Eyes Like Fire (pt. 1)
Sep. 30th, 2019 08:00 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nyanderenekoWord Count: 3,046
Summary: Nova reflects on the details of her transition following her acceptance of the Blue King’s surprising offer to join his ranks. However, even in her contemplation she can’t seem to ignore the one constant that refuses to cease tormenting her thoughts. As much as she knows she needs to forget, she can’t find it in herself to banish those memories altogether…he’s always been the only real source of comfort in her darkest hours, after all.
*Author’s Note*: Pre-S4 verse introduction, involving Nova and Saruhiko’s unexpected reunion when they both happen to end up at S4 and the stressful exchange that ensues. To be continued in part 2.
The facility’s pristine, elegant interior had become unusually comforting to her despite her first impressions. She wasn’t sure if it was the result of some kind of twisted Stockholm syndrome, or if she’d developed a genuine acceptance of the place. It was hard to believe the latter was possible, considering the short amount of time she’d been here. But so much had transpired in that time, so much had changed…both around her and within. She hesitantly pressed her fingers to her chest, applying minimal pressure as she focused on the fabric’s smooth, high quality texture. It was unmistakable evidence of the uniform she’d be wearing every day for the foreseeable future. To her surprise, she didn’t actually find it all that uncomfortable, either.
The fact that she’d been convinced to lower her guard to such a degree unsettled her. Was it acceptable for her to submit to this lifestyle so easily? Was it unfair to the people she’d once considered friends, or comrades at the very least? It was likely she’d cross paths with one of them again sooner or later, considering her new line of work, and perhaps she’d even end up acting as their captor. Did she have the conviction and dedication to follow through with such a task? Would she be able to develop that discipline by the time such a situation arose? Well, she supposed it wasn’t like any of them had ever done her any significant favors, or that she owed them anything in the first place.
Conditioning her to do their bidding, molding her to their will, ensuring that she followed their every command under the guise that such behavior was expected of any member of the group. She should have been smart enough to recognize how flimsy their excuses were, but she was just a child when they took her in. A wayward soul that’d suddenly been left stranded, with any semblance of the life she’d known unceremoniously ripped out from under her. She’d had nowhere to turn and no real ability to understand or process what had happened, lamentably left floundering in the crisis’s chaotic aftermath. She’d been nothing more than a helpless victim prime for them to manipulate and exploit to their heart’s content.
At least she knew nothing along those lines would happen to her here--or so she hoped. She was still just as oblivious to the true nature of this Clan and its inherent intricacies and mysteries. The only thing that could really fix that ignorance was time. She didn’t have many options other than to just wait it out, see how things progressed, all the while maintaining a keen awareness of herself and how things played out around her. She didn’t have any reason to assume that the individuals she’d interacted with thus far harbored any carefully concealed ulterior motives of deceit or malice…and she figured if they really planned on doing anything that devious with her, the Blue King probably wouldn’t have willingly shared his Aura with her.
There was no doubt it existed within her, a presence and sensation that she had yet to properly adapt to. A substance she was far from comprehending; even the initiation ceremony had felt more like a dream than reality. When the austere, enigmatic man had approached her with his proposal, it’d almost taken her breath away. It had to be some kind of joke, a scam, a ruse meant to distract her from whatever heinous fate he truly had in store for her. But despite all of her doubts and concerns, the Blue King had kept every part of his promises thus far, every word he’d pledged to her. Organizing things so she could formally join the ranks of the esteemed Blue Clansmen that served as his loyal officers, soldiers and guardians of the law. Their responsibilities also involved supervising and regulating the city’s lesser known citizens, stray bearers of supernatural power just like her.
Although she’d once feared them as the arbiters that mercilessly administered justice, fair or not, it was a little more difficult to see them in such a harsh and unforgiving light now. At the time, she just hadn’t understood…and it wasn’t like anyone had been interested in clearing up any of her confusion or ill formed assumptions. But the Scepter 4 that she’d once feared wasn’t necessarily the same one that she’d recently, and with great caution, agreed to join. She knew that at the time of one of her most infamous encounters with them, they happened to be Kingless.
