Divinitas

032 - Turning of the Seasons

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Pale autumn sunlight poured down Phoenix’s back, casting his shadow over the door he had every intention of knocking on. Only… He had been standing there how long now?

Ever since Gryps had left, leaving his pittance of a tip behind, Phoenix had been occupied by two streams of thought.

The first was the Legend. It wasn’t as if that wasn’t already nagging at the back of his mind, an uneasy feeling that grew with every passing day. But to see Gryps react so seriously towards it… It was important. And somehow, it suddenly felt dangerous.

The second was the infamous kiss that had gotten him trapped and starved for a week in the Heart of Genesis. That place which was blurred into a dreamlike memory within his mind and heart. To think of that place… It brought back both fresh and distant memories that were muddled into a meaningless mess.

But the kiss.

Aether would never lie about such a thing. Of that Phoenix was sure. (Though why he had such confidence in that statement about such a perverted fiend was beyond him.) When Aether had first mentioned it, about witnessing Ash kissing Phoenix, he had felt utterly wrong. There was no other word to describe it. It had simply felt wrong. More so than just because of the whole misunderstanding that had occurred from it. Ash, kissing him… Something about that was very, very wrong. Something beyond guilt, something beyond the betrayal of your lover… Something that should never be.

Because of that, he wanted, needed, to know if Ash had kissed him. Somehow… it seemed important.

Taking a deep resolute breath, Phoenix lifted his hand and knocked on the hardwood door. From within there was the sound of something heavy being set down followed by muffled footsteps before the door was pulled open.

“Phoenix,” Ash greeted, a note of slight surprise tainting his usually deep and composed voice. “I was planning to drop by the café tomorrow, but you’ve come here instead,” he said with an almost sleepy smile, stepping back to allow Phoenix entry.

“Ah,” Phoenix replied, stepping past Ash quickly. His crimson eyes took a moment to adjust to the dim lighting of Ash’s home. Many boxes littered the small house in a state of being striped to its bare bones. He didn’t dare sit on the couch, much less make himself comfortable.

Ash closed the door and turned to Phoenix, tilting his head and observing the younger boy. “You seem distracted by something. You haven’t been at the café for the last few weeks either. Is something wrong?” he asked, resting his hand on Phoenix’s forehead in the pretence of checking for a fever.

Phoenix took a step back before he could stop himself, causing Ash’s hand to drop like some dead thing back to his side. “No, I’m fine. I’ve just been confined to the castle these last few weeks. You know, with school work and stuff,” he quickly added when he noticed Ash’s somewhat amused look.

“Oh, really? Was there something you wanted to talk to me about then, your reason for coming here.”

“Yeah, there was,” Phoenix said directly, steeling his gaze.

Ash raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?” he prompted.

“Did you kiss me?”

Pale blue eyes assessed the defiant red ones before him, intensely serious, contemplating, before Ash broke out into laughter. “It seems my little slip of restraint has caused you some complication in your love life, am I right?” Ash asked, grinning somewhat. “I apologise, Phoenix. I did kiss you, if only because you looked very much in need of a kiss back then. I honestly meant no harm, and I’m sorry to have caused you any trouble.”

A faint blush crept into Phoenix’s cheek as the younger boy dropped his defensive air. “It’s okay.”

“Did you want to tell me about it?”

“Err, no, that’s okay. I just wanted to know if you had… And why, I guess. Thanks for trying to cheer me up back then, and for taking care of me.” Phoenix forced his lips onto a smile. It would be so easy to believe Ash’s words. He wanted to believe them… But something was still nagging him. That wrongness was still there, a dark spot on a perfect picture.

Ash smiled, the way an older brother would upon a younger beloved brother who had just done something silly and needed reassurance. “Well, I am glad you dropped by. Like I said before, I would have dropped by the café tomorrow if you hadn’t. I wanted to say goodbye.”

Phoenix blinked himself out of his confused thoughts. “You’re leaving?” His voice sounded almost regretful and saddened to himself.

Ash gave a deep laugh. “Do I seem like someone who would stick around a tiny town like this for the rest of my life?” he asked, gazing down at the smaller boy. “I’m moving to the city with a friend… Here,” he said, presenting Phoenix with a slip of paper.

The boy took it automatically, examining the neatly printed address written on it with black ink.

“That’ll be my new address. If you’re ever in the city, feel free to drop by,” Ash clarified with a wink.

