords, the pain of not having enough to eat and how hard it is to work all day. I expected it to be hard, but not that…real, I suppose. It started off as a bit of a game- ugh, I feel sick to think about that now, I was so spoilt. Anyway, I’d lived in many places, but I’d never travelled anywhere with others. When you and Aries invited me along, I just wanted to find out what it was like. I…never planned on staying.”

“Oh.”

“Hey hey hey, I stayed anyway, right? I shouldn’t have. I should’ve left before I got too attached. Oh- don’t look at me like that, I- I’m glad I did stay.”

Reki pouted and Takashi reached out and rubbed her cheek.

“I don’t regret this at all. But…I can’t guarantee that I’ll be joining you again. My parents won’t be happy to let me go now I’m back. I’ll try my best. I really will! I want…to carry on with you so badly…”

Takashi faded off into silence, and they both stayed silent for a good while.

“I should probably be going back to my own room. I’ll see you in the morning, Reki.”

“Uh huh. Goodnight, Taki.”

He gave her a chaste kiss on the lips before sweeping out. Reki fell asleep shortly afterwards.

The next morning swept around. Libraya sat up and rubbed her eyes, before falling backwards again with the force of her headache. Two exclamations of surprise were heard, one from Libraya, and the other from the body of a person who had just been woken up by an impact on his stomach.

“Libraya! That hurt! Though,” he raised his hand to his forehead “Not half as much as my head does.”

“Sakamaru?”

“Yes, who else would it be?”

“Quiet you. What happened last night? I remember drinking and food…and not much else.”

“Moon fairies.”

“Sorry, what?”

“I remember moon fairies, though I’m not sure why. Maybe I was seeing things. Anyway, more importantly, where are we?”

Libraya sat up more carefully, and surveyed her surroundings. The room was pale pink with deep wooden panelling, and many expensive looking chairs were gathered in a circle in the middle. The heavy curtains hadn’t been drawn the night before, and light glared through the windows, making her eyes hurt.

“I’ve no idea. Some kind of living room? I don’t really want to get up and explore, as I get the feeling we’re not overly welcome here.”

“True that.” He smirked at her.

“What?”

“It means we’re stuck in this room until someone comes to find us. Together. Just you and me.” He winked.

Libraya shuffled a little uncomfortably and Sakamaru sighed.

“Your still not comfortable around me? Look, we hadn’t seen each other for years. We both changed, we’re different people. I still like you though.”

“Sakamaru!”

“I think we ought to get comfortable with each other again.”

Libraya nearly screamed when he grabbed her and pulled her back onto the sofa. He was laughing, and she struggled and tried to get away, laughing despite herself.

“Give it up. I’m stronger than you!”

She followed his advice, and stopped flailing. She looked up into his cheerful face, and at his happy, purple eyes. She blushed a little as he snuggled his face into her hair. His breath tickled her ear, and the colour in her cheeks flushed darker.

“Your hair smells nice. And you’re warm.”

“Of course I’m warm, I’m a living being.”

“You’re cuddly as well.”

“Stop it, Sakamaru.”

“And you’re so skinny! Do you eat, woman?”

“Of course I do.”

“Your chest is bigger than I remember it, too-”

“ENOUGH, Sakamaru!!”

She pulled away and looked at him in mock disgust. He smiled sweetly back at her, before flicking his foot out, making her stumble and fall back onto the sofa. The door opened, and Takashi entered with two mugs on a tray.

“Uh, sorry. I’ll come back later.”

Libraya lifted her face off of Sakamaru’s chest and tried to regain her composure.

“No that’s fine. We weren’t-doing anything, anyway.”

Takashi raised an eyebrow but dropped the subject. He carried the tray to the sofa and handed them each a mug.

“Hangover cures, I thought you might need them.”

“Thanks.”

039- exhausted

2009-09-23T18:11:34Z

039 Exhausted

Reki x Takashi

Title: death

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 039 Exhausted

Word count: 1,421

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: stuff happens.

A disappointed “aaaaaah” was let out by the crowd as none of the seven fell.

They were hovering in place, the ropes at their necks slack. All crying and shouting fits were ceased temporarily, and the executioner sighed.

“I hate your type. It won’t help, casting enchantments to hold yourselves up. It’s been done before.”

Wolfee snickered.

“Oh no? It’s working quite well actually. See, we’re not dying.” He gave the executioner a dashing smile, which was returned wryly.

“Let’s see if our mage can change that.”

A mage walked up onto the stage and Wolfee gulped.

“Oh dear.”

The man looked bored, as if this wasn’t worth his time. From his robes, he was distinguishable as a mage who had been knighted into the service of the royal family.

“Bother.” Wolfee suddenly looked a bit paler. “They only get knighted if they’re really good. I bet he can break this.”

The mage cast a spell, and Wolfee braced himself for the fall. He was surprised, however, when his enchantment was dispelled and he didn’t fall.

“Aaaah- ahahaha! Haha! See, you couldn’t break it! Take that!”

“No, he broke it, Wolfee.” Libraya sighed. “But all of us cast enchantments at the same time. We’ll drop when he breaks the others.”

Wolfee pouted and glared at the mage. He had already dispelled one more- Sakamaru had cast a spell to making a breeze under their feet for them to stand on.

“Just one more…”

Wolfee looked at the mage in surprise.

“One more? There are six of us! You’ve only gotten rid of two!”

“Yes, but only three of you did anything.”

Wolfee shot accusing glares at his friends.

“Who didn’t cast anything?! It’s your fault if we all die-!”

“Shut UP, Wolfee!” Aries returned his glare with venom. “Reki can’t use magic, and what would I do? I burn things! How would that hold us up?! And Leo- well, I guess he doesn’t give a crap if we die or not.”

“I care very much whether or not I die. There are still women and books in the world. I’m just not so fussed about you.”

“Oh, you little fu-”

“BLEEEEEEEP!”

Aries turned her head and shot Reki an exasperated stare. Reki giggled.

“We’re about to die, and you make a childish joke like that?”

“You should mind your language in front of royalty, Aries. Or they might try and hang you-“

She burst into giggles again and Aries rolled her eyes. The audience was shuffling uncomfortably at the hysterics of the party, unaccustomed to the jovial air surrounding the stage. The mages brows were furrowed in concentration, until finally his eyes lit up.

“I’m ready to get rid of this spell now. A rather unobvious solution…I wasn’t expecting it. But that’s not a problem now.” He grinned, and waved his hand.

The arguments, yelling and laughing were changed into a unanimous cry as the ropes lost their slack and the nooses tightened round their necks.

The crowd watched as all six of the condemned hung still. The muttering and talking died down as the king, queen and prince (Caelet had unlocked the chain binding Takashi’s hands) rose and descended down the staircase that led to the spectator grounds. The crowd parted and the guards around the stage formed a human wall, shielding them from the public. They royalty walked down to where the six motionless prisoners hung, and stood in front of them.

“Let this be a lesson,” the queen addressed the public, “to all the liars and false-facers in the world. We will not tolerate…”

Whilst she was speaking, the executioner cut the ropes. The bodies fell to the floor, one by one. The queen continued speaking over this until Wolfee’s body fell to the ground, and a loud “Ouch!” was heard. She looked back in shock.

“Oh bloody hell Wolfee, that was such a good opportunity as well! We could’ve gotten away if you hadn’t just held out for a liiiitle longer!”

The queen swept over to the holes in the holes in the stage and looked down, to be greeted by six smiling faces. Sakamaru grinned up at her.

“‘Sup, your majesty?”

“…”

“I apologise for our rather lively state, but I don’t really feel like dying yet…”

“Why,” Her voice shaking in anger, “are you still alive?”

“I’d ask your son about that, if I were you dear. Um, I mean, your majesty.”

She shot a sharp look at Takashi, who had been laughing gently. He stopped abruptly.

“Sorry, mother, but i wasn’t about to let you hang them…they’ve done nothing wrong.”

“What did you do?!”

“I made a large root grow under the stage. They were standing on it. Luckily they all figured out what I intended- if they’d reacted, our mage would’ve dispelled it…I suppose he didn’t see any abnormalities, so he didn’t check for more enchantments.”

The mage gulped, knowing that a demotion was coming his way.

“Takashi, this is ridiculous! They’re assassins!”

Takashi chose his words carefully, side-stepping the issue of Reki’s profession.

“None of them want to kill me, mother. Dammit, I swear to you that if you hurt them I will never, ever take the throne.”

The crowd gasped collectively and muttered. Sensing the turmoil, the queen gave her husband a side look. He looked just as worried as she was- Without a solid heir, there were many lords who would try to take over the monarchy.

“Takashi…” the king spoke to his son through gritted teeth. “Take that back, or we’ll have a revolution to deal with.”

“I won’t take back what I mean. Either they get a royal pardon, or I’ll personally make sure that every lord and lady knows that the throne is there for the taking.”

Caelet smiled and closed his eyes.

“Pardon my intrusion into this conversation, milord, milady, but I think the boy might be right this time. I do believe he’s serious. You’d probably be better off securing the safety of the royal family than hanging six unimportant, although thoroughly undesirable citizens.”

By now the whole party had dragged themselves up onto the stage, and were standing in the background, waiting uncomfortably for someone to tell them if they were to live or die. They watched the scene between Takashi and the queen with interest. When she turned to look at them however, they all looked away and pretended they were never looking. She wrinkled her nose in disgust and addressed the crowd.

“These citizens will be questioned for further information and made to prove their innocence. If we still find them guilty, then they hang. That is all.”

Libraya let out a sigh, and felt the others relax. Takashi and Caelet both approached the party.

“Well played, milord. Despite your disinterest for my lessons on political skills, you seem to absorbed some of what I have told you.”

Takashi winked at him, before addressing the six rather exhausted members of the party.

“I’m…sorry. For not telling you, and for…well, this.”

He gestured to the gallows and nooses, and to the executioner, who was muttering about extra pay for all his troubles. Sakamaru grinned and addressed Takashi.

“S’all right, we’re all alive. Your highness.”

“Oh- shut up, Sakamaru! Geez!” Sakamaru’s grin broadened and he laughed. Wolfee and Libraya giggled as well, and Takashi smiled gratefully at them. Leo raised his eyebrows and dropped them in a wry glance, but stayed otherwise expressionless. Takashi didn’t mind, however- he didn’t expect anything else. His glance then slid over to Reki. God, Reki! What was he meant to say to-

Aries clonked him over the head.

“Well, you royal bastard, I hope your happy! I had to sit in a cell thanks to you, AND the noose mussed up my hair. You’d better make this up to us.”

“Yes, yes, I know. The food here’s really good. I bet your hungry, right?”

On cue, Reki’s stomach let out a loud grumble. She blushed, and Takashi laughed. Caelet gestured them off the stage and towards the castle. Takashi fell into step with Reki, and whispered to her.

“I don’t really know what to say to you right now…this evening, meet me on the north turret an hour after sundown? I’ll try to explain then…as well as decide whether or not I can continue travelling with you.”

Reki gave him a slightly shocked, sad look as she took it in that it was by no means certain that he would be able to join them again, before nodding.

038- Exited

2009-02-08T18:33:44Z

038 Exited

Reki x Takashi

Title: Weary

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 038 Exited

Word count: 551

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: there is a distinct lack of plot in this chapter.

The man with the long nose gave them a look as if to announce that they were sick, sick people. He proceeded to stand them all on the barrels that stood beneath the nooses, which proved a hard -yet rather entertaining for the audience- ordeal.

“Nooo! I don’t want to die! This is embarrassing! All the beautiful people in the audience! I want to talk to you all before I goooo-!”

Aries kicked Wolfee lightly in the ankle.

“Worry about that later okay?”

“There isn’t going to be a later! Ooooh, my poor, virgin soul!”

“Virgin? Virgin?! There isn’t a part of you that still has its virginity!”

“Well, I guess that’s true.” Wolfee winked at the girls in the front row again, who giggled in a rather disturbed way.

Leo shot him a glare.

“Will you please shut up? You’re hurting my ears.”

The girls at the front had a few swooning fits over Leo, causing Wolfee to burst into tears.

“Stop stealing the girls!”

“No. Now can it.”

By now, Libraya and Sakamaru were in hysterics, and finding it hard to stand without support, so they were leaning on each other. The crier tried to get them to the barrels, which he managed with great difficulty. They had given up resistance, rendered unable to do anything much by Wolfee’s antics, so instead they just stood on the barrels and laughed together.

Aries was put in place with much swearing and fire, as she tried to incinerate the crier. Unluckily, the crier had the same spell on him as the rope, causing him to get away with only a few minor burns and singed clothing.

Wolfee was shoved on whilst he was rambling about his love and being too young to die. Leo and Reki were the easiest to get into place- Leo stood on it freely, unwilling to let the man touch him. Reki cried a bit, and the crier just shrugged at her before forcing her into place.

“Now,” he announced sounding very worn out and weary, “We will begin.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Lord Takashi, are you feeling well?”

Caelet quizzed the man in the seat next to the king.

“Oh yeah, just fine. What do you think, you bloody fool?!”

Caelet held up his hands in mock surrender. Takashi made to get up and leave, but found that a pair of handcuffs were holding him to his seat. He glared at the ninja, who shrugged and whispered “that’s not going to happen.”

Takashi looked over to the stage, making out a flash of golden hair.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Waaaaah! This isn’t fair!”

Reki pouted and gave the crier an accusing glare, so fierce that he physically backed away. She looked out across the crowd, and into the royalty box. She could see a figure, dressed in the royal colours of white, purple and gold, with long white hair that was tied back. Her expression softened as the truth sunk in, and she sighed his name under her breath.

A figure dressed in a black cloak came onto the platform, earning a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd. He magicked up seven sprites to stand behind the barrels. With a short pause for dramatic tension, He waved his hand. The sprites charged forwards, knocking the barrels from under their feet.

037- Envious

2009-02-06T18:30:44Z

037 Envious

Reki x Takashi

Title: Hysterical

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 037 Envious

Word count: 663

Rating: PG-13

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: Uh...the king and queen are envious of the party’s unbreakable spirit. Sorry for the long period between updates.

“...Five hours? Are you sure you heard that right?”

Wolfee sighed. It was the third time he’d been asked. Or maybe the forth. Time was going slowly in the cramped cells, and his concentration was beginning to fade.

“It was when that lady ordered it. It’s probably only two hours now...”

He pondered his sentence, and corrected himself.

“Uh, I meant the queen...”

Aries laughed wryly.

“Easy mistake to make. She was really rude. I mean hell, we’re citizens! We pay for this ridiculous castle! Damn royalty...”

In the silence that followed, Reki posed a thought.

“Takashi’s a prince, isn’t he?”

An awkward silence ensured, broken by Leo.

“Almost certainly.”

“Oh.”

Nothing more was said, until a happy Caelet walked down the stairs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I have a feeling,” Libraya voiced, “that we may be in a bad situation.”

The party of seven stood on a rough wooden platform, with a hangman’s noose and several barrels. Below them was a wide area, undoubtedly for people to stand and watch from. Far across on the other side of the expanse were four heavy, elegant looking thrones, presumably for any royalty attending. Many guards were standing around the platform with heavy spears pointing at them. The party was tied together with a long rope that was bound their wrists behind them. Libraya, who had ended up in the middle, gave a disheartened sigh as she surveyed their surroundings and situation. She could see little way out of this. None of them were particularly happy with the arrangement. Wolfee and Sakamaru were fidgeting (as best as they could) and trying to think happy, positive thoughts. Aries was muttering as many small fire spells as she could think of, attempting to burn the rope that held them together, which was proving to be annoyingly un-burnable. Reki was quietly contemplating escape routes, trying to ignore the sickening feeling in her stomach that came partially from concern for Takashi, and partially from fear of Leo. Leo himself was the only one looking unfazed by the whole situation, although he was looking increasing less comfortable standing tied next to a restless Wolfee.

The grounds began filling with people, who stared, laughed and pointed at them. For the most part, the audience was ignored, other than a few last-ditch attempts at flirting by Wolfee, which didn’t go considerably well, undoubtedly due to the fact that he was a man on death-row.

“Aaaw damn! The blonde in the front row is hot! Of all the times to die...”

Aries gave him a wry stare.

“Yes, of all the times to die, now seems like a pretty bad one. We aren’t going down without a fight though, right...?”

“Mmmm....” Wolfee was undecided. “I don’t see how we can get out of this really...”

Aries grinned.

“Then let’s be the worst condemned criminals they’ve ever had. If I’m going to die, I want to really piss them off first.”

When the stadium was full, a man with a long nose and an obnoxious voice announced the presence of the king and queen. This gained cheers from the crowd, although they quickly died away as the ‘criminals’ began booing and laughing. The crowd unanimously agreed that they were mad.

