Pride Story

This is Part 1 of a 3 part trilogy. Constructive criticism is much appreciated.

This is a work of fiction. Any reference to historic events, real people, or real locals are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of my imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons , living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Part One: Accidents happen -"What use is it to have powers when I can't use them to save the life of the person closest to me?!"

Chapter 1: Encounter

Ruku awoke to the buzzing of his alarm clock. Reaching out from under the covers, Ruku’s paw came down hard on the clock, and, after fumbling blindly with it for a few moments, finally managed to turn it off. Groaning, he turned over onto his back, the cover half bellow him, half on top. Yawning to reveal rows of sharp teeth, he got up put of bed.

Dressed only in black boxers and a black undershirt, the 19 year old Fox walked into his bathroom. Suddenly he jumped into the air and began levitating to the hanging shelves above him. The shelves were of his own creation, and were positioned throughout his one bedroom, one bath apartment. The shelves easily blended in with the ceiling which made the almost impossible to see. Because they were so high up, the only way to reach them was either by ladder, which he did not posses, or levitation.

“Mmm…lessee…” he said, groggily as he looked around each of the shelves, searching. “Ah!” he said as he found what he was looking for: his toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, and a comb.

After brushing his teeth, and brushing and combing his fur, Ruku got dressed in black Levi’s that had an extra section in the back, closed by a button, for his tail to go through and a black Chinese silk, sleeveless shirt that had the design of a golden, Japanese dragon on it.

Going to the kitchen, he looked up at the clock for the first time. “Eight o’ clock, huh?” he said, “I’d better hurry or I’ll be late…” He decided that, to save time so he could get to work on time, he’d just eat breakfast at the café.

Ruku worked at the ‘Kafei Me no Neko’ or “Cat’s Eye Café.” His boss, Rogue, didn’t like him to be late and would sometimes dock his pay because of tardiness. Rogue’s real name was Akemi Yamaguchi, she was called Rogue because most people thought she wore entirely too much of it. She didn’t mind being called that, but she would deny any one saying she wore too much of anything.

Ruku started working at the café three months ago, when Rogue had just become the manager and was looking for an exciting new name. When Ruku first presented the name ‘Kafei Me no Neko’ to her, she thought that the name was to cliché in English, but went with it anyway. When the café was filled with New York customers who said that they loved the cliché name, Rogue promoted Ruku to assistant manager.

Ruku arrived at the café with ten minutes to spare. “Ruku!” said Rogue, “Where have you been? You were almost late!” Ruku walked behind the counter, grabbed a blueberry muffin and began eating. “Sorry,” he said between mouthfuls, “I almost overslept…didn’t get chance to...eat breakfast.” With that said, he went into the back, still eating the muffin to get the new dark green aprons that read “Cat’s Eye Café.”

Compared to the old aprons, these were an improvement. The café’s previous name was Sakura’s Café; the aprons were pink and had the insignia of a Sakura -cherry blossom- flower on them. The café’s employees loathed these aprons, but would’ve been fired had they refused to wear them.

Just as Ruku finished tying the apron around himself, and swallowing the last bit of muffin, Rogue came in behind him and he got a good look at her for the firs time that morning. Rogue was very beautiful female human. She had long black hair that came down to her shoulders, dark brown eyes, and, as mentioned before, seemed to always wear too much rogue. She wore long black khakis and white short sleeve blouse. She also wore the café's apron, which had a black cat on it.

Just then the front door jingled. Ruku, heading back into the front area, said “Me no Neko ni irasshaimase!” He stopped short as he saw who was entering. “Why thank you, Ruku.” she said, “You’re looking rather dark today.”

Yukiko Haruno; she preferred to be called ‘Yuko’ which was short for her given name. Yuko was also a beautiful Japanese-American female. She had long black hair, red eyes, and a stare that made you think she was looking deep into you soul -the smile that accompanied it only made you feel creped out.

“Yuko…” Ruku said dryly, his hear pointing outward and his tail sagging. “Hey, how’s it going.”

“Now is that any way to treat your friend?” Yuko said as she walked up to him, “You wouldn’t want you little secret revealed no would you?” this she whispered in his ear.

“What’s you two’s relationship anyway?” came Rogue’s voice from the door to the kitchen.

“Oh, there’s no real relationship.” Yuko said, “Aside from the fact that I know Ruku’s most deepest, most personal secret.” Ruku frantically shook his head, and made the ‘cut’ gesture, but Yuko continued on. “A secret that he would tell his girl friend, but not you, Rogue.”

“Yuko, shut up!” Ruku said, but Rogue was on him in an instant, obviously mad. “So! What this big secret of yours Ruku? You know I don’t like people keeping secrets here.” Ruku looked at Yuko who was silently enjoying this, “Oh, go on, Ruku.” she said, “Tell her, or I will.”

“Don’t you dare!” Ruku said.

Ever since Yuko caught him using his powers three months ago, she’s been threatening to tell Rogue, who hates witchcraft. Yuko was also a witch, but she never showed Ruku her powers; nor did he ever catch her using her powers.

“It’s nice to see everyone getting along so well.” said another voice by the door. “Are you blind?!” Ruku snapped at Raven. Raven, like Yuko, was one of the waiters at the café. Raven’s real name was Adam Fitzgerald, but he liked Raven better. Raven, also human, was a few inches taller than like. He had wavy, black hair and dark brown eyes. Raven was a very sarcastic person. He was always smiling so you could never tell what he was really thinking. In spite of this, he was actually a pretty good person to be around.

“I’m only joking.” Yuko finally told an angry, and fuming Rogue, as they all went back into the kitchen. “Ruku, you’re coming to Karaoke Night, right?”

Karaoke Night! How could he have forgotten?! “Yeah, I’m coming.” he said. Every month or so, the held a Karaoke Night at the café to promote business. Lots of people showed up to sing the different songs they had, some poor singers ,others some of the best you’d ever heard.

“Ruku, we’re closing early today so that Yuko, Raven and I can set things up.” Rogue said, “Yuko said that you should leave us to it, for your own good.” Rogue looked at Yuko before continuing, “Yuko will pick us all up around six so we can get here by seven.” Ruku nodded just before the door opened again, and their first customer of the day entered.

She was a seemingly very nervous female. “Welcome!” Ruku and Rogue both said at once. The woman entered, timidly, and said, “I…I heard you made some of the best Chocolate éclairs around…could I please have six?” Ruku nodded, and went into the kitchen to big cooking.

Yuko stared at the woman with her soul-piercing eyes, as Rogue rang up the charge for the woman. “That’ll be $9.50, please.” As the woman paid up in exact change, Yuko continued to watch her. Once she sat down, and began to wait, Yuko finally spoke. “Who are the éclairs for?”

