The full moon casted its luminescent glow across the umbra landscape revealing the botanical pieces partially while still keeping them hidden from those who wish to peer deep into it. Takeru made his way through this forest and as he did he could sense that there was more to this forest than it presented. As he continued onward his stride never losing a step his ears twitched subtly as a scratching sound was made from the surrounding shrubbery. Clenching his fist tightly he prepared himself for a battle; he halted his stride and took a battle stance ready to confront the enemy; within a second the enemy appeared before him moving faster than any normal person could. Throwing his fist to his right he punched the shade as it screeched receiving an amount of pain that was worth crying out to; however it didn't last long as he turned his fist into that of a straightened hand and stabbed the shade causing it to fade in a black and red smoke. More shades appeared from the darkness as Takeru stopped his foot hard on the ground and channeling some of his power to fight the incoming enemies.
"Let's go." As if that were command the shades came at him with organized brutality, swiping their wispy claws and baring their teeth ready to bite.
Reacting calmly he delivered decisive blows to each one, some blows were chops, some were stabs, and some were just punches and kicks with each one connecting flawlessly they began to disappear one by one. Although their numbers continued to increase and with it his patience for this little skirmish was dwindling; his power responding to his impatience began to fluctuate and as it did the center of his being became a vacuum bringing in all of the shades as they were brought closer and closer to him his power grew until they were an inch away from him.
Unleashing his power through a bestial roar it exploded in all directions, his power dissipated and his inner turmoil emerged as he felt himself be consumed by a veil of repressed malice and rage his mind however had not succumbed he listened around for more enemies whilst also expanding his sensory field there were no enemies present at the time. However two presences caught his attention was approaching him at a slow but steady pace while the other stood perfectly still; focusing a bit more he could tell that the one that was approaching him was someone who didn't need to see this. Black and red smoke appeared in abundance around Takeru and next thing you know a shadowy figure three times Takeru's size formed itself in front of him.
"You have done well my apprentice."He bowed the figure and in turn the figure nodded its head.
"Master soon it will be the time but you know what I must do first."
"I am aware, and I am confident that you will have the power to do so."
"I am honored by your confidence in me but until I conquer my inner demons. Only then will I be able to accept you fully my master."
"You conquer your inner demons for an even bigger demon. Ha! You are quite the interesting one my apprentice."
"My apologies my master but this conversation of ours must be cut short. Unnecessary ears will be amongst us soon." The figured nodded its head again acknowledging his words.
"I will soon send another trial before you. I trust you'll be ready."The figure vanished into the air along with its smoke as Takeru bowed once again.
"I will my master, you can count on it." Straightening himself out he turned towards the direction of the approaching individual and not to his surprise it was his precious Haruko looking adorable and docile like that of a rabbit. However he knew better she wasn't a rabbit she was an angel one whose blade would cut down anyone that stood in her way towards her goal.
"Take-chan it's really late, why are you out here?"
"I am training Haru-nee, so my skills can be sharper than any blade." She strolled over to him and reached out touching the part of his face that wasn't bandaged. Her hand softer than any silk graced his face and he sighed as he smiled at her.
"You are incredibly strong Take-chan, why do you push yourself so much?"
"Until my goal is achieved, then and only then will I look for a new path."
"I see, well let's go home, its chilly out here." He picks her up, removing her slippers so they wouldn't slide off of her slim feet. He placed them on top of her and made his way through the forest back to the dorms.
"The only reason it's chilly out here is because you're out here in shorts and a shirt." He explained to her in joking manner as she looked up at him with a pout on her face.
"Hey the only reason I am here, is because I was looking for you!" He kissed her forehead and she blushed with the pout still on her face. Takeru smiled and while holding her with one hand, he brushed some of her hair back. As they made their way through the forest Haruko looked up at him and then leaned in towards his chest as she sighed.
"Take-chan whatever you are hiding from me I hope you can tell me one day."
The next day had arrived and the Maken-Ki was asked to run laps for the track club for some odd reason, however no really questioned it, besides Usui. Takeru told him that he would run his laps for him, he didn't mind the extra exercise; Usui replied saying that it was unnecessary he would run the laps without complaining. Soon the laps were completed and everyone was out of breath except for Takeru his mind was too busy for him to be considered out of breath; as he looked out towards the windows, directly into the Maken-Ki meeting room.
