User blog:Akasha1908/Ikutachi X Barbatos: Episode 2 (Tales from the AGG Mansion)

             Ikutachi made his way downstairs towards the Anima living room. Since he rarely slept on the Anima side of the house, it took him a minute to reorient himself. The mansion was split into three wings; Anima, Phantom and Divina. There was a forth section used as a communal wing, but for the most part, each type stayed in their designated areas. Per the rules set by Master Akasha, a daemon could not enter another type’s area without invitation. In fact, the only daemon allowed to roam the mansion freely was Mira; for obvious reasons. The Master didn’t enjoy segregating her daemons, but such measure had proved successful in keeping altercations to a minimum.

It was still early and Ikutachi was hoping to have a cup of tea before the rest of the house got up. Master Akasha had been training the new Phantom defense team for the past several days, so it was only a matter of time before the entire household was buzzing with activity. It was about 5:15 am, so that gave Ikutachi over an hour of peace and quiet before the Phantoms started gathering in the courtyard for training.

             Ikutachi entered the Anima living room; the massive area a combination of comfy seating arrangements. There was a small library in the corner and a huge fireplace on the furthermost wall. The room was warm and inviting; a combinations of various shades of green, with accents of greys and creams throughout. He walked towards the door leading to the large kitchen that was also strictly for Anima. He’d just reached the door when he caught a sign of movement in his peripheral. Lying on the couch he found Odairi fast asleep.

             Strange.   He thought. Odairi shared quarters with Ohina. What on earth was he doing down here?   Ikutachi decided it was none of his business, but as he turned back towards the kitchen, Odairi jolted out of his sleep, tumbling to the floor.

             “OW! Son of a…!”

             “Are you alright?!”   Ikutachi asked, rushing over.

             Odairi was sprawled on the floor, rubbing the back of his head. He winced, peaking up at Ikutachi. “What do you think?”   He asked wryly.

