Like Finding a Rabbit in a Forest

[Saryuu Evan]

It was sometime that things were silent in the midst of the forest as there was a lone individual, lying on the grass by his lonesome. No movement was noted as his body was still and his eyes are shut until amethyst hues opened up and the first thing they saw was the blue sky overhead before they steadily got up, using his arm to push his weight upwards to a sitting position, only to rub the back of his head.

Actually, for some reason, it hurts as he could feel something just trying to come back to him. Could it be his powers at work again or just a regular headache? He wasn't sure but if it is the former, that would mean El Dorado's vaccine had less effect on him than he thought. After all, he is the strongest, well was, but he was determined to climb up that ladder again if possible and he's not resting until he gets what he wants.

First things first though.

"I just had to interact with a Parallel Stone, didn't I? If I was going to be flung this far back in some sort of alternate dimension.." Saryuu murmured to himself as he eventually perked up and looked around his surroundings. "Now where are we? Are we back in Camelot because I'm getting that feeling for some odd reason, tsh whatever, atleast it's better than being in that facility."

Wait a moment. He paused for a bit remembering seeing Fei in the M.U.G.E.N. facility before he looked around in a panic. "Fei?"

No response.

"Damn, where'd he go? We must had gotten separated." he tsked before he would eventually push himself up to stand on his legs before dusting himself of the dirt and eventual crossing of his arms. "If only I still had telepathy, I could contact him right away without any issue."

He's never really got being 'normal', he was so used to his powers that he would be able to do just about anything with them and to be a witness to this event, well, it's embarrassing to him. Though, for Fei, even though he has his disagreement with the other, he would never forgive himself should something hurt his frie- no wait, Fei left him. That's right. He has betrayed him and the mere thought of it only makes him grasp his gloved hand in silence.

The conflict of choices that he had for a moment before he started his trek to look for Fei, who was actually in the depths of the sea of trees some distance near some caverns. Unlike Saryuu's position, it was a somewhat thicker part of the forest, though seeing the nature, the greenette did had a sort of relief to it while he traversed carefully. Somehow, it reminded him of better times, namely with Tenma and the others to which he wonders if he would be able to see again. Sure, it's been a bit since the two parted but he already missed them and that's the best he could do to keep a positive despite of what is going on currently.

"Saryuu! Saryuu?" he yelled as he was on the search with his voice heard within the realms of the ambient yet slightly fogged forest. In a sense, there was an undertone of concern in his voice because despite of what Saryuu did, he wanted to try to resolve things even if his friend hurt him in the past.

He wonders how Saryuu is going to find him since they no longer have powers. Maybe to some extent, Saryuu was right but on the other side, maybe because he was too ashamed of really embracing them fully since he did hurt people in the past. The organization was trying to defend themselves but they were lead astray on their true purpose which Saryuu established long ago. Besides they were a bunch of sad, lonely children after all but it shouldn't be the reason why they would go to war. It could had really been solved peacefully instead of people dying from both sides and if it wasn't the war, it was their own flawed genetics killing them off, one by one, and he didn't know when his time was going to be up until he was vaccinated.

Eventually, the greenette shook his head and as he continued focusing on what needed to be done, hoping to find Saryuu somehow. He has too much to worry about right now, though for some reason, he wonders who or what would pop along this area and to take caution when needed be.

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

It was bright, it was sunny…​

Actually, too sunny, why hadn’t… was he late? Oh… he was probably late. There was never this much light in his eyes in the morning unless he overslept. Then why hadn’t anyone knocked on his door? Oh he didn’t want to watch the uhhh ‘trials’, still he needed to go, he was captain, he was supposed to be there and why hadn’t his alarm… woken… him… up?​

Oh.​

Why was he outside? In the sun?​

Why was he outside in his Inazuma Japan Outfit?​

‘Guys…? Guys…?’ Okay, he was still… so exhausted and he tended to slur a bit when he first wake up, but… this really wasn’t funny. He wasn’t in his bed. There wasn’t any tan walls and blue highlights that he was used to, this was… outside… somewhere. And he could have sworn he went to bed with his pajamas. Probably… err… maybe? Last night was weird. Really weird…. Actually, did he wear his pajamas last night? He wasn't sure.... But! Still!​

‘Guys! Everyone? … ANYONE!? This isn’t funny! It really isn’t! Come out now!’​

Not that anyone did.​

He paused, waited for any sign of an answer… a crunch of leaves, a twig snapping or giggling, or even just stupid laughter. Except.. there wasn’t anything.​

‘Guys, do you how weird you all for doing this? Weirdos! ’ ​

He didn’t mean to, but, his voice cracked and ended in a whine, because, oh come on no one was coming and he really, really had a weird dream and well… he had no idea where he was. He wasn’t near the camp. If he was still in the city, then it was in a place that he didn’t know about or in one of the forests outside the city and oh gosh that was worrying. I mean the city only had parks, nothing too big like an actual forest even if that might be really cool. Was this because he had pushed too hard? Mean, he knew that… most of them were maybe… just kind of annoyed or not interested, but, still… he wasn’t that bad? Not that bad, at least he could not be that bad to be left in the woods. Mean, he was close to Shindou and Tsurugui's rooom and they wouldn't pull this on him, even if they were having a disagreement, right? Right! Oh boy though, he was definitely late and would expect one of them to find him.​