The previous Blue King had courageously sacrificed himself in an attempt to prevent the tragedy that had left Nova stranded all those years ago. A sacrifice he’d committed in vain. Years would pass before another King was finally selected by the Slate to reclaim the painfully empty throne, but in the meantime, the remaining Clansmen were at a loss. Their powers persisted, but the man they’d pledged their sword and skill to had vanished, leaving them floundering without a cause.
From the few rumors and scant traces of info Nova had managed to glean thus far, she knew that many of Jin Habari’s Clansmen simply tried to return to their normal lives…as normal as they could be. It wasn’t very challenging for many of them to hide their powers, and the few that did remain active were placed under the jurisdiction and command of the reclusive Gold King. The lingering operatives of Scepter 4 combined with the swift and silent force of the Usagi formed a tactical force that strove to uphold the duties that’d once solely rested in the hands of the ironically defunct Clan of order.
When Reishi Munakata arrived to pick up the scattered pieces, he was determined to ensure Scepter 4 returned to its former glory. Refurbished from top to bottom in both building and staff, Nova could now consider herself just another piece of that sorely needed restoration. Would things have been different for her if this Blue King had awoken sooner? Would her experiences have been different, perhaps even positive, if she’d been given the opportunity to walk this path before?
She clenched her hands and stilled her stride, an image suddenly flashing through her mind that derailed her thoughts and brought an unmistakable ache to her heart. Why did she have to think about him, to remember him, at a time like this? What was the point of dwelling on that past when there was no way she could possibly return to it? Why was her chest still flooding with these butterflies that were almost suffocating enough to burst from her throat?
They were enemies now…of a sort, she realized. People on opposing sides of a conflict, if nothing else. But how could she ever even think of trading blows with him, the man that’d given her a real second chance, something more legitimate than anything or anyone else had ever offered her before? He was the one that’d saved her, that’d kept her from being held captive by the unforgiving clutches she’d once feared so intensely. He’d given her an option, the choice to distance herself from a life that simply drug on day after day in an endless cycle of misery.
Despite his disposition, and his irritated objections to her observations, he was one of the only people she could recall that’d ever shown her true kindness. Her face grew hot as she dwelled on her memories, inconsequential instances she knew she needed to leave behind. If she could, she would have liked to see him one more time, without the weight of these new pretenses. If she could, she would properly thank him for all he’d done, communicate just how much his generosity meant to her…not to mention just the man himself. But she couldn’t allow herself to get sidetracked by such trivialities…she couldn’t take the risk of weakening her heart any further.
She was on her way to meet up with Akiyama and Benzai, two previous militiamen that’d recently been promoted to senior officers at the Captain’s recommendation. She was aware of two other individuals that’d also been granted similar ranks. As far as she understood, these four formed the group she was going to be assigned to work in the closest proximity with for the time being.
She’d heard some buzz about a tragic accident whose occurrence and unfortunate consequences were still being significantly felt all throughout the Clan. At the same time, rumors detailing the acquisition of another unexpected operative also happened to be going around in the periphery of the past few days. She’d been too caught up in her own period of adjustment to really probe anyone for further details on either matter. If it was important enough, she was sure she’d find out all she needed to know in due time.
Right now her biggest concerns were just learning the facility’s lay out and making sure she kept to her schedule as diligently as possible. Although the Captain had already demonstrated his faith in her by offering her this rare and privileged arrangement, even with her less than promising background, she was determined to prove herself to him on her own terms. She was confident she could live up to and exceed his expectations before he even had a chance to ask, and hopefully that would be enough to repay his completely unexpected bout of generosity.
Rounding a corner, she came upon a shuffling mass of blue that indicated she’d arrived at her destination. She had to admit, the rich, signature color that represented the Clan and Aura they served was a fairly appealing one. It was hard for her to reconcile the innate fear and defensive response she’d trained herself to feel towards the bright royal blue she was now happy to represent, even honored. The officers were gathered around something, or someone, that appeared to have captivated them quite profoundly. Considering how they were haphazardly congregated in one of the central facility’s random hallways, it was unlikely to be a Strain or some other supernaturally related artifact…something to do with the other recent news she was vaguely aware of seemed the most likely candidate in her eyes.
