Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ A Dragon's Call ❯ The Homecoming Dance ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8: The Homecoming Dance

The living room was quiet, almost too quiet. Joshua sat on the couch next to his brother, talking quietly. They were making plans to attend the Homecoming Dance that night. The twins had finally achieved the one thing both had sought for so long.

Popularity. Acceptance.

Since Joshua's amazing play at the Homecoming game, (which their team had won) everyone seemed to finally notice the brothers'. Both twins had girls from their high school calling them at home. Their mother highly disapproved, but she said nothing when she saw they didn't respond to the calls.

At the moment, the twins' were sitting together, talking. They hadn't seen their mother since breakfast. Both felt relieved, but also upset at t his turn of events. Despite their differences, the twins' had hoped their mother would come around. No such luck.

"Ready to go?" Jonathan queried his twin, smiling. The twins' had dressed in their only suits, the ones they'd been given to wear at their uncle's funeral.

Joshua nodded enthusiastically, grinning. He was very excited about going. Neither brother had ever gone to anything like this before. It would be a new experience for them.

Pulling their coats from the hall closet, they shrugged them on, preparing to leave. A shadow fell on the boys' and they looked behind them.

Rachel stood a few feet from them, clad all in black. Her blue eyes were dark with anger as she gazed at her children. "I thought I told you that you aren't to leave the house."

Jonathan sighed, glaring angrily at his mother. But before he could say anything, she cut him off.

"Both of you have fallen to the ways of Satan. Stay here with me and we will pray! It isn't too late. Your soul's can still be saved!"

"Mother, shut up."

Rachel and Jonathan both stared at Joshua in shock. He stared back, his cerulean eyes hard. "We are going. My brother and I are going to this dance to have fun. We are going to be with other people our age, so get out of our way."

Her eyes widened, unable to comprehend her youngest child's words. He had always been so meek. He never stood up for himself or his brother. Jonathan was the one who always spoke for them.

She bowed her head in acquiescence. Joshua nodded, opening the door and stepping out with his twin. Neither brother saw Rachel's expression as they left. Her eyes were bright and a smile spread over her face.

A smile of madness.

* * *

The San Marcos High School Gymnasium was filled with streamers, balloons and every other kind of decoration imaginable. There was even a large disco globe hanging from the rafters. The bleachers were out, providing the participants with a place to congregate and talk amongst themselves. Large banners, proclaiming this the Homecoming Dance, ran from end to end. Small tables were set up at each end of the gym, providing refreshments.

Two tables lined the front of the gym, small placards displayed. This was where the contestants for Homecoming King and Queen would be presented. A large decorated box towards the front doors would hold the ballets.

The reunion between Tarek and Miaka was only shadowed by the similar reunion of the rest of the Suzaku Seishi with their miko. All of them were currently sitting on the bleachers, talking.

Miaka was amazed and delighted to find out that Nuriko had been reincarnated as a woman. Reykia had only smiled at the young woman, linking her arm with Anthony's.

The rest of the group soon greeted her as well. Nicholas and Christopher both nearly glomped her. Miaka was in shock when they said they were brothers.

But the reunion came to a head when the last two members arrived.

Reverend Damien Lacroix entered the gymnasium and headed straight towards the group. Behind him was the school nurse, a towering man of 6'7". They both bowed to Miaka, and then embraced her warmly.

"Chichiri! Mitsukake!" She gushed, hugging them in turn. They smiled, nodding.

Damien explained that Michael Moxley and he were chaperons for this year's dance. He then looked to Yui, who sat next to Tetsuya quietly. "Your seishi are here as well."

"Nani?!" Her eyes widened in shock, unable to believe her ears. "Are you serious?!"

Damien nodded. "Yes, I am. I've accounted for all of us, now that Tarek has arrived. Nakago's brought the other seishi together. Or rather, almost all."

Beside Miaka, Tarek nodded. "Yeah, I was there when he tried to bully the twins into joining."

Yui's eyes widened even more at this news. "Suboshi…and Amiboshi?"

Damien sighed sadly, placing his hand on her arm comfortingly. "Yes Yui. Both of them have been reincarnated. They are together, but have had a very hard life."

"Hard life?" Yui asked, biting her lip.

Michael sighed, nodding. "Damien and I have both known the two boys for years. In fact, Damien has been a sort of confidant for the eldest." Damien nodded, taking up the story where Michael left off.

"I only know part of their story. Tarek, I know you intercepted the Seiryuu's attacking Jonathan and Joshua." Damien replied. Tarek nodded. "That was not the only time the twins have been accosted. They have been the butt of many jokes through their lives."

"Jokes?" Miaka frowned.

Damien nodded. "Yes. Almost all of them have to do with their mother. I've heard people joke that Jonathan should change his name to Oedipal."

This reference went over Miaka's head, but Yui understood it all too well. "You mean he's…"

Damien nodded solemnly. "Do not judge him. I have spoken to Jonathan at great length. His circumstances are not of his making."

The group suddenly turned their heads towards the door. Jonathan and Joshua walked in their clothing immaculate. Everyone turned to watch them as they walked further in. Silence preceded them.

