Act IV: Lost
"I'm going to make you make a choice. Me or her."
At Momoko's words, everyone stared and looked at Chiaki, who was staring blindly at the sight before him.
How am I supposed to make that decision? He thought. Kotoha. I love her. She's the love of my life and there's no way that I would ever let her go. Never. But Momoko, she's my friend and if she's with the Gedoushuu... she must be being manipulated or possessed or something. There's no way she would do this of her own accord. She needs to saved just as much as Kotoha does. I can't choose.
Kotoha watched Chiaki in his indecisiveness. She understood why it was so hard for him to choose. She had thought about telling him to choose Momoko over her, but then she realised that she didn't want to die. Not like this. Not when she was actually happy and with someone she truly loved. There had to be another way.
"Why isn't he choosing?" Ryunosuke whispered to Takeru. "Why isn't he picking Kotoha?"
"How can he? She's making him choose between his girlfriend and her, his friend. It's not an easy choice to make."
"Time's running out, Chiaki-kun." Momoko's voice sang, cutting through everyone's thoughts.
Chiaki looked up at Kotoha, anguish visible in his features. Their eyes connected. Without looking away from him, Kotoha slowly put her hand in her pocket, her fingers gripping onto her flute.
"Choose!" Momoko screamed.
"I-I can't," he replied, not taking his eyes off of Kotoha. Deep down he wanted to choose her, but he didn't want Momoko to die. "How am I supposed to choose?"
"Fine, then you won't have either of us!" Momoko nodded to Fukushunegau, who pressed his finger nail against Momoko's neck as he applied pressure to Kotoha's throat, making her gasp.
"Kotoha!" Everyone cried rushing forward.
"Stop it!" Chiaki shouted, but Momoko ignored him and a slim red line began to appear on her throat as Fukushunegau's finger moved along her neck.
Kotoha shook her head as she struggled. She had to do something. A thought suddenly snapped through her head and her grip on her flute tightened. She prayed that it would work as she caught Chiaki's gaze and he stared at her seeing that she had something planned. The grip on her neck suddenly tightened more. Now!
"No!" Kotoha screamed as she quickly took her flute out of her pocket and stabbed Fukushunegau's leg with it.
The Gedoushuu cried out and his grip on the two girls loosened. Kotoha pushed him away from her, running into Chiaki's arms. He caught her and held her protectively against him as she cried.
"I've got you," he whispered, taking steps back towards the other Shinkengers.
Momoko overcame her shock and she looked at the couple. "You still made your choice," she said, "but I'm not finished yet." She looked over to Fukushunegau, who had a small trickle of black blood falling down his leg. "Let's go."
Fukushunegau nodded and together they disappeared.
Chiaki momentarily thought about calling for her, to try and talk to her, but he had something much more important to do. He held Kotoha tightly against him as he gently stroked her hair. Momoko was right though, I did make my choice.
"Kotoha, are you alright?" Everyone had gathered around.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Chiaki told her. "All that matters is that you're safe."
"I suggest we head back to the mansion," Kaoru said. "There are some things we need to discuss."
XxX
The journey back to the mansion was a quiet one, filled with confusion and worry. Nobody spoke, all of them deep in thought about recent events.
Chiaki held Kotoha close to him. He wanted to know why she had gone off by herself to talk to Momoko. She had said it was so he didn't have to, but he wanted to know why. Why hadn't she told him? But, as he walked, he realised that he was also concerned about Momoko. Why would she join with the Gedoushuu? Had she been forced or had she chosen? Momoko was his friend and he hoped that she had been forced into the pact. He didn't want to hurt her physically as well as mentally.
"Chiaki," Kotoha's quiet voice cut through his thoughts and he looked down at her. "I'm sorry," she said again.
"It's not your fault," he replied.
"But, if I hadn't gone to meet Momoko-san then this wouldn't have happened."
He stopped walking and pushed her in front of him so that she was facing him. "It's not your fault. It could have easily been me out there and then who knows what would have happened."
"But the Gedoushuu have her."
He sighed. "I know and I'll get her back, she is my friend, but you're more important to me than anything else. If I lost you I don't know what I would have done." He paused for a moment then said, "You don't hate me do you?"
She cocked her head to one side, confused. "Why would I hate you?"
"Because I didn't pick. I didn't pick you over her."