Did she have a place butting into the throng? She had to at least get Akiyama and Benzai’s attention…she was barely able to pick them out from the crowd by their hair colors, which she’d committed to memory at their introduction. Inconveniently positioned on the far side of the modest group, she was going to have to cut in at some point if she wanted to reach them, whether she liked it or not. She swivelled her ears and timidly took a few steps closer, thinking it would probably be wise to try deciphering some of the mutterings that drifted her way before she made any unacceptable moves to interrupt. It seemed every member of the special operations squad she knew of was present, and that afforded her a meager level of comfort in stepping in, considering it meant she wasn’t interrupting a group of complete strangers.
“Um, excuse me…” Her voice was much too quiet to properly address anyone, and a second one rose sharply from within the barrier of bodies before she could make her second attempt.
“Just make sure you get them done on time, and get them done right.” The words and tone were unmistakably brisk and perturbed, as well as…familiar? Nova’s fur bristled as she took a step back, lungs freezing as she tried to process the inflection she swore she recognized. But it couldn’t be. Not here, now, like this…and giving orders to the operatives? What was going on? Was she actually still in bed dreaming, sure to find a fitting punishment for her tardiness waiting for her when she finally stirred?
A few of the officers posed their closing inquiries, most just seeking clarification, although one of them sounded a bit more lost than the rest. Nova was aware of the more scattered brained nature of some of her coworkers, even in the special operations division, but apparently they hadn’t proven disruptive enough to be disqualified from their position; at least, not yet. The man that’d been speaking in the center of the group, giving out orders and setting things straight as if he’d been doing so for years, began to push his way out. The authority in his voice, marked by the faintest hint of insecurity, could have fooled anyone into assuming he was a veteran. But the moment he came into view, Nova knew with certainty that he couldn’t have been further from it. She really must have been dreaming…or maybe this was all just some kind of cruel joke.
“Fushimi?”
It was definitely him, there was no denying that in the slightest. Mistaking his voice would have been one thing, but it was impossible to misjudge with the image that accompanied it. It had to have been a few weeks, maybe months at most…she couldn’t quite remember when she’d first been brought into custody. The days she’d spent in a cell all blurred together, and she was sure the Captain had been waiting things out to some extent, watching to see what the true nature of her temperament was like. If it was malleable enough, cooperative enough that he could make good use of her, then he’d initiate his plan…and in the end, that’s exactly what had happened.
For the first few days, probably longer (even more persistent in the secluded, subconscious depths of her mind), she couldn’t manage to get this man out of her head. She missed him, worried about him, wondered if he was alright…all wasted feelings she knew he wouldn’t appreciate, that he certainly hadn’t asked for. But she wasn’t sure if she’d ever get the chance to see him again, expecting that the barren confines of that cell were going to be the only image she saw for the remainder of her days.
“…”
It looked like he’d thought about saying her name in reply, but bit his tongue at the last minute, rethinking the impulse. Here he was, standing right in front of her, frozen in his tracks at her words and presence. For a moment she swore she saw a flash of relief cross his features, an identical expression of ease in response to seeing her again. Surely he hadn’t known what had happened to her…he couldn’t have.
She’d been unceremoniously snatched up off the streets in the dead of night, unaware that a couple of operatives had been discreetly tracking and monitoring her, lying in wait for the perfect opportunity to ambush her. Part of her had hoped they hadn’t gone as far as to spy on him as well, considering his adjacent relationship to her, and now it was starting to look like her wish had gone unfulfilled. She didn’t know how she’d forgive herself if she was the reason he’d ended up here, but what other reason could there be? And what could she possibly do about it now?
She must have misread the expression she thought she’d seen, since the gaze boring into her now was one of undisguised resentment. She couldn’t avoid reflexively shrinking back under its weight, feeling the invisible barriers that seemed to rise between them in an instant. They were entirely on his part, established by his will, and in doing so he’d practically confirmed her suspicion.
