DRAMAtical Creation: DMCT OC Story

Common Route: Part 2

   I stand a bit exhausted from a fast walk with Clear. He kept mentioning names I didn't know along the way, and it was hard to pay attention to Bukei for the correct directions.

   "We're going to a friend of Aoba-san's actually. His name is Mizuki, I think you'll like him," he gives a child like grin, and I just continue to follow.

   The Old Resident District  is quite big, but I couldn't help but notice something they call Platinum Jail towering over the whole place. Finally with my curiosity bugging me I ask, "What's in Platinum Jail? Hookers? Alcohol? Video games?"

   Clear shrugs, "Probably all of that with how highly they praise it."

   Not really surprised by that answer.

   I just moved into The Old Resident District a few days ago, so I'd only had some time to learn everything. My parents used to live here until something happened and I'd ran away multiple years ago, but not before causing a mess for everyone before I left.

   But now I was back, and I wasn't a complete mess.

   Bukei suddenly interrupted my thoughts with a sharp, "We're here." The building was a tattoo parlor called Black Needle.

   Entering behind Clear, I realized the place was closed. It was probably their day off. The man Clear calls Mizuki, by Clear's description of him earlier, sat at a bar, spinning on a stool.

   How am I not surprised.

   "Mizuki-san!" Clear with his exited voice called out the the man grabbing his attention. A smile crossed his features and I couldn't help but sink behind the bright aura of Clear. Bukei got into his protective stance again, tightening his paws and fluffing up a bit.

   I also noticed two shadows sitting behind him. "We brought your delivery. This is Belen, she works with Aoba-san now."

   Now I wasn't paying attention to the conversation, only able to watch the two people behind my new acquaintance. I knew them. They were standing now, walking over. Not even noticing Clear, just heading towards me.

   One of their glasses gleamed and I noticed the twin like men looking straight at me, only me right now.

   "Its been awhile," the one with the glasses grinned slyly. The other one only followed the other, grinning widely.

   I simply nodded, looking off into the distance. I could feel Bukei in his protective stance on my shoulder, and I knew he recognized them as well.

   "Don't be shy Bell-senpai. We've missed you y'know," glasses, or Virus, wrapped an arm around me making sure to be right on top of Bukei. I gulped awkwardly and hoped Bukei wouldn't go off on them. Of course I'd remember these two. Their the reason I left the island.

   The one I knew as Trip got on my other shoulder, pushing me farther into Virus, making sure to breathe on my ear. Why weren't Clear or Mizuki doing anything?

   Finally I heard one of them, Clear probably, trying to get them off me. I felt grateful to Clear then, and I noticed Mizuki trying to help. I couldn't hear anything right now, just felt a large headache emerging from the depths of my skull.

   Finally when I thought it was gonna get worse it settled a bit allowing me to hear the conversation again. "We were worried something happened to you Bell-san."

   I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding, "At least let me remember you before you come interrupting my personal bubble."

   The two just let off low chuckles and gave me the space they knew I probably needed. These two could read me like I was in their own minds, or maybe they were in mine I'll never know.

   "You know each other?" Mizuki spoke up from what seemed like his own corner and I nodded. I didn't want to explain my old relationship with these guys before I even got to know him or Clear. It just didn't seem like something I'd do.

   So while Clear and Mizuki conversed I took the time to actually discuss with Virus and Trip. We all were old friends if you'd call it that, but that was a long time ago.

   "You look different Bell-san," Trip spoke up from beside his companion. I kind of looked away, since their eyes held distant memories. "I'm not like I used to be."

   "Your hair grew. I remember when it was only at your neck," Virus observes my back. He was right, a few years ago it was only right bellow my ears or so, now it had grown to my hips. "Glad you noticed."

   Virus chuckled again, Trip only letting off a smile and I remembered something again. It actually hurt to think about it though.

   I was getting dizzy now, so I leaned against the wall. I made sure not to show weakness however, if I did I would only end up like what I had been a long time ago. It felt like such a long time anyway, but in reality it was just around when I was eighteen.

   Finally I heard Clear's voice from behind me, "Come on Belen-san. Aoba is probably wondering where we are."

   I nodded, turning around from Virus and Trip, and waved goodbye to Mizuki. We then left the Black Needle in silence. At least Clear knows not to question someone.