             “Need some help?”   Ikutachi replied, ignoring Odairi’s sarcasm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No!”   Odairi snapped angrily. He grabbed onto the couch and pulled himself up. He was feverishly mumbling under his breath. Ikutachi heard Ohina’s name followed by a flurry of curse words. From the sound of it, there was trouble in paradise…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I was going to make some tea. Care to join me?”   Ikutachi gestured toward the kitchen.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Might as well.”   Odairi mumbled. “I’m up now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             They made their way to the kitchen. While Ikutachi set about making tea, Odairi wandered over to the breakfast nook and fell into one of the wicker chairs.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Odairi was a fellow Anima and someone Ikutachi considered a friend. It was no secret that the male wasn’t exactly the most forth-coming individual. Truth be told, Ohina was the only daemon in the house who seemed to know what Odairi was really feeling and thinking. But despite all that, Ikutachi felt that as Odairi’s friend, he was obligated to find out what was wrong and help if he could.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Want to talk about?”   Ikutachi asked, trying not to sound like he was prying.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s a long story.”   Odairi muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We’ve got time.”   Ikutachi replied, placing the cups on the table.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s Ohina.”   His tone exasperated. “She’s been mad at me since yesterday. Even kicked me out of our bedroom last night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Mad at you? That doesn’t sound like Ohina.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, she kind of has a reason to be mad, but normally we work these things out quickly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “So what’s the problem this time?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Odairi gritted his teeth angrily. “Bisque.”   He answered. The single name was all the explanation Ikutachi needed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You don’t have to explain it to me. I know how Bisque is. She can be a troublemaker when she wants to be. I heard she started a fight with *** the other day because he called her a loli. I believe Master uses the term “firecracker” when describing her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yeah, that about sums it up. She’s got Ohina ignoring all because I…   Well, the why isn’t important.”   Odairi mumbled, waving it off. “What’s important is that this is the longest Ohina and I have gone without speaking. It makes me…   Argh! I don’t know!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, have you apologized yet?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Of course I have, but she won’t listen! I’m telling you, Iku-san, she’s changed, and I don’t like it at all!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Then perhaps it’s time to move on then. Find another partner that better suits you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Huh?! Why would I do that?”   Odairi looked genuinely confused; as if Ikutachi’s statement had come out from out of the blue.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Why wouldn’t you?”   Ikutachi replied, answering the question with another question. “You said it yourself that she’s changed. If you don’t like it, why not find someone else?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Odairi frowned, is brow furrowing as he thought of a response. “I guess it’s because I love her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             There was that word again, Ikutachi though bitterly. Love…   He wanted to roll his eyes but, Odairi was his friend and he didn’t want to be rude.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But if she’s changed, can you really say that she’s the woman you fell in love with?”   He asked the questioned as he poured them both a cup of tea. “And if these changes bother you so much, there’s no reason you should have to put up with them. I think the problem here is that you let love confine you. Many believe love sets them free when the truth is that it forces them to bend to the will of their lover. Much the way you do with Ohina.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Bend to the will…   That’s ridiculous!”   Odairi scoffed. “Hina and I aren’t like that. I don’t bend to her will and she doesn’t bend to mine. Sure we have our problems, like right now for instance, but we always manage to get through them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But you seemed so unhappy only moments ago.”   Ikutachi continued thoughtfully. “I mean, she has you sleeping on the couch instead of in your bed. Is that really how you want to spend the rest of your days with this woman? You could easily replace her with someone more than willing to let you warm their bed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Odairi stared at Ikutachi for several seconds, then burst out laughing. “Oh, Iku-san, you say the funniest things.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I wasn’t trying to be funny.”   Ikutachi replied seriously. “I honestly don’t understand why you would put up with such woman when you could just find another.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Wiping the tears for laughter from his eyes, Odairi tried to get himself under control. “Do you really think Hina would let me leave her? Please! She’d kill me first! But most importantly, I love her. Even at her worst, she’s still the best. Don’t tell her I said this, but I’d be a fool to let her go. Besides, we’re happy more than we’re unhappy, and it’s best to dwell on the good times rather than the bad. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Hmm, I guess I just don’t understand.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Join the club.”   Odairi snorted. “I don’t understand half of what I feel for that woman, but at the same time I can’t imagine a life without her. I suppose that’s what love does to you.”   Odairi finished his tea, setting the empty cup back on the table. “Thanks for listening, Iku-san. This actually helped a lot. I’m going to go see if Hina’s up yet. Maybe we can’t put this silly fight behind us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Well, not sure how I helped, but I’m happy you’re happy.”   Ikutachi smiled at his friend. “Good luck.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thanks!