She’d done something to cause him to end up here, trapped in this place, ripped away from the life he’d known. Even before she’d gone missing, she knew of problems that’d been developing, issues he wasn’t sure how to deal with, that he wasn’t even convinced he could deal with. She’d wanted to offer him even a fraction of the help he’d offered her, but he was so withdrawn, and so reluctant to let anyone get too close. He’d always preferred to suffer alone, even if it meant sacrificing any aid in the process…or perhaps especially because of that.
“Do you two…know each other?”
Nova was too paralyzed by the stifling vitriol in Fushimi’s gaze to even bother looking to see who the bold (and perhaps even stupid) soul that’d spoken up was. “I--I’m sorry, I just…I must have mistaken you for someone else.”
“How many other people with the same name and appearance can there possibly be in the city?” the redhead, an individual whose name Nova had recently learned was Domyoji, continued. “I mean, I guess there’s always the possibility that a Strain was involved…”
“It really was just a mistake, a misunderstanding,” she asserted, finally finding the strength to break her gaze away from the blue irises that continued to lash her with fire. “Sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking. I just came to find Akiyama and Benzai? I think the Captain intended to have me train with you--”
“Unfortunately, it seems we’re going to have to postpone our session for the time being,” Akiyama answered, and Nova felt palpable relief for the change of subject. “The Captain’s requested our assistance with an urgent matter--”
“Alright, that’s fine.” The only thing she really wanted in this moment was to get as far away from here as possible--away from him. “I’m sure I just missed the memo, I apologize for interrupting. I’ll just practice some of the basics on my own for now. Maybe you can evaluate if I was able to make any worthwhile progress from that when you get back.”
The two officers she was addressing dipped their heads in agreement, and Nova turned on her heel before anyone else could crowd the air with another question. She didn’t hear much chatter echoing behind her as she fled, and she wondered if her impatience had unwisely stunned everyone into silence. Regardless of the reason Fushimi was here, she didn’t want to cause him trouble, and she cursed herself for not thinking more clearly upon recognizing him. She should have known something wasn’t right, that he hadn’t come here of his own volition, or under normal circumstances. But the more she ruminated on those beliefs, the more she wished she had even an inkling more of information to help her understand exactly what was going on, and why.
Summary: Nova reflects on the details of her transition following her acceptance of the Blue King’s surprising offer to join his ranks. However, even in her contemplation she can’t seem to ignore the one constant that refuses to cease tormenting her thoughts. As much as she knows she needs to forget, she can’t find it in herself to banish those memories altogether…he’s always been the only real source of comfort in her darkest hours, after all.
*Author’s Note*: Pre-S4 verse introduction, involving Nova and Saruhiko’s unexpected reunion when they both happen to end up at S4 and the stressful exchange that ensues. To be continued in part 2.
_____
The facility’s pristine, elegant interior had become unusually comforting to her despite her first impressions. She wasn’t sure if it was the result of some kind of twisted Stockholm syndrome, or if she’d developed a genuine acceptance of the place. It was hard to believe the latter was possible, considering the short amount of time she’d been here. But so much had transpired in that time, so much had changed…both around her and within. She hesitantly pressed her fingers to her chest, applying minimal pressure as she focused on the fabric’s smooth, high quality texture. It was unmistakable evidence of the uniform she’d be wearing every day for the foreseeable future. To her surprise, she didn’t actually find it all that uncomfortable, either.
The fact that she’d been convinced to lower her guard to such a degree unsettled her. Was it acceptable for her to submit to this lifestyle so easily? Was it unfair to the people she’d once considered friends, or comrades at the very least? It was likely she’d cross paths with one of them again sooner or later, considering her new line of work, and perhaps she’d even end up acting as their captor. Did she have the conviction and dedication to follow through with such a task? Would she be able to develop that discipline by the time such a situation arose? Well, she supposed it wasn’t like any of them had ever done her any significant favors, or that she owed them anything in the first place.
Conditioning her to do their bidding, molding her to their will, ensuring that she followed their every command under the guise that such behavior was expected of any member of the group. She should have been smart enough to recognize how flimsy their excuses were, but she was just a child when they took her in. A wayward soul that’d suddenly been left stranded, with any semblance of the life she’d known unceremoniously ripped out from under her. She’d had nowhere to turn and no real ability to understand or process what had happened, lamentably left floundering in the crisis’s chaotic aftermath. She’d been nothing more than a helpless victim prime for them to manipulate and exploit to their heart’s content.