Again Phoenix felt the blush rising to his cheeks. This person knew he was with Aether, yet he was still flirting shamelessly with Phoenix. And Phoenix’s lack of experience in this area really didn’t help. “Thanks…” the boy hear himself say, causing the blush to deepen in his cheeks. “I think I’d better go. Really, it was nice to have met you. I… appreciate the advice and kindness you’ve given me.”

The unguarded smile again. “The pleasure was all mine, Phoenix,” Ash replied, walking the other to the door. “Oh, did you want a lift back to the castle?”

Sunlight glanced off the silver ring on Ash’s hand as he rested it on the doorknob. The black engraving which reflected no light.

This is not right. Ash is… wrong.

“Phoenix?”

“Oh, um, no. Thanks.” Another forced smile. “Maybe I’ll see you around some day!” Phoenix called from over his shoulder, his hurried footsteps already taking him away from Ash.

The young man smiled and waved from the door, watching the boy run back towards the castle. Running away from him. “You can be sure we’ll meet again, Phoenix,” Ash breathed onto the wind before closing the door.



~ * ~

Phoenix dashed up the steps leading to the entrance of the School of Genesis, short of breath and with his hair looking as if a tornado had ripped through it. He had ran all the way back from Ash’s house, and it was only now that his foot hit the entrance proper of the school that he suddenly remember Aether’s little promise of a surprise awaiting him when he came back.

“This isn’t my day,” Phoenix muttered in between breaths. “First I’m so fucking scared off by Ash I forget about Aether. And now my plans for staying away as long as possible are totally screwed up…” The boy frowned, hearing his own words. Scared of Ash. He had been scared of Ash. He hadn’t been before, right? He had thought it strange Ash had showed such unconditional kindness, but that was just him. Yet now, after that kiss… Something changed…

thinthing was remembered…

The paper in Phoenix’s hand crackled as his fist tightened around it, calling the boy’s attention to it for the first time since he had received it. “Ash’s new address, ka. Keeping it… would be bad,” Phoenix said softly, memorising the address and then shredding it, tossing a piece away each time he passed a bin.

With a resigned sigh, Phoenix knocked once on Aether’s door and pushed it opened. No use running away, right? Not from this particular fiend anyway.

“You’re late.”

“Eh?” Phoenix snapped his head up at Gryps’ voice, crimson eyes widening as he saw the collection of people lounging around in Aether’s room. “All of a sudden, the bad feeling I had about this just became a thousand times worse…”

All four of the current Children, along with Draco, Chima, Gryps, Ari and Casi were gathered. It was needless to even acknowledge that the instrumentalist of this was also there, leaning casually up against the table at the center of the group, a secretive smile playing on his lips.

Casi bounded up to Phoenix and latched herself onto his arm, grinning. “Ne, ne, Phoenix, come on! We’ve been waiting for you to arrive so we could start!” she said, dragging the very reluctant boy into the group.

“I suppose saying ‘no, I don’t want to do this’ is not an option,” Phoenix said flatly, more to Aether than anyone else.

“Correct, Phoenix,” Aether answered with a smile, pushing himself off the table and stepping aside to reveal several boxes piled on it. “I appreciate that you all came with such short notice,” Aether began, addressing the group. “And I will thank you in advance for the favour you will do for both me and the student population.”

“And that would be?” Phoenix questioned unwillingly when no one else spoke up.

The smile on Aether’s lips widened into the maniacal grin of a mad man. “To be the models for the new uniforms, of course.”

A deafening silence fell over the whole group. Crows flew over the castle above them, their mocking calls of “ahou… ahou…” reaching their ears faintly. With a single action, the majority of the students turned and headed quickly towards the door, intent on escaping the insanity as soon as possible less it infected them also.

“Uh-uh,” Casi said, locking the door and blocking their way, the same glint of delirious delight shinning in her bright aqua eyes. “You’re not going anywhere until this presentation is over!” she announced cheerfully.

“Casi… Aren’t you usually the one who’s always fighting with Aether? Why are you suddenly siding with him!” Phoenix demanded, looking scandalised.

“’Cause I designed some of them!” she announced proudly, and started shoving the rebellious group back to the few who had not bothered to attempt escape.

Draco sighed, watching the useless struggle the others put up. Only Chima and Ari had not moved. Chima who was more occupied with balancing Yuki on his head, and Ari who watched with as much amusement as Aether did. It was really somewhat disturbing, to watch others who watched those they claimed to be interested in suffer with such delight.