Joshua looked to his brother, nervous. The silence was starting to get to him. Just as they reached the middle of the gymnasium, all hell broke loose. Both twins jumped as they were swarmed, people clapping and applauding them.

Tears filled Jonathan's eyes, as students that had previously snubbed them, struck up conversations with him and his brother. It was like a dream come true.

In the back, the Seiryuu Seven watched, smirking. Soi had gone among the students, bribing or conning them into approaching the twins. Tonight would be the night when Amiboshi and Suboshi rejoined the fold.

Dirk watched the proceedings from the back of the gymnasium. He had no intention of allowing anyone to interfere with his plans. All was in readiness. A frown creased his lips as he saw Tarek and his group. It appeared that the Suzaku Shichiseishi had all gathered as well.

He was determined to allow nothing to interfere with his plans. The fact that Yui was among them only added spice to the chase. They would all pay soon enough. Nothing would be allowed to stand in his way.

On the stage, a local band was just beginning to play. Various couples moved to the dance floor to begin the celebration. Jonathan and Joshua were both surprised when young women of varying ages asked them to dance. Having no experience in such activities, they agreed reluctantly.

Tarek and Anthony both escorted their prospective ladies out onto the dance floor. Both Miaka and Reykia giggled, accepting their love's invitation.

* * *

Yui sat at a table, her chin on her hand. It was nice that Miaka had found Tamahome. She was happy for her friend. But that did no good for her. Keisuke and Tetsuya had quickly departed, wanting to find a local American tavern. Damien and Michael were too occupied in their duties. Christopher was a bit young for her.

That only left Nicholas, and he nearly ran at the prospect of dancing with a girl. So Yui sat at a table, sipping her glass of punch. She felt alone and very undesirable. Everyone seemed to shy away from her. Not for the first time did she find herself thinking of Suboshi and his brother.

What were they like now? Did Suboshi still remember her? Did he still feel the same way or had he forgotten her? These questions, and more, plagued her mind. She so longed to see them. Having had only a glimpse of them before they were surrounded, Yui sighed.

Just when she was about to get up for some more punch, someone bumped into her form behind. A low, irritated growl feel from her lips. She turned around to tell whoever had bumped into her off. Her eyes widened and her hand went to her mouth as she gasped.

Joshua blinked, his face flushed. He had tried to escape the swarm of girls that had continually hounded him. Turning around, he looked down, blushing. "Sorry! I didn't mean to…"

"Suboshi?"

He looked up at that name, frowning. It sounded so very familiar. Looking up, his mouth opened in wonder and recognition.

"Yui-sama…"

* * *

Jonathan too had tried to escape the onslaught of people. He wasn't used to so much attention. Escaping, he headed for the refreshment table. Dashing over to the table, he nearly ran over the person standing in front of the table, munching on some cheese.

"Oh sorry! I didn't mean to…" he stopped in mid-sentence, blinking.

Christopher Dainty turned around to smile at Jonathan. "Oh it's okay. I'm used to being ignored. How do you like it here?"

"Uhm…okay…"

Chris grinned. "You don't have to be so wary around me, Amiboshi."

Jonathan blinked. "That name does sound familiar. And I've always had this strange feeling around…er…"

"Me. It's okay." Chris grinned, winking. He took a sip of punch before continuing. "You don't remember everything, I can see that. It's okay. You will one day."

Shaking his head, Jonathan turned from the enigmatic young boy. He was easily the strangest person he'd ever seen. He blinked, looking over at the stage. It appeared that something was going on…

* * *

Joshua and Yui had stared at one another for what seemed to be hours, but was only a few minutes. Her heart soared, knowing he was alive.

Her hand reached out to touch his cheek softly. Joshua let out a breath, one he hadn't known he had been holding. Impulsively, he hugged her tightly. She sighed, returning it.

She looked up at him earnestly, concern evident in her features. She remembered what Damien had said regarding the twins. It was bad enough what Suboshi had gone through before. But now, the way his own mother treated him…it was simply appalling. She found herself hating the woman, without ever having met her.

A radiant smile fell across her features as he stared at her. Joshua grinned, winking. "See? I do remember…er…some of it anyway."

Yui laughed, linking her arm in his. In heavily accented English, she spoke. "I'm glad. It's nice to see you again, Suboshi."

He shook his head, making a face. "Joshua, please. I hardly remember anything from when I was Suboshi."

"All right. Joshua."

"What are you doing here anyway?" He queried.

She shrugged. "Miaka, her brother, a friend of ours and I all came to America for a vacation."

"Oh."

She grinned, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I'm very glad we came. It's wonderful seeing you again!"

He nodded emphatically. "It is! Wait until you meet my brother! He'll really like you!"

She found herself blushing at his words.

He grinned, and then blinked. Both looked to the band on stage. They were preparing for something it looked like.

* * *

The senior class vice-president, Linda Claibourne, cleared her throat and addressed the gymnasium. "Welcome everyone! Welcome to the Homecoming Dance, or as we like to call it, 'The Dance of the Serpents!'"

