Half-Life: Assaliant
Chapter 6
The night's silence disturbed her, causing her to toss and turn wide eyed. Sleep was of no use; it hardly soothed her. Kumiko smoothered a yawn and moved everything away from the door.
She found herself in the kitchen area, reading Dustin's note. Strange, why would he take the prisoner out? Shrugging to herself, Kumiko tip-toed past Eraed. She needed to take a walk, or rather a run.
Kyasarin saw Dustin overtaking her, and put in a final burst of energy, hauling herself up to the roof of the spire.
Kumiko launched herself effortlessly into the sky, jet-black sash swaying behind her. Her form was a silhoutetted against the quater moon, a symbol of grace. She bound roof to roof with leaps of increadible heights, oblivious to the world around her. She was careful to avoid Dustin and Kyasarin.
Kumiko was at peace in that moment of flight, alone yet fulfilled in the silence. It was nearly five in the morning, an hour until sunrise. That was all she needed.
To be alone. Independant.
To fly. Free from the world, if only for a time.
She leapt onto the apartment building, marvelling at the city before her. An army of luminous gray towers, outstanding in strength, outlasting the old. Big Ben no longer remained, its body ripped away only to be replaced with a high-security prison. For those like her? Maybe. The Necromancers had control of everything.
Perching on its metal edge she sighed and closed her eyes.
Somewhere a child cried.
Kumiko's flashed her eyes open, spotting a woman down below on the ground, bleeding. Unable to move. Her young daughter cried out, throwing herself on top of the corpse.
What the...
She didn't concern herself much with the crime at first, until the attacker took off at full speed, leaping onto a distant roof top. His leather, sleeveless, trench coat flailed like wings behind his retreating form. Kumiko's eyes narrowed as she jumped in pursuit.
Eraed sat there quietly, fully awake now that he no longer had to pretend to be sleeping. He sighed, he was alone and he had no idea who he had been.
You are nothing without a past. He thought. He threw himself out of the chair forcefully and stalked out into the night air.
It seemed like hours as she chased him, careful not to be seen by the general public. He was fast, maybe even faster then Kumiko.
"Wait!" she called after the stranger, leaping on the a low level roof-top, "I just want to--"
Suddenly he was gone, all traces of his form lost to the night. Kumiko lept up a level and scanned the area.
Where did he go?
The answer came with a rippling pain in her side, propelling her into the pavement. She bound up quickly, fully alert. He flipped backwards onto a platform, grinning. Wearing a hood, his features were indisdinguisha
ble wild smile burning the darkness. Kumiko darted towards him, jump kicking with deadly precision.
To her amazement he dodged, catching her arm and slamming her face first into a brick wall. There he held her in place, then slid her body to the ground, grinding her skin.
Kumiko ground her teeth, blood obscuring her right eye, making it useless. She struggled with him, mounted by his powerful body.
Fire poured from her veins, into his flesh. Rolling him with her to the side, she trapped him under her as they grappled. He was still alive.
Skin untouched by flames.
An uppercut to the jawline send her into a daze; he was incredibly powerful. A blow to the ribs followed, cracking them. Kumiko coughed blood, forcing herself upwards.
He balanced near the edge. She ran.
Together, locked in contest they plummeted down fifty feet to the streets below.
Eraed made his way along the water. He had always wished he could walk on water. Just to go out and feeling the calming motion as he had done as a child, floating there. He felt the night, and finding it not bad for chill, took off his coat, and shoes, socks and shirt. Then jumped into the Ocean water. He lie there, floating on it, letting the quiet and motion take him away, anywhere but here.
Both kicked away from one another, Kumiko landing and crushing a mobile convertable under her.
"Get the hell off my car freak!"
The stranger ended up weightlessly in the street, citzens around them in panic. More then a dozen reached for their cells, dialing three simple digits.
Kumiko ignored them, blood trickling down half her face from the torn scalp. Her gold eyes blazed, flames shooting out once more.
Again he stood there, laughing, abosrbing the power. Suddenly she found herself on fire, glowing red with the blaze, skin bubbling. With her own flames. Who was this guy?
Ignoring anguish, she propelled herself in a zigzag motion, swinging off of the lampost. She let go, blasting her attacker into solid concrete.
In her moment of advantage she reached down to slit his throat, just as the bulky hood fell back.