"Of course not. You were in a difficult position. How are you supposed to pick between your friend and the person you love?" She reached up and placed her hand against his cheek. "I would have done the same thing."
He gripped her hand in his own before placing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Thank you."
They arrived back at the mansion and Takeru and Kaoru ushered them all together in the main room. Hikoma and Tanba joined them.
"Tono, Hime, what happened?" Hikoma asked once everyone had settled down. Takeru was sat at the front with Kaoru next to him. They exchanged glances.
"It appears that the Gedoushuu have returned," Takeru said and Tanba let out a high gasp.
"But how is that possible? Doukoku was defeated!" he cried.
"We did not have the opportunity to ask," Kaoru replied. "There has been a change in circumstances that will make this a very difficult battle."
"Circumstances? What do you mean?" Tanba asked.
Kaoru and Takeru exchanged looks again, before Takeru said, "A human is involved."
"With the Gedoushuu? That's not possible."
"We don't know the exact circumstances behind the human's involvement, only that this appears to a personal battle," Takeru said.
"Personal battle?" Hikoma asked. "May I inquire as to who the human is?"
Once more, Kaoru and Takeru exchanged uncertain glances.
"It's Momoko, my friend," Chiaki informed them before anyone had a chance to reply. "She seems to be taking my relationship with Kotoha harder than I thought."
"Relationship?" Tanba suddenly exploded. "Hime, you can't possible let this continue!"
Kaoru smacked him around the head with her fan. "There is nothing wrong with Chiaki and Kotoha being in a relationship," she snapped. "I am surprised that you did not notice last night."
"I am not concerned about the vassals. All I am concerned about is you. It is my duty to look after you."
"I do not need to be looked after," Kaoru retorted. "And as I said, there is no reason why they cannot be together."
"But Hime, if the Gedoushuu are back..."
"Quiet, Tanba!" Kaoru snapped. "The Gedoushuu returning will not change mine or Takeru's decision and even if that happened, we cannot stop people's feelings."
Tanba stared at her, mouth ajar. "Yes, Hime." He bowed to her.
"But that is not important right now," she continued. "It appears that we must once again become Shinkengers. Are you all ready for that once more?"
The five vassals bowed to Takeru and Kaoru simultaneously.
"I'll need to do some training," Mako admitted as they sat up. "It's been a year so I'm probably going to be a little bit rusty."
"Me too," Ryunosuke agreed.
Genta sighed. "I guess that puts an end to our reunion."
"For now," Takeru said, standing up. "But once this is all over we'll be able to celebrate properly again."
"Tono, Hime, may I inquire about the Gedoushuu?" Hikoma asked.
"Momoko said that it was called Fukushunegau," Takeru replied.
"Fukushunegau?" Hikoma gasped. He exchanged a look with Tanba before the two of them rushed from the room.
"Oi!" Genta called after them. He looked back at Kaoru and Takeru. "What was that about?"
"I get the feeling that it's not going to be easy to defeat Fukushunegau," Takeru admitted.
Kaoru nodded in agreement. "All we can do for now is train." She looked at Chiaki and Kotoha. "You two must put Momoko out of your minds for now. The battle against the Gedoushuu must come first."
Both Chiaki and Kotoha nodded solemnly before Kaoru led them out into the garden to train.
XxX
The Shinkengers had almost finished their training when Hikoma and Tanba came running out into the garden.
"Jii, what is it?" Takeru asked.
"We have found a reference to Fukushunegau," he said. "As soon as you revealed the name of the Gedoushuu before Tanba and I recognised it. We spent the afternoon trying to find records and this is what we found."
"What does it say?" Chiaki asked before Takeru had a chance.
"Fukushunegau is the granter of wishes," Hikoma told them. "It says that he preys on those whose minds are filled with anger and vengeance. He will grant them any wish required to reach their goal."
"So that's why he targeted Momoko-san," Kotoha said quietly and Hikoma nodded in response.
"Does it say how to defeat him?" Chiaki asked desperately.
Hikoma and Tanba exchanged glances. "It does," Hikoma said sadly.
"Tell us!"
Hikoma sighed. "It states that a contract is formed between Fukushunegau and the human. This contract only ends when it has been fulfilled. It cannot be broken. If Fukushunegau is killed during this time, the human will also die."
Kotoha let out a gasp, her hands covering her mouth, while Chiaki stared in blank shock.
"Is that all it says?" Takeru asked.
