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Story
+ Angel Hunt ~ Streifen +
Future Effects
Thirty five years after the first...
A story collaboration between Angel Hunt and Streifen
Chapter Two : Part One
Sen pushes himself off the ground puffing long milk brown bangs away from his eyes and shifts to a sitting position, brushing broken leaves off his sweater. He looks up into amused cerulean eyes. “Yeah, yeah… I know. I haven’t trained with you and Father much since starting school. I guess I’m a little rusty.”
“A little overconfident in that environment, you mean…” The Eclipsed unzips his heavy jacket and tosses it off to the side. “I know you posses skills most of them can’t compete with but that doesn’t mean you can stop learning or being challenged.” He walks over and kicks Sen playfully in the side. “Come on, get up.”
The hybrid falls back in a huff. “But Daaad… I’m tired and I never get anywhere with you. I’ll never be able to get a hit in.”
“Not with that attitude.” Aki slams the tip of his blade into the ground and squats down next to his son. “Look, you know I am incapable of ever being a challenge to your Father, but it never stopped me from trying. That’s how I improved and I have already surpassed anything the Selestarri could have taught me with his training. I got my ass beat all the time, every time, but I never gave up. I don’t expect you to be perfect, but I do expect you to at least try.”
Sen sighs loudly. “I know, I know… It just feels all pointless when I’m never going to actually do anything with this. I’m not allowed to kill anything or be anywhere where I could possibly ever need to use any of it so what’s the point?”
“You don’t know that, Sen. I don’t know that. I would prefer that you have the ability and never need to use it rather than not have it and be killed the one time you needed it. Things change all the time, especially where your Father is concerned and he wants you to have this knowledge as well.” Aki smirks, “You don’t want to disappoint him do you?”
“No…” The hybrid reluctantly pulls himself up to a standing position. A slight smirk crosses his features and before his Selestarri father can rise, he quickly swings his weapon around in a small attempt at catching him off guard.
The metal of Sen’s blade clangs loudly as it meets his father’s bastard sword, Aki only partially standing and weakly blocking his son’s attack. “Nice try, but you’ll need more than that.” He shoves him off with only a one-handed grip on his own blade, sending the hybrid tumbling backwards.
“See! This is what I mean. I can’t even sneak up on you. It’s pointless.” Sen steadies himself and prepares as the Selestarri moves into a more offensive position.
“Sen, just imagine I’m actually trying to take your life and fight that way.”
“But I can’t… it’s you, and no one has ever tried to take my life so I have no idea what it’s like to fight like that.”
“Be glad you don’t.” Aki lowers his sword, walking up to his son with a slightly disappointed look. “Your Father has worked very hard and riske-”
“Risked all that he is to ensure our safety, yes I know…” Sen interrupts and finishes his father’s sentence. “I know, I know… it doesn’t change that fact that this still all seems impossible or pointless to me.”
“It is…” The white haired Demon’s voice startles both Aki and Sen away from their focus. The hybrid lowers his weapon and turns around just in time to find his Father walking past him and towards the Eclipsed. Glass like nails reach out to brush messy ginger locks away from cerulean eyes before his red gaze shifts back to the teenager standing behind. “If you believe yourself defeated without so much as an effort to change it, then you do nothing more than waste both your father’s and my own time…” Jenova frowns at the hybrid as he pulls his fingers away from Aki’s hair, “I do not enjoy having either of our work… wasted. Especially by one who shares a lineage with us both…”
Sen’s expression falls immediately. This is exactly what he didn’t want to do, disappoint Father. He should have known he was around, he’s always around. A measure of guilt and shame crosses the hybrid’s features and he does his best to break eye contact with matching clear crimson eyes. “I’m sorry sir… I-” Sen’s pocket begins vibrating and he immediately reaches for his phone, happy for the possible opportunity to get away from Father’s gaze. Seeing Samara’s name flash across the lit screen, a smile returns to his face. “Ooops, I guess I gotta take this I’ll-” The small, black cell phone flies out of his hand and into Aki’s. He keeps forgetting his Dad has telekinetics as well. He shouldn’t considering that’s where he got his from.
The Eclipsed flips open the phone and brings it to his ear. “Hello Samara. This is Aki, one of Sen’s fathers. He’s not going to be able to talk to you right this second but he’ll call you back later. Ok?” Flipping it back closed, he stuffs it in his pocket and returns his attention back to his dumbfounded son.
“Dad I can’t believe you did that!”
Aki raises an eyebrow. “Why should we provide entertainment for you when you won’t even try at the few things we ask? This isn’t playing, this it potentially your life and it’s important. But…” The Eclipsed turns back to Jenova with a smirk. “We can’t force you and as your Father said, we aren’t going to waste time on you so I guess our conversation is over.”
The pair begin to walk away, making it partially to the woods opposite the mansion when Sen runs up behind, calling out to them. “Wait! Ok, I’m sorry. I want to try. I want to make you proud, I’m just a little rusty. You’re right, training with everyone at school has been way too easy so I’m not used to this anymore.” Aki stops and turns around, waiting for his son. A small sly smile forms on Sen’s face as he meets the Eclipse’s gaze. “But since it’s been so long, you think I could possibly get a drop of Father’s blood to get back into it?” Aki glances at the Demon besides him who only smirks in return before turning his attention back to their son, “First you refuse to put forth an effort to your training…” Pulling bare arms up, Jenova crosses them over his chest and quirks an eyebrow, “And now you ask for this One’s blood to aide you in this… lapse you seem to be having....” Amusement flashes momentarily through clear crimson despite his serious demeanor as he continues, “…if you truly wish to ‘get back into it’ as you have said, then you will earn what you wish to take…”
Crap. That means he’s going to have to fight without it in order to get it in the first place. That defeats the point, but the high he gets off of it would be worth it in the end, especially from Father’s blood. Dad’s gives him a pretty good one but Father’s is insane. Before he can think any further, the sound of his Father’s katana forming hits his ears and his eyes go wide. Immediately, he recalls his own weapon and swings up to block the blow bearing down on him from his Demon father. Fuck, if he can’t even hold his own with Dad, how the hell is he supposed to do it with Father?
