Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ FALLEN ❯ Last stand alone ( Chapter 5 )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

LAST STAND ALONE

Fate is like gravity. You can jump up and down until your heart's content, but the earth still falls into the sun, and the sun still courses through the galaxy, both indifferent to your short-lived and insignificant defiance.

-Anonymous

 

 

Jensang glared around the classroom in his sunglasses. His head throbbed in defiance of his over drinking, everyone seemed to be yelling for no reason, an affect he knew was from the hangover. Take refused to give him any aspirin. He said `if you insist on drinking then you deal with the consequences. ' Jensang scowled, remembering how smug he looked. However, drinking seemed to be the only thing that could block Jensel out. He shrunk down in his seat, thanking God it was the last period of the day. He glared down at the bright pink book bag. It had been an entire week; he still had yet to find Luca Ayase. No one seemed to know her and if they did, they didn't know much about her personal life.

Jensang shook his head as his sunglasses were ripped off his face. His world history teacher, Mr. Hawkins snapped his sunglasses in half and threw them in the trash. “Not in my class.” He growled. Jensang gave him the finger when he turned away.

“That just earned you a week's worth of detention Mr. Okinawa.” Mr. Hawkins said, taking his seat at the front of the classroom, behind his desk.

“It's Kiddo!” Jensang barked.

“Two weeks.”

“WHAT?” Jensang yelled. “That's not fair.”

“Life's not fair. A month. Want to go for two?” Mr. Hawkins smiled. Jensang fought back his words as he slumped in his seat, waiting for the bell to ring.

“Mr. Okinawa.” Mr. Hawkins yelled over the bell and the bustle of students leaving the classroom. Jensang didn't answer. He just stared at the middle-aged man malevolently.

“Mr. Okinawa.” Mr. Hawkins said again.

“What?” Jensang sighed. Mr. Hawkins leaned forward in his chair, resting his chin on his interlocked fingers. “I don't have time to sit here and baby-sit you for a month; so, since I am the sponsor of the drama club, you will join, and you will do all that is asked of you with out complaint.”

“And if I don't?” Jensang scowled.

“Well, a month's wroth of detention here is twenty five demerits, which qualifies you for two weeks suspension. Now if you were smart, you would go for the drama club. But then again I am dealing with you Mr. Okinawa. So which will it be?”

“Drama club.” Jensang mumbled. Mr. Hawkins smiled.

“Good. Now, the meetings are held in room 208 everyday after school. See Luca, and give her this.” Mr. Hawkins handed him a yellow sheet of paper, explaining why he would be at the meetings. “Eric Hakodate should be waiting for you in the hall.”

“Eric?” Jensang looked at the piece of paper. Mr. Hawkins didn't answer. He'd returned to grading papers, or whatever it is that teachers do after school. Jensang scoffed and pulled both book bags up on his shoulder and left the classroom.

Jensang sighed as he walked silently behind upper classman Eric Hakodate, brother to Dante Hakodate, though there was little to no family resemblance. Dante was a towering 6'2, while Eric was 5'4 and a half. Dante's hair was long and black; Eric's was short and platinum blonde. In his opinion, the two were like polar opposites. But they shared the same blue eyes. Jensang shook his head. He looked up just in time to run into Eric's back. The strange upper classman who directed him to class the day before glanced at him. Jensang laughed uneasily. The boy sighed and opened the door to room 208. The classroom was filled with about thirty or so people. A girl stood in the front of the room, behind a podium.

“Everyone, settle down and take your seats. We have a lot to discuss-” She stopped, looking at the door, and then smiled. “Well, well, well. If it isn't my vice president.”

“I bought the new delinquent Ms. Honda.” Eric stepped inside. Jensang lingered in the doorway, pulling his and the bright pink book bag up on his shoulder.

“Shanti, everyone, this is Jensang Kiddo whom Mr. Hawkins has so cordially dumped on us.” Eric chuckled, crossing his arms. Jensang scowled.

“Well come in cutie!” Shanti winked at him. He stepped inside slowly.

“Who am I supposed to give this to?” He held up the yellow sheet of paper. No one answered.

“Luca. She's out.” Raven smiled, standing up. Jensang groaned quietly as she sauntered over to him. “So you're the one who took her book bag. I knew you were having financial troubles but to stoop so low as to steal. I'm ashamed.” She nudged him in the side. Jensang glared at her.

“Are you stalking me or something?” he hissed.

“I told you once; I'll tell you again, I know everything there is to know.” She smiled seductively.

“Then you should know I didn't steal it.” he said mockingly. She placed her hands akimbo as Jensang stalked to the back of the room.

“If I can get you to shut up for a few minutes!” yelled Shanti from the front of the room. The room fell silent. Everyone quickly shuffled back into his or her seats. Shanti smiled in content. She cleared her throat.

“Now, this years school play is-” The door opened. Shanti sighed impatiently. Mr. Hawkins grinned as he pushed Dante inside the classroom. “Sorry, we got a straggler.” He chuckled before closing the door. Dante glared around the room, a scowl on his face.

“What are you waiting for an invitation?” Eric smirked. “Sit down.” He pointed to the seat next to him. Their eyes were locked in an unspoken battle. Dante mumbled something before taking his seat next to his alleged brother. Shanti leered at him for a moment; she cleared her throat once more and began again.

