Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ A Dragon's Call ❯ Strangeness & Wonder Abound ( Chapter 11 )

Chapter 11 - Strangeness & Wonder Abound

Morning dawned bright, sunlight filtering into the small hotel room through the partially open curtains. Jonathan opened his eyes, feeling very safe and content. Yawning, he stretched his body out on the large bed.

That was the first thing he found wrong. He didn't have that large of a bed. A twin-sized bed was what they had at home. Turning his head, he looked beside him.

His mouth nearly dropped open in shock. The young girl his brother had been dancing with, the one that their mother had tried to kill, lay against him. Her head was pillowed on his chest; her arms around him. She had the look of a lover snuggling against her own lover in content. He felt a blush creep over his cheeks at that thought.

His eyes looked farther, only to see his beloved twin. Joshua lay behind Yui, his arms around her waist. He could only imagine what kind of sight the three made. As he gazed at his brother and Yui, Jonathan felt a strange sensation. Love, of course. He knew the feeling very well. It was the same sensation he felt every time he looked at his brother.

No...This is impossible! How can I be in love with two people?! Because that was what he felt, he realized. Without even really knowing her, Jonathan had fallen in love with Yui. She had just been so courageous the way she had faced his mother.

He couldn't explain the reason why he'd gone nuts, killing his own mother. Her attack on his brother and Yui had sparked his undying hatred of his mother. So, he'd done the only thing natural to him.

He retaliated.

Her death did not make him feel better. The only thing good about it, that he could see, was that she could never hurt him or his brother again. They were free. Free! And all because of Yui.

Jonathan gazed down at the sleeping figure of his savior. Yui. He remembered now just as his brother had during the dance, he now remembered his past life. He'd never met Yui, or Seiryuu no Miko, as he would have called her then. He'd loved her then too.

Or rather, like Hotohori of the Suzaku Schichseishi, he'd been in love with the 'idea' of her. Yui, as Seiryuu no Miko, symbolized to Amiboshi all that he had been wanting, been fighting for all his life. He was more than pleased to find his 'dream miko' was every bit as wonderful as the real thing.

To him, Yui was the embodiment of goodness. She could do no wrong in his eyes. He had a feeling it was the same with his brother. Once more, he turned his gaze to her. She was so incredibly beautiful, the way her mid-length hair framed her delicate face.

Shaking himself violently, he scurried out of bed. Padding on bare feet, he went to the window. Looking out, he watched as morning arrived. So caught up in his thoughts, Jonathan never noticed as Yui woke.

Her eyes opened sleepily to behold the face of the younger twin. She smiled, resting her palm on his face. He murmured, but continued sleeping. Sighing, she turned her head to check on the elder twin.

She blinked, seeing an empty bed. Pulling away from Joshua, she looked around the room as she sat up. Seeing Jonathan at the windows, she got out of bed. Walking over to him, she reached out a hand, placing it on his cheek. "Jonathan?"

Jonathan blinked, and then blushed as he looked at the object of his thoughts. Having just risen from bed, Yui looked stunning. Her hair was mussed as it framed her face delicately. Her dress was rumpled and she had a sleepy look to her features.

He smiled and he was surprised to see that she smiled back. Despite the horrors she'd gone through, she could still smile. Unbidden, his hand reached out to cover the one on his cheek.

"How are you feeling?" She queried, genuine concern in her voice and on her face. Once again, he marveled at the beauty inside and out of this woman.

"I'm all right. Thank you, Yui. For everything you've done for my brother and me." Jonathan spoke softly as he gazed into her eyes.

She blushed, looking down in embarrassment. She'd never noticed how kind and sweet Jonathan was before. She found herself immensely pleased at his words. Looking up, she smiled gently at him. "You're welcome. It was the least I could do. After all the pain I've caused you and Suboshi."

He shook his head, almost violently. Taking her hands in his, he brought them to his lips and kissed them. "No. What happened to us before was not your fault. It was our own fault, Nakago's, but not yours."