Blue eyes stared up at her, soft black hair swaying against them. Kumiko found herself frozen in place, a loss for words.
"You, I, we--" her face paled, causing her to hyperventalate. He grinned, taking the moment to escape.
Kumiko watched him dissapear, unravelling the questions, the cries in her head.
"It can't be..."
Eraed, sighed, as he finally, about dawn, dragged himself from the water. He carried home his things, not bothering to dry off, letting the water drip from him and the cold envelop his body, letting it take away feeling in its power to chill. Eraed did not hurry home, but finally made it there. The others were still out and he went to have a shower and change while he was alone.
Ten minutes later Kumiko strolled in, sagging in the doorway as she dripped with blood.
Eraed, assuming he was alone, could be heard singing from the shower. "Scars heal, glory fades, and all we're left with are the memories made, pain hurts, but only for a minute, life is short so go on and live it, 'cause the chicks dig it." Eraed, still thought he was alone, but had the sense to get dressed before leaving the bathroom. When he came out he was surprised to see Kumiko, especially in that state. He felt pain and confusion eminating from her. "Holy shit, what happened?" Eraed said despite himself, he was not one to use profanity.
"Nice singing there," she smirked, leaning hard against the table,"I hope there's water left.....I'm gonna need it."
Eraed nodded, his embaressment lost in his concern as her emotions flooded through him. "It's all yours, I'll get you a towel." He hurried into the next room and then handed it to her. She obviously did not wish to tell him what happened, so he did not press her. "I'll make breakfast while your in there."
"Thanks," Kumiko murmured, wiping off the excess blood. She had not seen her own blood in ages. Staggering into the bathroom with her one usable eye, she turned on the water and crept inside.
Eraed was worried for her, but more so for them all. What did that to her? The new experiment? It was no use, his mind could not quite but the peices together, there was something missing. No experiment would have given her those emotions, it was something she knew, something familar almost- Eraed shook his head, impossible.
Streaming water cleanse her wounds as Kumiko felt her body healing. She could nearly see from her right eye now, and her scalp had stopped seeping red. She allowed a tear to mix with the water.
I thought you were gone...I...wished for you to come back...
But why did you do this to me?
In no less the ten minutes, Kumiko returned, towelling her mop of hair. Parts of it were still stained with the red. Taking a seat, her head rested on her hands.
" 'fraid I havent got alot of variety, so it will be bacon and eggs again, scrambled this time though." Eraed sighed, he would have to go and get more food soon. He was thankful for the money his parents sent every month, it kept him alove and he knew it. I thought you were gone...I...wished for you to come back... The words echoed in hid mind. So he had been right, someone she knew had attacked her, or perhaps...saved her? His speculations were useless so he left it.
"That'll be fine Eraed," her voice was still choked, "I'm not that hungry anyway.."
Dustin had heared rather than seen the fight. His ears pricked for more sounds. "He was sat ontop of the spire with Kyasarin. "Its beautiful from this height isn't it." He looked over the thousands of lights in the city.
Kyasarin smiled gently, "Yeah it is," She answered, in a softer tone then usual, "It's like the world's laid out at my feet."
Dustin stood up, showing amazing balance. "Here, let me show you something. But first, do you trust me?"
Kyasarin hesitated and looked at Dustin for a long moment, her ice blue eyes studying him cautiously, "Yes," She answered slowly "Yes I do."
He smiled. "Ok then, stand up."He held out his hand to help her up. Once she was up ok, he walked behind her and placed hios hands on her hips, holding her tightly.
"Ok, you ready for this?"
Kyasarin nodded, holding her breath
Dustin bent his knees, then after forcing all his energy to his feet, he launched himself and Kyasarin up into the night air. The spire falling away below them. Then, as gravity began to play its game, he force blue flame under there feet. causing them to stop in mid air. They began to slowly rise, floating above the clouds.
"This is more beautiful, don't you think?"
Kyasarin gasped as she looked around, "Wow... this is amazing..." she trailed off, at a loss for words
He looked at her awe stricken face. "So, where do you want to go? I can take you anywhere you want."
Kyasarin shook her head "I don't think any where can beat this," she whispered, "Where do you suggest?"
He could think of only one place. "I will show you." They began to drift toward the ocean, picking up speed as they went.