At least she knew nothing along those lines would happen to her here--or so she hoped. She was still just as oblivious to the true nature of this Clan and its inherent intricacies and mysteries. The only thing that could really fix that ignorance was time. She didn’t have many options other than to just wait it out, see how things progressed, all the while maintaining a keen awareness of herself and how things played out around her. She didn’t have any reason to assume that the individuals she’d interacted with thus far harbored any carefully concealed ulterior motives of deceit or malice…and she figured if they really planned on doing anything that devious with her, the Blue King probably wouldn’t have willingly shared his Aura with her.
There was no doubt it existed within her, a presence and sensation that she had yet to properly adapt to. A substance she was far from comprehending; even the initiation ceremony had felt more like a dream than reality. When the austere, enigmatic man had approached her with his proposal, it’d almost taken her breath away. It had to be some kind of joke, a scam, a ruse meant to distract her from whatever heinous fate he truly had in store for her. But despite all of her doubts and concerns, the Blue King had kept every part of his promises thus far, every word he’d pledged to her. Organizing things so she could formally join the ranks of the esteemed Blue Clansmen that served as his loyal officers, soldiers and guardians of the law. Their responsibilities also involved supervising and regulating the city’s lesser known citizens, stray bearers of supernatural power just like her.
Although she’d once feared them as the arbiters that mercilessly administered justice, fair or not, it was a little more difficult to see them in such a harsh and unforgiving light now. At the time, she just hadn’t understood…and it wasn’t like anyone had been interested in clearing up any of her confusion or ill formed assumptions. But the Scepter 4 that she’d once feared wasn’t necessarily the same one that she’d recently, and with great caution, agreed to join. She knew that at the time of one of her most infamous encounters with them, they happened to be Kingless.
The previous Blue King had courageously sacrificed himself in an attempt to prevent the tragedy that had left Nova stranded all those years ago. A sacrifice he’d committed in vain. Years would pass before another King was finally selected by the Slate to reclaim the painfully empty throne, but in the meantime, the remaining Clansmen were at a loss. Their powers persisted, but the man they’d pledged their sword and skill to had vanished, leaving them floundering without a cause.
From the few rumors and scant traces of info Nova had managed to glean thus far, she knew that many of Jin Habari’s Clansmen simply tried to return to their normal lives…as normal as they could be. It wasn’t very challenging for many of them to hide their powers, and the few that did remain active were placed under the jurisdiction and command of the reclusive Gold King. The lingering operatives of Scepter 4 combined with the swift and silent force of the Usagi formed a tactical force that strove to uphold the duties that’d once solely rested in the hands of the ironically defunct Clan of order.
When Reishi Munakata arrived to pick up the scattered pieces, he was determined to ensure Scepter 4 returned to its former glory. Refurbished from top to bottom in both building and staff, Nova could now consider herself just another piece of that sorely needed restoration. Would things have been different for her if this Blue King had awoken sooner? Would her experiences have been different, perhaps even positive, if she’d been given the opportunity to walk this path before?
She clenched her hands and stilled her stride, an image suddenly flashing through her mind that derailed her thoughts and brought an unmistakable ache to her heart. Why did she have to think about him, to remember him, at a time like this? What was the point of dwelling on that past when there was no way she could possibly return to it? Why was her chest still flooding with these butterflies that were almost suffocating enough to burst from her throat?
They were enemies now…of a sort, she realized. People on opposing sides of a conflict, if nothing else. But how could she ever even think of trading blows with him, the man that’d given her a real second chance, something more legitimate than anything or anyone else had ever offered her before? He was the one that’d saved her, that’d kept her from being held captive by the unforgiving clutches she’d once feared so intensely. He’d given her an option, the choice to distance herself from a life that simply drug on day after day in an endless cycle of misery.