It wasn’t quiet, but, it was quiet. As he didn’t hear, people, he didn’t hear any cars, just… birds… and some insects… and…. He felt uncomfortable, he always heard people when he woke up or was woken up by. It just felt… wrong. It would be okay though, it would be okay. Everything just felt off, right now​

‘Gu-‘​

A tiny paw pressed itself to his lips and… a tiny pair of blue eyes blinked at him and well he didn’t say anymore. Mostly that was because he was trying not to voice his absolute surprise and scare it off. It was white… with a yellow tail with a lot of yellow hair like fur… it was the thing from his dream? Dreams? … He wasn’t still dreaming, was he? No, well, he didn’t think so, he felt sore, and there was something like a few twigs in his hair and they were poking his head. So, probably not asleep. Maybe. So, the fairy creature was probably real… huh. And the tiny creature looked at him, almost expectantly. As if waiting for something, being very much real and warm and furry.​

‘Oh, hi there? Ah, you surprised me a bit, but, I'm, not going to do anything.’​

It seem to notice, but, continued to stare. So… what did it… oh man he was being rude wasn’t he? Maybe, he wasn’t entirely sure that it understood, what he was saying, but, it was tiny and he was big and it knew that, and it wasn’t running. It probably wasn’t glaring.​

‘Ah, my name is Matsukaze Tenma! Everyone calls me Tenma, okay?’​

The little creature jumped from his its place near his neck and he only barely manage to make a cup before the fairy like thing hit the ground. It didn’t fall to the ground as gracefully floated and jumped to his now awkwardly open palm. Flicking its tail and… was it purring? It would be nice to get some answers.​

‘Uh.. do you have a name I can call you?’​

It flicked its tail and blinked, looked off, and then stared at him again. Uhhh… no? Maybe? The answer feels like… maybe. Not a no, a maybe. Or maybe, he was just imagining it, that maybe it could answer him? That’s when the small creature swiveled its ear and then proceed to float… umm jump? And tug his ear in a direction. Which hurt, but it did not wait for him. It looked at him and floated and then started floating away. Well first it circled his neck and then tried tugging him off further into the forest before resorting to the ear tugging. The ear bit was just a bit much.​

You don't have to tell me! Just. Wait! Hey wait up, just wait up! I’m coming!’​

For such a tiny little fairy thing, it flew and bounded and jumped pretty fast, weaving around the low hanging branches and the wild brush right up a small incline. There was so much green everywhere, that he wasn’t going to find that clearing he was in again. Or it wasn’t likely, he didn’t move in a straight line. Amidst all the green though further out was a strange shade that didn’t belong to the forest, a very familiar mint green. And a very familiar orange which didn’t at all blend in with the forest.​

‘Fei?’​

He half mumbled to himself… because they were friends, but, Fei was 200 years away in the future… and elsewhere! Not that it couldn’t be, just that it would be a long shot, it would be… well… He looked at the fairy creature now drifting above his shoulder. Hard to believe it was real? Not that hard. So cupping his hands together he yelled out, not entirely sure, just pretty sure/​

‘Feeeeei?! IS THAT YOU? FEI!’​

Maybe now it was going to much more okay and alright.​

 

[Saryuu Evan]

Fei perked up as he heard a familiar voice in the distance and stopped wondering. It can't be..can it? The greenette would ask questions later as he would follow the source of the noise while weaving through the light fog with caution as he last heard it. However, he made himself apparent from the shrubbery of the forest, breaking away from the thickness as his footsteps became more noticable especially while he crossed some small running water streams on the way over before he took a notice to a strange glowing light in the midst of the forest.

The fog wasn't heavy but it was a slight annoyance to vision and for some reason, his gut instinct was telling him to follow that light, only to see a hint of the brunette's hair with the same swirling hairstyle as-wait, is that..no, it can't be? Is it?

"Tenma! Is that you?" he answered back as his voice was much louder, indicating his closeness towards the other youth and his companion. "It's Fei! I'm here!"

To be honest, Fei really didn't know what to say about that glowing light but from a close inspection, it looks like it would belong around here for some reason, kinda like how Camelot had strange creatures as well. Boy, that was sometime ago, much to the greenette's knowledge, since their big adventure across time-space and it was some trip, however, he had to remember his situation and he wasn't sure why but Tenma is here somehow. This feels off but he knows that he has to find Saryuu as well and so if he talks with his old friend, he would have to do it as they were on the search for Saryuu.

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

It really was Fei!

Fei was here! Really here. And he was standing there with a grin that threatened to take over his entire face waving his arm in welcome as he half ran and walked over to his future friend! Or maybe he should just leave it at good friend, the future part made I far more complicated than it needed to be. As joyful as he was that he got to see Fei again… and he really was because it felt like ages since they last saw each other even if that really wasn’t the case, it was also weird. Then again, the beginning of worlds already felt like it had stretched more than a month and it was only two weeks with only one match. The one with Korea. And it wasn’t a good or bad weird, just weird and a relief. A breath of fresh air. Just, he didn’t expect to see Fei anytime soon or… maybe… well…. But, Fei was here and he couldn’t focus on the weirdness even if it meant he had more questions than before. A lot of questions. As simple as what the year was.

