A Dragon\'s Call

Chapter Five : Trouble in Paradise


AN:   There is some violence, not too bad.   And some references to devil
worship.

 

Chapter Five : Trouble in Paradise

By the time Joshua calmed down enough to leave the boys locker room, is das dark.
  Jonathan kept his arm around his twin brother's shoulders as they walked home.
  The streets were deserted; no sign of life other than the twin brother's.

Joshua clung to his brother tightly, slight tremors flowing over his body.   
His encounter with Raphael had changed him.   He closed his eyes, his mind shuddering
at the memories from only an hour ago.   He could still feel Raphael's mouth on his.
  The older boy's body pressed to his, their cocks touching.

He shuddered again, his eyes opening to gaze at his brother.   He had a new
appreciation for what his brother had sacrificed for him.   What he experienced with
Raphael was only part of what his brother had experienced with their mother.   The
thought horrified and sickened him.

Not for the first time did he vow that it would stop.   No one should be forced to
endure such pain and humiliation.   Joshua suddenly thought of that old adage:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

He snorted.   If that was true, Raphael was a monster and Jonathan was as comely
as they came.

Frowning, Joshua looked around him for the first time.   He had been so deeply
immersed in his thoughts he failed to notice where they were.   Apparently, his
brother had decided to take a short cut home.   By taking the back alleys of San
Marcos, they could cut their travel time in half.

Joshua wasn't sure if he cared how long it took for them to get home.   Regardless
of the time, their mother would be awake and furious.   That scared him more than
Raphael ever could.

"Jon…I think we should…"

"Well, well, well.   If it isn't the twins.   Far from home, aren't you
boys?"

The pair froze, looking around frantically.

They were standing in an open courtyard, having just left the dark alley moments
before.   A bonfire could be seen not far away in a trashcan.   Brick walls
surrounded the twins on all sides.  The only escape was about fifty yards to the east
or the entrance they had just come through.   The courtyard had been littered with
the homeless.

 

As if the strange words were a signal, everyone cleared out, leaving the twins to face
whatever it was alone.   Out of the shadows emerged five figures.   Joshua could
see Raphael standing not far away, a smug smile on his lips.

The bearer of that strange voice emerged, smiling.   Long amber tresses cascaded
around her in ringlets as Sasha put her hands on her hips.   She smirked at the
frightened twin brothers.   Dressed in tight fitting black leather, she was quite a
sight and very intimidating.

Behind Raphael and Sasha emerged a tall figure.   Dressed all in black, he
presented an imposing figure.   Blonde hair trailed down his back in a ponytail,
while his blue eyes stared icily at the twins.

"Jon…"   Joshua clung to his brother, staring in fear.

"Hush."   Jonathan glared at Dirk, unafraid.   "What do you
want?"

"You, of course.   Amiboshi."   Dirk smiled coldly.   He
snapped his fingers and Raphael set to work.   Moving to the front of the gathering,
Raphael held out a small clam.   He caressed it lovingly, his eyes dark and
fathomless.   Long brown vines emerged from the shell, wrapping themselves around
Jonathan.

He fought against them, but to no avail.   Something stirred in the back of his
mind at this situation.   This was decidedly familiar to him.   But where had he
seen this before?!

Joshua cried out, falling to his knees in agony.   His small frame shook.  
His mind seemed to burst, his vision clouded with an intense blue light.   All he
could see were afterimages of a long ago time.

"Aniki!!!   Let my brother go!!!"

"What?!   AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

SMACK.   CRUNCH.   SPLAT.

The sickening scent of blood filled his nostrils, the crumbled form of his enemy at
his feet.   "ANIKI!!!!"

"ANIKI!!!!!!"

Jonathan looked up, as his mouth dropped open in shock.   Joshua stood in front of
Raphael, a blue aura surrounding him.   A strange ball and string surrounded him, in
ghost form.  The balls, the size of a man's fist, spun crazily on the thin strings.
  Joshua's eyes were wide, almost with a crazed look upon him.

Smiling, Dirk opened his hand, palm upwards.   A small spark grew into a ball of
blue light.   It grew to the size of a large marble, then hurtled towards Joshua,
hitting him square in the chest.   He sailed through the air, impacting hard with the
pavement.

"JOSHUA!!!!"

Jonathan struggled anew in his bonds, trying vainly to escape.   His brother was
hurt!!

"Tsk, tsk, Nakago.   Five against two.   You should know better."

Turning, Dirk let a scowl show on his face.   Two figures stood on top of one of
the nearby buildings.  e she shadows masked them, until they both jumped from the
two-story building onto the ground before the Seiryuu Seven.