Despite his disposition, and his irritated objections to her observations, he was one of the only people she could recall that’d ever shown her true kindness. Her face grew hot as she dwelled on her memories, inconsequential instances she knew she needed to leave behind. If she could, she would have liked to see him one more time, without the weight of these new pretenses. If she could, she would properly thank him for all he’d done, communicate just how much his generosity meant to her…not to mention just the man himself. But she couldn’t allow herself to get sidetracked by such trivialities…she couldn’t take the risk of weakening her heart any further.
She was on her way to meet up with Akiyama and Benzai, two previous militiamen that’d recently been promoted to senior officers at the Captain’s recommendation. She was aware of two other individuals that’d also been granted similar ranks. As far as she understood, these four formed the group she was going to be assigned to work in the closest proximity with for the time being.
She’d heard some buzz about a tragic accident whose occurrence and unfortunate consequences were still being significantly felt all throughout the Clan. At the same time, rumors detailing the acquisition of another unexpected operative also happened to be going around in the periphery of the past few days. She’d been too caught up in her own period of adjustment to really probe anyone for further details on either matter. If it was important enough, she was sure she’d find out all she needed to know in due time.
Right now her biggest concerns were just learning the facility’s lay out and making sure she kept to her schedule as diligently as possible. Although the Captain had already demonstrated his faith in her by offering her this rare and privileged arrangement, even with her less than promising background, she was determined to prove herself to him on her own terms. She was confident she could live up to and exceed his expectations before he even had a chance to ask, and hopefully that would be enough to repay his completely unexpected bout of generosity.
Rounding a corner, she came upon a shuffling mass of blue that indicated she’d arrived at her destination. She had to admit, the rich, signature color that represented the Clan and Aura they served was a fairly appealing one. It was hard for her to reconcile the innate fear and defensive response she’d trained herself to feel towards the bright royal blue she was now happy to represent, even honored. The officers were gathered around something, or someone, that appeared to have captivated them quite profoundly. Considering how they were haphazardly congregated in one of the central facility’s random hallways, it was unlikely to be a Strain or some other supernaturally related artifact…something to do with the other recent news she was vaguely aware of seemed the most likely candidate in her eyes.
Did she have a place butting into the throng? She had to at least get Akiyama and Benzai’s attention…she was barely able to pick them out from the crowd by their hair colors, which she’d committed to memory at their introduction. Inconveniently positioned on the far side of the modest group, she was going to have to cut in at some point if she wanted to reach them, whether she liked it or not. She swivelled her ears and timidly took a few steps closer, thinking it would probably be wise to try deciphering some of the mutterings that drifted her way before she made any unacceptable moves to interrupt. It seemed every member of the special operations squad she knew of was present, and that afforded her a meager level of comfort in stepping in, considering it meant she wasn’t interrupting a group of complete strangers.
“Um, excuse me…” Her voice was much too quiet to properly address anyone, and a second one rose sharply from within the barrier of bodies before she could make her second attempt.
“Just make sure you get them done on time, and get them done right.” The words and tone were unmistakably brisk and perturbed, as well as…familiar? Nova’s fur bristled as she took a step back, lungs freezing as she tried to process the inflection she swore she recognized. But it couldn’t be. Not here, now, like this…and giving orders to the operatives? What was going on? Was she actually still in bed dreaming, sure to find a fitting punishment for her tardiness waiting for her when she finally stirred?
A few of the officers posed their closing inquiries, most just seeking clarification, although one of them sounded a bit more lost than the rest. Nova was aware of the more scattered brained nature of some of her coworkers, even in the special operations division, but apparently they hadn’t proven disruptive enough to be disqualified from their position; at least, not yet. The man that’d been speaking in the center of the group, giving out orders and setting things straight as if he’d been doing so for years, began to push his way out. The authority in his voice, marked by the faintest hint of insecurity, could have fooled anyone into assuming he was a veteran. But the moment he came into view, Nova knew with certainty that he couldn’t have been further from it. She really must have been dreaming…or maybe this was all just some kind of cruel joke.
“Fushimi?”