Aries was smiling. If she couldn’t escape, she was going to make their lives hell in her last few moments. She was glad the others agreed with her.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the opposite side of the viewing area, the king and queen were staring. Caelet stood next to them, his eyebrows knotted and a confused, incredulous smile adorned his face.

“Behaviour like that alone gets you a death sentence...although they are already condemned, hmm?”

The royalty didn’t respond to his jibe. They were too busy staring at the six, laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. Even Leo had a rare, amused smile on his face as the crowd stared in disgust and amusement.

Despite the impending doom heading their way...they were brave or stupid.

036- enthralled

2008-10-10T19:11:05Z

036 Enthralled

Reki x Takashi

Title: Foreboding

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 036 Enthralled

Word count: 1, 066

Rating: PG-13 (because of Aries’ mouth =_=)

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: uh...stuff happens. Royalty appear. Takashi acts like a girl. Title refers to them being rather enthralled by the king and queen. (I also believe that Leo was enthralled by their very expensive, shiny clothes XD)

Reki sat sucking her lollipop happily, momentarily forgetting the aching of her wrists. She pondered the situation.

Takashi...was defiantly not a normal person. Caelet had constantly referred to him as “lord”. Caelet wore the royal emblem. Therefore, it was logical to assume that Takashi was...

Although, she was sure that was impossible. There was no stuck-up princely swagger in his movements, no commanding other people to do things. Then again, he had often talked about his parents being rich and having plenty of land and money. The question was precisely how rich they were.

She was trying hard to ignore the second question floating through her mind. The voice in her head was not so forgiving.

He left you.

He knew he would have to leave.

He led you on.

Reki noticed a slight twitch from Leo’s cell. She quickly blocked the voice from her mind. He couldn’t hear her thoughts. It was impossible. It was a coincidence.

You’re an assassin, you fool. You don’t believe in coincidences.

Leo was looking straight at her. She used every ounce of self control she had, and didn’t so much as blink. She was very glad when Leo looked away. She noticed that the lollipop was nearly gone now. She had forgotten to savour it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An hour passed, then two, until they heard footsteps again. Caelet proceeded down the stairs, and with a slightly less obnoxious manner, addressed them.

“Oh subjects of Multi, to determine the true nature of your plans, you have the honour of meeting the king and queen. Be polite. Bow. Say nothing unnecessary-” he gave Aries a pointed look “-and remember your lives are in their hands. Presenting her Royal Majesty Queen Elianna III and his Royal Highness King Melchior.”

The party watched, stunned, as two figures with flowing robes descended down the staircase.

“Holy shit.” Aries muttered under her breath. “You are joking.”

They looked up at the king and queen of Multi. Sakamaru was the first to get over the initial shock, and remembering his manners, bowed his head to the floor. The others quickly followed suit, excluding Leo (who managed to escape by being so silent that no one noticed him) and Reki, who tried her best with her hands tied to the bars, ending up in a sort of awkward half-bow.

The king and queen nodded at the respectful gestures, and sighed almost simultaneously.

“Citizens of Multi...your names, if you please.”

They gave their names, more subdued than they had ever been. Leo’s court response raised a few eyebrows, although nothing was said.

“Thank you. We’d like to hear your story, if you don’t mind.”

No one immediately pitched in, so Aries took a lead. She told the king and queen the same thing she had told Caelet. When she finished, the two regal leaders looked at each other. The queen spoke first.

“...I see. Deal with them appropriately, Caelet.”

Caelet’s feature formed into a mild, humorous confusion.

“Is that deal with them in a good way or a bad way, Milady?”

She scoffed.

“The bad way of course. No noble would associate with idiocy like this. Lie down with the dogs and wake up with fleas, and I sincerely doubt that even Takashi is that stupid.”

Aries’ features were twisted, holding back from contorting to anger. The others looked on in disbelief, unable to comprehend the queen’s words. Leo wasn’t even listening, staring uninterestedly at the nobility. Caelet shrugged.

“If you say so, your majesty.”

The king murmured something quietly to Caelet, before proceeding up the stairs. The queen followed, without a backwards glance to the prisoners.

“Well!” Caelet cried cheerily. “That didn’t go well at all, did it? I know how lord Takashi is, and that he’d associate with riff-raff like you any day!”

“Che!” Aries stared at Caelet with unadulterated loathing. “You don’t know squat about Takashi.”

“Hmmm? Despite having known him for thirty times as long as you and more? Don’t bother answering that,” he said as Aries opened her mouth, “I need to go and prepare for your most unfortunate fate.”

He swept up the stairs, silent as ever, and Aries yelled abuse after him. She didn’t get a reply.

“That bloody little bastard! I’m going to burn him when I get out of this cell!”

“Uh huh?” Reki was smirking.

“Yes! What’s with that face?”

“You defended Taki’s honour, Ari-chan!”

“Bollocks. I just wanted to piss him off.”

“Didn’t go very well...” Wolfee pitched in, a half-worried smile on his face.

“Shut up Wolfee. Anyway, how long d’you reckon before we can get out of here and give him a kick in the jingles?”

“Uh...You know when his majesty whispered something to Caelet...”

Aries nodded.

“Well...my oh-so-amazing super hearing picked it up.”

Aries nodded again.

“And uh...we’re getting the chop in five hours.”

They looked at him blankly.

“We’re getting executed.”

Reki screamed, in a very un-ladylike fashion. Aries threw herself at the bars and clamped a hand over Reki’s mouth.

“Shut up! I don’t want to spend my last five hours listening to that royally screwed up ninja!”

“But Aries!” Reki whined. Aries produced another lollipop from her little black bag, placing it in Reki’s mouth. Reki bit into it like it was a lifeline.

“Anyway, it’ll take more than a few walls and guards to kill you Reki.”

“But even if we do all escape...We wont have Takashi with us, which is why we’re here anyway, plus the entire royal guard will be after us!”

“Good riddance to bad rubbish, and we’re quite good at hiding, unless we’ve lost our touch. We aren’t dead by any means.”

“No, just confined...”

“Meh. We could leave Multi. There are many other continents.”

“I don’t want to leave Multi for good! I don’t want to be an outcast!”

The others empathised.

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Takashi lay on the floor in the palace kitchens, behind one of the many units. The kitchen were directly above the dungeons, and from this particular space, he could just about hear what was being said. The glamour on his hair had been removed the second he had stepped into the palace, and his bright white hair was now spread across the floor. He heard the kitchen door open, and held his breath. He knew it’d be Caelet looking for him, but he didn’t want to be found. Princes weren’t supposed to cry.

035 Enraged

2008-09-23T18:51:31Z

034 Enraged

Reki x Takashi

Title: Touché

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 035 Enraged

Word count: 1,747

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: Refers to all of them in a slight way, but mostly Leo and Aries.

Sakamaru sat up. The floor was hard, and it took him a moment to remember what had happened. His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to work out what they’d done to incur the wraith of the palace guards. Unable to figure it out, he shuffled over to the side of the cell, looking through the bars. It was dark, and he quickly realised that he wasn’t going to find anything out at all. In a last-ditch attempt, he peered into the lock, prodding it gently.

“...It won’t do you any good.”

Sakamaru looked around for the source of the voice, before remembering that he couldn’t see anything outside his own cell.

“Uh...” His head felt groggy from the drug. “Who-”

“Leo.” He cut him off sharply.

“Oh! Right, yeah...are the others here as well?”

“Yes.”

“Where are we? Are we in the royal-”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” He gave up the idea of a conversation and slumped against the bars. He could already feel himself fidgeting. Sitting still wasn’t his style.

“Hello?”

Sakamaru’s face lit up at the thought of another person with whom he could converse.

“Hey! It’s me, Sakamaru if you were wondering, and Leo’s awake too, which one are you?”

“That’s quite rude you know. You should pay more attention when a lady speaks to you.”

“Ah, Aries.”

“Don’t sound so disappointed, you lout. Anyway, that isn’t important. What’s important is why the hell we’re sitting in prison cells.”

Leo’s voice floated over from the corner.

“It would seem that Takashi is more than a travelling mercenary, as he told us... by mentioning that you wanted to -what was it?- kick the shit out of him, I believe you led the guards to assume you were some kind of assassin.”

“Oh, shut up, smartass. How was I meant to know?”

“...If you were more feminine and ladylike about the whole thing...”

Sakamaru heard a hiss come from Aries’ cell. He felt that an argument between the two would be bad in this situation (namely because they were the only people he could talk to!) and decided to butt in.

“Anyway, we are here, so no point worrying about it now! More importantly, are the others all here? We should figure out who’s where...”

Leo let out a small “Mmmm...” and stopped talking. Aries calmed down a bit and agreed, before pointing out that no one else was awake. Luckily, as she said it, they heard more shuffling.

“Great, who is it?”

“Aries? It’s Libraya.”

“Libraya!”

“Sakamaru?”

“Aries, Libraya and Sakamaru?”

“Hmm, someone else?”

“It’s your favouritist little furry friend, Libraya~!”

“Now’s not the time for that, Wolfee.”

“Are you jealous Aries?”

“Hell no-!”

Although no one could see it, Leo had his head in his hands.

“Will all of you please shut up?”

Silence fell across the cold cells.

“Thank you.”

Sakamaru sighed. He had enjoyed the confused conversations- they almost made him forget he was locked in a small, dirty cell. He racked his brains for something useful to say, so he could have a conversation that wouldn’t be terminated. It hit him after about five minutes.

“Where’s Reki?”

“Uh-”

“Don’t worry, I’m here.”

“You’re being awfully quiet, Reki. How long have you been conscious?”

“About ten minutes before you were.”

“Ooooh. Were you picking the locks to the cells to get us all out?”

“No, my hands are tied to the bars. And they took my lockpicks.”

She sounded hurt as she mentioned her lockpicks. Sakamaru’s brief hopes dissipitated. He doubted anyone could get them out if Reki couldn’t.

Maybe?

“Hey, Leo.”

“What?” He sounded annoyed.

“Can’t you get us out of here?”

“Of course I can.”

“What? Really?!”

“Yes.”

A long silence followed.

“...Are you going to then?”

“No.”

“Might I be as bold as to ask why?”

“If we stay here, someone will come and talk to us. They might tell us about Takashi. If we leave, we’ll be classed as fugitives and be unable to explore freely. Plus, I have no doubt they’ll be able to drug you all again. They seem to have a rather good ninja on their side.”

“And why didn’t you include yourself in that sentence?” Aries cynical voice crept over from opposite Leo’s cell.

“Because they didn’t knock me out. I figured it out and came quietly.”

“WHAT? You LET them bring you here? Do you like being lock up in small cramped spaces with no freedom? Yah weird-”

Wolfee’s super hearing picked up a sharp intake of breath from Leo’s cell. He heard the venom slicing the air in Leo’s curt tone as he replied to her.

“It’s best this way.”

Aries gave up, lacking the energy to carry the fight on, oblivious to Leo’s moment of edginess.

Sakamaru was almost glad to hear the sound of a person descending to the dungeon. It broke the goddamn silence that kept filling the air. They echoed down the stairs and into the corridor. They stopped where Sakamaru estimated was the middle of the narrow corridor. He had enough sense to know that the darkness outside his own cell was magic, and he understood why it was there. It was unnerving as hell knowing there was someone looking at you and not being able to see them at all. The person’s identity was revealed as he spoke, the soft, commanding voice ringing in the silence of the cells.

“Assassins? I can’t believe that. Assassins are silent, and you’re the loudest people I’ve ever met.”

Aries was in a bad mood. Her voice was growing steadily louder every time she spoke a word.

“Of course we’re not freaking assassins! We just came here looking for a stupid man who ran off on us without leaving a note and came to drag him off again!”

“And what was the name of this man?”

“Takashi.”

“And his second name?”

“That-”

Aries stopped and tried to recall it.

“Reki, what was it?”

A small pause followed.

“He never told us.”

“Che. At least that proves your no assassins. If you were, I would worry for the future.”

“Are you mocking us, you faceless ba-”

Aries was cut off as a light filled the room. They all shielded their eyes at the sudden burst of light. Sakamaru noted happily that he could now see all the other occupants of the cells, as well as the tall man in the centre of the corridor. He was wearing a deep purple cape with the royal emblem on it, and had a deep voice that was both cheerful and sarcastic.

“If I wasn’t, I’d be announcing your execution date. Still...I’d like to know precisely what your connection to Lord Takashi is.”

“I told you! We were travelling with him and he ran off!”

“Travelling with him? Where to? When did you meet him? Where was he?”

“Why the hell does it matter to you?”

“I am... his carer, of sorts. He’s been causing me problems this past year, running off so suddenly. And right after I’d nearly finished teaching him the cultural history of Hallohel as well.”

The man sighed, then turned sharply to Aries.

“No mind. Answer my questions.”

Aries glared at him. He smiled back at her in what could be taken for a courteous smile, if not for the corners of his mouth that were turned up into a smirk as he spoke, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Please.”

Aries turned away from him, refusing to answer such a discourteous man. He turned instead to the others, raising an eyebrow in hope that one of them would answer him. Libraya shrugged, knowing no good would come from ignoring him.

“Reki and Aries met him near yellow town, about four span ago. Uh...we never talked about what he did before that. The rest of us joined the party after Takashi...and we were just wandering around without a direction.”

“Great, I know where he was for four span. What about the other 48 span? I’m going to grill that man...”

“Oh, so your allowed to grill him but we’re not? Why don’t you come join us in one of the damn cells?”

He raised an eyebrow at Aries.

“Oooh, touché.”

He looked like he was about to say something else, but stopped, tipping his head slightly to the left. Reki had done the same- she was staring intently at the staircase. Leo had noticed too, although he showed no signs of recognition.

“Ah, alas. It looks like I’ll have to leave you for a few minutes. I’ll be back soon. Be good while I’m away.”

He turned and left, disappearing up the staircase deftly and silently, his purple cloak swirling around his figure.

“Why’d he go?” Aries queried, to no one in particular. Reki made a particular sound half way between a squee and a moan.

“Someone was about to come down the stairs. I forgot to ask him to take the chains off! And I’m hungry! And my feet are cold.” Reki wiggled her toes to prove her point. Aries half smiled, half sighed at her friend, before reaching into her bag.

“Why did they leave our bags? We could have stuff in them...”

“They searched before you woke up, and took anything that seemed harmful.” Just a tiny bit, he was enjoying Aries’ inability to do anything. He wasn’t sadistic, but she seemed to get to him in a way that no one else did. She put a minuscule scratch on his steel demeanour, which was far more than most people could even hope for.

“Gee, thanks for that. Like I cared. At least they left this.”

Aries pulled out a small black bag from her pack. The others looked at her curiously.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Aries held out a hand, and the party stopped walking.

“Half a minute, I need to go get something from that shop. Be right back.”

They watched her walking off, shrugged and carried on talking, waiting for her to come back. She was only gone for about 10 minutes, before she came wandering back, a small, black bag in her hand.

“Ari-chan! What did you buy?”

Aries smiled.

“You’ll find out later, probably...”

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

They watched in suspense as Aries opened the bag. Watched again as Aries pulled something out. Kept watching as she walked over to the side of her cell, where Reki’s cell met hers. Watched as she stuck her arm through the bar, and as Reki smiled delightedly.

“Lollipop!”

The sound of exhaling was audible.

Aquiriusine travel guide part 3

2008-08-31T15:17:48Z

Village green:

Not technically a village or town, just a large expanse of fields where the lower classes of blue town and rainbow city work. Fairs and the like are held there, as its fairly easy to get to from any of the surrounding cities south of Navy village.

Rainbow city:

The capital of multi. Directly in the centre of multi, it trades with all the cities in the region. Any merchants trading from the northern mountain regions will deliver to multi, although not many do, as they prefer to trade within the range and avoid the short path through the black region. Absolutely huge, it sells just about everything and anything if you know where to look for it. There is a central road that leads the whole way through the city, where direct traffic passes through.

Pink town:

A small town on the outskirts of rainbow city. The town is famous for its cemetery, where pink flowers are laid on the graves. When viewed from the surrounding hills, the flowers make a wash of pink. The residents are very superstitious, and have many legends regarding ghosts and other phantoms.

Eldorado gold:

Like the village green, it isn’t technically a city. A giant casino, where the rich gather to gamble away their money. Continently placed between Rainbow city and Lilly city (the two wealthiest cities in the region), the poorer people in multi tend to avoid it, with bitter feelings for the fruitless wasting of money. As of such, it’s gained a reputation of wealth and power.

034- energetic

2008-08-31T15:00:06Z

034 Energetic

Reki x Takashi

Title: Arrest

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 034 Energetic

Word count: 704

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: They’ve gotten shorter again =/ Oh my, the wonder and suspense! I bet no one can figure out what’s going on...it’s not obvious in the least! (=_=;)

Reki sat up and looked around. She crawled over to Aries and shook her awake. Aries sat up and groaned, her back clicking as she rose.

“Ari-chan, Takashi’s gone missing again...”

