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Chapter 3

Twilight Tunes/Still Dreaming Pt. 2


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A Promise----
Imagine yourself walking through an oak scented labyrinth surrounded by nothing except pure somber onset by the darkest night. The only thing guiding you through this twisted and arduous network of hallways and corridors is luck, instinct and echoes so far off, you’d have to focus all your senses just to hear them. This is the Oto academy during the epoch of night. I attend late studies here by advice of Sankyoku-sensei and the unanimous decision of my teammates. Maybe it was because I attempt to use the Sound Scythe Jutsu without proper chakra conditioning—heh heh...

Honestly, there was one distinction between here and my analogy and that happens to be the extremely insufficient amount of illumination. The lights of flickering wax-dripping, age-trodden candles that lined the halls and the rim of light enveloping the doors of numerous adjacent classrooms and corresponding lavatories discretely designated Male and Female provided me enough light to attempt to see. Although, I was half-blinded by the darkness and my drowse-singed eyes, what supplied me the light to utilize any sight I could garner is the grandiose luminosity of the cloud obscured moon.

It happily donated to me a superfluous amount of lighting that shone through the lanai which was laced by a wooden banister custom crafted by Oto carpenters and reflected off the meticulously tiled flooring beneath my feet. Using it, I hastily inspect it and noticed that the banister was chipping and in fractals due to it’s age; probably older than I. It’s so close to our studies would make one think it was placed where it was for the purpose of rowdy or angry youths to ventilate anger to the uncaring universe. What ever the purpose of its conception may be, I utilize it just to glance at a calm cloudless sky or a serene starry night now and then. That type of thing always calmed me down in periods of immutable anger, and right now, that’s exactly what I needed.

Now about my unashamed absence...I guess the reason I’m roving this network listless and dark corridors goes without saying. See, I had just got ousted from it because after a tutor-student squabble, I uttered some rather negative language to my tutor. I now scornfully walk the hallway with a grimace of indignation and thoughts of a quick sweet revenge upon my tutor, Indou...

What a mother ******** a*****e! The guy can’t even do a damn hand seal correctly. How can he screw up such an easy Tora sign, blatantly shrug it off and then explode when I try to proper his mistake? He labels himself a teacher? Heh, I label him a ******** screw up...my psyche’s sinful tongue shrieked loudly in my mind just beseeching to pass my own.

In this instance my anger and perceived injustice instinctively guides me to the peacefulness of the veranda that afterward, I soon realize I was yearning for. After somewhat of a relieving stroll throughout the academy, I decide to quell what was remained of it by seeking peace from celestial bodies. I knew I was nearing the sought after lanai because on the immediate outside of it rests two trees. As the light from the moon propagates though the many oscillating leaves and limbs, the silhouette it engenders on the walls parallel to it resembles a march of black, petal shaped tomes dispersing over the wall threatening to singe it to a touch akin to its own.

As I make that last turn, I notice an individual standing there talking to another student. Without even focusing my half arid eyes, I apprehend his figure and recall him. His slumber attire consisted simply of a lime green button up and black velour sweat pants. He stood facing the outside with his elbows propping him up upon the railing of the terrace. His hair, as always, still remained unkempt and corrugated, yet streamed backwards like the licks of somber fire billowing in a southern wind. The weak breeze added to this visual effect.

As I approach, the sound of my sandals meeting the tiled floor enticed the person facing me to bid my friend adieu after delivering a promising pat to his shoulder. As if granting me the opportunity to talk to the other person who rests lazily on the seemingly dangerous banister. With a jovial smirk I hasten my steps...I’m happy the person he was conversing with departed when he did because talking to this person was also one of the things that would calm me down...

Aki!...My jovial call alerts him and he turns to face my position.

My dear Tayuya...He responds cordially in his usual baritone, yet spirit lifting tone before propelling himself from the banister. He was also attending the late studies with me. He did it not by decision but out of his own will. I knew as well as anyone else it was just to see me more often.

I missed you today. Declares Aki as he quickly catches me off guard enfolding me within his arms. I didn’t see you at all during class and talking to Yushi didn’t exactly cut it.

I know...I say, returning his gleeful cuddle...talking to Kin didn’t cut it for me either... I respond glancing to him through the loose lock of hair that resided before my left eye. The reason you haven’t seen me because I’ve been having an off day Aki.