Dustin looked down, through the cloud and saw the water below. "Watch" As they gazzed down, dolphins could be seen swimming in formation, jumping over waves together. They drifted down, and began skimming the waves along with the dolphins. Jumping as they did. "Now this is about as close to heven as you will get onn earth"
Kyasarin laughed with amazement as she watched the dolphins, enjoying the sensation of skimming the waves "This is... incredible. I've never even dreamed of this!"
Eraed sat down, putting a plate in front of kumiko and himself. "If you want anything that isn't on the table, feel free to get it, my home, is your home." He said smiling, successfully masking his real feelings.
Kumiko nodded, picking at her food. She didn't even try to hide her despair, her face was a drawn out canvas stretched with mourning. She pushed back her hair. Maybe he...no, that's not it... Mentally arguing with herself, she tried to find a solution, absently bending her fork in frustration.
Eraed watched her intently, eating silently. He could feel everything and a few of her thoughts punctured the fog. He did not know what to say, nor could he be sure what happened. He tried to ignore it, but the emotions were strong, and she made no attempt to mask them.
I can't hide anymore...I have to...
Her thoughts were contorted, mixing with memories and scrambling in her mind. She tapped the plate harder, mumbling to herself. Seemingly oblivious to the world.
She watched the fork break in two.
"Sorry..I.."
Eraed smiled at her, it'd fine. "I lost though, I was guessing the plate would break first." He said laughing, trying desperately to lighten her mood even slightly.
She smiled half-heartedly, losing interesting in food. "I think...I think I need to...lie down."
She headed towards the bedroom.
Eraed sighed, letting her go without a word. He had not been hungry and was just eating as not to be rude. He picked up the plates and put everything away.
Dustin made them glide back to the beach, he set Kyasarin down gently on the sand before he jumped off of the blue flames.
"So, was that a good tour, or do you think it would have been better on foot?"
"Definately not!" Kyasarin laughed, feeling self concious. "Never been to the beach," She commented, kneeling down and running her hand through the sand "Training always came first..."
Dustin looked at Kyasarin. "Yeah, I know what you mean, I had never been able to visit it before, that is, untill I escaped. Thats when I realised that there is more to the world than just the orders I get given."
He looked up. Looking at the rising sun, he could still see the stars and moon. "I want to go up there. I want to be able to leave this place, and not have to think about what I am, or when they will catch me. Do you have a dream?"
Kyasarin shrugged, "Dreams are not productive." she looked down at her hands "But, I always wanted to be involved in something big... an adventure." She shook her head "That's why I didn't leave with everyone else - I stayed because I wanted that adventure. Turns out I was on the wrong side." She looked up into the sky "Seems stupid underneath all this calm beauty to crave action."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. But to be up there, where no troubles can haunt you, with only the feeling of weightlessness inside you, to have all you trouble float away. I think it would be bliss. Even for a moment. This world relies to much upon others, no-one puts trust in themselves anymore, its all up to a few people, the NM control this world, and if I am going to do one thing with my life, it will be to stop them." He bent down and picked up a handful of sand. "Cognito Ergo Sum. You know what that means? Its latin, for 'I think, therefore I am'. People need to remember that."
Eraed paced through the empty apartment as he did on many mornings, waiting for an acceptable time to begin his day. He turned on the radio, but left it low so that it would not disturb Kumiko. He sighed, as he always did thinking about what the day would bring. Waking up in the morning had never been a pleasing prospective to him. But he was already awake and so he slumped down into one of the chairs, letting the music drowned out life, and then he began to cry despite himself. Everything was so hard, he did not know who he was, he had not seen the only family he had ever known in too long, far too long. He had no purpose...No past...No future. He shook his head, and drove away the tears. Who was he to complain? After being subjected to the horrible visions he had decided he was not the one so worse off. Sure he could not remember is past, but also his past did not define him, did not plague him as it had the others. He wiped his eyes, and cheeks and went over to sit in front of the computer consol, searching for any information that would make good reading about them.
Kumiko had been silently observing and now leaned down from the back of the chair.
"Are you ok?" She asked, then glanced at the screen, wondering what he was up to.
Eraed almost jumped out of his skin with surprise. He tried to hide it, but it had been obvious. "How long have you been awake?" He asked tentively, trying to keep the indignation out of his voice.
She smirked, patting his head mockingly. "Only an hour...what are you up to?"
