320 years ago, the coven sank in the dark, there was a family that survived this great ordeal and fled to the origins of the coven. It was a prophecy that one day one would be chosen to protect the newly raised coven
Chapter one: Calling for the Seven
Five years later:
The book laid beside him as he slept in the comforts of a soft bed, unaware that the book had its own ability to call those who were chosen. Its soft glow touched his rough face and woke him from the gentle slumber he had fallen into just six hours ago. His eyes opened and saw the soft wave of light from the book and he sat up reaching for the light switch at his bedside.
"What is this?" he whispered.
He pulled back his shoulder length hair and lifted the book up from the nightstand. He opened the book and the wave of light engulfed the small room and solid beams shot through the window.
"What's going on?" he whispered
He set the book down in complete fear and the pages flipped to a page before the light vanished. He knelt down looking at the empty page suddenly becoming filled with words.
"Those who are chosen shall wear a mark with a piece of the coven symbol, but those who are against the coven will be marked with another mark." he whispered
There was a knock on his door and he looked up towards the door.
"Haruto, are you up?" Ayano's soft voice came
"Yeah, I'm up."
He came to his feet and opened the door and looked at Ayano as she stood there. She smiled softly holding a small box.
"You have company." she said, "They came from Tokyo."
She smiled softly as he ran into his bathroom and changed then ran out. She shook her head and followed him downstairs. She was pleased to see that he had pepped up a little from not being able to find the last four members of the coven members. She looked out the window seeing the clouds swooping in for yet another cold shower.
"The storms are becoming more frequent, the time is coming."
Sakaki stepped off the hardwood steps and came into the parlor hearing a familiar voice talking to his parents.
"Why hello." the soft voice of Karasuma said
She stood up and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed his head and looked at him from head to toe admiring the man he had finally become after his accident. He was quite dashing man.
"Well, you've out grown your boyishly good looks and became a dashing young man." she said, with a soft smile and pointing out the five o'clock shadow.
"Dashing? More like a real man." a darker voice said, from behind him
He turned around seeing the one man he had always looked up too. A smile touched his lips as he gave a nod.
"Amon." Sakaki said, shaking Amon's hand
The three of them walked out into the sunroom that over looked the city streets of his hometown. There was the usual laughter that lingered and then the sudden change of mood touched the young hunter's eyes.
"It's been five years and there are only three of us." Sakaki said, "I've searched all of Japan for the last four. I don't know where else to look."
"Have you used the book?" Amon asked
"I've tried, but it just becomes blank when I open it. I thought perhaps maybe I'm not the chosen one."
Karasuma looked at Sakaki seeing the confusion of who he really was, afraid to grasp the idea that he really was the one.
"Sakaki, sometimes it takes more time." Karasuma said, standing up and walking over to him.
He looked over at her and sighed then looked out the window. He closed his eyes feeling failure deep down in his heart. He then opened his eyes and glanced over at his two co-workers.
"Has Solomon said anything about my leaving?"
"Doujima, has kept them informed with false information. Told them you were spirited away and that we were searching for you, but afraid you may be dead." Karasuma said, "Amon's been promoted to agent so we're covered."
"Agent huh? Well, guess it was only time."
Amon shook his head and stood. He looked at the young hunter and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Maybe you should ask the kid in you where the other four are. Don't let your future kick your ass."
"I'm afraid to do that again."
"Fear is an emotion suppress it, it was after all your younger self that accepted your destiny."
Sakaki gave a nod with a slight helpless sigh.
"Don't forget using the other members of the coven are connected." Karasuma said
"And how is Aki? Does he know about his destiny?"
There was silence from his co-workers and Karasuma shook her head. She showed fear in her eyes for her child that she had worried about just five years ago. Sakaki tilted his head to the side and tried to read her expression.
"In time, when you find the other four he will join you." Amon said, "right now he's not to know anything. He's in our protection."
It was then Amon's cell phone went off and he reached for the device. He lifted it up to his ear and answered.
"Go ahead Michael." Amon said
Sakaki looked at Amon as he turned away from his stare. He then looked at Karasuma and she smiled at him. She patted his rough cheek and kissed his head.
"We're proud of you, Haruto. You are finally taking up a mission of your own. It's a dangerous one, but it's the right one for you."
"I'm so afraid I'll fail them. It just seems like we're not ready for this time to come. I've been training with Ayano to focus my newly found ability. I just don't want to lose people I care about."
His eyes became soft and she looked at him. Her eyes were filled with a motherly gaze and not like her normal look. She wrapped her arms around him and stroked his head in a motherly tone.
"Listen to your heart, Haruto."
"Miho, we have to head back." Amon said, walking into the sunroom.
"Alright."
She kissed Sakaki's cheek and he walked them to the front door. He hugged Karasuma once more then shook Amon's hand.
"Don't worry they will come." Amon said, "You're doing the right thing. Trust your team and they'll help you."