The woman looked up shocked, “They are for…a friend…” she said. Yuko didn’t say anything for a moment, then, “’A friend’? Who might this friend be?” The woman looked away from Yuko, blushing. “He’s…someone I have a crush on for a long time…I plan on telling him so today with these éclairs.”

“You should be careful.” Yuko said, and the woman looked up suddenly, “Wha…why?!”

Rogue and Raven watched the scene before them. This was not the first time Yuko had done something like this. It was as though Yuko really could see into a person’s soul, and tell what they were thinking. She normally went on like this, giving advice to the person…it was also like she could see the future.

“I’m just saying that you should be careful.” Yuko continued, “If you haven’t told the person that you have a crush on them before now, then they might think you aren’t interested and will fall in love with another. Even if you give the subtle hints, not every guy can pick up on those. This ‘friend’ of yours may already have a girlfriend, or possible even a fiancée.

Before you go and have you heart broken, make sure that this is not the case.” The woman was looking at Yuko with mixed emotion. She was angry at Yuko, yet scared at the same time, because she knew that Yuko was speaking the truth. She looked away from Yuko, down at her lap, shaking.

The stood there in silence, until Ruku, ignorant of anything that had happened out side the kitchen, returned with a box of six Chocolate éclairs. “Here’s your or…der…” he said, stopping short as he entered through the doubles doors. “I…is everything alright?” he asked, noticing the solemn mood in the restaurant.

Yuko walked up to him, and took the box and gave it to the woman. “Yes, Ruku” she said, “We were just having a little conversation.” The woman took the package, sniffed and said with a slight bow, “Thank you very much.” then she turned to Yuko and said, “I’ll try to keep what you said in mind…” Then she left.

Ruku, unsure of what had happened, shrugged and returned to the kitchen. “I have a feeling…” Yuko said, “That we will see her back here, tomorrow.” Then she followed Ruku into the kitchen.

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“See you later!” Ruku said as he waved goodbye to Yuko and Rogue. He walked to the edge of the curd and held out his hand to signal a taxi. Just as he did, his eyes traveled across the street to the adjacent café. Sitting outside was a male fox who looked a few years older than Ruku. The fox had white fur on most of him, and orange fur everywhere else. He wore a dark blue trench coat over a black business suit.

As Ruku found himself staring, beginning to feel somewhat…odd. The fox looked up from the newspaper it was reading and looked directly at Ruku. Ruku looked away to find his hand still in the air signaling a taxi that had already appeared. “S…sorry!” he said, quickly as he got in. He looked back at the fox to find it staring at him. He quickly looked away again, blushing.

“What is matter?” said the driver in a thick, middle east accent. “See cute girl checking you out?”

Ruku didn’t know how to answer that, so he stayed silent. What was it about that fox that made him feel like this? He looked back and saw the fox still staring at him as the cab pulled away and he was headed home.

Chapter 2: Reminiscence Part One

“Yaaaah!” the human child yelled as it was caught in a trap. “Ruku! What the hell?!” Ruku, age 12, one month away from turning 13, laughed darkly. “That’s what you get for calling me ‘fox-boy freak’, ya little rat bastard!” The trap wasn’t very elaborate: it was simply one of those foot-caught-in-rope-suspended-in-mid-air traps. Ruku levitated up to the boy and got right in his face, “Now apologize, and I might let you down.”

The boy glared right at Ruku and said, “This is why people in the town call you a freak, witch!” Ruku wasn’t at all happy to hear that, “Yeah?” he said, “Well let’s see what they call you once I‘ve cursed you!”

It was at this point that a very stern voice said, “Ruku! Let him down, now!” Ruku didn’t look happy, but obliged by using telekinesis on the knot that tied the rope around the boy’s foot. The boy fell to the ground, but wasn’t injured. “Freaks!” he yelled as he ran away.

Ruku landed in front of his father, “Yeah you better run!” He was promptly hit over the head, “Ruku!” said his father, “The Powers That Be did not give you those powers to torment humans!” Ruku rubbing his head, turned his back, “Ruku, why don’t you make friends with the humans? Then maybe they’d stop treating you like a freak.”

“F**k that!” Ruku said, then he added sadly, “Humans had their chance to become friends with me…instead they choose to torment me…so I’ll torment them in turn.” He was promptly hit over the head again.

“Firs of all, watch your language!” his father said, “Second, you have to give all humans a chance. Not every human is the same.” Ruku didn’t respond, so his father continued, “Ruku, I want you to go Okawa, there‘s something I need you to pick up; you‘ll know what it is when you get there. When you get there, go to the first restaurant you see and order some Sake.”

And he left Ruku there, his mouth hanging open. “Close your mouth, you might catch flies.” Ruku closed his mouth and stormed off in the direction of the Okawa.

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Ruku reached Okawa by the time night had fallen. He stopped by the nearest restaurant and ordered some Sake. The bartender, laughing, said “I can’t sell alcohol to a minor, get outta here!” Just then, a police officer and a semi-drunk man entered. “Oh, hello there, Officer Ageha.”

“Hello, Ichiro.” said officer Ageha. Officer Ageha was one of the most beautiful women Ruku had seen, though he’d never say this to anyone. She had long black hair and red eyes. “This guy’s supposed to be repairing that painting, but he keeps on insisting on getting drunk here.” The semi-drunk guy sat down, mumbled something, and fell asleep. Officer Ageha sighed, “I can’t watch him all night.” her eyes then fell upon Ruku. “If I buy you a meal, would you take him home?” Ruku nodded.

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Soon enough, Ruku, with the smelly, unconscious drunk on his back, was heading toward the father end of the town where the man lived. When he finally reached where the guy lived, a male answered the door. “Ah! Yukito-sensei!” he said, “Huh? And who are you?” he asked Ruku.

“I’m Ruku, Hiroki Ruku.” Ruku said, “And I believe this is yours?” he thrust ‘Yukito-sensei’ through the door and was about to leave when the man said, “Uh…hey! Won’t you stay for the night?” Ruku shrugged and entered. “I’m Kosuke, by the way.”

“Thank you for brining Yukito-sensei home.”

“Why do you call him ‘sensei’?”

“Because he is my teacher. He teaches me art…but mostly he drinks all day…”

They were now sitting in Yukito’s living room, Kosuke was drinking some sake, and Ruku was drinking tea. On the floor up against a wall was a painting of a forest. Ruku couldn’t help but look at it. “Oh, that’s ‘Forest’.” Kosuke said, and Yukito, finally awake, sat up and walked out the room for the bathroom. “Yukito is repairing that painting.”