“As I was saying, this year's school play is going to be a tragedy of our very own Raven Montero's creation.” Raven stood and gave a brief wave as the rest of the club applauded.

“She's has chosen the leading roles already so no objections!” Shanti frowned. “It's the story of the demon Asmodeus and the angel Raphael.” Shanti looked around the room. Dante went rigid in his seat.

“It is based off the story from the book of- what was it again?” Shanti held her chin.

“Tobit in Enoch.” Raven said curtly.

“Right. Well it states that Tobit, father of Tobias falls ill, plagued with blindness just before he needs to collect money from someone in the town of Media. So he sends his son instead. Azariah, a.k.a. Raphael, a distant cousin, offers to come along. Along the way Tobias and Azariah are attacked by a giant fish, they kill it and take the heart, liver and gall bladder to make medicines. When they arrive in Media, Azariah tells Tobias of the lovely Sarah who he has the right to marry because they are kin. Now Sarah, before Tobias came, she had been married seven times. Each time the demon Asmodeus abducts and kills every man before she can bed with them. Blah, blah, blah, Tobias drives the demon off by burning the fish liver and heart. He marries Sarah, and cures his father's blindness with the fishes gull bladder. Any questions before I go on to the plot?

“What happens to Asmodeus?” Eric says quietly. Shanti scanned the paper.

“He is driven off by the smell of the burning organs to upper Egypt. Raphael pursues and then binds him there. Anymore questions?”

“Does it tell you about the dirty tricks Raphie played on Asmodeus?” Dante spat.

“No.” Shanti said coldly. Eric chuckled.

“Now in Raven's version, Asmodeus- who will be played by Dante-”

“NO WAY IN HELL!” Dante stood up outraged. Everyone seemed startled by his sudden outburst. Raven chuckled.

“Sit down moron.” Eric sighed, messaging his temples. Dante stared at him furious. Eric looked up at him. “I said sit.” He hissed. Dante slowly took his seat.

“Please continue Ms. Honda.” Eric smiled.

“Thank you. As I was saying, and Sarah- who will be played by Danielle- are in a relationship. Asmodeus asks Sarah's father for her hand and he refuses because Asmodeus is a demon. But our lovers still secretly see each other. Her father marries her off seven times, Asmodeus kills each one. That is until Tobias -who will be played by Jensang.”

Jensang scoffed. Shanti looked up from the paper and glared at him.

“Until Tobias and Azariah/Raphael -who will be played by Eric-, come to town. Sarah is told she is to wed Tobias. Sarah and Asmodeus elope. Azariah pursues and reveals his true identity to Sarah. He offers her a choice. Either she forsakes Asmodeus and marries Tobias or he kills Asmodeus. A little while later he offers a challenge to Asmodeus, trying to prove how fickle Sarah's love for him truly is. He must reveal his true form to Sarah. Being a bit of a hot head Asmodeus accepts. He reveals his true form to Sarah and-”

“AND?” some eager listener cried out.
“And that's it. The ending you have to wait for until the play is on stage, so we can coax a real reaction from the other actors and the audience. As soon as Luca gets here, we can hand out scripts and our lead actors and actress can practice their lines while the rest of us figure out what other inspiring roles you all play. We have three months people! Let's make some magic!” Shanti skipped away from the podium. Jensang leaned back in his seat as he stared at Eric, Dante and Danielle. Danielle looked distraught as usual. Dante looked furious. Eric just smiled pleasantly. There was something off about the three of them.

“They're perfect aren't they?” Raven asked. Jensang jumped, he scowled at her.

“For the parts I mean.” She sighed. He didn't answer. She rested her arm on his shoulder, leaning at an awkward angle. “It's like they were born to play these roles.” She chuckled at her own inside joke. Jensang shrugged her off.

“Leave me alone!” He barked. She smiled.

“Are you still mad about what I said the other day? I didn't think you'd hold a grudge against that!” she smirked. “I was just telling you what you already knew.” She purred, “What he's been telling you for the past three months now. You should listen to Jensel sometimes. The more you refuse your fate, more people will die. Could you live with yourself knowing that it's their blood on your hands?” She caressed his cheek, casting her seductive gaze upon him. This time he couldn't pull away. In that instant he found Raven irresistible. “When someone's calling for you, you what?” She blinked slowly and walked away.

Jensang stared after her wondering exactly whose side she was on. If she was to be trusted or not. His head began to pound as her words echoed in his head. “You answer.” He whispered to himself. He grunted lightly as his knees hit the tiled floor with a soft smack. The world around him seemed to freeze, cloaked by a thick fog. He moaned as he felt his bone shift and break, as he felt the soft white feathers of his brilliant wings pass over his skin. He turned to Raven, the only thing that stood out in this mist. She nodded slowly, “You answer.” She said, smiling all the while. Jensang exhaled and shut his eyes. A terrible screeching entered into to his state of calm. His wings dispelled. The feathers descending like snowflakes. His eyes snapped back open when his face hit the ground.