He gave a nod and watched take off down the road towards the docks. He looked up at the sky feeling an eerie feeling climb up his spine.
"Soon." he whispered
SOLOMON
A young woman sat outside an office and looked down the dark hall. She lifted her cell phone and texted someone. Her green eyes caught the dull light and glittered like emeralds on display. Her ruby red lips curled into a small smile as she rose to her feet then turned the door knob of the office.
"Excuse me; would you tell the director, Grace Russo is here." the young woman said
The secretary nodded and lifted the phone up to her ear. Grace looked around the office at the pictures on the wall.
"He'll see you, Ms. Russo." The secretary remarked
She gave a nodded and walked back to a room and opened the door. The balding man looked up from his papers and looked at her.
"Have a seat." he said
She pulled back her dark hair into a ponytail and looked around his office. She saw pictures of a young woman with blonde hair standing next him.
"Your daughter, sir?" she asked
"Yes, Yurika." he said
"She's quite the professional."
"Yes, Ms. Russo, what is it that you need?"
She reached into her black bag and pulled out a file. She slid it to him and the director looked at her. He opened the fold to reveal a picture of Sakaki.
"So, why do you have one of my hunter's files?"
"I need you to tell me what you know about him."
"He's a hunter, came from Sapporo."
She nodded and leaned back into her chair crossing her leg over the other. She tilted her head as he looked at the file.
"I have two words for you, Coven Member."
His eyes widen at the words and she smirked a little. Her green eyes glanced down at the file and pulled the file back into her hold.
"Speechless I see, I would too if I didn't know someone who worked under me was about to raise the coven again. He's the leader of them all, seven members. He's what you call their protector, the bleeding heart. The symbol appears on his upper arm, check it."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"He's dead."
"Then we can dig his body up and look at it."
The director leaned back in his chair as he rubbed his balding head. He shook his head and sat the black pen down.
"The coven can not be raised if there are only six members, especially if the protector is dead."
"Correction, if one dies the second becomes the bleeding heart and a seventh one is replaced. The coven has great powers, director. It is dangerous and I intend to get rid of it before it rises."
"Who are you?"
She stood up lifting her brief case.
"I'm your hero."
She walked out the office and walked out the door. Her phone rang and she lifted it up to her ear.
"Russo."
"Where are you?"
"Solomon, our good friend the director said that Haruto Sakaki is dead."
"He's alive. I can feel the power reaching out from the birthplace."
"Then go there, I'll meet you. I have other things to attend too."
She hung up the phone and walked outside the building and waited for her car.
SAPPORO
The afternoon air brushed past Sakaki's face as he stood outside his family house. He closed his eyes trying to find the youthful half of him. He listened to the sounds around him as he tried to focus on just the sounds of nature.
"Come on, Haruto." he whispered
It was suddenly a delicate hand touched his shoulder and he opened his eyes. He looked and saw Ayano standing beside him.
"They will come, Haruto. I can feel it in the wind…just listen."
Sakaki closed his eyes and let the wind wrap around him. He felt a grasp on his hand his eyes opened looking at Ayano.
"I heard one." Sakaki whispered
Ayano smiled and he smiled feeling that maybe he was becoming stronger, but he did not know where to look.
"Trust your gut, Haruto and it will take care of you."
She walked down the steps onto the cobble stone pathway. He looked at her and she looked over her shoulder with a soft smile. She walked on and he took a deep breath.
"She's something else, isn't she?" his step-mother's voice came
"She's special."
"And special is good, why don't you get to know her more. She's done so much for you these last five years, the least you can do is spend more time with her."
"I can't…I can't be attached to anyone."
"Do what your heart says."
Sakaki took a deep breath and walked down the cobble stone pathway into the garden and heard Ayano singing a melody he knew very well. It was song his mother use to sing to him when he was little.
"I know that song." Sakaki said, "My mother sang it to me."
Ayano glanced up at him and smiled softly. She walked towards him placing her hand on his rough cheek. She looked into his eyes and reached up placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"My mother use to sing it to me as well. The ballad is hundreds of years ago."Ayano said, "A brave young Samurai fights for his country and in the end dies, but is reborn falling love with a courtesan of the court…."
"Tell me sweet lady if your heart is true do you love me like you love his majesty."
Ayano smiled at Sakaki as a blush touched her cheeks. She looked at the garden and Sakaki followed her.
"When did you know you were one of the seven?" Sakaki asked
"When I was a young girl, the symbol appeared on my arm. Its presence was powerful and a voice called to me saying that there were others. My mother and father brought me here and an old monk taught me everything. I learned to control my ability so I may call to the bleeding heart. I knew he was born of the family that survived the darkness."
Sakaki looked at her and listened to her as she talked about her past. He guided her to the large pond in the back and there they sat down. He watched her eyes as she looked around and then found his. A smile touched her lips and he leaned towards her closing the gap between their lips.