“There’s probably a note tacked to a flower or something...go find it, I’m tired...”

She looked around, carefully moving through the grass without making a sound. It didn’t take her long to fully explore the vicinity however; a giant field doesn’t provide many hiding places. She returned to Aries’ side, staring keenly at Aries, who sighed and accepted her fate.

“It’s fine, he’ll come back. He probably went ahead to greet his parents, and talk to hid friends before we came.”

Reki shrugged, wondering if she was over-reacting. She would scold him when he got back. The others awoke and were informed of the situation. Like Aries, they brushed it aside casually without worrying.

On the basis that he would almost definatley be in town, they took the 30 minute walk down the hill after eating a quick breakfast. The town was fairly large, positioned so the shadow of the castle only fell on the town at dusk. The houses were made with plaster and wood, a sure sign of wealth compared to the crudely built stone and wood houses of the surrounding towns. They took a street at random, wandering in the general direction of the castle. After searching without success for three hours, Libraya managed to talk some sense into Aries, encouraging her to ask someone if they’d seen him (Aries had previously refused, not wanting to look like a concerned comrade). Aries was grudgingly pushed towards one of the townsfolk, a young woman with a child.

“Why do I have to do this? Why cant you or Sakamaru or Wolfee just- oh, for the love of...excuse me!”

The woman looked around, slightly confused as to whether or not the red head was addressing her.

“Uh...have you seen a man with long white hair...or is it still black...? Uh, around here.”

“Um...might you be referring to lord Takashi? Why...why do you want to see him...?”

“Why, so I can beat the bloody shit out of him-”

She was cut off when one of the palace guards grabbed her hands.

“Hey! That’s assault you know, I-”

“Take the rest too, they could be accomplices!”

A short, energetic struggle broke out in the middle of the street, with many curious onlookers. They managed to fend off the blows, but realised the real danger too late. Reki cried out for the others to block their noses and mouths, but even as she spoke she could feel the smoke filling her lungs. She looked up to see a man standing in front of them, empty shells in his hands. Goddamn sleep bombs. She vaguely heard the man speak before she hit the floor, head spinning.

“Make sure you tie that ones hands up, she has lockpicks...”

“Certainly, sir Caelet.”

“Oh? What’s this?”

The majority of the party now lay on the ground unconscious. Leo was the only one remaining, unfazed by the smoke billowing around him.

“Not going down without a fight, hmm? Although I would like to know how you avoided my trap...”

Leo spat on the ground next to the man. He raised an eyebrow with a slightly amused look, and laughed as soon as he figured it out.

“Elder leaf...very good. Stopped the gas ever getting into your lungs, I’m impressed. A little disappointed that that one didn’t do it too.” He nudged Reki’s still body with his foot. “This will be interesting...”

“...I have no intention of fighting you...”

“Oh? You’ll come quietly?”

“I will, provided you and your men keep their dirty hands off me.”

“Touchy, touchy. I’ll comply, although I’ll have to bind your hands.”

A roped twisted itself out of midair and around Leo’s wrists. His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t fight.

“Not that it’ll do any good...” He muttered under his breath, whilst indicating to the soldiers to pick up the limp forms on the ground. He turned, motioning for Leo to follow. With that, he and the remaining guards marched through a small door in the palace wall, taking the party down into the palace dungeons.

033- Enamored

2008-08-30T16:53:08Z

033 Enamored

Reki x Takashi

Title: U-bend

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 033 Enamored

Word count: 967

Rating: PG-12

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: major journey skipping O_o sorry it took so long for the update >_<

Reki and Takashi had met the others in the lobby (with five minutes to spare, no less) and spent the rest of the day being teased by the others about their new-found love for each other. Takashi felt a distinct twinge of guilt every time someone made a comment about him and Reki. The feeling only increased as they were leaving the casino.

“Aaaaw, why do customers always get the hot girls? And I thought I had a chance with you, too!”

“Eh? Really? You did?”

Bobin looked at Reki sadly.

“Uh huh. And I never did find out how the hell you were so good at cards...”

“A good magician never reveals his secrets! And nor does a good card player.”

“Shame. I could’ve left this place after becoming rich at poker. Gone to see the world, you know...”

Wolfee looked at Aries, who was busy trying to avoid talking to Bobin (He was just too outgoing for her tastes) and at Leo, who although not saying anything out loud, was obviously longing to get away as soon as possible. A short argument played through his mind, battling out his two points of view. It didn’t take him long to reach a conclusion.

“Hey Bobin, why don’t you join our party?”

He let out an “eep!” as he looked at Aries and Leo, who both giving him what looked scarily like a now-that-you’ve-said-that-i-want-to-rip-your-eyeballs-out-of-their-sockets-and-mall-you-to-death-with-a-blunt-pole sort of look. Bobin somehow managed to avoid the venomous glares, and smiled happily at Wolfee.

“Hah, It’d be really fun with you guys! But...If I was travelling around...I wouldn’t... be able...to gamble...”

They all stared at him curiously, politely keeping their mouths shut. For about three seconds, until Aries pitched the statement at him that they all had running through their heads.

“You’re addicted.”

“What? No! ‘Course not! Slander and lies! I could stop anytime I wanted to! I just... don’t want to.”

“Fool...” Leo muttered under his breath, casting a wary glance at the casino doors. “Bloody fool...”

Fortunately, no one heard him.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With that, the party left, furiously embarrassed as Bobin screamed things like “I’ll miss you!” and “don’t get her pregnant, Takashi-san!” from the doorway, causing people to stare at them. They returned to rainbow city, avoiding pink town in a unanimous decision that they didn’t want to be slated again.

When they arrived, they rented out another three rooms above the brown bottle inn, dumped their luggage and left to explore town, only this time, with an abundance of gold in their pockets. They stocked up on essentials and the non essentials, with Aries keeping a sharp eye on everyone to try and stop them spending unnecessary money. They collapsed in the evening, worn out by an over-energetic Wolfee and hyper-active Reki.

They decided to stay in Rainbow city for another day, so they could all get their individual shopping done and relax a bit. Takashi invited Reki out for the day, and they spent their time shopping and drinking, eventually collapsing outside the inn in the evening, where they lay for nearly three hours until Libraya opened a window to let some air in.

Leo had wandered off before any of them were even awake, so Aries and Wolfee decided to spend the day trying to find him. They found him sitting in a gloomy looking tower on the outskirts of the city at mid-afternoon, reading a thick black tome. They spent the rest of the day annoying him, Aries happily playing along with Wolfee’s tricks to see Leo cringe. Somehow, after nearly three hours of infuriating noises, jokes and banter, Leo managed to loose them again. They continued looking for him, but with no success. They returned to the inn first and fell asleep early. Neither of them noticed Leo sneaking in later.

Libraya and Sakamaru had planned to spend the day shopping, but over-estimated their list of things to do, and spent half the day slightly outside the city, in a small forest. Sakamaru was helping Libraya cut branched from the trees and make them into arrows. They arrived an hour after Aries and Wolfee, and collapsed as soon as they reached their beds.

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The afternoon came and went. They were all reluctant to leave Rainbow city, with its magnificent buildings and bright occupants, but decided to journey on. It took them the rest of the day to cross the grassy fields that lead to Lilly city. They stopped on the last hill before the city, not bothering to set up camp. The weather was warm- tents and bed rolls would only serve for discomfort. Leo, Wolfee, Aries, Libraya and Sakamaru all fell asleep, leaving Takashi and Reki leaning against each other as they stared out over the city. After a few minutes of silence, Reki spoke up.

“Aaaah...the castle is so big!”

“I suppose it is, though it looks even bigger from the ground.”

“Hee! It’s also really pretty, don’t you think?”

“Not as pretty as the stars, or maybe you.” Takashi winked at her.

They carried on talking late into the night, enamored at the sight of the castle lit by soft torches, until Reki eventually dozed off. Takashi smiled, ruffled her hair and kissed her. Quietly as he could, he grabbed his bags and slid his travelling cloak over his shoulders. He took one last look at his companions and shook his head with a sigh.

“...Takashi.”

Takashi turned around, he spotting the figure that had come over the horizon. He addressed the man softly, not wanting to wake the others.

“...Caelet. It’s been too long. How’d you know I was arriving today?”

“That’s my job, sir.”

“’Course.”

The man turned and began to walk.

Takashi followed him into the night, holding back the urge to turn around and run.

032- Embarrassed

2008-07-02T19:52:32Z

032 Embarrassed

Reki x Takashi

Title: Doors

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 032 Embarrassed

Word count: 1,608

Rating: PG-12

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: In which Libraya gets hit in the face multiple times, and Reki and Takashi are caught red handed.

Libraya tip-toed along the corridor. It wasn’t early morning anymore, but most of the hotel residents had yet to wake up. They were lazy, she thought, as she almost tripped into a large gold flower vase, only just managing to adjust her footing as she slipped. They lay in bed all morning, ordered room service in the afternoon, did nothing for the remainder of the day, until evening, at which point they got up and gambled their money away. She far preferred being up and out, doing something constructive with her time.

Apparently, no one else shared her view.

The end of the corridor hailed yet another challenge. Past that corridor was yet another corridor, but this one was smaller, and much to her distress, filled with various objects, including brooms, mops, towels and trolleys. She eyed it with malice, before carefully making her way down. She was about halfway through, stepping around a loaded trolley, when the door next to her was flung open, hitting her in the face and sending her reeling backwards. She hit the floor with an audible thump.

“Oh, sorry! I keep doing that to people, you know! This corridor’s just too narrow, they were talking about extending it, by they never got round to it, you know what people are like when it comes to spending money, especially here, they just save their millions and never spend it on things that matter like corridors and things! So yeah, I’m really sorry!”

“...And good morning to you too, Bobin.”

Bobin had his hand outstretched, his perfectly combed hair in place and a wide smile on his face. Libraya took it, a little grudgingly, and pulled herself up (with some difficulty, due to the amount of cleaning stuff on the floor). She stepped past his trolley, and continued up the corridor. Only a few seconds later, before she could move, another door sprung open in front of her, again hitting her in the face.

“Oh- shit, did I hit someone?! I’m so sorry!”

Sakamaru poked his head around the door, and on seeing Libraya, hastily moved out of its range, shut the door and gave her a hug.

“Didn’t mean to, it’s these corridors, their so narrow! I keep forgetting to open doors slowly...”

“It’s alright, it seems to be a common mistake...”

“Eh?”

“I got hit by Bobin a minute ago. Anyway, never mind that. I’m just glad someone else is awake. This place is really nice and relaxing, but there isn’t anything to do until the evening.”

Sakamaru ogled at her.

“You didn’t read the leaflet in the room did you?”

“No...but there’s the casino, and the lodgings. There’s not much to see.”

“Oh-! Nope, there’s way more! There are bars, restaurants, shops and a swimming pool past the casino.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh.”

“Shall we go then?”

“Eh?”

“I’m bored, I want something to do, so let’s go and see them.”

“Uh...” he shrugged. “Why not. Shall we get the others up too?”

“Yeah, we can explore together.” They started off down the corridor together, heading towards the next corridor where Wolfee and Leo were suited. Libraya squished the slight disappointment that she wouldn’t be alone with Sakamaru, reassuring herself with the fact that they were all a group now, and they would do things together. It would be weird otherwise. Of course.

Wolfee and Leo joined the fray and they headed towards Aries’ room. Leo had already been up, drinking hotel room tea and eating hobnobs, reading a black covered leather book in the armchair by the bed. His sheets were already neatly folded, and no sign of mess graced the floor. Wolfee however, had been less animated. They had opened his door to find him sprawled across his bed, the many pillows spread around him and the duvet half falling off the bed. They shook him awake (to which he rolled over and mumbled) and told him that Leo was already up, and they were going to get Aries. He had leapt out of bed and gotten dressed in about three minutes flat.

They had continued to the next corridor, and Libraya was about to open the door, when Aries threw it open from the inside, causing Libraya to reel back for the third time that day. Aries apologised, and they went on to Reki’s room.

They opened the door and looked around. The sheets had been disturbed, but there was no sign of Reki. Wolfee observed the pile of clothes thrown on the floor by her bed and said,

“Do you reckon she’s gone out...sneaking? Ninja-ing? Exploring?”

Aries raised an eyebrow at him.

“In her pyjamas?”

“Well maybe she’s wearing her change of clothes! Or that dress from yesterday!”

Aries pointed to the wardrobe. One of the doors was slid back, revealing the said outfits.

“..Or not...”

“Maybe she’s with Takashi.” Sakamaru chimed in. “Those two are kind of cosy, so they might not mind being in pyjamas together, you know?”

“You might be right, Sakamaru. Let’s go find Takashi.” Aries turned, and led the others out of the room.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It took them approximately five minutes to reach Takashi’s suite- they had to retrace their steps, passed Bobin again, and head the opposite way down the corridor. Wolfee had a feeling he should know something about Reki, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It had something to do with Takashi...he wondered what it was.

They reached Takashi’s room. Wolfee pulled open the door, and remembered.

He shut the door quickly.

“Wolfee?” Libraya queried. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” Wolfee put on a happy smile. “Nothing at all! Say, let’s go without Takashi! I’m sure Reki will turn up sooner or later! C’mon! Lalala!”

“Wolfee.”

“Yes, Aries m’dear?”

“You’re blatantly obvious. Open the door.”

“No! I’m not- I just-”

“If there’s nothing wrong, open the door.”

“I-Aaaah, I’m sorry, I tried!”

Libraya had already pushed past him and flicked the door handle down.

She stared into the room, with Sakamaru staring over her shoulder.

She shut the door.

“Oh, holy-! Will someone just open the goddamn door and keep it open?”

“Uh...Open it if you must, Aries...”

Aries looked at them all curiously, wondering why they were all avoiding her eyes. She pushed on the door handle, and the door clicked open.

The sight greeted her, along with a wave of shock.

Reki was lying on her side, with her head resting on Takashi’s chest. He had his arms round her, his long hair spilling messily across the pillows. She was glad to note that they were both pyjama-clad, and also briefly noted that Reki’s hands, resting on Takashi’s torso, were still covered with her fingerless green gloves. She glanced around the room, and muttered gently under her breath so quietly that everyone missed it, other than Wolfee with his super-hearing.

“He had better treat her well...”

Wolfee smiled. He was glad she wasn’t too freaked out.

“Um...” Libraya poked Aries gently from behind. “Shouldn’t we leave?”

“Yeah, I think we should.”

They started creeping slowly away, when Reki rolled over, and opened her eyes sleepily.

“Nnnnnnn... Nnnn- Nnnnn?”

Reki stared at them.

They stared at Reki.

“Good morning everyone!”

They ogled at her.

“What? What-Oh!”

Reki blushed profusely, and shook Takashi’s shoulder.

“Taki-taki-taki! Wake up!”

“Uh....oh, Reki?”

“Yeah, Takashi, everyone just-”

“Ssssh.” He covered her lips with a finger. “Never mind the others, let’s just spend the morning in bed...” He winked at her.

Aries coughed pointedly. Takashi looked at her, and his mouth formed an O. He felt impending doom flicking at the edge of his vision. Aries raised an eyebrow at him.

“Aries! Um! Me and Reki were...not doing anything at all.” He finished lamely.

Aries walked over to the bed, and Takashi shrank back slightly.

“Now Aries, let’s be rational...”

She raised her foot, and kicked him twice in the head (Libraya subconsciously raised a hand to her head in empathy). Takashi’s head hit the pillow with a soft thud, and Aries grinned.

“One for perving on her. One for denying being with her. That is all. Congratulations.”

Reki’s worried expression chanced into one of joy.

“ARI-CHAN!”

Aries nearly lost her balance from the force of Reki’s hug. She glanced down at a rather embarrassed Takashi.

“Shame, you could’ve done better.”

“Oi! Even if I shall never be worthy of such a beauteous maiden, I’ll make her happy!”

“You’d better!” she laughed. “You have half an hour. Then I want you both in the foyer, ready to explore. Your time starts now.”

She turned at walked out of the room. Wolfee gave Takashi a wink and followed her, and the others trailed on. Takashi watched as the door shut.

“She took that remarkably well, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, she only kicked you twice.”

“Indeed.”

“She doesn’t hate you, you know.”

“Mmmm...really?”

“Yes. You just annoy her.”

“Is that better?”

“Slightly. It’s probably because Aries wants to be strong, and you’re such a girly man.”

“Excuse me?”

Reki giggled.

“You flinch at dead things and the like. Because of that, you don’t often help with the cooking...which probably accounts for something too.”

“I’m sorry! I just...all my life, I had things done for me. I never learnt stuff like that. I’m a really bad cook.” He smiled.

“Oh well. I like cooking, so we’ll be alright! Let’s make a team! Yay!”

“Yeah.”