Aki relives his sight to the ceiling even giving a goaded sigh before continuing...I thought so. Tell me what happened.

I look away and snicker before admitting almost proudly... I skipped the first couple of classes, got caught, almost got suspended and just a few minutes ago, I told Indou-sensei he was a stupid-a** b***h who couldn’t memorize hand seals if I wrote them down. Which we all did numerous times.

Tayuya...girl...that mouth of yours isn’t going to get you anywhere in life. I’ve told you that over a million times haven’t I?

With a smirk I retort...I got it from you. Haven’t I told you that a million times?

I don’t curse as much as you do hothead.

You curse more than me! Okay, why are you out of class?

Heh heh...An innocent snicker and a forgiving smile unsuccessfully conceals his obvious gaffe. He lifts his arm and with his forefinger, scratches his right cheek casually. See my teacher was acting like a little b***h because I used my Fukachikamiayatsuri to...He pauses. I used it to ‘cut’ the arm of this kid who was irking me the whole lesson. I told the little b*****d that he was lucky I didn’t ******** him up. After that, the teacher wanted to get stupid on me so, I walked out. Every since then, I’ve just been skipping all night.

And I curse more? Hmm hmm. What a damn lie. I sneer as a snicker escapes me.

I tell you Tayuya, what a mother fuc..ah ah...temper Aki...temper. I quickly interpose his curse placing a finger over his errant lips.

Whatever. Aki murmurs beneath my appendage before I return it to my side.

Okay, if you stop, I’ll stop. I don’t want you saying the wrong thing to Sankyoku-sensei and get kicked off our team.

The way your crazy-a** curses? You’ll be off the team long before me. I retort.

Oh, I won’t. I love our team too much to let it go. Aki promises, sliding his hand into mine. I turn to him, my eyes meeting with his fatigued singed eyes. After we share an ogle into the eyes of one another, he drapes his arm over my shoulder and draws me closer to him as we stare at the skies above.

I hope you don’t get expelled. I state as I glance to him, smile and then return my gaze to the moon. I love our team too.

Tayuya…he calls in a soft soothing voice.

Yes Aki? I respond.

Look at the moon.

I see it. It’s full tonight…

Its natural beauty…it makes me think of nothing but you. That’s why you found me here, gazing at it…I wanted to reminisce upon what makes me whole.

It’s constant watchful and protective gaze upon the world; that’s what makes me think of you…A breeze makes it’s way over me and I press myself against his soothingly warm body and continue with a soft voice…I pray it stays with me forever…

...Akatan...I call almost silently.

Red-head...He jokingly responds as he averts his gaze from the heavens to me.

I’m sure you remember what happened on our last mission. How you were captured and you had to fight us? I ask in a tone that concealed anxiety.

Yeah. Pretty dumb of the leader right?

Heh...it was. Well, I just have to ask you a question. I’m almost mumbling. My heart and soul became riddled with guilt over the thoughts I had sheltered of him.

Mmm hmm. What can I help you with pal?

Aki...that mission to the mist village was harsh wasn’t it?

Yes it was. I almost broke my damn neck trying to fight back all those ******** mist-nin. Little losers...

I know. Do you remember when their leader captured you and forced you to fight us?

Of course...why Tayuya? Aki asked, the growing unease now palpable in his voice.

He forced you to fight us and you did...rather efficiently. If it came down to it would you really have tried to...harm me?

What kind of question is that? You know I’d never bring you harm.

Yeah, I know...but last week, that mission to the mist village and you being held captive. You just...

I...had to fight you as hard as I did that time. I didn’t want you all to die. It was a roux I told you. You’re not worried about me doing it again you are you?

At this point, we are both exchanging glances; he’s looking down into my maroon eyes with concern while I return his gaze. No, it’s just, Kariyushi and you are the strength of the team and—Tayuya, please you’re lying to me. He perceived as he placed an assuring hand on my shoulder. Listen okay? I will never do that to you again. I’d rather lose my Fukachikamiayatsuri before I bring you that much pain again.

Aki, I just—I mean it. He interjects quickly before softly grasping my hand once again. Never again will I hurt you okay? I love both you and Kariyushi. You two are my only friends so I have to cherish you two to the fullest right?

...Akatan...Thank you. I say as we both return to roaming the halls hand in hand. I return my now gleeful gaze to him and say I just wish that it didn’t have to be that way. It hurt me very deeply to fight against you.

