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Despair Aura Volume Four Sora Kazuma April 23rd 2005 Phase Ten- Allies in Unexpected Places �Sit down, shut up and don�t move.� Nomiko ordered as he sat the fox down on his bed. �Transform into your human form. I�d rather dress your wounds like that without having to go around your fur.� �Yes sir.� Satoshi whimpered, leaning back on the backboard of the bed. With all the kunai pulled out, he was bleeding in several different places on his back, chest, stomach and arms, blood dripping down his skin. Nomiko rushed back from the bathroom with a couple of damp clothes, gingerly lacing them over the injuries. �Thank god you heal fast.� The boy replied as he worked, immediately throwing gauze up over the wounds once they had just about stopped bleeding. �A normal person would have passed out from the pain.� �I�m close to it.� Satoshi murmured. His hand was dropping, his eyes closed. Nomiko fought with his long hair, before he got agitated and got up, walking over to the desk. He found a rubber band in the drawer and walked back to the bed. Satoshi hadn�t moved the entire time, nor had he looked up to see the boy gone. The kid sighed softly before sitting down next to him and gently pulling back on his hair. Satoshi managed to look up, feeling the boy�s fingers running over his head, combing back the dark locks. He took the rubber band from between his lips and secured it back, tying his hair into a messy, loose but effective ponytail. �Sorry,� he smiled. �But it just kept getting in my way. I had to-� His words were cut off as his breath stopped, gasping at the feel of Satoshi�s lips caressing the side of his neck. His heart skipped a beat and when it did pick up it started racing. The feeling of his mouth, his tongue on his skin�it was so sensual that the thoughts in his head were leading him on. His entire face went red and he jerked away. �Knock it off, will ya?! I�ve got to take care of your injuries.� His cerulean eyes blinked wide at the feeling of Satoshi�s head on his chest and he swallowed. �H-Hey�are you-� �I�m sorry.� He replied softly. �My instincts, emotions and my common sense�they�re at constant conflict with one another. I know I shouldn�t be all over you like I am, but being close to you�feels right.� Nomiko wrapped an arm around him, fingers running up and down his bare back, causing goosebumps in their wake. �Will you stop apologizing? Satoshi�� He swallowed. �I don�t know what I�m going to do yet but I�m just as confused. I�m not going to say I don�t have feelings for you�but I feel the same way for Sakura. I know I have to come to a decision.� �But, I�� he lifted his head slightly, looking up at him. �I thought you wouldn�t see a relationship with me because I was your teacher.� �At first, that�s all I thought. But,� his face started to go crimson. �when you risked your life to protect me, it didn�t matter anymore. I had to save you because I couldn�t stand knowing that you�d gotten hurt for me. You really shouldn�t-� He was again cut off by Satoshi�s lips pressed to his. For a moment, he froze, his eyes widening before he felt Satoshi�s hand clutch his shirt, his other fingers caressing the side of his neck. Then his body seemed to act on its own. His eyes closed and he relaxed, his hand catching in the mess of Satoshi�s black hair. The other couldn�t have read him any better. His tongue licked at his lips, enticing him to open his mouth while his fingers began moving, the one slipping down his chest and underneath his t-shirt. Nomiko trembled at the feel of his fingertips, gasping slightly at his touch. With his guard dropped Satoshi totally invaded, his tongue explore the insides of his mouth. Nomiko�s hand clung to Satoshi�s bare chest, trying to stable himself. If this went on for too much longer� -- �Wow�� Saitou giggled as she watched from the rooftop of an adjacent building. �It�s getting a little steamy in there guys. If you don�t quit it you�re going to fog up the windows.� As soon as she said something Nomiko pulled away and she laughed. �I called that one. Aw, young master are you unsure? You�re so cute.� Her eyes laid on the man sitting in the bed bare-chested. �Your foxyboy is the one who surprised me though. I can see why Naga�s so in to him. Not only is he hot, he�s needy too.� She watched as Nomiko apologized for his behavior and finished wrapping up his wounds. The two were apparently lost in conversation and she smiled as well. �Goodnight guys, get some sleep. Tomorrow�s gonna be a interesting day.� -- �Miko, get up!� Nomiko groaned at the sound of Rose�s voice, her irritation grating in his head. �Sis will you go away? I don�t want to get up�� �You have to get up. It�s a school day. Get in the shower now. Serina�s going to be here soon.� She replied, severely annoyed. When he ignored her she gritted her teeth. �Aura! Do something about him!� Immediately the boy was covered in kisses as the fox�s tongue lapped all over his face. Nomiko sat up, staring down at the animal curled up by his side and then at his sister. �You two�� �Get up and in the shower.� Rose repeated, heading for the door. �Aura, thanks for the help.� She said with a smile. The animal wagged its tail and then waited for the door to shut till he transformed. �Well, you awake yet?� �Yeah, no thanks to you.� Nomiko turned away from him, pulling the covers up higher around him. �I�m going to get going then if you�re not gonna get up, so you can suffer Rose-san�s wrath by yourself.� Nomiko sat up, looking away from him. �There is no way in hell you�re going into school today.� �Someone�s gotta teach my class.� He replied, blinking him gold eyes. �Miko-sama�are you worried about me?� �I am not!!� He gritted his teeth. �But you�re not being reasonable�you�re wounds are serious. You need to rest.� Satoshi racked back his long dark hair. �Are you willing to teach again?� He swallowed. He hadn�t thought about it� there was not really anyone else who could teach it, but�that would mean falling even further behind in the rest of his studies. �That�s why I�m going to go.� �And what if that Maruka guy comes back for round two?� He asked him. �He won�t. His wounds should be worse then mine and if he went cowering back to Naga, I�m fairly certain they�ll distance themselves for a while. For as crazy as he is, he�s still clever.