She smiled, kissed him (he blushed profusely- he didn’t remember much of last night...this was new to him) and snuggled up to him, her arms round his waist. He rested his head on her hair and closed his eyes.

Dear god, what had he done?

031- Ecstatic

2008-06-19T21:04:51Z

031 Ecstatic

Reki x Takashi

Title: Lucky

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 031 Ecstatic

Word count: 3,127

Rating: PG-12

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: MOOHAHAHAHAHA! That’s all I have to say =) (dear god, these chapters are getting longer and longer!)

“Ari-chan, Ari-chan, which one should I chooooose~? You’ve got to pick a good machine or else we might just looooooooooose~!”

Aries hit her round the head.

“Shut up Reki, people are staring!”

Reki giggled at Aries’ sheer blindness to male attention, for all the people who were staring were men, ogling out the two girls.

“So hurry and choose a machine Ari-chan!”

Then, as an afterthought added-

“And do it as fast as you can~”

“That one.”

Aries pointed to one of the golden slot machines in the third isle. Reki smiled and ran towards it, rubbing her head to cancel out the pain of Aries’ second whack. Aries followed her, grabbing a stool from one of the adjacent slot machines. Reki was glaring at the machine intensely.

“Reki, stop trying to unnerve the machine, it’s not alive.”

“I know. It just seems like a good thing to do before you play, you know...?”

She smiled, and the man on the machine next to her whistled. He shot her a sideways grin, which Reki returned with a giggle. Aries was about to stand up, when Reki shot out a hand and pushed her back into her seat.

“Don’t get us kicked out! And give me the money, the money!”

Aries sighed and dug in her pockets. She handed the small pile of gold coins over to Reki, who dropped them into the dish that caught coins as they fell from the machine. The man who had whistled looked into their tray, and snorted.

“Yuh think your gonna make anything from that? I’d save it if I were yuh, and buy yuhself a blanket!”

“Oh, is that so? How much did you start off with?”

The man smiled proudly.

“8,000 gold.”

“Yeah?” Aries peered into his tray. “Looks like you’ve got even less than us, now.”

“Yeah, yeah, right-”

The man stopped and peered into his tray. Only about 300 coins remained. He swore and shovelled his change into his pockets and walked off, muttering.

“Aaaaw, poor man...”

Aries shot Reki a disgusted glare, but Reki just continued.

“He couldn’t have won, his machine was rigged...”

“Really? You can tell by looking?”

“Uh huh. Watch carefully, count the number of 7’s that go by on this machine.”

Reki picked up a coin and slotted it into her machine. The machine flashed, and the wheels began to turn. As the wheels began to slow, Aries counted the red sevens that flashed behind the screen. The wheels stopped (no winnings at all) and Aries declared her answer.

“Three.”

“Yes, they’re the jackpot numbers, so there should always be three of them. Now watch this one.”

Reki leaned over and poked a coin into the machine next to them. Again, Aries counted as the wheels slowed.

“There...were only two.”

“Yup. It’s the same for all the high symbols on that one. The highest you could win in one payout is...” she consulted the payout chart above the machine, “1,000 gold. And that’s if you’re lucky.”

“Holy crap, casino people are mean! Wait, we didn’t get a rigged machine did we?!”

“Nah, you picked a good one. Thank you, Ari-chan!”

Aries grinned.

“Shall we make a fortune then?”

“Oh yes, lets!”

Reki pressed another coin into her machine.

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“Alright, we’ll take numbers that have 3’s in them!”

“Is that even a bet...?”

“It is now. Sakamaru, you pitch the ball!”

“Sure.”

The little silver ball whizzed round the wheel. Libraya and Sakamaru watched intently as it lost its momentum and dropped into one of the little holes. Libraya looked at the number and sighed.

“19. We loose again.”

Sakamaru laughed.

“We’ve still got about 50 coins, let’s go try something else.”

“Sounds good, what do you recommend?”

“How about blackjack? I used to play with my friends; maybe I could win us something...”

The headed off towards the blackjack table, both happy, even though their money was slowly draining away. Sakamaru wrapped his hand round libraya’s and pulled her through the crowd, making sure nobody bumped into her. Her hand was warm. He was happy he had found her again.

They sat down at the table, and Sakamaru began to play, Libraya sitting next to him and watching.

“Twist.”

The words rolled of Sakamaru’s lips, and a memory flashed through libraya’s mind.

“Twist.”

“Lay down your cards!”

“Hah! 21!”

“No fair, Sakamaru! I thought you said you’d never played before!”

“I haven’t, but it’s a pretty easy game to get, and it’s all about luck in the end, isn’t it? Now give me your money!”

“Fine!” a little boy pushed a pile of stones at a five year old Sakamaru. A little girl with purple hair watched as Sakamaru took the stones, laughing. She smiled, and walked over.

“Hey, can I play?”

“Aaaah! Hey Libraya! Sure, but I warn you, I’m good...”

She smiled. They hadn’t gone home for another two hours, and she remembered the arguments when she had gotten home so late. She had been confined to her house for three days. She had cried- but Sakamaru had climbed up the side of her house, talked to her and brought her a packet of sweets. She had kept the wrapper under her bed, because he had given it to her. She glanced up at him now, his mature face and neat looking hair very different to how it had when he was little.

She wondered if he remembered that.

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“Reki?”

“Yes, ari-chan?”

“Is all this really necessary?”

Aries was holding a piece of paper and a pen, with various notes and calculations scribbled all over it. They had lost 495 of their original 500 coins, and only five sat in the tray, waiting to be played.

“Yes, it is. Write +2 under that last sum.”

“What, so this should say (517^5 (8/7over10)) +2?”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask what the hell it means?”

“No.”

“I’m trusting you Reki, don’t loose all our money. The five coins we have left, anyway. I hope you understand that that’s all the money we have in the world, and if we loose it we can’t buy food.”

“We never used to buy food anyway, you know we could get by. Anyway, I’m done now. Let’s start gambling.”

“I thought we already had started.”

“No, we were testing the machine. Now we’re going to start.”

Reki picked up a coin, and rolled it between her fingers before pushing it into the machine. Aries watched in anticipation.

Reki was mumbling under her breath. After a few moments, Reki hit the stop button on the first reel. A few seconds later, she hit the second, and almost immediately after, she hit the third.

The machine flashed, and 10 coins rolled out of the machine and into the tray. Reki muttered a victorious “Yes!” and placed a coin so it rested on the slot.

“Aries, which symbols do you want me to get?”

“We can choose?”

“Yeah. Pick any three, and I’ll get them for you.”

“Uh...the cherries. They’re worth quite a bit...”

“Okie dokie.”

Reki slid the coin in, and started pushing the buttons. Ten seconds later, three cherries flashed on the screen. Reki smiled as more coins rolled into the tray.

“That’s awesome. Does that mean we can hit the jackpot every time?”

“Nah, people will get suspicious. For now, we’ll go slowly, and hit a jackpot every 15 minutes or so. We could make a sudden increase, but we might get thrown out. So we’ll just go steady, making sure it look like we’re gambling normally!”

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30 minutes later, half the casino was crowded around their machine.

The five coins that had been in the tray at the start were long since lost at the bottom of a pile. Three buckets stood at Reki’s feet, all filled with coins. People watched excitedly as Reki pushed yet another coin into the machine. Three symbols lined up on the screen.

“Oh dear, nothing gained.”

“She hasn’t hit a number for ages! How did she win all this money?!”

“Maybe her lucks run out.”

Aries hit her head on the machine. She didn’t like being crowded, and people were pushing and shoving her. As Reki rolled another coin into the machine, Aries sighed and told her-

“Reki, it’s too crowded. I’m gonna go get some air, okay?”

“Aaaah, Ari-chan, are you sure?”

“Yes. Hope your luck keeps up.”

“Thanks.” She winked.

Reki watched Aries leave out of the corner of her eye. She was heading towards the left stairwell- if Reki was correct, it lead to the roof. Hadn’t she seen Leo head there about an hour ago? Oh well. It would be entertaining if nothing else, to see how they got on.

The crowd gasped as three 7’s popped into sight, and she turned her full attention back to the machines. For now, she had to get them accommodation.

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“Ahahaha! You two are so funny!”

“Why thank you, milady.”

The brunette laughed, and Wolfee grinned. He was enjoying being around all these women, who seemed to find his ears and tail attractive rather than scary. Takashi stood next to him (the waitress had been joined by a friend, who invited another friend, who invited Wolfee), smiling. He had also enjoyed flirting with all the women, but if any of them had hinted at anything more than that, he had brushed them off gently. Wolfee had noticed, and excused himself, dragging Takashi along with him.

After 10 minutes of refusing to tell him why and three bottles of beer, Wolfee had finally extracted the information he wanted- that Takashi had a crush. They both sat at the sidelines, both a little tipsy (at least three of the girls they had been with were waitresses). Wolfee spent the next hour advising Takashi on what he should do, Takashi listening avidly and mentally noting his ideas. By the end of the hour, they had formulated a plan. The plan itself wasn’t much, as it was formed in a half drunken stupor, but Takashi decided to give it a try none the less. His heart lightened slightly, and he left to try and find Reki.

She wasn’t hard to find- the crowd surrounding her had grown by about 3 times since he had last looked. Everyone was staring at her machine, talking excitedly. He tried to push his way towards her, but the crowd pushed him back. He sighed, and was about to leave when a huge wave of disappointed moans emerged from the crowd. Looking back, he saw that Reki had stood up from her machine, and was bending down to pick up one of the buckets that stood on the floor, close to overflowing with gold. The crowd was complaining, but Reki shook her head and smiled, turning them all to mush. She looked around, and spotted Takashi, and waved her hands high above her head.

“Ta-kun! Thank god, I was just wondering how I was going to carry all of these. Will you help me carry a couple?”

Glad for an excuse, he pushed his way through the crowd, who now parted slightly on her invitation. He bent down and picked up the two remaining buckets with ease. The crowd dispersed slowly, and Reki let out a huge sigh.

“Thanks! If I’m right, we should have enough for 5 suites. I’m going to try and get enough for seven suites, so we can all have one each! 14,000 gold for one suite on the bottom floor. Then 20,000 for one on the top floor. So I need to make 140,000 gold, plus extra for spending!”

“140,000?! That’s crazy! Reki, I know you’re clever, but...well...”

“What?”

“How’re you going to make that much without cheating?”

“Just watch, Takashi, just watch!”

With that, she grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the cards table. By now, his plan had almost completely gone out of his head, so to make sure he didn’t forget totally, her managed to stop her and ask her to come to his room before she went to bed. She gave him a curious look, but didn’t ask any questions. He prompted her back towards the card table before she changed her mind, where they spent the rest of the evening playing cards- somehow, Reki never loosing too dramatically. By the end of the evening, they had made up the extra 40,000 gold, along with another 40,000 for supplies.

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Takashi stumbled into his suite. The night had flown by, drink piling on top of drink. He felt light headed, and knew at the back of his mind that he was drunk. The only things going through his mind consisted of three words or less, badly strung together, mostly involving shower, Reki and bed.

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“No!”

“You did!”

“Did not!”

“Did so!”

“not!”

“Then how?!”

Bobin was lounging behind his booth, shuffling his pack of cards expertly. Reki sat on the desk in front of him, giggling as Bobin tried to crack her methods of cards.

“Your not counting cards, your not wearing sleeves, no hat, too short hair and your hands are on the table all the time! I’m an expert gambler, and I’m loosing? There’s something fishy!”

“Yeah? What?”

“I don’t know! Jeez, I even cheated in the last round, and I still lost. I don’t get it.”

“Well, ponder it overnight, Bobin dearest. I’m tired, see you tomorrow.”

“Alright. I’ll win next time.”

“Sure you will. Nighty night!”

With that, Reki slid out of the door. She made her way absent mindedly through the corridors, unfazed by the complex layout, quietly pressing other guests in the right direction. She reached her door, unlocked it and collapsed on her bed. She changed into the silky nightie left out on the bed, and crawled between the sheets, eyes closing. She was about to drift of to sleep when she remembered her promise to Takashi. She groaned and heaved herself out of bed, slipping her feet into the soft white hotel slippers that stood next to her bed. It’d probably only be quick.

She made her way down the corridor, to the room at the other end. When she was there, she tapped on the door lightly.

“Takashi?”

She got not reply, and tried again, slightly louder.

“Takaaaaaaaashiiiiiii.”

She turned the handle and pushed the door open, without making a sound. The room was dark, and her night vision could only just make out the silhouette of the bed. She was about to creep out of the room, when a side door clicked and opened.

“Uh...Reki?”

Takashi stood in the doorway, steam billowing out in small clouds. He wore a white bathrobe, contrasting beautifully with his black hair. Reki stood frozen for a minute, admiring his muscular form, before realizing the obvious.

“Takashi, your off your head.”

“What? Uh...maybe a little...can’t remember...”

She sighed and walked towards him. She was very aware that she was blushing, but kept her well practiced poker face on. She took his hand and led him towards the bed, parting the soft linen sheets and fluffing up the slightly crumpled pillows. Then she marched into the bathroom and grabbed a towel, and lay it over the pillow to stop it getting wet.

“In-” she ordered, half helping, half shoving him into the bed. “-good. Now sleep, and I’ll come and check on you in the morning.”

She smiled at how cute and innocent he looked, and hugged him.

“See you tomorrow, Ta-kun.”

“Stay.”

“What?” she stared at him, into his eyes and seemingly serious expression. “...Are you serious?”

“Uh huh.”

He shuffled along in the bed, clumsily moving his towel across to the next pillow. Reki gulped and blushed uncertainly.

“Alright, I get it, I’ll stay, okay?”

“Good.” Takashi held out his hand to her, his long fingers asking for her shorter ones.

“Reki thinks no. I’ll sleep on the sofa.”

Takashi moaned, but Reki swivelled around and ignored him. She couldn’t just- that would be...

Nice, no?

Reki shook her head, ignoring the voice. She had forgotten about the way Takashi seemed to break her defences. She lay down on the sofa, adjusting the cushions to make herself more comfortable. He didn’t move, for which she was glad (if not slightly disappointed) and she assumed he had fallen asleep. It didn’t take her long to close her eyes, her conscience slowly receding.

It didn’t last for long, however, when she felt something circling her wrists.

She shrieked and sprang into action, survival instincts kicking in almost instantly. Who? Where from? Why hadn’t she sensed anyone-

She felt her ankles being tied as well, too fast for her to stop it.

“Crap-!”

“Calm down, Reki....”

“What- Takashi? Are you the one who-”

“Yeah. So stop panicking.”

“Oh, dear spirits...don’t do that! Anyway, can you get them off, I’m really tired and so are you. Sleep, Takashi, sleep.”

“Yeah, ‘kay. One moment...”

She heard him shuffling, nearly flinching when she felt his hands touch her waist.

“Oh- Takashi, for gods sake-”

She sighed as he picked her up, holding her waist and shoulders. Even drunk, he was still incredibly strong. She thought back to the first time they’d met- such a short time ago?- and remembered admiring his muscular chest then as well. It felt...nice, being carried by him. They reached the bed, and he lay her down, and shuffled into bed next to her.

“Alright, fine. But can you take them off? What are they, anyway?”

“Roots, branches or something...i dunno...and yeah, I will now...”

He muttered a few words, and she felt the roots receding from her wrists and ankles. She supposed she would wait for him to go to sleep, then go back to the sofa.

Her plans were flawed, however, when he wrapped his arms round her and snuggled up to her.

“See, isn’t this more comfortable than the sofa?”

“Well- yeah, okay, it is.”

He laughed softly, his deep voice sounding in her ear.

“I love you, Reki.”

Reki inhaled sharply, twisting to face him. His sweet, blue eyes met hers and they stared at each other.

“Your drunk, Takashi...” she said softly, “Not thinking straight and all...”

“I’m not so drunk as to not remember something like that...”

“Uh...so...you actually....”

“Yeah.”

“Um, well.” She blushed and shifted nervously. “I...um...I...love you too, I think...”

“If you don’t, I’ll make you!”

Reki sighed as his words slurred. Would he remember this in the morning?

He will. He’ll wake up with you there, won’t he? Cos you can’t move. Or won’t move, no? Anyway, if he doesn’t you still get it now right?

That was true, she supposed.

And with that logic, she snuggled up into his arms, and fell asleep with her head against his shoulder.

030- Drained

2008-06-02T20:21:42Z

030 Drained

Reki x Takashi

Title: Shiny

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 030 Drained

Word count: 943

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: the prompt relates to Leo in this. And the title to the décor. And this is a really pointless chapter O_o;

“Oh, so much choice~”

“Not used to it, Libraya?”

“I had a pretty normal childhood, Takashi! I got what I was given. Even if these are the cheap clothes, they’re so beautiful!”

“Yeah, I guess. Although,” Takashi said, flicking through the racks, “They’re only clothes.”