The moment was broken by the sound of the rustling of the trees. Sakaki pulled away and looked around feeling a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. He looked at Ayano seeing she picked up on his feelings.
"What is it?" Ayano asked, through thought
"I don't know, stay here." Sakaki replied, back through thought
He stood up and listened and the rustling stopped.
"Who's there?" Sakaki called
There was no answer as he approached the bushes.
"Be careful." Ayano whispered
He looked around and looked over at Ayano.
"Ayano, slowly come towards me. We're surrounded." Sakaki said, through thought
Ayano made no rash movements and slowly approached Sakaki. He looked around getting a strong vibe from all around. He grabbed Ayano's hand and walked towards the pathway slowly.
It was suddenly that something flew past them. Sakaki looked and saw someone in the bushes. He glanced at Ayano as she stayed close to him then grabbed his arm.
"When I tell you to run, you run." Sakaki whispered, "don't ask questions just do it."
She nodded and pulled from under her pants leg a blade and Sakaki looked at her. She handed it to him and unsheathed it.
They stopped at the pathway and glanced at Ayano.
"Go!" he shouted
She took off running and Sakaki saw movement in the bushes. He rushed towards the bushes pulled the blade from the sheath. He cut at the bushes and felt his attack was blocked and he was thrown out the bushes.
"Show yourself!" Sakaki shouted
A darkness began to circle around the garden and a shadow slipped out. Sakaki narrowed his eyes as he looked at them. The dark shadow was slender and it pulled two blades from two sheath.
"The bleeding heart, we meet finally." the soft voice said, "Prepare to meet your end."
Sakaki looked at the dark figure and a smile touched his lips. He lifted the dagger and tossed it at the shadow, knowing fully they would block it. It was only a distraction for him to gain power from the area around him.
As the weapon fell to the ground Sakaki forced from his hands a bright light. The symbol on his arm burned and he fought it as he pushed the energy towards his opponent. The shadow was forced back from the light and he breathed deep falling to his knees. He looked at his hands burnt from the energy that escaped him.
"Damn it, I forgot." Sakaki whispered
It was then that he heard footsteps behind him. The sound of someone clapping made him turn around weakly to see a man wearing black, much like the other one. He two had blades that he pulled from the sheaths on his back.
"That was beautiful, but do you remember you aren't strong enough to use that power. You give your opponents the advantage." he said
He cut the mask off his face and revealed the scar across his face. He smirked and walked towards Sakaki.
"You make this look to easy." he said, "but I'm going to enjoy this."
He removed his gloved hand and a light came from it and Sakaki took a deep breath. He was lifted up.
"Such, a weak heart you have."
Sakaki felt a tug on his heart and he shouted in pain. He looked at his arm as it began to glow and drip blood. He was losing the battle before it even began, but he couldn't.
"Can't give in." he whispered
He reached up hand and gasped as the energy ran through his body. His opponent squeezed harder and Sakaki shouted.
It was then suddenly a bolt of lighting struck Sakaki's opponent making him lose his hold on him. Sakaki fell to the ground grasping his chest and coughing up blood. He weakly looked up to see someone standing in the distance.
"Well, looks to be that you're Calvary has arrived."
"Who is that?" Sakaki muttered
Another bolt struck the man and he went after the stranger. Sakaki crawled toward the pond and leaned against it. He looked at the two fighting and all seemed to be over to quickly as his attacker had fallen flat on his back. The stranger stood straight and looked over at Sakaki.
"Who are you?" he muttered, as they approached him
"Sandra Brookes, from the good old USA." the red head said
"USA?"
She rolled up her sleeve and showed her up arm with a piece of the coven symbol. Her brown eyes sparkled and she presented her hand to him.
"Looks to me I came just in time. You're still fighting your gift."
"What are you talking about?" Sakaki said
She smiled and wrapped one arm around her shoulder and guided him towards the front.
"What about him?" Sakaki asked
"Oh, he'll be fine, fried his memory."
"Who is he?"
"He's one of Russo's men…perhaps we should talk inside, it would be safer."
They came inside and Ayano ran towards him and lifted her hand towards Sakaki's forehead.
"He's going to be alright, got the wind knocked out of him…but he'll be back to normal." Sandra said
"You must be the fourth?" Ayano said, "You Yankees always come at the right time."
She smirked and saw Sakaki down and looked at him. She placed her hand on his chest and sent a shock to him.
"What the hell?" he said
Sandra rolled up his sleeve and the piece of her coven dripped blood from Sakaki's arm. He looked at the symbol and looked at Ayano.
"How come you didn't do that?"
"We only touch the part that is significant to our power."
"This just gets awkward each moment."
"Don't worry, always above the waist." Sandra said
Sakaki rolled his eyes and looked at the two women that now were a part of the team. He needed just three more and now he had a new enemy to watch for…the only name give was Russo.