“You do it simply because you must.” Jenova smirks as he answers his son’s thoughts out loud. Sen only has a moment for the words to register before the Demon slides the elongated katana back, reaching out with his free hand to wrap around the thin fabric covering the hybrid’s form and lift him off his feet. Pulling Sen back in the slightest, Jenova swings his body out and away from him, straightening as he hits the ground hard and skids away.
Clear crimson meet cerulean momentarily, the Eclipsed shaking his head with a small laugh as the white haired Demon turns and begins casually walking towards the hybrid with his sword in hand even as Sen is attempting to pull himself from the ground.
“OH SHI-“ Sen rolls away as his Father’s sword come barreling down on him, missing the hybrid by only centimeters. He continues the movement and rolls him self up into a squatting position, making a feeble attempt to swing his blade at Jenova’s legs. The Demon merely lifts a boot and stops his son’s efforts mid swing, the metal sinking in slightly but not enough to reach his goal. He had to wear the steel-toed ones today, didn’t he? Sen growls in frustration and pulls back, hopping up on his feet and attempting another attack only to have his Father avoid it completely by stepping back once.
Sen pulls his free hand up to grasp down on the long handle of his sword and slides himself forward while swinging out in an attempt to catch his Father in the movement. A small smirk forms on pale lips as he spins around and slides his katana beneath the hybrid’s outstretched weapon, twisting the hilt up and ripping the sword free of his grip. Continuing the movement, the Demon spins his body around and sweeps heavy leather boots out, hitting Sen’s legs and knocking him from his feet. The hybrid lets out a loud cry as his back hits the ground hard.
Mildly amused clear crimson stare down as frustrated gold streaked red open to meet his as he’s lowering the elongated katana to his side, “Continue training with your father…” The weapon his hand begins fading from view with a soft snaking of light, “when you have gotten yourself in better shape, perhaps then I will give you what you ask…” Jenova smirks, turning away and walking casually back toward the ginger haired Selestarri still standing halfway to the outer boundaries of the grounds.
Aki smirks as the white haired Demon joins him. “You let him off easy. You must be feeling generous today.” Jenova smiles, placing glass like claws under the Selestarri’s chin and tilting his head up to meet full lips with pale ones. After a moment, their kiss is interrupted as Sen clears his throat loudly.
“Ok, I got it, could you save the touchy-kissy stuff for when I’m not around so I don’t have to see it? Can we get going with this?” The hybrid readies his weapon as he sees his Selestarri father turning away from Jenova and walking towards him. Aki calls his weapon and begins running towards Sen.
Sparks fly as the two blades meet and the Eclipsed smiles as his son begins to put actual effort into it. “Much better…” He twists his bastard sword around, pushing Sen off him and moving into a defensive position, allowing the hybrid to make the next move. “Sen, someday you will surpass me, it’s to be expected with your genetics, but the only way you can get there is by working your ass off. I was no where near your skill level when I was developmentally your age.”
Sen attempts an offensive swing at his father, only to be easily blocked once more. “Yeah but look how good you are now. I don’t think I will ever get to point where I’m kicking your ass.”
Aki flips his weapon around and pulls it up hilt first to swing towards the hybrid, his approval showing in his eyes when Sen manages to block it and push him away. “I’ve also been training almost daily with your Father for the past thirty five years or so. You have a long way to go but you will get there much quicker than I did. It will happen and when it does I will be exceptionally proud of you.”
“Really?” Sen moves forward, bringing his blade down and immediately switching the direction of his swing to almost, but not quite catch his father off guard. “I wouldn’t think you would want me to surpass you. Isn’t that kind of insulting? To have your kid beat you?”
The Eclipsed smiles and shakes his head, spinning away from another of his son’s attacks. “You just don’t get it, do you?” The two exchange a few more blows before he rushes forward, pushing Sen off balance and sending him flying back into the grass. Clear crimson eyes shut instinctively as his father’s sword comes flying at his neck, peeking open a moment later to find the tip suspended just above skin. Pulling his sword to his side, Aki extends a hand and helps the hybrid up, ruffling milk brown hair as he turns to walk back towards Jenova. “The entire point is for you to surpass me, to become as skilled as you can. No matter how powerful you are, there is always something else more powerful out there.” He smirks, turning back briefly. “Maybe one day you can save my ass…”
He turns back to the amused Demon. “Eh, give it to him, he’s trying at least… and then whoop his ass.” Aki laughs.
A small laugh leaves Jenova’s lips as he slides his hand up to trace along the side of the Eclipse’s face, “As you wish…” Pulling away, the Demon moves towards his son, meeting identical crimson eyes with his own as he comes to a halt directly in front of the hybrid.
The very tips of glass like nails pierce his own palm and he holds his hand out while motioning towards Sen’s weapon. Nodding, the hybrid slowly lifts his sword towards his Father, identical crimson eyes shifting down to the blood pooling in the Demon’s hand. The barest traces of a smile forms on Jenova’s lips as he flicks a drop free, pulling his hand back the moment clear red eyes flair instantly gold. Scroll patterned black lacquer forms in his palm even as the wound is closing and he takes a step back, watching silently while the hard rush washes over the one before him.
Sen’s never had human drugs, but he could bet there probably wasn’t anything out there that could do what Father’s blood did to him. His entire world washes in a red static before becoming crystal clear. His Dad often described Selestarri battle-rage and the blood lust that accompanied it, but Sen was glad he didn’t quite get that far, if he even could. The only Selestarri he knew of that didn’t get it was his old partner’s brother, Zephyr, and how dangerous that kind of opponent could be without the more primal instincts forcing his decisions. It was hard enough to keep himself in control with just his Dad’s blood, Father’s was a never ending battle.
Blazing gold flick up to the Demon before him. Father wasn’t going to go easy on him… at all. He could already tell. Closing his eyes, Sen takes in a deep breath. He barely has time to exhale before he hears his father’s katana move. Without a thought lent, the hybrid brings his weapon up, catching the blow on the guard of his blade. He grits his teeth as Jenova pushes down on him, trying with everything he has to hold his position. The katana slides free, swinging back once more and Sen drops, rolling away without ever opening his eyes.