Reykia threw back her long violet braid and smirked.   She cracked her knuckles
loudly, h er gaze falling on the troublemakers.   "Lousy form, Nakago.  
Didn't I already tell you to leave them alone?!"

Her companion, a tall young man with flowing brown hair, cocked an eyebrow at her
words.   "Really, Nakago.   It's obvious they don't want anything to do
with you.   Why don't you jueaveeave the boys alone?"

Dirk sneered at the newcomers.   "This isn't Konan and you aren't emperor
anymore, Hotohori."

Hotohori, or Anthony Rockburn as he was now called, bowed.   "Touché.  
But you are no longer Shogun of Kutou either.   Leave the boys alone.   They
want nothing to do with you."

"And what do you propose to do about it if we don't?!"   Raphael
countered, his concentration breaking just enough for Jonathan to break the vines and move
to his brother's side.

"It looks like you lost your prey, Tomo."   In the blink of an eye,
Reykia spun, kicking Raphael's hand.   The small clam fell out of his hand,
shattering on the pavement.

"ARGH!!!!   You bitch!!!   You'll pay for that!"   Raphael
snarled, his hands bending into claws as he attacked.

Reykia sidestepped Raphael, sending her knee into his groin.   He rolled on the
ground in excruciating pain.   Approaching the twins, Reykia placed a gentle hand on
their shoulders.   Her eyes spoke volumes.   No one was coming near them on pain
of death.   She glared malevolently at the group, her eyes finally settling on Sam.
  A wordless communication seemed to pass through the two former Seishi and enemies.

"Well, we meet again on the battlefield, Saihitei."   Dirk narrowed his
eyes into slits.   He held out his hand and Raphael, having recovered from the blow
Reykia had bestowed upon him, hurriedly opened his bag and drew out a scabbard.

Gripping it between his hands, Dirk pulled, drawing the long blade from its sheath.
  He held the blade up in a salute, the silver metal reflecting his cold blue eyes.

Anthony arched an eyebrow, amused.   "Still using your lackey's to carry your
own stuff, eh, Nakago?!"   Opening the large duffel bag at his side, he drew out
a long sword.   It had a broad handle, the golden gilt hilt flashing in the
firelight.

"It appears you've forgotten the last time we met in combat, whelp.   I think
it's time you relearned."   Dirk smiled ferally, his sword moving around his
body threateningly.

Smirking, Anthony clasped his own sword to him firmly, his eyes flashing.   He
moved the sword around his own body gracefully, as if it were an extension of his own arm.
  "I did not have my seishi powers then, Nakago.   I do now.   Come.
  Attack me if you dare."

"If he does, he's an even bigger asshole than I remembered."

Everyone stopped, looking around for the new voice.   Reykia grinned evilly,
watching as a figure emerged from the shadows.

"I always knew you were an ass, Nakago.   I didn't know you were this big of
one though."   Tarek emerged from the shadows, his long coat falling around his
ankles.   His long teal ponytail flapped in the breeze as he approached, his eyes
never leaving Dirk.

Dirk stepped back, his eyes dark with hatred.   How he loathed Tamahome.  
They needed the twins in order to complete the summoning.   But it could wait.  
They had to acquire Yui as well.   He bowed, sheathing his sword.  
"Another time then."

The rest of the Seiryuu Seven took that as their cue and quicklye the their escape.
  There was much to think on and plan before they could attack the Suzs ins in force.

Anthony watched the Seiryuu's depart with cold eyes.   But once they had departed,
his gaze turned warm and friendly.   Sheathing his own sword, he took Tarek into his
arms in a warm embrace.   "Tamahome!!   We had all but given hope in
finding you!"

"No, you had."   Reykia teased, winking.   "I told you I saw
him yesterday."

"Whatever."   Anthony rolled his eyes.   Tarek grinned.  
"Gee…and here I never thought you two would get together!"

"Shut up."   Both former Suzaku seishi retorted.

Tarek smirked, then knelt before the twins.   He looked into each of their eyes,
lastly staring at Joshua.   The two looked at each other for countless minutes,
neither saying a word.   Finally, Tarek spoke. &n You You're starting to remember.
  I can see it in your eyes.   I don't envy you your memories."

Joshua just stared back at him defiantly.   He had begun to remember something,
but what it was he wasn't sure he wanted to know.

Breaking the spell, Reykia gave each twin a hug.   "Go home.   They
won't bother you anymore tonight.   It's getting late.   You don't want to get
in trouble with your parents."

