Chapter IV
Gaze

The sky was a shroud of darkness, just as the moon was the light, but today the moon was gone, yet the night was aglow. It was a clear sky, not a single sight of a cloud spotted, only a cluster of blinking dots decorated the vacant blanket. The ground was rough, like tiny stones prickling the layer of his skin and catching the fabric of his shirt.

"You're finally awake." Tasuku tilted his head backwards, ignoring the way the floor dug into his skull. He was met with warm eyes, the same shade of red as his. She ran a hand through his hair, and Tasuku found himself closing his eyes, enjoying the comfort she provided. "You shouldn't sleep here. It's painful enough that you lasted this long without complaining." Her hand drifted down to his nape, another hand trying to get him to sit upright.

As he sat up, he took in the place like a bird stumbling upon a nest of worms. The setting was simply breathtaking. He was in the clearing of a forest, a swarm of fireflies floated above the glittering lake, tree roots around the bank sank into the deep waters. The dock he had dangled his legs over the edge was old and worn, years of endurance from harsh winds and storms, but the pier held strong. It looked more like a historical monument than a shabby bridge to the middle of the lake. The image reflected back by the water was a younger version of him, when he was still small, ignorant and unaware of what was to happen to the future.

The girl beside him was a few years older than him. She had that kind of atmosphere that told him she had seen everything in the world, like she was there when wars broke out; when people were forced to fight to the death. She stretched out a finger. A flash of light landed on her fingernail, crawling forward, its tail twinkled, before flying off to join its friends at a grove of oak trees. "It's not my place to say this, but I can't bear to think that I'm going be a shadow to you in the future."

Tasuku didn't answer, but whether it was by choice or merely a vision, he wanted to say something. Who was she? What was she doing in his head? Was she the same? The same as the boy with obsidian eyes? The questions were at the tip of his tongue.

She didn't give him long. "You're confused, huh?" she said smiling. "I can't blame you. I'm just a stranger to you." She laid a hand on his cheek, the sorrow in her eyes were filled with pain. "In a few years or maybe even tomorrow, you won't remember meeting me. I will only be a small shard of your memories. I..." Her bottom lip quivered. "I—" She dipped her head, as if looking at him was already starting to break her. She hugged him, her fingers clasped behind his back, like she was afraid he would disappear.

Click.

The next time he woke up, a face from beneath the blurry waters went sharp, a pair of sapphire eyes stared back at him. He thought he was seeing Akari, the ends of her white locks tickling his face, until he saw the corner of her lips turned up into a victorious smirk. "Come on, sleepyhead, time to get up," she rolled the words out. His eyelids were heavy. All he wanted was to delve back into his dream and learn more about the girl. "Fine." A huff. "If you're going to be like that, then you leave me no choice."

He felt a jab in his sides—the part of his body where he was sensitive. His eyes flew open, a scream tore from his throat that could be heard down five blocks, startling the waking neighbours in their beds and children from the playground stumbled in their spots, wondering who was making so much noise this early.

Footsteps pounded up the stairs. Akari slammed the door open. "What's wrong?" she breathed, eyes alarmed. "I heard screaming. Did something—" Her eyes settled on Tasuku huddled in the corner, his shaking fingers clutching the sheets, his moistened eyes glared at her twin. She was rolling on the floor laughing her head off. Akari sighed, annoyed. "I said wake him, not this," she gestured a hand to the poor boy. "Really, you're starting to give me ideas to put you in a haunted house. They're hiring helpers in the carnival for idiots like you."

Hikari got up, the grin never left. "Geez, no need to be that serious. I was just having fun, Tasu-chan too!"

"Yeah. Fun," Tasuku squeezed the word out, venom obvious in his tone. "What are the both of you doing here?" His eyes darted from Hikari to Akari, presuming that she would explain. "We don't have classes, do we? I mean, it's what, seven in the morning? I have work at nine. Can't I at least get some sleep before that?"

Akari shook her head. "Plans changed. You're off for today. Stella informed me earlier."

Tasuku's eyes narrowed. "I can't be off today. Takihara-san is going to kill me with all the paperwork."

"Apparently you need to accept that things happen for a reason and"—she grabbed the back of Hikari's neck, deaf to the small pleas from her sister to let go—"that she is the mastermind of this scheme. She even got my lesson cancelled." Akari must have hated it, because her nails dug into the skin, earning a wail.

Hikari escaped from her grip, taking ten steps away from her. "I was obliged to do that. No one would agree if I'd asked," she sniffed, putting on her best puppy-dog eyes.

Akari and Tasuku gave her blank looks. "That's the point," they answered together.

"So mean!"

"Anyway, you better get changed," Akari said to Tasuku. "We're heading out soon."