 

#

 

No longer was he in the crowed classroom, but a wasteland. Steam arose from the ground as it shook furiously. Jensang scrambled back as the ground beneath him began to split and crack. And in that crevice, he saw the flames of Hell and heard the wails of the tormented. The smell of sulfur. And the maniacal laughter of the devil himself. Jensang jumped back when a hand reached out of the mouth of Hell. He couldn't think straight, the sound of his own scream over powering his thoughts as the figure made its way, inch by inch to Jensang, calling his name in a wale that made his teeth hurt. And in the midst of it all, it was crystal clear and distinct. It was the tinkling of bells.

 

#

 

Jensang shook his head and blinked several times, rubbing his eyes. He was still in the crowded classroom.

“They're perfect aren't they?” Raven asked. Jensang jumped, he stared at her for a moment, waiting for the liquid fire to seep into his veins and for the disgruntled feeling of déjà vu to wear off. He grabbed her tightly about the shoulders and slammed her into the wall.

“Who the hell are you?” he exclaimed. Raven smiled.

“Why whatever do you mean?” Jensang's brow furrowed even deeper as he slammed her into the wall again. “You know damn well what I mean!” he barked. A hand clamped down on his shoulder and he felt powerless in a trice.

“Is there a problem?” asked Eric, pulling Jensang away from Raven forcefully. Raven smiled cordially and shook her head. “Just having a heated debate nothing I can't handle.” She smiled, flexing playfully and punching Eric lightly in the arm. He shook his head and laughed once. He folded his arms across his chest as he glared at Jensang. “That was a warning.” He hissed. Jensang rolled his eyes and grabbed his bag and the pink one as well. He hurriedly stormed out of the classroom. He stopped suddenly when he heard it again. The chiming of little bells. There was a thud and a flash of white light behind his eyes lids, and then came the pain.

Jensang cursed under his breath, wincing. The back of his head throbbed irefully. He cursed again and opened his eyes. There were hundreds of papers raining down around him
as he stared into a pair of big ocean blue eyes. For a moment, he thought he was sleeping.

“Kida?” he whispered reflexively. The girl on top of him looked frightened and innocent. His Kida wasn't afraid of anything. She may have been a lot of things, but innocent defiantly wasn't one of them. Maybe he had concussion. He thought it would be a logical excuse for their uncanny resemblance. He closed his eyes and dropped his head back to the floor.

“Luca! Luca! Are you okay?” he heard Shanti yell. Jensang grunted when he felt the weight on his stomach alleviate. His eyes shot open and he stood up quickly. Wobbling as the blood rushed from his head.

“You're Luca Ayase?” He yelled. She nodded slowly. Jensang threw her bag at her. She caught it awkwardly. He shoved his hands in his pocket, pulled out two twenties, and put them on top of the bag.

“Well isn't there something you want to say to me?” Jensang said haughtily. Everyone glared at him. Luca looked down, clutching her bag a little tighter.

“What?” Jensang asked.
“You idiot! She's mute! And she's very sensitive about it.” Shanti yelled. Luca looked at Shanti, pursing her lips together.

“Well you are!” Shanti said, flustered. Luca frowned disapprovingly and handed Shanti her bag. She walked up to Jensang and smiled shyly. She bowed. Jensang nodded, thinking himself an ass. A shade of red stretched itself across his face.

“Y-you're welcome.” He mumbled. Raven shook her head and escorted Luca into the classroom. The other members of the drama club following after them. All of them giving Jensang the evil eye.

“Insensitive jerk!” Shanti hissed before slamming the door. Jensang stood in the empty hallway with nothing but Dante's laughter for company.

“Talk about first impressions!” Dante sighed, clutching his sides. Jensang glared at him for a long while.

“Whatever.” Jensang growled, contouring down the hall.

“Hey, Jensang?” Raven said from the door. Jensang stopped mid-step.

“What?” he barked. Raven closed the door behind her as she stepped out into the hall once more. “Maybe you should come back inside. Luca would be-”

“No! I just want to get the hell out of here.” Jensang yelled. Dante glanced at Raven.

“Yeah maybe you should stick around.” he grabbed Jensang's shoulder. Jensang looked at him confused and angry.

“Since when do you start listening to her?” Eric said from the door. Raven cursed under her breath and looked down. Dante stiffened.

“If he wants to go, let him. There's nothing you can do, right Raven?” Eric folded his arms across his chest. Dante's grip tightened on Jensang's shoulder.

“Let go of him Dante.” Eric smiled, devilishly. Dante's jaw tightened as he let go. Jensang looked at all of them for a moment. He shook his head, biting back on what he knew. `They're you're average weird kids. Every high school has `em. ' He thought to himself.

“Wait!” Raven yelled. She ran up to Jensang and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his. They lingered there for a moment. Jensang chuckled.

“Just stay off that damn bike.” She whispered, giving his hair a gentle tug. She kissed him one last time and smiled. “Okay boys lets go!” she walked back into the classroom, Dante following after her. Eric lingered, staring at Jensang as if he were prey. He smiled cordially as usual.

“Sayonara Mr. Kiddo.” He nodded, closing the door.

