Chance Meeting IV

Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.
How could I have been so careless?

I was so distracted by this mere human that i'd almost forgotten about the dangers in the school. Cursing my slow reflexes, I jumped back. Gazing hard at Asuka and the gun in her hand, I drew my sword and the blade glinted at the hope of bloodshed. I was prepared for anything

However, I was not prepared for Sayuri to leap in between us, arms stretched out with no fear.

Sayuri: STOP THIS! Weren't you two...didn't you two used to be friends?

I stiffened, and I could see Asuka freeze.
This human girl, is much more perceptive than I thought.

Asuka: No.
Asuka

Asuka: We were never...friends.

She said the word like a disease and for a moment, I felt something twist painfully in my chest.
Sayuri shook her head, black hair following her like a banner.

Sayuri: That's a lie. I can read your auras. They're familiar with each other... comfortable...close...

Sayuri sounded almost wistful. I blinked as Asuka locked eyes with me. She looked back at Sayuri who held her gaze with determination. I couldn't see her facial expression but something made Asuka sigh and holster her gun.

Asuka: Don't look at me like that...I'm not lying to you.

She looked at me coldly and I tightened my grip on my blade. I wasn't going to have any openings but I did feel the need to explain to Sayuri.

Sora: We were childhood friends

I was speaking quietly, while mentally building up a barrier. This way, no one would be able to hear our conversation.

Sora: We used to always play together, under the tree in a field near here. We promised to always be friends. But... one day, she didn't come.

Asuka looked away, her short hair shielding her eyes. Sayuri had relaxed her stance, looking back at me with her brown eyes.

Sayuri: Why not?

Sora: To be honest...I don't know.

I was replying truthfully. Sayuri glanced at Asuka before her eyes widened with understanding. What was that all about? Asuka, who was still looking away, clenched her fists.

Sayuri: Oh Asuka...

Her voice was soft, soothing. I swallowed.

Sora: After that, the next time we saw each other, she pulled her gun on me and told me that we were enemies.

Sayuri touched Asuka's shoulder, in a comforting gesture.

Sayuri: Asuka... it's all in the past. You surely don't think that...

Asuka spun around, her face a vision of absolute rage and hatred. She fixed her pointed stare at me and her words were like poison.

Asuka: I don't care what I think. All I want is him to stay out of my business and away from the people I love! He... he's... He's a...!

Sayuri: But...

Asuka: SHUT UP SAYURI! WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW? WHAT COULD YOU EVER KNOW?

Sayuri's face fell--her eyes darkened and Asuka gasped, taking a step forward, her hand outstretched like she was going to offer her apology. Sayuri turned away, her eyes dark and empty. I was shocked though I didn't show it. One moment she was so full of life and now... What was going on?

Asuka: Oh... Sayuri... I didn't mean...

Sayuri: No, you did. But that's okay.

Her voice was bitter as she walked away, Asuka chased after her but not before whispering a warning to me.

Asuka: I warned you Minami. Stay away.

I scoffed as she left, sheathing my sword. I looked down at it as the hilt glinted in the light, as though asking a question

Sora: I know... I need to find out about Sayuri's past.

Our Secret

Through the thick forest, past the silent stream and up the deserted hill... silence.... a field of green spread throughout the lands. Wild flowers filled the place; fragile yet strong as they withstood the gentle breeze. A giant Sakura Tree stood at the center, it's majestic petals in full bloom with the scent of spring that filled the air

Under that blossomed tree... she was there waiting for me.

Asuka: You're late, Minami.
Sora: My apologies... Hold on a second... I'll set up a barrier.

I had to make sure this conversation stays private. I closed my eyes and listened to the gentle breeze. It was calm... I remember this place... The place where we first met, and the place where we ended it all. We call it our Garden of Dreams.
Sealed.... The place was locked.

Sora: Brings back memories doesn't it...
Asuka: I didn't bring you here to reminisce about the past Sora.
Sora: Haha... it's been a while since you called me by my first name, Asuka.
Asuka: Shh-hut up. You know why I called you here...
Sora: Far too well... it's about Ms. Outori isn't it. I'm sure she has informed you about the Council, but I gave her some time to decide.
Asuka: I won't allow her to join your kind

My kind... those words rang like a chime in the spring breeze. It happened two years ago... we were just about to finish junior high. I used to come here when the stress was too much and just lie on the grassy plains to clear my mind. We met her by accident when she stumbled upon the area.