It was definitely him, there was no denying that in the slightest. Mistaking his voice would have been one thing, but it was impossible to misjudge with the image that accompanied it. It had to have been a few weeks, maybe months at most…she couldn’t quite remember when she’d first been brought into custody. The days she’d spent in a cell all blurred together, and she was sure the Captain had been waiting things out to some extent, watching to see what the true nature of her temperament was like. If it was malleable enough, cooperative enough that he could make good use of her, then he’d initiate his plan…and in the end, that’s exactly what had happened.
For the first few days, probably longer (even more persistent in the secluded, subconscious depths of her mind), she couldn’t manage to get this man out of her head. She missed him, worried about him, wondered if he was alright…all wasted feelings she knew he wouldn’t appreciate, that he certainly hadn’t asked for. But she wasn’t sure if she’d ever get the chance to see him again, expecting that the barren confines of that cell were going to be the only image she saw for the remainder of her days.
“…”
It looked like he’d thought about saying her name in reply, but bit his tongue at the last minute, rethinking the impulse. Here he was, standing right in front of her, frozen in his tracks at her words and presence. For a moment she swore she saw a flash of relief cross his features, an identical expression of ease in response to seeing her again. Surely he hadn’t known what had happened to her…he couldn’t have.
She’d been unceremoniously snatched up off the streets in the dead of night, unaware that a couple of operatives had been discreetly tracking and monitoring her, lying in wait for the perfect opportunity to ambush her. Part of her had hoped they hadn’t gone as far as to spy on him as well, considering his adjacent relationship to her, and now it was starting to look like her wish had gone unfulfilled. She didn’t know how she’d forgive herself if she was the reason he’d ended up here, but what other reason could there be? And what could she possibly do about it now?
She must have misread the expression she thought she’d seen, since the gaze boring into her now was one of undisguised resentment. She couldn’t avoid reflexively shrinking back under its weight, feeling the invisible barriers that seemed to rise between them in an instant. They were entirely on his part, established by his will, and in doing so he’d practically confirmed her suspicion.
She’d done something to cause him to end up here, trapped in this place, ripped away from the life he’d known. Even before she’d gone missing, she knew of problems that’d been developing, issues he wasn’t sure how to deal with, that he wasn’t even convinced he could deal with. She’d wanted to offer him even a fraction of the help he’d offered her, but he was so withdrawn, and so reluctant to let anyone get too close. He’d always preferred to suffer alone, even if it meant sacrificing any aid in the process…or perhaps especially because of that.
“Do you two…know each other?”
Nova was too paralyzed by the stifling vitriol in Fushimi’s gaze to even bother looking to see who the bold (and perhaps even stupid) soul that’d spoken up was. “I--I’m sorry, I just…I must have mistaken you for someone else.”
“How many other people with the same name and appearance can there possibly be in the city?” the redhead, an individual whose name Nova had recently learned was Domyoji, continued. “I mean, I guess there’s always the possibility that a Strain was involved…”
“It really was just a mistake, a misunderstanding,” she asserted, finally finding the strength to break her gaze away from the blue irises that continued to lash her with fire. “Sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking. I just came to find Akiyama and Benzai? I think the Captain intended to have me train with you--”
“Unfortunately, it seems we’re going to have to postpone our session for the time being,” Akiyama answered, and Nova felt palpable relief for the change of subject. “The Captain’s requested our assistance with an urgent matter--”
“Alright, that’s fine.” The only thing she really wanted in this moment was to get as far away from here as possible--away from him. “I’m sure I just missed the memo, I apologize for interrupting. I’ll just practice some of the basics on my own for now. Maybe you can evaluate if I was able to make any worthwhile progress from that when you get back.”
The two officers she was addressing dipped their heads in agreement, and Nova turned on her heel before anyone else could crowd the air with another question. She didn’t hear much chatter echoing behind her as she fled, and she wondered if her impatience had unwisely stunned everyone into silence. Regardless of the reason Fushimi was here, she didn’t want to cause him trouble, and she cursed herself for not thinking more clearly upon recognizing him. She should have known something wasn’t right, that he hadn’t come here of his own volition, or under normal circumstances. But the more she ruminated on those beliefs, the more she wished she had even an inkling more of information to help her understand exactly what was going on, and why.
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Date: 2019-10-01 12:41 am (UTC)