“He’s doing a good job.” he said, looking at it, he took a gulp from his tea, and continued looking at the painting. Eventually, he went over to take a closer look, but stopped short, gagging. “GAK! What the hell’s that smell?!” He said, turning to Kosuke, “Oh, the stuff being used to repair it really smells.” Ruku took his seat, clutching his nose.

“So, Ruku, I haven’t seen you around town before, where do you come from?”

“Tokyo.”

“Ah. And what are you doing here?”

“Well, my dad told me to come here and pick something up for him.”

“Oh?”

“ Yeah…the people around here seem different…maybe they are…People call me freak all the time in Tokyo…I get into a lot of trouble cause I can’t control my anger…nobody really trusts me…”

By now Yukito was back and was standing in the door listening to Ruku and Kosuke’s conversation. “In return I don’t trust humans…”

“You’re kinda like Yukito.” Kosuke said, as Yukito left the room. “Yukito-sensei wasn’t always like he is now. He used to be a much kinder person, but…you see…he was stabbed in the back by his best friend.” ad he delved in a story he’d told a few times before, “He and Mizuki both loved the same girl, you see, Mizuki said that he’d back down and let Yukito have her…but when a few days later, Mizuki tried to kill Yukito, but ended up getting killed instead.

It was an accident but…” he trailed off, looking at Ruku, ‘I think he’s beginning to hate humans even more, now…’ “But you know, not all humans are the same…but even still it’s really hard for him to trust anyone anymore. ” he paused, “Unlike him, I’m more willing to trust…and I trust you Ruku, you seem like a good person to me.” Ruku didn’t look at Kosuke for awhile. After about twenty minutes of silence, Kosuke said “It’s getting late, I’ll take you to the guest room.”

Ruku followed Kosuke further back into the house where the guest was. After biding him a good night, Kosuke left.

“Ruku?” said a pleasant female voice, “Are you alright?” Ruku, Rogue, and Raven were all riding in Yuko’s car on the way to the café. Ruku had been reminiscing about an event that had happened in his past. “Yeah, I’m fine.” he said. He did not take his eyes of the window out of which his was looking, he did not notice that Yuko was giving him her soul-piercing look through the rear-view mirror.

Just as Ruku finally decided to tear his eyes away from the window, Yuko looked at the road. “Oh, look.” she said, “We’re here.” After Yuko parked, they all headed for the café.

Chapter 3: Karaoke Night

The café had been adapted for Karaoke Night; the tables had all been set around a large stage that had been erected. The light had all been turned down low, and a screen had been placed above the stage to show the audience the lyrics. The karaoke machine was placed at the center of the stage so that the singers could see the lyrics to their song.

People were already beginning to file into the café. They were all chattering, and ordering their various meals by the time that Yuko, being the hostess, got up on stage. Ruku, being the first act, was standing beside the stairs, waiting for his cue. “I’d like to introduce our first act…” she pointed to Ruku, “Hiroki Ruku, singing ‘Gekkouka’!”

Ruku got up on stage, and switched the Karaoke machine on to ‘Gekkouka--Janne Da Arc’. As the violin prelude to the song began, Ruku closed his eyes to gather himself. Just as he opened them, he saw him. Him! The fox from earlier, sitting close to the stage, all alone. He blinked, just as the other instrument in the song kicked in, ending the prelude, he then realized he’d have to start singing in 3...2...1...

“Kanashige ni saku hana ni kimi no omokage wo mita,” he sang, above him, the song, in kanji, appeared on screen with the English translation below each line. “Daisuki na ame na no ni, naze ka kyou wa tsumetakute. Awaku hakanaku yoru ni yurarete tameiki hitotsu ochita hanabira. Tsuki no kakera wo atsumete yume wo kazari nemuru toki no suna chiribamete mo ano koro e kaere nai.”

A very brief musical solo, Ruku looked out over his audience, they were loving him! He’d take the time to enjoy this if he didn’t have to start singing again. “Futtou miageta hoshizora mata kimi wo sagashiteta, ikutsu yoru wo korareba namida wa tsuyosa ni naru. Kisetsu wa meguri mori wa sorerare kaze wa kanaete omoi afurete. Aitakute itoshikute furetakute kurushikute todokanai tsutawaranai kanawanai toosugite ima wa mou kimi wa inai yo.”

A brief instrumental solo, and Ruku looked out over his audience. They were captivated by him. He looked to were the fox was sitting: he was staring directly at Ruku. Ruku blushed, but thanks to his black fur, no one noticed. What was it about this fox? Why did Ruku always find himself staring or blushing whenever he saw him? He’d find out later, but now he had to complete the song.

"Chiriyuku to shiru hana wa soredemo tsuyoku ikiteru iro azayaka ni." All insruments except for the drums and piano ceased. After a few notes, the drums ceased leaving only the piano playing, Ruku sang the final two choruses.

"Tsuki no kakera wo atsumete yume wo kazari nemuru" the violins resumed, "Toki no suna chiribamete mo ano koro e kaerenai." The rest of the instruments resumed, "Aitakute itoshikute furetakute kurushikute todokanai tsutawaranai kanawanai toosugite ima wa mou kimi wa inai yo.” The instrument continued for a few more seconds, Ruku closed his eyes and waited for the song to end. Once it did, he opened his eyes and bowed, the entire audience was on it's feet, giving him a standing-ovation.

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What the audience saw on screen:

悲しげに咲く花に

I saw traces of you

君の面影を見た

In a sadly blooming flower.

大好きな雨なのに

Even though I love the rain,

何故か今日は冷たくて

Today it seems so cold.

淡く儚く夜に揺られて

Faint , fleetingly, the flower sways in the night

溜め息一つ堕ちた花びら

Letting out a single sigh, a fallen flower petal

月の欠片を集めて

I gather shards of the moon,

夢を飾り眠る

decorate a dream and sleep

時の砂散りばめても

Even if I scatter the sands of time

あの頃へ還れない

I know I can never return to those days.

ふと見上た星空

I looked up at the sky suddenly

また君を探してた

Searching again for you

幾つ夜を超えれば

How many nights will it take

涙は強さに成る

before tears become strength?

季節は巡り森は逸れられ

The seasons change. The forests are stained

風は叶えて思い溢れて

The winds play a tune. Thoughts overflow

逢いたくて　愛おしくて

I want to meet you, my beloved

触れたくて　苦しくて

I want to touch you, it’s so painful

届かない　伝わらない

But it won’t reach you, I can’t tell you

叶わない　遠すぎて

These things won’t come true, it’s too far away.

今はもう　君はいないよ

You are no longer here.

