Tragedy and Trauma

Meeting Again After Ages...

Ruv's heart pounded hard against his chest. His entire body went numb, as he looked upon the sight of his former teacher, the one person who stripped him of his humanity, and could render him into such a state of panic. His mind was clouded with such fear and anxiety that he couldn't even make out the words exchanged between Mondo and Yamanaga, also known as Mashoru Teki... His legs trembled, and he tried to catch his breath as it seemed he had suddenly forgotten how to breathe. He struggled to keep himself up straight but found himself tripping backwards and falling against a patron's table.

Leon: Ruv! [He and Taka quickly ran to Ruv's aid] Are you okay? What's the matter?! [Ruv opened his mouth to answer, but found he could not muster any audible words, only frightened gasps as his breathing quickened and hardened]

Yamanaga: Ruvyzvat? [Everyone glanced up to see Mashoru looking over down at them with a surprised, yet amused smile. That look alone was enough for Ruv's hyperventilation to worsen] Well, well, well... [He stepped over to Ruv to get a closer look at him] It's been a while, hasn't it? Guess you couldn't stay away forever, could you? Somehow, I had a feeling you'd come back home... Back to me...

Mondo: Big bro, ya know this guy?

Yamanaga: [He laughed] Know me? You mean he hasn't told you? I was his former guardian!

Leon and Kiyotaka: Guardian?! [They looked back down at the trembling Ruv, who still couldn't catch his breath]

Kiyotaka: Ruv, you didn't tell us you were related to Mashoru Teki! You knew about this place the whole time, didn't you? [Ruv still could not answer, nor could he even calm himself. Mondo narrowed his eyes. Having caught him, his hand was supporting Mondo by his chest, and he could clearly feel his intense heartbeat pound against his palm]

Mondo: Damn... His heart's beatin' a mile a minute...

Yamanaga: Why wouldn't he know this place? He was raised here. We lived together. He and I... We were close. Very close... [Mondo glared at Yamanaga. Given Ruv's reaction and panic attack, he could only assume what that meant] C'mere, Ruvyzvat... [He stepped towards the hyperventilating Ruv] Come say hi to me. Let me see how much you've grown..."[He held out his hand to cup Ruv's face... that or another part of his body. The Russian's breathing intensified, and his body shook harder as Yamanaga's hand came closer... But Mondo had pushed Ruv behind him and stood up protectively]

Mondo: Back off! Ya ain't takin' another step forward! [Yamanaga shot Mondo a fierce look]

Yamanaga: I'm sorry! But what exactly are you doing here again?

Mondo: I told ya! We're here about a missin' girl. Wes know you've been sendin' e-mails back and forth. Maybe ya know somethin' 'bout her.

Yamanaga: You're going to have to be more specific! I happen to know a lot of girls.

Mondo: Her name's Marcie! Thirteen. Gecko. Sound familiar yet? [Yamanaga closed his eyes, as if thinking back]

Yamanaga: Hm... Nope, still vague. [Mondo stepped forward and went to grab Yamanaga, but Shintaro stepped in between the two, glaring threateningly at the biker. Mondo backed off slightly]