Ayashi no ceres was one of the first anime series I watched back in my gateway years into anime. All these years later I am still not over how Yuhi got friendzoned in the manga. I always wondered what would have happened in the story for him, Aya and the others if things were different
I don't know how often I will update but I will try and be as often as I can, patience is appreciated
Please follow, favourite and review
"You have come to me today Miss Aya Mikage, to divide the mist of time to predict your future. Calm yourself and within my mystic crystal ball, all will be revealed….. oh my"
"That fortune teller is full of it!" Aya yelled in frustration. She had spent all her allowance on that damn future reading. But all she got was a load of depressing misery that made no sense at all. They really were just after money when it came to this sort of thing. She had only wanted to have some fun today, celebrating her last day of being 15 with her friends after school and how she would be spending her 16th. Your birthday only came once a year after all, why not make a big deal?
She wondered how she ever let them talk themselves into this mess only for it to go all wrong. She never expected it to be everything they said it would be, best not to believe in high expectations when it came to fortune tellers. It was a load of smoke and mirrors, preying on the naive to fill their pockets with her hard earned allowance. Now she was simply in a bad mood and fully disappointed by the outcome of what she expected to hear. It was supposed to be fun but it ended up blowing up in her face.
"Aya, just calm down and stop making a big deal about it. Nobody believes this crap anyway" her friend reassured her. It was just about having fun and finding humour in this. She was getting a bit excited over something so silly. You were in control of your own future, nobody could ever predict what life had in store for you. Aya was taking this all a little too seriously. She needed to look at the humour in this, probably just a concocted plan to freak her out and get their money's worth from customers.
"I'm not making a big deal, I'm completely rational!" Aya snapped impatiently. Why shouldn't she be upset about spending her allowance on a trickery used to bribe people out of their money? Yet people still found themselves drawn in out of curiosity. She had hoped to learn about her love life, her exams, surprises and other fun stuff, not a lot of depressing and eerie lines that made her skin crawl.
"Sure you are Aya," Aki thought to himself as he sipped his drink. He knew all too well what his sister's temper was like. I mean he was her twin, after all, they had grown up well aware of their siblings worst traits. She was always someone who wore their heart on their sleeve and tended to get carried away about everything. She could never let something go and had to follow through no matter what. But at times she could be painfully indecisive and it caused problems for herself and others.
Her parents were going to be so mad when they learned of what she spent her money on. They gave her enough crap for being less than the perfect daughter at times as it was. If they found out she went to see a fortune teller they would be scolding her for weeks. "I warned you before I didn't want to waste my allowance! They say her predictions are always true, but all I got was a bunch of phoney horror movie garbage" Aya growled. I bet the stuff she spouted had people on their seat, dripping on every word that came out of her mouth.
"Your future Miss Aya Mikage, it will be ruled by the star of darkness. I see blood, destruction, sadness and the devastation of all balance in this universe. On the 16th day of your birth, your destiny will overtake you. Whether good or evil wins, all depends on the power of life that resides within you".
"Wow, that's depressing as hell" one of her friends replied. She didn't envy her on her future, but she could look at it as a joke. I mean there was no way in hell this sort of thing was true. It was rare people's futures ever really came true at all. But being told that your life was going to become a literal mess, changing many lives aside from her own in the process was not something anyone wanted to hear. It would leave anyone in a bad mood, but maybe it would help her get her shit together.
"Her future is bleak, she'll be sulking all week…" her friend sung mockingly. It took Aya a long time to get over grudges, she had quite a temper on her after all. So why not find the humour in the situation. I mean Aya was less than perfect, sometimes overly confident and clueless, but she had a good heart and knew how to fun. So why not make a couple of jokes to make her feel better?
"SHUT UP!" Aya snapped. She already felt crappy about being screwed over, she didn't need them reminding her of how bad she felt. She had wanted to have fun today before her birthday, now she was just in a really bad mood. She was already aware that her life was less than perfect, her future looming ahead of her, a senior in high school and the fact she would have to be considering college's soon. She already had enough pressures on her shoulders without a crappy reading from a fortune teller.
She thought her answer would be something unusual, quirky and happy, but instead it was one that sounded like she should be watching her back at every corner instead. Like something awful was going to happen to her little brother or parents. That was the last thing she ever wanted to consider happening to the people she loved, let alone herself for that matter. How could they not expect her to be upset with such thoughts lingering on her mind.
However, as per usual she could count on her brother to lighten the mood and make her feel better. "Didn't that psychic also mention a fateful encounter awaiting you, which will be of unexpected aid. I hope it's a guy, then you can finally end your perpetual single life" Aki teased. He knew all too well about his sister's poor dating record. She was by no means a bad girl, or someone who was easy like people believed her to be. But she had too many expectations, her mind seemed to wonder and never truly seemed likes she was there. Which led people to believe she was emotionally unattached.
"I don't see any cute girls on your arm Aki" Aya snapped. He was one to mock her about her lack of a boyfriend when he was never seen with any girlfriend despite how popular he was. So he was one to give her advice on love. When was the last time he had experienced a relationship which didn't last more than a couple of months. They may have been joined at the hip since birth, but he had no right to give her love advice when his own was a mess.
"Just waiting for the right girl sis" Aki replied playfully. He wanted to give himself to the right woman. There was no shame in waiting for the right woman to come along and steal his heart. He then smirked in amusement "I'm too busy keep an eye on my twin sister to worry about relationships" he reminded her. He loved his little sister and wanted her to be happy, so he didn't mind watching over her until he knew she was stable and felt comfortable. I mean, he was her twin, they had a connection most could not understand.
"You know that's bullshit" Aya muttered. She knew about all the girls who confessed to him and left love letters in his shoe locker, a lot of them were really cute. Why didn't he focus on choosing one rather than patronizing her all the time? She sighed heavily and slumped back in her chair and simply wanting to enjoy her time with her friends. She knew she was already going to get into trouble for coming home late by her parents as it was. So why not just enjoy the moment?