散りゆくと知る　花はそれでも

The flower knows that it will die and be scattered,

強く生きてる　色鮮やかに

but still it lives on full of vitality and color.

月の欠片を集めて

I gather shards of the moon,

夢を飾り眠る

decorate a dream and sleep

時の砂散りばめても

Even if I scatter the sands of time

あの頃へ還れない

I know I can never return to those days.

逢いたくて　愛おしくて

I want to meet you, my beloved

触れたくて　苦しくて

I want to touch you, it’s so painful

届かない　伝わらない

But it won’t reach you, I can’t tell you

叶わない　遠すぎて

These things won’t come true, it’s too far away.

今はもう　君はいないよ

You are no longer here.

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As he bowed, Yuko came back on stage. Ruku returned the mike to her, as she said "Let's give it up for Ruku!" The crowd cheered and applauded as Ruku left the stage, and headed toward the Fox. Yuko watched him with those soul-piercing eyes of hers, before addressing the crowd again.

As Ruku got closer to the fox, he found that the fox seemed to be waiting for him. The fox was starring right at him. What would he do when he got there? Would this stranger be kindly? Or un-friendly? Ruku's heart rate increased as he approached. Finally, mercifully, he reached the table where the fox sat and said, "He...hello."

The fox smiled, "Well, hello there." He seemed kind enough. Ruku smiled back and sat down. "I'm Ruku, Hiroki Ruku." he said, his paw outstretched so the fox could shake it.

"I'm Jake Casey." he said, taking Ruku's paw.

They both felt it at the same time. The sensation of touching each other; the warmth that flowed from each of them into the other. The energy that only a select few possessed. They sensed the magic in each other.

"You're a witch." they both whispered, and their eyes widened in amazement. "How about we go somewhere we can talk in private? My house maybe." Jake said, and Ruku nodded.

"Alright, let me just go tell Rouge I'm leaving."

Ruku got up and went over to where Rouge was. After a quick good bye, he returned to where Jake was, ready to leave. Jake lead him outside to the parking lot where his Porsche was. Even in t he dark, Ruku could tell that the slick, black car had been recently polished. As they climbed inside, Ruku wondered where Jake lived. That question was instantly put to the back of his mind as a new question presented itself. What was he doing? He barely new this person, and he was going home with him? Was this a wise decision? Even if he was a witch.

They drove for about 30 minutes in silence. Ruku took quick glances at Jake, each time he felt himself blushing a little bit more. Tonight Jake was wearing a tight, short-sleeve shirt that revealed his muscular form. His shirt was tucked into the loose-fitting jeans he was wearing. Ruku swallowed hard, and turned his view out the window. What was it he was feeling?

Suddenly, Jake said "So, you've been feeling the same attraction, huh?" Ruku looked up suddenly, and Jake added, "Sorry to invade on your emotions, I'm an empath. It's my new power that I just received. Ever since I saw you this morning, I couldn't get you off my mind, apparently you couldn't get me off yours either, eh?" Ruku nodded in response.

Jake paused for a moment, as if choosing his next words, "Are you...gay? Or just bi." he asked finally.

"Bi." Ruku said, "I've only ever had a girlfriend though, but she was human and dumped me because everyone was calling her a freak-by-association. I was the only furry in a school of humans, so naturally, everyone thought I was a freak. Everyone except Tanesha, she thought I was cute. But when every started calling her a freak behind her back, and she learned it was because she was dating me, she broke it off. Yeah, it hurt, but I realized she wasn't a good friend to let that stand in the way of our relationship."

Jake listened to Ruku talk about his only past relationship. "You're right about that." he said, when Ruku had finished. "Humans can be so cruel sometimes."

"Yeah," Ruku said, "But something I learned young was 'not all humans are the same.'"

Jake nodded thoughtfully. They drove in silence for a while before Jake asked, "So, what are your interests?"

"Well," Ruku said, "I love the j-rock back Janne Da Arc, especially the vocalist, Yasu."

"Me too!" Jake exclaimed, "JDA is like the best j-rock band around! I should've know you liked them when you sang 'Gekkouka'."

"It's my favorite song."

"Mine's 'Wild Fang'."

Jake and Ruku spent the next few minutes talking about Janne Da Arc and which songs they'd heard and which ones they wanted to download to their respective PSPs. When they got to the subject of PSPs, they spent another few minutes going over their favorite PSP games. Ruku's favorite genre was RPG, while Jake's was Action/Adventure. Eventually, they got into the subject of their powers. Ruku told Jake about his powers of levitation and telekinesis. Jake's powers were Astral Projection, the power to project one's astral form, and his new power of Empathy, the power feel the emotions of others.

"Empathy is quite annoying, really." he said, "Ah! Here we are." They had finally reached Jake's home. Home, more like mansion. Jake's home was a large estate. There was a driveway that led to the front door where, normally, a valet was present to open the door for you, and take the car to be parked. The valet had already left for home as his work day had ended earlier. So Jake parked the car himself, and led the way up to the house.

"Make yourself comfortable," Jake said as the entered, "Kitchen's through there, and the living room is through their." He said pointing to two doors at the far end of the entrance, which was the size of a mini entrance hall. There were two doors on either side, and a staircase in the very center that led to the next floor. "I'll be right back." Jake said, as he ascended the stairs.

Ruku went through the door leading to the living room, and stopped short. It was huge! There was a large couch sitting in front of a 54in HD TV. Connected to the TV was an XBOX 360 system. Various games were lay around it. There was an entire theatre system, including surround sound speakers in the corners of the room. Ruku stood there a moment, taking every thing in.

Regaining himself, he walked in and sat on the couch. No sooner had had sat down, his tail beside him, than Jake came into the room. "I'd have thought you'd go to the kitchen first, guess I was wrong." He came in and stood by the couch, a fair distance away from Ruku. "This is so I don't tap your emotions again." He said, seeing Ruku's expression. He didn't know he wasn't far enough away from Ruku to not be able to feel his emotions, he'd soon find out though.

Jake had taken off the tight shirt and was now in a white sleeveless tank top, revealing more of his muscles. Ruku blushed so much this time that the red of his fur actually became redder. Both Ruku and Jake's berating suddenly became heavy. They remained like that for a while, starring at each other, their hearts racing. Ruku stood up, "Why did you bring me here?" he said, not angry, just wanting to know what Jake's intentions were. This was mainly to try and start a conversation to drown out these growing feelings.

Ruku moved closer to Jake, who backed away, trying to keep out of range of Ruku's emotions. Ruku was now next to the wall, which had nothing on it. "You didn't bring me here just to avoid me!" Ruku said. It was futile. With Jake's own emotions flaring, plus those of Ruku's he couldn't hold back. He suddenly lunged at Ruku, pinning him against the wall. "Ruku...stop me...before I do something we both will regret."