 

#

 

Jensang came to a stoplight. He took his foot off the gas and onto the asphalt and waited though the streets were a ghost town tonight, it was best to abide by the rules in such inclement weather. The forecast had called for clear skies, but when is the weatherman ever right? It was starting to rain. The light turned green and Jensang crouched down on his rocket; hit the gas, his hand firmly on the throttle as he accelerated through the dismal back road. He slowed as he passed his new school. His ear filled by the sound of clinking bells. A petite figure cowering on the steps of the cathedral. He smirked and pulled up on the sidewalk, stopping in front of the steps. He revved the engine.

“Want a ride?” he took off his helmet and held it out to her. Luca stood, took the helmet from his hands and put it on.

“Hold on tight.” Jensang smirked when he felt her warm body press against his wet back. He popped a wheelie and they were off.

Jensang frowned as he came to another stop light. His mind couldn't help but wander. He looked down at Luca's hands fastened tightly around his waist. He smiled to himself, he had promised Kida when he'd gotten a motorcycle he'd take her anywhere she wanted to go. The light turned green. Jensang took off again, slower. Luca showed him where she lived and he dropped her off quickly. The weather had worsened within the fifteen minutes it took to get there. The rain was freezing and heavy. Luca grabbed hold of his arm and motioned towards the house. Jensang looked at her house. It was a row house that looked like it needed a makeover. He heard something break on the inside and a woman yelling at someone and someone yelling back. Jensang shook his head. “I better not.” He smiled, tucking the helmet underneath his arm as he jogged down the steps.

“AH!” Luca yelled. Jensang turned around, she was clutching her throat, her eyes were squeezed shut tightly. She bowed to him for the second time that day.

“Don't worry about it.” He smiled. Jensang strapped his helmet onto the seat and hopped on the bike. He could always see better without it. He pulled off.

Jensang came yet again to a stop light but now in unfamiliar territory. He'd spent the entire summer getting to know the back roads and working. But this road was completely new to him. He pulled off while the light was still red, accelerating above and beyond the speed limit. Faster and faster he rode, hugging each curve expertly.

“Jensang.” A voice rang out through the sound of wind and rain passing by him at alarming speeds. He slammed on the break. The back wheel flying into the air. For a moment, it felt as if he was going to flip over. Jensang sighed in relief when the back wheel hit pavement once more. He took deep breaths and clenched his teeth together to keep them from chattering. He reached back for his helmet and began to put it on.

“Jensang.” There it was again. Jensang looked around; he was getting irritated.

“WHAT?” he yelled. It was silent. Jensang sucked his teeth and began to put on his helmet again when something caught his eye. It was just out of range of his headlights. Jensang moved up a little. They were feet.

“Jensang?” the voice said again Jensang looked up and practically fell off his bike. It was a girl with skin so pale it glowed. But her face is what scared him. Her hair was raven black and her skin was flawless. The rain seemed to sparkle when it hit her. Her ocean blue eyes were just as he remembered. She was dressed in a white dress that made her look as if she were floating.

“Why won't you stay with me?” She said.

“I can't.” Jensang gasped, beside himself.

“I thought you loved me! I died for you! How could you abandon me?”

“I didn't. You abandon me.” he frowned as her ghostly hand caressed his cheek. It was warm, like she was alive again. His heart sank as he touched her wrist.

“Stay with me Jensang! Everything will be like used to. We'll be together again. Forever.” She cupped his face in her hands. Jensang shook his head. “I can't. I just can't.” he whispered. She pulled back.

“It's that girl isn't it?” She screeched. Jensang licked his lips, looking down at his hands.

“You're dead. Go away. Leave me alone.” He said quietly. It was eerily still. Even the rained seemed to stop.

“Sayonara Mr. Kiddo.” He heard Eric's voice behind him. Jensang twisted around on his seat.

It was as if the world had been on mute. It was only when he heard the blaring of the horn did he see the blinding headlights coming towards him. Like a deer, he was frozen to the spot. The car did not stop. He was torn from his bike, defying the forces of gravity. Whoever said men couldn't fly? It was only when his mangled body hit the asphalt he knew he was going to die. The car didn't stop. He would die like

road kill. He heard footsteps. He screamed when someone kicked him in the side. He lifted his head best he could and could only glimpse a polite smile before his view of the world flickered, and finally went out like a candle caught in a draft. It was a smile that would haunt his worst of nightmares along with the winged woman name Kanna.

 

#

 

It was dark, but Jensang could hear voices, many voices.

“Why have you brought this abomination here?” said one.

“Relax would you? I needed him on our turf.” He recognized Eric's voice.

“Why don't you just turn him over to Michael? Do you know how much trouble we could-”

“Please, this boy wants nothing more than a normal life, and that's what we're going to do. And if he doesn't take the offer, then you can do whatever you like with him.”

Jensang's eyes fluttered open.

“Aw good, you're up.” Said the man who sounded like Eric, who, oddly enough was not. He was older and more handsome.

Square sunglasses rested upon the bridge of his angular nose. His hair was the color of tropical water. He was dressed casually in jeans, a tee shirt and a blazer. The man standing behind him was cloaked in all black with the most peculiar eyes; they were almost purple. A scar marred his beautiful face, beginning at his right brow, over his eye and across the bridge of his nose, disappearing behind the red scarf that hid his mouth. The man nodded in Jensang's general direction and turned away.