� He sat forward and then transformed back into his fox form. �I�ll see you in homeroom, alright?� �Don�t do anything stupid, alright?� Nomiko replied after a minute, but the fox just wagged its tail slightly as it opened the window. �Thank you for worrying, Miko-sama.� He said as he slipped out onto the roof. Nomiko huffed. �I�m not worrying about you.� �Miko!� Rose opened the door again, glaring at him. �Come on!� -- Nomiko�s stomach was lurching as he walked through the building. Today wasn�t as bad as yesterday, but he was still catching quite a few stares. Walking in to his homeroom, his eyes looked over and locked with a familiar pair of chestnut brown ones and for a second, the two just stared at one another. �Yoshikawa�� It took a minute but Yoshikawa turned his head away, cheeks flushing slightly as he rested his head on his arms, copper brown hair falling into his eyes. �Tatsuya?� Their homeroom teacher called, looking at him. He blinked, walking up to her. �Sorry, I blanked for a minute. I just wanted to let you know I was here.� �I can see that. Have a nice day Tatsuya.� His teacher replied, marking in her notebook and flashing her a smile. Nomiko nodded, eyes shifting back to his friend�s form. He was debating going over to him when he felt a tug on his arm. �Morning Tatsuya-kun!� �Itsuki-chan�� He blinked, his face flushing. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Yoshikawa raise his head, staring at them. �Are you staying around for first period today, or are you aiding for Tsugara-sensei?� She asked him with a smile. �Oh�I�m helping Sa- Tsugara-sensei.� He replied. �You�re lucky. Tsugara-sensei is so handsome. I�m almost jealous of you.� She told him, cheeks flushing slightly. �We should be getting our written reports back today. Let me know what you get on it, alright?� �Sure.� He nodded. �I�ll see you later, alright?� �Okay!� She beamed as he left the classroom. Nomiko was more worried about Satoshi then anything. He half expected him to not be there when he opened the physic room door, but there was the light in the office, on as always, door left cracked open. Relief hit him and he smiled walking over to the door. He had made it to his apartment and back in one piece. �Satoshi, I�m-� He started as he opened the door, but never got past that. There was a woman sitting on the corner of his desk, going through folders. She was wearing a tiny black skirt and a gray blouse, the buttons left undone down to her cleavage and her legs folded over one another to evidently hide the fact that her mini-skirt was not going to hide her underwear well. She was wearing a white lab coat overtop the skimpy outfit, a badge clipped to the right pocket. Her body was lean and busty with pale skin and long luxurious violet hair pulled up into cute pigtails. She looked up, her ice blue eyes blinking behind her thin-framed glasses. Her full pale pink lips curved into a smile as she stared at him. �I take it you�re looking for Satoshi Tsugara. He hasn�t arrived yet kiddo.� Nomiko couldn�t stop staring. He was sure she could tell he was drooling but he had gone numb inside. He swallowed after a moment, trying to regain his composure. �W-Who are you�mam� and what are you doing here?� She smiled, setting the folders down and sliding off the desk. �I think the better question is who are you and what you�re doing here?� Her voice was soft, sensual, and teasing. Everything she said was somehow throwing him off. He took a step back as she started toward him. �I�m Tatsuya Nomiko, Tsugara-sensei�s aide.� It was so weird calling him Tsugara-sensei now� �Ah, I see.� Her fingers touched his chin, her long elegant nails scratching against his skin. �You�re a cutie, you know that kid?� He blushed. �Mam...� �Can I help you?� At the sound of that voice she let him go, looking to the door. �Look like the teacher has finally arrived.� �Satoshi�� Nomiko murmured, jerking his head over to the door where he was standing. Dressed in a red silk shirt, black pants and his lab coat, Satoshi looked as normal as usual, but the boy could tell he was hurting. His golden eyes were narrowed at the woman and he looked as if he wasn�t in the mood for games. Nomiko could hardly blame him. �Who are you, and what are you doing in my office and with my aide?� He responded and his voice was cuttingly cold. The woman blinked her eyes. �Wow�� She walked up to him, looking up at him. �You�re hot.� Satoshi blinked as her fingertips touched his face and then he blushed. �Miss�� Nomiko wasn�t going to deny it. If anything he was silently agreeing. Both Satoshi and this girl were good-looking enough to drool over. �Miss, I�m asking you again�who are you?� Satoshi said again, trying to regain his composure. Apparently she was having the same effect on him. She smiled. �I�m Miyakura Saitou, an intern from Tokyo University.� She said. �I�m taking Physics this year and they sent me here in search of you, Tsugara-kun. You haven�t been in classes for the last two weeks. Sensei�s worried about you. I�m here to catch you up on your work in exchange for sitting in on your classes.� She leaned up, wrapping her arms around her neck as she pounced him. �I think this is gonna be fun!� All of a sudden, Nomiko was over his awe of her and jealousy took hold of him. �Hey!� He barked at her. �Knock it off!� �Oh?� The girl blinked, looking over at him. �Are you envious Tatsuya-chan?� She asked with a smirk. He gritted his teeth. �Don�t�� �Nomiko.� Satoshi cut him off. He unwrapped the girl�s hands from his neck, casually pushing her away. He looked from the boy to the young woman. �Miyakura-san, I appreciate the offer, but the way things are now�I don�t know if I�m gonna ever be able to resume classes. I�m supposed to be finishing out the year here and there are things in my personal life that are conflicting with my schedule. I really appreciate it, but no thank you.� �But�!� She whined slightly. �You�re close to finishing the semester! You�re going to give up now?� �She�s right.� Nomiko added quickly. �You have to continue going to school. If you don�t, then how are you going to keep teaching me?� �You?� The girl blinked her pale eyes. Satoshi lowered his head slightly. �If it means that much to you Tatsuya-kun.