Aya and her friends walked across the bridge as she reflected on her future reading and her upcoming celebration. She was about to turn 16 and she was still confused at where her life was headed and where she currently stood in life, conflicted about her true future. Her parents expected so much of her but she didn't even know what to expect of herself yet. She had no idea of who she was supposed to be or who she was even going to be one day. It was a scary and unpredictable future that loomed before her.
Suddenly. she heard a conflict, a cry of pain and running. Looking up she saw a poor old woman being shoved to the ground as a robber stole her purse. She hated people who took advantage of the weak, showing they had no sense of morality. Before she could even think, she rushed at the guy furiously. Ignoring the worried cries of her best friends and brother, she didn't have time to think. This poor old woman who had all of her belongings stolen from her by a selfish jerk who simply saw profit in her belongings. She lunged at the guy, grabbing him by the waist so he couldn't run away. Struggling to grab the bag out of his hand. Being shoved against the wall as she tried to reach for the bag and stop him from attacking her.
However, in the struggle she found herself losing balance and being pushed over the side of the bridge. Still gripping onto the sling of the handbag, her balance lost as gravity took hold of her as she fell towards the oncoming traffic below. However, luckily for her, a young man had spotted her. Flashes of images appeared in her mind, faces of strangers, blood and a life she didn't remember. A power surging through her body that she didn't recognize.
A young man carrying two shopping bags was walking through the street, headphones in his ears as he hummed to himself. He knew Suzumi was going to give him shit for being late, but he had to go to specific stores to get what he needed, he couldn't help it if they were out of stock. He loved her as much as you can love your family, he knew that she carried many internal scars from the trauma she had endured, but her temper was often something that became a pain in the ass at times.
He then realized people were crowding around and staring at something, god people were always distracted by the most simple of things. Usually, he would cater towards his curiosity but he had places to be and he had dinner to make. However, as he looked to the side his eyes widened in horror, his body freezing and panic overcoming him. A young girl around his age, from a school he didn't recognise, was falling into the middle of the road. She had fallen off the bridge, oncoming traffic was about to have a collision and loss of innocent life was about to take place.
Without thinking, he dropped the groceries in his hand and bolted into the middle of the road. Dashing past onlookers and rushing towards her, eventually grabbing the young girl in his arms protectively. His body slamming against the concrete ground as he shielded her body. He would never be able to live with himself as he stood by as an observer when he could have done something. He would rather die trying than live with the scars of what could have been instead.
Aya felt her heart slamming in her chest, her body trembling, her eyes wide with fear and her mind now blank. What had happened, everything had just occurred so quickly, one minute she was on the bridge on her way home and now was safe and sound. She was pressed up against the chest of an unfamiliar man, being protected by any traffic that was about to hit her. She came so close to losing her life, it had happened in the blink of an eye. "Oi. You asshole, you never learn how to drive you oblivious prick!" the guy cursed furiously. He could have killed this girl because he wasn't watching the road? What he saw a girl in danger and never even considers that stopping would be a good idea?
Some people were so inconsiderate, did they even use their brains at all? The guy was probably on his phone and didn't even realize at the last second. Would he even care if he ended up killing her? Her limp body simply laying there cold and lifeless in the street? Because he hadn't been paying attention for a split second? Thank god he had looked up and taken the chance, this girl could have lost her life because nobody else wanted to stop and do something. From what he could see there were no visible wounds on her but what about internal injuries?
Aya didn't know what to say, her head was spinning, she slowly sat up, voices around her sounded like white noise, she felt a little nauseous as the shock. What time was it, where was her brother? How was she still alive and what were all those images? Hell, had she been floating? She lightly gripped onto the guy to keep herself steady, her legs were still a little wobbly as she adapted to what the hell had just happened to her. For a minute she thought she was going to be sick.
The guy turned to her with a concerned look "Hey? Are you ok? You aren't hurt, are you? A fall like that could have killed you?" he asked impatiently, concern evident in his tone. She was lucky she wasn't harmed at all, a fall like that was life-threatening. She looked rather pale but then after falling head onto traffic what could one expect? If she needed medical care he would happily wait with her in case any details were needed from witnesses. He wouldn't leave until she was fully taken care of and felt secure. That is unless she had anyone else who could take care of her.
Aya snapped out of it, her face reddening with embarrassment "N… no I'm ok" she babbled. She didn't know what to say, this was like a scene out of a romance novel. Some random stranger appearing out of nowhere saving her life from danger. He helped her to her feet and walked her to the side of the road. Calmly waiting for her friends and brother appearing and rushing to her side in a panic. Checking her for wounds and scolding her.
"Aya! What in the hell were you thinking? You could have been killed!" Aki snapped angrily. God he couldn't remember the last time he had been so scared, Aya had always been rambunctious but this took the cake. It had nearly cost her life. Next time he was going to stop her from getting into any more stupid and potentially risky situations. But at least this would be an interesting situation to talk about in the future to his nephew and nieces one day. About the trouble his sister got into.
Yuhi picked up his bags calmly, he sighed heavily and checked the contents. Some would be ok, unharmed and damaged but some would need to be replaced. He knew Suzumi was going to give him crap for this but the girl had been ok. She had been saved and a tragedy had been averted. He would have to get home to make dinner or Suzumi would scold him, he knew she worried but sometimes she could really be a pain in the ass. But it would be worth it after today. One good act of kindness would make his day.
Aki turned to Yuhi, his face still in panic but relief and gratitude, his panic still evident on his face. "I don't…. if you hadn't been there, my sister would have been…" he panted breathlessly. God, he felt sick at the thought of what could have been. Nobody else had come forward and just stood there, all in a panic and not knowing what to do. He had probably been acting on instinct but thank god he had even made a move at all. His sister could be dead if he hadn't actively chosen to make a move.