“You don’t like clothes, Takashi?” Libraya picked up a slinky red dress, before returning it to the rack with a mutter of “not my colour” and a disappointed shove. Takashi raised an eyebrow at her.

“I like them well enough, I just never got how girls can be so...obsessive over them.” He indicated the new dress that she was turning over in her hands, checking for imperfections. Libraya glanced up and blushed.

“So I like clothes! At least I like an object that can be bought, unlike you.”

“Eh? What’re you talking about?”

“Something that can be bought with money. Unlike,” she started towards the changing rooms, smiling as she walked past him. “...say, Reki.”

Takashi spluttered for a moment, but before he could reply, the door of the changing cubical had slammed shut.

What the hell? Was he that obvious?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hee...Ta-kun, you don’t have to squeeze me so hard!”

Did this count as being obvious?

Most of the party had chosen to cover up a bit. Aries wore the long, slim fitting red dress that Libraya had discarded earlier, matching her dark red hair. Libraya had eventually decided on an emerald green dress, and a pink flower for her hair, which had been undone and fell loose around her shoulders. Wolfee wore a black tux with a bow tie, his unruly hair spoiling the elegance of it. Sakamaru wore the same, but with a tie instead of a bow tie, and Leo had been forced (rather disgruntledly) into a fully black suit. Takashi was the last one out of the changing room (he had spent about 10 minutes trying to get Bobin to cast a glamour to make his hair black again) and had ditched his travelling cloak for a long black jacket and a pair of pinstripe trousers. Reki, however, was dressed in a short black dress with a flaring skirt and a pair of 6 inch black heels. Takashi was hugging her round the waist as hard as he could.

He let go when he felt Aries’ sharp heel digging into his back, and turned to the others.

“Right, now what?”

Aries sighed and trod on Takashi’s foot.

“We go into the casino, and make 14,000 gold. Obviously.”

“No, we need more than 14,000. We need some excess for shopping and supplies. And if I get my way, we’re not sleeping on the bottom floor.” She grinned.

“That...seems impossible.” Bobin, who listening in, sniggered. Takashi shot him a withering glare and continued.

“You sure you can do it?”

Reki nodded. Then, without a moments hesitation, bounced off towards the door.

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“Dear lord!” Sakamaru shielded his eyes as he walked into the main casino. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much shiny stuff in one place!”

The floor, walls and ceiling were all painted gold, with real gold plating and beams. Expensive statues and vases were scattered around, inconveniently placed to make people knock them over and pay for repairs. The tables were all made of polished mahogany, and a large stage ran across a whole side of the hall. Elegantly dressed people paraded around the room, gathering by tables to watch the games or to join them. Waiters dressed in uniforms identical to Bobin’s whisked around the room, serving wine, champagne and truffles on solid silver trays. Wolfee gulped and looked down at his suit.

“Oh, I feel out of place...”

“Don’t we all.” Leo muttered to him. Wolfee smiled, and his ears perked up as he spotted a group of girls pointing at them and giggling. Luckily, Leo had looked away a moment before, and didn’t notice as he pranced off to go and talk to them.

“Is there nowhere that people don’t go?” he asked, scanning the hall for a quiet place where he could be alone. Aries smiled evilly and turned to face him.

“Oooooh, is Leo afraid of crowds?”

“No, I simply dislike boring company.” His eyes never rested on Aries, passing over her as if she wasn’t there. She bristled in anger, and shot out-

“If we’re boring, why’re you here? You can leave at any time you know, no one will care!”

His piercing green eyes slid over to her, and he stared her straight in the eye.

“What I meant, was that no one in this room I could ever find interesting, except for the people in this party.”

“Oh.”

His eyes had rendered her unable to respond. Reki watched with interest at her friends guard slipped, and decided it was time to intervene.

“Ari-chan, come to the slots with me!”

“Must I?”

“Yes, you have the money. Now come!”

Libraya laughed as Aries was pulled away by a hyperactive Reki. She dug into her pockets and produced 100 gold that she had stuffed there before leaving her bags with Bobin. Sakamaru laughed and did the same, but only producing 50 coins.

“Let’s put them together and try our luck.”

“Alright. Can we do roulette first, I’ve always wanted to try it...”

Libraya and Sakamaru waved to Takashi and wandered off. Takashi and Leo stood there awkwardly for a minute, until a smiling female waitress offered them both drinks, blushing. Happy for the ice breaker, Takashi fired up a casual conversation with her. Leo refused the drink and slid silently across the room and out of the hall. The roof would be quiet, at least.

029- Ditzy

2008-06-01T20:22:37Z

029Ditzy

Reki x Takashi

Title: Flail

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 029 Ditzy

Word count: 2,162

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: the title is due to Bobin <3 the party head towards Eldorado gold, and have a few money problems.

“Ah-!”

“Oh crap! Did I hit you, Reki?”

Reki propped herself up, rubbing her nose sleepily.

“Yes. I’ll forgive you if you hug me right now though.”

Takashi laughed and hugged her. He whispered “sorry” into her ear and she giggled again. She let go of him just as Aries stirred, and pounced on her the second she sat up. Aries gave her a slightly annoyed look and a short hug in return, before surveying the others in the room. Wolfee was fast asleep and snoring quietly, and Libraya and Sakamaru were cuddled up next to him. Aries raised an eyebrow as her eyes slid over them, but they were promptly forgotten as she saw Leo. So far, Leo had been awake before the rest of them, and none of them had seen him sleep, due to his tendency to sleep away from the camp. But now, he was lying in his sleeping bag, curled up, his chest rising and falling as he slumbered. His messy blonde hair was flopping over his face.

And he looked sexy as hell.

Aries mentally slapped herself. Even if he looked...nice, he was still an uptight bastard. Hoping to heaven that she wasn’t blushing, she turned back to Reki.

“Anyone got any breakfast?”

Reki goggled at her.

“Even if we did, we don’t have enough time to eat. We need to get out of this town. In another few hours, the villagers will be here trying to kill us. Except maybe Takashi, because...because...”

“Because I have rich parents?”

“Is that what it is?”

“Well, mostly. I mean, they have status, and trade links, and land, and allies...”

“Whereas we have barely any money, as much status as a green slimy bug, less trade links then a green slimy bug, we own no land and probably don’t even have as many allies as the bug?”

“Which is what makes being with you guys so great. The simple life, you know?”

“None of you question the fact that we’re worse off then a green slimy bug?”

“Oh, morning Wolfee.”

“Yeah, you too. You know Reki, I think I want to be a bug...”

Reki giggled. She stood up, and tiptoed over Aries towards Wolfee. Wolfee’s hands slid to his tail.

“Noooo, not today Reki...”

She held a finger to her lips.

“Don’t worry, I’m nice to bugs. I’m more interested in waking those two up.”

She gestured at Libraya and Sakamaru. Wolfee looked over and muttered something that involved Sakamaru being a lucky bastard. Takashi and Aries watched in interest as Reki crept over to them, and took a deep breath. Suddenly, she let out a sharp whistle, using her fingers to manipulate the sound into birdsong.

Sakamaru stirred, and Reki disappeared. She reappeared a second later on her sleeping bag, watching as he woke up and pretending she had never moved.

“Nnnn...”

Sakamaru opened his eyes, and Libraya looked sleepily into his face. Sakamaru smiled for a brief moment, before turning a bright shade of crimson.

“Li-Li-Libraya!”

“Uh? What-oh!”

They both rolled apart as they realised how they had been sleeping, Libraya blushing, and Sakamaru furiously twirling a strand of his hair. Wolfee, Reki and Takashi laughed, and Aries smirked. Sometime during the commotion, Leo had woken up, and was rolling up his sleeping bag into a tight bundle. As Sakamaru and Libraya apologised to each other, the others began copying Leo and, laughing, they packing away their belongings and preparing to set off for Eldorado gold.

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“Oh thank god, we didn’t run into anyone on the way out...” Reki breathed a sigh of relief.

“Wouldn’t have mattered, I could’ve made them move...”

Takashi had his head covered again. Reki giggled and tugged on his cloak gently, causing the hood to slip off his head. She stroked a few strands of his hair happily. Takashi smiled and pulled his travelling cloak back on, making sure his hair was fully covered.

“Just how far can you stretch your power, Takashi?”

“Hmm, it might be fun to find out...”

Sakamaru joined in their conversation.

“Well, they all fell to their knees when he revealed his face, so it’s gotta go pretty far.”

“Nah, I’m just that sexy.”

Aries exploded into a short coughing fit, and Takashi stared at her in mock-hurt.

“What?”

“Takashi, Wolfee looks sexy next to you.”

“Yay-!”

“Shut up Wolfee, I said next to that thing. Don’t get any ideas.”

Wolfee’s smile dropped disappointedly, but soon rose again when they crossed over the hill they had been climbing. Below them stood Eldorado Gold, it’s huge, majestic towers and complex turrets spearing the sky. Grass surrounded it, perfectly mown and in place. It took them nearly five minutes to walk down the path, as dust faded into a marble paved runway. They reached the entryway, which was at least ten times higher than their heads and majestically plated in gold, and stopped. Libraya turned to Aries.

“What now?”

Aries looked at her comrades, grimacing as they all looked at her expectantly.

“How should I know? It’s a casino...so I guess we walk straight in...”

They gulped and walked forwards. The doorway was huge, and they stepped through it gingerly. Beyond it was a long hallway, with many doors. At the end of it was another door. They headed towards it; they could hear people talking, and loud music playing behind it. Just before they got there, however, a man ran out of one of the side doors clumsily.

“Welcome!” his loud, cheery voice startled them. “This is Eldorado gold, biggest casino in all of multi-”

They let him ramble for a while, hoping he would shut up. After a few minutes, and many attempts to silence him, Wolfee realised that he wasn’t going to, and started muttering. He waved his hand towards the man, and a large glob of water collected above him. Wolfee grinned, and flicked his wrist.

“...are wonderful! You should also try our lovely slot machines that-mmmmmfl!”

The man spluttered as he looked down at the wet floor. Aries snickered, and he gave her a slightly reproachful stare.

“Alright, so it’s a wonderful casino. Where can we stay?”

The mans eyes lit up again.

“We have hotel rooms on this floor, and better suites on the top floor! Of course, if your going to stay in one of those you need to be very rich, because they-”

Aries shot him a death glare, and he hushed himself.

“How much for a room? On the bottom floor. Keep it short and simple.”

“Ah...there are...” he stuck his finger out, and counted them in very exaggerated motions. “Seven of you! So 14,000 gold!”

“14,000?! Are you out of your mind? We said the bottom floor!”

He pouted.

“Pay up, or you sleep outside. Sorry.”

“Why you-!”

“Ari-chan! Calm down! We have nearly six hours to make 14,000.”

Sakamaru thought for a moment, and prodded Reki.

“I hate to say this, but that’s nearly 40 gold a minute.”

They all ogled at him, the strange entry-man included.

“...What?”

“That was some fast maths...” the entry man said, still ogling rather rudely at Sakamaru.

“Uh, yeah. By the way...not to be rude, but who are you?”

“Ah! How silly! I never introduced myself! My name is Bobin! I’m the guide for new guests, if you need anything, then just ask me!”

“Right, hi. Can we go into the casino and book a room later?”

“Well, you can, although you’ll look very out of place. Most guests dress up, and wear fancy clothes and dresses while they gamble. So you can go in, but...”

“Is that so?” Reki asked thoughtfully. Quick as lightning, she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the others.

“Huh? What are you- ow!”

“Shush. Let’s talk business. Hey, Ari-chan! How much money do we have?”

Aries dug around in her pockets.

“500.”

Bobin looked at Reki incredulously, and opened his mouth, but Reki waved a hand.

“Listen, we have 500 gold. I take it you sell clothes here, for people like us who come without any. How much would one dress cost?”

“One dress? They go from 10,000 to 100,000. We don’t have any for 500, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah? Then let me see them.”

“Why? You can’t buy one.”

“No, but maybe, I could give you this...”

Bobin stared in awe as she produced a shiny jewel from her pocket. She held it up for him, and he examined it closely.

“This colour! If it...then....wait here one moment!”

Bobin ran off through the door he had come from. Reki smiled and walked back over to the others. They gave her confused looks, at which Reki laughed, until Leo’s deep voice startled them

“That jewel.”

Aries whipped around and stared at him, surprised that he had spoken.

“It was...a pink ruby.”

“Ooooh! I’ve heard of those!”

Sakamaru looked exited, happy that he was so knowledgeable that day.

“They’re only found in florescent city! It’s over the mountains so not many people go there! It’s worth about 100,000 gold... How on earth did you get your hands on it?”

“I picked it up in clear city. Thieves don’t tend to guard their pockets- they think they’ll know when someone nicks their stuff. Silly people!”

“You STOLE it?!”

Reki waved a hand at him frantically.

“Shush! Course not. The thieves law dictates that stealing from a thief is a task to be commended...and that stealing stolen goods is alright, seeing as it was stolen in the first place. It was totally legal!”

“...By the thieves code, which is illegal within itself.”

“Well...alright, I suppose. But they don’t know that, so don’t spoil it! Besides,” Reki gave him a sneaky look, “I have a feeling that that pocket watch of yours wasn’t exactly legally obtained anyway.”

“Wh-What? How did you-”

“A good magician never reveals his secrets! Neither does a good thief.”

Libraya looked at Reki quizzically.

“I thought you were an assassin, Reki.”

“Assassin, ninja, thief...same thing in esscence, just slightly different in terms of skill. The one thing I was never good at was sniping, but we have you for that now, Li-chan!”

Reki hugged Libraya round the waist. Libraya giggled and hugged her back.

“Oh! There’s Bobin! You better go talk to him, Reki.”

Reki thanked her and ran over to Bobin. He had another man behind him, a large man in a posh black suit, with curly hair slicked back behind his ears, and a beard. They talked animatedly for a few minutes. The rest of the party watched as they conversed, exchanging nods and dramatic hand gestures. Reki smiled and held out the gem for him; the man took it, said something to Bobin, and left.

“She crazy? That was a pink ruby!” Sakamaru whispered to Libraya. “Their really rare!”

“There was no other way we could’ve gotten in, my friend...”

Sakamaru gulped as Reki spoke from behind him and hugged him. Aries shot Sakamaru a look (he gulped again) and addressed Reki.

“So, are we in?”

“Well, it didn’t turn out as well as I hoped...he already has three...but he did take mine, on the condition that we can all have any clothes we like from the shop, costing 10,000 or under.”

“Great! Thanks Reki.”

“Anyti-”

“Ohmegawshwow! You’re so lucky to have had one of those! And you let it go, you must really want to see the casino! That’s awesome!”

Aries sighted as Bobin started ranting again, and Wolfee started counting- he would stand a minute of this, no more- but Reki seemed unfazed by his talking, and she even spoke back. In record time, Reki had extracted the location of the shop from the over-talkative man. They crossed the hallway, Bobin still rambling excitedly. She prodded him towards the door, which he opened with a shiny gold key, and they entered.

“Oh-!”

Libraya let out a gasp of surprise. The room was richly decorated, and dresses, suits and uniforms all hung neatly on the racks that filled the room. Bobin giggled as he looked at their astonished faces, obviously used to the flabbergasted reactions.

“This never gets old, I swear! The 10,000 and under clothes are over there! Take your pick, one each, we’ll be checking to make sure you don’t take more! Changing rooms are over there, male on the left, female on the right, and I’ll be waiting over there for the rest of the night so come and see me when you have enough to get a room, if you get enough!”

Aries let out a huge sigh as she watched Bobin flailing his arms around, before heading off to the clothes racks. The others muttered thank you’s towards Bobin, who didn’t notice their swift escapes away from him, and towards the racks. Instead, he wandered over to a little booth in the corner, sat down, and started shuffling a pack of cards contentedly, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

028- Disappointed

2008-05-13T21:12:09Z

028Disappointed

Reki x Takashi

Title: parents

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 028 disappointed

Word count: 1,563

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: about Reki’s parents graves, and the next city.

“Reki. Let’s go and see your parents.”

Takashi stood in the doorway. It had been nearly an hour since he had left, and he now held a large bunch of beautiful, pink flowers. He walked forwards and extended a hand to her, which she took. He pulled her up, holding her for a moment as she regained her balance. Without saying another word, Takashi took her hand and pulled her out into the night. As they started heading towards the village, Reki spoke.

“Ta....Ta-kun, I can’t go to the village...!”

“It’s okay. I sorted some things out with the priest.”

Reki’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth to ask him how, but he silenced her with a wave of his hand. Then he handed her the flowers, pressing them into her gloved hands.

“For your parents...”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey. Hey, excuse me...”

Wolfee sighed as yet another person brushed him off with an annoyed look. The whole party, excluding Leo, were attempting to find out what was going on. The villagers were gathered outside the graveyard, crowding round the gate. Some were holding torches, illuminating the dark night and casting long shadows over the ground. Everyone was talking, but no one would tell them what was going on.