‘Fei! It’s me, it’s Tenma!’

He paused ‘It’s great to see you again! Really good!’ The strange fairy trailed behind him, flitting to the side, floating as if looking at Fei as he half bounced in place. He watched for a second as it sort of tried to circle Fei… like it was examining him. He wasn’t sure except he was pretty sure it was. That the creature that had… hatched from his dreams did understand. Just that it seemed really attentive and reactive so it maybe really was communicating? Or seemed to be?

‘Though what brings you here?’

Not that Tenma knew where he was and instead wildly waved his hand around to denote here. It seemed unlikely that he managed time travel. So, it was just a matter of finding out what here was. Well one of them had to time travel right? And since, he thought time traveling was no longer approved... at least that was more or less what El Dorado promised…. Augh, there was something weird and he was still pretty sure that Japan in his time had a time machine. Just pretty sure.

' And how-'

And though he didn’t want to overwhelm Fei, and tentatively went to sort of tackle him… and you know ask how he was doing… that sense of weird struck again. Weird in the general sense. Not the time travel weirdness. He couldn’t put his finger on it. And it didn’t just feel weird, it felt wrong. Wrong wasn’t the right word, it felt downright eerie and it wasn’t Fei, it wasn’t the strange fairy creature that he had followed. No, it was something else. It had been quiet before. Quiet in the fact he hadn’t heard much except the rustle of leaves, the bird song, and the humming insects. Nature quiet. No humans quiet. Except, right now? He couldn’t hear any of that. There wasn’t anything? The birds stopped chirping. There wasn’t so much as a twig snap… only the faintest sound of water running in the background, consistent and steady. And he didn’t hear the insects… the ones that were buzzing in his ear a second ago. The forest was… deathly silent. That… that was the eerie part. So he didn’t know what that meant, just, that… gut feeling that he wasn’t, no they weren’t supposed to be here.

So he shot Fei a questioning look, not entirely sure why it felt so eerie just that it did.
And hoping it was really just him.

 

[Saryuu Evan]

Seeing the little creature float around him did have Fei curious as well, though, as soon as Tenma stopped, he can feel it as well. The stillness, that is, and even after Tenma had embraced with his old friend, Fei's feeling of relief turned to cautiousness as he looked around with suspicion.

"Hold on. While I don't know what is really going on, we should leave this place before anything else." he answered before he grabbed his friend's hand as he is on guard and started to get a move on forwards towards a different direction slowly. "I'm sure Saryuu is around..well, somewhere that is. We were together before we came here."

He has this feeling that they're being watched and potentially in danger. The worst part is that he doesn't have his gun or anything to protect him and would have to do his best to protect Tenma and since this is the wilderness, anything could happen to them.

"Just stay close, alright?" he asked again with a smile, even though it's on the wary side of things as he thought to himself about protecting Tenma.

Closeby to the situation, Saryuu was traversing in the thicker part of the forest after hearing some yelling, echoing off from the ambient sea of trees from nearby the current location. Granted that of course, it turned out oddly foggier than the normal half that he was in earlier where there was plenty of sunlight shining down from the blue skies overhead. Overtime, the scenery was replaced by the occasional light filtering down from the canopies to, in a sense, more darkness.

The fact that he has to look for Fei was troubling and no powers to add was another slap to the face, even in this situation. He was looking around his surroundings for awhile, only to see a glowing light, causing him to stopped to wonder what was going on even coming from his perspective. It looked odd enough to investigate, however, he did see a faint hint of orange and green along with brunette and blue.

Narrowing his eyes for a bit, the visuals had to be Fei..but the other..why did it look like?

Wait, he knows that hairstyle!

Is that..Tenma? More importantly so was also this: was he seeing things as well and how did he end up here of all places?

Honestly, he didn't understand but even though he was some distance from the two, Fei could feel something other than the current presence as it felt oddly familiar to him even though it was some good distance away.

The question was: What is going on? He is confused but he still had things to do as well. It almost feels like he is being yanked in two different directions and one was something he thought was long gone as well!

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

So….

It wasn’t just him. Fei felt like moving too, so he wasn’t imagining, well, feeling like being here was wrong. All of sudden wrong. Which was both reassuring and not at all reassuring, but, considering what both of them faced together, it seemed a bit silly to be this weirded out. And he wasn’t used to feeling ill at ease. Though it would be nice if one of them knew what was going on, because he most certainly didn’t have a clue. Not a single one. Just that the fairy creature was probably almost definitively involved in this and here and how … if he was remembering last night at all correctly. Or last night’s dream? Auuugh, it didn’t really matter right now.

Because… right now? Right now, out sounded like a really good plan, so he let himself be led away, following close behind Fei.