Yuhi smiled warmly, he knew all too well what it felt like to lose a family member. Of how scary it was to go through loss, of how much it hurt. He could tell this guy loved his sister and he was happy to have been of help. "It's no problem, just being a good Samaritan" he replied in a kind tone. He then turned to Aya with a playful smile, reaching out to ruffle her head affectionately. Though she was an odd girl she was rather cute "Don't go jumping into any more traffic now" he replied.
Aya blushed, this guy was really cute. He was about 5'10 at least, taller than her. He had black hair that fell in his eyes but was short. Kind of like a boy band, the guy next door kind of hairstyle. He had a handsome but kind face with piercing blue eyes, his figure wasn't bad either. "I… um… thanks" she babbled. God, she was making such an ass of herself right now, she couldn't even make coherent sentences. But what was there to say? Her fortune had come true all right and in the most unexpected way. The guy who had saved her life was indeed charming and handsome to boot. He was wearing a school uniform she had never seen before but must have been local. But at least in a different area of the city.
Aki couldn't stop smirking, Aya had been a daze the whole way home. She was truly infatuated with this guy, she was acting all spacey, the stereotypical lovestruck state. He had never seen his sister so serious over a guy before, it was rather adorable and amusing. She had experienced many crushes on guys in the past, but this one was different. She had been really taken with this guy. Her lack of focus, her embarrassment and avoidant attitude due to the embarrassment was a clear sign of a crush. "Seems your fateful encounter paid off sis" he teased. But he was happy for her, she was experiencing love for the first time and it was really showing. He hoped that she would meet him again and pursue her developing feelings.
Aya's cheeks darkened, kind of wishing her brother would stop bringing up the subject. But her fortune had been eerily accurate, first, her fated encounter led to her being rescued by a cute stranger, but what about the darkness? What about the tragedy? Maybe she was going to get grounded, or something else that would leave her depressed. Honestly, she was still too spaced to even consider what the rest of her fortune could be. She needed a hot bath and some time to reflect on it in all honesty.
They opened the front door to their house wearily, ready to be scolded by their parents for coming home so late before dinner. Their parents were stern but loving, but sometimes they really could be the biggest combined killjoys in the universe. "You're home at last, thank goodness" their mother replied. They had really pushed it this time, tomorrow was a very serious event and they could not afford to miss it. This event would change the course of their entire lives. Tomorrow was their birthdays and big life-changing event, she only prayed her worst fears would be wrong. She loved her children so much and prayed that the past would not repeat itself.
Aya and Aki were surprised by their mothers worry in her tone, she had always been protective but now she was a little more on edge than usual. But then again she did give them hell if they didn't take their homework seriously. They had mainly expected to get scolded for coming home late, thank god the potential accident had come up or they would never be able to leave their rooms for a month. But then again as twins they had their personal secrets they had to keep from the parents.
"Aya, Aki. Tomorrow we are headed to the main house to see your grandfather. He has something very special planned for you two, so I need you to prepare to visit for your celebration" their father stated abruptly. This happened every 16 years, he didn't like it but they had to be sure. She could not be allowed to be released. He prayed to kami that the curse had skipped a generation and she could continue to live a happy and peaceful life, but something told him it was too good to be true.
Aya expression became perplexed and anger flashed through her eyes "What the hell? Seriously? Me, Aki and the others were going to celebrate together?!" she snapped furiously. She had been planning this for weeks, what was so bad about wanting to spend it with her friends? They barely ever saw their grandpa unless it was because of family events, so why now of all times on such a special day to them did he suddenly want to see them?
Aya's mother frowned, she could see how upset her daughter was. Part of her understood, your birthday only came once a year after all. But it was on the sixteenth year of birth of the women in their family, they had to make sure the girls never carried her power. She was lucky enough to not carry the genes, as were many others, but as for Aya, they did not know yet. They had to make sure or their family would pay for this dearly. All she needed was her daughter to cooperate and follow with family traditions.
"Aya. I will not take no for an answer, you will listen to our wishes and obey your grandfather's tradition. End of story" he replied sharply. She was too young to understand what she was going to experience, but he had no other choice. As much as it hurt to admit. Becoming a father had been one of the happiest experiences of his life, but at least he would still have a child after all this. Many others during this ritual had ended up childless after going through this ritual, he had to count his small blessings.
Aya felt a shiver run down her spine, even when they were at their angriest her parents had never been this cold with them before. She was actually a little scared of her parents at that moment, the cold harshness in their tone that caused a bad feeling in her gut. Aki also looked a little disappointed, due to the surprise he had in mind for Aya. However, he knew better than to argue with their parents when they were serious. He could sense something was wrong so it was just best to stop arguing altogether.
Aya sat curled up on her bed clutching her pillow, her face dark red and squishing the pillow like a lifeline. She couldn't get that guy out of her head, those beautiful blue eyes that reminded her of the sky. He carried chopsticks on him and he carried the scent of cooking. She wondered if he worked in a restaurant or something, maybe she could visit sometime and hopefully be reunited with him. "I wonder if I'll ever see him again" she considered. It wasn't every day you had a near death experience and met a handsome saviour on the same day.
"You will face a fateful encounter, which will come in the form of unpredicted aid"
Aya collapsed on her bed still clutching her pillow, it was too predictable to be true. She never believed in this sort of delusional crap. Fate, destiny, fortunes, they were all nonsense to her. Such things never existed but people believed in them to avoid their boring everyday lives. "But what the hell was that when I fell? All those images, the blood, the death? Those faces? It was like something like out of a nightmare and above all that I was…" she trailed off. It was like her body had not been her own. She felt light as a feather like she weighed nothing at all. A power suddenly growing inside of her that she had never felt before.