� Saitou glanced between them. �Wha?� �Miyakura-san, Tatsuya is a genius when it comes to science. He�s only a sophomore, but he�s taking exercises from my textbooks and doing them with rather ease. He�s getting ready to take the entrance exam in a few months, and he�ll probably get in on scholarship.� �What?� She gawked at the boy. �Him? N-No way�� �I�m not as good as Tsugara-sensei says.� The boy replied quickly, blushing. �I do have trouble with the work. If he didn�t help me out I�d be stuck.� �Aw, you�re so cute!� She pounced him with a strong hug. �I�ll try and help you too. Let me know if you have any trouble, kay?� �S-sure.� He swallowed, looking at her. �So Tsugara-kun, when do you want to start? Can I meet you after school?� She said with a smile. �Like I said before my schedule�s full. However if you�d like to stay during the day�do you have evening or day classes?� He asked her. �I take night classes, so that�s fine by me.� She smiled. �Tatsuya-kun, if you need any help with the aide work, let me know.� �Well then�I have things to get ready before class starts. If you two want to start on physics work, that�s fine.� Satoshi told them. �Miyakura, why don�t you help Tatsuya with his work?� �Okie dokey then.� She grabbed the boy by the arm, toting her stack of papers with her. Leading her over to the front table, Nomiko sat down with a small sigh, opening his books. �So what chapter are you on?� �Eight.� He responded, flipping to the page. The second he sat it down she slid it across the desk, looking at it. �Ha! Wow I hated this one. Have you figured out the trick about it yet?� �Trick?� He blinked his cerulean eyes as he opened his notebook. �Yeah. The equations don�t just synch up with what you learned in the last chapter. You have to do something to them to make them work.� She took his notebook, scanning over his problems. �Aw�no, no, no. You didn�t figure it out. Okay,� She leaned forward, taking his pen and writing it down quickly beside his handwriting, her symbols elegant compared to his chicken-scratch. Nomiko was doing his best to keep his concentration, but it was hard when he could see straight down her shirt. She glanced up at him, her smile slightly devious. �Can I help you?� His face flushed red. �N-No�I�m�� His words were cut off as her hand reached out a fingertip running up his neck and across his jaw. �Do you want something with me?� She asked sweetly, teasingly. Before he could reply, there was the sound of Satoshi clearing his throat as he stepped past them, lying folders on the student desks. �More working, less flirting.� �Yes sir!� Saitou saluted him then leaned back on the desk, pointing at her handwriting. �Okay, here�s the correct answer. Look over it, and see if you can figure it out on your own.� Nomiko took back his book, trying not to blush. Glancing over her writing, his eyebrows furrowed together. �I think I get what you mean.� �Kay. Look over the others and change your answers accordingly.� She smiled. First and second period flew by and then it was time to go back to normal class. �I�ll see you later Tatsuya-kun!� Saitou smiled as he left the class. �Miyakura, in my office please.� Satoshi called, heading there himself. The moment the door closed behind her, he glared at her. �Who are you really, and what do you want with us? Did Naga send you?� She huffed. �That pathetic excuse for a dog? Please. I came on my own, to see what the zodiac master was really like. I wouldn�t believe such a cute and innocent boy would contain that much power, if I hadn�t seen him use it for myself.� �You were there yesterday at the field when Naga�s flunkie attacked us.� It was more a statement then a question. �And I was there last night. The two of you put on quite a show, I can say. I�m surprised you didn�t have his clothes off.� She crossed her arms. His eyes widened slightly, face blushing. �So you have been following us everywhere.� �I�m not about to let that much power go unguarded, and you need back up or else you�re going to die trying to protect him and yourself. You�re one person. You can only watch your back, especially with the way Naga�s been obsessively hunting you.� Her smirk faded. �You�re not a warrior. You�re a fox. Your tactical skills are top-notch, but you�re best at watching from a distance not fighting.� �I don�t need you to tell me that.� He snapped. �So, you�re saying you�re an ally instead of an enemy. What makes you think I�m even going to believe you?� �I�m an elf. My people are being hunted, the same as yours.� She responded. �An elf?� He blinked. �Here? In Japan?� �Necessity. I was born here. My parents fled from Europe.� She dropped her cold tone. �Look, Naga is as much my enemy as he is yours, and the Zodiac Master needs protection. If Naga reported to Gaizo do you have any idea how much trouble we�d be in? They�d go straight after Young Master Miko and in your condition and with me fighting at my strongest, we�d still be decimated. Sorry foxy, but it looks like you�re going to have to share.� He gritted his teeth. �I�ll tolerate you, for now. If you even think of laying a hand on Nomiko-� �That�s you�re job, don�t you think?� She cut him off with a smirk. �Kitsune, Young Master�s going to need strength to cover him. Maruka will report to Naga and eventually Naga will come after him. I�m not going to be enough to take them, neither will you. We�re gonna need help. Got any ideas for recruits, or were you not planning on it?� When he just lowered his head she huffed. �Good thing I came prepared then. I�ll call on people as we need them, but for now I think you and I are good enough.� She smiled. �Anyway, I really am taking classes at Tokyo U, and I volunteered to teach you, so that�s what I�m gonna do. Right now I�m gonna go check over Young Master�s work since he left it here with us. Later!� Nomiko was dreading class. Yoshikawa seemed to still be in his depressing mood and Miko knew it was his fault. He had made up his mind to speak up to him at lunch, but as soon as the break went through Nomiko was called out of class. �Hiya.� Saitou was waiting out front for him with a bag of food and a smile. �I figured we�d eat together. Tsugara-kun went out for lunch so we have his classroom to ourselves, and since fifth period is next, you can just wait out there.