Fei really had a good grip on him anyway, so he was going anyway. It was a little embarrassing, but weirdly it felt… huh like his mom was dragging him around when he was little. As in no, it wasn’t negotiable. And as in… no, hurry up, or when you walked faster when you passed certain types of people. Or when they passed by people who liked to stare at him a little too long for his mom’s liking when he was only five. Concern? Yeah, maybe concerned was the right word. Concerned about Saru? He squeezed Fei’s hand as… consolidation? Ummm, consideration. Yeah that was the right word. You don't argue with that grip either, he knew from experience... so they just had to find Saru. In the middle of a forest. Okay, that might be hard, not impossible and they'd figure it out.

Though ... admittedly his eyes opened a little when he heard Saru was around, he was just surprised.

Really, it was just surprise!

Granted they were… ummm friends… and they were seriously, they both agreed, and it was way better that way. So much better. Just? He didn’t think Saru would come visit, just didn't seem the type? Probably not? He wasn't being mean, just he didn't get that feeling. They were soccer buddies and... okay that was enough for him. And he vaguely knew that Fei and Saru were friends and are friends! So maybe he was a little surprised because last time he saw them, well, it was… after Fei sort of maybe betrayed the other, and …? Oh he was happy that he did, not, the betrayal part… that was bad...probably? He maybe had an idea of how that felt. Kind of. Though if Fei didn’t, they probably wouldn’t have a chance and Coach Endou might still be stuck in a stone. There were a lot of emotions there, and he knew that there were a lot more emotions between Saru and Fei. Well so he might have been surprised! Then settled on happy, mostly because bridges were probably mended or mending if they came here together. So happy for both his friends! He knew enough to understand that Saru and Fei were important to each other! So he was happy!

He smiled, ‘Let’s go then, let’s go find Sar-‘

‘Sa-‘…. ‘Cu-‘ … ‘Ou’

The fairy creature had come back, glancing at his friend and then stood on his shoulders to promptly mess with his check. Which made it hard to talk. Which was probably the point as the small creature stopped doing that when he stopped trying to speak. Or making sound in general. He let out a small sigh, and just nodded instead, looking over the strange creature that was causing him a little trouble. With it’s long tail wrapped partly around his neck and the creature perched there for the immediate future looking blankly at him back, it was giving some mixed messages. Except the part where, it probably just told him to be quiet. Just it was then looking at him with blinking eyes that conveyed nothing. Wide eyes. Blinking wide blank eyes?

And it really, really… was quiet.
Did he mention that yet?

It was still creepy.
In fact, he felt a chill run down the nape of his neck.
And there wasn’t any wind.

 

[Saryuu Evan]

As the group traversed, Saryuu followed the light in the forest as well as the visuals that he has seen in the shrubbery from the distance. He didn't exactly make himself known to the group yet but trailing over closer and carefully as well. Upon closer inspection, judging by Fei's movements, he was tense over something but didn't know what or why exactly but that's what he wants to find out. Unbeknowst to him, he isn't aware that Fei was actually sensing something and may have a hint to some extent.

"I'm sure he'd be surprised to see you again Tenma. It's been awhile." the greenette spoke up while trying to keep calm. However, he has this lingering feeling that whatever was lingering around, it was evident, however he asked,"So what is that small creature? Is it a fairy like what we've seen in Camelot or something? It really seems to like you."

While speaking, Fei had this tone of tenseness about him. He has no weapons or any of the sorts and even if he did, he would need to defend himself normally since El Dorado did take away any and all weaponry that Feida had. That was actually the first thing before they went around and vaccinating the Second Stage Children, however, since Saryuu was the leader, he was charged with all sorts of war crimes that really put a number to his criminal ranking to place him in the M.U.G.E.N. facility. Though, while Fei was faced with the same thing, he helped out Raimon and El Dorado seemed to take it easier on him in general with the charges.

He frowned at the fact that his name was tied to the former organization as he felt guilt and remorse, however, when he was last spoke to Saryuu, he could see this look of anger in his eyes. Almost if he hasn't exactly let go of the past and just keeps on dragging it along with him and since the betrayal, well, he didn't know how Saryuu was going to handle it. If anything, Saryuu hated betrayal above anything especially in the organization and has a tendency to be extremely vindictive as noted by the criminal acts that they've caused.

Even though Humanity and the future is safe with Feida disbanded, he can still see a storm coming in the form of repercussions.

However, it wouldn't be long before he heard a snap of a branch, causing him to perk up and immediately stop in place and looked back to check his surroundings for a bit. "What was that?"

He'd be lying if he isn't paranoid to an extent.

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

‘I’m glad you’re here! Umm.. both of you! It’s a bit of surprise, but, a good one!’

He rubbed the back of his head, or tried, since his hands were both tied. One with a soccer ball and the other with uhhh Fei. He… uhhh, must have picked it up just out of habit, since he didn’t remember actually grabbing it. ‘A while? Really it feels like forever ago honestly. Not that it has been!’ He let out a soft chuckle, ‘Just, everyone has been busy, maybe that’s why? Eheh…’ Tenma exhaled under his breath, feeling the need to rub his cheek.