"I think it's time I made some allies."
Takeru, Usui, and Inaho along with Furan Takaki and Amado Yuuka were informing them on Maken and their purposes. It was all stuff that was fundamental knowledge to any who was astute with researching the Maken and Element; as Takeru was drowning out the information he was reading their element and he had to admit they were strong and judging by the wavelength of their elements they held one of the eight original Maken that was forged long ago. He got the same readings from Haruko and Inaho; with half of the original Maken gathered in one place on one team this would prove to be rather beneficial in the future. He tuned himself back into the speech that Furan was going on about and he realized that she was concluding it; Usui was awake and was ready to leave, while Inaho stated something about getting some snacks for later. Furan was packing her stuff preparing to leave with Amado right behind her.
"Student Council President I would like to talk to you and Amado-senpai."
Adjusting her glasses she nodded, Takeru motioned Usui and Inaho that he would meet up with them later. As they left the room Takeru made sure to keep his distance from her as he leaned against the wall. Furan cleared her throat as she stood firm to confront Takeru swallowing a minor portion of her fear.
"So what did you wish to talk about Ooyama Takeru?"
"I am not gonna beat around the bush, I am aware of certain events that have transpired involving both of you and the leader of Kamigari." Furan froze in place and even the usually calm Amado tensed slightly ready to perform some sort of action.
"Calm yourselves both of you, the only reason I bring this up is because the person who is directly involved with this is going to be coming here in a certain interval of time. However he himself won't show up but from what I gathered from hacking into his database he will be sending a team here to do what I have no clue."
Furan doing her best to put a lid on her fear was failing slowly but assuredly failing, the memories were flowing back and it was killing her. Before it got to the point of fear taking over her Takeru's hand was on her head causing Furan to slightly jump as she looked up at him suddenly her fear had faded.
Bringing her into a gentle hug she could hear his steady heartbeat it possessed such a tranquil rhythm that Furan sighed and leaned forward as she was lulled and began to calm down. Amado was impressed Furan's androphobia was apparent to the point where she had no interest in boys and yet here she was fully embracing Takeru a clear cut man as if her fear was never there.
"Are you feeling any better Furan-senpai?" He asked as she looked up at him with her earnest stare.
"I was honestly a little shaken up by what you said, however I am better thanks to you."
"I won't betray your feelings; if you ever wish to talk to me just ask Haruko she'll know where to find me."
Takeru looked down and Furan raised her hand up after bringing it from behind Takeru and felt his face that wasn't bandaged even though she couldn't see it but she could feel the emotion behind it he was someone that has suffered greatly but was still going regardless of the turmoil that raged within; it was commendable.
"Okay thank you Takeru." They separate and Takeru looked at Amado who nodded at him in approval he made his way out of the room closing the door behind him leaving the two alone.
"Wow Furan that was really surprising; you really hugged him and not once did you scream."
"I know he is different I don't know what it is but with him; he is like a kindred spirit. I feel as if I can trust him."
"Do you want me to see if I can find out anything about him?" She thought about it for a second it truth it wouldn't hurt to know but at the same time she wanted to respect him and his privacy.
"No its fine, however you can keep an eye on him though; so be close but not too close."
"Okay then." Furan packed her supplies and as she did that her mind replayed the scene that occurred over and over in her head. As she did she smiled and made her way out of the room to complete the next task on her list; the student council president had things on her list to do.
Night had fallen on Tenbi Academy as the students retreated to their dorm rooms. Haruko, Inaho, and Himegami were in their room the only the one that wasn't with them was Takeru. Worried about him Haruko and Inaho sat at the table waiting on his arrival; Inaho was eating her snacks and Haruko was doing some homework. Himegami on the other hand was sitting in her room her legs crossed as well as her arms her mind pensive and repetitive of the events that occurred the day before and today. Ooyama Takeru was an enigma wrapped skin tight in a mystery, his presence, his build and posture, there were so many things to consider with him but there were two things that threw Himegami into this pensive thinking fit she was in right now.
His incredibly well built and scarred up body for one thing was a site to behold; she could tell just by looking at him that he had been through more battles than any of the students here. She could still remember it like she was staring at a picture; scars from small scratches to permanent reminders littered him from his neck all way down to the last pair of abs. Her mind began to imagine the battles he went through and how many times he almost died.