They pushed their way to the front of the crowd. After a while, they gave up asking, until Wolfee’s keen ears picked up:

“...with white hair...the demon is returning...”

Forgetting that no one was talking to them, Wolfee pushed his way towards the couple speaking.

“White hair? A man with long white hair?”

The couple gave him a strange look.

“Yes. He just spoke with the priest. He did...something to convince the priest...”

Libraya slid in next to Wolfee.

“Convince him of what?”

“You haven’t heard?”

The man indicated to the burnt house on the hill.

“Years ago, a family lived there. But their daughter was a demon, and she killed her parents. We stopped her going to see her parent’s graves, but now, the priest has agreed to it! Its madness...she not only killed them, but now she’s going to soil their memories-”

The man was cut off as someone yelled over the crowd.

“She’s coming!”

Libraya and Wolfee exchanged looks. Aries, Sakamaru and Leo had found their way towards them, long enough to hear the mans story. They knew the man was Takashi, and were almost certain the girl was Reki. It was confirmed when they walked into the first pool of light, their faces illuminated, hands tightly clasped together.

The crowd drew apart as they approached. Reki and Takashi walked down the centre. Reki’s eyes were cast down in uncharacteristic pain, and she walked quickly to avoid the accusing stares of the crowds. The rest of the party raised their eyebrows, but ignored the questioning stares of the crowds and battled their way towards Reki and Takashi. Takashi gave them a slightly worried smile as they met up, and they continued walking in silence. They reached the gate, and Takashi took the lead. The priest stood between them and the church yard.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you pass unless you reveal your face, my lord...”

“That...wasn’t in our agreement.”

“The crowd won’t be satisfied unless you do. To go against what we’ve maintained for years with no explanation...”

“Fine.” Takashi threw the cloak off of his shoulders. Many of the crowd gasped; all fell to their knees. “Now let us pass.” Wolfee stared at him.

“Uuuh, Takashi? What the hell?”

“How can you address him so casually?!” one villager yelled. “Don’t you know who he is?!”

“Actually, I don’t have a clue.”

“He-”

“Don’t tell him!”

They all looked at Takashi, breathing heavily from yelling so loudly.

“I’ll tell you later. For now, let’s just go...”

They filed through the gate, utterly confused.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Wait, you guys.”

They all turned to Takashi.

“Reki, do you want us all to come? Or do you want to go alone?”

They were now standing in the graveyard, at the beginning of the row of tombstones.

“Reki?” Libraya asked softly. “Not to be rude or anything, but...well, why are we here?”

Takashi explained the situation briefly to them. Reki stood just behind him, and smiled when they all looked at her.

“It’s hard to explain, but...this is the first time I can visit my parent’s graves, and probably the last. Don’t give me that look, Takashi-” Takashi had just opened his mouth to object, “-I don’t know what you did, but it’ll only work once. I’m okay with all of you coming. I’d like my parents to meet all my friends, you know?”

She smiled at them, and they all felt slightly comforted by the return of the Reki they all knew. They walked down the isle, and crowded around a grave in the centre. An elaborate sculpture on an angel holding a plaque stood on the soil. Reki bent down and brushed her fingers across the words written on the plaque.

Here lies Luis Tamesis Sotayuu, and his loving wife Enko Adiane Sotayuu.

Reki lay the flowers in front of the angel. She grabbed Aries’ arm, and dragged her in front of the grave, laughing and crying at the same time.

“Mum, dad...I’m finally here. These are my friends, I’m glad you can meet them.”

She introduced them all, listing off their virtues and they all smiled. Leo was included in Reki’s rant, but his expression didn’t change- he was too busy studying the stone sculpture. They stayed for about half an hour, before Reki asked them to leave, so she could spend some time on her own. They all nodded, understanding her feelings. The crowd had dissipitated, and they made their way back to the inn. Takashi was about to follow them, but stayed at the gate, wanting to check that Reki was alright. She found him waiting after another half an hour, and she smiled and thanked him for his concern.

“Well, I guess we part ways here then. I’m sleeping up there tonight,” Takashi knew she was talking about her house, “So let’s meet up in the morning, okay?”

“Pfft.”

Reki gasped as Takashi lifted her off the ground, swinging her onto his back.

“Takashi! What’re you doing?”

“I’m coming with you. You’re not sleeping there alone.”

Reki argued for a while, but Takashi shot her down every time. Eventually she just gave in, platting his hair as he carried her. They arrived at the doorway, and Takashi set her down. He leaned in, his arms lightly round her shoulders.

“Hmm...Me, and a beautiful girl, all alone for the night...”

“Told you he’d say it. Pay up!”

Takashi looked around, and muttered as he saw Wolfee sighing and handing Sakamaru ten gold coins.

“And just what’re you doing here?”

“Stopping you from molesting Reki, what else?”

Takashi blushed and let go of Reki. She laughed and grabbed his arm, pulling him out of the way as Aries aimed a kick at his head.

“No! Reki let me kick him! He needs to die-”

“That’s not very nice, Ari-chan!”

She stopped, scowling at Takashi.

“You only get off because I don’t want to sleep outside, dirtball...”

“Eh? What about the inn?”

“Oh, we got back and they refused to let us in, being friends of the demon blah blah blah...”

“Oh...”

“Never mind, at least its sheltered here. But we can sleep outside if you want us not to intrude, you know.”

“No! Of course you can come inside! Sorry, it’s not much...”

“We already worked that out for ourselves. Besides, tomorrow, we’ll be in Eldorado gold, and we’ll be sleeping in luxury!”

They all headed inside, laughing. They set up sleeping bags in the biggest room, huddling together for warmth. Leo entered later than the others (no one was quite sure where he had gone) and slipped into his sleeping bag, and read silently until the others were asleep. When they were all lying down, Takashi looked over Reki to Aries, who was on the other side of her, and asked,

“Aries, you know when you said we’d be sleeping in luxury tomorrow?”

“Yes?”

“Well...how? We’re not exactly rolling in gold.”

Aries gave him a wicked smile.

“How much do you know about gambling, Takashi?”

“So we’re going to bet the money we have?”

“Eldorado gold is the biggest casino in the continent, Takashi. It’s not even a town, just a giant casino. And fyi, we’re not exactly betting anything. We’re guaranteed to win.”

“Cheating?”

Aries made a punch at Takashi’s head, which was sleepily blocked by Reki.

“No, you imbecile! We have a qualified gambler in our midst!”

“Really? Who?”

“Reki, of course.”

“Really?”

She gave a sleepy reply of “yuh, ummanunjur...umgoodadslos, mueuesunractionsurfast...”.

“Yeah, I’m a ninja, I’m good at slots, my eyes and reactions are fast.” Aries translated. “She’s good at cards too, and she doesn’t cheat as much as others...” she ignored Takashi’s muttered reply of “It’s still cheating” and continued, “and she has insane luck at everything else. We’ll rack up a fortune in no time. Then a little shopping, sight seeing, and on to the mountains.”

“Yeah...that’ll be... fun.”

Reki nodded and pulled Takashi into a sleepy hug. He hugged her back, and she rolled over, giving Aries the same. After that, they all promptly fell asleep, the cold breeze blowing through the foundations totally forgotten.

027- devious

2008-04-21T19:00:43Z

027 Devious

Reki x Takashi

Title: home

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 027 devious

Word count: 1516

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: more of Reki’s past, and a little Takashi ;)

Their journey to pink town was uneventful. Takashi stayed with Reki for the whole journey, feeling bad about making her come...he knew what it was like to not want to go back to your home town, although he suspected her reasons were very, very different from his.

But he really didn’t want to leave them, not yet...

Reki talked and laughed as usual, but became more and more subdued as they neared the town. It was nestled in a shallow valley, and they stood on the top of the ridge, looking down at the town. Aries looked out over the city and said:

“Wow, it’s laid out strangely...”

The town was in the centre, with houses laid out in neat rows. Aries could make out a school, and other various buildings that indicated a normal town. Only one house stood out, up on a small hill from the village to the north. To the south of the village was a huge, gothic church, and next to that was a graveyard that stretched from the church, all the way up the hillside.

“Reki?” she stood to the left of Reki. She looked at her, at the sadness in her face, and her eyes wandered towards Reki’s right hand, which was holding very tightly to Takashi’s. She stared at them, and nearly missed the quiet “What?” that Reki asked in return.

“You okay?”

“No...but don’t worry, I’ll be fine. Do you know why it’s called pink town?” she asked, as they started walking towards the village. They looked at her questioningly.

“It’s because of all the flowers that people put on the graves. It’s traditional to put a bunch of pink flowers on a grave after someone you love dies here. It’s pretty famous, and many people ask to have their graves in this town.”

No one said anything in reply to this, unsure of how to respond. Leo seemed to be the only one undisturbed by the concept of the town. They reached the base of the hill, and Reki stopped them all.

“Sorry, but this is where I leave you...I’ll meet up with you again tomorrow, okay? Let’s meet on the road to Eldorado gold at 10 sunrise.”

“What, you’re not coming with us, Reki?”

“Can’t. They wouldn’t let you stay.”

She smiled and waved, and set off to the north. They watched her walk, before heading into the town to find an inn. Only a few minutes into the town and Takashi stopped.

“...I’m going after Reki.”

Aries scowled at him.

“Didn’t she say she had something to do? Your just gonna disturb her?”

“...Yeah.”

He turned around and started walking back to the entrance. They all looked at him, concerned for both him and Reki. Unsure of what to do, they stuck to their plan and found an inn. They explored the town briefly, but their hearts weren’t in it. They headed back to their room, the atmosphere uneasy, and waited for the evening.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Takashi made his way to the house on the top of the hill. Reki had headed north, and it seemed like the most logical place, considering it was the most suspicious. Sure enough, when he got there, he found it deserted. He studied the house carefully. It was burnt and collapsing. Peering through the door, the inside was totally black, and only a few things remained- half burnt chairs, a broken vase...

He lingered at the doorway, unsure of whether or not to go in. before he could make up his mind, however, Reki appeared from one of the doorways.

“Ta-kun...?”

“Ah! Reki, I’m sorry, I was worried about you, I’m sorry if i...”

“It’s okay.”

She walked towards him, carefully stepping over the blackened remains on the floor. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms round his waist. He hugged her back and held her.

“Reki...What is this place?”

She laughed gently.

“My house, Takashi.”

“...Really? What happened?”

“Come inside and I...I’ll tell you.”

He walked across the threshold and followed Reki through the doorway she had come from. They passed a staircase, but it was unclimbable, the steps burnt and the foundations showing. They passed through until they came to as large room, burnt, like the rest of the house. A few blankets were piled neatly in the centre of the room, and a large, waterproof sheet was on the ground. Reki sat on it, and Takashi sat next to her. He cuddled her and looked into her eyes questioningly. Unable to hold his gaze, Reki looked away. He held her and waited for her to speak. When she didn’t, he said,

“You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to, Reki.”

“Um...can I leave a few bits out then?”

“Sure.”

She nodded.

“I met Aries seven years ago. Before that, I spent four years in the forests surrounding southern Multi. So... I had seven years before that, living in this village. When I was seven...a fire started in our house. My parents...they died in the fire.”

“Why did you leave the village? Surely there must’ve been someone who would take you in?”

Reki let out a shaky laugh.

“Oh, Takashi...they might’ve been...but...”

She closed her eyes and looked down.

“I started the fire...”

“And?! Surely you didn’t leave because of that?”

She sighed.

“I can’t tell you much more, Takashi; there are some things which I never want anyone to know. Let’s just say...it wasn’t exactly accidental...and...I could’ve rescued them, but I didn’t. The villagers called me a demon, and chased me from the village. I’ve tried to come back, every year, to put flowers on my parent’s graves...but...they won’t let me. They say they don’t want a demon near their church, and that a murderer like me doesn’t deserve to see their graves.”

“That’s shit.”

“No, I think their right. But I’ll keep coming back, keep trying, and maybe one day...”

He looked at her face, and watched her cry. He reached out, and brushed the tears from her eyes. Then he stood up.

“Reki. I’m coming back in about half an hour, wait for me.”

“Oh...Takashi, you don’t have to come back, go stay with the others, okay?”

“No, I’m coming back.”

He left, and Reki watched his back. She watched him disappear into the darkness, his black clothes blending perfectly with the walls and floor.

Good thing he changed his clothes and hair to black .Just think, Reki, how dirty his clothes would’ve been if he was still wearing white. Do you remember? All the wallpaper was white, before-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Takashi walked down into the village. It was still quite early, and the sun still shone through the clouds. Takashi reached the church, and found the villagers in a sermon. He leant against the doorway, and waited for it to finish. As the villagers stood, Takashi walked up the central isle towards the priest. The villagers looked at him curiously, and some sat down again, watching as Takashi approached the priest.

“Father, are you the one who governs the graveyard?”

“I am.” The priest replied. “May I ask you what your business is, stranger?”

“My business is Reki Sotayuu.”

The church fell silent. The priest’s eyes narrowed as he heard the name.

“May I talk to you in the back room?”

The villagers watched, muttering as the priest led Takashi off. The priest closed the door behind Takashi and said, somewhat viciously,

“I have no business with that demon. As long as she stays away from here...but, you didn’t state your business with her. Would you explain to me precisely what you want?”

“Let her see her parents.”

“Never! You seem to be somewhat ignorant about the nature of their deaths-”

“No, I know perfectly well how they died. But a person should not be kept from their parents graves.”

“She killed them! She’s a murderer! Your ignorance will not be tolerated, boy, and I will ask you to leave this village peacefully.”

Takashi laughed. The priest was looking angrier by the minute, but Takashi kept his cool.

“Do you know how to remove a glamour, father?”

“So, that isn’t even your real face! I wonder, what shall I find underneath it!”

The priest muttered a short incarnation. Takashi felt the glamour fall away, and saw the priest’s mouth fall open as Takashi’s hair turned back to white. He fell to his knees and bowed.

“Lord Takashi...forgive me, I didn’t know...”

“No matter, I shall forgive you, but I would advise you to be respectful to people whose ranks are lower than you...may I request again that Reki be allowed to see her parents graves?”

“My lord, it’s a serious matter...”

“If you don’t let her through, I’ll force a way through. It’s your choice.”

Takashi turned his back and walked out of the room, pulling his travelling cloak over his head to hide his hair. A few of the villagers remained in the hall, giving him evil looks as he passed them. He ignored them all and started walking, back up towards the blackened, burnt out house.

026- Determind

2008-04-10T17:14:19Z

026 Determined

Reki x Takashi

Title: diversion

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 026 determined

Word count: 957

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: where to go...

Takashi had gotten back late that night. Utterly exhausted, he had fallen straight asleep. After only six hours of sleep, he felt someone poking his arm. He grumbled and rolled over, but the figure didn’t relent. So he opened his eyes, and saw Wolfee hovering above him.

“Takaaaaashiiiiii...I know your awaaaaake...”

Takashi closed his eyes again.

“Let me sleep, Wolfee...”

“Can’t. Reki’s all hyped up about going exploring, but she said she wouldn’t leave without you.”

“Reki....aw geez, I shouldn’t have stayed out so late...”

He pulled himself up and started fumbling around for his clothes. Wolfee threw them at him and smiled. The second he mentioned Reki, he was wide awake.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ta-kun!”

Takashi felt the small, soft figure of Reki cuddle up to him. He smiled sleepily and patted her hair.

“You took so long to get up! But we couldn’t leave without you, cos you said you’d never seen more then the main road...didn’t want you to miss out.”

“Yeah...thanks, Reki.”

She grinned and pushed him out the door, and he found the others waiting on the landing. They all set out for town laughing. Leo walked behind them, looking uninterestedly at the town. He looked at Reki, giggling and talking to Takashi. It was strange, he thought, that he had heard the voice that time...and that it didn’t seem to bother her as much when she was with Takashi. He wondered why.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aries held out a hand, and the party stopped walking.

“Half a minute, I need to go get something from that shop. Be right back.”

They watched her walking off, shrugged and carried on talking, waiting for her to come back. She was only gone for about 10 minutes, before she came wandering back, a small, black bag in her hand.

“Ari-chan! What did you buy?”

Aries smiled.

“You’ll find out later, probably...”

Reki looked puzzled, and gave Aries big puppy dog eyes. When Aries stared back at her coolly, she sighed. Her discouragement only lasted for a second, however, and within record time she was at Aries’ side, talking and laughing.

“Hey, Ari-chan...”

“I’m not telling what’s in the bag, Reki.”

“It’s not that...” Reki tugged Aries’ sleeve.

“Oh, god.”

“Eh?” Sakamaru, on the other side of Aries chimed in. “What’s wrong?”

Aries gave him a dejected look.

“She’s hungry.”

Half an hour later, and they were sitting in the huge park in the centre of the city. They were all staring amusedly at Reki, who had just eaten her way through two takeout boxes of pork and two more of vegetables.