“Where-?” Jensang mumbled, it was all he could manage, he felt himself in a daze. Like he had been drugged.

“Safe.” Smiled the man with the sunglasses.

“Who-?” Jensang's head lopped to the side, his head pounded behind his eyes.

“A friend. Now, as a friend, I've come to the understanding that you're having trouble with one of you inner demons. Namely Jensel. But, what if I told you there was a way to be rid of him for good.” The man smiled pacing around Jensang. He tried to focus himself, to see his surroundings clearly. All he could make out was indistinct objects in the darkness.

“You do have a choice in this of course.” The man said after Jensang didn't answer. “If you were smart, you'd choose to stay my friend. Because if we're friends, I can give you this.” He held out his hand and a vial appeared. It was filled with dark liquid that swirled angrily inside its crystallized container.

“This; will give you you're life back. It'll shut Jensel out for two months, and that's all you'll need, a vial a day. Why? Because, Jensel only has two months left to convince you to accept him. If you still refuse him within that period, he'll disappear in a manner of speaking. The Powers will stop hunting you and you will be free to live your life as you had before. And that's all you want right? Your life back? I mean after all, it is all Jensel's fault that you're here, that Grey and his father, even Kida are dead.” The man said slowly. Jensang shut his eyes at the mention of her name. The man seemed to be saying everything he'd been thinking recently. He shook his head.

“Regrettably if you refuse my generous offer, you will remain here, imprisoned, and I will happily turn you over to The Powers. As you may already know, they don't take to kindly to your kind.”

“No shit.” Jensang breathed out. The man laughed.

“So what will it be? Friend or foe?” he asked.

“F-friend” Jensang mumbled. The man smiled a big smiled that made his eyes crinkle on the sides. “Excellent. But first, you must swear your allegiance to me and that you will drink one everyday for the next two months.” He gripped Jensang's shoulder in one hand. Jensang's head lolled to the side as he tried to nod.

“Okay, they're all yours.” He placed the vial in Jensang's hands. It was warm to the touch. “Don't worry, I'll be in touch.” The man winked. The other man, who had been standing quietly in the corner, if it was a corner, stepped forward. He threw his cloak off and removed the gloved that was on his left hand. Jensang cocked his head to one side. Who was this man? Why was he beautiful in more ways than one? The way he moved and looked. Everything about him seemed to flow like water. His eyes held a great unspoken sadness as they bore into Jensang's. First, he touched two fingers to Jensang's forehead, then his torso, next his left

shoulder and lastly his right. The man put his glove back on his hand and cupped Jensang's face in his hands. His lips caressed Jensang's; not passionately. It was almost as if he were performing CPR. Jensang's chest heaved as he felt an electric shock surge through his chest.

He gasped and opened his eyes; he felt the rain beat down on his neck and back. He squinted in the darkness, realizing he was in front of Take's house, the engine of his motorcycle still purring beneath him. Jensang pulled the key out of the ignition, opened the garage door and wheeled the bike inside, parking it between Take and Julia's luxury cars.

“Idiot.” Take mumbled as he sloshed past the dinner table. Julia shook her head as well. Jensang closed the door to his room. He peeled off his clothes, stripping down to his damp slacks. He fell flat on his bed, wondering if he had just blacked out during the ride home, if the accident and the meeting with the two angels-he assumed- were real. He was starting to go with the latter, since he was still firmly grounded in the belief he was insane. Until he felt something jab him sharply in the side of his leg. He rolled over onto his back and pulled out the crystal vial from his pocket.

Jensang watched the liquid swish back and forth, as he titled it this way and that. He grimaced as he heard the rush of thousands of tiny voices until they all melted into one.

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?” Jensel's voice boomed in his head. Jensang sat up, the vial falling out of his hands as he covered his ears.

“I've been yelling at you, insulting you fOR hours and not once did I get a respoNsE! YOu COULD HAVE BEEN DEAD OR IN A COMA!”

“SHUT UP!” Jensang yelled back, snatching the vial up. If he drank it now, this would all stop.

“You need to stop this incisive drinking! There are things that I need to tell you! And you must listen for it is dire if we are to survive the Powers. We need to find- What is that?” Jensel stopped, referring to vial clutched in Jensang's hand. He didn't say anything. He popped the cork and downed it. It was sweet and went down easy. He smiled to himself when he didn't hear anything, silence. He ran over to his mirror, gazing upon the scars on his back and still nothing. He laughed, he told himself to thank the angel when he saw him again. For he had truly saved him.

A month had passed. From the day the sweet elixir touched Jensang's lips, everything changed. He didn't drink himself senseless anymore. Raven and Dante no longer spoke with him outside of play rehearsals. As long as he listened to Eric, the angel he had met with in a less overbearing form, a bottle of elixir would be on his bed when he returned home. However, there were certain problems that arose. Like Jensang's deteriorating health - side effects Eric called them. Jensang shuddered as another drama club meeting came to order.

“Okay people! Today we rehearse the lover's scene. Danielle and Dante you're up first!” Shanti twirled upon the stage in the `multi purpose room', clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. Jensang stifled a cough and shifted in his seat. Luca patted him on the shoulder, cocking her head to one side.