How did something so small make his check all red? Really? Though at least it didn’t try to… stop him from you know. Talking this time? Though, right now it looked a little distracted. The fairy thing wasn’t looking at them anymore, ears swiveling. Huh.

Still… he was sure they were busy, the selection for Inazuma Japan had to sting… a lot. They had been busy, they had all been busy, trying to level up for the selections. And the spots went to people whom they didn’t know, they couldn’t even be content with that. Then the match after and… 20 goals. He hadn’t had time to go see them and check on the rest of Raimon, which honestly made him feel a bit terrible. So he had no doubt they were busy, or had dragged themselves up, because he knew their performance live wasn’t… well it wasn’t great. And maybe he would have, but, he had his hands busy with the new team and… everything was a mess. Shindou would remind him at every turn, but, there had to be some reason and he had to make them a team for the same reasons. His shoulders slumped a bit as he continued too follow, as he still, just he wasn’t sure what to do there. Expect he wasn’t there at the training camp. He was here and had to focus on here! Wherever here was! He was pretty sure that was the bigger problem.

As for his little companion, oh boy.

Honestly, he hadn’t a clue, but, Fei’s grip seemed even firmer and he was looking around much more. Fei. Fei, really must be concerned. And the weirdness didn’t go away either, and nor did the coldness on the nape of his neck. He started to mimic Fei, looking in the same direction as the other boy did… not really sure what he was looking for. Well except for the obvious.

Except, you know looking for Saru.

‘Okay, well it’s a bit of a story about this guy… and I'm not entirely sure what happened?!’

He shrugged the should the fairy was on, who was still intent on looking at… something. Well, he was sure that Fei would believe him, it didn't make it less strange. Trying to explain anything about their adventure was a headache and a half. Not that he tried to. Tenma began to speak quicker and quicker trying to get the details out unintentionally.

‘I was getting ready for bed and saw… this guy. For a second. And then I wasn’t in my room. I was in a desert at night. With a really weird green cast, and without this guy. And then it wasn’t the desert. It looked like the camp I’ve been in with the walls. Except… there was a lot of machinery I’ve never seen before. Really high tech.’ It looked like it was high tech, it was stuff that made his eyes glaze over. Screens buttons, lots of lights. Things that he associated with technological complexity, things that were so out of his understanding. His eyebrows furrowed a bit in trying to remember what happened… ‘I wound up back in that desert. It felt so real. I could feel the wind. And the sand.’ Well… he thought it was real. It felt genuine. There was something he was forgetting about, not that he had forgotten, just, that it was probably really important.

Oh.
Yeah, he wasn’t alone. That girl was there. He was following the girl, the girl who disappeared into shard of light. Oh… yeah, that was pretty important. She didn’t look like anyone he had seen before.

‘Oh and there wa-‘

He felt his shirt get yanked backwards, to the side, and half choked out of surprise as the shirt bunched around his neck. It wasn’t a hard, just enough to get his attention. He saw it first before he tug heard it. At first, he thought it was a massive dog. A massive dog leering at them from the bushes with its fur all up. He loved dogs, but this one… this one was saying I’m going to bite you. And was growling, so maybe it was more like I’m going to attack you, since it had it’s ear flat and its lips off flashing very… very sharp fangs. Basic dog language, because being a good owner and caretaker these were things you were supposed to keep away from your own dog.

He wanted to scream run.
He wanted to run
Running wasn’t a great idea, Sasuke would bite his ankles when he was little and herd him around.
So he knew that was a bad idea.
A really… bad idea.
Except he didn’t really know what to do other than not run.

‘Fei!’

Strangely, he was reminded of the first time he met Tsurugi, except with more fear and something far scarier than Death Sword.
And… he….
He did not think.
That was a dog.

 

[Saryuu Evan]

Fei's reaction was one of surprise as Tenma shouted his name before he noticed the wolf, growling and snarling at the trio. The beast's maw was drooling as it's eyes was focused on the boys. Uh oh, this is trouble especially when the canine's eyes were one of hunger and Fei had to stand his ground to protect Tenma and the creature that he stepped out in front, shielding Tenma.

"I won't let you harm Tenma or anyone else that's my friend!" he exclaimed at the wolf before the creature would start to charge at the greenette on his fours before Fei closed his eyes, only for the creature to leap up at him with it's maw open.

And...

Nothing, but absolute - if not also - eerie silence.

Well, until Fei opened one of his eyes, only to see the creature enveloped with a familiar aura surrounding the body as it was floating in mid-air. To his surprise, it was that same violet aura that the Second Stage Children had before they lose their powers..or...did they? He wasn't sure but he sensed something familiar around the forest, however, in the matter of seconds, the creature was sent flying against the tree with a whimper as it rolled down from the trunk onto the dirt of the ground, next to a far tree, only to get up and run off in a panic.

Fei was confused, but as he eventually opened both his eyes, a voice said, "Well, well. It would appear that I made it on time."

The voice caused Fei as he looked around only to spot the albino in the distance, approaching the group casually and the closer he got, the more visible he was. "Is everyone alright?"