� �Uhm�sure.� He followed her into the room and collapsed at her usual seat while she dug out two boxes of food and wooden chopsticks. They ate in silence for a few minutes before she suddenly sat down her chopsticks. �Tatsuya-kun, what do you think of Tsugara-kun?� The kid just about choked on his food, but he managed to save himself. Unfortunately his face still flushed. �I�� �Isn�t he gorgeous?� She sighed resting her chin in her hands. �The things I�d let him do to me�I�d like to wake up in his bed one morning.� Nomiko blushed hotly, his mouth falling open slightly. �M-Miyakura-san�� �What? You don�t agree?� She said teasingly. Images from the night before started flashing through his head and his mouth couldn�t move. �It�s seems you like him, Miko-kun.� She took a sip of her drink. �And he seems to be into you too.� Nomiko dropped his head. �I�m not going to deny it.� He said softly. �But I�there�s a girl that I like too�� �Oh?� Her eyes widened slightly. �Do tell.� He blushed. �She�s a girl in my class�you�ll probably meet her next period. She�s so sweet and kind and-� �Cute?� She cut in. �Of course.� He nodded. �I�ve known her for years. We practically grew up together. We�ve always had the same classes. But my friend, Yoshikawa, he likes her too�he actually liked her first. And he�s mad at me right now, because she asked me out.� �Really? What did you tell her?� She leaned forward, watching him intently. He blinked. �I haven�t told her anything yet�I told her I�d think about it.� �You should go out with her. That would leave Tsugara-kun single for me.� She said, taking another drink of her juice. �Like hell!� He snapped and then watched as she smirked, setting down the can. He swallowed as she watched him for a moment, before sighing. �Sounds like you�ve made your decision then.� She shrugged. �Tis a shame too. He could use someone with a little bit more experience then a highschool brat.� �Huh?� He blinked. �I didn�t�and don�t call me that!� She giggled. �Miko-kun, look at it this way�which would hurt you more�letting Yoshikawa have this girl of yours, or letting me have my way with Tsugara-san? A second ago, your answer sounded pretty obvious to me.� �I�� He swallowed. �I�don�t know�� �Seriously think about it that way, and don�t hide from the answers. Then you�re only kidding yourself.� She smiled. �I�m confident in you kid. If I lose Tsugara-kun to you, at least I�ll be happy to have lost him to such a cutie.� He blushed. �Miyakura-san�� The physics room door opened and Satoshi stepped in. He blinked his eyes at the two. �What�� �Sorry Tsugara-kun, but I figured the boy was hungry. My cooking�s awesome, don�t you agree Tatsuya-kun?� She smiled and the kid blinked. �Wow�you really made this?� He asked, staring at the left contents of the half-eaten box. She nodded, pale blue eyes shifting to other man. �Do forgive me. I�ll make it up to you later.� Nomiko snorted and Saitou just giggled while Satoshi blinked again, totally lost. Phase Ten- End -Character Profile- Shinji Maruka Birthday: September 1st Age: 17 Race: Human Zodiac Element: Earth Blood Type: A Height: 5� 8� Hair Color: Blue Eye Color: Red -- Phase Eleven- Deadly Desires Wednesday passed by and then Thursday and things were relatively quiet. Yoshikawa distanced himself from his classmates and from Nomiko, and it seemed like he would never get a chance to talk to him. Sakura was still waiting on an answer and Nomiko was still trying to figure things out. He blamed his distance from Satoshi on his schoolwork and so far he hadn�t complained. He was still feeling to under the weather to do much more then curl up on the bed and sleep after school and he took several breaks during the day to rest and re-bandage his wounds. Saitou was as energetic and happy as always, but she wouldn�t give the boys a minute alone and every time it seemed like they had a moment she would ruin it by pouncing Satoshi. And so things worked for the last couple of days but the communication between everyone was slim to none. Friday afternoon, Nomiko was waiting for the bell. Tomorrow was Saturday�they had class at the same time but they got out earlier and there was no school on Sunday. His short weekend was already here. When the bell rung the boy nearly jumped, but the relief in the room was evident. �Alright then, finish up the following questions and be ready to turn your projects in tomorrow afternoon. If you don�t think you�ll be done in time, I suggest those of you who don�t take night classes get a hold of one of your partners and start getting some of it done.� Satoshi replied with a smiled. �Right!� �You got it Mr. T!� �You�re classes seem to like you an awful lot.� Saitou said, looking over at him. The teacher just smiled back at her. �He treats everyone more like his friend then as if he�s a teacher.� Nomiko replied, packing up his things. �They respect his word more then a normal teacher.� He smiled at her as he stood up, slipping his bag up on one shoulder. �Well I�ll see you tomorrow Miyakura-sempai.� �Have a good night cutie. I�ll see you tomorrow.� She beamed at him. �Tatsuya, wait a moment.� He blinked, looking over at Satoshi as he came out of the office. For a second it seemed like something was bothering him but it seemed to be gone when he sat down a thick booklet on the desk. �Tsugara-kun,� Saitou looked up at him. �This is-� He cut her off with a simple nod of his head. �This is a book with examples of the Tokyo U pre-exam in it. Hitsugawa left it with me before she left. Miyakura, you go with Tatsuya down to the aide office and copy the first pre-exam. I think you�re going to take this tomorrow during class.� He said, looking at the boy. He swallowed. �Do you really think I�m ready for this?� �We�re going to find out. The first exam is pretty much all math and science, you�re strong points. However by the end of the year, you�ll be taking pre-tests for all of the subjects, literature included.� He told him. �Writing isn�t my strong point.� I boy admitted. �And my English tends to suffer too.� �We�ve got time. I�m more worried about what you�ve learned in this class. The others can come later.� Satoshi smiled. �You�ll be alright. I have faith in you.