“Geez, Reki, how much can one girl eat? And- hey!”

Reki swallowed, giggled, and stole one of Takashi’s pieces of pork. Aries smirked and asked Wolfee for his hunting knife, which he gave her with a confused look.

“Reki, Takashi, can it and pay attention.”

Aries drew a small diagram in the dirt, and pointed the knife to the central point.

“This is rainbow city...and nice as it is, we’re gonna have to leave after we’ve stocked up. So the question is, do we go this way-” she drew the knife down a road to the south-east of the city, “-towards pink town, and then go onto Eldorado gold, or do we go this way-” she drew the knife across the eastern path, “-and straight to Lilly city?”

“Gold!”

“Lilly!”

Reki and Takashi had yelled in unison. They looked at each other and laughed. Takashi hugged her, and she hugged him back.

“...But seriously, Ta-kun, let’s go straight to Lilly city...”

“No way, I want to avoid it for as long as possible...let’s go to Gold...”

“No, I definatley think we should go to Lilly city.”

“No, Gold would be better.”

The others watched with interest as they argued. Reki seemed bent on avoiding Eldorado Gold and Takashi on avoiding Lilly city.

“Well, Reki, we know that Takashi doesn’t want to go to Lilly city because of his parents and the guards...why don’t you want to go to Eldorado gold?”

“Because...we have to pass...through my hometown... to get there.”

“You come from Pink town, Reki?”

Reki nodded, not looking at the others. Aries, who was best at reading Reki’s emotions, knew something was wrong. Sakamaru looked at them both, before saying,

“I don’t want to take sides or anything, but looking at it logically, it would be best to go to Eldorado gold, pick up some money, and come back to Rainbow city before going on to Lilly city.”

Takashi looked down at Reki. She had gone quiet. He wrapped his arms around her.

“Reki...” he murmured, “how about we go to Gold, and we set off in the morning so we don’t have to stop there? We’ll just pass straight through...”

Reki closed her eyes and cuddled Takashi. She really didn’t want to go back there. Never again. But...

“Actually...” she said slowly, “Let’s stop in pink town. There’s something I need to do there.”

Takashi looked surprised, but nodded. He whispered “Sorry...” in her ear, and she gave him a half happy, half sad smile.

They started walking again, returning to their shopping. The mood gradually grew lighter, and soon they were all laughing together like nothing had happened. They agreed to set off the next afternoon, spend the night in pink town, and move on to Eldorado Gold the next morning. They returned to the inn, and said goodnight to each other. Aries watched Reki as she crawled into bed, knowing that the thought of the next day’s journey was troubling her. She didn’t know what had happened in Reki’s childhood- Reki had never told her, and she hadn’t asked. All she knew was that it was bad, and that she wanted to forget.

025- Depressed

2008-04-08T19:42:21Z

025- Depressed

Reki x Takashi

Title: Disguise

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 025 depressed

Word count: 985

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: arrived in rainbow city.

When they had arrived at the inn, they had been a little unsure of what to do with Leo. He had followed them there, and they weren’t quite sure whether or not they should pay for a room for him. In the end, he had paid for his own room, but was sitting in the corner of theirs, a pair of thick, black glasses adorning his face, and reading a dusty volume. Inevitably, this had annoyed Aries, who was sitting in another room. She had told them not to disturb her, and Reki knew that she was using her cards, probably to try and analyse Leo.

This left the rest of them sitting round the table, lazily playing snap and waiting for Takashi to turn up. Wolfee was flirting with Libraya, and although he didn’t admit it, it was really starting to get on Sakamaru’s nerves. Not that it really mattered. It wasn’t like they were a couple.

Other than Aries and Leo, they were all glad when Takashi walked through the door. A dark cape covered most of his body and hid his hair completely. Reki, who was closest to the door, leaned back and grabbed his hand, pulling him down next to her. The action made the hood of his cape slip off, and he slid the cloak of his shoulders. He grinned at their surprised faces.

“What?”

“Takashi, what the hell did you do to your hair?!”

Takashi’s hair had changed. It was no longer falling loosely around his shoulders, but tied back. The silky white colour had gone, replaced by black. He no longer wore his white karate outfit, but slim fitting black trousers, black boots and a silky black shirt.

He laughed, and the others just stared.

“Uh, Takashi?” Sakamaru asked. “An explanation?”

“Oh, right. Well...how should I put this...”

They all stared at him expectantly.

“The royal guards are kind of looking for me...”

“Holy-! The royal guards?! What did you do, Takashi?”

“Calm it, Libraya. About four months ago, I sort of insulted the king and queen, and now there’s a bounty on my head. They’re all out to get me,” he sighed, “and this place is crawling with them. So, I made myself over. See?”

Reki pulled his shirt sleeve.

“Ta-kun, how did you insult them?”

He winked at her.

“I couldn’t tell you that. You’d think badly of me!”

“Course I wouldn’t! You know I’ve killed people, so you tell me your secret!”

“I don’t think I’ve even seen the surface of your secrets, Reki. Besides, you’ll find out soon enough...”

He hugged her, and she giggled. She liked his silk shirt, but she missed his hair tickling her shoulders and face. They could’ve spent longer hugging, but unluckily, Aries emerged from the other room at that moment. She took one look at Takashi and ran over, kicking him in the head.

“Damn! If only Aries hadn’t recognised me, I might’ve escaped that...”

“Oh, it’s you, Takashi. That’s alright, I don’t have to apologize then. But...” she glanced over him “What’s with the get up? If your trying seduce Reki, I’m gonna kill you-”

Unable to resist, Takashi stood, and wrapped his arms round Aries.

“Mmmm, who says it’s Reki I’m trying to seduce...?”

He yelped and let go as sparks started shooting up his leg. Again, he felt Aries kick him, still shooting little sparks from her fingers.

“Uh. Just a joke Aries, I wouldn’t do that to you...I like nice girls...”

“Ta-kun! Ari-chan is nice!”

“If you say so. But seriously, there’s a reason for this...” he explained again what he had already told the others. Aries didn’t interrupt, but laughed at the end.

“So that’s how it is? Sucker.”

He gave her an exasperated look as she sat down on the other side of the table.

“I swear, if you’ve burnt any holes in these trousers...”

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It was 8:30 sundown, and they had all gone back to their rooms. Reki wandered over to Takashi’s door and knocked before going in. she was surprised to see that Takashi wasn’t there.

“Oh, hey Reki.”

“Wolfee? I forgot, your sharing rooms...have you seen Ta-kun?”

“Yeah, he went out a few minutes ago. Hey, Reki,” he asked as she turned around, “How come I don’t have a cute nickname like Ta-kun or Ari-chan?”

“Because Wolfee doesn’t shorten to anything cute. Wo-kun, Wol-chan...Wolfee practically is a nickname. But, if you really want one...” Wolfee gave her a flirtatious smile.

“Then it’s got to be Hachi!”

Wolfee froze, but Reki apparently didn’t notice.

“Hachi is a cute name for a dog, right? And you’re nearly a dog, so Hachi. You like it?”

“...No. Wolfee is fine.”

“Okie dokie then. Anyway, I’m going to go now, I’ll talk to Takashi in the morning.. See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah...bye.”

She closed the door, and Wolfee let out the breath he had been holding. He lay back on the pillows, but abruptly sat up again when he heard a voice from the corner of the room.

“Hachi, huh? It’s been a long time since anyone’s called you that, am I right?”

“Oh...Leo...”

The blonde stood from where he had been sitting.

“Jeez, Leo, how long have you been there?”

“...long enough.”

Leo walked out. Wolfee stared after him, and lay back again. He had gotten rid of that name long ago. He wasn’t Hachi anymore, he was Wolfee. Wolfee.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Takashi sat alone, inside a bar. He knew he should go back, and make the most of the time he had left with them, but he didn’t want to. He needed some time to think. He knew he’d never forget any of them. Aries, Libraya, Wolfee, Leo, Sakamaru...Reki. Especially not Reki. He wanted to travel with them for longer, for so much longer, but he knew it would end soon.

Because when they reached Lilly city, it was all over for him.

024- Cynical

2008-04-07T09:50:20Z

024- Cynical

Reki x Takashi

Title: bread roll

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 024 Cynical

Word count: 1,191

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: To rainbow city.

After Aries returned, they debated their options. Reki seemed to have recovered, but Takashi and Wolfee wanted to stay put for one more night, just to make sure. As they argued, Leo slipped back and sat behind a tent, close enough to hear them but not to be noticed. He sat listening for a while, his attention picking up when he heard Takashi mention his name.

“...something about Leo. You said he was the one who hurt you...can we trust him?”

Reki pondered for a while.

“I’m not sure. Although,” she said, pulling a skewer out of the kebab she was eating, “I think I would trust him more if he came out and talked to us instead of listening from behind that tent.”

Reki threw the skewer in an arc over the tent. Leo sighed and stood up and waved his hand at the skewer, making it disintegrate. He walked over and sat down next to Wolfee. Wolfee looked over at him from under his side fringe, blushing slightly. He’d changed since he’d last seen him- his face was more angular, and he looked older. But his disposition was unchanged. His eyes wandered over to Aries, who was now glaring at Leo, obviously annoyed that he had been listening in.

“It’s rude to spy on people you know.”

Leo cast her an annoyed glance, before turning his attention to Reki. Aries’ hands clenched into fists. Reki, who was sitting next to her, lent over and hugged her. She knew Aries wasn’t used to being ignored like that. She looked up into Leo’s haunting green eyes, trying to keep her face blank as the voice echoed round her head.

Just like you, Reki.

He’s just like you.

Leo’s eyes widened a little, and Reki’s did the same as she noticed. She couldn’t believe it...he couldn’t have heard it. It was in her head, for god’s sake! There was no way he could look into her head...

The conversation died out after that. They all went to sleep in their respective tents, all thinking about Leo, and who he was.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Takashi woke the next morning, hearing noises outside. He went out to find Aries packing up her and Reki’s tent.

“Hey, Aries. I thought we agreed that we’d stay here for another day-”

Aries glared at him, and he dropped the subject. He walked over to Reki, who was sitting on the ground, staring into the fire as she turned a few rolls of bread over. He knelt beside her and hugged her, and she smiled and returned the hug.

“Reki, are you okay with this? You feeling okay?”

Reki laughed and poked his arm playfully.

“I’m fine. Anyway, I’m looking forward to going to rainbow city! It’s really, really big!” she stared into his light blue eyes, giving another of her precious smiles. “Have you ever been there before, Ta-kun?”

“Uh huh. My home town’s quite close...I passed through a lot. Although I’ve never actually seen more then the main road!”

“Which town do you live in?”

“Did you live in.” He corrected her. “Lilly city.”

Reki gasped.

“Really?! With the huge palace?! Have you seen the royal family? Are there really great big gates around the palace? I heard they have a really good bakery-”

Takashi laughed and answered her questions. Soon, Libraya and Wolfee emerged and joined the circle, and contributed to the animated conversation. After about five more minutes, Sakamaru came out of his tent too, yawning. He walked towards them, and yelped as he tripped over the figure lying on the ground.

“Bloody...What the hell? Leo?” he said, rubbing the arm he had landed on.

Leo looked up at him, annoyed. Aries snickered and grabbed one of the rolls off the fire, but quickly dropped it, the crust burning her hands. She swore and Leo looked sat up and looked at her, smirking. Aries pouted and looked away, and Reki hugged her and handed her another, cooler bread roll. Sakamaru, rather embarrassed, sat next to Libraya, who smiled and handed him an already buttered bread roll, still feeling guilty about blanking him. After a while, Reki stood up and handed Leo a roll. He ignored it, but before he could stop her, Reki shoved it into his mouth and went back to the circle. He considered throwing it away, but knew that stubbornness was no reason to starve himself, so he buckled down and ate it.

He had to admit, it was good.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After breakfast, when all the tents were packed away, they continued walking along the road to rainbow city. They talked and laughed, and Leo walked behind them. Aries and Libraya were having a hushed conversation about Leo and just why he was following them. Sakamaru, Wolfee and Reki were all engrossed in a conversation about rainbow city. Wolfee stopped and looked around curiously.

“Eh? Wolfee, what’s wrong?”

Wolfee looked over, a mildly confused look on his face.

“Our white haired friend appears to have gone bye bye.”

They all stopped and looked around.

Takashi had disappeared.

“Oh, crap.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Due to Aries’ insistence that they carry on, they had reached the gates of rainbow city. Other than Reki, Aries and, of course, Leo, they felt bad about leaving without even searching for Takashi. When Libraya had voiced this point to Reki, she had replied with a smile.

“He left on his own accord. No ones been near us since we set off, and I’m sure he’ll be back.”

They looked up at rainbow city, its huge buildings towering above them. Just like its name, different colours ran everywhere, flowing into each other and creating a moving rainbow, stretching across the city. They were so distracted by the sight, that they almost totally ignored the root sticking out of the path. Luckily, Sakamaru was close to tripping over again when Libraya pulled him back.

“Everybody’s out to get me today...thanks, Libraya.”

“No problem. Um...” she voiced as they starting walking again, “Shouldn’t we look at that piece of paper?”

“Eh?” Sakamaru turned around. “What piece of paper?”

She pointed.

“The one tacked to that tree root...”

Reki stooped and picked it up.

“Oh! It’s from Takashi!”

They stared at her.

“Well, read it then...”

Reki started.

“To Reki, Libraya, Wolfee, blah blah blah...sorry if I scared you. You probably noticed I’m gone-”

“Oh no, we totally missed it.” Muttered Aries.

“-So sorry if you’re worried about me-”

“We aren’t.” Aries added.

“-and I’ll meet you in rainbow city. Check into the brown bottle inn, and I’ll come and find you. I’ll explain when I get there. From Takashi! xxx”

Aries grabbed the letter.

“God, he’s such a girl! Three kisses after his name?”

Wolfee peered over her shoulder.

“Shouldn’t we be more concerned with why he isn’t coming with us?”

“Nah, I’m sure the little girl can look after herself. Let’s just go and check into that inn, although I have half a mind not to and make her come crying to us.”

“That’s mean, Ari-chan!”

“But true.” She folded the letter and slipped it into one of Reki’s pockets. “C’mon, let’s go.”

023- Curious

2008-04-04T16:40:49Z

023- Curious

Reki x Takashi

Title: reunion

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 023 Curious

Word count: 905

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: Wolfee and Leo’s pasts.

The party had been unusually subdued without Reki. For the last hour, they had been sitting outside cooking their evening meal, and talking quietly, and throwing glances at Reki’s tent.

The blonde man hadn’t moved an inch. They had included him in the circle and made a portion of food for him in the hope that he might talk, but he said nothing. The night was silent, and they noticed quickly when Wolfee came tramping over towards them, his bad mood gone.

“Hello, everyone! How’s Reki? She come out yet?”

They all looked at him, trying to assume some of their usual cheeriness. Libraya was the one to reply.

“No, not yet...but Wolfee, where’ve you been?”

Wolfee grinned at her.

“I went down the path towards blue town, and I met a bunch of girls there, there was this blonde with the nicest legs-”

Wolfee trailed off as he spotted the stranger.

“Holy shit...” he murmured. “Leo?”

The man looked up, disgust showing clearly on his face. He addressed him, a mocking tone in his voice.

“Ah, Wolfee. Long time no see. Still as prestigious as ever, I see.”

Wolfee didn’t move, his eyes fixed on the man.

“What are you doing here?”

“I have some business with your friend.”

Wolfee’s eyes widened and he moved towards Leo and grabbed his collar shakily.

“It was you, wasn’t it?! You did this to her, you did something that hurt her!”

“Don’t be stupid, I’m not an animal like you-”

Aries, Takashi, Sakamaru and Libraya jumped to their feet as Wolfee made to punch Leo. Leo waved a hand lazily at Wolfee and a black tendril wrapped itself around Wolfee’s hands, biding them behind his back.

Just as it was starting to look bad, Reki emerged from her tent. She saw the blonde man and froze for a second, before registering that he was nothing like he had been last night. So she ran over and pulled Wolfee away from him.

“Reki? Are you okay?”

“Stay still Wolfee.”

Wolfee didn’t move as Reki turned him over to inspect the black energy encircling his wrists. Takashi felt a pang of jealousy as he watched Reki leaning over him, but shook the thought from his head, and instead turned his attentions to Leo. He wasn’t looking at Wolfee- in fact, trying to look anywhere but Wolfee.

Reki looked into Leo’s eyes.

“Release him.”

Leo, with no flicker of emotion, waved his hand and the blackness dissipitated. Reki looked fearlessly into his eyes.

She was brave, he thought. She had been terrified the night before.

