PoT Fic: Recombinant Chapter 6
Title: Recombinant
Author: Dolly (universal_doll)
Rating: PG to PG-13
Characters: Echizen, Tezuka, Fuji (primary); Tachibana An, Tachibana Kippei, Momoshiro (secondary); and the rest of Seigaku.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, AU (or rather, Alternate History/Timeline)
Summary: “Why couldn't you have been magical girls?”
Full Story Notes & Previous Chapters
New Chapter:
Chapter 6
It is an old building, he can tell. But it isn't used for what it used to be; not anymore.
The rooms, filled with desks, are empty; but the hallways are crowded with people. Yelling, screaming, trampling, and finally gone.
He can feel more than hear a crackling in the air, like static electricity gathering, and papers whip around in a flurry of white. Doors blow open, and windows shatter as the building begins to fall.
There is another presence nearby, and he chases after the person, who has so much power.
But all he can see is a flash of white hair . . . and a smile . . .
A small grey cat leaps away from the rubble, but he can't follow something that can disappear . . .
Ryoma awoke with a sharp intake of breath, and tried to suppress the lingering sense of unease that the dream had left him with. All thoughts of what it may have meant, however, were quickly forgotten as he recalled what had happened last. Fully awake now, he sat up abruptly, only to find himself on his back again as spots swam in his vision. Whatever it was he had tried to do to defend himself against that woman obviously wasn't something that he was good at; he was dead tired. Opening his eyes again, he stayed where he was this time and looked around. He was in An's living room, lying on the sofa.
“Ah, you're finally awake! We were so worried.” An met his eyes from where she sat in a nearby chair, and gave him a relived smile. “How do you feel?”
“Fine,” Ryoma mumbled, sitting up more carefully this time.
“Aniki told me what a little about happened when I got home! Is there really someone else with powers like yours?” she asked curiously.
“I don't think either of their powers were like mine,” Ryoma said thoughtfully, still trying to process everything that had happened. “I can't blast people with energy or put up invisible shields.”
“Well, you should try and figure out what you can do and . . . wait, you said 'their' powers. But didn't you say there was only one person who attacked you?” An said slowly.
“There was. Your brother has them too.”
“Iiya, no way! Since when?” An burst out, eyes wide.
Ryoma just shrugged; it was news to him too. Before An could barrage him with further questions, though, Tachibana emerged from the kitchen, a mug in one hand, and padded over to the seating area.
“Oniichan! Why didn't you tell me you had special powers?” An demanded, turning to look at her brother.
“I didn't know. But you don't seem too surprised about anything else that's happened today,” he said pointedly, and An had the good grace to look chastened. He then turned his gaze on Ryoma. “And are you feeling better?” he asked in a softer tone.
“Mmm.” Ryoma nodded sharply, and kept his head down. He was nearly startled into looking up then, as Tachibana handed him a mug of tea. Looking at his arms and hands as he took it, Ryoma noticed that his arm had been wrapped where the snake creature had bitten him earlier, and various bandages covered the small cuts and burns he'd received in the attack. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
Tachibana walked silently over to the sofa where Ryoma sat propped up, and seated himself at its end. “When I first saw you, I knew that there was something unusual about you,” he began, and held up his hand to quiet An when she tried to interrupt. “But I didn't know what, or how to find out. And I didn't think you were dangerous, so I didn't try too hard. But whatever your secret is, don't think that you can keep it now. I want answers.” His voice was calm, but left no room for arguments.
Ryoma considered this carefully, and lifted his eyes to meet Tachibana's. “Do you think I'm dangerous now?”
Tachibana took scant seconds to reply. “No,” he said decisively. “I couldn't say why not, though.”
“Like I told you, you don't have to worry about me. But I can't give you answers. I don't know what's going on either,” Ryoma admitted.
“And you expect me to believe that?”
“I just woke up like this one day. I didn't use to have any powers,” Ryoma said defensively.