“I'm fine.” he smiled gingerly. Danielle and Dante took the stage. The room fell silent.

“Deus…I am to be married soon. I feel…I feel as though I am trapped. We have gone so far to protect our love and now I fear it was all for naught.” Danielle paced in a small circle. Dante gripped her hands tightly.

“No! I will not stand by and watch as the woman I love marries another! I killed the others I'll kill him too! And anyone else who stands in our way!” Dante growled.

“I cannot allow you to dirty your hands for my sake! Not again!”

“Then what would you have me do?! Let you go?!” Dante yelled. Danielle looked down as if unsure of what to say. He grabbed her about the shoulders.

“Do you love me?!”

“Deus what are you-”

“Do you love me Sarah?” he hissed.

“O-of course I do.”

“Then run away with me. Forget about your family, the life you have here. I can forget all the terrible things I have done as long as I am with you.” he hugged her tightly. “You are my light…my world. Don't take it away from me when god has taken everything else.”

“Alright. Let's go.” Danielle smiled and the mood lightens. Luca leans forward in her seat waiting for the kiss. Dante licks his lower lip, he's physically shaking.

“Dante, this is the part where you kiss her.” Edward, Shanti's assistant hissed from the front row.

“I can't do this.” Dante shook his head, letting go of Danielle. “You win! I can't do this. Not again!” he mumbled as he walked off the stage, throwing his hands in the air.

“Dante!” Danielle stormed after him.

“My, my things certainly have taken a turn for the worst haven't they. Luca could you go make sure everyone's alright?” Raven grunted as she sat down next to Jensang. Luca stood and nodded, jogging back stage.

“You're an idiot!” she blurted out, staring at him. Her eyes were cold. “You actually believe that anything from that…person is going to help you?! Well then I underestimated you! You are far stupider than you look!” She scolded. Jensang felt as if he'd been slapped.

“Where the hell do you-”

“Do I have to spell it out for you Jensang? If you don't stop, you'll die. If you don't listen to me, you'll die. If you somehow manage to get your butt out of this with out Jensel's help others will die and then you will too; you coward! For once in your life do the smart thing! I beseech you! Stop drinking the elixir.” She said frantically, collapsing his hands.

“What do you want me to do? What? You want me to be- to be some hero in a movie?! I just want my life back!” He put his head in his hands.

“I hope they haunt you for the rest of your miserable days! And I mean days!” she hissed. Jensang looked up. Raven spat at him and stood. She yelled something in Latin and stormed off.

Jensang scoffed and closed his eyes. He began to daydream. About his life would have been without Jensel. What it could be with out Jensel. Since he was the cause of all the trouble in his life, everyone dear to him was alive and well. He was a normal boy with a normal life, boring as that may be. As long as it included Kida, Grey, his mother, even Lei then he would be content. He sat back in the chair; his eyes still closed and took a deep breath. He missed Japan; he missed all of them. He tired to pull himself deeper into the illusion that he'd have them all back. Tried to get the notion out of his head that he'd be joining them soon. It was a fact he could not escape. The elixir was killing him no matter how much he benefited from it.

“She's an annoying little bitch ain't she?” Eric chuckled in his ear. “Yes I'll send her back to her bitch employer soon enough. But in the mean time drink one. For me.”

“What?” Jensang croaked.

“Drink it. Now.” Eric shoved a vial into his hands. Raven's pleading voice came to the front of his mind. `Please' it said. He was quiet for a long while. He stood, feeling stronger than he had in days.

“No.” he wheezed.

“No?” Eric raised an eyebrow; he chuckled in his own disbelief.

“I said no.” Jensang began to sway on his feet; he grasped the chair next to him as the room began to spin.

“Fine. I'm not going to force you. I think you'll make the right decision in your own time.” Eric folded his arms across his chest. Jensang glared at Eric as he went in and out of focus. He heard the tinkling of bells. He fell forward. Luca grimaced as she struggled to keep Jensang upright. She threw his arm around her shoulder. He was out cold and burning up. Her legs trembled under his weight. Eric waved to her as she staggered out of the cafeteria, practically dragging Jensang along side her.

 

#

 

Jensang awoke in the hospital. He squinted as the off-white walls went in and out of focus. He groaned and touched his throbbing head. The door opened and Take walked in holding a chart. He stared at his little brother; he looked pale and troubled. “You're up.” He put on a smile.

“Where am I?” Jensang moaned, sitting up.

“The hospital, your friend Luca brought you here.” He motioned to the corner in which Luca was sitting, sleeping peacefully.

“I couldn't get her to leave.” Take smirked. Jensang stared at his brother.

“Where are my clothes?” he asked. Take motioned towards the bedside table. “The second drawer. But you won't be needing them, not for a while.” He frowned.

“What are you talking about?” Jensang tried his best to reach for the drawer.

“B-Because you're sick…very sick.” He said quietly.

“Enough with the bull Take. Don't sugar coat it for me; I'm a big boy. I can tie my own shoes and everything!” Jensang said sarcastically, he coughed as he ripped the IV needles out of his arm. Take looked at the floor.