It hurt me as well Tayuya. You know, you should really get some rest now. You’ve had a rough day and I don’t want to keep you up.

Without looking at him, I quickly respond, I guess you’re right. Indou has killed my day. I guess I’ll be seeing you later Aki.

I’ll see you too Tayuya. Sweet dreams and tell Yushi good night for me.

Okay, I will... I say before walking off.

Wait Aki, hold on. I return to him and he looks at me with and inquisitive gaze.

Good night...Instantly, I’m on the tip of my sandals to place a small kiss on the side of Aki’s cheek before I quickly depart, leaving him standing there, blushing with an infatuated stare to match. It was without a doubt that he had feelings for me but oddly enough, after cooperating with him for three years and attending almost all the same classes, I did too. That could be the reason why I felt what I felt when he embraced me minutes ago. Within that brief moment, I felt like nothing in the world could harm me. Oh well, I’m sure by now he could tell that my feelings were akin to his...

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Hidden deep within the indefinite cavernous somber of his hypnotic shadowy eyes glimmered a spark of guilt as he stared at me with apparent agony. He told me he would always respect my choices, and my choice was to fight him right here and now. One could easily deduce that his pain was onset by my request to fight him head on. This way, he could easily injure me, which is something that he sincerely promised he wouldn’t dream of doing. Our emotions and thoughts are akin though. I did not want to hurt him either, but I yearned to reveal to him my progress in the form of a sparring match. Akatan’s feelings for me stretch beyond the limits of this Earth, but to blatantly ask as him to do this...to fight me was something I started to reconsider myself...

Seeing his mysteriously austere eyes bore into mine instilling a soul-piercing sentiment of penitence and fault incurs me to investigate my implement with a look that sheltered burden equal to his. With it tightly clutched in my right hand, I lower it allowing the crescent-shaped blades that rotated at my sides apace one another to dissipate silently into oblivion.

With a sigh, I regain myself and begin to make my way over to him with little pace. As I neared him, I could feel a disposition of tranquility and assurance slowly envelope me. I adjust my eyes to his position and I noticed that he was no longer standing in his defensive position. He must have felt my remorse as I walked to him.

I reach my destination before him and stand staring vacantly into his eyes as he returns his card to his sleeve. I slide my hand into his letting him know that he should be assured of what was about to take place...

Three months ago I remember you making me a promise. I speak softly, my eyes transfixed with his.

Yeah, I did.

Tonight, don't let it hinder your skills. I want to face you at your fullest.

He’s taken aback by my request, even giving me an incredulous gaze. Tayuya, are you...do you realize what you’re asking me to do?

Yes, I don’t want you to hold back against me. Please, I just want to see where I stand against you.

That’s why I love him so. Akatan is the only one caring enough to promise me something, but understanding enough to revoke it upon request. Well at least now, I get to show him the tricks I’ve been learning from him in our times of study...

A change in perspective...

The two young fighters of the Otokagure stand, basking in the twilight as they exchange glares of rivalry and slight concern for one another. Tayuya’s share of concern came from memories of past missions with her teammate. He didn’t mind outsmarting his enemies nor did he mind overpowering and killing them. It was only a small flicker of hope within the depths of her mind that kept her drive to fight him ignited.

Akatan’s slightly disturbed disposition resonated from the same thought, but also a promise he’d made to her. He knew that in her mind she was terrified of him losing control of his Kekkai Genkai, but instilled within his were blocks and barriers that he’d have to keep check on throughout the whole fight. Even though she asked him not to hold back, he had no choice to because if he proceeded into the fight doing so, he’d risk injuring her irrevocably.

Are you ready to face me now, Senritsu-suki?

Any time you are, Yanagi. Don’t keep me waiting.

The fight between student and teacher is about to take place...

Before starting the fight, Akatan raises his right hand, his fingers fully extending to their length and gives a quick gesture. He throws his arm downward to his side as if to remove something from his sleeve. Lastly, he holds out his palm and slowly, he runs his right hand above it obscuring it from Tayuya’s sight. As his hand passes from over the other, it reveals a deck of seventy meticulously crafted cards resting upon his hand that was once empty. The deck which was rested face down in the core of his still palm exposed a blue back which is engraved with many oddly distorted triangles and squares that rested within each other. These markings are the emblems of his family’s Kekkai Genkai, Fukachikamiayatsuri.