"Where?"

Hikari recovered. "To Aibo Academy, of course!"

"Why? Is there a case from Commander I?"

"No, silly," she laughed, tossing her hair back. "Did you forget why the holidays are on? Because of the ABC Cup. It's a yearly tournament that is held in Aibo Academy. The whole district is invited to come and see, that's why school's down until it ends." She clambered onto bed, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Mostly, we're going to perform a through-check on your boyfriend before your first date."

Tasuku's head stopped functioning altogether, the gears that spun earlier gurgled and snapped. A fog shadowed his mind, driving him insane with flusteredness, suddenly the images hit him again and again. A part of him lingered on the taste of sweat mingled in those rough lips, the sensation of his nerves overdriven by heat that brought the emotion of yearning surfacing above the barrier.

"Ho-ho, you're thinking of him!" Hikari bristled, releasing him. She twirled in circles, grinning excitedly. "It's like one of those sappy romances our school's drama club does. What was that play they performed for Valentine's Day? Romeo and Julier, yes! Two souls sinfully attracted to one another—despite their differences, love prevails. But the ending really was the best. Instead of carrying on a fairytale that ends happily, the finale did an uptake and went down the road of eternal love. Rather than suffering together in a world where their love is rejected cruelly, they venture into death's door and stayed together. Even in death, love is never-ending."

Akari grimaced. "You know, if you spend most of your time studying, you might actually get good results."

"What's the fun in that?" Hikari huffed. "Studying is so boring when you can experience life. You get one chance in life. I rather enjoy it than waste it with hours of exploding brain activities. What's the point of excelling in education when there is so much more that needs to be learnt. Think outside of the box, little sister."

"That was a stupid idea. On second thought, that was the worst idea you have ever came out with."

"Think what you want, but it sure makes our lives easier." She had that stoic look that told you she didn't care what insult you throw at her. Hikari led the way, and they were caught in crowds, pushing past sweaty bodies and dodging arms. It was like wading in water, fighting a losing battle against the waves that directed elsewhere. "Give me those," she pointed at his sunglasses.

"No." Tasuku trailed behind Akari. "You already had your fun at the booth. I am not taking them off again. Did you see how pale she was?"

"Who cares," Hikari grumbled when Tasuku refused to hand over his disguise. "That woman—no, that would be admitting that that monster has a family. That lady pisses me off real quick." She slapped a random arm away from her, squashed between two men. She made a disgusted face before slipping through. They ran to catch up with her. "It's not like I did anything to her. I was just making sure she knows who is with us."

"You went too far with that one though," Akari said, picking off the dust from her nails as she smoothly glided through the flow. "If she had a stroke or an attack came, you'll be responsible."

"That's not even sensible!" Hikari protested, fighting out of the crowd. "That's it. I'm getting out of here." She flung herself through an opening under a pair of held hands; the couple glanced down in surprise. They followed silently, almost knocked over by a towering figure. "Whose idea was it to walk through a crowd?"

"I don't know, maybe next time you should rethink of saying 'I trust my instincts and they never failed me once'. Apparently they did."

"It's Tasu-chan's fault!" She pointed an accusing finger at Tasuku. "If he had listened to me in the first place, we wouldn't have been stuck in a crowd."

"Don't point fingers at me when it was your brilliant idea to use the front entrance," Tasuku said, breaking away from the trio. He sat on the plastic chair at one of the tables, while the twins took their seats. "We should have a drink first. I'm thirsty after all that."

"Hikari, get the drinks." Hikari stared disbelievingly at her sister, like she had heard her wrong. "You heard me."

She pointed at herself. "Why me?"

"Because you're the oldest," Akari said adoringly, disregarding the scandalized look on her sister's face. "What are you waiting for, Onee-san?"

"I can't believe you're using that against me." Hikari left with a rattled look.

Tasuku sympathized her, but every sense of pity left him. He might have been more sorry for her if she hadn't done that to him. It was the time they had arrived Aibo Academy, appalled at the length of the line for visitors to fill in their form and enter. They were contemplating to either seat down in a nearby cafe to wait. But Hikari had enough of it, dragged them to the lady that was in charge and demanded immediate entrance for them, which didn't end well with the look she gave them.

"What fine and lovely children we have here." Her radiant smile was sweet, but the kindness did not reach her eyes. They were as dark as coffee, with no trace of additional milk or sugar. One look would define mysterious and fascination, but one taste would be the savour of bitter.

"Cut to the chase, lady. We don't have all day."

"Unfortunately, you do see a line, do you not? Did your mother teach you no manners at all? You must be fair in your position. You can't march straight in for permission."