Sen rolls to a halt and the hybrid finally opens his eyes, having just enough time for them to widen as he sees his Demon Father’s boots come down on his body just above him. Forced to let go of his weapon, he barely manages to swing his legs up and over his own head to flip his body backwards just as Jenova lands inches from where he was. A small started cry leaves his lips as the katana slides fluently forward and he arches out in an attempt to miss the path of his Father’s blade only to be caught by the clawed fingers at his side during the movement. Amused clear crimson meet brilliant gold for only a fraction of a second before the Demon twists his weapon in a circle to slide it up while he grasps onto the fabric of the hybrid’s sweater and swings him out beneath it, sending his son flying back away from his body and towards the Eclipsed standing far off to their sides.
Straightening as Sen’s slender form skids to a halt in the grass near Aki’s sneakers, he spins his elongated sword down to his side while a smirk forms on pale lips soon after.
“Get up.” Aki kicks his son lightly to grab his attention. “You wanted this, now go fight.”
“I thought… I’d be fighting… you.” The hybrid speaks through tired pants.
His Selestarri father simply laughs at him. “I don’t think so. You wanted his blood, you get to fight him.” He points to Jenova who stands waiting. “Hurry up.” Aki calls his sword and raises it over Sen. “Or you’ll have to fight both of us.”
“Shit…” The hybrid quickly scurries up before Aki can make a move. Running back towards the Demon, Sen calls his weapon. Attempting to pull a maneuver he’s seen the Eclipsed perform several times before. He raises his blade, getting just to Jenova’s side and swinging only to recall it and quickly change directions calling his weapon once more to come at the opposite side.
The Demon merely swings his free arm up and hits his forearm near Sen’s grip on his hilt, the force of the blow sending the hybrid’s sword back enough to allow his Father to drop and spin his leg out. Hitting Sen’s shins, he continues the turn to knock the teenager off his feet once again. Jenova twists the elongated katana around in his grip once, gold eyes opening to find the blade at his throat.
“Are you truly even trying boy?” The Demon mocks, pushing Sen’s head farther back towards the ground beneath him as he presses his sword forward in the slightest. “For all the talk of your superior… abilities when attending that school we have had to endure, I would expect you to present one of your own fathers with slightly more of a challenge than you have, given the handicap you have attained…”
Sen groans. He’s not even going to be able to enjoy this high, is he? The hybrid rolls his eyes when he hears his Selestarri father stifling a laugh in the background. Aki walks up behind his son and smiles down at him while the Demon’s katana still rests at his throat.
“If you are going to attempt my moves, at least do them correctly…”
Faster than Sen can follow, the Eclipsed calls his sword and swings up at Jenova, the Demon only removing his weapon from the hybrid’s throat at the very last possible second to block. A wicked grin forms on both their faces as metal sparks between them and Sen decides that’s his cue to back the fuck up. Rolling out of the way, he sits up and watches his fathers in awe as they begin to clash weapons, both of them moving almost too fast for him to follow. Aki manages as small hit and the hybrid’s eyes open wide. He can’t even pretend to get close to Father with his weapon, even with his blood pumping through him. The Eclipse’s eye flair gold as Jenova’s blood takes hold from the contact.
Dad used to tell him about the times when he would have to wear gloves because he simply couldn’t handle the intensity of the Demon’s blood or the magic in him that it would invoke. Now he is able to use it to channel his Dark magic and force it back through his weapon. Sen can’t even imagine Dad ever not being as good as he is or having a total grip on his magic.
As the hybrid looks on, his Selestarri father spins himself around, meeting the Demon’s blade on his opposite side with a clang that ring loudly throughout the grounds. Grinning, Jenova pushes their weapons up, forcing Aki’s arms high while he reaches down to wrap clawed fingers around his shirt. Pulling one hand free, the Eclipsed grasps onto the hand holding him, not managing to stop the Demon from spinning his body out. Sneakers skid to a halt as he slides back, head whipping up in time to find the elongated katana bearing straight for his torso. Falling back, Aki misses the path of Jenova’s blade by only centimeters, throwing one hand out beneath himself in order to catch his fall while the other slides up in an attempt to block the katana.
Using his hand as a brace, Aki swings his leg out, hitting heavy leather boots in an attempt to knock the larger man from his feet. Eliciting only a small amused chuckle, the Demon twists his body off to the side before the Selestarri’s foot ever contacts, sliding the elongated weapon around Aki’s sword and ripping it free of his out stretched hand during the movement. Ducking down as he finishes the turn, Jenova keeps Aki’s weapon balanced on his blade while reaching out to wrap clawed fingers around his braced hand, yanking him off it hard. The Eclipsed lands on his back with a small thump, blazing gold eyes reopening instantly after the impact to see the Demon pulling his weapon free of his own sword and slamming it into the soft autumn colored ground. Another wicked smile forms on full lips and he throws his arms back, bracing near his head while pushing out to wrap both legs around the leather clad ones and rip the larger man to the side.
Jenova falls to the ground in a flurry of white as the Eclipsed uses the momentum to flip himself upright, calling his sword back into his hands and bringing it down on the prone Demon. Amused crimson eyes meet gold as the katana is brought up to block, both weapons shifting positions quickly when Aki changes his grip and aims for the opposite side. Jenova throws the Selestarri back with the force of his own blow and twists himself back up, encroaching swiftly on the smaller man as he gains his bearings. Aki spares a quick glance in Sen’s direction, making sure his son is watching as he readies himself once more. The Eclipsed brings his sword up to block only to recall and call his weapon once more as he completely changes directions. Repeatedly he attempts to block Jenova’s advances; his sword never staying in his grip for more than a couple of seconds before it disappears and reappears in a new position with every movement.
Sen simply stares. After watching Dad again, his own attempt at the move was pathetic. He could barely keep up with the blows his fathers made even in a heightened state by Father’s blood.
Time and time again, his Selestarri father’s weapon is called and recalled, time and time again metal streaks metal as the swords just barely make contact. Aki continues his attempts to land a hit as Jenova continues to catch the pathways at the last moment. The pair’s bodies and movements blur while the Demon pushes Aki back before the Eclipsed switches one final time, ducking down to graze Jenova’s side. Reaching down, glass like claws wrap around the bastard sword blade and he twists it up and free of Aki’s grip, only to have it disappear in his hands as he’s completing the movement. Gold flairs once again as his sword appears in his hands and he strikes up, the path of his blade blocked when it meets the Demon’s.
Sparks fly as the two metals slide together and Aki uses the momentum of his blow to push Jenova back. The pair topples to the ground, the Demon’s sword fading instantly and hands wrapping around Aki’s waist to lift him off just enough to avoid the impact when they hit. Jenova pulls the Eclipsed on top of him and Aki drops his sword, threading slender fingers into pure white plaits as their mouths crash together in violent kiss.