Although those thoughts were immediately pushed out of her mind when she saw him handle that bear and how he properly controlled his element. It flowed through him so naturally and what he did to the bear without harming it and calming its berserk mind was something on the level of a teacher at the academy; she was honestly impressed with him but then absolute awe and a desire to know more about him flooded her mind as she felt his power first hand being right next him.
(Earlier Today)
Himegami talked to everyone who was on the floor in a meditating position which consisted of Inaho, Usui, and Takeru. She spoke on how a strong body keeps a strong mind and the vice versa could be also stated. One must focus on keeping their mind clear in order to fully comprehend this fact; as she said this she looked at everyone and they stayed perfectly still. Aki-sensei came in and said something fully snapping Usui out of his trance, suddenly his mind began to think of Aki-sensei which made Himegami summon Inazuchi the little spirit made his way towards Usui and raised his hand calling forth a bolt of lightning.
As it came to shock Usui, Takeru's hand came in a nanosecond faster stopping the bolt from hitting Usui and instead hitting his element infused hand which made Usui jump. His breathing had not halted it was in a constant rhythm that was calm and unwavering; as he continued to stay calm his element began to flow in abundance flowing in at a pace that was complementary to his breathing. Everyone in the room was impressed he blocked a lightning bolt with his bare hand not even a tiny inch of electricity escaped from his palm; and with no hesitation, no fear or slip just a simple movement that was executed flawlessly.
Himegami was the most impressed, not just from his execution but she could feel just how much element he possessed and to say it was tremendous wouldn't do it justice. Additionally she felt as if she was in the presence of a beast whose fangs were bared and dripping with its saliva ready for her to move so that the chase could begin. A bead of sweat went down her face as she could almost hear how abysmal his element was it was truly a nightmare; soon Takeru suppressed his element and he stood up from the floor.
"Usui my friend are you injured anywhere?" Realizing he was being talked to Usui shook himself awake from his stupor and coughed regaining his senses.
"No I am fine thanks man I have no idea where that came from but you saved me."
"No problem I am just glad you're uninjured." He smiled and turned around making his way out of the dojo he passed by Himegami and clasped her shoulder.
"Thank you Ojou-sama for your guidance in today's lesson; you're truly wise beyond your years."
He made his way out of the dojo passed the door and out of the sight of the group.
More questions than answers flooded her mind but for the sake of giving her mind a reprieve she halted her thoughts and made her way out of the bedroom. Opening the door she saw both Haruko and Inaho both smiling as they were preparing dinner; she headed towards the bathroom to wash her hands. As she got closer she looked inside to see Takeru standing there bleeding heavily from multiple wounds; steadily she made her into the bathroom so she could see what he would do in this situation. Suddenly his body began to glow and his wounds suddenly began to heal themselves and vanish as if they were never there.
"Ojou-sama you can come out now." She slightly jumped but quickly regained her composure as she entered the room.
"What in the name of Maken happened to you?" He laughed as he began to wash his hands.
"I pushed myself too far in training, that's all that happened."
"What kind of training were you doing?" He finished washing his hand and began to dry them off.
"Not enough to deem me satisfied but enough to tell me what I need to do." Making his way out of the bathroom Himegami moved to the side and grabbed his hand.
"What's the matter?" He asked turning himself slightly.
"I am going shopping tomorrow and I was wondering could you accompany me."
"My schedule isn't full so of course Ojou-sama." She tugged on him again and he turned around to greet her.
"You don't have to call me that, I told you that many times. Could you just call me Himegami-san."
"Are you sure, I don't want to disrespect you." She smiled and pat his arm.
"Trust me you're not disrespecting me, I appreciate it but I would rather you call me Himegami-san."
"Of course Himegami-san, why don't we head to dinner."
"I'll meet you there gotta wash my hands."
Takeru made his way to the table and Himegami washed her hands then soon joined the group so they could all eat dinner together. Dinner was exceptional like always and the night carried on until everyone started to get sleepy; Takeru offered to clean everything up so that they could go to bed. It didn't take him long to get the dishes finished, he made his way over to his bed removing his shirt along the way. Making it to the ladder he removed his pants as he threw them over his shoulder, jumping up he landed on the edge of his sleeping area where his futon lied. Getting comfortable he folded up his set of clothes and placed them on his right side and turned on his left and drifted into slumber.