"You were floating" Aki replied creepily, looming over her bed unexpectedly. A menacing look on his face like out of a horror movie. Hoping to get payback on her for scaring him today. But it would also distract her from dwelling on it too much, not many people survived such ordeals unscathed, she ought to be grateful for small blessings in that sense. He still had his sister when he could have lost her all too easily.
Aya panicked, hitting him in the face hard with the pillow in defence. Grabbing her weights to attack, not expecting someone to sneak up on her like. She had always been one to act quickly when threatened. However, upon seeing it was her brother she panicked. "Gomen Aki, you know better than to sneak up on me like that" she apologized awkwardly. She hoped he wasn't hurt in some way, I mean though they were stuffed with feathers, a hard hit could actually do some damage.
"What the hell is with you? Most girls after having a near death experience would be all closed off and quiet?" he argued in annoyance. But part of him was glad that his sister was acting like her normal self. It showed that despite the shock she had experienced she was comforted and starting to recover from it in her own way. She had always been the kind of girl to bounce back fast no matter what was thrown her way.
Aya smiled nervously, she didn't really know how to explain what had happened to her. "I kind of lost my footing, maybe the wind slowed my fall. I mean, it's not every day a girl gets so lucky that a cute stranger saves your life" she joked. But yes, she knew how lucky she was to be alive. Aki looked at his sister in concern, he knew she was hiding something. She tended to close herself off at times when it came to more personal matters. She was always the kind of girl who wore her heart on her sleeve.
"I know it sounds depressing, but today in some really scary way I felt alive. I mean have you ever considered what we do? Every day, every week, every month? Get up early, go to school, see our friends, come home, eat, sleep and repeat. And then there are thousands of kids doing the same thing" she explained calmly. She felt like her life was all planned out for her, like playing a level of a game over and over until she finally earned enough points for a prize. She was bored and desired some kind of freedom or change to step things up a little.
Aki looked at her sympathetically, Aya always had been a wild child and the more rebellious one. She never had cold feet and was always restless. She sought adventure, fun and loved a challenge. But that meant she could never appreciate the small things. Hopefully their birthday tomorrow would cheer her up a little, she was the extrovert type and always had to have fun. She always got so restless and hated boredom, seeing it was her worst enemy. Never liking to be left out of the loop of potential fun.
"I feel like a forgotten toy in a box, That I'm easily forgotten and I never leave an imprint on anyone I meet. I don't know what I have to do to make myself stand out, or if I even should. I can't even imagine how I'll be as an adult, can you Aki?" she asked impatiently. She felt like nobody cared about her as a person, that she was a face easily forgotten in a crowd by even a passing stranger. That she was simply a passing thought on even her teachers at school, pretty much a nobody. Would it be the same when she finally grew up?
Aki hummed, oh how clueless his little sister could be. "Spoiled brat…" he muttered. Did she know how scared he had been knowing how close she came to facing death? "I felt alive today too. But for the worst kind of reasons compared to yourself. Realizing how easily you can lose everything in the blink of an eye. Only after having a brush with death do you realize, that just existing is great. And what is to come will eventually happen". He knew Aya was scared about the future and so was he, but simply taking your time and working to that point in your life was ok. Because you could enjoy the moment and thus treasure what was important to you.
Aya stared at her brother in awe, she had never really thought about it that way. Though she had been excited by the thrill of what had happened despite how odd it had been. She never thought how such an experience could affect her loved ones in the worst way. The thought of being seperated from her brother or parents scared her, it was not something she ever wanted to consider ever happening. How easily something you loved could be ripped from you all too soon.
Aki then ruffled her head affectionately to tease her, tonight was not for depressing thoughts, it was soon to be the eve of their birthday. "Besides, tomorrow is our 16th birthday. Cheer up grumpy pants. Hope you went all out on me" he teased playfully. Now was not the time to be a party pooper. They had a large celebration to look forward to, following the long journey to becoming adults. I mean soon they would be heading to high school.
Aya smiled warmly. Whenever she was down, confused or upset she could always rely on her twin to cheer her up and chase away her fears. She was glad to have a sibling who would always be on her side. She then slapped him around the back of her head with her pillow. "You bet I did Nii-chan" she laughed playfully. Did he really expect her to forget something so important? She then blinked, realising she had forgotten she was also holding one of her weights. "Crap," she thought internally. Now she had started another fight accidentally.
Aya gazed up at the old house in awe, she never really got used to how large her grandfather's home was. She knew he was well off, but then again she was raised middle class so she never knew how influential her family was. She gazed up the large pine tree in the garden that she used to climb as a child. How she used to get in trouble for causing problems for everyone. She had always been a problem child. "Oi Aki, brings back memories of good old times doesn't it" she called in amusement. They used to play here all the time as kids, but as they got older they saw their grandfather less and less due to school and studies.
"Stop messing around and hurry up already" Aki called. This was a big deal, they never usually got called to the main house so it had to be important. It would help if she took things more seriously. Their grandpa was old and frail, meaning he couldn't chase after them if they got into trouble anymore. It probably took a lot of energy for him to even walk nowadays. She could try being a little more considerate of this event.
Aya glared, he had been in a funny mood since yesterday and she had hoped they would have made up already. She never asked for that accident to happen and then hitting him in the head with a weight. How many more times did she have to apologize? "Guess he's still sulking for me whacking him the other day. I bet he's punishing me by not getting me a birthday gift. After I put all this thought into buying him something nice" she sulked internally. "Fine, be that way. But I get the biggest slice of cake and both our presents and birthday cash" she snapped. If he was going to be a jerk she would get her own back. Aki blinked in confusion, wondering what on earth she was going on about.