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">              After Odairi left, Ikutachi decided to finish his tea outside. He walked over to the small gazebo in the courtyard and took a seat in one of the chairs. There was a warm breeze blowing and the sent flowers filled the air. He watched the sunrise over the tree line, admiring the beautiful colors that filled the sky. These were pleasant moments. The ones he cherished above all others. These snapshots in time gave him the chance to center himself and meditate on the beauty of life that surrounded him. He closed his eyes, letting the serenity of the moment wash over him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The instant he shut his eyes, Barbatos’ smile flashed in his mind. It was so startling, that Ikutachi nearly dropped the cup in his hand. How odd!   Ikutachi thought to himself. To think of Barbatos at a time like this. Not only that, the memory of his smile made Ikutachi’s chest tighten painfully. ''Even more odd! ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ikutachi cleared his throat, setting the cup of tea on the ground next to him. He inhaled deeply, letting his body relax and his mind clear…   This time it was Barbatos’ eyes that popped into his head. They were the color of rubies and every time those eyes locked on Ikutachi, he felt like his entire body was going to melt.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             What in the world was wrong with him?!   Thinking of Barbatos at a time like this! He was trying to have a peaceful moment; commune with the spiritual energy around him, not fantasize about a past lover!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Get it together!”   He scolded himself. “Focus!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi tried once more. He made it entire 30 seconds before a very vivid, very explicit image of Barbatos shoved its way into his thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Get out of my head!”   Ikutachi shouted, jumping up from the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Umm, wasn’t aware I was in your head.”   A voice replied from behind him. “Not sure how I got there, or how to get out for that matter, but I will say this:   I’m flattered to know you’re thinking about me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi rolled his eyes. “Yukimura, what are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “My master is here to help your master test her new Phantom defense. Master Daze chose me as lead, so I’m here I am. Ready to demolish all your little Phantom friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi rolled his eyes again. “You think you’re going to win then? I don’t know. The defense is new and improved. Master Akasha claimed Bifuku and Pices these last two events. I think it will be tougher than you think.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Aww, you worried about me, Iku-chan?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Yukimura closed the distance between them. The way he stared made Ikutachi uncomfortable. It was like he was his prey and Yukimura planned to hunt him down and devour him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Of course not.”   Ikutachi replied, side-stepping Yukimura’s advance. “I’d have to care about you to be worried. And don’t call me Iku-chan, I hate it when you do that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi was fast, but Yukimura was faster. He side-stepped right along with Ikutachi, blocking his escape.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Now now, Iku-chan, don’t be so cruel. You were sitting here looking so lonely. I just had to come and see what was wrong.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “There’s nothing wrong with me.”   Ikutachi snapped, pushing Yukimura away. “I was perfectly fine until you interrupted me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Really? Is that why you’re covered in tea and yelling at the air.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I wasn’t…”   Ikutachi stopped mid-sentence, looking down at his clothing and realizing he was indeed covered in tea. “I need to change. Excuse me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Ah… ah… ah…   Not so fast.”   Yukimura replied catching Ikutachi around the waist. “You haven’t told me what’s wrong yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That’s because nothing is wrong.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You’re lying.”   Yukimura pulled Ikutachi towards him, forcing his back against the Divina’s massive chest. “I can see the bags under your eyes Iku-chan. What’s the matter? Whatever it is, I would be more than happy to comfort you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yukimura Sanada, you have exactly 3 seconds to release me before I rip your arms off and shove them down your throat. 1…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Wow, someone’s in a bad mood.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “2…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Alright, alright. I’ll let you go. Looks like we’re about to start battling anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi looked towards the training grounds. Several daemons were outside milling around and talking amongst each other. Standing in the center of it all was Barbatos. Completely still, his were eyes locked on Ikutachi and Yukimura. Even from that distance, Ikutachi could see the rage burning in the demon’s eyes. He was sure Barbatos was going to march over and separate Yukimura’s head from his shoulders, but, just like that, the fire was gone. Barbatos turned and walked away, disappearing amongst the other daemons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Did you hear me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What?”   Ikutachi asked in a haze of confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I said, let me know if you want to get together later and talk. Or, you know, do other things.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi looked up at Yukimura, blinking several times to clear his mind. He felt numb all the sudden; as if someone had walked up and sucked all the life from his body. He looked down at his hands, turning them over. He was still alive, moving and breathing, but he suddenly felt painfully empty and hollow. It was a feeling he’d never experienced until that very moment and it was absolutely terrifying. He was overcome with the need to feel whole again; something to fill the gaping void growing within him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ikutachi turned to Yukimura, placing his hand gently on the Divina’s arm. “Come and see me when you’re finished tonight. I’ll leave the door to the west end of the mansion unlocked. I’ll meet you there at 11:00 pm.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura looked both happy and confused at the same time. “Are you sure?”   He asked hesitantly. “You don’t look sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ikutachi didn’t respond. Instead he left Yukimura standing in the gazebo. As he made his way back to the house, he thought he heard Yukimura shout something after him. Ikutachi didn’t need to hear what he said to know the Divina would come to him as requested. And despite the uncertainty toiling in his heart and mind, Ikutachi knew he would be waiting to greet him…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">