Dream

Author: Seth


"Hah, gives a bit more meaning to 'Just five more minutes', doesn't it? Though I guess 'Five more years' would be more accurate." 


Leaning comfortably against a solid brick wall Nyo let his legs dangle over the balustrade he was sitting on, the soft winds tugging at his pant legs. Absentmindedly he polished a shiny red apple as he gazed down upon the sprawling city of Arka, the centre of the world. Well, as far as the Talons were concerned.

Lifting the apple to his mouth he took a large bite of the crisp, juicy fruit. Sweet too, let's not forget sweet, though not overly so. Ripened to perfection, a jewel among apples, which was, of course, why he'd chosen it as he made his way unconcernedly past a distracted fruit hawker. Gold wasn't the only thing that held his interest, and his hobby had given him an eye for quality, no matter what the goods might be.

Pausing in his sedate chewing only to dart his tongue out and lap up a tiny dribble of juice that was making a break for it from the corner of his mouth, the young assassin swallowed the faintly sweet mass of pulp and let out a sigh of satisfaction. Beautiful weather, good food, and no orders to follow. About as close to a perfect day as he could ever hope for.

He should have known it was too good to be true.

"Well don't we look comfortable?" A wry voice rang out behind the silver haired thief. "I guess crime does pay after all."

Nyo almost choked on his apple.

"You would know, wouldn't you?" Nyo replied as he pasted a cocksure grin on his face, turning to face his old ally. "Though I've gotta question the wisdom behind those words seeing as they're coming from a lamb who's walking into the lion's den."

Tenrou smiled and twirled that umbrella he seemed to have become quite fond of.

"The lamb needn't be afraid if he's on good terms with the lion, now does he?" The ex-Kurohyoutai member tilted his head. "Or have I made a horrific miscalculation and will my head will end up on a pike by tomorrow morning?" Ten's voice was jovial (Well, what could be counted as jovial for Tenrou, which was still fairly bland), but there was an edge underlying it.

Nyo's grin fell slightly. This had been happening as of late, these barely concealed jabs at one another, and it was only intensifying as time moved on. If nether of them did anything about it, and soon, their tenuous friendship might finally collapse.

"Maybe this lion isn't particularly hungry at the moment, but there's more than one lion in this den." Nyo blithely waved away his friend's veiled accusation. "And I know for a fact that this lamb isn't on good terms with quite a few of them" The golden eyed thief slipped off the railing.

"True enough I suppose." The red head replied evenly. "Still, one could wish for a more… spirited greeting from an old friend."

"Excuse me if I find it hard to celebrate the fact that you're putting the both of us in mortal danger." Nyo laughed. In complete contrast to his sarcastic words, the Kurohyoutai soloist strode forward and enveloped his old companion in a firm hug, umbrella and all. "Dammit man, why do you keep on doing this to me? To us?" The silvery headed teen whispered.

"I'm not ready to let go of you yet." Ten replied simply, returning his friend's embrace.

"You know this will get the both of us killed if we don't stop." Nyo admonished the pirate, though his heart wasn't in it.

"I also know you can't let go either." Tenrou added, picking up on Nyo's reluctance.

Niyou sighed and let the subject drop. Tenrou was right, and he knew it. Some bonds couldn't be severed, even if one wanted to. Besides, they hadn't gotten caught yet. They could afford to dream a little longer.