Eventually, their grandpa appeared to which Aya flung herself at him happily. Giving her grandpa affection, though annoyed she was happy to see her grandpa again. He was getting older and frailer, but it was nice to see he was doing so well. "Aya, Aki. It is good to see you both, you look well. Come, we have much to talk about. We can't leave the others waiting" he replied in a friendly tone with a warm smile. Today was a very important event.
Aki and Aya looked at each other in confusion, everyone? What were they talking about? Wasn't this a family event simply between the four of them? This situation was starting to feel a little odd. As they opened the doors of the grand dining room, they saw the room was filled with all of their relatives. Aunts, uncles, cousins etc. people they rarely if ever saw whatsoever. Was this a funeral or a birthday?
"Dad?" Aki asked looking to his father for answers. However, their father shrugged him off and told him to sit down and stop arguing. Worrying him at how stern his father was being with him. He then turned to Aya, leaning close to her so they could have a private conversation in whispers. "This feels odd, why are our relatives here? They've never given a crap about us until now" he muttered.
The twins sat at the table sitting around one another in silence. The tension in the air was heavy and uncomfortable, not knowing what to do. There was no food or drink to distract themselves. Simply sitting in silence with their family on their special day. Aya didn't know what to say, this felt more like a funeral wake than a birthday. This whole situation felt depressing and she wished more than anything she could be elsewhere. Did she give up celebrating with her friends for this?
"Aya, Aki. Happy 16th birthday, I have a gift to bestow on you both" the grandpa praised cheerfully. They were now at the age that they would be able to tell if the family curse had followed into their generation. A young man then entered, he had bright red hair and was wearing a bodyguard like attire. He was holding a box then placed it on the table in front of them before leaving the room.
Aya pulled the cloth from the box curiously, wondering what the hell was inside and what kind of gift this was. This was making no sense at all if this was some kind of bad joke this was not funny. Were they trying to scare them? Was this some kind of family heirloom that would be passed down to their children or something? She didn't understand what was going on at all, she felt so uneasy. Like something bad was going to happen.
Their grandpa kept staring at them with the same unwavering smile. Expecting them to inspect their supposed gift to reveal on their special day. His smile becoming eerie instead of pleasant. Their cousin Kagami kept staring, a stern but suspicious expression on his face as he watched the two teenagers. They really had no idea of what they were getting themselves into right now, did they? Their parents wouldn't even look at them.
Aya suddenly felt sick, a sense of uneasiness running through her body. This didn't feel right, everything in her body told her that she was in danger. Nausea starting to eat away at her, her stomach didn't feel right. Fear flowing from her in waves. A similar feeling to when she fell off the bridge, every fibre of her being telling her she had to run and never look back. That she was in danger, that she wasn't supposed to be here. Like when a prey was cornered by a predator that sought to kill it.
Aki saw her panic and opened the box slowly, seeing his sister wasn't as eager for their birthday gift as she previously had been. He panicked upon opening it, this was not the gift they had been expecting whatsoever. A look of mutual horror on their faces inside was a mummified hand. Was this some kind of joke on their grandpa's behalf? Why was he so calm about any of this? This wasn't funny whatsoever at all.
Aya backed off, fear and confusion filling her face. Conflict on her expression, her head began to once more fill with visions she could not describe. Grabbing her head to ease the pain that pulsed in her temple as the images flashed again and again. So much blood. Her body trembled, sweat dripping from her body. An aura of pure power radiating from her in waves, the tension in the air growing stronger by the second. Her family onlooking in pure shock.
A sudden shockwave blasted through the room, a surge of power flowing out of Aya in a blast. Her hair flying in the air like a wind passed through her abruptly. Her clothes torn in the blast, shredded into rags. Her eyes glowing purple with an unknown power, something awakening. Her grandpa and cousin staring in awe. The hand before her shattered into pieces, as if it were made of glass. The power then subsided as fast as it had appeared. Aya felt weakened like she had spaced out all of a sudden. What had just happened? What was that power? What had she just done? Where had it come from? She turned to her brother for comfort and answers "Aki… what?" she stammered.
Aki began to tremble, he was as scared as she was, wasn't he? This wasn't right, this wasn't funny anymore. Had they been drugged or something? How could they do this to them on their birthday of all things? Suddenly slashes appeared all over his body, blood gushing out of her brother. Screams of pain escaping Aki's lips, while all she could do was sit and watch this happen to her. What was this? Everything had been so normal yesterday, now this felt like a nightmare. Suddenly, Aki passed out, his body going limp like a rag doll.
Aya threw herself at her brother desperately, she could feel his pain. His body, the blood, how sore he felt. It felt like knives were stabbing at her skin "Aki, Aki answer me! Oh my god, so much blood! Grandpa! Do something!" she pleaded anxiously. She looked around the room anxiously for help "Mum? Dad? Anybody, please do something! Don't just sit there, you have to help him! My brother has been slashed to ribbons and all you can do is stare?! I won't let him die. I'm getting out of here!" She screamed angrily.
Their grandfather got to his feet slowly, another generation had awoken and they had to do what was right. He knew this would be hard for her parents but she was not a normal girl. She had never been human to begin with simply a vessel for power. "Aya, your brother will be fine. He will be given the utmost care and protection to see that he lives a long time. But I will ask you to remove yourself from his person, for you are the one who is going to die" he replied coldly.
Aya went rigid, her brain shutting down and her eyes wide like a deer in headlights. What had he just said to her? Die? She was going to die? Was this some kind of cult? Human sacrifice? How could her family say this to her? This was her birthday and yet, this felt like a nightmare. Her brother was in a life threatening situation. She nearly died yesterday and now her family wanted her dead. She had to wake up now, this was a really bad dream.