Her eyes widened at the seriousness in which he gazed at her. A slight flush stained her cheeks at the kiss to her hands. She found it suddenly hard to breathe. Looking into his eyes, she swallowed nervously.

His dream came to him and Jonathan's next action was purely by reflex. Bending down, his lips touched hers in the sweetest of kisses.

Strangely, the same emotions that assailed her the night before when Joshua kissed her flowed over her now. Her mind was confused. How could she be in love, the exact same way, with two people? She cared just as deeply for Jonathan as she did for Joshua.

A brief knock sounded at the door, disturbing them. The door flew open and a figure practically jumped inside in their enthusiasm.

"Yui-chan!"

Miaka's words died on her lips as her jaw nearly hit the floor. Jonathan and Yui had pulled away when the door opened, but not nearly soon enough. Miaka was treated to the sight of her best friend lip locked with one of the twins.

"Er....ohayo, Miaka." Yui grinned sheepishly at her friend, blushing.

"Uh...ohayo." Miaka walked in further, almost as if drawn inside. Her ears turned pink as she blushed. She hadn't meant to come in and disturb her friend. "Gomen ne, Yui-chan! I didn't meant to disturb you and Suboshi..."

"Actually, I'm Suboshi. Or I was."

All eyes turned to the bed to see a smirking Joshua. Jonathan's face turned red, then white.

Sitting up, Joshua swung his legs off the bed. Standing, he stretched. Blinking sleepy eyes, he held his hand out to Miaka. "My name's Joshua now. And this is my brother, Jonathan." He fidgeted, the smugness leaving him instantly.

Miaka was surprised, more like shocked, at the extended hand in front of her. This was far from what she'd expected from Suboshi's reincarnation. The last time she'd seen him, her death was the only thing on his mind.

He looked down, disheartened. He'd hoped that his show of friendship would help in atoning for what he'd done to her. Feeling something around his hand, he looked up.

A radiant smile fell from Miaka's lips as she gazed at him, shaking his hand firmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Joshua."

He blinked. "It is? After all I did to you and Tamahome..."

"...is in the past." Miaka finished for him, smiling. "You are not the same man, just as Tamahome is not the same man. We've all grown and I think it's a sign of the man you are now that you don't still have a grudge."

It was Joshua's turn to blush at her words. Jonathan grinned at his twin as he put his arm around Joshua's shoulder. The younger twin looked at his brother, smiling with love and affection at him. Yui smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. At least Joshua didn't seem upset about what had happened. She felt relatively sure he'd seen just as much as Miaka, maybe more.

"Well, I came by to tell you that we're all meeting at a small café nearby. Tamahome and the others wanted to talk to you about...your seishi." Miaka fidgeted, not knowing how Yui would take it.

"Oh." Yui instantly became all serious, her face dark as she thought of the others. "All right, Miaka. I'm ready...er..." She looked at the twins, her eyebrow raised. Would they want to come?

She smiled, seeing the longing and apprehension in their faces. Both brothers obviously didn't want to let her go alone, but were too polite to ask to come. Taking their hands in hers, she cleared her throat. "Would you two come with us? I'd like for you to meet the others. Part of what we're going to decided concerns you, anyway."

Joshua immediately looked to his brother. Jonathan looked back, an imperceptible nod following his gaze. The elder was slightly astonished that his brother wasn't angry with him. But as the saying goes, 'never look a gift horse in the mouth.' Therefore, he felt blessed at the calm serenity his brother was portraying. Though he knew they would have to speak later.

Turning to the waiting young women, he inclined his head in thanks. "We would be honored to join you, Yui...Miaka."

Both girls blushed at his gallantry. Shaking her head, Miaka grabbed onto Jonathan's arm, leading him from the room. All three were still dressed in the clothing from the night before. None of them even thought of changing. There seemed to be an urgency to their movements, though none could say why.

A radiant smile on his face, Joshua took Yui's hand in his, leading her down the stairs behind Miaka and his brother. They'd never seemed to even consider taking the elevator down.