A silence fell over the gathering and Linda rolled her eyes. "Anyway, it is now time to choose your Homecoming King and Queen! Ballots are on the tables, along with pencils! Cast your ballets and we'll announce the winner in fifteen minutes!"

A scramble of people went to the various tables; the ballots quickly filled out. Who would be the new Homecoming King and Queen?

The box was quickly filled and taken backstage to be counted. The counter, Sasha, took the batch of ballots to a separate room. As she entered, the other members of the Seiryuu Seven turned. Sasha nodded to them, dumping the contents of the box into the trashcan. A new box was taken out form under the table and its contents replaced the Homecoming Ballot Box.

Brad tallied up the new results, handing it over to Sasha who nodded. Dirk watched impassively, nodding absently at Sasha. The twins would soon learn what it meant to defy him.

Sam watched silently, saying nothing. He highly disapproved of all this. The twins hadn't done anything to them. Why couldn't they just leave them alone? He felt sorry for them.

After ten minutes or so passed, Sasha took the box, with the tally sheet, back out to the stage. Raphael followed behind her. He couldn't wait to see the expression on the twins' faces.

* * *

The tally has been finished and I hold in my hand the name of the winners!"

All eyes in the high school gym were on the senior class vice-president as she made her announcement. Once it was quiet, Linda unfolded the paper in her hand. "And the winners are…" she blinked, staring at the paper. It made no sense. She hadn't even thought he was on the ballot…

Shrugging, she turned back to the collected attendees. "First, our King! Let's give a warm welcome to our new Homecoming King: Jonathan Thomas!"

Silence.

Jonathan felt his face burn. They had chosen him?! It seemed unreal. Why him?

Suddenly, he looked behind him to see his brother applauding. A young blonde girl stood next to his twin, her face radiant with happiness. She too was applauding. Soon, the entire gymnasium was filled with the wound of clapping hands.

Flushing, Jonathan slowly made his way to the front of the stage. Climbing the steps, he stood motionless. A young woman came over to him, placing a bouquet of roses in his hands. He blinked, still dumbfounded.

Linda applauded as well, and then turned back to her audience. "And now for the moment we've all been waiting for! Homecoming Queen!"

Her words were drowned out by the loud shout that filled the gym. She grinned, and then called for silence. Once it was relatively quiet, she announced the Queen.

Reykia smiled, ascending the platform as her name was called. No one was really surprised. She was the most popular girl in school. Everyone liked her. She waved, and then winked conspiratorially at Jonathan, who blushed. She accepted her bouquet and crown gracefully.

Resounding applause made Jonathan blush again. This night was just so amazing and unforgettable…

He never knew just how right he was. Above him, in the rafters of the stage, stood a figure. His long brown hair was tied in a ponytail. His face held a malicious expression.

Joshua blinked, shielding his eyes. A bright flash had run across his eyes. He frowned, looking upwards. His mouth opened in a silent shout.

Raphael stood just above Jonathan, a knife in his hand. He smirked evilly, staring at Joshua as he cut the rope next to him. The bucket the rope held tipped, spilling its contents onto Jonathan. The young man gasped, dropping the soaked flowers. He held out his hands and watched as tar dripped from his fingers.

Cackling, Raphael overturned a pillowcase. Dozens of feathers began to float down and stick to the tar.

Silence, then…

The gymnasium suddenly erupted into peals of laughter. Hands rose, pointing at the sight before them.

Jonathan stood on the stage, miserable. Tar and feathers fell from his clothing, his suit ruined. He would have run out, except he was too mortified to move. Tears fell from his eyes, but were indistinguishable from the black tar on his face.

One word was heard through the laughter.

"ANIKI!!!"

A blue aura surrounded Joshua and people around him gasped, moving as far away from him as possible. Wildness could be seen in his eyes as he extended his hand. Two swirling balls appeared, connected by a long rope.

Joshua stared at Raphael, his eyes glaring hatefully. He watched impassively as he sent his ryuuseisui towards the unsuspecting young man.

Raphael gasped, blood flowing from his opened lips. He looked down, only to see a gaping hole in his chest. He blinked, seeing filaments of his bones, muscles and tissue poking out of the hole. His face held no expression, as he seemed to watch in slow motion, as his heart slipped from his chest to fall onto the stage, still beating.

His form crumbled soon afterwards, following his heart to the ground. Screams surrounded Joshua, but he had no ears for it. The doors to the gym suddenly closed on their own, locking. There was no way out and death was at hand.

Suboshi had returned to avenge his brother.

AN: *cackle* I am so evil!!! Well, her is the beginning of the upcoming bloodbath! Suboshi gets to go nuts!! Woohoo!!! This part is for my partner in crime, Ai-chan! Hope it satisfies you until next chapter! Oh, and if you've seen the Stephen King movie (or read the book) 'Carrie' you'll know where I got my inspiration from. Oh, and Oedipal is a reference to something called Oedipal Syndrome. It basically is a form of incest. Usually between a mother and a child.