Aya felt a forced smile appear on her face, this had to be a joke. What did they mean die? Today was her birthday, it was supposed to be a party, but this was starting to feel like the worst day ever. Was this because she had argued with her parents and acted selfishly? She knew they had been upset because she was a troublemaker, because she never listened to their wishes, because she was rebellious and passionate. But if this was a punishment to make her behave, congrats she would listen.
"Aya, the Mikage family faces disaster as long as you are alive" her grandpa warned. She was his flesh and blood and it was not her fault that she was born with the power. But for the sake of the family, she had to die or they would all pay dearly. They could not allow this generation to be destroyed because of the power she held. Every girl that carried her power had followed the same fate, giving up her life for the sake of their survival.
"Grandpa… you…" Aya mumbled quietly. She didn't know what to say, this was so cruel. What was he talking about? She started to laugh awkwardly, panic and fear shielded by humour. "That's enough geez, freaking me out like this. What is this a birthday prank? God, you really fooled us" she laughed nervously. She peered at Aki despite the glares and looks she was getting from her family. He was still unconscious causing her to worry about his well being, what was going to happen to him? She reached out to touch him, he felt so cold and looked so pale.
"Get your hands off of him!" her grandpa raged intently. Because of the blood she carried, she was dangerous. The wounds on his body were caused by her and god knows what she would do to the rest of them if she was allowed to live. The way she had destroyed their progenitor, nearly ripping him to pieces with her celestial power, what would she do to the rest of them when she got ahold of them? He dreaded to even think of it.
Aya froze, her eyes blank, her body stiff. He was serious about this, he wasn't kidding around. They really wanted to kill her, to end her life right here. But she was sixteen, she was a kid, her life had yet to begin. What the hell? Her life had been so normal, going to school, working hard and having fun. Now all of that was being ripped from under her feet and she could do nothing about it.
Kagami got to his feet, he knew what had to be done. He nodded at some family members to take Aki away and tend to his wounds. This could not be avoided and he had to follow the patriarchy orders no matter what his own opinions were. But he had to say, he was interested to see her power for himself. What capabilities this girl carried inside of herself, what she could do for the future of their family.
"Father please don't!" Aya's father begged. She was innocent, she was his child. He had watched her grow from a girl into a woman and now she was going to die. He couldn't ask him to just stand by and watch. Her mother by his side sobbing. Aya stood in awe as they were led away, she felt so helpless. The fear and sadness in her parent's eyes, their panic and desperation told her this was all true. Now her fortune was coming to fruition, but this was not what she had wanted to know.
"Aya run! Get out of here as fast as you can!" her mother begged. She couldn't help being born into this family, that she had been chosen as a host. She couldn't bear for her baby to die like this. That she couldn't even say goodbye or watch as her daughters life was stolen from her. How much she wanted to tell her instead of leaving her in the dark.
"Wait" Aya begged. Watching as the door closed behind them leaving her all alone in a house of killers. Her voice couldn't seem to work and her body felt heavy. The room was spinning as if she was drunk, yet she was fully awake. Suddenly she lunged forward but was pulled and pinned back by two men in suits. They were really using all their strength, pinned like a dog in a cage. This wasn't funny, this was seriously sick. Taking her parents away like she was a pet about to be put down.
"Fuck you guys! This is really sick, you think this is funny. I don't care if you are my family. I won't forgive you for this!" she yelled angrily. All she wanted was to celebrate her birthday, eat cake and have fun. But here she was being used as a sacrificial lamb. She found herself pinned to the floor as hands wrapped around her neck. Cutting off her air, pressing harder and harder down until she felt her vision getting blurry. They were really going to do it. They weren't showing any remorse at all.
"Aya, forgive us. We have our own loved ones to keep safe. In order for them to remain safe your life has to end. You had the short straw of being born into this bloodline" the guy apologized. She was so young and none of this was her fault. Aya gripped at his face weakly, fighting with all of her might. Digging in her nails until she drew blood. Refusing to allow him to kill her.
Suzumi flinched, she felt a wave of power flow through her like a wall. But this was not her own power, no. This was another of her kind awakening, yes another celestial maiden had been born into the world but she would not last long. She needed to be saved before she too was murdered. There had been too many deaths as it was in that family, she would not allow another innocent life to be stolen. Being a surviving descendant became awfully lonely when you watched all the others die before you could do anything. "Mrs Q, come here at once" she demanded desperately. They had no time to waste, they had to go and save this poor girl before her life was cut short. She wished she could go herself but she would only be endangered too.
If she was discovered for her powers, she would be hunted down too. She may not have been from their family, but she was of a strong bloodline of women. Though incapable of transformation she carried a strong amount of power. A force to be reckoned with, she was not one who wouldn't go down without a fight. So all she could do was pull the strings from the background and hope to help save those who carried her power and protected them from danger.
"Yes Madam" Mrs Q replied. Her lady sounded urgent, but what could be wrong. She had been perfectly calm until now but all of a sudden she sounded panicked about something. Knowing she was never one to make a fuss out of nothing at all. But she did wish she could tell her what was happening as to better understand. All she could do was understand and trust her instinct was correct.
"Where is Yuhi?" she asked impatiently. She knew this was a lot to ask, but he had to go on an important mission. This poor girl would need her help, otherwise, she would soon follow a long line of unfortunate women. This girl needed their help and there was not a minute to waste, her time was running out fast and they needed to do something.
"Um, Making dinner ma'am" Mrs Q explained. He was hard at work making a meal for them. He was such a good boy but she worried about his well being quite a lot. He needed to find a girlfriend. Suzumi got to her feet, of all times he had to be busy. Now was not the time to be worrying about such pointless things as food.
Yuhi hummed to himself. Tapping his feet as he catered to a meal for his beloved sister and himself. the kitchen was his sanctuary and a place he truly felt as his happiest, the music on his phone really helping to get him in a creative mood. He was so out of it that he never heard someone calling his name. Suddenly something hard hit him in the back of the head making him panic. Snapping out of his daze, a new pain throbbing in the back of his head.
