+MAIN+ PROFILE+ STORY+ ALBUM+ HUNTED+ ANGEL+ BLOG+ SHOPPE+ LINKS+
Story
+ Angel Hunt ~ Streifen +
Future Effects
Twenty Years into the future a new game begins...
A story collaboration between Angel Hunt and Streifen
Chapter Two : Part Two
[ Responsibility ]
Why in the world did the Demon’s Creator think this was a good idea? One can’t just toy with life and not expect to deal with the consequences. The Eclipsed had no idea how he was going to deal with this himself, let alone how to approach the now thoroughly pissed off Demon that shares the creature’s other half. What is it even? A hybrid like that shouldn’t even technically be able to exist. It would be unstable at the very least, like Kallixstus is and his siblings were, and they were only human-Selestarri. And that grip. Christ, it was stronger than he was. Aki wondered what else it got from the two of them - Jenova’s red eyes and claws, his gold when it got upset. Does it have wings? Did it even have a name? He realizes as he nears the end of the hallway that if it’s going to stay around, he should probably stop calling it “it”. It was a boy, after all and already pretty sentient.
The Eclipsed hesitates a moment before quietly turning the knob to the room that he and Jenova shared. The Demon’s outline appears out on the balcony before him. He could feel the seething anger even across the room. Hiking his robe back up over his shoulders once more, Aki slowly walks towards the balcony and the very angry Demon it contains.
Jenova remains immobile as the Eclipsed approaches him from behind. He doesn’t take his gaze from the grounds even as Aki steps to his side. He was more than just angry, he was extremely angry. What game his maker and his maker’s counterpart was playing, he did not know. But he did know that the creature needed to be disposed of. He also knew that Aki would continue his attempts at stopping him from doing so and while he loves the Eclipsed as he loves no other, the boy’s incessant need to refrain from killing is at times, very bothersome.
The creature could not be allowed to live whether Aki understood that or not. Sentience aside, it was most likely created for a purpose that will only bring hardship to everyone it comes in contact with, if his maker’s past games were any indication. He knows that Aki does not wish for an innocent to be harmed, but the Eclipsed does not seem to understand that anything created by his so-called Gods would not be in any way shape or form, innocent.
Aki takes a small step to his side, bringing himself closer to the Demon, blue eyes shifting to his side. Clear crimson remain locked on the grounds below as the wind shifts around the pair, lazily blowing long white plaits and layered ginger locks behind them.
“It must die.” Jenova says flatly.
The Eclipsed flinches as the words leave the Demon’s mouth. He clenches onto the marble railing that surrounds the patio. This wasn’t going to be easy, he was barely able to stand near Jenova at this point, his anger was so intense. Aki takes a deep breath in, carefully choosing his words before speaking.
“That child is part of me as well… so I think I should get a say in what happens to it…” He can’t stop his voice from wavering. Jenova knows Aki’s afraid of the Demon’s wrath at this point but an innocent is an innocent. Period.
“I’m not… happy about the situation either… but it’s hardly that thing’s fault. It’s a child and it has done nothing wrong. Simply existing isn’t a crime, no matter who created it. I have no idea what your maker’s intentions were, but knowing you and with what he said, I think he expects you to kill it. Which is strange in it’s self.”
Jenova doesn’t speak or move.
“Please don’t condemn it to death for no reason. It’s part of us and we have a responsibility to it…”
Silence.
Aki sighs and turns to walk back into the room. He gasps as clawed fingers wrap around his wrist, the firm but gentle grip stopping him in his tracks. The Eclipse’s eyes travel from the hand holding him in place up to the Demon whose gaze remains fixed beyond him.
“This One is no fool,” Jenova’s liquid notes remain flat and emotionless, “I am well aware that my Maker wishes me to kill it. The only detail that escapes me is the why.” Crimson eyes narrow and shift back, meeting cerulean blue, his tone icy “I will never be used as a pawn in a game by either of those creatures nor will I ever allow you to become one, so while I am at odds with that alone, it does not change the fact that it cannot be allowed to live, the irresponsibility of allowing it to remain in existence will be far worse than the disposal. You must understand this Akio.”
Aki looks away, his voice quiet. “Then wouldn’t killing it give your maker exactly what he wants? Making you the pawn?” Jenova only remains silent. Gaining more resolve, Aki continues “I’m not asking you to like it or even accept it… but if it’s part of me… it can’t be all that terrible. I will keep it away from you, just give me a chance to figure something out. If it turns out to be some horrible, unstable thing…” He pauses and takes in a deep, shuddering breath. “Then you can… remove it without my interference.”