Yui felt her face flush at the look he was giving her. Fidgeting, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Are you mad? At me and your brother?"

He grinned, shaking his head. "Mad? Of course I'm not mad! I'm glad you two care about each other. It saves me from having to make a most difficult decision.

"Oh? What kind of decision?" She frowned, gazing up at him in concern.

He shrugged. "Simple, really. Who to love. I can now love both of you freely, without worrying about hurting someone's feelings."

"You mean...you love Jonathan like...that?!" Yui couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice. She'd always known they were close but not THAT close!

It was Joshua's turn to blush, his face chagrined. "I'm sorry...I know, technically, it's wrong...but I can't help how my heart feels. I love him. He's the other half of my soul." He smiled, his fingertips brushing her cheek. "And you have the other half."

Her face turned red at his words. "Oh, I don't blame you. Who wouldn't love your brother? I was just a bit startled, that's all. I'm glad you love each other."

"Really?" Joshua stared at her, a beautiful smile on his face. He took her hand in his, kissing the palm. "Thank you. I'm very happy that you understand."

"I do. Which is strange...I've never experienced anything like this before." Yui admitted, blushing.

"Me either. Uhn...Yui?" Joshua fidgeted, looking away. "Do...you think we could be a...family? You...me and my brother?"

Smiling softly, she cupped his cheek, bringing his face over to hers. Gazing into his eyes, she kissed him. "We already are."

He grinned, hugging her tightly. "I'm glad. And I promise to take better care of you then I did last time."

"Joshua, it wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was. I shouldn't have attacked Tamahome and Miaka. I should have let it go. But I'll do better this time." Joshua replied seriously.

Yui opened her mouth to protest, but shut it as they arrived at the café. Miaka immediately ran over and hugged Tarek, who returned it. He smiled at the twins, showing no hint of anger or malice towards them.

Fidgeting uncertainly, Joshua approached the pair. Shuffling his feet, he addressed Tarek. "I...wanted to apologize for what I did to you...before. No matter how angry and hurt I was, I had no right to hurt you like that, Tamahome. I hope I've learned from my mistakes. I'd do anything to take back what I did."

Tarek moved away from Miaka, staring at Joshua for a long, silent moment. The former Seiryuu Schichseishi flinched, as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Joshua, look at me."

Reluctantly, Joshua did as he was told. He was shocked to see a smile on Tarek's face. "I don't hate you, Joshua. I understand how you felt. And I have to say that I'm impressed with you. It takes a great man to admit his mistakes." He then took Joshua's hand in his, shaking it. "I'm pleased to have met you, Joshua. And I accept your apology. Now, remember one thing. What is in the past should stay in the past. Don't let it bog you down."

"I...I won't. Thank you!" Joshua stared at Tarek in wide-eyed wonder. He'd never once believed that Tamahome would be so forgiving.

Patting the young man on the shoulder, Tarek joined his friends at the large table. It was an odd assortment, both young and old. All of the reincarnated Suzaku Schichseishi were in attendance, as well as Miaka's brother Keisuke and his friend, Tetsuya.

Yui sat comfortably between the twins, her face flushed. Miaka smirked at her friend as Yui glared. Nicholas grinned, more than ready to start teasing people. Christopher rolled his eyes at his brother, shushing him with a poke to the ribs.

Damien stood, clearing his throat. "Now then. We have some problems to discuss, no da. Primarily, what to do about the Seiryuus?" He looked around, his eyes finally settling on the twins. They visibly flinched, realizing they were the cause of all their problems.

Damien shook his head, as if to negate their thoughts. "It is not your fault, boys. Not with the Seiryuu and not with your mother." He addressed the rest of the table then. "The Seiryuu or Seiryuu Seven as they like to call themselves, are not just your typical high school gang. I believe that Dirk has a purpose in all that he does. The Homecoming Dance, for example. I believe he had Raphael do what he did as a way to humiliate the twins into joining. They would be feeling hurt and betrayed. It would have been natural for them to want vengeance."