"Thank god, I thought you would never snap out of it with that mind-numbing noise in your ears" she scolded. She knew Yuhi loved music but he was wasting precious time, who knew how long this poor girl had left. Dinner could wait and if he left it to simmer the taste would be even better. This girl would need a hot meal after everything. She would be under their protection for a while, given she had nowhere else to turn and nobody else to rely on.
He turned to glare at her furiously, was she in another of her bad moods again? Did she know how hard it was to get these ingredients after the incident he went through today? He made her damn meals and she nearly ruined it in the flash of an eye. "Damn it Suzumi, you could have spilt something! Do you wanna eat dinner or starve?!" Yuhi snapped. He worked his fingers to the bone in this kitchen and she nearly spilled everything because of her temper. He had been grilling seasoned meats, new flavours in the miso and such. He was working on experimental flavours here.
Suzumi sighed her expression stern, she knew he was upset but this was no time to argue. She needed to protect her kind with every fibre of her being, "Please Yuhi, I need you to go collect someone for me. This is a matter of urgency" she begged. Another life could not be lost because of the Mikage's. She was lost, alone, confused and soon her life would end. Her life had barely begun and yet she was going to lose it all too quickly before she could even understand a thing about herself at all.
Yuhi blinked, he knew Suzumi could play her pranks but he could tell she meant it. He could see the fear in her eyes and knew something was up. Guess dinner could wait for now "So, what is it a student or something?" he asked curiously removing his apron. He would need to at least know something about her before he went on this wild goose chase. Hell, where would he even find her? She wasn't giving him much to work with here.
Suzumi smiled, glad he was finally cooperating with her at last. "Not exactly" she explained. She would fill him in on the basics now but she promised she would tell him everything later on. There was so much he didn't understand and so many secrets he was going to learn, but that could wait for later. When they were altogether and somewhere safe.
"Aya, get down from there, it's not safe" her mother called loudly. She was such a rebellious child always getting into trouble. The height was not safe and she could get hurt, however, she could not climb not allowing her to reach her baby. Aki could only watch his sister climb higher helplessly. Grandpa would not be happy when he found out what he had been up to. The tree was a family heirloom that had been on the grounds for centuries. It was to be respected.
"Look at me mummy," Aya said proudly. She had gotten so high all on her own, she wondered if she could reach the top. This was so exciting, she felt like she could touch the clouds. Suddenly she felt herself slip and panicked, missing a branch and nook for her feet. Suddenly finding herself falling faster and faster towards the ground causing her to panic. Her father rushed to his feet and grabbed Aya in his hands, she could have really hurt herself. Though she was a child and soft-boned, the idea of her breaking any bones regardless, worried him. "Daddy," Aya said in relief. It was a good thing he caught her before she hurt herself.
"Gomen father" Aya's mother apologized. She was such an energetic child she never knew what to do with her. Trouble seemed to find her no matter how close an eye she kept on her daughter. God knows what she would be like when she got older, hopefully not as much trouble as she was now.
The grandfather approached, placing his hands on her shoulders kindly. They were the future of his family, but if the lineage continued into both of them he did not know. "Aya, Aki. This tree has belonged to this family for generations. You must not harm or hurt it harmlessly. Promise me" he asked wearily. It was a very important symbol of their clan.
Aya blinked wearily in confusion, her gaze was hazy, her head felt heavy, her body felt limp. When had she fallen asleep? Why was she so tired? What had happened before? One minute she was getting her gift then felt that power surge, then she saw those funny pictures in her head again, then Aki had been hurt and her grandpa threatened her. "What? What time is it? Where… grandpa, mum, dad, Aki?" she babbled sleepily. Had she fallen asleep? The last thing she remembered was arriving at the house and then being led away. She then saw the specks of blood on her body, then heavier in other places. The smell of metal in her nose. The scent was so strong she thought she was going to be sick. She felt like she was going to have panic attack, her chest felt tight, she felt sick. She couldn't remember a damn thing, she felt like she was going to hurl.
"Oh, there you are. I gotta say you put up a pretty good chase" a voice called up to her. She had some pretty strong powers. She really wasn't any normal girl, he had never seen anything like it. No wonder her family were out to get her. Truth be told he didn't really care all too much about her power or threat to her family, but he knew that it meant a lot to them. He would pay dearly if he didn't follow orders and at least pretend to do his job in some way.
Aya panicked, that voice was right below her. How did he find her and how long had he been standing there? Had he told anyone else about her whereabouts? I mean her whole family were out to kill her. She knew he was under the employment of her grandpa meaning he had orders to kill her or drag her back so they could kill her. Like hell she was going to let that happen, she didn't even understand what the hell was going on. She grabbed branches, yanking them off and throwing them at him angrily. "Get away from me!" she yelled fiercely. She didn't trust him as far as she could throw.
Touya blinked, leaning from side to side as he dodged the branches she was throwing. Though he admitted she certainly had attitude and energy, her choice of weapons would do no good at all. He then looked back up at her and sighed heavily "Looks like I found myself a wet cat in a bad mood" he replied bluntly. She really loved causing him trouble, didn't she?
Aya felt her cheeks darken with embarrassment and anger. Did he just compare her to a damn housepet? What the hell was with this guy? Why was he making fun of her? Did he know what the hell she had been through? It was the celebration of her birth and yet she was being hunted down with the intent of being murdered by her own family. "Just leave me alone" she snapped angrily.
Touya sighed, she really wasn't making this easy for him was she? She certainly had a stronger will than any of the others. Refusing to allow herself to be killed "Guess I'll come to you then" he replied casually. He had a job to do and though he had orders, really this had nothing to do with him. Honestly, it had been a long day, he was tired and he wanted dinner. But he knew she would die if he left her here alone.
