Life and Soul Reunited

by CypherCA

Yes! I got a new writing book! *like Herbal Essence commercials* YES, YES, YES! Ahem. Any ways, that means that I’ll be writing chapters faster. Typing, well, that’s another story. Enjoy.

Chapter 13: Semi-Formal Introductions

~What’s wrong Rich?~ Rowen sent to his brother, who had stopped screaming just a few seconds ago.

~I have NEVER seen so many hair products in one bathroom. Not even in the theater. It just startled me a bit. All this for one woman. Sheesh.~ Rowen chuckled a bit.

~Those aren’t Mia’s. They’re Sage’s.~ Richard was silent for a moment.

~Those.....are........a......guy’s? Hehe... haha.... hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!~ Rowen smiled.

~I know. It is rather amusing, isn’t it.~

“Mia! Rowen~ What’s wrong?” Both people just stared at the bearer of Wildfire, who had burst through the front door.

“What do you mean?” Rowen asked.

“We heard a scream-” Cale started.

“Yeas Rowen, what was that scream all about? You said to ignore it.” Mia turned to Rowen, who was looking like he’d rather be somewhere else at the moment.

“Well, ah, that was Polestar. Your’ uh, amount of hair products, Sage, kinda startled him.”

~Hey Ro?~

~Yeah?~

~Is there any hair dye here?~

~Hold on.~ “Um, Sage. Is there any hair dye among your stuff?”

“Certainly not. My hair is completely natural.”

~No, sorry.~

~Well, if you can go au natural, so can I.~

“Well Ro,” said Cye, “you have some explaining to do. First of all, how come you never told us you had a sibling?” Before Cye or Rowen could continue, a noise from upstairs interrupted them.

“Eight years. Eight years.
That’s how long I’ve
Wasted on him.
That’s all, I’m through.
Albert dear, to put it sweetly,
To HELL with you.”

~Rich, could you tone it down a bit?~

~Sorry. Force of habit.~

“He shouldn’t be so loud now.” Sage kept looking towards the stairs.

<It sounds so much like....but it couldn’t be, could it?> Rowen brought him back to reality.

“Well, uh, I didn’t tell you during the wars cause I didn’t want to get him involved.”

“Why didn’t you tell us after the wars?” Ryo asked.

“Um, I wasn’t quite sure when or how to tell you, or how you’d react.” The shower shut off and Rowen headed for the stairs. “I’ll be right back.”

“So,” Kento said, “what do you think he’s going to be like?”

“Well, he can sing, that’s for sure.” Cye answered.

“Probably just as smart as Ro too.” Ryo added.

“Do you think he looks like Ro at all?” Sage asked. Before anyone could continue, they heard footsteps on the stairs and turned their attention towards their owner. “Well Ro, where is he?” The figure paused and tilted his head in a confused manner before he looked back up the stairs where another figure suddenly appeared and rushed to stand next to the first one. Everyone gapped at how alike the two were. Their hair even appeared to be the same color.

“Everyone,” started the second figure, who was Rowen, “I’d like you to meet my younger brother, Richard.” Richard stepped forward and the other four Ronins nearly had coronaries.

“YOU?!” They all yelled as the Seasonals looked at them, confused.

“Um, hi. I guess you four already know me. So, um,” he turned to the Seasonals, “hi. You must be Sekhmet, Cale, Dais, and Kayura. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Kayura responded for all of them. “How is it that the Ronins know you already and how is it that you know who we are?”

“He know us from school.” Sage said with acid in his voice. He still resented the fact that he lost the talent show to the boy. Rich didn’t notice, but Rowen did, and gave Sage a questioning glance.

“What he said for the first question. And I know you from the dreams fire-head gave me.”

“Fire-head?” Asked Dais.

“Sorry. That’s the nickname I gave him. His name’s Anubis.” Everyone by Rowen gasped. “So, um, what have you learned about the armor of Polestar? Cause I barely know anything about it.”

“Well,” Mia got up and went to the study as Kayura started talking. “We found this book, but no one can decipher it. It’s been around for probably thousands of years.” Mia returned with the book. “Would you like to see it?”

“Sure.” Mia handed him the book. He took one look at the cover, then looked to Kayura. “One, yes I can read it. Two, is this some weird joke or something?” Kayura and the others looked stunned by his comments, especially the second one.

“No, why?”

“Because the language was only created about a decade ago.” Kayura shook her head.

“That’s wrong. It may have been rediscovered ten years ago, but it’s been around since before the Ancient a thousand years ago.” Rich was silent for a few minutes.

“Well, I suppose that what you say is possible. So, I guess you guys probably want to know what it says.” Mia nodded. “Well, the cover just says fifteen. It must’ve been part of a set.” He examined the book a little more closely. “Why is there a page marked?”

“Well, it has a picture on it. Could you translate what it says for us?”

“Sure.” Rich turned to the marked page. As he was reading the page to himself, he felt his eyelids get droopy. <Oh great. Just what I don’t need right now; sleep to catch up with me.> However, he left his thoughts unguarded and Rowen picked up on them. He motioned for Mia to join him in a corner of the room.

“Mia, could Rich and I have that spare bedroom down the hall from Cye and Kento’s?”

“Why?”

“Well, I don’t really think that he’ll want to sleep with Kento and Cye in their room. Please?”

“Why the sudden interest in sleeping arrangements?”

“He’s very tired and barely staying awake.”

“He is?” Mia looked at Rich and realized that Rowen was telling the truth. “Alright.” She walked back to the group. “Listen, it’s late and everyone’s tired from the battle. Why don’t we all turn in and finish this in the morning.” She, the Seasonals, and Rowen all noticed Richard’s sigh of relief. The Ronins, who were discussing the proposal amongst themselves, didn’t see it.

“I think it’s a good idea.” said Kayura. The other Seasonals quickly agreed with her.

“So do I.” Rowen quickly threw in, going to his brother to help him stand.

“Well, I guess we’re out numbered.” said Cye. “We’ll continue this after breakfast.” Everyone got up and headed for their respective bedrooms. Rowen supported Rich all the way to the room. After they got undressed, Rowen helped a very tired Rich into bed.

“Thanks Ro.”

“No prob little star.” Rich half smiled.

“No one’s called me that since..........since mom died.” His smiled faded. Rowen hugged his little brother, suddenly feeling guilty at brining up such painful memories.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

“No, it’s okay Ro. Just please don’t call me that again.”

“Sure. Goodnight Rich.” When he didn’t hear a response, he turned to see Rich fast asleep.