"Saryuu." Fei spoke before he continued,"Yeah we're okay, but wait, weren't you-"

The albino chuckled. "I have my ways especially with the little glowlight you had lingering. I didn't know what it was but I followed it and then found you guys walking around. Talk about a lucky break, but hey, small world. Am I right? One way or another, we seem to be together but atleast this time, circumstances are different and y'know, I wonder about this place. I did see some castletown in the distance in the forest, well, more like outskirts. If you want my opinion, I'm getting dejavu just by thinking about it."

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

The only warning he got was that one of his hand was free.

Before seeing mint and orange standing between him and the dog, not dog. Before Fei stepped between and made himself a target! No. Nooooo, Fei, that was a really bad idea! You don’t approach a dog, this not dog, this… thing like that. Clutching the soccer ball tightly between his hands, he made his own split-second decision. He had something in his hand, Fei didn’t. So he tried to step out of Fei’s shadow… half wishing he knew more than five things about basketball as he pulled the ball closer into his chest, his palms inching closer together. Because, Fei was his friend too! And he thought he was too late. And here he was, fumbling with the soccer ball in his hands, with it nearly slipping out of his grasp, was watching as the dog suddenly lunged for his friend. His clearly defenseless friend. And he meant to hit it with a hard pass, sorry soccer… yet, he didn’t. Instead of pegging the massive dog with a soccer ball, everything felt… frozen.

And he froze too.

It stopped, and though his life didn’t flash before his eyes, he vaguely wondered if this was what they meant in spirit. Since, the only thing that was moving was his heart, beating rapidly. So fast he could feel it in his throat. And he had to do something. And he had frozen, but….

The dog, the not dog, never reached Fei.

The not dog was floating in the air with a shimmering violet aura. He was relieved, but, his heart was still… it was still in his throat, because he recognized that aura. That and Fei was safe… yet didn’t feel like he was though? Still on the aura. It concerned him. Maybe he was wrong. Actually, he really hoped he was wrong, but it hadn’t been that long ago? So he squinted at it, grateful at the moment, confused at it being there, and then trying to match it to his memory. Then… then it was all over and he let out a small sigh. His heart wasn’t listening. but, at least it was back in the right area.

… He really didn’t like what happened.
… Fei was his friend… and he just….
He didn’t like it… it was what people called noble. Still, he didn’t want to see Fei do that again.

Taking a few breaths, he tucked the soccer ball back under his arm, and gave the white haired boy a weak thumbs up. ‘Nice timing!’ He paused as he started to calm down, and nodded quickly in affirmation to Fei’s response. Yeah, he was fine. Uhhh well he was fine now. Not a minute ago. And the strange fairy creature was standing on his shoulder looking at Saru, but, otherwise relaxed. Well maybe not, he was guessing. It’s tail was floating up, so maybe not.

Was it irritated? From earlier?
He pointed at it. It responded by turning away and settling its tail around him, well part of his shoulder. Okay, so just maaaaybe… just maybe it was annoyed.

‘It was a lucky break. I’m wondering if this guy is a luck charm. He brought me to Fei. He brought you to both of us. So, lucky me!’

Huh… there was a castle? There was a town? This really was starting to feel familiar though he wasn’t sure entirely why. Okay, no, he had an idea why. Especially with a castle and a town nearby. And there were three of them. Yeeah, okay, no… it was becoming faaaar more familiar the more he thought about it. ‘We should leave. I… I love dogs… and I don’t think that was a dog.’ He had a point he was just getting to it, and he wasn’t sure if he was right. ‘So… I don’t think we’re in Japan..? Because… while it looked like one and maybe it’s lost its owner. I mean it could just be starving!’ He was rubbing the back of his head, he still was shaken up with the floating dog… no, suspected wolf. ‘It might have been a wolf, and they’re all gone in… Japan?’ Conclusion reached, sort of. So, he knew something about dogs, they generally like to be together with more dogs, until you get a really high and mighty one that nips them all. Then you have a leader and boy that was a handful. Except that means it might have friends and he really didn’t want a repeat.

‘Ummm, If you know the way or direction out that would be really great Saru! We probably shouldn’t be here anymore after that.’

While he wasn’t sure exactly what happened, even if he had a good idea… and he didn’t like it. Well, he was just happy everyone was alright, ‘Oh and thanks! Both of you! Thouuuuugh... this time we should make even better memories?’ He didn’t know exactly how to bring it up, so he just thanked them. Because something did happen! Or someone had happen, he just knew and he’d find out, but, they’d been in real trouble otherwise. He was almost embarrassed that he didn't say anything earlier! Okay, he was probably babbling. There were things to be said though.

Even if he didn’t feel like thanking Fei.
It came out softer, than he intended, not quite full of his usual energy.
‘Fei… I’m glad you’re okay’

And he was glad. Really glad.

He squeezed the other’s hand briefly, not sure how to actually say what he was feeling. Other than no! Don’t do it again. You scared me? Arrrrgh, he didn’t worry about this too much, why was he overthinking this? And there was a little dark whisper that said, ‘Captain, You probably wouldn’t understand’. He’d try later, he'd get it across, even if recently he had been off about people. Even though nothing happened! And that was that for now. No longer mulling this and that over, he staredt rolling back and forth on his feet, ready to go.