Eraed gulped, had she been spying on him? Watching him while he cried? The thought made his cheeks burn with embarressment. He turned back to the computer so that he did not have to look at her, afraid he might give himself away. "I was looking for something to explain why we die so young. We age at the exact, or a very similar rate as average humans, however we never live far past 20, explain this? Do we just...shut off? Or is their a rapid aging process?" He shook his head. "It doesn't make sense."
She sneered, glancing away from his reddened eyes, giving Eraed the satisfation of not knowing. Kumiko sighed, taking a seat beside him.
"To make the Saiba-Ukiyo all the same age, the Necromancers put us through 'Maturing Chambers'. Three of them in total," she began, "Each held one hundred of us, each section of the series took a few years to produce. Thus, the maturing chambers were developed to make us all of the same age. Whenever the Necromancers attempted to age us passed twenty--mainly those from 1-100--they all died on the spot. Painfully....My guess is the genes we were given were not meant for the human frame...I'm sure our powers are what slowly kill us...
"That's why I've been trying to tame my abilities over the years...I thought it might prolong my life...I have only 4 years left to live..if even that. Some died long before," Kumiko paused, glancing at the information, "I don't know if this is true for all 'experiments', just a possibility for the SU300s. It may be different for you.."
"Your sure I am not a SU?" He asked, he did not even know what kind of experiment he was. He knew nothing.
"I don't know," she murmured honestly, tying back her thick hair. "I dont know anything anymore.."
"Yeah, I noticed you hide your yellow eyes. Why? I don't hide the ring of yellow in my eyes." He looked up at her, his embarressment momentarily forgotten.
"I"m always being hunted Eraed, we all are. Now that I know I am the last free SU300, I know why they're making such an effort now. This has gotta piss them off, unfinished work." she glared slightly, as if the answer was obvious, "I hide my eyes for the same reason I dye my hair. To keep out of sight. I managed to avoid them for nearly a year until I went on that bus a week ago...And now with this new--"she paused, "--development, the NecroS1, I'm not sure I can hide for much longer..maybe I don't even have 4 more years."
"I'm sorry, I forget how hard it is for experiments to hide, it has always been easy for me, as I had a family, an alibi if you will." He shrugged. "Besides, its easy to fit in when it is all you have ever known. What colour is your hair really?" He asked despite himself, knowing he shouldn't have asked.
"White actually," she replied, "I dye it every 3 weeks, b/c it fades so quickly. Punk hair is common right now, so i've only been dying the bottom...makes the job easier."
"It's naturally white then?" he nodded, smiling a bit. "When do I die then? I mean if I am not SU...I might die tomorrow for all I know." He sighed, the thought was almost pleasing, and that scared him.
"Yeah, not too many yellow-eyed albinos around here so I have to fit in somehow," Her face paled at his comment, noting his near delight. Her eyes widened at a realization.
Despite all the pain, depite the memories, the betray and the constant running....
She didn't want to die.
"Your not albino." He said thoughtfully. "Your pale, sure, but not albino, no where close." He was about to continue but he stopped himself. "I have to go grocery shopping today, did you want to come?" He asked after a moments hesitation. Of course she would say no.
She shrugged to both comments. "I don't have anything better to do anyways..Sorry if I seem a bit depressing at the moment, but..you saw me earlier." Kumiko faked a smile. I need to get away from this place, away from my...,
"NOOOOO!!! DON"T DO IT!"
Kumiko screamed, crumpled helplessly to the ground, bullets ridditing her leg. She dragged herself forewards, screaming. Knowing.
That she couldn't save him.
"DON'T KILL HIM!!!"
His eyes were glazed as the metal shots impacted his side, forcing him to the ground. Like unseen claws, dragging him under.
Kumiko screamed, the last think he heard before blood sealed him into darkness...
"RURIK!!!!"
Eraed could tell she was having visions again, but this time he tried to block them, using the method it had said on the computer and a few of the images, and words filtered through, but he managed to block them, however her emotions flowed through him relentlessly.
Kyasarin nodded, "It's true, what are you without your thoughts?" She stared to the east as the sun was rising, Symbolic, she thought The first time I've watched the sun rise is the first day of my new life...