“It's true, oniichan! I saw the first time Ryo-chan used her powers, she was really surprised,” An interjected. “And she needed some place to stay, so I brought her here.”
“Come to think of it, I don't remember ever seeing you with Ryo-chan until rather recently,” Tachibana began, following a rather dangerous train of thought. “And she's told us virtually nothing about herself, though I suspect that may be because there's nothing to tell. Tell me, Ryo-chan, where did you come from? It seems to me that you didn't exist a few weeks ago,” Tachibana said, looking at Ryoma intently.
“I existed. Just not like this,” Ryoma replied. He could tell that if he tried to keep his identity secret from Tachibana any longer it would almost certainly be more trouble than it was worth. And though Ryoma didn't really know the older tennis player, he figured that Tachibana might be helpful in dealing with all the strange things that had been happening recently.
“Ryo-chan--” Ann began, looking alarmed, but Ryoma shot her a look and continued.
“We've met before I was like this. Don't you recognize me?” Ryoma smirked coyly at Tachibana's bewildered expression. “Mada mada dane.” A disbelieving sort of recognition flashed across Tachibana's face, and he looked at Ryoma sharply.
“You . . . are a girl. You couldn't be--”
“But I am. Echizen Ryoma. I turn into a girl whenever I have to use my powers, and can't change back for a day,” Ryoma said matter-of-factly. “Now you know.”
“I suppose there is a certain resemblance. And your personality certainly isn't like any cute young girl's that I've ever met.” Tachibana conceded slowly.
“It's true; Ryo-chan is Ryoma.” An sighed. “But it was supposed to be a secret! That's why he's staying here instead of at home.”
“A secret, you say? Who else knows?”
“My cousin, An, Momo-senpai, and now you,” Ryoma replied dully.
“I suppose that explains why you're dressed as a girl,” he said wryly, and Ryoma scowled at him. “I certainly wouldn't have recognized you. But don't worry, I'll keep your secret for you. I see no reason to tell anyone.”
“No one would believe you anyway.”
“I suppose not,” Tachibana agreed. “And since it seems we both have some sort of powers, we're in this together anyway. Whoever that woman was that destroyed that tomb and attacked you seemed to recognize both of us somehow, and implied that there were more like us. She seemed to think our use of our powers was unimpressive, so I think it would be a good idea if we try to learn more about them,” Tachibana said seriously. “And find out why she destroyed that tomb.”
“I guess,” Ryoma agreed unenthusiastically.
“We can start at the library, and see if we can find anything there. There may--”
“Don't bother,” Ryoma said dismissively. “You won't find any books better than the one I have.”
“A book! Where did you get a book like that? And why didn't you say something sooner?” An said disbelievingly.
“I found it in my attic, but I haven't had time to read much of it. But I remember that woman in the park called you a Guardian,” he told Tachibana. “And I saw a chapter titled like that that in the contents.”
“Strange. But then, all of this is strange.” Tachibana shook his head. “And you think this book of yours will tell us about our powers?”
Ryoma nodded. “I think they're different though.”
“Hmm. Try to read it then, and bring it with you the next time you come over. We should practice, if we can, in case either of us sense something like that happening again. I'm busy until Wednesday, but--”
“I'm not turning into a girl just for practice,” Ryoma interrupted.
Tachibana looked at him curiously. “Why have you been changing into a girl, then?”
“Things . . . keep attacking me. And I just respond.”
“'Things', but never a person before now?” Ryoma shook his head. “Whatever's going on is probably escalating then,” Tachibana observed grimly. “We'll have to stay alert, and try to find the other 'Guardians' that woman mentioned. Perhaps they can help us.”
Ryoma looked at Tachibana dispassionately, unimpressed by his advice. Of course they'd want to find out if there were more people out there with powers like theirs - but where could they even begin to look?
~*~
“Inui says he's found some information.” Tezuka said quietly, then paused. “And he seems very . . . excited.”