Ready to go as in ten minutes ago, ready!

 

[Saryuu Evan]

The greenette smiled though he was still trembling despite of the event that happened recently with the wolf attack. The moment that time just froze, your heart is pounding, your fears right in front of you, honestly it was a tamer version of the war and besides, dinosaurs could be chasing them instead of a wolf. 


After Tenma's concern along with encouragement, Fei nodded as he softly replied,"Yeah, we'll make better memories Tenma, especially with the new friend with you." 


Tenma and Fei were both on the same wavelength and it's a wonder why Tenma isn't a Second Stage like they were before. Actually, he and Tenma felt like they shared telepathy judging by the way that soccer match was: it felt like they were sharing thoughts in between each other during the action. The albino, as far as he knows, is descended from the likes of Tenma and seems to be focused more on that but at the same time, there were their needs. Probably he should keep a close eye on that little aspect as things unfold in time to see for himself and while he has a soft spot, he also has his special ordeal with Fei about his little betrayal, but not in front of Tenma. 


This sort of stuff requires patience which is something Saryuu is good at.


"Luck or coincidence, it doesn't matter. Besides, we should get going before sundown or we will be in for an unpleasant time." the albino answered to Tenma before he continued,"We'll seek haven in town for the night. I'm sure they have a place for all of us to stay in because once it gets dark, it gets deadly."


Before long, Fei sighed as he wondered for a bit before he asked Saryuu, "Say Saryuu, have you've been feeling strange as of late?"


"Hm? Why ask that?" the other answered with a knitted brow and crossed arms before Fei continued,"Well, it's...something...for some reason, I felt something familiar to what our powers were. What do you think is happening? I mean, shouldn't we be vaccinated to be normal and not have any powers?"

Normal.


Mentally, Saryuu was disgusted with such a word but he has to drop his opinion down on the subject as he shrugged. "I don't know what's going on. Yes, while we were vaccinated, some oddball stuff has been happening as of late. Something is going on but we don't know what but we will need to prepare for what is going to come ahead."

Before long, he turned around as he searched for an opening from the depths of the forest and when he did, he looked up to the sky to see the position of the sun. It was a little past halfway in the cerulean skies above despite of the sea of trees blocking most of it before a sudden but gentle breeze past through, causing the nearby leaves to rustle calmly and the slight fog to eventually start clearing away from the area.

With a silent motion, Saryuu raised his gloved hand as he started to walk towards the direction of the castletown as he spoke,”This way. Just follow the pathway towards the castle, that should lead us to the town.”

Fei nodded as he relaxed his grip on Tenma from the previous tight one as he was trying to calm down while following Saryuu, however, he still wondering about the whole powers ordeal while Saryuu was silent about his usage of his telekinesis. In fact, from his end, he remembered about messing around with some stones earlier as he was on his way over to finding Fei and much to his surprise, somehow, he was able to use telekinesis to levitate the rocks when all he was feeling was a headache.

He did wanted his powers to resurface and that is what he is getting at so when Tenma and Fei were in immediate danger because of the wolf, he used that same power to telekinetically toss away the fiend against a nearby tree to protect them. Since Fei confirmed of potentially gaining back his extrasensory ordeal, he could actually use this as a counter against Fei should he try to argue with him.

He knows that they can’t be normal and that they were born with a gift.

While Saryuu wouldn’t force Fei around like last time and tamper with his memories in any sort of fashion since that seriously backfired on him, he’s going to use instances as a levy to not only embrace his powers but to also protect himself.

He'll give a reason for Fei to fight back like he did before.

“You know, even if we want to create good memories, that wolf is only a first taste of what’s to come in terms of reality. If this isn’t our world, we are going to have to be sure to adapt.” The albino spoke in a solemn tone. “Just a heads up.”

 

[Matsukaze Tenma]

Staying out here in the dark… that didn’t sound smart.

At all. Maybe it was just because, moments earlier they were attacked, but getting out of the forest sounded like a good idea. Maybe, because he now knew it was dangerous and… nearly deadly that he really didn’t want to stay here. It was… well let’s not venture back into the territory where it might happen again? It was a little too close for comfort for him to still just feel normal here right now, even if he could hear birds beginning to chirp again. Well… he was still a little ill at ease. The returning noise didn’t soothe him much. So he was completely on board with the plan to leave the forest behind and go towards the town.

He smiled wide at Fei, still sort of bouncing on his feet, as he gave another squeeze through their loose hold on one another.

‘Umhuh, definitely!’

Tenma, though he still didn’t like what Fei had done a minute or two ago, totally agreed. How could he not? That and he felt better about it now that they were starting to move away from the bush and onto Good memories were good memories… actually why stop at good? The… four… yup, the four of them might as well try right? He still might not know what was going on or what had happen, except that he got time with two people he really… really could not see much of! They were together though and right now that… and getting out of the forest was the most important thing. And out. He never thought of it much when they had the Caravan as finding a place to stay wasn’t hard. And they didn’t have to worry too much since they could just sleep in the bus worse case.