Aya blinked, what did he mean to come to her? He was on the ground and she was halfway up the damn tree. What kind of nonsense was he spouting right now? This guy was odd. However, she was soon met with the face of the very guy she had just been insulted by. She backed away defiantly. Trying to get as far away from him as she possibly could, he was putting her up into a false sense of security. Trying to earn her trust so he could drag her back to her grandpa. She was already aware that she was on a hit list of her grandpa. She was willing to bite, claw, kick and fight with all of her might to get him away from her. She may not have had any weapons but she was not going to back down whatsoever.
Suddenly, he became worried and lunged at her in a minute. She tried to struggle but he grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back, covering her mouth with a glove. Stifling her mouth of any sound, a single breath. Rendering her helpless. She felt a chill run down her spine, was he going to kill her? Was he a hired assassin or something? She heard oncoming footsteps and her blood turned to ice, had he tricked her in order to hand her over to his associates. Was she really going to die? Cold, alone and afraid in the rain and the darkness. She then heard voices and saw Mikage agents running through the rain desperately.
"Find her, she can't have gone far"
"What if she is still in her celestial form"
"She may be powerful, but she has no idea of how to use it yet. She's a damn host, she has no meaning"
"She can't have gone far, using all that power is going to take a toll on her human body"
Aya stiffened, host? Celestial form? Human body? What the hell were they talking about? She was herself, Aya Mikage. She wasn't any celestial host, this was like a nightmare or some crappy drama series. Soon the voices quieted and the footsteps stopped meaning they had left. His grip on her body loosened, as he visibly relaxed. Aya took her chance and bit his hand as hard as she could causing him to hiss. Pushing him off of her with all the strength she could muster. "What the hell are you playing at buddy? My family are trying to kill me, hunting me down like a wounded dog, so what makes me think I'll trust you?" she growled. He was under her grandfather's employment, he worked directly under his orders.
Whatever he asked him to do, he did it without question. Was he trying to earn her trust to lower her guard which would end up with her being shot and left for dead in the rain? Unlike most damsels in distress which she refused to allow herself to become, she wasn't going to trust just about anyone who showed her kindness. She needed to protect herself and follow her gut instinct. She would get out of here and find her brother, or get herself somewhere safe until she figured out what the hell she was going to do next.
Touya's expression became serious, he knew about celestial maidens and her family's history. He followed orders but he had a moral code, even he could see how fucked up this was. "You're a kid, barely a second year in high school right? You're scared and confused, way too damn young to understand the severity of the shit you're in" he explained calmly. They were intent on killing her without hesitation, a wasted innocent life because cowards were too afraid to even consider if she could be controlled or repress her powers. He wasn't going to let her die because of a bunch of fear mongering morons who didn't even know the whole truth of their family history.
Aya's expression softened, genuinely touched by his words. Admittedly, she assumed he would be like the rest of the people employed by her family, killing her in a heartbeat without a second thought on the matter. He wasn't as bad as her family, he was risking his employment to save her life which meant a lot. Hell, he was the first person who had showed her any kindness today which meant a lot to her. But before she could even thank him a voice called out breaking the silence.
"Oi, blondie! You're Aya Mikage right?" a voice called up to her. He had to say he never thought he would be running into her again. She looked a total mess which only made him wonder what she had been through tonight. However, he wondered who the guy beside her was, he had to say he was annoyingly good looking. Given there were armed guards wandering the grounds they had best get the hell out of here before they got themselves in worse trouble. He didn't plan on dying here tonight.
Aya felt her cheeks darken, below her was the guy who had saved her from oncoming traffic. The cute high schooler who had shielded her when she fell from a bridge. She couldn't put into words how happy and yet stunned to see him again. Today really was a surprising one. But what if she ended up injuring herself if she fell from this height? She knew she had all this power inside of her, but she had no idea of how it worked. It seemed to just happen at random outbursts, like when she was in danger.
Yuhi saw her expression and smiled warmly. He knew she must have been shaken up and questioning a lot, but everything would be ok now. She was in safe hands and nobody was going to harm her. He held out his hands reassuringly "Don't worry, I'll catch you. But you better get a move on" he called. They had a small window to escape, the guards would be hunting her down like a fox to a rabbit. He was aware they were entering and trespassing right now, which was already another level of danger on top of their current risks.
Touya then abruptly shoved Aya, pushing her out of the tree entirely and towards the ground. She would be safe now and she seemed to know this guy. A boyfriend perhaps, but then again they seemed strangers, crushes most likely. Aya panicked, what the hell had that jerk pushed her for? If she didn't die from this height she would certainly be badly hurt. However, her body suddenly felt light, floating down to the ground as if by magic. This felt so weird, like something out of a dream. She landed in his arms gently, held as if she was a princess. Though she was rather embarrassed, on account of the fact she was very revealed due to her clothes being in rags.
"Not bad, cuter up close and light as a feather" Yuhi replied casually with a playful smile. She had bright blue eyes and orangey blonde hair, but she was cold as ice and covered in filth and blood. Aya felt her blush intense upon hearing these words, covering her front with her hands. He then dashed off carrying her, they had to get out of here fast. If they were found by the rest of the security they were screwed. Luckily he hadn't been caught yet but he doubted he could fight them all off. She was shaking like a leaf, from the cold and the shock.
Soon they reached a car, to which he pushed her inside lightly and climbed in himself. "Mrs Q punch it" he demanded desperately. They didn't have time to waste and he could see she was possibly hurt. That and with how heavy the rain was they were going to catch their cold. Aya shifted, curling up in her seat bashfully. Covering up her front as best she could, trying to warm herself up with her hands to circulate heat. She couldn't believe they had been reunited again. But why did it have to be when she looked her worst, after being chased down and dressed in rags? But more importantly, where was he taking her?