They looked into each other's eyes. Ruku's emotions were reaching fever pitch, and Jake's were soaring even higher. As Jake's face slowly got closer and closer to Ruku's, Ruku managed to whisper a simple, "No."

And, they kissed. It was passionate; it was mutual. Jake took both of Ruku's arms and raised them above Ruku's head, and used one hand to pin them their. With his other hand, he worked to get Ruku's shirt off. Ruku, whose arms were of no use at the moment, used what little concentration he had to telekinetically will Jake's shirt to come off. They managed to get the other's shirt off with in seconds of each other.

Jake's free hand, the on that wasn't pinning Ruku's hands above them, went to work on Ruku's pants. Ruku had more difficulty undoing the belt with telekinesis this time, but managed only after Jake stopped kissing him long enough to pull the pants down, and off his legs. He had a brief respite to focus his telekinesis into one power pulse, and ripped Jake's pants clean in two. Jake instantly returned to kissing Ruku, but slowly worked his way down to Ruku cock, which was already out of it’s sheath..

Jake could no longer hold on to Ruku's arms. He was now working Ruku cock with his mouth, going up and down the sides, putting his whole member in his mouth as he switched between sides. The entire time Ruku panted, and moaned in pleasure. Something was coming, and rapidly approaching. His breathing became heavier and heavier as he cummed.

Jake brought Ruku to the floor, and turned him onto his stomach. Jake then got on top and began putting his own cock into Ruku. Ruku panted even more as the experience took him. Jake was also panting, heavily. Jake draped Ruku's tail over his shoulder, and held Ruku's ass as he worked his cock in and out of Ruku’s tail whole. Soon he too cummed, making a mess of Ruku.

He with drew, but they weren't done. Ruku turned to Jake and was now working Jake's cock with his mouth. Once Jake's cock had sufficient Silva on it, Ruku made Jake kneel down. Draping Jake's tail over his own shoulder, he worked his cock into Jake's ass, and used the saliva on Jake's cock as a lubricant to work both his and Jake's members at the same time.

Their panting became heavier and heavier, until the both reached the climax. The both yelled out in sheer pleasure as they cummed. "You're...bigger...than...most..." Jake managed to pant out before collapsing, Ruku fell forward on top of Jake, and they both drifted off into the land of dreams.

Chapter 4: Temporal Paralysis

Ruku woke the next morning, his mouth dry. Why hadn’t his alarm gone of? Why was he naked? And what the hell was he laying on?! His eyes flew wide open as the realization hit him. He got up and saw…Jake. ‘Oh my god…’ he thought, ‘I didn’t.’ But he had. He slowly got to his feet, and located his cloths. Folding them, he decided he go looking for the bathroom, which he had no idea where it was.

He slowly ascended the stairs in the entrance hall. There was no one around. He didn’t know whether he should thank his lucky stars, or curse the fact that he’d have to search for the bathroom on his own. Fortunately, the bathroom was the first door on the right after he ascended the stairs.

Laying his cloths down on the sink, and turned the hot water on. After he waited for the water to warm, he got into the shower and preceded to wash the cum out of his fur. ‘God, what was I thinking?’ he thought. He turned of the shower and shook himself to get mostly dry, then used a towel to finish.

Just as he wrapped the towel around himself, the door burst open, and there stood Jake. “So that’s where you ran off to!” he said.

Ruku, taken off guard, clutched the towel closer and yelled, “What the hell?! Get out!”

Jake shrugged it off saying, “Oh come on. Been there, done that. Literally. There’s nothing you got I didn’t see last night.”

Once again Ruku flushed so much, his fur became a darker shade of red. “GET OUT!” he yelled, flinging his arms outward. Jake flew backwards out the door, and hit the wall on the other side. The door was then telekinetically shut. He walked up to the door and yelled, “There’s a wardrobe three doors down on the same side as the bathroom, feel free to get a change of cloths.” With that, he left to take a shower at one of the other three bathrooms.

Breathing heavily, Ruku opened the door and walked three doors down and found the wardrobe. It was a large walk-in closet with various styles of clothing. As Jake was taller than Ruku, Ruku didn’t think there’d be any cloths that would fit him. He picked out a black, sleeveless vest, and a pair of black khakis. Surprisingly, they fit him quite well.

Once he was finished, he walked down stairs and made his way to the kitchen. As he entered, Jake was also entering. “Ah, there you are.” he said, “Calmed down yet?” Jake was now wearing light blue pajama shorts, and a brown shirt. Ruku didn’t know how to respond, so he didn’t say anything.

Jake sighed, “Well, don’t start feeling resentment now!” he said, “I did tell you to stop me before I did something we’d both regret. You said ‘no’. You wanted it as much as I did.” Ruku stared at him, Jake had obviously felt his emotions again. But what Jake was saying was dead on, Ruku had said ‘no’ and given himself up to the experience, he had wanted it.

“You’re right.” he said, finally, “That empathy thing is pretty annoying.”

Jake chuckled, I had a feeling you’d say that. Ruku looked at the clock on the wall, “Damn it, I’m gonna be late!” he ran out the kitchen before Jake had a chance to stop him. Soon Ruku was out of the house, and was running toward the café at top speed.

The ground was wet, it must have rained the night before at Ruku got to Jake’s home. As Ruku ran by a large puddle in the rove, a car came by causing it to splash up. “Whoa!” he said, throwing up his hands in front of him, as though they would protect him from being drenched. But something weird happened.

Time stopped. It just stopped, dead. All the people around him, all the cars, even the big splash that was headed right for him, everything was frozen. Ruku looked around, startled. Then he turn and ran toward the café. Toward Yuko, who might have an answer for what just happened. Just as he turned and started running again, time resumed. He had avoided getting drenched, but the person standing behind where he had been wasn’t so lucky.

But Ruku didn’t notice that. He didn’t notice that there was now a soaking wet woman where a soaking wet fox should have been. All he knew was that somehow he had just frozen time. Could it be possible that he now had a new power? After telekinesis, he didn’t gain any new powers for a while, so he’d thought that was it; that he’d gain no more powers. Had he been wrong?

He hadn’t noticed just how far from the café Jake lived until he finally reached it, panting. He entered to find only Yuko. “Yuko…I…” he panted, but was abruptly cut off.

“You stopped time.” she said, “I sensed it. You’ve got a new power, congratulations!”

“Where is everyone?” Ruku asked, regaining his composure.