� �You should be able to pass the science portion with flying colors. Don�t worry so much.� Saitou added. �Come on, I�ll go with you so you can get into the office. Besides this exam is a monster.� Walking with Nomiko down into the lobby, the boy was talking with her when he was nearly shoved to the ground by a tall, heavily built man with shaggy green hair and blue eyes as he brushed past him. He gritted his teeth as he continued by him. �Watch what you�re doing, will you?� He barked. The man looked over his shoulder momentarily before he huffed and started walking again. Nomiko gritted his teeth. �What an asshole.� �Come on, let�s get this done.� Saitou swallowed. �I suddenly don�t have a good feeling.� �Wha�?� He blinked at her. �I don�t know. But I wouldn�t trust that guy as far as I can throw him. He looks like a teacher, but�I dunno. I�m new here, and he�s kinda scary.� She smiled slightly. �Let�s just get this done for Tsugara-kun real quick and get back to him.� -- Satoshi heard the classroom door open but he didn�t look up from the front desk where he was grading Nomiko�s work. �You know, a simple disguise might have fooled Nomiko and Saitou, but you can�t hide your stench, at least to my nose. It�s still as disgusting as always, Naga.� The door closed and the image of the green-haired man melted away revealing the creature with spiky charcoal gray hair and those piercing animalistic teal eyes. He smirked. �Hard at work, sensei?� He looked up, dropping his pen on the notebook. �Actually, yeah. You have balls coming for me here.� He stood up. �The others will be back in a few minutes and three on one puts you at a major disadvantage.� �I�ll be out of here by the time they get back, and I�ll be taking you with me.� He replied. �Really?� Satoshi rose a fine eyebrow. �And what makes you think I�m honestly just going to give up and go with you?� �Because you�re injured to the point where you can hardly move, let alone fight. I heard Shinji did a number on you. You should be of little to no threat to me now. And besides-� He moved before Satoshi could realize it and the next thing he knew he was pinned to the ground, forced to floor by the hulk of man overtop of him. �Who says I�m here to fight?� Satoshi pulled, trying to free his arms from his crushing grasp, but he had him by the wrists up above his head and there wasn�t much he could do. Naga�s super strength and size put him at a better advantage. Those teal eyes stared down at him laughingly. �You know, when I first started hunting down garbage like you, I was in it merely for the bloodshed. Gaizo was willing to give me free rein and free power, but that was before I met you and your sister. The two of you�incredible personalities�incredible bodies�it was the first time I thought of any pathetic magic user or your kind as anything more then a mutt.� His breath was warm on the man�s face and he turned his head away from him, only to find his voice whispering in his ear. �I went after Kage first, and the entire time I was taking her, I was thinking about you.� �You bastard!!� He hissed, slamming the back of his head into Naga�s face as he looked up at him. �If you hurt her I swear to God I�ll kill you!!� Naga didn�t even flinch from the hit. �I was wondering what the other Tsugara sibling was like. And the more I thought about you, the more I wanted it�wanted you. Despite my job, my mission, you became my obsession�a useless mutt who was hardly worth the time.� �Get the hell off me.� Satoshi glared at him. When he didn�t even respond he tried fighting him again, trying to jerk away from his grasp. His hands reached up, fingers locking with his own, still pinning him to the ground. �I said get the hell off of me!� He growled. He tried to bring his legs up, trying to free himself from underneath this monstrous form, but the second he moved one of his enemy�s legs slipped in between his, knee resting up again his groin. �I wouldn�t try anything at the moment.� He replied softly, his voice lowered dangerously. Satoshi responded by leaning up, fangs sinking into his shoulder at the base of his neck. Blood touched his lips, his tongue, trickling down the side of his mouth, his neck. There was no way he was going to listen to Naga. He couldn�t fight him without using his hands to channel wind magic and he was powerless to move, but at least he still had his teeth. �Hmm�I didn�t know you were into all that.� Naga�s voice brushed against his ear before he bit into him right in the center of his neck. Satoshi let out a sharp cry his body arching slightly as he let go of the man�s shoulder. Naga was so much taller then him�much more heavier built and at least twice as powerful. A bite from him was nearly enough to cut straight through the vein in his neck, if he had been aiming for it. However, as powerful as he was, he was only playing. He withdrew his fangs, tongue lapping at the wounds he had created, drinking the warm blood he had spilled. �Get�off of me�� Satoshi managed, his eyes opening slightly. He suddenly felt weak, powerless, and on the edge of passing out. �Haven�t you realized the answer to that question is no?� The voice said arrogantly as his mouth worked up and down his neck. �You have no one to come to your rescue for the moment and even when they get here how are they going to get in? The door is locked from the inside with a barrier seal over it and most of the staff has already left. The science wing is completely empty. It�s a Friday afternoon. No one�s going to stick around this place for very long.� ��Miko will beat the shit out of your stupid barrier and then you.� Satoshi said his head turned away from him, fighting to stay conscious. �You still crushing over that boy? Be glad I�ve left him alive this long. The last fabled zodiac master wasn�t so lucky.� When he didn�t get an answer he gritted his teeth. �What do you see in him anyway?� �I don�t have to explain myself to you.