The look of keen interest on Fuji's face made Tezuka feel slightly apprehensive, but he reminded himself that the best way to figure things out would be together. Inui had apparently taken Tezuka's request for information quite seriously, and had told him just that morning that he had found some 'highly interesting data'. So this time, Tezuka had been the one to visit Fuji's classroom at lunch, since he was sure that the tensai would want to be kept updated.
“That's wonderful news,” Fuji replied, giving Tezuka a real smile.”I can't wait to hear what Inui has to tell us.” By 'us', Fuji surely meant the rest of the regulars. And as daunting as the prospect was, Tezuka realized that they should probably hear what Inui had to say too.
“We'll need to get everyone together at once. I don't want things to have to be repeated too much,” Tezuka paused for a moment, considering his options. They all had rather different schedules during this week, except for school and tennis. And while he supposed he could wait until the weekend to hear what Inui had found out, he didn't think Inui and Fuji could, or rather, would. Today was only Monday, after all. “I'll let practice out a little early today, and send everyone but the regulars home,” he said reluctantly. “We can meet in the club room after.”
“Ah, this must be interesting, if you're cutting practice short,” Fuji said lightly. “I can't wait.”
Tezuka nodded curtly. He really was curious to hear what Inui had found out regarding the strange events that the tennis club's regulars had been experiencing, and was looking forward to discussing it. Everyone would be there, so they could finally get things figured out.
~*~
Chapter 6 Notes:
If you're confused or feeling left in the dark, don't worry. At this point you're not supposed to get everything that's going on. ;) Though stay tuned for next chapter, in which Inui explains all!
Thanks for reading, if anyone's still there! I'm hoping you guys will find this story more interesting as the plot progresses. I'm one of those people that just can't stand an AU that has "holes" in it and seems rushed, I guess, so the action doesn't really start right away. ^^; On the bright side of that, I figure if I went through all the trouble of creating an AU I may as well take advantage of the setting and write a lot once its there! I'm currently working on a sequel to this story (probably shounen-ai), though the way things are going I don't know what I'm going to do with it.
Author: Dolly (universal_doll)
Rating: PG to PG-13
Characters: Echizen, Tezuka, Fuji (primary); Tachibana An, Tachibana Kippei, Momoshiro (secondary); and the rest of Seigaku.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, AU (or rather, Alternate History/Timeline)
Summary: “Why couldn't you have been magical girls?”
Full Story Notes & Previous Chapters
New Chapter:
Chapter 6
It is an old building, he can tell. But it isn't used for what it used to be; not anymore.
The rooms, filled with desks, are empty; but the hallways are crowded with people. Yelling, screaming, trampling, and finally gone.
He can feel more than hear a crackling in the air, like static electricity gathering, and papers whip around in a flurry of white. Doors blow open, and windows shatter as the building begins to fall.
There is another presence nearby, and he chases after the person, who has so much power.
But all he can see is a flash of white hair . . . and a smile . . .
A small grey cat leaps away from the rubble, but he can't follow something that can disappear . . .
Ryoma awoke with a sharp intake of breath, and tried to suppress the lingering sense of unease that the dream had left him with. All thoughts of what it may have meant, however, were quickly forgotten as he recalled what had happened last. Fully awake now, he sat up abruptly, only to find himself on his back again as spots swam in his vision. Whatever it was he had tried to do to defend himself against that woman obviously wasn't something that he was good at; he was dead tired. Opening his eyes again, he stayed where he was this time and looked around. He was in An's living room, lying on the sofa.
“Ah, you're finally awake! We were so worried.” An met his eyes from where she sat in a nearby chair, and gave him a relived smile. “How do you feel?”
“Fine,” Ryoma mumbled, sitting up more carefully this time.
“Aniki told me what a little about happened when I got home! Is there really someone else with powers like yours?” she asked curiously.
“I don't think either of their powers were like mine,” Ryoma said thoughtfully, still trying to process everything that had happened. “I can't blast people with energy or put up invisible shields.”