“Rouge and Raven haven’t arrived yet.” Yuko replied, “I’ve been here for quite some time, and--”

She was cut off by the sound of Ruku phone ringing. It was one of the ring tones that came with the phone, Ruku had never gotten around to downloading others. “Moshi moshi.” he answered. As he listened to what the frantic male voice had to say on the other end, he froze. Literally. What the person said hit him so hard, that time for him just froze.

________________________________________________________________________

Back at his manor, Jake felt a terrible twinge on pain in his heart. “Ruku…!” he said, placing a hand over his heart “What’s wrong?” He quickly went to get dressed. He put on an outfit similar to the one he’d worn the previous night, then he rushed out to get into his car, and drove to where Ruku worked.

________________________________________________________________________

Yuko suddenly stood up when Ruku’s face went blank. “Ruku!” she said, “What’s wrong?!” Something was wrong with Ruku. She could tell because he was no longer moving. She ran to him, examining him, trying to figure out the problem. Then it hit her. Just then, I man burst through the door, clutching his heart. It was the man that Ruku had left with the previous night.

“Ruku…” he croaked, dragging himself through the door. “What’s wrong with him? He’s like a statue.”

“Ruku’s just suffered an emotional blow.” Yuko said, “I don’t know what it was but it’s caused his new power to turn inward and freeze time for Ruku instead of everything else.” Jake and Yuko looked at Ruku.

“Isn’t there something we can do?” Jake pleaded.

“Of course.” Yuko said, “We simply must un-freeze his time. Lessee, can you write a spell real quick?”

“Uh…” Jake said, “Yeah…wait, how’d you know I--”

“When I said ‘Ruku’s new power’, you didn’t question what I meant.” Yuko said, “Which meant you knew about powers, and witchcraft.”

Jake looked at Yuko, then turned his gaze on Ruku, “Um…Here these words, here the rhyme, heed the hope that’s in my mind, restore what’s lost, restore Ruku’s time.”

A tear ran down Ruku’s face as he dropped the phone, and fell to his knees. “Ruku!” Jake said, kneeling down beside him. “What’s wrong…ah! His heart…!” Jake got up, and tried to move away from Ruku, as far away as he could get where Ruku’s emotions would effect him less.

“She’s…” Ruku said, his voice cracking, tears streaming from his eyes, “She’s been hit by a truck…she’s in the hospital.” With these words, he broke down and sobbed, “She tried to call me, so I could pick her up and walk with her…but I wasn’t home…” Yuko knew that Ruku was talking about Rouge, Jake knew as well, but it was because of his empathy that he knew.

Yuko picked up the phone, “Raven.” she said, “No, Ruku was just…frozen in his emotions.” She listened to what Raven had to say, “Alright, we’re on our way.” She hung up the phone, and turned to Jake, “Are you alright to drive?”

Jake shook his head, “If I drove without Ruku in the vicinity, other wise…ah!” He clutched at his chest even tighter, “His heart…it aches…there’s so many emotions there I can’t tell them apart, and I can‘t expel them from myself.”

Yuko went to Ruku and helped him to his feet, “I’ll take your empathy so that you can drive him to the hospital.” She walked Ruku closer to Jake, who recoiled, “At this time he can’t take this emotional trap, free him, free the empath.”

Jake looked up, the pain was gone. “Wha…”

“I’ve taken your empathic powers into my self, you’ll be able to get Ruku there now. I think it’s best if you take him, instead of me.”

Soon after that little event, Jake and Ruku were speeding toward the hospital that Rouge had been taken two. Ruku had calmed some, but the tears were still coming. “If only I could’ve been there with her…maybe…I could’ve done something…”

“Stop.” Jake said, “Stop right there! You can’t beat yourself up over what you can’t control. What would you have done if you’d been there anyway? Most likely, you’d be the one in the hospital, instead of her. Ruku, I understand how you feel, trust me, I felt it to. But you mustn’t think like that.”

Ruku was looking at Jake with wide, red, tear filled eyes. He smiled and nodded, “You’re right.”

Ruku looked out the window, tears till streaming through his fur, as Jake sped down the road toward the hospital Rouge had been taken to. They didn’t say anything while they drove; Ruku didn’t really seem to be there mentally enough for them to talk anyway. He was somewhere deep in his thoughts. Had he looked into the rear-view mirror, he’d have seen the cops following them.

But Jake did see them. Though they hadn’t turned their lights and sirens on yet, Jake had noticed them through the rear-view mirror. Why hadn’t they turned the sirens on? Did they know they were headed for the hospital? Would they wait till they got there before giving him a ticket? Jake was going ten miles over the speed limit, but the cops didn’t seem to want to stop him.

Jake looked a head and saw the hospital, Ruku saw it too. He sat up, eagerly, as they approached.

Jake stopped the car once they were in the parking lot, and Ruku bolted from the car, heading toward the sliding, double doors. That was when Yuko came from the direction of the parking garage. “Ruku! She’s in ICU Room number 175!” She called to him. Ruku stopped long enough to nod, then continued on his way. Yuko joined Jake at the car, where they awaited the cops.

Ruku, not wanting to waste time on the elevator, ran all the way up the stairs. When he reached ICU Room number 175, he found that the room was empty. He turned his back against the wall, slid down it onto the floor, and cried.

After a few minutes, a nurse happened by. “Excuse me!” she said to him, “But you mustn’t be here. The person in this room has been taken to surgery and won’t be back for a while, you must wait in the Waiting Area.” Then she walked off. Ruku, wiping away tears, made his way to the waiting area where he found Raven, sitting opposite Rouge’s parents.

Mr. And Mrs. Yamaguchi were sitting huddled together, Mrs. Yamaguchi was sobbing hysterically into her husband’s shoulder. As Ruku approached, Raven stood up and took him off to the side.

“I already explained to the Yamaguchis and the nurses,” he said, “But you need to know as well…where’s Yuko?”

Ruku hadn’t noticed yet, but Yuko hadn’t followed him inside. “I thought she was right behind me…” he said, “But tell me what happened.”

“I was at the café when it happened,” Raven said, “She was crossing the street when this huge truck came out of nowhere…he came to fast to stop, and she had no time to react…she’s in a pretty bad way…”

Ruku could only imagine the event that must have transpired, but he really didn’t want to. He heard Mr. Yamaguchi trying to console his wife, while she went on about how she didn’t want to lose her daughter: how she couldn’t lose her daughter. Ruku and Raven went back to where they were, and sat across from them.

No sooner did had he sat down, than Yuko walked in. She kept her distance from the four of them, Ruku didn’t know why: he hadn’t been listening when Yuko took Jake’s power of empathy away. “How is she?” Yuko asked. Raven shook his head.

“We won’t know until she comes out of surgery.”

“I see,” Yuko said, “There’s something I must do, I will be back later.” With that, she turned and headed toward the exit.