"I-I want to get an early start on the day, so I'll leave a note for the others, if you want to come with me, your welcome to, if you dont your welcome to stay here. Like I said my home is your home, and that is an extended invitation to anytime anywhere." Eraed said, smiling. He went over to the counter and wrote a note. Went to Grocery store and to pick up a few things, I'll be back later, help yourself to anything you want, the one dresser in my room is off limits but everything else is at your leasure. He signed it and grabbed his jacket. "I have to pick up a few things if I am going to be accomidating so many people, and I have the distinct feeling it won't end here. By the way, while we are out if you think of anything I need or you need let me know, that is, if you are coming..."
"Yeah I'm coming," Kumiko tied up her combat boots, "I need new clothes anyways. I'll do a little 'borrowing' and do some shopping aswell."
She glanced absently to the bedroom. What did he have to hide?
Eraed nodded, he was well aware of what people like him had to do to survive. "Alright, we are off then." He opened the door waiting for her to take the lead.
Dustin was sat down on the sand. Letting it run through his fingers. "So.. What do you want to do. Sit here and chat to me, or go on back to Eraed's place."
He was tired, but then, he felt so much energy running through his body, making him want to stay.
Kyasarin lay on her back in the sand, "Mind if we stay here?" she asked
He smiled at her. "Not at all. I love this place, its so calm and gental. Its how the entire world should be, and yet, everything it shouldn't be aswell."
Kyasarin nodded, "It feels like the end of the world, but the beginning of everything. Woah, me being philosophical, who'd've thought it?" she laughed
Eraed walked down the morning streets of the city with Kumiko, he figured he would leave grocery shopping to last. "I have such things as shampoo and a few other necessities we'll all be needin' in case you plan to stay, can you think of anything?"
"Yeah" Dustin began to laugh. "Well, atleast someone else thinks of it that way. I don't feel so alone anymore." He took her hand. "Let me show you something" He withdrew from his pocket several crystals. He placed them all upright in the sand, in a perfect circle. "I learnt this from a very old religion." He then drew a perfect five pointed star joining up with the five crystals on the sand. Taking Kyasarin's hand he held it in the centre. "Can you feel that?"
"Wow, it's like there's an energy there... passing through into me." She turned to Dustin "What is it?"
"Its energy that is within all of us. every living and inanimate object has it. But crystals can translate it. They can move it from things, take it and give it." He looked up at her, hoping she was interested. He was coming to the best bit.
"We, me and you that is, and Eraed and Kumiko, and every one else like us, have enhanced levels of this energy. It is our DNA if you like. Forced into us in vast amounts. But because of this, our bodies adapt, they change to use this extra energy, thus, giving us our powers. We die early becuase we do not lose the powers when our energy levls balance out. So we use it all, and it kills us" his voice began to trail off. "But, if I can find a way, we could continue to have high energy levels, live for more than we are ment to." He picked up a crystal and held it in his hand, drawing the energy from it. When he opened it, the crystal was dust. "But for some reason, I can also give, I am much like these crystals." CLosing his hand again he concentrated on giving back what he had taken. When he opened it, the crystal was twice the size it was origionally. "You understand?"
Kyasarin nodded, she sat silently for a moment "It's weird to hear you say 'we' all my life I've denied what I am - whatever it may be. All my life I've never belonged anywhere." Kyasarin picked up a crystal, cradling it carefully in her hands, "Where did you learn this?"
"I put the conclusion together myself. I worked it out three years ago. I am nineteen, although you wouldn't have guessed. I am due to die in three months." He looked dow at the crystal. "I began to take energy from the earth three years ago. It made me stronger, faster, better than anyone. But I allways gave it back. I have not aged since then, I mean look at me." He curled Kyasarin's fingers over the crystal in her hand. "Keep it, you never know when it will come in handy."
Kyasarin held the crystal tightly "Let's hope we find a way to use this energy to keep you alive longer." She said sincerely
"Now you are getting it" He smiled at her. "But now you know, you can also use your power for other things. Not just what they say you can. You could use it for anything. Even to bring someone back from the edge of death, that is the real purpose, that i think i am here for. To help others. And, why have you denide it? There is nothing to be ashamed of"
Kumiko walked passively beside Eraed on the busy streets, scaling the downtown shopping centers. A list in her mind she planned to purchase a few things herself. Looking around, she spotted her first investor.
A young man in his early twenties carried a brief-case, chatting busily on his cell. He was in a hurry, hardly paying attention to the outside world. Trotting ahead, she slammed into him, causing his conversation to end abrubtly as the phone hit solid concrete.