Jenova remains silent for a few minutes before he smirks, “I do not think you understand the gravity of this situation …” a sigh leaves pale lips and he pulls Aki back, using the grip on his wrist to spin him during the motion. Broad arms cross over Aki’s chest, body and silver wings enclosed by a protective grip as he’s pulled against the man behind him. White plaits spill forward as the Demon lowers his chin, resting it lightly on a crown of ginger locks. “You are… foolhardy as ever Aki and I am beginning to suspect that this trait will never change, no matter the years that pass us by…” Aki’s hands travel up to wrap around muscular arms as the Demon falls silent again, spending long moments just holding the Eclipsed.
Serious liquid notes spill out from pale lips, interrupting the quiet between them, “I will allow you this time with the creature so long as it does not present a threat to yourself or Fuan. But heed my words Aki, the moment it becomes a danger, I will dispose of it without hesitation…”
Relief immediately washes over Aki, removing the tension in the air. He nods. “I understand… thank you…” The Eclipsed carefully turns in Jenova grip. Cerulean blue eyes meet now only slightly annoyed clear crimson for the first time since the creature arrived. Wrapping his arms around broad shoulders, Aki leans into the muscular form, their lips meeting a moment later.
“SHUT UP YOU STUPID OTHER” Hesue yells at Io who is on the ground next to him, laughing his little ass off. The black haired Demi God crosses his arms over his chest and glares while his white haired counterpart continues to roll around besides him, “The game isn’t over yet, he’ll kill him, you’ll see!”
His words only manage to create more laughter from the form beneath him and Hesue pulls back and kicks his Other hard in the side, not phasing him in the slightest. “STUPID STUPID OTHER!” With that he sticks his tongue out and disappears from view in an angry huff, leaving Io still laughing on the grass.
Ikkairius stares silently at the sleeping form of the hybrid child Aki brought to him earlier. Knowing what something like Jenova is capable of, and for this thing to even have half that ability was frightening. This child was probably already more powerful and stronger than the Ancient Bright himself. It also most likely has no idea how to use or control it’s own power.
This child is dangerous.
Jenova’s initial reaction from what Aki said was right, it should have been killed. He understood the Eclipse’s intentions and while good and true, they are not smart. Ikkairius shakes his head to himself and pulls a blanket over the child. He turns away to head back to his neglected and now cold tea when the small creature behind him begins to stir.
Sleepy clear crimson crack open, a quiet whimper leaving the child’s mouth as he pushes himself up, rubbing at his eyes with a small, balled fist.
“Ikkairius…” He calls out, his disorientated gaze taking a moment to locate the ancient Bright. A grin moves over his small features and he crawls forward, turning his body around when he reaches the end of the bed. The boy scoots himself backwards, glass like claws gripping tight around the intricately patterned brocade comforter as he eases his little form over the edge.
Aki’s tee shirt begins rolling up as his body begins to slide down, exposing his little bare butt before he comes to a stop, legs dangling as he’s suspended a few feet from the floor.. The hybrid dangles for a moment as Ikkairius looks on before a small yelp is pulled from the child and the sound of ripping fabric rings throughout the room. The Bright’s bedding shreds in the boy’s wake as he falls from the bed, landing on the hardwood floors with a small thump. The child falls back, an excited squeal exploding from his little frame as he tosses scraps of the torn bedding around him in the air.
The Ancient Bright releases an annoyed sigh, placing his fingertips against his temples in an attempt to let the extreme annoyance subside. It’s just a child; it doesn’t know that the brocade it just ripped was over three hundred years old. Ikkairius reaches down and picks up the small, flailing form.
“Ripping other people’s things is not very nice… do you even have a name?” Wide, clear eyes look up into mauve and the small head shakes ‘no’. Ikkairius grumbles to himself a bit before resigning the fact that he can’t really dislike the child on principal.
“Well then, we will have to remedy that now won’t we?” The pair sit down on the bed’s edge while Ikkairius thinks to himself, attempting to push his annoyance aside. Tiny claws reach up and thread into the silver-grey hair that dangles in front of him, yanking down hard a moment later. The Ancient Bright stifles a yell and quickly grabs the child’s hand, halting any further movement.
“Also… not very nice…” He clears his throat and slowly begins peeling small fingers away from the lock of hair. “Now… you need a name… there are so many we could choose.” Red eyes watch intently as the Selestarri searches his memory and lists one name after another. Every name listed, the creature either frowns or shakes his head in disgust. After several minutes of this, he gives up. “Alright, now that I have exhausted every Selestarri name I know, and I am not very familiar with Demon names, let us try humans next. Akio’s name is human, Asian I believe, even though he has no Asian traits... I have no idea what his mother was thinking. His old partner at least looks the part.” The child yawns from boredom. Sleepy eyes strain to focus on the Ancient Bright as he begins another long list of names.