"And Dirk was waiting in the wings to take advantage of that when it happened." Reykia snorted, rolling her eyes. Nakago could be so obvious at times.

Damien nodded. "Right. Only the twins here acted on their own, Joshua exacting his own vengeance without them."

"But why? Why go through all this trouble?" Miaka asked, a frown on her face.

Yui sat stiffly, her eyes wide in realization. "He wants to summon Seiryuu."

"Very astute of you."

All eyes turned, a gasp escaping the girls. Dirk and the rest of his Seiryuu Seven stood, flanking around the table. Before anyone could make a move, Dirk raised his hand.

Sasha closed her eyes, her hands rising into the air. Lightening and thunder crashed. Bolts of lightening fell from the sky, striking the table and sending its occupants flying in all directions.

A large hand reached out, slinging Yui into his arms. Sam looked sad as he held her in his arms. It was obvious he didn't want to be there, but he did as Dirk instructed nonetheless.

Dirk smiled briefly at the group as they slowly came to their feet. "The gang's all here, as they say. Well, I'm pleased to see you haven't changed, Amiboshi. Still the traitor. And I see you've rubbed off on your brother."

"Shut the fuck up! Let her go!" Joshua glared hatefully at Dirk, charging towards the older man.

Dirk waved his hand and a blue ball of chi impacted with Joshua, sending him flying. He crashed into a nearby table, splinters flying in all directions.

"Don't even attempt to mess with me, boy." Dirk said levelly, coldly. "If you wish to see your lover again, both twins will join us for a little get-together. Midnight tonight. If you're late...she dies."

Having gained their footing, Nicholas and Tarek charged forward, only to be met with empty air. The Seiryuu Seven had vanished, taking Yui with them.

"What the fuck?!" Nicholas growled, kicking a table out of his way as he knelt next to Joshua. Helping the young man to his feet, he allowed Joshua to lean against his brother for support.

"What the hell did they mean by 'meeting place'?" Tarek glared at the spot where the five had vanished.

The twin brothers looked at one another, their faces grim. "We know where it is." Jonathan said solemnly.

Joshua nodded. "Yeah. Every high school student knows where it is. Down the coast about five miles, in a deserted alcove that's been abandoned for years, there is an old fishery down there that went out of business. They use that and the stretch of beach attached to it. No one in their right mind goes there."

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Nicholas smirked nastily, his fist pounding in his palm for emphasis. "Let's go kick their butts!"

Jonathan shook his head, though a smile was on his face. "We appreciate the offer, but this is our fight."

Shaking her head, Miaka put her hand on both twins' arms. "Iiee, it's not just your problem. It's ours too. Yui's my friend and I won't let Nakago hurt her again."

The brothers looked at one another for a very long time after Miaka spoke. In unison they nodded. Jonathan took Miaka's hands in his and kissed the backs. "Thank you, Miaka-san. You've proven what I always knew about you. You are a brave and wonderful woman. Tamahome is lucky to have you." He let her hands go, moving over to his brother.

Miaka turned a deep red as she leaned against Tarek. A mumbled, "Arigatou" could be heard from her before she buried her face in her love's chest.

Joshua cleared his throat. "There's a bluff overlooking the old fishery. Nicholas knows where it is." At Nicholas' nod, Joshua continued. "We'll meet you there in half an hour. There is...something we have to attend to first."

The others were about to protest until they beheld the serious expressions on the faces of the twins. Damien nodded, his hand on their shoulders. "Do what you must. We will be waiting for you."

The brothers nodded, both quickly trotting away.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Chichiri." Reykia whispered, watching the two young men run off.

"Yes...so do I, Nuriko. So do I."

A.N.: Well, I finally updated this thing!! Yay me!! *grin* This is chapter eleven in...a total of thirteen chapters. There will be an epilogue, whenever I get around to writing it. But as it stands, this fic is complete! There will be two more chapters after this, when I get around to typing them and get them betaed. Hopefully by the end of this week. o.O;; Hope everyone enjoyed this fic as much as I have!