Sen rolls his eyes, sighing. They always do this.
After several long minutes they finally break, Aki lying on the Demon’s chest breathing heavily while the two laugh. The gold in Sen’s eyes begins to fade and he walks over to his fathers as they continue to exist in their own little world. The Eclipsed rolls off Jenova, looking up as his son when he reaches them. “Was that what you were trying to do, Sen?”
“The kissing stuff aside, yeah… and I failed miserably. Can you teach me how to do that, Dad?” The hybrid sits on the grass next to the pair.
“Once you give me a reason to, maybe. You still have a long way to go and a lot of training that needs to be accomplished first, but if training is so boring to you…” Aki smiles wryly as he shifts his gaze to the Demon.
A grin forms on pale lips and he reaches over to slide clawed fingers into Aki’s pocket, pulling the hybrid’s phone free. Without looking at his son, he tosses it back while crimson eyes remain locked with gold. Suddenly flipping himself to his feet as Sen catches the phone behind them, Jenova reaches down and wraps his hand around the Eclipse’s arm, pulling him up soon after. Glancing to his side as Aki’s body slides against his, he quirks an eyebrow in the hybrid’s direction, “Then it is time you leave it to those who do find it …useful…”
Sen rolls his eyes again. “You guys just use it as another excuse to get in bed. Like you need any… The fact that it’s Saturday is enough of an excuse.” The hybrid stands and turns away from the pair as they laugh, flipping open his cell phone to find Samara had tried calling again. This time she left a text message.
Sen, you better call me back and tell me what that was all about when you get this.
-Samara
“Okay your dad sounds totally cute, you know that right?” The other teenager’s voice immediately feeds through the line before a single ring had even gone off, “What was that all about anyway? I’ve never heard your dad pick up your phone, you get busted for something or what?” Samara teases with a small laugh.
Sen flusters immediately. “My Dad is not cute! Ew. I can’t even go there with that… just no.” He shakes his head as Samara laughs in his ear. “No, they wanted me to train and I guess I got so used to being able to kick ass at school that they felt to need to remind me just how much I actually suck compared to them. They were trying to teach me a lesson or something. You called right when Father showed up and started lecturing… well, lecturing for him, and I tried to escape and that’s when Dad took the phone from me and answered it.”
“Ugh god, sounds like a total pain.” The half-breed says, “Hey so I called cause I was heading down to Rox to pick up some stuff for my mom and wondered if you wanted to tag along. There’s this totally sweet juice bar about a block away and if you aren’t all holed up still with the training or whatever, I thought it’d be fun to hang out?”
“Yeah, sure. Anything to get away from them being all touchy. Lemme go ask if it’s ok…” Sen turns around and immediately groans at the scene fifty feet in front of him. Those two never even moved, other than to go back to kissing. He really wished they would go to their room to do that. Actually, if they did that he wouldn’t be able to ask until they were done so maybe it was a good thing. Sen didn’t see why they wouldn’t let him go, for the past few months since he started school he’s hung around with Samara a lot and Father has been increasingly lenient with allowing him out.
“Hey Dad…,” The hybrid calls out to his fathers while walking back. Aki and Jenova continue for a moment before the Eclipsed reluctantly pulls away and turns to his son, somewhat impatient. Sen stops for a moment, sorry that he had to interrupt them. They hated being interrupted. “S-Samara has to go pick up some stuff for her mom and she wanted to know if I could go with her to hang out and go to a juice bar. Can I go?”
The Eclipsed shifts his gaze back to Jenova for a moment before returning to his son. “It’s fine with me as long as your Father is ok with it.”
Clear crimson shift down to the Selestarri and a sly grin quickly spans pale lips as he suddenly reaches down and lifts Aki off his feet. Swinging the smaller man over his shoulder, he turns away from Sen and begins moving towards the mansion, speaking as he goes, “Return before dark…”
“Awesome, thanks!” Sen calls out as the pair move away, returning to his phone a moment later. “Yeah, I can go as long as I’m home before dark. Let me go shower and I’ll come pick you up at your place. Maybe we can sneak away from the driver and actually take a bus. I’ve wanted to do that and considering how a good a mood they’re in now, or will be once they finish being freakin’ rabbits, I don’t think I’ll get in too much trouble if I get caught.”
“Okay nice – and hey, if them being rabbits gets you some more leeway for doing you know, like normal stuff, then maybe we should figure out how to get them like that more often…” Samara laughs through the receiver, “Just get here before four cause Rox closes at five and mom’s handed me a long ass list.” Before Sen can answer, the other end clicks off.
The hybrid smirks to himself, if she only knew. He wasn’t sure it was possible for them to get it on more than they already do. Flipping his phone closed, Sen heads back to his room.
The brightly lit halls of Samara’s building always felt weird. Sen wasn’t sure if he’d ever get used to it and he doesn’t even live there. Everything was so modern and sleek. Things were actually new. Well, ‘new’ being made in the past twenty-five years or so and not held together by special magical containments because they are so old they would fall apart otherwise.
The hybrid makes his way down to the end of a long hall, stopping in front of the doors to Samara’s loft and knocking softly. He stands in silence for a few moments before the sound of feet coming closer reaches his ears. The door opens slowly and Samara’s father smiles to let Sen in. The hybrid bows politely, speaking in Angelic.
“It’s good to see you again, Sir. I’m here to pick up Samara.” He steps through the door and the Higher Angel closes it behind him. “I hope everything is well and the Council isn’t giving you too much work.” He smiles.
“And you.” Returning the smile, the Higher turns to lead Sen into the main room, “Work is as always, work-”
Before he can get anything else out, the white and black haired half breed bounds into the room, “God, it’s about time!” Samara says as she makes her way to Sen’s side, wrapping her fingers around his arm to pull him back towards the door, “Rox is closing in less than an hour, come on-”
“Samara.” Her father’s firm voice stops her short and she flinches, easing her grip and turning around to meet the stern white gaze of the Angel behind them, “what have I told you about those manners of yours?”
The girl’s gaze falls to the floor and she nods, “Sorry…” sliding her hand free of the hybrid’s arm, iridescent eyes rise to meet her father’s, “may I please be excused to go hang out with Sen, father?”