“Shinji… Shinsei… Seito… Sachiya… Sen…” Bright red eyes perk up. “Find one, did we?” The boy grins wide, nodding in agreement.
“Sen.” He repeats, “Sen Sen Sen Seeeeeeeeeeeee nah.” Letting the last syllable roll off his tongue, the child begins clapping his hands in delight. The motions from his excited movements knocks him off balance and he begins to fall back. Claw tipped fingers flail out and wrap around the closest thing, pulling another stifled cry from the Bright’s mouth as long strands of silvery gray are yanked hard. Clear crimson eyes meet renewed annoyance as the child stares up, half fallen back and hanging in place by his grip in Ikkairius’ hair.
“Uncle Ikkairius” Sen giggles.
Without warning the child aches back, the force of his movement ripping both his little form and the Bright from the bed. Ikkairius manages a surprised cry as he falls forward, eyes shutting instinctively just before he would spill onto the floor. The sensation of a strong grip wraps around him and mauve eyes open to find himself suspended mere inches from the floor. His gaze shifts to the side as he’s set completely down, the determined look of concentration clear on Sen’s small face directly to his side. The invisible grip eases immediately once Ikkairius comes to rest, and the boy blinks once then flashes him a very pleased grin.
“I see…” The Ancient Bright adjusts himself to a sitting position on the floor, patting the hand-woven Persian carpet next to him. Sen follows the suggestion and sits down next to Ikkairius, looking up with a very proud grin. “I do wonder what other abilities you have gained from the Selestarri side of your genetics. Developed telekinetics in one your age is nearly impossible. We will attribute your quick grasp on things to your Demonic side.” He clears his throat. “Now that we have a name for you… Sen…” The Child giggles at the mention of his name and falls over to his side, landing on the Selestarri’s robes and clinging tight. “I must ask you, since you already seem to have a grasp on language and general functioning, what do you know about yourself?”
“Haysee and Eee grandpa say ‘Nova and Aki papa were bored without Sen.” The child smiles innocently up into the elder Selestarri’s face, “they made Sen so his papas wouldn’t be bored… Haysee and Eee said they asked for Sen…” His expression falls and he looks down, small hands curling tighter around Ikkairius’ robes, “Nova papa is scary and he doesn’t seem to like Sen… but… Sen loves him.” Clear crimson move back up, a look of confusion written clearly on his tiny face “Uncle Ikkairius? How come ‘Nova papa doesn’t like him?”
The Ancient Bright isn’t about to tell the child that he apparently wasn’t wanted, nor expected anymore than he would say that one of his ‘fathers’ would, in fact like him dead at the moment. Sen’s uncontrolled anger, even if he is a child, would probably bring down buildings. Ikkairius silently pleads for Aki to hurry and convince Jenova one way or another so he doesn’t have to watch this tiny bindle of danger any more.
“I think your… ‘Nova papa was not expecting you. You were more of a ‘gift’ it looks like, than specifically asked for. But Jenova’s reaction was not unexpected. He generally dislikes everyone except Aki and his other special friend, Fuan. It will take some time for him to warm up to the thought of having you around.”
If he doesn’t kill you first.
“You, Sen, seem to be a very unique combination of races, one that I am almost sure is impossible without your… grandfathers… helping. Aki is what is called Selestarri and Jenova is a very old race of Demon. They are both very… unique individuals. Jenova is the last and only of his kind and Aki is the only of his type of Selestarri. That makes you very, very special.” The child’s eyes light up as the Ancient Bright talks of him being unique.
“You also seem to have traits from both your… fathers.” Ikkairius takes Sen’s small hand in his and plays with tiny, clawed fingers for a moment in curiosity. “Your eyes and claws are from Jenova most likely, as well as your… immense strength it would seem. When you get upset, your eyes glow gold, this is from Aki. It happens at other times as well but you are much too young to learn of that now. What you did when you stopped me from hitting the floor is called ‘telekinetics’, which is also from Aki. You seem to share a combination of their hair types and since they both possess wings, my assumption is that yours will be discovered in time along with other traits I am certain.”