Ruku then remembered that Jake had driven him, but he didn’t know where he was. “Excuse me, but I need some fresh air.” He said to Raven, and the Yamaguchis. It wasn’t a complete lie: the air in the hospital was a mix of non-pleasant odors, and Ruku’s nose couldn’t take much more of it.

He ran back the way he’d come, heading for the front of the hospital. When he reached the front of the hospital, he didn’t see Jake anywhere. He figured he must be in the garage, and so that’s where he went. Sure enough, Jake was sitting in his car, in the garage, looking at a ticket. When he saw Ruku coming, he got out of the car abandoning the ticket on the passenger’s seat.

“How is she?” he asked, and Ruku mimicked what Raven had done when asked the same question: he shook his head.

“We won’t know until she comes out of surgery.” He said, then added, “Thanks for helping me to keep a straight head on till we got here.”

“No problem.” Jake said, quickly, “I couldn’t let you blame something you had no control over on yourself.”

“I know…but still, I can’t help but wonder…would it have been different if I--Ow!”

Jake hit him over the head, “What did I tell you?!”

“Ow!” Ruku said again, then he started laughing. It started small, a chuckle, but it grew into a full laugh. “My dad used to hit me like that all the time when I got out of hand…I guess he’s still looking out for me in the after-life.”

Jake softened, and smiled. “Sorry for being so rough.”

Ruku shook his head, “Don’t be,” he said, smiling, “I suppose I should head back before the start wondering where I am.” He turned back to leave and said, “I’ll be back to let you know what’s happening.” Ruku ran back to the waiting area where he was greeted by the sight of the Yamaguchis and Raven standing around a nurse, he joined them and heard what the nurse had to tell them.

Outside, back in the car, Jake waited for Ruku to come out with good news. He hoped it would be good news, he didn’t know if he could take seeing Ruku in pain again. As he sat there, wondering if Yuko would try to give him back his power of empathy, he wondered if he could simply deny it, and let Yuko keep it permanently. He didn’t have much time to think about as he saw that Ruku was coming back.

But something was wrong. As Jake got out of the car, smiling, his smile faded instantly as he saw Ruku. It wasn’t the fact that Ruku was walking slowly, with his head hanging low that had told him something was wrong. What is was that Ruku’s tail was between his legs, and Jake could see tears in Ruku’s fur from where he was. Jake walked around the door to the front of the car where he awaited Ruku. As Ruku looked up, Jake saw that his eyes were red and puffy.

Seeing Jake there, waiting for him, he couldn’t bear it anymore. He lowered his head and broke into a run toward Jake. Jake embraced Ruku, as he sobbed into his chest. He knew that Ruku would tell him what happened once he calmed down a little, so for now he wouldn’t press him. So they stayed like that for a while until Ruku finally spoke.

“They said…” He sniffed, between sobs, “They said that there’s a lot of damage to her head…she’s in a coma and…” he paused as if not able to bring himself to say this most critical part, “They said she may never wake up again!” At this, he resumed sobbing. Jake held him tighter, it tore him up to see Ruku in this much pain.

Jake hadn’t know Ruku for that long a time, and he hadn’t know Rouge at all, but what he could already tell was that those two were very close. Brother and sister close. Of course they weren’t siblings, but they were close enough to be siblings.

After awhile, Ruku asked to be taken away from the hospital, far away. Jake willingly obliged by getting Ruku inside the passenger’s side of the car, and taking him back to his home.

Chapter 5: The Ordeal Begins

The bell rang as Yuko was preparing to close the café down for the day. As she turned to see who it was and tell them that they would be closed for the rest of the day, she saw that it was the female who’d come in the day before. “Welcome back,” Yuko said, “We are closing for the day, is there any thing I can do for you?”

The woman walked in, cautiously. Yuko stared at her with her soul-piercing eyes while she waited for her to speak. Finally, the woman said, “You…were right.”

“About what?” Yuko said, though she already had some idea of about what. After all, she had predicted that the woman would return.

“About the man on whom I had a crush…” the woman said, hanging for head, looking only at the floor. “When I went to see him yesterday, there was another woman with him…he told me that they were now engaged and that’s why he wanted to meet me.” Yuko didn’t say anything so the woman continued, “I…I’ve accepted that there is nothing I can do, now that they are engaged, but…I just wish the pain would go away…”

Yuko walked toward the woman, “Many of the people who come here have wishes,” she said, “What they do not know is that most of those wishes can be granted by the people here. You wish that the pain in your heart would subside correct?” The woman nodded, and Yuko continued. “It is within my power to grant that wish, however I will need proper payment for my service.”

“If you can make my pain go away,” the woman said, “Money is no object.” She began fumbling around in her purse, but Yuko stopped her.

“I do not mean money,” Yuko said, “What I am talking about is something much more important. In this case, you want your broken heart to be mended, to do that, I will take away the feelings you have had for this person.” The woman looked mortified, “I won’t take away your memories of him, but the love you’ve had for him will disappear. You may, of course, choose not to accept, and may leave with you broken heart.”

“No,” the woman said quickly, “Perhaps this is the only way I can get over him…please, do what you must.”

Yuko walked the distance between her and the woman, put her hand on the woman’s chin and lifted her face so that their eyes met. The woman looked into the soul-piercing eyes of Yuko for thirty whole seconds before she found her self out side the café. She looked around, “What…was I doing here again?” She asked herself before shrugging, and walking away.

“Yuko,” came a familiar voice, “Have you forgotten?” Yuko turned around to see a man dressed in a white robe embroiled with an intricate golden design. The man was shorter the Yuko by a few feet, and had no hair. He stared up at her trough green eyes.

“Hello, Yuri.” Yuko said, “No, I have not forgotten, I know what I must do tonight.”

Yuri nodded at her. “I certainly hope so, Yuko.” he said, “Kazuhiro is going on ordeal starting now, if you do not do your part, all will be lost.”

Yuko smiled and said, “Have I ever let you down?”

Yuri looked like he wanted to argue but said, “No…no you’ve always done your job as a Power. Even, in some cases, better than any of the other Guardian Powers have done.”

“Then why are you here?” Yuko asked,

“As a precaution.” Yuri said, “Kazuhiro’s powers will evolve to a level he is not yet used to, as well, his emotions shall be fever pitch with what has happened recently. The Powers thought that now was as good a time as any to put him on ordeal.”

“I know this,” Yuko said, “You do not need to remind me, Yuri.”

“Yes, I know.” Yuri said, “I just thought I would. Good luck to you, and to Kazu-kun.”