"I'm not asking for permission," Hikari said patiently, like talking to a child who blindly understood the difference between black and white. "Fair doesn't apply to this topic. If you want fair, consider this as a favour."

"This is no favour. You are ruining my job," she snapped, her fists clenched, her legs unfolding. "For your information, you do need permission and a form to enter. Only exceptionals are allowed with admittance."

"Who, pray tell, is these exceptionals?"

Her lip curled up. She was looking down at them. "None of the trait you have, believe me," she answered mockingly, examining her polished fingernails. They were painted black. To Tasuku's discomfort, it reminded him of the boy. The boy with the eyes that could freeze him in place and laugh at his fear.

Hikari still had that smug look, which only aggravated her hostility. Provocation was Hikari's ultimate weapon to stir up action and push it under her flow. She was in control of the situation right now. "If you are so familiar with these, ah, traits, then you must be lying."

"Don't be a fool. I will spot one in a mile away."

"Then why can't you spot the one in front of you?"

"Ridiculous. You're not involved in any sufficient requirement to be proclaimed as one."

Hikari blinked innocently. "Me?" She laughed; the swarm of people stirred uneasily. "No, no, you must be dearly mistaken. I'm talking about him." She jerked her chin to Tasuku. "He's right in front of you. Why didn't you spot him within a distance as this, compared to a mile?"

The lady stole a glance at Tasuku. "He's not of importance to the world if he vanishes one day. He's a normal boy who is mixing with the wrong people. Not that anyone cares."

"Oh, you'll regret everything you've said. Still want to take back those words?" she teased, holding up a hand, as if to say that she would accept her apology if she decided to feel regret.

The lady slapped the hand away so hard that the back of Hikari's hand obtained a red hue. "Over my dead body."

Hikari didn't say anything more. In one movement, she yanked the shades of the bridge of his nose. The lady was confused, then her mouth fell open, her widened eyes bringing her flawless face into wrinkles. Suddenly she was much more older, paler and flabbergasted. The line grew impatient—they didn't know what she was seeing. They were oblivious to her reaction.

"Still—I have to admit—it was the quickest way," Akari said, sweeping her bangs to the side. "Beats standing there all day. Not that it was fair to you," she added when she saw the sour look. She sighed. "It's Hikari. What can you do with her? She can't change. That's good, 'cause it'll get freaky if she starts acting like me. Although it's nice to have someone you share your interests with, but—like she said—it would definitely be..."—she screwed up her face in concentration—"...colourless."

"Colourless? Since when do you desire colour? I thought you were the embodiment of mundane itself."

"You're saying like I see the world in black and white."

Tasuku shrugged. "You did say you wanted a dull life—studying, future, all of that life cycle process that people do."

Akari rolled her eyes. "Sure, coming from someone who's just the same." She started playing with her hair, lost in thought. "We both study and want a future. Buddyfighting is like a disease to us that spreads. It changes us for the better. Like Jack and Hikari. Imagine both of them weren't here, what kind of life would we have?"

No meaning, he wanted to say, but kept it to himself. He didn't want to exist in a world without Jack. During his journey through the mountains with no sight of grass or plain dirt, the jagged rocks and cool mist were cobwebs that clung onto him no matter where he went, wherever he turned at an invisible intersection. There was a hole in his heart back then, that the ground around it started to give away into the void. Life was like falling through the sky, an endless expanse of space, and death was the time you would hit rock-bottom.

No meaning. It was the smallest word to describe how would he feel if Jack were to disappear one day. His life, loaded with memories and times, would shatter as easy as breaking glass, exploding into a million of tiny pieces, knowing that it didn't matter that there was a way to reassemble them and glue them back in place, because there was nothing it held. It may looked nice and shiny or sounded melodious with a tap of a spoon, but what was inside was completely unfixable. There would be no meaning in life for him if he were to lose Jack. That was how much he needed him.

"Woah, don't start getting emotional," Akari said alarmingly, fearing that she might have said it too upsetting. "It was just a metaphor. It's not real."

Tasuku bit his lip. "Everything's real. Nothing's a dream." Like my nightmares. It took a lot of willpower in him to not spill everything out. He wanted so badly for someone to understand his situation, the frustrating secrets that peeked out from every corner. The only thing keeping his mouth shut was the fact that he wanted his friends no part of his problems. To protect them, he reminded himself.

Akari had that sceptical look. "Why? Something on your mind?"

Tell her. She will listen. The voice was haunting, tempting the growing urge. It poked and pushed at the back of his mind. "Nothing." It took everything in him to set his face expressionless.

She bought it, because she went back playing with her hair. "Okay."

"Hikari, stop it! You're going to pull my arm off!"

Hikari shot her a glare. "Well, you weren't that merciful when you nearly broke my neck!"