"Yes," Hikoma replied. "Only one team of previous Shinkengers have faced him and they realised this too late."
"So how are we supposed to defeat him and save Momoko?" Ryunosuke asked. "We can't wait for the contract to be fulfilled. Who knows how long that would take or what she has planned for Chiaki and Kotoha."
"The lives of many are more important that a single life," Tanba said. "Momoko's sacrifice would save many more lives."
At his words, Chiaki tensed, his fists curled into tight balls before he threw himself at Tanba. "Take that back!" he shouted. "I won't let Momoko die!"
"Hime!" Tanba cried as everyone rushed to pull Chiaki off of him. Takeru and Genta grabbed hold of his arms and dragged him off of Tanba as Kotoha placed herself in between them.
"Chiaki, calm down," Kotoha said, grabbing hold of his wrists.
As soon as he felt her touch, he felt himself begin to calm and Genta and Takeru let him go.
"Hime," Tanba cried to Kaoru, "you cannot let him enter battle in this state of mind!"
"Quiet, Tanba," Kaoru replied. "You need to understand the consequences of your words. Chiaki has a bond with Momoko and I agree with him. I will not sacrifice her life."
"But, Hime..."
"I will not sacrifice her life," she repeated more sternly and noticing her tone, Tanba bowed to her. She turned to the other Shinkengers. "Come, I believe some rest and food is in order before we discuss our plan of action."
They left the garden, entering the mansion. Chiaki made to follow them, but Kotoha grabbed hold of his hand.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
He turned to face her. "I'm sorry," he said, lowering his head, "I shouldn't have done that."
"You don't need to apologise," she replied, taking a step towards him. "Tanba-san shouldn't have said what he did."
"I'm worried about her. I don't understand how she could join the Gedoushuu. There has to be something more to it."
"I agree." She took another step. "I don't care what she does to me. I don't want her to die and I don't to see you hurt."
He slowly looked up at her. "If anything happens to you I don't know what I would do. I don't want to lose you, especially not because of Momoko. Seeing you hurt or worse..." He couldn't finish his sentence and she placed her hand against his cheek before he pulled her against him, holding her as tightly as he could. "I won't lose you."
"You never will," she whispered.
They stayed like that for a couple of moments before breaking apart and following the others back into the mansion. They had all assembled in the kitchen, taking up their seats around the table. No one spoke as Chiaki and Kotoha took theirs. All of them had an idea as to why they were late joining them.
The seven Shinkengers barely spoke as they ate the food that the Kurokos had put out for them. None of them knew what to say. They all knew that this battle wasn't going to be easy. They had no idea of what the consequences of any actions they took would be. All they knew was that they had to defeat Fukushunegau and save Momoko without her or Chiaki or Kotoha being hurt in the process.
As they ate, Takeru looked over at Mako and noticed her quick glances over at her two friends. He knew she was worried about them. Not that I blame her. I feel bad for them too. They've just gotten together, they're in love. They aren't supposed to be going through this. It isn't right. We have to stop Fukushunegau but how can we do that without Momoko getting hurt? And we can't let their contract be fulifilled, we don't know what they could do to Chiaki and Kotoha.
Mako stole brief glances at her two friends. Despite hating what the two of them were going through, she also found herself hating herself for still feeling jealous at what they had as the whole situation was showing how much they loved and cared for each other. They're always there for each other. Even though he couldn't choose between the two of them, she still understood his actions. It just shows how much she loves and trusts him. Why do I have to keep feeling jealous of them? This isn't me. I know I wish, think, that I'd have found someone before Kotoha – although it was always obvious how much they liked each other – I'm happy for them. They deserve to be with each other. But what about me? Why can't I find anyone? She noticed Takeru staring at her and she quickly looked back at her meal. I've always like Takeru, but I'm his vassal, his friend. Nothing more can come of that, no matter what I think.
XxX
Chiaki tossed and turned in his sleep as the events in the park tore through his mind. He kept replaying it over and over in his dreams. He kept picturing Fukushunegau, his hands holding Kotoha and Momoko's throats tightly in its grasp. He could hear the cries of the two girls as he heard disembodied voices screaming at him to choose. But how could he chose? Time was running out. He had to choose. Choose the woman he loved more than anything or his friend? He wanted to choose Kotoha, but then that would mean that Momoko would die. He didn't want her to die. He didn't want to lose her. But he didn't want to lose Kotoha. The screaming grew louder. A smile appeared on Fukushunegau face as there was a sudden loud snap. He eyes grew wide in fear as he watched Momoko melt into Fukushunegau as a lifeless Kotoha fell limply to the ground.