Himegami had one thing in mind for today, to find out more about Ooyama Takeru; as she met up with him in her gothic Lolita outfit Takeru had complimented upon how it suits her and she smiled. She guided him around Tenbi and realized that it was more to it than just a school; even though he figured out a while back with sensing the multiple presences of people who possessed potential. As they made their way to the shopping district Himegami noticed a teddy bear that caught her eye, she stared at the bear with fierce determination. Walking into the store she made her purchase and the bear was hers, she made her way to several more shops purchasing more and more items.
As she made her purchases she handed them to Takeru who didn't complain they didn't possess enough weight to be considered heavy and he could see without using his sight so there were no problems there. Himegami looked at Takeru as he silently carried her items, she was impressed by his tolerance of her actions most men would've complained but not him.
"Himegami-san where shall our next stop be?" asking earnestly as it snapped her out of thoughts.
"We are going to one last store, after that we can grab something to eat."
"Very well, lead the way."
They made their way to the last store and to his surprise it was a store that sold lingerie; he stood in one area as Himegami looked around to see if there were any that caught her eye, she grabbed several different pairs and made her way to the fitting room. She went in placing the pairs down and looked out to see he had moved to the side of her booth.
"It'll take me some time so bear with me okay?"
"Of course, take as much time as you need."
She grinned and went back into her booth, shedding her clothes she removed her underwear and began to try on each pair she grabbed from the rack. There were some that she liked, there were some that she didn't like, and there were others where she wasn't sure. Putting them in separate piles she looked at the pile where she was unsure and decided it was necessary to have a second opinion.
"Hey Takeru, could you help me with something?"
"Sure what is it?"
"Well I have separated the pairs of underwear into three piles: ones I like, ones I don't like, and others that leave me stumped. Can you give me a second opinion?"
"Hmm I believe that when it comes to clothing of that variety, depending upon on your pigmentation you should select a pair that creates a contrast that way it can effectively show off assets."
"Really now, so you are saying I should wear something opposite to my skin tone?"
"That is correct, Himegami-san."
"Hmm very well then I shall take that to heart."
She gather up some pairs in the undecided pile she made and placed them in her pile of those she would purchase, she hung up all of the ones she didn't like and immediately purchased them. Leaving the store they made their way over to a restaurant named Macron, where they were greeted by maids speaking in unison as they welcomed them to the establishment. Takeru confirmed this place by the scent of familiar food which made his stomach growl. They sat down and looked at the menu, skimming through it with his fingers he felt the text of his meals and closed the menu Himegami noticed this.
"Oh, so you know what you want?"
"Yes I have been here before I am surprised it's still around."
"Good evening master and mistress today I, Azukin will clear your fatigue with delicious food!" Azuki dressed as a maid appeared before them, her dialogue made Takeru nod his head in approval she was really into the role. Her demeanor was destroyed as she noticed it was Himegami and Takeru sitting there in the booth, she was consumed by frustration.
"What are you doing here with him!" She asked as she pointed over to Takeru.
"I had him accompany me for shopping, he has been an excellent bag holder and I wish to reward his excellent service." She looked over at him with her frustration still going strong; Takeru got up and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Azuki-san, please don't be so upset; if this is embarrassing for you I promise that I shall not tell a soul so please be at ease." She looked at him and registered his words; her frustration had subsided as she let out a sigh.
"Okay, I get it and sorry about what I said earlier."
"You're fine Azuki-senpai, besides I am glad to see that this place is still hasn't changed much." He said as he sat back down.
"You've been here before?"
"Yes I have when I was little, however let's not dive into the past. Himegami-san if you are ready you may order first also I would like to point out that I will be paying for the both of us."
"Well that is very kind of you I will take the usual." Azuki wrote it down and looked over at Takeru.
"I would like to order three orders of omelet rice, napolitan noodles, honey toast, and salad sandwiches, and three orders of custard pudding, fruit parfait, cream soda, and custard pudding." Azuki and Himegami looked at him and he scratched the side of his face in embarrassment.
"My apologies I have a big appetite." Azuki shook her head and giggled a little.
"That's fine the manager will love to hear such an order." She pat him on his back and he smiled, she took the menus away and went over to the kitchen.
"Hmm you must be really hungry to order all of that, no wonder you said you would pay."
"Haha, sorry about that Himegami-san."