“Okay!” Casi chirped enthusiastically, rubbing her hands together in anticipation once she had forced everyone to stay. “Firstly, we have the winter version of the girls’ Metamorphosis uniforms!” she announced, opening the first box and presenting its contents to her unfortunate audience.

“Long black leather boots will both keep you warm and protect your legs,” Casi explained matter-of-factly, placing the said boots on the floor. “The short skirt allows freedom of movement in a fight and also serves as fan service!” Dawn sweat dropped at this point of the presentation, looking most embarrassed. “The long sleeved top slitted at the shoulders allows full movement of the arms without any resistance by the material. It also features a low cut design so you can show off as much of your bust as you like!” By then, Dawn looked so pale it seemed she would faint.

“Now, onto the boys’ version! Short black boots and long black pants make up the bottom half. This off center button up garment makes up the top half. Long sleeves to keep you warm, wide collar to show off your pretty necks and collarbones! And of course, both the girls’ and boys’ version are trimmed with house colours to distinguish between players!” Casi beamed, looking very happy with herself.

The conclusion of her speech was met with dead silence. After a long period in which no one uttered a syllable, Draco coughed politely and raised his hand to catch Casi’s attention.

“Which of us, exactly, are going to be… modelling for them?” he asked quietly when Casi turned her sparkling eyes to him.

“Draco, you should know better than to jump to conclusions…” Aether spoke up, moving to stand beside Casi. “This presentation has hardly began.”

The group gave a collective shudder.

“Why are they suddenly bringing in winter uniforms anyway? They’ve never bothered with it in the past years. We just all went around freezing to death…” Ares muttered, crossing his arms over his chest as if to say he disagreed with the whole concept.

“Oh, th sim simple,” Aether replied, hearing Ares’ muttered complaint. “I realised how unhealthy it was for Phoenix to be cold in winter,” he explained with a sinister smile.

The entire group stared at Phoenix.

“Idiot. All this is because you went tramping up to Aether’s room in only your boxers and nearly froze to death…” The current Child of Water half sneered, not having the courage to show his true nature in front of the Child of Soul himself.

Phoenix’s jaw dropped open. “How the hell do you know about that?!” he demanded once he had regained control over his mouth. “I didn’t tell anyone about that!”

“Overheard Chima talking about it to Draco,” Louis supplied disinterestedly, brushing a stray piece of blonde hair from his pale green eyes.

Chima blinked innocently when all eyes fell on him. “What? Yuki told me…” he said, lifting the puppy off his head and holding it out for the others to see. Yuki cocked his ear and whined, wagging his tail cutely.

Aether gave a short pleasant laugh. “Ah, I see. Well, from now on, I will make sure no little spies are present when we make out, Phoenix.” The three male Children shivered whilst Phoenix shot Aether a death glare. “Now, if we’ve finished discussing the motivation behind this little project, I would like to show you the new uniform that will be worn by the Children of each House,” he said with a satisfied smirk and opened up a box.

Black and silver garments were revealed, obviously meant to be the Child of Air’s. The top was sleeveless and high collared, and the bottom… The bottom was at best a long kelt.

“This had better be the girl’s version,” Louis breathed, looking so horrified that he was forced to take a step back from the offending clothing.

Aether gave another delighted laugh, amplified eerily in the deathly silent room. “There’s only one version for all these uniforms,” he said with a wicked smile and opened the next box. “This,” Aether commented as he lifted the uniform from the box, “is the Child of Fire’s.”

Ares and Phoenix just stared at it mortified. Alright, the tight black pants and long black boots weren’t so bad. They could both live with that. But everything else. That was just way too much. The top was a skin tight long sleeved thing that revealed all of the wearer’s shoulders and neck and a large portion of their stomach as well. And the over garment. How to even being describing that. Dark red pieces of material held it on to the wearer via their shoulder’s, and the rest was like a badly designed cape. No need to even comment about how awkward it would be to fight in such attire, let alone begin to discuss how sluttish the wearer might look.

If the others weren’t in perfect terror of what the two remaining uniforms would be like, they might have laughed themselves silly at the designs of the two already revealed. But as it was, each was too worried about their own fate to even snicker.