"What is your problem kid!" He growled, pushing down dark sunglasses as he re-gathered his things.
"Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."
"Obviously! Arg! If this is broken you better hope you have insurance kid!"
"I"m sure its fine, cya later. And sorry," Kumiko pulled Eraed with her as they turned a corner, opening a thick wallet lined in credit cards and cash. She grinned, counting fifties. He had been a good catch.
"I need some clothing and a certain weapon," she told Eraed, pushing the wallet into her pocket, "We can find it at Zao's Collectables. Let's do your shopping first though."
Eraed shook his head. "Kumiko, you take what you need, nothing more." He looked at her slightly perturbed. "That man may have had his life in his wallet, promise when you've gotten everything you need you'll need take it to the lost and found."
"Why do you sympathize with humans?" she snapped, taking out the wallet once more to look through it, "It was humans who took away our life and now you're protecting them?!"
Kyasarin shrugged, "Because they took me when I was young and told me that it was wrong - that I was wrong. They strapped me down and tried to cut it out of me. I've spent my life hunting down others who aren't the norm. I'm not ashamed of it, but then I'm not proud of it either."
Eraed sighed. "I sympathize with everyone. That man didn't ask for this to happen to us, nor did his wife and four kids. I sympathize with them because I feel their pain, their happiness." He sighed again. "I sympathize with all creatures."
"Sympathy isn't a luxury we can afford," she retorted, scanning the credit cards, "Humans...don't deserve it..."
Kumiko recalled the one human she had sympathized with, more then sympathized with, hearing his voice in her mind. Not that it ever left it.
Eraed went slightly red in the face. "If we fail to sympathize, fail to tolerate than we become worse than them. We become the lesser beings we have grown to hate." Eraed shook his head. "I am not a moral man, but I will not bring unnecessary pain to another being, not the largest mammal to the smallest invertebrae. It just isn't right."
"We aren't you just a regular Mr.Sunshine!" She responded sarcastically, "Making yourself seem soooo much better then the rest of us! And guess what Eraed? They already believe we're worse then them, so what's the point?!"
She paused, knowing it wasn't even his fault she was so angry, Eraed was just being Eraed. But the with previous events, she just couldn't stop herself..."At least you had a family to look after you! I had to steal to stay alive, I never knew what it was like to have a home! It was either steal or kill, so don't go around preaching like some fricken saint when you don't know shit!"
Kumiko took in a deep breath, calming herself, "I-I'm..." She couldn't apolgize she was still so angry. Not at him, but at the world. For making her like this, for taking Dustin from her, for taking Rurik..
Ki-rule runs down the street trying despreatly to get a vision out of his head eventually out of exaustion he falls to the ground shaking...
Dustin put a comforting arm around Kyasarin. "Look, if it makes you feel any better I did the same. Only I was killing innocent people, i was an assassin, trained to be the best. I killed two people and after that I just stopped, I couldn't do it." Images flashed infront of his eyes, and a single solitary tear ran down his cheek. "We all do things we regret. Most of all, us, the ones who don't belong. So keep your chin up, and fight for what you beleave in. It is the best reason to fight for."
Kyasarin sighed and put her head on his shoulder, momentarily disheartened "Find me something to believe in and I will," she replied, she sat up straighter and stared out at the sea, feeling better as she watched the endless waves.
Eraed shook his head stunned. "I-I don't think I'm better than anyone. Do you not think I have had to steal? Of course I have." He shook his head, her anger had surged through him, making his knees shake. "I-I was just asking that when you have taken what you need you try to return it. I understand we have to steal to survive, but...if we take exsess and do it out of spite then-It's no longer for survival is it?" He shook his head again looking down at his feet. "I wasn't judging you."
"Its fine, nothing new," she blew out the rising anger in a sigh and pushed back her two-toned hair, "I'll do it alright?...If that'll make you happy."
She stared into space absently, trying to escape this enclosing reality.
Ki-rule sees Eraed and immediatly knows he isn't human "Maybe he can help." he thought to himself. He runs over to him "Help me please, I need some help here aaah!" the vision surged through his head again making him fall to the ground crying.
"What the hell?" Kumiko ran to the fallen child, forcing him up onto his knees, "Kid you alright?"