“You may.” The Higher says without so much as a smile, turning his gaze to Sen a moment later, “I hold hope that your influence might begin to …rub off on our daughter eventually.”
Turning away, the Angel disappears into the next room, leaving the pair alone. Samara turns abruptly and latches on to Sen’s arm once more, flashing a scowl in response to his amused smile, “Oh Please… don’t let that go to your head…” She snorts as she pulls him towards the front door.
“Ha! You just don’t like it that your father thinks I’m all well mannered and you’re not. You need to learn to fake it better.” He laughs as the half breed smacks him rather hard on the arm before dragging him out the door.
Sen stops for a moment on their way to the elevators, ignoring Samara’s annoyed and urgent look. “Hey, is there a back way out of this place? If we go out the front, the driver will see me and there is no way we can take a bus. If I plain refuse to get in the car he’ll have to tell Father as opposed to if he just doesn’t ever see me come out, then he’ll never know I left.”
A quick sly grin forms on the other teenager’s lips and she turns abruptly, grabbing onto Sen’s wrist and dragging him down the hall in the opposite direction. “Yeah, there’s a stairwell that leads out to the alley in back, come on.” Reaching into the back pocket of low rider black pants, Samara pulls her keycard free just as she pulls Sen around a corner, stopping just in front of a small unmarked door. Slipping the card through the slot, the green light shifts on and she pulls the door open, shoving the hybrid through a moment later. “Go already.” She laughs as he stops himself at the steel railing just beyond, “there’s a lot of stairs so get to it, I really gotta make Rox before they close or mom’s gonna be pissed that I didn’t pick up her shit.” Moving past Sen, the white and black haired girl reaches the stairs, her voice echoing down the winding shaft as she moves, “besides, the sooner we get it out of the way, the faster we can just chill.”
Looking down the stair shaft in the middle and quickly gauging the distance, a sly smile forms on the hybrid’s lips and he races to catch up to Samara. Grabbing hold of her despite her protests, he jumps up on the railing. “Hold on to me tight.” The half breed is about to argue when he leaps off, letting himself fall. Sen grins when Samara grabs on to him tightly. He liked when she did that, actually relied on him and hung close, it made him feel like he was really protecting her. After a few agonizingly long moments, Sen throws his arm down and concentrates, his telekinetics working hard to slow the two of them down enough so they wouldn’t hit the concrete and splat on impact. His sneakers make contact and he rolls them to lessen the impact. Brushing himself off and flipping long milk brown bangs out of his eyes, the hybrid stands, immediately reaching for Samara and pulling her up, laughing at the hair that still covers her face.
Small claws thread under long, black streaked white locks and gently smoothes them away from feminine features. The pair stare up at each other for several minutes in silence before Sen realizes what he’s doing and blushes, quickly turning away. “Uhh... I saved us about five to ten minutes…”
Samara stares at the back of Sen’s head for another moment, sliding her fingers up to touch at her hair where his claws had been a few seconds before. God, he was just so cute and for half a second, she honestly thought he might kiss her or something. As if… With a sigh, the half breed shakes her head, “yeah okay, I’ll give you that.” Iridescent eyes travel up to the stairwell shaft above, “but next time give me some warning you are gonna do that cause I could have had a heart attack or something.” Looking back down, she reaches out and slaps him playfully on the arm before moving past, grabbing Sen’s hand as she goes.
Wrapping slender fingers around the latch, she swings the door open and jets out into the alley, once again dragging the hybrid behind her, “there’s a bus station about a block up, you have a card right?”
“A card? No, I’ve never been on a bus before. I have an insanely overprotective father who makes some poor human chauffeur me everywhere, remember?” He runs behind the half breed as they round a corner, getting farther away from the building. “But I have money, that’s never a problem. They take that, right?” The hybrid almost runs into Samara as she stops on the side of the street in front of a bench enclosed by glass. A group of humans is waiting there, reading the sign on the side with a bunch of numbers, checking their watches or just basically standing and looking somewhat miserable.
“I swear, Sen.” Samara says, reaching into her pocket to pull a small card free. Pulling the plastic up to her mouth, she cups it in-between full lips as she continues talking, her words partially muffled by it, “you have got to be the only person in existence that’s never been on a bus before.” Slender fingers move around each of the pockets in her pants, her iridescent gaze locked in concentration while she searches for something, “they take cash, but it’s like six bucks just for one way… dammit, I know it’s in here somewhere…” Patting her fingers over the pocket at her back, she quickly smiles, “Ha!” pulling a small plastic ticket free, she holds it up to the other teenager just as a bus is winding around the corner towards them the next block up. Reaching up to pull her own card free of her mouth as smaller, glass like claws wrap around the printed ticket, she grins and turns towards the stop, “I knew I had an extra one, daddy gets them free from work for me. He’s got a car and all, but I have to trip out to school and back on these things and it’s all comped at his work. Come on – this one’s ours.” She says, moving up just as the jointed bus comes to a slow stop at their front.
Sen turns the ticket in his grip. “Six bucks isn’t a problem. I could probably spend a couple thousand and Father wouldn’t blink. Money isn’t an issue, he just doesn’t care about it.” The teenagers get in line and the door slides open. People begin shuffling one by one up the small stairs and past the driver, handing him tickets, flashing cards or putting in money. Sen smiles at the man and he scowls back, ripping the small ticket from the hybrid’s hand as he’s shuffled along by the rest of the people waiting to get on the bus. Looking around, he’s waved down by the half breed and moves along about halfway down the bus to sit next to her. “Are people always this grumpy on these things?”
“It’s public transportation” Samara shrugs, “When you have to take it, it’s not so much of a novelty. Actually it’s a pain.” Iridescent eyes narrow and shift to a group of girls sitting halfway down between them and the driver, each one looking back at the hybrid, pointing and giggling to themselves as they do so. She crosses her arms over her chest and flashes them a nasty scowl, “a real pain.” Staring down one of the girls, she spends another moment with her gaze locked on them while the bus bumps through the road towards their destination before finally turning her attention back to Sen, “we only have two more stops so soak it up while you can…”
“Yeah… I’m soaking.” Sen sits back in his seat and looks around. Glancing ahead, he sees a group of girls smiling and laughing. As he catches one of their gazes she immediately turns away and continues giggling. The hybrid frowns. “I swear there must be something wrong with me. No one can even look at me without having to look away. Am I seriously that strange?” The bus slows to a stop and the group gets up to make their way to the front, constantly sparing glances at Sen as they go.