“Well, you should try and figure out what you can do and . . . wait, you said 'their' powers. But didn't you say there was only one person who attacked you?” An said slowly.
“There was. Your brother has them too.”
“Iiya, no way! Since when?” An burst out, eyes wide.
Ryoma just shrugged; it was news to him too. Before An could barrage him with further questions, though, Tachibana emerged from the kitchen, a mug in one hand, and padded over to the seating area.
“Oniichan! Why didn't you tell me you had special powers?” An demanded, turning to look at her brother.
“I didn't know. But you don't seem too surprised about anything else that's happened today,” he said pointedly, and An had the good grace to look chastened. He then turned his gaze on Ryoma. “And are you feeling better?” he asked in a softer tone.
“Mmm.” Ryoma nodded sharply, and kept his head down. He was nearly startled into looking up then, as Tachibana handed him a mug of tea. Looking at his arms and hands as he took it, Ryoma noticed that his arm had been wrapped where the snake creature had bitten him earlier, and various bandages covered the small cuts and burns he'd received in the attack. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
Tachibana walked silently over to the sofa where Ryoma sat propped up, and seated himself at its end. “When I first saw you, I knew that there was something unusual about you,” he began, and held up his hand to quiet An when she tried to interrupt. “But I didn't know what, or how to find out. And I didn't think you were dangerous, so I didn't try too hard. But whatever your secret is, don't think that you can keep it now. I want answers.” His voice was calm, but left no room for arguments.
Ryoma considered this carefully, and lifted his eyes to meet Tachibana's. “Do you think I'm dangerous now?”
Tachibana took scant seconds to reply. “No,” he said decisively. “I couldn't say why not, though.”
“Like I told you, you don't have to worry about me. But I can't give you answers. I don't know what's going on either,” Ryoma admitted.
“And you expect me to believe that?”
“I just woke up like this one day. I didn't use to have any powers,” Ryoma said defensively.
“It's true, oniichan! I saw the first time Ryo-chan used her powers, she was really surprised,” An interjected. “And she needed some place to stay, so I brought her here.”
“Come to think of it, I don't remember ever seeing you with Ryo-chan until rather recently,” Tachibana began, following a rather dangerous train of thought. “And she's told us virtually nothing about herself, though I suspect that may be because there's nothing to tell. Tell me, Ryo-chan, where did you come from? It seems to me that you didn't exist a few weeks ago,” Tachibana said, looking at Ryoma intently.
“I existed. Just not like this,” Ryoma replied. He could tell that if he tried to keep his identity secret from Tachibana any longer it would almost certainly be more trouble than it was worth. And though Ryoma didn't really know the older tennis player, he figured that Tachibana might be helpful in dealing with all the strange things that had been happening recently.
“Ryo-chan--” Ann began, looking alarmed, but Ryoma shot her a look and continued.
“We've met before I was like this. Don't you recognize me?” Ryoma smirked coyly at Tachibana's bewildered expression. “Mada mada dane.” A disbelieving sort of recognition flashed across Tachibana's face, and he looked at Ryoma sharply.
“You . . . are a girl. You couldn't be--”
“But I am. Echizen Ryoma. I turn into a girl whenever I have to use my powers, and can't change back for a day,” Ryoma said matter-of-factly. “Now you know.”
“I suppose there is a certain resemblance. And your personality certainly isn't like any cute young girl's that I've ever met.” Tachibana conceded slowly.
“It's true; Ryo-chan is Ryoma.” An sighed. “But it was supposed to be a secret! That's why he's staying here instead of at home.”
“A secret, you say? Who else knows?”
“My cousin, An, Momo-senpai, and now you,” Ryoma replied dully.
“I suppose that explains why you're dressed as a girl,” he said wryly, and Ryoma scowled at him. “I certainly wouldn't have recognized you. But don't worry, I'll keep your secret for you. I see no reason to tell anyone.”
“No one would believe you anyway.”