� He snapped back. Naga let go of one hand to reach to his waist but it as to late. Satoshi growled, lifting his hand and powering wind magic in it. Unfortunately Naga had already gone for what he had wanted on his belt and grabbed his hand, forcing his palm to his. Satoshi winced as the attack backfired, slicing open his own hand but he barely had time to regain his composure from what his opponent was going to do next. The back of his hand hit the floor and then a metal kunai got driven through his palm. Blood splattered as the dagger went straight through, pinning him to the floor below, breaking bones in its wake. Satoshi cried out in pain but seconds later was silenced by Naga�s mouth on his. He almost gagged at the feeling, trying to find something, anything in his mind to stable himself, and only one thing kept coming back. �Nomiko�� -- �43 pages? They could have made this thing into it�s own book.� Nomiko complained as they headed back, a stack of papers and the book in hand. �Remember it�s only the science and math portion, so it�s going to be longer. It�ll be less then half of that on the actual test.� Saitou reminded him. They came up the stairs to the science wing while Nomiko sighed. �I know I�m going to suck on the literature part. Maybe I�ll ask Itsuki-chan to help me with it.� �She really is very cute. You should. And while you�re at it, accept her as your girlfriend. That way Tsugara-kun and I can have our private time.� She winked. �No way!� He glared at her, but she just laughed as she went to open the door. �What the hell?� She blinked, pulling on the door. �What�s up?� He asked. �The door�won�t open�� Her pale eyes went wide. �Oh no�it�s a barrier seal.� �A barrier seal?� His eyes blinked wide. Sounded like magic to him. �What�s that? What�s going on?� She swallowed. �I knew it. If I had just listened to my instincts�� Her hands ran over the wooden frame, testing its strength. �I think Naga�s here.� �Naga? Wait�what do you know about Naga? And magic?� He glared at her. �Who are you really?!� �I�m an ally.� She snapped. She closed her eyes and held out her hand. A spear made of chiseled rock appeared in her hand and she put it between the crack in the frame and the door where the two fit together. �That�s all you need to know for now. If Naga�s in there, Satoshi�s in serious danger.� Nomiko dropped his papers on the ground, going over and pounding on the door. �You bastard! Open the fucking door! Let�s us in so I can kick your ass! Satoshi, you better be alright!� �It�s no good. It�s a barrier, meant to keep everything out. They can�t hear you.� Saitou replied, trying to pry the door open. Electric fizzled from the crack, but it refused to budge. �Damnit!� Nomiko beat his fist against the wood. �Satoshi�� He felt completely helpless at the moment. They needed to get in the room, but if they damaged the building� no doubt the cops would be here in a second if a battle ensued. Would they have time to get away? �Satoshi�damnit all!� -- Naga lifted his head, looking back to the door. �Well you�re friends are here. That boy of yours is awfully squawky. How about I shut him up for a bit?� �Don�t�you dare.� Satoshi replied softly, his eyelids just barely able to stay open. �The fact that you tell me no, makes me want to do it even more.� He smirked, raising his free hand to his waist. Opening the pouch holstered to his belt he threw another seal on the door. �Hope you have fun kids. I know I am.� -- Saitou heard the thud on the door from the other side. She grabbed Nomiko by the collar of his shirt. �Get back!� The door began to hum and sparks flew from the frame, but faded before the door caught a flame. �He knows we�re here. The door is now covered in electricity. Touching it means getting shocked. My earth spear keeps me safe but you water attacks aren�t going to do much. It�s a strong seal. I don�t see how we�re going to get through this.� Saitou looked over at him. Nomiko swallowed. This guy wasn�t caring if he destroyed the building or not. And with Satoshi�s life on the line� �Do you think, instead of trying to get around it, we should go through it?� �Hmm?� She blinked. �The seal�s keeping us out�but despite all of that the door�s still made out of wood. I�m assuming the seals are coming from controlled talismans�Satoshi was telling me about them the other night. Do you think if we pierce through that talisman, the barrier will fall? We would have to do it making as little noise as possible, because if he knew what we were up to he�d put up another method of keeping us out. You�re element�s earth�a rock dagger would be nice. Can you pinpoint where the talismans are on the door?� He looked up at her. �I�I can tell where there�s a large concentration of energy, but I�m not exactly sure�it�s a big area�center of the door a little higher up then the center. She put a hand out, fingertips feeling the wood. Sparks crackled and snapped and she winced, but suddenly she looked confident. �Here. Right here.� -- �What�? They giving you more of a fight then you originally intended?� Satoshi taunted as Naga watched the door. �Hmph.� He huffed. �They�re nothing. Even more useless then you.� �Glad to know I�m still nothing to you. It�s a comforting feeling.� He snapped back. �You�re nothing more then an obsession.� He replied calmly. �A desire that I wish to fulfill. You look rather sexy lying underneath me covered in blood. I�d like to see it more often.� �Only in your fantasies, psycho.� He sighed softly. �My fantasies?� He chuckled softly. His hand ran down his chest, unbuttoning his shirt. �My fantasies involve you and that pretty twin sister of yours.� �You�re insane. Kage�better be alright.� He smiled as he pushed the silk cloth aside, fingers wrapping around the gauze and bandages plastered to his skin. �She�s better then most I�ve gotten my hands on.� He stated, pulling them. The tape and dressing came off in his hands, peeling easily away from his skin. Tossing it carelessly aside, his fingers gingerly touched the wounds, healing them instantly. �That�s bitter irony.� Satoshi managed a small laugh. �You nearly kill me to heal the wounds you�re little flunkie gave me?� �Shinji�s daggers usually leave nasty injuries. He had no right to touch you. He�ll pay for that.� He lowered his head, kissing his collarbone. �I thought I meant nothing to you?� -- �Here.� Saitou handed him a stone dagger. �Seems easy enough, but how are you going to get the power to get it through the door? It�s gotta be three inches thick.� �I�ve got something planned.