"Mother."   Jonathan frowned, shaking his head.   "Right.
  Let's go Josh."

"Hai…I mean okay."   Joshua shook his head violently, trying to
clear it of the strange things in his head.

After the twins had departed, Anthony rounded on Tarek.   "I could have
handled him!   You didn't have to come and interfere!"

Tarek snorted.   "Right.   And get yourself skewered like last time?!
  I don't think so.   Nakago is right about one thing.   You aren't Emperor
anymore, Hotohori.   I don't have to listen to your orders."

"Hey, hey!   Guys!   We shouldn't be arguing!   They're the enemy,
remember?"   Reykia interposed herself between the two boys.

"Yeah, true.   Sorry.   I guess I'm still too prideful for my own
good."   Anthony held his hand out and him and Tarek shook heartily.  
"Now what do you think they're up to?"

Tarek shrugged.   "There's only one thing.   Nakago is obviously trying
to gather the Seiryuu Shichiseishi together.   That can only mean one thing.  
He wants to summon Seiryuu."

"Which means he plans on acquiring Yui as well.   But they're in Tokyo!"
  Anthony frowned.

"Tokyo?   Are you sure?"   Tarek's eyes widened and his body shook.
  His hand unconsciously went to something hidden under his shirt.

Anthony and Reykia looked at each other.   In unison, they went to him and put
their arms around him.   "You're looking for her, aren't you?"

Tarek turned to look into Reykia's violet eyes.   "I…"

"It's all right, Tamahome.   We understand.   We'll help in any way we
can."   Anthony assured him, giving the other boy a squeeze on the shoulders.

"You don't understand!"   Tarek's eyes widened and tears filled his
eyes.   "I grew up in Austria.   I was going to go to the University in
Vienna.   But then I started remembering and…" He swallowed, looking away.
  "I had a dream of her.   She was standing near a carousel.   I knew
then that I had to find her.   That she was wherever that carousel was.   I
searched for months, until I finally saw a picture of the carousel on the pier in San
Marcos.   I left everything behind to come here.   My friends, my family, my
career.   I have to find her!"

"You will."   Reykia reassured him, placing her hand on his shoulder in
comfort.   "There is a large carnival on the pier.   It starts tomorrow.
  Maybe Miaka is coming here for a vacation.   I can't see how Suzaku would give
a false dream, false hope."

Arriving home without incident, the twins both agreed that sneaking inside would be
futile.   Keeping his brother close behind him, Jonathan opened the front door and
walked in.   Organ music abruptly stopped at the sound of the front door closing.
  The twins looked at each other fearfully, but walked into the living room.

Rachel sat at the organ, her fingers just above the keys.   She appeared to be a
statue, unmoving.   Only her lips moved as she spoke.   "You are
late."

"Sorry, mother.   We got held up at school."   Jonathan attempted
to hide his twin behind him.   He wouldn't let her hurt Joshua again.

"So I heard.   Such things are vanity and of the devil."   Rachel
whipped her head around, staring hatefully at the twins.   "Football?!   I
thought I had taught you better, Joshua."

"It's just a game, mother.   It doesn’t' mean anythingbsp;bsp; The bible
teaches us that it is good to exercise.   That is all this is."   Joshua
whispered behind his brother's back.

"It is the work of the devil!"   Rachel screeched, advancing upon the
two.   Joshua's eyes widened and he panicked.

Jonathan nearly fell against his twin, shock filling him as he stared at the two
spinning orbs once again.   They surrounded him and his brother, keeping their mother
at bay.

Rachel's eyes widened and she drew back in fear.   "I was right…you are
demon possessed…"

"No we aren't!   But you're not going to hurt us anymore!"  
Joshua's eyes grew cold and hard, the orbs slowly approaching Rachel.   She backed
up, but fell on her back onto the floor.   The orbs continued to advance, coming
within centimeters of her face.

"Joshua.   Bring them back."   Jonathan whispered, watching as
terror spread over their mother's features.   "Now."

"I…uh…okay…" Joshua stammered, blinking.   He had felt
something strange at that moment.   As if someone inside him was crying out at the
injustice of anyone hurting his brother.   The orbs came flying back to him.  
He held them in his hand for a moment before they disappeared.

"You aren't going to say anything more, mother.   You will go to bed.  
And Joshua will go to the game."   Jonathan intoned coldly.

Rachel merely nodded as she got to her feet hastily.   She backed up, keeping her
back to the wall as she left the room.   Her bedroom door could be heard closing and
locking.

Jonathan sighed.   He put his arm around his twin and led him to their room.
  Tomorrow was going to be difficult.

to be continued...