“I know it's just that-” he paused, trying to find the right words, “I don't know what's wrong with you. From all the signs you're exhibiting you are a medical miracle. You shouldn't be able to get up!” Take flipped through the chart. “You might be dying Jensang.” Take looked up at his little brother. Jensang was already climbing out of bed. Take barred his way from leaving.

“Get outta my way Takeyoshi.” Jensang hissed in Japanese.

“Please get back in bed.” Take said. Jensang leered at his elder brother.

“I won't say it again. Move.” He sneered. Take dropped the chart on the bed. He shrugged, holding up his finger. He walked over to the door and whispered something to someone on the other side. Two male nurses flung open the door. Jensang was on all fours, coughing, blood splattered on the floor. Take held out his arms, restricting the two nurses.

“I won't ask again, get back in bed.” Take sneered.

“Fuck you.” Jensang wheezed. Take sighed and dropped his hand. The two male nurses surged forward, picking Jensang up and pinning him to the bed face down. One of them pulled up the little paper dress he was wearing, exposing his rear.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” Jensang yelled as he tried to wriggle free. He felt a needle pierce the skin of his posterior. He went limp, suddenly tired. The nurses flipped him back over. He scoffed as they strapped him down to the hospital dolly.

“Is this necessary?” he winced as Take stuck the IV needle back into his arm, the pulse monitor back on his index finger. Take grimaced.

“I hate to do this to you, but I can't have you running out on me when your health is at stake.” Take patted his brother's hand. Jensang managed to spit on him. Take scowled and wiped it away.

“This is for your own good. You'll thank me when you're alive and well with a family of your own.” Take kissed his little brother on the forehead as he would whenever Jensang got sick when they were kids. He walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly. Jensang looked over at Luca. She was wide-awake now, blushing furiously. He chuckled.

“You like what you saw?” his words came out slurred as he winked at her. She scrambled out of the room quickly.

“WAIT! I was kidding! COME BACK!” Jensang yelled at the closed door. His head flopped back on the pillow. The medicine began to take full hold on him as he was dragged into sleep.

Two weeks passed. Jensang accepted the fact that he was going to be stuck here for a while. With in those two weeks, he regained his strength at a rapid pace. He could walk on his own now. Jensang glared at Take as they strode down the hall to the bathroom.

“You know Take I can go to the bathroom on my own.” Jensang grumbled angrily. Take shrugged.

“You never know, you could pass out in the bathroom and no one would know.” Take smirked, holding open the door. Jensang walked inside.

“How many times to I have to tell you I'm perfectly-” There was a sharp pain in the back of Jensang's head. He squeezed his eyes shut and touched his temple, gasping in pain. He broke into a cold sweat as his body hit the floor. It felt like his head was being split open. His body began to tremble violently as blood seeped from the corner of his mouth and out of his nose. His eyes rolled into the back of his head. Take jumped into action. He put his hand in Jensang's mouth just as it clamped shut so he wouldn't bite off his tongue. He held his brother's head between his knees best he could. The door opened slowly.

“Go fetch Dr. Ambrose!” Take yelled to the man who unfortunately walked into the bathroom. The man stared at Jensang in horror.

“NOW!” Take yelled. The man jumped and ran out of the bathroom and down the hall. Take stared down at his little brother. His body gyrating every now and again. He closed his eyes and prayed.

 

#

 

Jensang saw his body on the floor of the bathroom. Panic began to set in. He was dead. Take was right he was dying and he finally kicked the bucket for good this time.

“Relax.” A voice said. For some unfathomable reason, he listened. He could feel his heart beating, his lungs moving, even the blood coursing through his veins. The thud of his heart filing his ears. He took in his surroundings slowly. It was a cavern of sorts. Green light fixtures hung from the ceiling. The slick walls shimmered in a spectrum of colors. The ground here was soft, moist like soil. The small breeze caressed Jensang briefly, calming him.

“See. You're not dead. You're fine. I just need to borrow you for a minute.” A person approached him. Jensang cocked his head to one side as he tried to figure out if this person was a man or woman. It smiled gently at him.

“Hello Jensang. It's a pleasure seeing you again. I would have hoped the next time we met; it would have been under…happier circumstances.” It walked over to him.

“I'm sick of you people doing this to me! Isn't there some other less painful way you could get in touch with me?” Jensang barked. It just laughed.

“Would you have preferred a phone call? It's not that simple my friend.” It crossed its arms. Jensang glared at It.

“I am not your friend!” he spat vehemently.

“You do understand why I've brought you here, don't you?” It asked, ignoring him. Jensang sighed.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You want me to die right? Look I'm NOT Jensel! My name is-”

“Jensang Kiddo. I know perfectly well who you are. I know you better than you know yourself. I know every decision you will make through out your life be it short or long. However, you decided to go off course as you, Mr. Kiddo, tend to do. In this case, however, I cannot let it pass.” It hissed.

“Wh-”

“There is a concept that you don't seem to understand yet. This is not a choice. You must consider the other lives at stake other than your own. There is a war going on. Heaven is corrupt! Hell is winning. The entire world is out of balance!”

“Oh and I'm supposed to fix it?” Jensang said callously, walking away. It followed.

“Thousands of people will die because you are too stubborn to accept your destiny!”

