Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ A Dragon's Call ❯ New Friends ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two : New Friends

The twin brother's quickly climbed out of their window. Jonathan closed the window after his brother landed on the ground next to him. He smiled at Joshua, helping him up. Even though they were twins, Jonathan made it a point to take care of his little brother. He was so innocent, even with their life the way it was. He would protect Joshua at all costs.

"Come on, baby brother. Let's get out of here." The elder replied, putting his arm around his twin's shoulders and leading him away from their house. Joshua followed willingly, happy to just be with his brother. Their mother never did understand how the two could be so close. She said it was sinful, the way they doted on each other.

It wasn't sinful. It was love. For a long time, Jonathan had realized he loved his brother. Not just a brotherly love or a platonic love. No…he burned for his brother. His body was always flushed when his twin was near, an unknown desire creeping up until he would either have to escape or suffocate from it. Most days, he was able to ignore it. But there were times, like when his brother was so naïve and frightened, he felt he would go mad if he didn't have him.

Jonathan blinked, shaking his head. He put his disturbing thoughts to himself. If they weren't sinful, he didn't know what was. Keeping his eyes open and alert, he led his brother down the main street of their small town of San Marcos. It was near the ocean, just two miles north of the California coastline.

Their family had moved after their father's "death." Rachel didn't dare stay; the possibility of her charade being discovered was too great. So she had packed the twins and left for California from the beautiful New England coast. Now they lived seventy miles north of San Francisco.

Life in San Marcos was pleasant, if a tad difficult. The twins were…beautiful. There was no other word to describe them. Piercing night blue eyes with heart shaped faces. Hair that came to their shoulders, a sandy brown that almost resembled a light green. Lithe but muscular bodies that was well toned and ready for any type of work or play.

In fact, the twins' were a near carbon copy of their father. Zachariah Thomas had been an exceedingly handsome man. His features had seemed to be chiseled from marble, they were so perfect. Small wonder that Rachel saw him in her children.

Currently, the boys were walking down Main Street, the main thoroughfare in the small suburban town. It was a beautiful city, but it had its dark side. In particular, a street gang by the name of the Seiryuu Seven. Their leader, Dirk Volman, had come up with the name from ancient Chinese mythology. He had just turned nineteen, and fancied himself a scholar and would be warrior.

Many townspeople said that Dirk and his gang were cursed. That they worshipped the Devil and other such deities. But the truth of the matter was, Dirk believed himself and his gang to be reincarnations. Reincarnations of an ancient group of warriors that had been thwarted time and again by another similar group. It was a sign of his belief in this mythology, that he named the gang Seiryuu Seven. Seiryuu, for the ancient Chinese Dragon God. Seven for the number of celestial warriors he said were always present and did the god's work.

Strange thing was, there were only five members of his gang. His girlfriend, Sasha Grant had been the first member. The general consensus among the townsfolk was that Sasha was a slut. No matter where she went or what the weather was like, she always wore knee high boots, mini-skirts and nearly sleeveless shirts. Her long red hair was usually tied in a long ponytail that went past her knees. She was never seen without her extensive make-up kit and was always on the arm of her lover.

Raphael Nanais was a young man who had emigrated from Greece. His hair rivaled Sasha's in length, only in a light brownish color. It was known through the neighborhood that he was a homosexual. In fact, his eyes had always been for his leader, who ignored any advances the young man tried. His hazel eyes were piercing, seemingly to look right into a person's soul.

The last two members of the gang, Brad Neely and Sam Bastian, were currently away. Thus, the three elder members of the group had nothing to do.

Until they saw the twins walking down the street. A nasty smirk came over Raphael's features. He nudged his friends, and Dirk nodded, his face impassive.

Jonathan led the way down to the small soda parlor. It was a rare place, not many left in the States. The parlor was one of those old burger joints. The décor was of the early fifties, when poodle skirts were in fashion. A large train set was suspended above the patrons. Old fifties and sixties music blared from the speakers strategically placed around the restaurant.

Grinning, watching the excitement appear on his brother's face, Jonathan indicated for his twin to find a table. Nodding, Joshua went among the various empty chairs and tables, finding one near the back of the restaurant.

Approaching the counter, Jonathan nodded to the attendant. It was a young woman who went to the twins' school. Reykia Fick. She had long violet hair, plaited. She turned, smiling at the sight of Jonathan. "Well, well, well! It certainly is good to see you and your brother out among the living. What'll ya have?"

Jonathan smiled politely. "Two vanilla sodas, please."

"Comin' right up!" She turned, heading for the soda machines. After a few moments, she carried back to frosty mugs filled with ice cream. "There ya go!"

"Thanks." Jonathan took the glasses and headed over to his brother. Setting the glasses on the table, he took a seat next to his twin. Joshua reached for the glass, but stopped, looking at his brother. Both boys bowed their heads, their lips mumbling for a moment. Afterwards, they lifted their heads and took a sip of the soda simultaneously.

"Well, if it isn't the two freaks. Finally decided to come out of your cage?"

Jonathan looked up, his eyes narrowed. Protectively, he scooted closer to his twin.

The bearer of the voice, Dirk, gave the twins a nasty smile as he; Sasha and Raphael entered the small restaurant. Raphael looked around him, sneering. He hated this place. It was too…cheery for his liking.

"Aniki…" Joshua whispered, clutching his brother's arm tightly. Jonathan could feel his twin shaking with fright. "I wanna go…"

"Ah…the little baby wants to go." Raphael smirked, his long brown hair falling around him. The three gang members had taken positions, surrounding the twins. Standing behind Joshua, Raphael gripped the frightened boys shoulder hard, nearly bruising it. Joshua yelped.