� He smiled and a swirl of mist surrounded him, curling around his body. The stone sword in his hand crystallized, freezing. He swallowed, staring at the door, memorizing the spot where she had been pointing. �Here goes nothing!� He charged at the door, thrusting it into the wooden and following it through with a stream of pressurized water from his hand. Much like the effect of a hose, he became soaked but as the water hit him, it evaporated into mist. The door sparked, melting the layer of ice around the rock kunai as it went straight through. The door caught fire around the edges and within seconds consumed the entire door and the frame from the outside in, nothing but ash and the rock kunai left. Unfortunately that left the classroom wide open and Naga and Satoshi visible. Naga gritted his teeth, looking back at them. He had underestimated them, but moreover he hadn�t been counting on Saitou to be there, and her earth magic practically nullified his electric barrier. He smirked at them, going for a second kunai in his pouch, which he preceded to stab through Satoshi�s other hand. He winced, gritting his teeth to avoid crying out why Naga stood. �Well, well, well. Looks like I have a bunch of rats to take care of first.� Nomiko�s heart had stopped as he stared at Satoshi�s body, blood pooling underneath him. At first he thought him dead, but when Naga pinned him to the floor he saw him move, his body tense in pain. When he looked back at Naga and that calm, confident smirk, nothing matter except that he died. �You bastard!� He snapped, for a lack of anything else coming to mind. The mist around him evolved into a free-flowing contained path of water, curling around his body, arms and legs. �I�ve been hearing that a lot today.� He huffed. �So, you�re supposed to be the one. The one they�re all saying is the new Zodiac Master. I should have killed you the last time I saw you boy. I�ll make up for that right now!� �I�d like to see you try!� He yelled back, rushing him. Reasonably thinking he would have reconsidered, but he was so pissed, he could see nothing else in his mind but making him pay for what he had did. He moved out of the way of one strike, but he couldn�t dodge the second. That gigantic fist hit him in the stomach with enough force to cause him to fly nearly ten feet, where Saitou caught him. �You�re water shielded for you. Seems that despite your anger you can control your powers decently.� He huffed. �But you�re still nothing but a fly.� �Miko-sama, if you rush him again, there�s a chance that you might die. His hits are tremendously powerful. He could�ve crushed your rib cage if that had actually hit.� She told him, setting him down on his feet. Nomiko still had the wind knocked out of him. Unfortunately Naga wasn�t going to give them a moment. He ran at them, surprisingly fast for his size and Saitou could barely push Nomiko out of the way before Naga had his grip on her. He grabbed by the throat, smashing her back against the wall enough to put her through the chalkboard and it. �Miyakura!� Nomiko�s eyes widened as he stumbled on his feet. He gritted his teeth, charging at the man�s back. �Damnit, I�ve had enough of you!� He hissed, tearing at him. Ice needles formed between his fist and he punched him in the back, the ice darts connecting with his shoulder. He growled and spun around and Nomiko sprung to the side, hitting his back against the wall to avoid being touched by his enraged opponent. �Pathetic wretches! Is this all you-� His words were cut off as a set of rock kunai flew through the gap in the wall, piercing him in the back of the legs. Another set immediately hit his back and neck and the gigantic behemoth faltered, trying to pull out the kunai behind him. �You�re done!� Nomiko rushed in, another set of ice needles in hand. He caught him underneath his chin, jumping up to uppercut him, the cold weapons piercing him straight in the bottom of his jaw. Blood splattered against the boy but he barely had time to move as a fist came straight at his chest and he suddenly found himself on the floor ten feet away. Another set of kunai flew at Naga as he went to step toward Nomiko, catching him in the side. �I�ve had it with you all!� He shrieked, and Nomiko looked at him, trying to get his eyes to focus. He had lost his breath again, but from the sign of things his shield had saved him again. �Brat, you win for now. Next time you�re dead!� He glared at him before he vanished into thin air. That gaze was unsettling, but at least he looked like he was hurting�the needles in his face were melting rapidly and blood was pouring from his wounds, covering his tan skin in crimson. The boy looked over at Satoshi who was looking back at him weakly. He crawled over to him, not sure that his legs would actually hold him up and pulled the kunais out of his hands. Despite his injuries he managed to sit up only to have Nomiko�s arms wrap around his neck. �I thought I�d lost you!� He cried into his neck. �I�m sorry I didn�t get here sooner�� �It�s not you fault.� He said, his voice raspy and soft. �You did well. You�re getting stronger everyday.� He nodded before feeling something warm and wet on his face. Lifting his head, he saw the nasty bite wound that was still trickling blood. As he lifted a hand to run his fingers lightly over the puncture marks, he was suddenly enraged and upset, and even a little jealous. His eyes filled with tears and he sniffed, trying to hold them back. Naga had no right at all. He would die for the pain he had caused. Satoshi smiled, reaching over and grabbing his chin slightly, tilting the boy�s head toward him and lapping at the blood smeared across his cheek with his tongue. �You�re a mess. Are you feeling okay?� �Satoshi�I should be asking you that.� He said softly. He leaned up, kissing his jaw slightly. Saitou stumbled through the whole just in time to catch Nomiko�s little show of affection and she smiled. At least they were both all right. �How are you two?� �Miyakura!� Nomiko jerked away from Satoshi, his face blushing as he looked at her. �You�re okay!� �Stone armor saved my life. Unfortunately it didn�t save my right arm. I think it�s broken.� She smiled. �You too seemed to be alive, breathing and ready to go at it.� �The spoils of war.