“AND WHAT IS MY DESTINY?” Jensang yelled, It shrunk back, surprised. “To die like a dog? Hell I've already been killed three times! Fuck everyone else! They can all burn a fiery, painful death for all I care! I don't even believe in Heaven, Hell, or God so it doesn't even apply to me!” Jensang laughed bitterly. “So go find some good little Christian boy who'd be happy to be the hero you're looking for! My reason, for the last time, I DON'T CARE!” Jensang growled.

“But you cared about your mother. You loved her so much. But what happened?”

“Be quiet.” Jensang hissed.

“Oh, that's right she was murdered, by Lee. You cared about Grey, who was killed by Satan! You might as well have pushed him on the blade yourself. Ha! You call yourself a friend!”

“Shut up!” Jensang swung at It. It kicked him in the face. Jensang fell to the floor.

“You couldn't even see that he was being manipulated. Mr. Izumi, who died trying to save you, like your mother and so many others that you don't even know about. My family.” It squeezed his cheeks. “And last but not least, the slut. You loved that jezebel for seven years. Correction you still love her. It's pathetic. When you finally had her, she was ripped away from you. Just like that.” It snapped It's fingers.

Jensang glared up at It. His eyes were wild, cold and unforgiving yet smoldering with hatred for It.

“What's even more pathetic is that you're going to fall for a girl who looks just like her.” It stood and laughed. “Now why do you think all those people died? Yes because of you. Why? Because you weren't strong enough to protect them.” Its words were like a double-edged sword piercing Jensang's heart.

“Did you ever think that with Jensel, you could protect them? No. The thought never crossed your mind. You just wanted to be normal and weak. Having everyone you love die protecting you for the rest of your life. FINE, be selfish. If you want it that way, so be it. If you can live with yourself knowing that, their blood is on you hands. Like Take, Julia, and their child.”

“They don't have a child! Shows how much you know!” Jensang snorted quietly.

“They'll be next.” It continued as if he hadn't said anything at all. “After all Take has done for you. Scarified for you, you'll let him die a `fiery and painful' death? Take has every right to despise you. Yet he loves you as any brother would. Are you truly so selfish and angry at the world that you'd let him die? Think about it Jensang. Oh by the way, remember, remember the first of November.” It chuckled darkly at the last bit. It's words dripping with a foreboding sense. Jensang was staring at his fist. It hit the head on the nail. Everything It said was right on target. He closed his eyes, his head touching the ground.

“Well? I'm not going to hold the door for you all day!” Take huffed. Jensang looked up.

“Jensang, are you okay? You look pale. Where the hell did this dirt come from?!” Take touched the dirt smudge on his cheek. Jensang shooed his hand away. Its words came to him.

`Take has every right to despise you. Yet he loves you as any brother would. Are you truly so selfish and angry at the world that you'd let him die?' Jensang patted Take's hand.

“I-I'm fine.” He smiled weakly and walked out of the bathroom.

Jensang's treatment progressed, but not as smoothly as Take had hoped. Jensang had lost all the strength he had regained in those two weeks he had been admitted in the hospital and didn't show any signs of regaining it. A week had passed, it was the end of October and Take was at a brick wall. Doubting himself and his abilities as a physician. He flipped through Jensang's chart as he sat in his office late one night. There was a knock on his door. He looked up and smiled.

“Julia. What are you doing here?” he stood and kissed his wife. Julia looked down.

“Take. I know this is something we've talked about but-” Julia paused and paced the room. “Life is unpredictable.” She smiled, fidgeting with her fingers.

“Julia?” Take raised an eyebrow, putting his hands on her hips.

“I went to see my doctor today.”

“Dr. Heart? She didn't tell-” Julia pressed her fingers to his lips.

“Not that doctor!” Julia whispered. Take's eyes went wide. “I'm four weeks pregnant.” She bit her lower lip. Take's mouth fell open. He stepped back and gripped his desk. “I'm going to be a daddy?” he said distantly. Julia nodded. His face light up, like fireworks on the eve of July 4th.

“I'm going to be daddy!” He lifted Julia up and spun her around. “I gotta go tell somebody!” he yelled, before running out of his office. He ran back and kissed Julia deeply. Take ran down the hallway, yelling `I'm going to be a daddy!' through out the still hospital. He ran to Jensang's room and hugged his brother tightly.

“WHAT? WHAT?” Jensang yelled sleepily.

“I'm going to be a father!” Take shook him gently.

“What?” Jensang stared at his brother intently, horrified. He recalled what `It' had said `If you can live with yourself knowing that, their blood is on you hands. Like Take, Julia, and their child. They'll be next. ' Jensang covered his mouth.

“What's wrong?” Take asked.

“N- Nothing. I'm just h-happy for you. I- I'm going to be an uncle.” He smiled faintly. Take sat down on the edge of his bed.

“Yes you will. I'll make sure of it.” He hugged his brother tightly, his mood suddenly brought down by the current predicament.

“I'm sorry for waking you up like that; I just had to tell some one.” He smiled, leaving the room. Jensang stared up at the ceiling. He had to protect them. This time, some how he would not let them die.

 

Davis Page 159 FALLEN