Jonathan glared at the older boy. "Let my brother go."

"Ah, but you have more important things to worry about, mate." Dirk stood directly in front of Jonathan. Without warning, he pulled the boy off his feet by the front collar of his shirt. "We have things to discuss boy. Such as your entry into our little group."

Meanwhile, Raphael had taken to fondling the youth he held in his grasp. It was no secret he lusted after his leader. Unlike many homosexuals in their area, Raphael made no pretenses. He openly exhibited his preferences, which he did now. Leaning forward, he let his breath brush against Joshua's ear. "I wonder…are you and your brother still as…close as before? Why don't we find out?"

Holding the frightened youth against him by his left arm, his right slid down. Sliding underneath the young boy's jeans, Raphael smirked evilly, his hand grasping the inexperienced youth's member.

Joshua gasped, flinching. No one had ever done that to him. Not even his mother went so far with him.

Struggling, Jonathan tried to get out of Dirk's grip to go to his brother's aid. Dirk smiled, gripping the boy tighter. "No, no…we have things to discuss. Raphael will…keep your brother occupied while we talk."

"Or not."

The unfamiliar voice startled Dirk, making him drop Jonathan to the floor. Staggering to his feet, the elder twin pulled his brother roughly away from Raphael. Joshua clung to his brother tightly, gasps of fear coming from his slight form.

A tall figure emerged from the shadows. He had just entered the establishment, hiding in an alcove to observe. When the blonde gang member had pressed his advantage; that was when he emerged from his hiding place.

He was tall, easily as tall as Dirk. His clothing was foreign, exotic. Dark teal hair fell down his back in a ponytail. Piercing dark blue eyes gazed scathingly at the blonde gang member. Instantly, as soon as the two boys stared at each other, a deep hatred for the other sprang forth within them.

Dirk's eyes narrowed with undisguised hatred. "Tamahome."

"Nakago." The newcomer replied coldly, coming to stand next to the twins. "They don't want you around. So my advice is to leave while you still can."

Dirk ground his teeth, staring down the new boy. Now was not the time to face him. The Seiryuu's were not ready and he had no idea what Tamahome knew or didn't know. Or what his powers were in his reincarnated body. He nodded curtly to his group, and strode out of the restaurant. Sasha and Raphael followed quickly behind him.

"You okay?" The new boy asked, putting a reassuring hand on Joshua's shoulder. He flinched, staring up at the boy.

Jonathan put an arm around his brother protectively. "Who are you? And why'd ya help us?"

"Me?!" The new kid grinned, shrugging. "Name's Tarek. Tarek Schiereck. I just moved here from Austria."

Joshua blinked. This guy seemed awfully familiar to him. Something inside him told him not to trust the new boy, but he ignored it. Instead, he turned his attention to his brother.

"Uh…thanks…Tarek." Jonathan ventured hesitantly. He wasn't used to people helping them. Not without something in return at any rate.

"Hey, no problem…" Tarek's voice trailed off, staring at the counter.

Reykia had just come back from the back room, sweeping the floor. Tarek stared at her, dumbfounded. "Nuriko…"

The young woman tilted her head, staring at the new boy. He seemed familiar some how. "Can I help you?"

"Uh…"

Reykia rolled her eyes. "Real articulate, ain't ya?!" She then looked to the rumpled appearance of the twins. "Did they come and rough you boys up again?! I swear I'm gonna strangle those assholes…"

The twins blinked, shrinking away from her. They'd never seen her mad like that before. She blinked, and then smiled. "It's okay, boys. Don't worry. The drinks are on me."

"We don't…" Jonathan hushed his brother, pulling him closer. "Thank you very much."

She smiled, nodding. Her eyes narrowed, staring at the new boy. He was definitely familiar. "Tarek ya said? Interesting name, bud. Now you gonna order or what?!"

Tarek was taken aback. This was not what he had imagined. "Uh…maybe later."

"Then scram. Oh and thanks for helping the boys out." She then turned on her heel, her long violet braid flying behind her as she returned to the kitchen.

Jonathan grinned, shrugging. "That's Reykia for ya. Well, thanks again." He took his brother by the arm, and dragged him outside, never noticing the stare Tarek gave them as they left.

Tarek watched the twins leave the restaurant. Things were most definitely going to be interesting here. Not too long ago, he had started to remember his past life. It was filled with anger, despair, pain and love. He cherished the love most of all.

He remembered a girl, with russet hair and brown eyes. He still felt a deep love for her. He wanted to find her, at all costs. But then he had come to this place. He was seventeen, almost ready to graduate from high school. After he did, he was going to travel, search out his lost love.

At least that had been his plan up until he came to that restaurant. Then he had seen them. The others. He had never thought it possible that others might have come back as well. He smiled, glad that Nuriko had come back. And as a girl! That was certainly something interesting.

He frowned, remembering the Seiryuu's. Nakago, Tomo and Soi. Not to mention the twins. What was Nakago playing at? He was certain the other remembered his past. But it was also so obvious the twins didn't. They were like two lost lambs, searching. It had taken a great deal of his self-control not to smack Suboshi into the wall. But the boy didn't even remember what he had done. How could he harm him, knowing that?

He couldn't. That was the truth of it. Even if the boy remembered, he didn't think he could. He had done wrong, paid his penance for his crimes. He deserved a second chance as much as the others.

Leaving the restaurant, he made his way down the boulevard of the small town. He would wait and watch. See how things came out. Only then would he act. Act according to his duty as a Suzaku no Schiseishi.