Rolling her eyes, the half breed continues to keep her hard gaze locked on the group as they file off the bus one by one, “Sen, okay, not only are you cute as all hell, you’re seriously naïve.” The last girl continues to stare at the hybrid and nearly trips on her final step down because of it causing Samara to break out in a small burst of amused laughter while the teenager flushes bright red in embarrassment at her stumble. The doors to the bus slide closed and the white and black haired girl shakes her head, turning back to Sen a moment later, “When girls act like that.” She points at the group standing huddled together at the stop outside while the bus pulls away, “it means they like you. I swear I don’t know how you can’t see it, half the chicks in school and the other half of the boys fall over you all the time…”
Sen turns beet red. “But... how can they, they don’t even know me? I’m not ‘cute’. I’m not anything, I’m just me. I know people have fallen all over Father, but I can’t really see why and I’m not him.” He shakes his head. “I don’t get it. It makes me all paranoid when people do that, like there’s something wrong that I just don’t see. I don’t want them to like me if they’ve never even met me.” Sen sighs. “I dunno, maybe I’m just used to Father not liking anyone and everyone either wanting something from him or wanting to kill him. Either way, the attention is never good. That and I’ve never had to deal with any of this so I guess I just have no idea what anyone is thinking. I suppose I could go in their heads and find out but I don’t like doing that.” The bus rolls to a stop once more and people shuffle their ways both on and off, passing the hybrid with mixed looks. “I wish they’d just ignore me completely… and treat me like everyone else.”
Not cute, yeah right. Samara sighs, “People are never going to treat you like ‘everyone else’ so you better get used to it.” She shakes her head with a small laugh before sitting up in her seat to pull the cord above her before flopping back down, “Come on, look at us. We don’t look like anyone else so why would they treat us like the rest of them huh? These are humans we’re talking about right? Besides, it’s not like they are really thinking anything, most of them, even the ones at our school just base everything on looks. You look good, so of course they’re gonna fall all over you. Look at Jacen. The guy’s a real sleaze but because he’s all super hot or something, everyone follows him around like he’s some great prize to be had when if they bothered to get to know him at all, they’d run for their lives.” She snorts, reaching up to flip long black tainted white bangs from her eyes. ”Anyway, don’t sweat it. It’s just how things are out here in the real world.”
The bus slowly winds to a stop and Samara stands, slender fingers grasping the metal bars one by one as she moves to the front, followed closely by the hybrid. Stepping off the bus, the petite teenager points up to the bustling strip mall stretching out before them, “Rox is halfway in there, I just gotta pick up some jewelry set mom got for dad.” She smiles, reaching out to pull Sen by the arm through the crowd before them and speaking as she goes, “It’s totally cheesy, but since it’s their anniversary next week, I said I’d help keep it all on the down low so he won’t find out. After that we can go hang at that juice bar I was talking about, or wherever else you want to go.”
“Ok.” Sen has to stop himself from stumbling as he’s dragged along past multiple storefronts, resisting the urge to just stop and look, he’s never been anywhere like this. “So this is where people go to buy things? I’ve never had to do this before so I’ve never seen it, Father just has people go out for us. This is so cool!” He catches a glimpse of Samara rolling her eyes and decides he better save his excitement for after they’ve gotten what she came here to get. The half breed stops in front of a high-end jewelry boutique and heads for the door, pulling Sen in with her.
The hybrid stands in awe at all the sparkly stones and jewelry. “Uncle Fuan would love this place, it looks like his vanity…” The other teen lets go and deposits herself in front of the main counter waiting for someone to help her while Sen stands there. He looks around in the cases at the various rings and necklaces. Did Samara wear this kind of stuff? He’d seen her wear little chains and pendants but nothing this fancy. The only jewelry his fathers wear are the matching rings Father got himself and Dad a long time ago. Walking over to a case with jewelry crusted in clear blue stones, Sen doesn’t even notice the employee staring him down as if he was going to rob the place.
“Can I help you?” The man’s voice startles the hybrid and he looks up to find a pair of very smug blue eyes staring back.
“Uh… maybe.” Sen thinks for a moment. Would Samara actually like this stuff if he bought something for her? Crimson eyes quickly scan the contents of the case. “That, how much is that?” He points to a necklace with a small bird pendant, eyes made of a clear blue stone.
The man practically scoffs. “That is a platinum pendant with blue diamonds. It is $3500. Do you have an account with us, sir? Only account holders can purchase items from our store.”
Who the hell did this guy think he was? Sen narrows his eyes before thinking back on his earlier comment to Samara about how Father wouldn’t even blink if he spent a couple thousand. Would he? It’s not like he ever asks for anything… He shuffles in his pocket for his wallet. “I don’t but my Father might…” Flipping through the various cards and ID’s he pulls out his official Angel Hunt Corporation ID card that lets him get through places to see Father along with a Black American Express. “Is there any way you can check?”
The employee eyeballs the ID and black card and immediately his demeanor changes to a somewhat nervous tone. “Yes sir, your father most certainly has an account here. Would you like this gift wrapped?”
Sen smiles, the ID usually shuts them up whenever they think he’s just some punk kid. “Actually, yes. I would.” The man takes the pendant from the case and shuffles off to the back. The hybrid turns around to join Samara over at the other counter as she’s finishing up. Hopefully she didn’t see, he wants to surprise her with it after they leave the store.
Iridescent eyes turn back meet clear crimson as Sen steps up behind her and she smiles, pointing to the small case resting open before her while the salesclerk is off to the side running her card, “Okay, is mom a total sweetheart or what?” The hybrid’s gaze travels down to the small filigree platinum ear cuff and matching band sitting inside the burgundy velvet box. A small message written in Angelic adorns the ring between intricate scrollwork and an identical one in Demonic adorns the cuff, both reading “forever my love”. Samara smiles and shakes her head, turning her attention back as the employee returns and slides her card across the glass towards her along with a small digital tag board. “It’s almost cavity inducing actually.” She snorts as she picks up the stylus and scrolls her name across the LCD screen with one hand while stuffing her card into her back pocket with the other. “Daddy’s going to love them though, but he better be getting her something good to make up for it. Mom’s been working lots of extra hours in Central for a long time now to get this. Daddy thinks she enjoys the work, but they give her a lot of shit when he’s not around so it’s not like she’s not doing it for the love of the Council- wrapped please.” Samara says to the clerk as she’s pulling the tag board back.