Asuka: Stop dreaming Sora... The past is the past
Sora: Don't you wish you could just turn back to that time
Asuka: No... I don't. You and I are different. We were born to destroy each other.
Sora: Guess we'll share this story some other time... So, what is it you want to talk about?
Asuka: I want you to stay away from Sayuri.

Another one to bring up this matter. Why can't they accept the fact that I don't have any say in this. It was decided by the higher-ups. I turned my back on her and walked away...

Sora: It's not my decision to make... It's hers

I made my point... I released the barrier and made my escape

Asuka: Wait!!!

Before she could continue... I was gone... But, I could sense someone else was there with Asuka.. A familiar scent.

Confrontation... Sora & Asuka

Sora: Seiryu... What a coincidence
Asuka: Minami...

I saw her right in front of me... Seiryu Asuka... the person I consider my greatest rival and Head of the Prefect Board, The White Lily Council , that rivals the Black Rose Society. Takumi saw the look in our eyes and quickly jumped in front of me as if he was trying to hold me back.

Takumi: Don't do anything rash
Sora: I know...

He averted his gaze from mine and set his eyes upon Seiryu's...

Takumi: Seiryu-sama, what is it that you want from us?
Asuka: I don't want anything from the Council, I just want to talk to Minami
Takumi: I don't think Sora-sama has the time right now
Sora: Takumi... Stand down
Takumi: But...

I took a step and brushed Takumi to the side and walked towards Seiryu... I know what she wanted to talk about, it's written all over her face. This is somewhat an interesting turn of events.

Sora: Let's talk then
Asuka: Alone... meet me at "the place" in 10 minutes. I'm sure it won't be a problem for someone of your caliber
Sora: See you in 10...

"The Place" ... this will be interesting. I smirked as I saw her stormed off onto her bike. Guess she'll need that if she wants to make it there on time. I turned around and saw a worried look on my partner's face

Sora: Don't worry...
Takumi: That's when I worry the most
Sora: I'll see you later

I walked towards the exit, the same exit where Seiryu left. The cost was clear... 10 minutes? I'll make it in 5...

As I made my way there, passing everyone, thoughts and memories came into my mind. I know what she wanted, she wanted Sayuri. It's not like I can do anything about it.

Why must it be "The Place".

Choices...

Tension filled the air of the council room. The members had their eyes fixed on Sayuri. I can sense the anger in Rikka's eyes, the lust in Taiki , the disappointment in Emi. As for Takumi and myself... we were unfazed by the whole event...

I looked around the room... I stared at Takumi and nodded my head slightly... he understood my message and stood up

Takumi: Sayuri-san.... I am afraid you don't have a choice. The higher ups want you in and we have to follow their orders
Sayuri: .... I don't think so....
Rikka: I say let her be... it's the smartest thing she said so far...
Emi: But it would be more fun if you did join us Sayu-chan
Rikka: No it would not... she would just ruin everything

Taiki: Calm down Rikka-chan...
Rikka: YOU SHUT UP...

The tension was building... Chaos filled the room... Now it was Takumi looking at me... *sigh*

Sora: Enough.... This has gone far enough.
Rikka: but...
Sora: I said enough. Rikka... we'll talk about this later

I divert my gaze towards her... she was slightly trembling... her hands clutched closely together... I walked towards her...

Sora: You don't have to decide now... but I do want an answer from you... I'll give you a week. Think about it... Black Rose has many benefits, it might even help you with whatever you are looking for. Think about it....
Sayuri: ... but I -

Rikka: Sora...
Sora: Let's go Takumi... Emi, show our guest out. Meeting adjourned.

We walked out the door, down the hall, and took the elevator down... when the door opened. I looked in front of me....

Sora: Seiryu... what a coincidence...
Asuka: Minami...

Gathering of the Gods

The weather was cold, the Sakura blossoms are still falling... a sign of spring. The members gathered at the top of the clock tower one by one. Rikka was already there and she was still busying questioning me.... *sigh*

Takumi: Rikka... if you are done with your questions, I think it's time we begin our 1st meeting of the semester
Rikka: We'll talk later Sora
Takumi: *ahem* Let us begin
Sora: Takumi...If you please...