Leo got up, and walked away.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wolfee tucked into the food that they had saved for him, rubbing his wrists. Aries had stalked off after the stranger, apparently to give him a piece of her mind. Takashi looked at Reki and asked,

“Reki...what was that stuff that he used to bind Wolfee? Everyone has an element they can use, but that wasn’t any of them...”

Reki hugged him and sighed.

“You don’t know much about this do you? There’s more to magic than the four elements. You’ve never seen Aries in action have you?”

“Aries?”

“Uh huh. She’s a tarot master. You know that bag she carries around on her belt? That has her cards in.”

Takashi’s eyes widened.

“Are you serious? Are there not only about three tarot masters in the continent?”

Reki smiled.

“Yup! Ari-chan is strong! But that man...Leo? What he used...was demon magic.”

“Demon?”

“Yes. Wolfee, you used to know him? How did you two meet?”

Wolfee looked down, his ears drooping sadly.

“We used to be friends...we had an argument, and didn’t talk again. I miss him, I guess. I shouldn’t have said those things, in was unfair of me.”

“No...He was the one that did that to me.”

Takashi put his arm around Reki’s shoulders and pulled her into an embrace. Why? What did Leo want with her? Why would he hurt such an innocent girl...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, she found him. He was crouching under a tree, looking at the bark. Aries walked over to him.

“Hey. Blonde man.”

He ignored her.

“Hey! I’m talking to you!”

He still ignored her.

So she walked over and poked him. He whipped around, a sour look in his eyes.

“What?”

“My names Aries, and I want to know why you did what you did to Wolfee. And what your involvement with Reki is.”

“Oh, so you’re the mother of the group?”

“What’s with you?! You just hurt my friends, of course I’m not gonna leave you alone! And you just went and buggered off without saying anything!”

“Friends, huh.”

Aries looked at him stubbornly.

“Yes.”

“I used to be friends with Wolfee. And the girl has something that I’m interested in.”

“You think that’s an excuse? You-”

She paused.

“You used to know Wolfee?”

“Yes.”

Aries waited for him to continue. A silence stretched between them for over a minute before Leo muttered “You’re damn annoying” and continued.

“We were friends when we were kids. But soon, he started chasing girls. It was all he talked about. He fell in love all the time, and it got annoying. We had an argument, and we didn’t talk to each other again. End of story.”

For the first time in her life, Aries felt that Wolfee had been in the right. She didn’t like this man, with his startling, handsome green eyes.

022- Crushed

2008-04-02T19:14:59Z

022- Crushed

Reki x Takashi

Title: Nausea

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 022 Crushed

Word count: 1,034

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: -

Again, they were all gathered in Reki’s room, only this time with the addition of Sakamaru. Their bags were all packed and they were ready to go.

“So Reki, did you ever find those shops?” Takashi asked her. Reki grinned.

“Uh huh. I stocked up, and found loads of new stuff which I’d never even heard of before!”

Takashi smiled. He was beginning to get over the fact that she was an assassin, and he felt happy that she was so lively. He didn’t want to see her sad. The morning they had stood on the pier together in purple town, she had had a kind of sadness in her eyes which made him feel she had suffered in the past, and he never wanted her to look like that again.

Again, he asked himself how much she was hiding.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They walked for nearly four hours before reaching blue town again. This time, however, they didn’t stop and passed right through. They were headed to rainbow city, the capital of Multi. Before they got there, they had to pass through the village green. Although it was called a green, it stretched on for miles, with a single road and few trees.

At 5:30 sundown, they pulled a few minutes away from the road and set up camp. After walking for four hours, plus the two it had taken to get from blue town to their current location, they were all glad to drop their packs. The men were given the job of pitching the tents, and Libraya started sorting out bedding and cooking utensils, leaving Aries and Reki to look for firewood. Not wanting to cut down any trees, they had to search hard for sticks and loose branches. They talked as they went, Reki babbling and Aries listing, often adding in a comment of her own. As they were picking up branches from a dead tree, Reki turned to Aries and giggled.

“Aries, look who’s coming up the path!”

Aries turned around and a saw a handsome stranger walking up the dust road. She turned back to Reki.

“What? I’ve never seen him before, you know him?”

Reki giggled.

“He’s the man we decided was your type back in clear city!”

Aries turned again to look at the stranger. His dirty blonde hair was hidden by a top hat, and a large, heavy black coat fluttered at his ankles. Aries shivered as she saw him. Something about him gave her the creeps. He seemed to notice, and looked in their direction. His piercing eyes met hers, and she pulled her gaze away, feeling slightly sick. His eyes showed no emotion at all.

Reki shifted uncomfortably. She had pointed the stranger out to Aries to see if she had noticed anything strange. Seeing Aries uneasy look made her fret. Aries was generally unfazed by anything, and the other girls reaction had made her worry. They carried on collecting wood in silence, and took it back to the camp. Seeing the others laughing and joking, they forgot their concerns, and although the fire was small and not very warm, the atmosphere was warm and cosy. They went to bed happily, Reki smiling warmly after Takashi had hugged her and stared her in the eyes for a few seconds. She soon drifted into sleep, happy dreams filling her head.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ugh. Finally .Why Reki, It almost seems like you’ve been ignoring me.

Reki woke with a start. She turned her head to look at Aries, and got out of her sleeping bag.

Don’t worry, I don’t want to eat her.

Reki crawled towards the door, and out into the night. She stood and glanced at the other tents, making sure they were all asleep.

He’s here you know. The man with the green eyes.

Reki crouched on the ground, her head in her hands, trying to block the voice from her head. A cruel laugh filled her ears.

Don’t you like me, Reki? Do you want me to go away? Do you want me to leave, so you can be happy? You can’t block me, not now. Not whilst he’s here.

Reki shuddered as more laughter filled her ears. She stood shakily, and walked away from the campsite. She sat down under a tree and closed her eyes. She lulled herself into a trance, so blissfully unaware of her surroundings. But after a while, she couldn’t ignore it. It was getting closer. Him. He made it worse...

Before she knew it, he was right in front of her.

She looked up into his cold eyes, unable to move. He crouched in front of her, his hands against the tree, trapping her. He stared right into her eyes and she shuddered, feeling the nausea sweep over her. The man muttered something, and he touched a finger to her forehead.

“Don’t hide. I know your there.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reki woke with a start, sitting up sharply and frantically looking around for the man. She felt large hands pushing her back onto the bedding, and she struck out.

“Reki! Ah-!” Takashi reeled as she hit his face. “Calm down, Reki...It’s okay.”

“What? Ta...Takashi...? Wolfee?”

They looked worriedly at her. The others had heard the commotion, and came into the tent. Aries knelt next to her, her voice calm and soothing.

“Reki! You’re awake? You’ve been asleep for a whole day and a half, we found you yesterday morning, unconscious under some tree...what happened?”

Reki closed her eyes, her thoughts spinning.

“Um...”

They all looked at her.

“Would...would you mind leaving me alone for a while? I just want to think...”

They all moved out of the tent, feeling concerned. Wolfee headed off across the field without looking at the camp. He had been in the tent with Reki and Takashi since they had found her, and he needed to stretch his legs. Aries, Sakamaru and Takashi all headed off to their tents, leaving Libraya.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She sat down on the grass, staring at the sky.

“...Is she okay?”

Libraya muttered “I don’t know” and looked over at the blonde haired man, his black coat wrapped round his shoulders, sitting by the dead campfire, waiting for Reki to wake up.

021- Creative

2008-03-30T19:50:26Z

021- Creative

Reki x Takashi

Title: plot

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 021 Creative

Word count: 1,053

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: plot plot scheme scheme

Aries shut the door behind her. Libraya looked up at her, half knowing what she was about to say.

“...It’s about him, isn’t it?”

Aries nodded.

“Sakamaru.”

Libraya looked surprised, before smiling.

“Yes.”

Aries sighed and sat down next to her on the bed. She looked at her for a moment, slight annoyance or confusion showing in her eyes.

“He told me to give you a message. He says he wants to see you again, and he misses you.”

Libraya flinched slightly and looked away. Aries knew she should leave, but stubbornly refused to go, sitting there until Libraya looked over again.

“Wait, you talked to him?”

“Uh huh. Just after you left.”

“You shouldn’t have. It’s not anything really important-”

Aries let out an exasperated moan.

“Look, do you have something against the guy? If you want to, and he wants you to, then just go and talk to him! He gave you an opening didn’t he? Why didn’t you-”

“Wasn’t ready...” Libraya muttered. “You’re making too big a deal...”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“...out of this.”

Reki, Takashi and Wolfee all had their ears pressed against the door. Reki sighed and drew back. She beckoned the men into her room.

“Oi, Wolfee.”

“Hmm? What?”

“Get lost.”

Takashi and Wolfee stared at her, mouths open.

“I know you don’t like me, but-”

“Yeah Reki, that’s a bit harsh...”

Reki started pushing Wolfee out the door.

“If you don’t get lost, then they’re never going to talk to each other!”

“Okay, okay! I’m going!”

Wolfee pouted and walked off, and Takashi flinched as he slammed the door. Reki pulled on a short cape, and looked very seriously at Takashi.

“Takashi, Wolfee’s dying.”

Takashi ogled at her. Reki laughed and punched him playfully.

“Okay? Look shocked! We were in the town together, when something hit Wolfee. We ran back here to fetch those two. He isn’t far away.”

“Reki, what the hell are you talking about? He just left, and unless you’re psychic or something...”

“Oh, use your imagination, Ta-kun!”

He never got to ask her anything else, because she was pulling him out of the room. Reki flung the door open, and they ran into Libraya’s room.

“Aries! Libraya! Come quickly, Wolfee’s been stabbed or something, please-!”

Libraya and Aries rose to their feet. The colour had drained from libraya’s face, and they all ran down the stairs and onto the street.

“Reki, where is he?!”

Reki took the lead, and led them through the streets. After running for a couple of minutes, Reki jumped and disappeared. They all stopped, confused. Before they knew what hit them, Takashi and Aries had ropes around their waists and gags in their mouths, and were being pulled into the darkness. Libraya whipped around, but was too late to see the cloaked figure slinking off into the alleyway, two bound figures in tow.

“Um....”

Libraya turned around again, her eyes widening.

What the hell was going on?!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Mmmmfgl! Mmm...Mmmmmmmm?!”

Reki pulled the gags off Takashi and Aries’ mouths. They both stared at her, utterly confused.

“Reki, what’s going on? Where’s Wolfee?”

“Eh? Someone say my name?”

Wolfee dropped from the short wall above them. Reki turned and addressed him.

“Well done!”

“Um...right. Aries, you look worried, what’s wrong?”

“Your fine.”

“Yes...?”

Aries turned and glared at Reki. She laughed sheepishly and half pulled Takashi to his feet. Aries stood too, and Reki gestured to an iron ladder on the wall, leading to the rooftops of a line of houses. They followed Reki up the ladder, and joined her at the edge of a roof, looking down at the street below.

“Reki, what-”

She waved a hand for them to be quiet, and pointed to two figures below them.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Libraya stared at Sakamaru. His deep purple hair was blowing in the wind, and his bottle green cape was fluttering. Sakamaru walked up to her, and grabbed her hand as she tried to back off.

“Libraya! For gods sake, talk to me!”

He looked into her eyes and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. When he didn’t get a reaction, he took another step towards her and wrapped his arms round her. Libraya blushed, and hesitatingly hugged him back. He let go and took a step backwards. Libraya closed her eyes and whispered,

“...Sorry...”

Sakamaru smiled and pulled a hand through his hair.

“It’s ok, I guess it is a little awkward...”

They talked self-consciously for a while, but soon fell into a friendly conversation. They started walking unconsciously, wandering around the town. An hour later, they stood outside the door of the inn that they were both (coincidentally) staying in. Reki, Takashi, Aries and Wolfee had followed them around for a while, but had gotten bored after a while and headed back to the inn. They were sitting at a table near the door when the purple haired duo walked in, smiling. Reki waved them over and they sat down at the table. Wolfee grinned at Sakamaru and Aries kicked him under the table. They talked for another hour, and eventually the conversation turned to Sakamaru.

“Hey, Sakamaru...”

Sakamaru looked at Reki. She was half asleep and her head was on the table.

“Join our party?”

Sakamaru looked at the others for consent, and when none of them objected, he smiled and nodded.

“I’d like to. But...is it okay with you, Libraya...?”

Libraya blushed and said she would love it if he did.

“I’ve been travelling on my own for ages. It’ll be much more fun with you guys, I’m sure.”

“Yup.” Aries said, lounging back in her chair. “You’ll get involved in Reki’s sneaky little plots now though.”

Sakamaru asked her what she meant, and Aries told him the story of how Libraya had ran into him. Libraya blinked in shock before reaching to her right and messing up Reki’s hair as hard as she could. Reki screamed and ducked, the others laughing. They went to bed in good spirits, and agreed to leave the city the next day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they walked up the stairs, a man watched from the doorway. The bar keeper walked up to him.

“Welcome sir! Would you like a drink, or-”

“...No thanks. I was just leaving.”

And the man walked out, leaving the bar keeper curious and bewildered.

020- Crazy

2008-03-26T16:54:02Z

020- Crazy

Reki x Takashi

Title: childhood

Fandom: Original

Characters: Reki, Takashi

Prompt: 020 Crazy

Word count: 748

Rating: PG

Warnings/spoilers: none

Summary: the identity of the purple haired bishie!

Libraya dipped her head and began picking up all the packages.

“Um...I think you must have the wrong person...”

The man made a face, and bent down in front of her, his face half a meter away from hers. Libraya blushed as she looked into his eyes.

“Are you kidding? Long, purple hair tied back with a long strip of white material? I’ll be damned if I ever meet another girl with that hairstyle.”

Libraya looked away again, her short fringe hiding her eyes. He stared at her for a few moments, before handing her the empty box he had been carrying.

“Here. I don’t need it anymore.”

He flicked his hand and the packages rose through the air and landed neatly in the box. Libraya stood and thanked him. He walked up close to her, his head slightly at an angle as he looked at her.

“Do you not remember me? I knew you when we were little, I’m Sakam-”

He never finished his sentence, however, because Libraya had walked off hurriedly. He stared after her, and ran a hand through his hair, blushing. Did she really not remember him?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What the hell was that all about?”

Wolfee, Takashi, Aries and Reki all stood at the end of the isle, heads poking round the shelves to get a good look at the man. Aries had been reluctant at first, but had gradually edged round to get a look at the couple. Reki pretended to ponder at Takashi’s question, although she knew the answer. Thankfully, Wolfee saved her having to make an excuse by saying,

“Well, they knew each other when they were younger...childhood friends?”

Reki nodded, and Wolfee looked pleased. He tried to hug Aries, but she pushed him away, looking disgusted. Takashi snickered and Aries hit him round the head before walking down the isle. The others followed her, expecting to go and find Libraya. They were shocked when instead, Aries walked up to the purple haired man.

“Hey.”

He looked at her, and then at the rest of the party, surprised.

“Um...hi.”

“You know Libraya? She’s a friend of ours. We’re going to go find her, do you want to come with us?”

He smiled sadly.

“It’s okay...I don’t think she wants to see me. But will you give her a message from me?”

Aries looked slightly surprised, but accepted his offer.

“Tell her I miss her and I’d like to talk to her again.”

Aries smiled and said okay. They started to walk off, but Aries stopped after a few paces before turning round.

“By the way, what’s your name?”

The man smiled at her, his finger fiddling with his hair.

“Sakamaru.”

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The second they were out of the centre, Takashi burst out laughing. Aries stared at him, annoyed.

“Wow, Aries! You’re a really nice person after all!”

Aries smirked at him.

“Of course I am, although it’s not hard when judged against people like you. Besides,” she smiled and turned around, “We know his name now, right?”

Wolfee stared at her.

“You did that to learn his name?”

Aries sighed.

“Why else? I’m not the kind of girl to go chat with a guy for no reason.”

“That’s crazy!”

Reki pitched in.

“Most girls think that a handsome guy is enough reason to talk to them.”

“Well Reki, I’m not like most girls. Besides, he wasn’t that great...”

Wolfee smiled and walked over to her. He was only slightly taller then her, but he went and stood in front of her, smiling.

“Mmmm, I wonder what Aries’ type is...”

Aries looked disgusted.

“Definatley not you.”

Reki giggled and pointed to a man walking by, with blonde hair and a black trench coat.

“Definatley someone like that! Tall, attractive and moody.”

Wolfee looked interestedly at the man before Aries whacked him round the head.

“Do you have to check out every living being?”

“Well, he was hot! And what’s so bad about me?”

The conversation carried on in this manner as they started to look for Libraya. They found her sitting by a small fountain in the town square, the box of goods next to her. They had agreed earlier that Aries would give her the message, and until then they wouldn’t mention Sakamaru. Libraya seemed grateful for this, and they headed back to the inn, laughing as if nothing had happened. The day passed uneventfully, and the next morning they were out in the town, stocking up and preparing to leave.