“I suppose not,” Tachibana agreed. “And since it seems we both have some sort of powers, we're in this together anyway. Whoever that woman was that destroyed that tomb and attacked you seemed to recognize both of us somehow, and implied that there were more like us. She seemed to think our use of our powers was unimpressive, so I think it would be a good idea if we try to learn more about them,” Tachibana said seriously. “And find out why she destroyed that tomb.”
“I guess,” Ryoma agreed unenthusiastically.
“We can start at the library, and see if we can find anything there. There may--”
“Don't bother,” Ryoma said dismissively. “You won't find any books better than the one I have.”
“A book! Where did you get a book like that? And why didn't you say something sooner?” An said disbelievingly.
“I found it in my attic, but I haven't had time to read much of it. But I remember that woman in the park called you a Guardian,” he told Tachibana. “And I saw a chapter titled like that that in the contents.”
“Strange. But then, all of this is strange.” Tachibana shook his head. “And you think this book of yours will tell us about our powers?”
Ryoma nodded. “I think they're different though.”
“Hmm. Try to read it then, and bring it with you the next time you come over. We should practice, if we can, in case either of us sense something like that happening again. I'm busy until Wednesday, but--”
“I'm not turning into a girl just for practice,” Ryoma interrupted.
Tachibana looked at him curiously. “Why have you been changing into a girl, then?”
“Things . . . keep attacking me. And I just respond.”
“'Things', but never a person before now?” Ryoma shook his head. “Whatever's going on is probably escalating then,” Tachibana observed grimly. “We'll have to stay alert, and try to find the other 'Guardians' that woman mentioned. Perhaps they can help us.”
Ryoma looked at Tachibana dispassionately, unimpressed by his advice. Of course they'd want to find out if there were more people out there with powers like theirs - but where could they even begin to look?
~*~
“Inui says he's found some information.” Tezuka said quietly, then paused. “And he seems very . . . excited.”
The look of keen interest on Fuji's face made Tezuka feel slightly apprehensive, but he reminded himself that the best way to figure things out would be together. Inui had apparently taken Tezuka's request for information quite seriously, and had told him just that morning that he had found some 'highly interesting data'. So this time, Tezuka had been the one to visit Fuji's classroom at lunch, since he was sure that the tensai would want to be kept updated.
“That's wonderful news,” Fuji replied, giving Tezuka a real smile.”I can't wait to hear what Inui has to tell us.” By 'us', Fuji surely meant the rest of the regulars. And as daunting as the prospect was, Tezuka realized that they should probably hear what Inui had to say too.
“We'll need to get everyone together at once. I don't want things to have to be repeated too much,” Tezuka paused for a moment, considering his options. They all had rather different schedules during this week, except for school and tennis. And while he supposed he could wait until the weekend to hear what Inui had found out, he didn't think Inui and Fuji could, or rather, would. Today was only Monday, after all. “I'll let practice out a little early today, and send everyone but the regulars home,” he said reluctantly. “We can meet in the club room after.”
“Ah, this must be interesting, if you're cutting practice short,” Fuji said lightly. “I can't wait.”
Tezuka nodded curtly. He really was curious to hear what Inui had found out regarding the strange events that the tennis club's regulars had been experiencing, and was looking forward to discussing it. Everyone would be there, so they could finally get things figured out.
~*~
Chapter 6 Notes:
If you're confused or feeling left in the dark, don't worry. At this point you're not supposed to get everything that's going on. ;) Though stay tuned for next chapter, in which Inui explains all!
Thanks for reading, if anyone's still there! I'm hoping you guys will find this story more interesting as the plot progresses. I'm one of those people that just can't stand an AU that has "holes" in it and seems rushed, I guess, so the action doesn't really start right away. ^^; On the bright side of that, I figure if I went through all the trouble of creating an AU I may as well take advantage of the setting and write a lot once its there! I'm currently working on a sequel to this story (probably shounen-ai), though the way things are going I don't know what I'm going to do with it.