Royal Academy's school year is divided into 3 semesters and for every start of the semester, we have a general meeting where the members are given their new jobs of the semester. Takumi usually handles the planning and I trust his judgment enough, and I hope he gives a job easy enough for Yamada to handle. He better not screw up.

For this semester, Takumi will be incharged of the school festival with Yamada as his drag around slave. Emi and Rikka will as always organize the Prom. My job is always the same... Take care of the students, help with the activities, lead the team... the usual. Things never change. I sat on my chair listening to everyone presenting their statements. The meeting was about to draw to it's close, it's my turn....

Sora: Alright... I guess that's about everything. As always... i expect results. Now... we have something important to address... We're going to have a new member join us...

Rikka: I knew this would happen... why are you doing this Sora?
Sora: It's not for me to decide Rikka... the higher ups already decided her fate...
Rikka: .... you now what we are... this is unacceptable
Emi: I think it will be fun to have a new member
Sora: She will be here soon.... Takumi... is everything ready
Takumi: Yes Sora-sama...

Everything was in place... the decision has been made. As much as I hate this... I can't do anything. It seems the higher ups know something I don't. I'll play along for now... It's almost time...

A New Dawn

I closed the book where I wrote the entry of my log. I cast a spell on the book and placed a curse on it. A seal that only Takumi and I knew.

Sora: There.... It's locked. Takumi. Put this away will you
Takumi: Yes, Sora-sama
Sora: Takumi, I told you not to add the -sama when we are outside Council Gatherings.
Takumi: ....

Located in the heart of Royal Academy,The school's clock tower overlooks the entire campus. Inside the tower, the whole layout, that is where the Black Rose Council Room was located. I looked out towards the grounds from the top of the tower, from my office.

It was just like any other morning. The students were rushing into the school grounds, meeting up with their friends. Emi was by the flower garden tending to her roses, while Rikka was with her under the Sakura tree with a good book. I sneered once I saw Yamada trying to get his paws on another girl.... Everything was the same, peaceful and boring...

I turned my direction towards the school gate. Seiryu.... with the new student

Sora: Takumi... Gather the members
Takumi: Hai... Sora-sama

Just like the shadow, he was gone. Looks like I was right...
It's going to be one hell of a year.

Council Entry #1 : Minami Sora

I really don't want to write this, but Takumi said it would be good for me to record the happenings of the Council. He said it will be a way to calm me down if I ever feel like killing someone.

The Black Rose Society has been in this academy ever since the academy first started. We at Black Rose are a group that keeps the rules of the academy. Power and Grace is what drives us and a sense of justice is what we swore to uphold.

The members are selected by the higher ups of the academy due to their grades, abilities and "unique-ness" to the school.

Yamada Taiki is the newest member to join the Council. Although I voiced my opinions to the higher up, I have no choice by to accept him into our ring... but I won't trust him. He claims to be an excellent swordsman as well as a gentleman. I would love to see him go against Takumi in a fair fight. That would be a quick 5 minutes.

Nawasaka Emi... the youngest female member of the council. The gem of the Council fitting to hold the finances that come in to us. She annoys me with her cheerful-ness, but she does take good care of me. I trust her with my life, but Emi, you still annoy me.

Hidden within all that beauty, one cannot help but shiver within the presence our Secretary, Konmari Rikka. Her deathly aura send shivers down my spine, as it once warmed my heart. The cold heart is what draws me to her "colorful" personality. I know her since childhood, and I can tell that she does not trust Yamada as well. I guess Emi has to calm more than one person now, the task used to be mine in the past but that was an old fling.

This person is next. A person I would give my life to as he has once given his to mine, but that is the past and I do not wish to disclose that matter here. He is the only one in the Council that I will truly trust with every fiber of my being. He is my right hand, my shadow and my best friend... Kendo Takumi.

That's it for the introductions. The school term has just begun. I have a feeling that this year will be one hell of a year. I'll have to ask Takumi to structure a new order for the term.

Oh... before I forget. I am the President of the Black Rose... Yours truly...

-Minami Sora-