The employee smiles and reaches for the small velvet box, snapping it closed and disappearing into the back soon after. The half breed turns around and leans back against the glass display on her elbows, tilting her head towards Sen, “Pretty intense stuff in here huh? It’s all designed by some high end jewelry maker renowned across the world or something, they won’t even let you buy the shit unless you have an established account.”
Sen nods. “Yeah, Uncle Fuan wears stuff like this all the time. A long time ago, Father had two matching bands made for himself and Dad. Dad’s says Nul Autre and Father’s says Semper Idem. No other; unchanging forever. So I understand the cavity inducing part…” Sen smiles as the employee comes back with two bags, handing one to Samara and the other to the hybrid. Sen turns to the man as Samara looks on in curiosity. “Is there something I need to sign for this?”
“N-no sir. Your father is one of our oldest and most well respected customers. Everything is already taken care of. My associate also apologizes for his behavior; he didn’t realize who you were.”
Sen reaches out and takes the bag, barely managing to stifle his amusement. Being Father’s son has its perks. He nods to the man and turns around, grabbing Samara by the arm and dragging her with him excitedly.
“Whoa hey!” The half breed manages to get out as Sen continues to drag her out the door, heading aimlessly into the bustling strip mall front. “What did you-?” She tries as she eyeballs the small white bag in his hand, but the hybrid continues to pull her along, clear crimson moving over the store fronts and their contents as they pass, “Sen!” Samara anchors her foot down and pulls back with everything she has, stopping the pair short. “The juice bar is totally in the other direction.” She laughs, easing her arm free and moving around to the other teenager’s back. With her bag in hand, she reaches up and plants her fingers in the middle of Sen’s back, pushing him in the direction of the jewelry store, talking as she goes. “Come on, they have some of the best slushies in the city, you’ll die.”
“Oh, heh… ok.” In his excitement, the hybrid wasn’t even thinking. The small hands continues to push them along back the way they came. Passing Rox, they go a couple buildings down and Samara practically shoves Sen through the door. Walking in, he looks up at the board. He’s never even heard of most of these flavors. Reaching in his pocket he pulls out a couple bills and hands them to the half breed. “Just get me whatever you’re getting, I’ll cover it.” He eyes an empty pair of chairs in the corner and heads off towards them with his little bag in tow. “But hurry up!”
He couldn’t help the smile plastered on his face as he sits. Sen hoped she will like what he got her, he’s never really gotten anyone a gift before. Asking Father to have his cronies get something for others in the mansion didn’t count. It was totally different being able to go out and get it one’s self. Hopefully Father wouldn’t be upset that he spent so much without asking. When he handed him the card he said to get whatever he needed, not really specifying any limits, and it’s not like he’s ever used the thing before… But what if Samara doesn’t like it? His smile quickly fades as doubt floods his mind. Maybe she doesn’t wear this kind of thing and she’ll think it’s stupid. Sen supposes he could just return it but that would suck. The hybrid puts the bag down by his feet as he sees Samara returning with their drinks.
Sliding two purple slushies across the table towards Sen, the half breed slips her wrist free of her small bag and plops it down next to her drink while scooting the chair out to seat herself a moment later, “Taro.” She grins, sitting up in her chair in order to pull a couple of straws she’d stuffed in her back pocket free. Sitting down again, the black and white haired teenager pulls her legs up in the chair and folds them in front of her while handing one of the straws to Sen. Stuffing hers into her drink, she slides it closer and leans forward to take a sip before sitting back, iridescent eyes looking at Sen expectantly.
The hybrid stares at her for a moment in silence and she shakes her head, “Well? You gonna tell me what you got from Rox or what? Something for that uncle you keep talking about?”
“Um…” Sen was starting to have second thoughts about going through with it. It seemed like a good idea at the time, he really didn’t want Samara to think it was stupid. Hitting the end of the straw on the table, he pulls it out of its wrapper and puts it into his drink before taking a sip. Samara laughs at the surprised and somewhat confused look on his face after getting a taste. “This stuff is weird…”
The hybrid resigns himself to just sucking it up and doing it. The worst that can happen is she just doesn’t like it. Sen reaches into the bag at his feet and pulls out a small, exquisitely wrapped box. He never got to see it before taking it from the bag and he was rather impressed at how nice the outside looked. Crimson eyes never leave his drink as he puts his arm forward and hands the box to Samara. “I… kinda got this for you. It’s ok if you don’t like it, I won’t be offended… I don’t really know what you like. If it’s stupid you can just tell me.”
The half breed’s jaw falls open and she stares at the box for a moment before reaching forward to take it. “Sen, oh my god… you… ” Finding herself rather dumbfounded at the fact that Sen actually bought her something, not just bought her something -but bought her something from Rox of all places, iridescent eyes shift down to the box and she slides the slender fingers of her free hand up to trace along the silver patterned wrapping for a moment. God, her heart was racing so hard and she didn’t know why. Her gaze travels up to the hybrid whose own eyes are still locked on his drink before moving back as she slowly starts to unwrap the container. Setting the silver foil in front of her, she traces the white velvet box inside before flipping it open to reveal the tiny platinum bird with blue diamond eyes, “HOLY FUCK!” She yells out, causing everyone in the bar to turn and stare in their direction.
“Oh. My. God. Sen!” She says as she pulls the necklace free, uncrossing her legs in order to pull herself abruptly up. Making short work around the table, Samara wraps her arms around the back of the hybrid’s neck and hugs him so fast that she nearly sends the drinks toppling at their fronts. Sinking her face against his neck, the white and black haired teenager’s words are partially muffled as she speaks directly into his skin, “I can’t believe you did that!”