Hikari had both her hands on their arms. They were moving fast along the flow of the crowd. Tasuku barely registered the voices of his two arguing friends muffled by the cheers and encouragements and taunts that erupted from mouths; the clouds were hanging low, a heap of cotton piling on top one another, the afternoon sun was gone.

"What's going on?" Tasuku managed to choke out before he was hauled sideways—out of the way of two clashing monsters.

They slowed at one of the battles, slipping under waving arms. "Do you know who went through the qualifying round?"

"Kisaragi Zanya, Kurodake Tetsuya, Kodou Noboru..." He heard Akari marked them off one at a time with her fingers. "That's all. Why?"

"I heard only four teams are allowed—the first four. As in the last spot is left."

"So?" Akari sidestepped away in time to avoid the grunting adults.

"I don't know. Tell me who isn't through." Hikari's voice was impatient.

They came to an abrupt stop. It took time for the image to clear properly before he saw nothing else but the Dragon World flag, hanging from a long pole, its description of a shield, a dragon and cross swords flapping in the wind, and standing right in front of it was him, his face pulled back into a scowl, the tremors in his fingers worried Tasuku.

It was Gao. And he was losing.

"He needs this win to get the last spot," Akari said. "The same for the other. It's a take or lose for the both of them. One mistake and it'll cause them everything they had fought through."

"Why did you think I got you and most important—him, here." Hikari's eyes were serious, her brows scrunched up, the frown she had was unsuitable for her normal jolly personality.

Tasuku didn't understand her intentions nor the meaning behind her words. He stood powerless as Gao pulled through the turn with a counter spell. What could he do to help? He knew the effect in losing. For Gao to go through that was distressing. He didn't know where did this feeling came from. Maybe it was Gao's determination to win or the little moments they spent together were starting to spark within.

It was unusual. Like they were connected by a thread, and he felt the small tug on the other end. It was what he was feeling without meaning to. It was a small curse that it carried; the small prize to pay for both ends of the string to experience the same emotions. Emotions that disturbed the nerves, resulting in recklessness and blinded to the aftermath.

"Oi, Gao! Focus on the fight. You're not acting like you used to!"

The voice was unimportant to him. Everything seemed to fade to black, the silence turned on with a flick of a switch. He thought of both of them seating at the dinning table of his home, Gao picking off his food while Tasuku watched silently with the kind of fondness that shouldn't be there, yet he recalled the mellowness that defrosted the ice. Then it was all over quickly. His ears buzzed in his brain, the decision that wasn't thought over, but was simply created out of emotions washed ashore the noise.

His hand slid into his pocket; the smooth exterior of glass caressed his fingers. He brought out his phone, his fingers moving over the keys themselves. He didn't need to think. Words needn't be thought over carefully. It all came down to his heart, the message he wanted to convey. His arm fell back to his side. He waited.

"Gao, are you even listening to me? T—Oi, why are you taking your phone out? THIS ISN'T THE TIME AND SITUATION TO BE LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE RIGHT NOW!"

Gao continued to stare at his phone, his eyes taking on a softer glow of orange. He looked up, his eyes darting over the faces, trying to find that person he wanted to see. It was a painstaking process he went through for Gao to move on, but the boy was persistent. His hands shifted in their own will, his fingers gripped the hem of his hat. As those golden gaze swept over his direction, that was when he did the unthinkable.

"What are you—"

Akari didn't have time to finish her sentence. His hair was freed, the hat came off easily and he shook the shades off; it landed on the ground with a loud crack—the signal of change. Not long did Gao's eyes landed on him, and it was that instant he disappeared behind the bodies of eager individuals. All it took was one glimpse. Tasuku knew Gao only need one to know it was the truth. He was there to watch him fight, in return he better be at the finals.

Authou: ... *staring at the word document* No matter how many times I try to fix this chapter, I'm still not satisfied, like seriously. Anyway, not much happened in the latest episode, except that we have our confirmation from Kyoya that Tasuku is one of the candidate. So, do you think Tasuku's going to the evil side or will he hold on?

Most importantly, I requested a GaoSuku fanart from my cousin. I was beside her when she drew it and if you guys want to check it out. Go to deviantart, her username is YukimuraHyougaLover. She has drawn two GaoSuku fanarts so far, including a family portrait. Their daughter and son are so KAWAII! I squeal the whole time she spent the second day colouring them.

An announcement to make, this story shall consist of around 13 chapters. I know it's short, but consider the length of each chapter, I'm sure it's long enough. After this, I plan to write another Gaosuku fiction, like a long one, longer than this and more characters and plot development. A War Of Threads is like a multi-chapter short story for me. So I hope I do better in the future.