� Satoshi replied and Nomiko huffed, looking between the two. �We need to be moving. There�s no one here now, but if anyone does come up here, it�s going to be pretty obvious something happened. You�ve also lost a lot of blood Satoshi so you mine as well transform so Nomiko and I can carry you. My apartment is the closest to here. I say we hang there for the night.� Saitou replied. �Stay at your house?� Nomiko blushed. �Just tell Rose you�re going to Yoshikawa�s for the night.� Satoshi transformed, lying on the floor next to Nomiko. �If there are no objections, let�s get going.� Saitou headed for the door. Nomiko picked the fox up, holding him close against his chest. �Just hang in there Satoshi. We�ll be there soon.� The fox�s tail wagged in response. Phase Eleven- End -Character Profile- Saitou Miyakura Birthday: January 2nd Age: 18 Race: Elf Zodiac Sign: Capricorn Element: Earth Blood Type: B Height: 5�5� Hair Color: Purple Eye Color: Blue Occupation: College Student Major: Human Psychology -- Phase Twelve-A Place to Retire To The key clicked and the door opened, letting the trio into the small yet spacious apartment. Saitou flipped the switch on the wall and the lights in the living came on. �Make yourselves at home. There�s food in the fridge, a bed down the hall and a bathroom if you need it. Nomiko-sama, let me get you the first-aid kit. Satoshi, are your hands going to be alright?� �The bones should reset themselves during the night. It�ll be about two weeks till I can use them.� He replied, transforming as soon as Nomiko sat him on the couch. �Two weeks?! How are you going to teach?!� the boy replied, cerulean eyes wide. �It would be better if we vacated the school and left it alone.� Saitou said, returning to the living room with a small suitcase. �Here, anything you could possibly need.� �This is your first-aid kit?� Nomiko gawked as she opened it. �I�m a hunted creature. You can never have to many supplies.� She told him, grabbing a sling. �What about your arm? Are you going to be okay?� He asked, staring at her. She blushed slightly. �I�ll heal in a day or so. My regenerative properties are much higher then foxboy�s. By the time Monday rolls around I�ll be completely better.� �Rub it in why don�t ya?� Satoshi sighed. �You guys�� Nomiko swallowed. �I have to go back to school. I can�t just quit. My family would kill me.� �Or Naga might kill you.� Saitou snapped. �He knows where you are during the day and at night.� �He knows where I live?� The question came out softly, as if he didn�t believe it as he said it. �He was at your house the other night. Fortunately Satoshi had just left so he didn�t cause any trouble. He�s after Satoshi, and the closer you get to him the more he�s going to want you dead.� Saitou sat on the floor, digging through stuff with one arm. �I don�t care! He has no right! If he�s got a problem with me, he better bring it!� She giggled. �Hey now, don�t start something with me. I�m gonna go ahead and start making dinner.� �You�re going to cook with one arm?� He blinked. �I�m gonna try.� She smiled. �You take care of your boy alright?� She got up, heading into the kitchen and flicking on the lights. Nomiko fished in the suitcase for gauze, dressing pads and tape before grabbing Satoshi�s wrist and setting it on his lap. He was getting rather good at this. Covering the wound, he made sure the bandage was tight, before moving on to the other hand and then his neck. Satoshi stayed quiet the entire time, eyes closed, head tilted back, laying on the couch. Nomiko was thankful he had pulled his hair back into a low ponytail today�at least the blood had matted only one portion of it. �The wounds on your chest and shoulders are gone�what happened?� He asked softly as he wrapped gauze around his neck. �Naga did it. In some sick way he was upset that Maruka had hurt me.� He responded softly. �Take off your coat and your shirt so I can rebandage the ones on your back.� He ordered and he silently complied, slipping them off his shoulders and sitting forward. Nomiko pushed his ponytail over his shoulder, undoing the gauze from his back to redo them in fresh dressing. �There. Give me a sec, alright?� He got up, heading into the kitchen where Saitou was cooking at the stove. �That smells really good.� �Thanks.� She beamed. �Can I get a wet wash cloth and a hair brush?� He asked her, sniffing the simmering food. �Sure. Go into the bathroom. Whatever you find you can use.� She smiled. �This should be done soon.� Heading the opposite way in the living room, he found the bathroom and the things he was looking for. Sitting down by Satoshi again he pressed the warm washcloth to his neck, getting rid of the smeared blood marks. He immediately jerked up, eyes watching him. He took the cloth to his face, cleaning up his nose and mouth and his chest were blood had dripped. Finally he ran it through the matt in his hair, breaking it up a little bit. �Do you mind if I run a brush through it?� He asked, taking out the rubber band. �Not at all.� He murmured, shifting so that his back was facing him. The brush ran straight through the raven silk, making it shine in the dim lamplights as it fell over his bare back. Running his fingers through it at the end, Nomiko smiled. �There you go. You�re all taken care of.� Satoshi fell over, his head resting on his chest as he partially laid on top of him. �Thank you�again.� The boy blushed but he ran a hand over the man�s face and through his hair. �No problem.� He got comfortable and rested against the arm of the couch, lashes fluttering closed. Everything would be alright if Satoshi was still here, lying on his chest when he awoke. Phase Twelve-End Author�s Notes- Volume Four is done! -*hugs Satoshi to death X_X*- My poor Satoshi! I�m so sorry! You keep getting you butt kicked! -*cries*- Okay, moving on. Despite Miko�s indecisiveness his and Satoshi�s relationship is actually getting somewhere! We�re finally progressing! ^^ I feel like I�ve accomplished something.Naga I don�t like him at all, but maybe he�ll grow on me like FM�s Aidan�lol, no I don�t think there�s a possibility of that. Okay Volume Five�Rose finds out about Satoshi (Satoshi actually being Aura and so on) and Satoshi decides to leave to find his sister?! WTF?! And we were just getting somewhere too! Until I write again! Sora Tokumi Kazuma |