The next uniform revealed was that of the Child of Earth’s. Chima’s eyes lit up with delight at seeing the short shorts and long sleeved top which was completed with a long short sleeved over coat. Though it must be commented that he was probably most enthralled with the long twin ribbons that fell down the back of it, to which was attached two golden bells. It was like a ball of string to a kitten.
i. Wi. Wouldn’t that be a weakness for the wearer in a battle?” Ares muttered to Phoenix, who was still staring dumbly at the horrendous outfits. “I mean, any movement by the wearer would alert the opponent of their whereabouts… What in the world was the designer thinking when they did this?”

Phillip rolled his eyes. “They probably weren’t thinking when they designed this, Ares. On that note, who did design these rags?”

Aether looked slightly offended. “Rags?” oldeolder boy repeated, pulling the Child of Water’s uniform out. The long black flowing robes with blue water designs tumbled from the box, looking for all the world like black water made solid. “Phillip, to such a simple person as yourself, I’m sure their significance is lost on you, so I will allow that comment to slide.”

The current Child of Water looked furious, but otherwise made no further remark.

“These were designed by no one,” Aether said finally in answer to Phillip’s question. “They were designed by the elements. The Air, Fire, Earth, Water. And no, they probably aren’t the best outfits to fight in, but they are for manipulating each of their respective elements.

“I was going to allow you to decide amongst yourselves what uniforms you wanted to model,” Aether continued, sounding falsely hurt. “But since you show such contempt for these artworks, you can model the winter uniform and Draco can wear the Child of Water’s robes.” The Child of Soul paused, his scheming grin once again curling his lips. “And since it would appear strange if Draco was the only odd one out, Gryps, Phoenix and Chima can model their Child’s uniforms, and Louis, Ares and Dawn can model the winter uniforms.”

Aether’s decision was once again met with the now common reply of dumbstruck silence.

Casi poked Aether in his shoulder. “But that means there will only be one girl and three boys…”

“Casimir,” Ari spoke up, smiling like the devil. “I’ll model for the female version of the House of Air uniform. And you can model for the House of Fire. Then that will only leave vacancies for the female version of the House of Water and the male version for the House of Earth.”

The violet haired girl clapped and hugged the older twin, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Great idea! And since both you and Gryps can pass so easily for girls, you wearing girl’s clothing will be perfect!”

Ari threw a charming smile towards Gryps during the exchange, ng tng the icy fire his younger ret returned. Was it because Casi had kissed him, or was it because he knew Ari was only doing this to mock and anger him? No matter. As long as those heated emotions were directed at him, the method to obtaining them did not matter in the least.

“Since this has been decided, allow me to fill you in on the details. Dawn and Phillip need to find another person willing to model for the uniforms. You will have until eight o’clock tonight to do so. A meeting will be held in the main hall for the whole student body at eight-thirty where you will model the uniforms.”

Draco raised his hand again. “Why exactly are to subjecting us to such embarrassment and mental anguish?” he the raven haired boy questioned seriously.

Aether stared at Draco for a long moment before laughing out loud and pressing the uniform into Draco’s slack hands. “Because, Draco…” he said, dropping his voice to a whisper meant for Draco’s ears alone. “You’re the true Child of Water aren’t you? I’m only giving you that which you once wore as a God…” The Child of Soul moved away from Draco, leaving him stunned.

“Well then!” Casi grinned after having passed out the remaining uniforms. “Let us meet up once again at eight in the main hall!” she declared and unlocked the doors, shoeing the still shell shocked students from the room.

“Aether,” Ari called out as he led Gryps by his wrist towards the exit. “You’re clinging onto the past even more than I am. That’s really bad, you know,” he said with a sadistic smile.

Aether only smiled and waved as Ari pulled the door shut behind him, leaving Phoenix alone with Aether. The older boy turned to Phoenix with a predatory smile. “I would have thought you would had run off whilst you had the chance… Or did you want to give me a private modelling session, Phoenix?”

Phoenix gave no reply. In fact, he didn’t move a muscle.

“Phoenix?” Aether asked again, walking up to him and touching him lightly on his back.

The fiery boy toppled over like a card pyramid, sprawling on to the floor, eyes glassy and hands clutching tightly to his soon to be uniform.

A violet eyed gaze stared down at Phoenix’s prone body. It would seemed that Aether had forgotten something very important about his Sacred Bird of Fire. Phoenix had always had a very bad case of stage fright.

~ * ~

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