"No its fine, but back to our conversation you have been here before?"
"Yes I have, I was here when this place was opened; whenever my dad was teaching at Tenbi I would come here for some food."
"Oh so your father was a teacher here?"
"Yep he was the teacher for Minori, Aki, Tomika, Gen, along with several others." That was certainly a surprise, before Himegami could say anything their food had arrived. Azuki carried Himegami's while another maid pushed a cart that full of Takeru's order. Azuki placed Himegami's food next to her and was going to do the same with Takeru's but he stated that would be unnecessary. Releasing a transparent wave of element he lifted the food over to the table and placed them down accordingly, after everything was set down he thanked Azuki for her excellent service and she gave him a thumbs up leaving the two alone with their food.
Himegami dug into her meal with mannerly eating habit, savoring the taste of her carbonara; looking over at Takeru she watched him eat his tremendous meal with excellent table manners. His chewing made no sound, he didn't slurp up his noodles, he took minor sips of his drink, and small scoops of his desserts. After finishing everything he stacked up his dishes and cleaned his mouth with napkin.
Takeru stacked up all the plates on the cart, just as Azuki came over with the bill. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his wallet and placed the necessary amount of cash on the table. Himegami stood up and out of the booth ready to leave and Takeru gave the bill with the money to Azuki.
"Thanks Azuki-senpai, oh and here is a tip for providing quality service." Giving her tip she accepted it with a smile and even fist pumped the air. Takeru and Himegami left the restaurant, as they headed to their next destination.
Sitting on a park bench they made themselves comfortable, Takeru inhaled taking in the fresh air and letting it out. Himegami looked at him and recalled the events of yesterday and how it became the catalyst to know more about the man named Ooyama Takeru.
"So Takeru can I ask you something?"
"Sure what's up?" He asked giving her his full attention.
"What made you decide to come to Tenbi in the first place?" He chuckled and sighed as he looked up at the beautiful sky.
"Honestly it was to see so many people from my past, when my mother died due to certain circumstances I realized that I was a weak man with nothing to my name. I had to leave that place where I had failed and travel the world to become someone who isn't just man, but a man with substance and something to be proud of. So I came here to Tenbi to see if I am truly an individual of worth and to connect back with my past even though it was never severed."
His words held a strong conviction, being conveyed by a tortured soul. However the soul in particular never really played that card but instead used it as a tool to be stronger, Himegami respected that. She crawled herself over to him, swinging her leg over his legs she settled herself in his lap. Adjusting herself in her straddled position she got comfortable as she leaned herself against his chest, hearing his strong heartbeat.
"You have really suffered haven't you?"
"It is a mere iota compared to yours." She looked up at him with a tilted head.
"What do you mean?" Takeru moved his head down to her ear and began to whisper some things, each second that passed by her eyes slowly opened until they became saucers. She looked back at him and he nodded his head.
"How do you know that?" He placed his finger on her lips.
"Calm yourself, I know because I acquired certain information; however that is not important. What is important however is this, I swear to you that I shall grant you closure all I ask is that you trust me; will you do that for me Himegami Kodama-san?"
"Ok I understand, I trust you Ooyama Takeru but there is something I want to make clear."
"And what would that be?"
"I don't just want closure, I wish for vengeance; will you be my avenger?"
"I shall be your avenger, I swear upon my blood." She nodded in approval.
"Also one final thing." She grabbed his face and gave him a quick but passionate kiss, skimming over his lips just as she separated the kiss.
"Please don't die Takeru, I don't think I could bear it if you died because of me." Returning the kiss she gave to him with extra, she wrapped her arms around his neck. After a few minutes they separated leaving a blushing and smiling Himegami satisfied as he licked his lips.
"Himegami-san I promise you this, you will have a future when I am through and your trust shall not wasted upon me."
Himegami leaned in against his chest again and sighed rubbing her face in it, her arms brought inward getting comfortable on the large man. Takeru went back to looking up at the sky, he could feel a sliver of his power channeling through his being as his eyes turned black and his pupils turned red.
"You will have a future but me I cannot say the same, I am sorry Himegami-san."
(A/N: Hello everyone here sorry for the stupidly long delay I am going to be doing my best to have these chapters out as quick as possible so please be patient with me and I thank you for it. Also if these chapters change, its because I am have gone through and done minor edits and rewrites.)