Eraed blinked as the vision passed through him, but was able to wave it off. He ran up to the kid. "Kumiko he is having visions. Terrible ones, I can-" Eraed fell to his knees as another one coursed though him. "P-pain." Was all he could make out. "Make it-it st-" He shuddered yet another one hit. Eraed struggled to get distance between himself and the child, distance usually helped him to block out his mind, that would stop the visions, but not the pain, he could never seem to stop the emotions.
The sun was full in the sky now, shinig on the water. "If you want something to beleave in, then try this. Beleave in me, and you. We are going to find a way to stop this. We will find a way. We are just looking in the wrong places. Just have a little faith in yourself and you can do anything." He gazed intently at the suns reflection in the water.
Kyasarin nodded, "I'll try," she watched the endless waves looking like liquid fire under the sun.
The kid got up and felt the vision along with fire rising in him, "No!" the fire welled up into his hands he managed to force it back down, but at a price he saw the world spin and then he fell down unconcious.
"STOP IT!" Kumiko grabbed him by his upper arms, shaking him slightly from his trance. She surged her bluish fire onto the child, only slightly singeing him, using it to send him into a deep slumber. As his face fell, she lifted Ki-rule into her arms, walking over to Eraed with her load.
"Are you alright?" Was this what happened to him everytime she remembered?
He gasped forcing himself up onto his feet as the world swam around him. "I-I'm fine, see?" He got up, flashing his half smile as he forced himself into control. The pain still ached deep in his chest and he felt dizzy but he forced it down, making him seem as if nothing had happened. "It really isn't that big a deal, I've had worse...much worse." Eraed said, not thinking. He was sure she would not be able to decipher he meant her own out bursts.
The child's eyes fluttered open and he found himself in Kumiko's arms "Hey who's carrying me put me down here! I'll live it's nothing put me down now! he increased the tempeture around him to about 400 degrees farenhite for a few seconds causing her to drop him.
Eraed lurched suddenly at the burst. "Calm down man! We are not here to hurt you, I promise you that. Just calm down." He said in his soothing tone, he had never realized what it was he was doing till that moment, something he had always done, made people feel things. He felt a slight clench of his stomach, had he done it all his life without knowing it?
Kumiko sneered at the nusicence, her burns healing within second. She grabbed Ky-Rule by his shirt collar, "Do that again and I'll fry your scrawny ass!"
She summoned a flaming ball of red light, "You're not the only one who can play with fire."
She watched Eraed for a moment, releasing the ignorant child. He was stressed enough as it was, had suffered enough..
"You think that's all I can do?" his hand crackled with electricity. Kumiko heard a voice in her head " I didn't do that on purpose kay?"
Eraed clenched his jaw tightly, the realization that he had unwittedly manipulated everyone he had ever known seeping into him. His powers were a nuisance, a hiddious nuisance. He shook away the tears that welled up, emotions giving way to practicallity. "Stop it." He hissed. "Kumiko, what the hell do you think you are doing, we are in the middle of a street for heaven's sake."
"I have no problem killing children," she replied, "This one might be from the Necromancers."
She caught his gaze, seeing the glossiness to his eyes. Raising an eyebrow she shrugged dropping the child, "If you didn't mean it why did you do it kid? If you're gonna be a pain in the ass we'll just leave you and your issues to die on the street alright?"
She turned to Eraed, resting a hand on his shoulder, "What's wrong?"
"You don't get it do you?" he paused closing his eyes "Kumiko, you have your visions asleep and your flash backs awake
like me except mine aren't on trigger like yours they happen randomly and it takes control of me. So you know what you're right I'll leave." the kid began walking away...
Eraed forced himself into calm. "Hold it boy. There is no way you're leaving, you'll be killed." He began to panic slightly as he saw a flash out of the corner of his eye, and people pressing cell phone's to ears. Eraed did the only thing he could. It's alright, calm down. Just Listen to us. Calm down. Eraed let the feelings swirl into the boy. He felt weak as he did it, never having done it onpurpose before. "Come on Kumiko, I think it's time we got this shopping done, boy, your coming whether you like it or not. And since I am not afraid of death and you are afraid of killing I suggest you just listen." He said forcefully. "Now hurry the hell up, Kumiko, come on!"
She glared, murmuring darkly "Stay out of my head kid or I will kill you."
She followed, knocking the person's cell as she went.
Half-Life
Stumble!