Draw Again

Chapter 9

I wandered the streets of Shizume City, letting the late afternoon foot traffic lead me about until it thinned out and I started out on my own again. I spent the time alone trying to workout the day's events in my head along with what Kusanagi had dropped on me. I still didn't understand why Fushimi had arrested me, or how exactly my hand burst into flames. At that time I had no control over it, but the one back at the bar I did; mostly. Apparently I was now officially part of Homra because of the incident in the cell, which wasn't a bad thing, just unexpected.

The problem I was having was wrapping my head around the assumption that I was suppose to save Mikoto from something. Save him from what? Was there going to be a war? Stop an assassination? Kusanagi had been extremely vague on the danger, but unnervingly serious about my contribution. If I could save someone I would, but I was barely taking care of myself so who in their right mind decided that I would be the one to save the day? Anna must have misunderstood whatever she had seen, and it was actually someone more capable than I, who would come to the rescue like Totsuka, or Yata. They were the hero types, not Suzuki Nao. Not I.

When I finally looked up from my shuffling black sneakers I noticed that the sun was beginning to set. Its rays painted the October sky the same deep red as Mikoto's fire, making the city glow like I was looking through that magic filter back at Homra. Taking a deep breath of the cool air I regretted leaving without a sweater or something other than the plain cotton tee I was wearing. I was on the other side of the city, and the soreness in my feet was proof I had really walked all the way there.

"Guess I'll take the subway back," I sighed.

Changing my course for the subway entrance down the block I reached for my wallet that wasn't there. I stopped my light jog to double check every surface of my being for my wallet. I had it that morning, and I still had it after applying to all those stores.

When my brain finally made the connections I hissed out, "Saru-kun."

It was probably removed when I was in Scepter Four's custody. I had fifty dollars tucked away in there, and it was the last of the bounty job I worked a few weeks ago. Groaning curses under my breath I turned away from the subway not in the mood for the two hour long walk back to the bar. I just wanted to relax and eat food, maybe even ask Anna about what she saw, not walk for hours in the chilly evening air.

"Today sucks," I declared.

I made it about two blocks when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I hadn't even heard them behind me, so my yelp of surprise was justifiable.

Spinning on my heel I said, "What?"

My heart was pounding in my chest so hard I could hear my pulse drumming away in my ears.

Standing behind me was a girl who was obviously still in high school from the navy uniform she was wearing, and from her brown hair dangled silver accessories. She appeared kind enough, and was probably lost in this part of the city.

"Are you Suzuki Nao?" she asked.

Or she's on a hunt, I thought with a mental slouch. I was exhausted, and couldn't handle anymore excitement this week. I needed a month long vacation just for today alone.

"Are you part of Scepter Four too?" I inquired. "Because I'll go talk to whoever you want tomorrow, just let me spend the night in an actual bed," I bargained.

The girl shook her head making her hair accessories tinkle like little bells. She smiled kindly up at me as she replied, "I am not a part of the blue clan, so you do not have to fret. My name is Yukizome Kukuri."

She held out a hand to me, but I hesitated in shaking it. "So?" I questioned.

"I heard the red clan had gained a new female member, and I just had to meet her," she answered. Her hand still waiting for mine.