Ikkairius’ fingers linger over the tiny claws in his hand, clear crimson fixed on the Bright’s movements before moving up. Sen’s head tilts to the side, layered milk brown hair slipping across his line of vision as his eyes move over the pure white wings folded neatly behind the older Selestarri, “…how come your wings are different than Aki papa’s? Is that cause he’s special? Are ‘Nova papa’s wings special too? What color is ‘Nova papa’s wings? Are they like Aki papa’s? Does his special Fuan have wings too? Does he like Aki papa because his wings are different than yours?”
The long stream of questions stops abruptly and Sen turns his head suddenly, twisting his body around. He pulls his hand from the Bright’s grip as he arches slightly back in an attempt to look at his own shoulder blades, “maybe ‘Nova papa will love Sen more if he has wings like Aki papa. Sen is special too.” The child twists to the other side, his small hands reaching back and grabbing at the oversized tee shirt covering his small frame, “How do you make them come out Uncle Ikkai?”
Ikkairius smiles, despite his… heritage, the child does seem to truly be an innocent. “My wings are different from Akio’s because of the type of Selestarri I am. There are two general types, Bright and Dark. Aki is a rare mixture of the two called an Eclipsed. The Bright have white wings and the Dark have black wings, mixing the two generally leaves one with silver wings. Jenova has black wings himself, but they are very different from those of a Dark. They are much larger and have a blue iridescence to them. What kind you have, I am unsure of. Jenova was created with his wings but Selestarri need to slowly grow them in over time. That normally starts when they are young adolescents, which you are not, as of yet. What you do or do not have will not make Jenova like you any better or worse. He is one that you have to earn his ‘like’ of. You have to show him you are worthy of his attention, as Aki has. I am assuming that in your case this will mean you need to prove yourself to have strength of character and mind. It is probably best to ask Aki how to go about doing this more so than myself. Only under a recent need of my help and an item I posses is how I have become more accepted in his eyes.”
Sen continues with his attempts at looking behind him and grabbing at his own shoulders.
The Selestarri rolls his eyes in annoyance. “Here, we will try once and if it does not work then you need to stop for now, let me help you.” Ikkairius lifts the oversized t-shirt off Sen’s head and wraps it around his waist. Taking the small hands in his, the Ancient Bright holds the child’s attention while he instructs him. “Selestarri have a seal that hides their wings from the rest of the world, I am assuming Jenova has something similar built in to his body. If you do have wings already, you will need to will them to appear. Think very hard to yourself and concentrate.” Bright crimson eyes narrow in determination.
The pair remain seated, Sen’s little hands in Ikkairius’, the look of focused concentration growing more urgent with each passing second as nothing continues to happen. Sen’s eyes continue to narrow, his jaw tensed and breath held with obvious effort. Suddenly the energy picks up around the pair, a shimmering swirl as the area behind the child’s small body begins to visibly shift. Slowly, tiny wings begin to materialize, rippling into view like a stream from a mirage.
Silver feathers stretch out behind him, the ends of each primary looking as if they were bleeding pitch colored ink, the bluish iridescent shine snaking across the small appendages with every small movement made.
Sen lets out his breath with a long sigh as the energy dies down around them as they completely solidify, clear red eyes shifting back as he moves his shoulders, small wings flapping along. He turns back and flashes the Bright the widest most pleased grin, baring tiny fangs as he flaps his wings excitedly.
Ikkairius doesn’t bother to hide the surprise on his face. Sen is definitely… talented. He did not expect the child to have wings at this point, least of all be able to release them so easily for the first time.
There is so much potential packed in that tiny little body. Too much. If he were to get into the wrong hands it would be a disaster. Considering children are so easily molded, (well, to a point, Kallixstus and his siblings were what they were), it would be nothing for someone with ill intent to turn Sen in to something very dangerous. Ikkairius makes a mental note to stress this fact with Aki upon his return.
“Sen, I need you to listen to me, carefully.” The pleased crimson eyes refocus onto mauve, slightly confused at the sudden seriousness of the Bright’s voice. “You are very special Sen, and while you will find that most here in this house wish you no harm, there are creatures outside of this house that would, creatures that will lie to you so they can have the uniqueness you hold. Do not listen to any of them, Sen this is very important. Only listen to your fathers, but listen to your instincts as well. If you do not trust someone, then stay away from them. I do not wish to see you fall into harms way.”
The truth is he does not want to see someone manipulate Sen for their own purposes. It is doubtful that anyone but Jenova could stop him if he were determined. Ikkairius continues to hold onto the fact that this child is very dangerous.
Sen only nods at the ancient Bright’s words, red eyes shifting back to watch as the light streaming in through the cathedral style windows dances over the silver and black of his wings while he stretches the feathers in and out.