With that, Yuri disappeared in a flash of blinding white light. “You know that’s not what people call him.” Yuko said, more thinking out loud than to Yuri, who could still hear her. “I guess I’d best prepare them for what is to come.” With that, she waved her hand and the door to the café locked itself and the sign flipped over to “Closed.” Then Yuko herself disappeared in a flash of white light.

________________________________________________________________________

As she slept, peacefully, in a car crash induced coma, Rouge was visited by a woman. This woman chose an unnatural way of arriving. Suddenly appearing out of thin air in the middle of the night. “Rise.” this strange woman said, she must not have known Rouge could not hear her.

And yet, Rouge rose from the bed. But she was not solid. Anything but, only her spiritual form had risen from that bed to stand facing the strange woman. “Yuko?” Rouge said, confused.

Yuko motioned for Rouge to be calm, then said, “Rouge, Ruku is to be put on ordeal for the next three months. I know this must inconvenience you, but you are a part of the test that Ruku must overcome.” Rouge opened her mouth to speak, but Yuko continued.

“Please, wait a moment.” She said, “The test is simple: Ruku’s powers will evolve to a much stronger level-yes, Ruku is a witch-at the end of three months, he must make a choice; keep his powers, and allow you to remain in a coma for a year, or give up his magic, and his boyfriend, to allow you to awaken.”

Rouge’s mind was suddenly flooded with a million question, “Ruku…is a witch?”

Yuko nodded, then said, “Actually, he is more powerful than that, he is a Sorcerer.”

“What if he chooses wrongly?” Rouge asked, suddenly worried, “What will happen…?”

Yuko said, “Don’t worry, I am sure he will chose correctly. Either way, you will wake up in three months. Also, Rouge, as the person closet to his heart, you will know once you wake up what choice he made.”

This seemed to put Rouge’s mind at ease. “Ruku has a boyfriend?”

“Yes, but it is not important.” Yuko said, holding up her hand producing a pink sphere. The sphere lifted into the air, flowed to Rouge and went into her spirit. “Rouge, though you are not a witch, you are an Empath. Not just any Empath, but a True Empath: one who was created specifically to be come an Empath. It is time you were given your power.”

Rouge took a step back, “Wh…what?”

“Rouge, before we depart tonight you must know one thing,” Yuko paused to make sure Rouge was listening, “Empaths are put on this world to help people, because they know how the person is feeling, they can easily help them. However, most people don’t like the idea that their emotions can be read by another, therefore you must never tell anyone that you are an Empath. Not Ruku, not Raven, not even your parents.”

Rouge nodded before her body called her back into it. “See you in three months, Rouge.” Yuko said before disappearing.

Ordinis 1: Anger and Fear

Ruku awoke that morning in a soft bed. The alarm clock did not go off because he was not sleeping in his room in his own home. After begging Jake to take him away from the hospital, Jake had brought him back to his home. Ruku had decided to stay there for a while. He sat up slowly, and groggily got out of bed.

He was still in his black boxers and tank top as he walked into the kitchen. Jake was already there, fixing breakfast. “Ah, good morning Ruku,” he said, seeing Ruku enter, “Feeling better?” Ruku shook his head and sat at the table.

A gust of wind went through the kitchen, when it subsided, Yuko appeared. “Wow, I’ve never seen you use your magic Yuko.” Ruku said, with very little enthusiasm.

“Ruku,” Yuko said, “You look like hell, what happened to you?”

Ruku frowned, held his head down looking only at the counter in front of him. “I stayed up late last night, trying to find or write a spell that might heal Rouge…” He said, “But I couldn’t find one, nor could I manage to write one…Damn it! What’s the use in having powers if I can’t use then to save the life of the person closest to me?!”

Yuko gave him her soul piercing stare as she said, “Ruku, I have come across many witches who have asked similar questions. My response to them would usually be, ‘would you like me to rid you of those powers you feel are so useless?’ Well, Ruku?”

Ruku shook his head, “No, I don’t think my powers are totally useless,” he said, “Just I don’t have the power I need at this moment. Also, if I were to give up my powers, then I would be giving up a part of me that I’m not really ready to give up yet, if ever.”

“That is good, Ruku, “ Yuko said, “Because you are on Ordeal.”

“What?!” both Ruku and Jake said at once, “He can’t possibly be on ordeal! Not when his emotions will be in fever pitch.”

Yuko said, “It is precisely because of the incident that the Powers That Be think Ruku should be put on ordeal now.”

“Are they crazy?!” Ruku said, “With all I’ve got going on--” He’d just thrust his arm out, meaning to emphasize his point. What happened was a blast of telekinetic energy had shot from his hand, hit the door, and knocked it off his hinges. “Wh…what the hell?!”

Yuko said, “That is part of your ordeal, your powers will evolve over the next three months. At the end of those three months, you will have a choice of whether to keep these new powers, or give them back.”

“You can have my answer now.” Ruku said, the smile on Yuko’s face indicated that she had expected this response.

“Ruku, learn to control these powers, and your emotions in three months. I cannot help you. But, I believe that a certain witch will be of more help than I will.” Yuko was about to leave, but then she turned back to Ruku and said, “Oh, yes, that’s right. With Rouge gone, you are now the current acting manager of the café.”

Ruku wanted to say he didn’t want the job, and he didn’t, but he knew arguing with Yuko would get him no where. “Fine, but only until Rouge wakes up.”

Yuko smiled, “I knew you’d say that.” With that, Yuko disappeared.

“Damn it, why now?” Ruku said, then he turned to Jake and said, “Sorry about the door…”

“It’s fine, Ruku,” Jake said, “But you really will need to learn to control that new power.”

A week passed since the incident that morning, and Ruku was having even more troubling controlling these new powers than he was before. One night, as they were sitting down to eat dinner, Jake decided to have a talk with Ruku. “Hey, Ruku?” Jake said, Ruku responded by looking up at Jake, but not saying anything. “I’ve noticed you’ve been having more and more trouble controlling your powers…every so often you seem to freeze, and I don’t mean mentally, I mean physically.”

Indeed, Jake had noticed that over the past seven days, Ruku randomly seemed to freeze in time. No matter what the situation was; whether he was happy, excited, or angry, he would freeze. Ruku did not notice these events as to him the events, if they truly happened, never seemed to take away from his time.

Ruku looked down, he hadn’t made any head-way what-so-ever on controlling his new powers. “I…” he said, but the words caught in his throat.

“Ruku,” Jake continued, “The first time your power activated based on what you told me, was a reaction to fear. After that, you feared what had happened to Rouge when you got the phone call from Raven…but instead of freezing your environment, you inadvertently froze yourself. Ruku…what keeps causing you to freeze yourself?”

“I…” Ruku said, his body began trembling, “I’