Tayuya who was remained twenty meters directly ahead of Akatan, stared at him intently as the grip on her Shakuhachi quickly tightened. Within seconds and a quick movement of her arms, she returns it to its position. Drawing it to her mouth, she rests her lips on the embouchure crest and places her fingers over the corresponding outlets.

Tandoku-dekki Sutairu. Kado Katana. Akatan slides his right sleeve back, brings the deck of cards above his right wrist and runs them downward to his hand and onward. Thanks to his Kekkai Genkai, a wide, broad finely honed blade composed of chakra-conditioned cards jutted from the center of his wrist and tapered to a point three feet past the full length of his fingers.

Fukachikamiayatsuri: Mystic Paper Manipulation. If you’re still at the same level of skill with that, it won’t get you anywhere tonight, Yanagi-koi.

Heh, from your earlier display, simply threatening your a** will get me somewhere.

You won’t be shooting many more quips once you shut the ******** up and fight.

A flick of his left hand causes a card of the same design to flow outward into a narrow slit between thumb and forefinger. This time the face is revealed and upon was no number, but what took its place is a design Akatan designated ‘Ace.’ He gives a quick glance to the card and looks back to Tayuya. With an innocent smirk and gaze that hid his offensive demeanor, he throws the card with such precise aim, as it flew toward her with blinding velocity it was unnoticeable until the glint of the moonlight reflected off its sharp edge.

With agile fingers, she produced enough notes to manifest a blade and send it flying into the incoming card. After the weak explosion she leaps backward not to leave herself open for a counterattack. Through the plume, Tayuya could partly visualize the semblance of her crafty adversary preparing another onslaught with his illustrious deck of cards. Reflexively, she draws her flute to her lips, places her fingers on the consequent gaps once again and leaps backward as to not leave herself open to a counterassault. She lands, her momentum causing her to slide backwards through the muck a little ways. Quickly drawing breath to induce notes, a single card, faceted by a white void slices through the column of smoke and quickly makes its way to her face with the utmost precision.

With an immediate rotation, Tayuya narrowly evades the card, losing a few strands of hair in the process allowing it to fly harmlessly into a tree behind her. Quickly, she averts her sight to the waning veil of smog only to discovery that Akatan has used the small window of time to escape her sights once again.

Damn it...deception...his forte. Laments the crimson-haired combatant as she stood vigilantly inspecting the clearing billow and the wavering treetops of the dense forest for her opponent. I see he has gotten a lot faster but it won’t matter. All I needed was this opportunity. I think it’s time to summon them to the field.

Tayuya hastily raises her thumb to her mouth and closes her eyes. With her upper and lower incisors, she proceeds to bite the tip of it softly, the sharp pain causing her to release a weak cry. As the small bead of blood accumulates around the fresh cut and slowly runs over the neap of her finger into her palm, she dabs the tip of her fingers on the narrow train and returns them to the flute.

As she played, the milieu behind her produced it a distinct tune. A dissimilar clamor, that of mire and marsh being shifted quickly, can be heard a few feet behind her. As unnerving as the sound was, Tayuya, caster of the astonishingly extraordinary jutsu, found it to be all too familiar. She knew the cause of the sound and found solace in it as she began to produce the last notes of the summoning. Slowly, from the earth following her manifested an unsightly team of three intimidating human-like beasts who burgeoned taller than most trees and could possibly be seen even from the village. All three shared a mass bulkier than most buildings and boasted menacing physical attributes to add. The one to erect first was to the left. This one was completely covered in gauze and its head and neck were connected and shaped in such a way, it resembled a parasite with human appendages. The second one to erect rested on the far right and was more humanoid than the previous. It’s skin, pale and its face bared resemblance to an elderly man. The only odd thing noticeable about it, besides its sixteen feet tall stature, was it’s eyes which were covered in gauze. Last is the one that stood directly behind her. Manifested last, it is the most humanistic of the trio; its body...enormous and it’s skin a dark, decrepit tone. It kept its head down which caused locks of hair to drape over it obscuring its face. Dressed in the formal couture of Oto, it carried around a large, possibly stone club. At long last, the jutsu Tayuya kept under wraps has finally been revealed. With the Doki Demons at her disposal and Akatan still devising a strategy, it seemed as if the fight’s outcome had already been decided.

Yanagi-koi...let me introduce you to my new summoning jutsu...The Doki Demons...