Sen practically chokes on his slushie as she hugs him. His own heart starts racing when he realizes her lips are brushing his neck. Samara was so warm and she smelled really nice. The hybrid guesses he never noticed before. “So I guess that means you like it… I was worried you’d think it was dumb.” He laughs nervously. Looking down, he takes the small pendant from her hand and turns in the half breed’s grip, flustering when their faces almost meet. “H-here…” He pulls up the necklace, “turn around and I’ll put it on you…” Relief washes over him when she finally turns away. Sen stands, a clawed hand reaching up to gently move black streaked, white hair away from the nape of her neck. Undoing the claps, he brings it around and fastens it behind her. The hybrid hesitates for a moment, resisting the urge to wrap his own arms around her. Sen simply moves her hair back and sits down in his chair. A small smile forms as he goes back to his drink. “I’m really glad you like it…”
Slender fingers slide up to the necklace and Samara stands for a moment longer looking down at the back of Sen’s head. She couldn’t believe it, seriously couldn’t believe he did that and god, having his fingers touching the back of her neck… she really thought she might melt. Maybe he’s not so clueless after all because if he only liked her as a friend, there’s no way he’d spend that kind of money on her… right? Right? The half breed pulls her fingers away from the pendant and shakes her head in an attempt to clear it before moving back around the table to reseat herself in her chair, unable to stop the grin that forms on her lips. “Oh my god Sen, I don’t like it, I absolutely love it.” She starts, reaching forward to pull her drink closer while the hybrid’s eyes remain locked on his own slushie, “I can’t get over it. Seriously, no one’s ever gotten me anything before. I mean, sure – I’ve gotten the occasional confession at school or notes and stuff. Jacen gave me flowers once, but no one’s ever spent anywhere near this kind of cash on me…” Iridescent eyes travel down to the small bird resting at her chest and she frowns before her gaze moves back up and she flashes the other teenager a slightly worried look. “I didn’t even think about it but won’t your dads’ totally freak over this? Coming from Rox there’s no way in hell this could have been cheap…”
Sen finally looks up, meeting the half breed’s incredibly happy gaze and smiling. He shrugs. “I dunno, probably not. I told you that I could spend a couple thousand and Father wouldn’t blink. I never spend any money on myself and this is the first actual thing I’ve bought so I don’t see why he would be annoyed. You should see the kind of money he blows on stuff all the time. Dad’s wardrobe is constantly getting replaced. He keeps destroying it because they can’t keep their hands off each other and everything is custom made.” He takes a sip of his slushie and plays with the straw. “I think the guy at the store said it was $3500 or something, I can’t remember, but the cost doesn’t matter. I wanted to get you something.” He laughs. “You’ve helped me figure out how to survive in school and are my first real friend, so I guess it’s a ‘thank you for putting up with me’ gift.”
“Okay first of all ew about your dads.” Samara scrunches her nose, “I don’t care how cute your Dad sounds on the phone, why would he let your Father destroy custom made clothing? Custom made…? Clothes cost enough as it is, but god, that’s so… I don’t even know what to think about that. I mean I know you’re loaded and all that, it’s not like we don’t have money ourselves cause of daddy’s position and all that, but mom would flip if daddy destroyed something she had custom made. Absolutely flip. Second, thirty five hundred dollars? I’m just… wow.” Iridescent eyes remain fixed on crimson while the half breed pulls her straw forward and leans up to take a sip of her drink, sighing softly as she pulls away. Only Sen would spend thirty five hundred dollars on something that had no deeper meaning than a ‘thank you’… Sen really is clueless, seriously clueless. Sweet as all hell, but god… so, so… so clueless. She smiles while reaching up to touch the pendant again before snorting and attempting to look all casual, “Yeah well, someone had to show you the ropes right? And with as naïve as you are they’d have eaten you alive if I hadn’t let you be my friend…” Samara laughs and points her finger at the hybrid. “You’re so lucky Mister Aduel assigned you next to me cause I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have made it out of first period, let alone months and months of school if it wasn’t for how great I am.”
Sen laughs. “Well, I wouldn’t risk getting my ass in trouble for leaving my driver behind and taking a bus for anyone else… I can’t imagine what it would have been like had I been put in a class with someone like Jacen. I’m not sure how long I would have kept up with it. It’s seriously like a meat parade there. All they ever care about is hooking up.” He shakes his head. “I can’t spend time with anyone who only wants to get to know me just to hook up and they couldn’t care less about me. I mean, I’ve never done any of the physical stuff they do and they are almost as bad as my fathers. I see enough of that at home, I don’t need to see it at school too.” The hybrid sucks out the last of his drink. “But yeah, Father destroys his clothing all the time. I think he enjoys it. I never claimed Father was very sane. He is rather… chaotic.” Sen smirks at his own little inside joke, realizing he could never explain the deeper meaning behind how true that statement was.
“Okay chaotic? Yeah, I so want to meet both your dads, I just can’t get faces to go along with them when you talk about them. Like I know what Aki sounds like right? But I can’t picture him at all and your Father being the Founder… he’d have to be all super hot to produce someone like you.” Samara laughs when Sen flashes her a disgusted look.
“Anyway, it’s hormones. That’s why everyone at school is about hooking up” The white and black haired teenager snorts, “that and like I said, everyone just bases stuff on looks so they don’t care to get to know you as long as you’ll look good next to them. I swear, people go for trophies or something when it comes to finding themselves girlfriends or boyfriends.” Samara rolls her eyes and takes a final sip of her drink while reaching forward to fold the silver foil wrapping up and tuck it neatly into the white velvet box. “Half the confessions I get at school are just cause they think I’m something special since I’m the first girl to be born into the Society and because daddy’s a Higher on central council there’s so many that think if they get with me, they’ll get their families favors or something…” She trails as she pulls the small white box lose to her, narrowing her eyes in the slightest, “as if, like I’m so stupid I can’t see right through them.” Iridescent eyes travel up to meet clear crimson and she smirks, “or like with Jacen who just goes after me because I’m not retarded enough to fall for his bull.”
Shaking her head, she stuffs the white box into the bag housing her mother’s jewelry and slides her chair out, standing a moment later. “I knew there was more to you than looks the moment you walked into the class. You never came across like you had air in between your ears like ninety percent of the school does.” Reaching down to scoop her cup up as Sen is standing himself, she laughs softly while reaching out to grab the hybrid’s as well. Turning on her heals, the half breed moves to the small wastebasket near the counter and dumps the empty glasses into it before turning back and motioning for Sen to meet her at her side.
The hybrid smiles and walks up, his expression quickly turning to a frown when he looks outside. “Damnit, the sun is going down and Father wants me home before dark. We have to hurry back so I can get home…”