Nodding back at Saru , as he looked between the two, he then tacked, ‘We were pretty lucky for lodgings the last few times…’

He didn’t exactly have any money on him, and, sometimes he’d need help with things back at his cousin’s boarding house when she wasn’t around…. So he’d do things for the other residents, sometimes it was just as easy as running errands. It wasn’t hard, and he felt pretty good too because he helped them out too.

‘Maybe if … if there isn’t a spot, we can do some work? Though… everything will turn out okay, I’m sure!’

Okay that was obvious, but, still. Though he didn’t know what type of work they’d have to do in that case? Clean? Cook? Cooking would be bad, he relied on Aki for that most of the time. There had to be something though. Not that he thought lodgings might be hard to find. Just that it was something to keep in the back of their mind since… wow the bus was really, really convenient. He had not really had to worry about that did he? Huh.

Then Fei asked the question or a question that he wanted to ask?

He knew both Saru and Fei were supposed to have been vaccinated to stop the gene that made the second stage children, well, second stage? More importantly, though they could live past the age of twenty! That was the part that had him worried, because, he couldn’t, no didn’t want to think about it. Think that Fei would die! Or Saru! Or really anyone! Especially his friends! Just anyone… it sounded miserable. Because of something they were born with. Even though twenty still felt like a long way for him, it wasn’t that much time. So, he was glad they had both been vaccinated. Because they’d live! Except they were feeling off? And the aura around the wolf looked preeetty similar. He glanced at Fei, not entirely sure what not make of this, because on one hand he was relieved and on the other worried, especially with the aura. Not that it wasn’t working? Well, he was kind of worried about that… possibly being a thing. Actually, what worried him was that they felt strange after being vaccinated. Looking between the two as they talked… about it, they were both vague about it. Saru in particular. He felt like he was being talked around?

He sighed. This was probably one of those thing that he wooooould never understand or couldn’t understand because he wasn’t one of them. Though he was! He wasn’t a second stage child… but, he wished they wouldn’t be so vague about it. He was friend. And he couldn’t help them with what he knew. Even if he didn’t understand.

They finally reached the path.
‘That’s… good!’

He rubbed the back of his head, having let go of Fei’s hand to move ahead on the now clear path, ‘Hey, is it? Is it the vaccine? is it making you sick or something Saru? Fei?’
He was going to ask this earlier, but, his gut said nope. Or maybe he really just wanted to get out and into the open?

Then the castle and the town came into view. He was expecting a town, that much he was told. Except, he wasn’t expecting an actual castle… or rather he thought it might have been preserved or in ruins. More like a tourist spot where people went to go see the giant structures! Instead, it was a distinctly western castle still standing tall. With lots of movement. It looked like the one in France or well Avalon! That meant though, they… they really weren’t in Japan. They were definitely not in his time, because it was standing strong. Nope.

Pointing weakly at the castle, he turned back, ‘Ehehe… We’re really not in Japan are we?’

… They might need a plan.
And next time more of a heads up.

 

[Saryuu Evan]

"This doesn't look anything like Japan." answered Fei as he was previously silent. "Though I think we owe Saryuu a thanks."

The albino nodded with a smile, "Hey, it's not a problem and besides, someone has to look out for the group after all. After all, that's what friends are for and like I said earlier, I owe it to the little fella, so thanks to them that we found each other."

Sure, he was smiling and casual but internally, Saryuu was really unsure and while maybe the vaccine could had some effects, not all of them seem to stick or so it may seem. Earlier, he was mocking El Dorado for their effort when he first arrived in this place but with Tenma questioning things, he'd wished that he kept silent though his friends were in danger, they saw the familiar aura and now, this was the result.

To be honest, a minor hurdle of the situation though he wonders if he could apply some previous experiences from his organization. Being fond of his own powers does need to adopt specific sub-branches, such as pyrokinesis among others, though he would need to settle down and gather what is their circumstances.

As the group were walking closer to the nearby town steadily, Fei looked to Tenma as he would asked but he'll wait until later before they are inside the town so they wouldn't slow down because they have to get out of the forest and before sundown as well. One thing at a time and step-by-step, no rush, they had plenty of time as the more they moved along in the forest, the openings became more as Saryuu lead onwards.

It honestly felt nice especially as the breeze blew along with the occasional running water as they would be seeing some lakes of water with some minor waterfalls, flowers, lively forest animals and other things. Everything was alive and bright in this world with the castle on the horizon becoming closer to them by the moment, albeit slowly and steadily with their shadows becoming more apparent as the sunlight from the skies were shining down upon them.

While Fei had his arms up behind his head while looking around, he also thought that if they had the Caravan, they could arrive there faster but that's just wishing, anyways, he now knows that their newest adventure was only just beginning, well, one that involves the four of them. What could be around the corner? Nobody knows but with a group of several teens and the little pixie, anything is possible especially when their fates are now intertwined again.

Perhaps, they could play some soccer while there is some light left before the sundown happens.