"Kotoha!" he screamed, running towards her but unable to reach her as he heard Momoko laugh.
"Kotoha!" he cried, jolting up in his bed, sweat covering his skin. He jumped when he felt someone touch his hand.
"It's alright, I'm here. I'm here." Kotoha held him against her, her hand gently soothing his head as she calmed him down.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" he eventually asked, his voice shaking.
"I was worried about you."
He looked up at her. "You were?"
She nodded. "I know that this has been hard on you and after today... I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. But when I got here, you were shaking in your sleep. I was scared and then you wouldn't wake up no matter much I called." She held him even tighter as tears fell from her eyes.
"I'm sorry," he said as he brushed the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. "I just kept picturing you and Momoko and even though every time I didn't, couldn't, choose, you always died. I always lost you." Tears began to fall from his eyes.
She shook her head, as she cradled his face in her hands, this time brushing away his tears. "It's not your fault." She then bit her lip. "I've been having a similar dream. I always lost you in mine. I guess that's another reason I came to check on you. I wanted to make sure that you were still here."
"I'll always be here," he whispered, leaning up and gently rubbing his cheek against hers. "Will you stay with me tonight?" he whispered in her ear. "I don't want to be alone."
She pushed his head so she could rest her forehead against his and nodded. "I don't want to alone either. I don't want to be without you."
He shuffled over on his futon, making space for her. She lay down next to him and he covered both of their bodies with the blanket as she shuffled next to him, her head resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat as he wrapped one arm around her to hold her tightly against him whist his other hand held onto hers.
"I love you," she whispered, closing her eyes.
"I love you too," he replied, kissing the top of her head.
XxX
"Damn it!" Momoko hit her fist against the wall of her small apartment as the sun slowly began to rise. Fukushunegau was stood silently in the corner. "Even though he didn't verbally pick he still chose her!" She let out a scream as she punched the wall again. "Why?"
Fukushunegau said nothing.
She walked over to her dresser and picked up a picture of her and Chiaki. She had her arms wrapped him while he was waving at the camera with both hands. Even then, he refused to touch me. Why did he have to be so fixated on her? Why couldn't he see me? She threw the picture away from her and the glass smashed against the wall, littering the floor.
Fukushunegau didn't look at her during her outburst.
"My wish isn't working," she said and at this, Fukushunegau slowly lifted his head. She turned to him. "I want to make another wish. I want him to forget about her, for him to be focused solely on me."
Fukushunegau held out his hand and she took it without a second thought.
"I wish..."
XxX
It was early in the morning and both Chiaki and Kotoha had quickly and quietly crept out of Chiaki's room to avoid unnecessary rumours and gossip from the others. Kotoha had changed in her room before emerging with her flute and led him out into the garden. Chiaki sat on the veranda, listening as Kotoha played her flute. He leaned back as he listened. Spending time alone with her, away from the others, he was able to lose himself in listening to her play. She had cleaned her flute profusely, removing the blood of Fukushunegau which had begun to stain the wood before she played. She finished playing and lowered her flute. She turned to look at him.
"You're still as wonderful as ever," he commented and she blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'm nowhere near as good as Onee-chan," she replied.
"Hey." He leant up and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly in his embrace. "I've never heard Mitsuba play, but no matter what, you'll always be the best."
She turned her head; the golden lights from the sun illuminating her face, making her look more beautiful than ever. "You have to say that."
He shook his head. "It's true. You are the best." He ran his fingers through her hair before kissing her. He pushed her back slightly and she put her hands against his chest to steady herself.
"I wish we could stay like this forever," she whispered tentatively once they had broken apart, their foreheads resting against each other as she placed her hand over his heart feeling it beat under her touch.
"Why can't we?"
"Because, because life must move on. We have our duty. We can't shut ourselves away from it, no matter how much we want to."
He sighed. As usual she was right. An idea crept into his head and he leaned back away from her before standing up and taking her hand in his.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"It's a surprise." He smiled at her. Even though he knew she was right in saying that they couldn't hide away from what was going on, he wanted to forget, even if it was for a little while.
Quietly, the couple stole out of the Shiba mansion and into the streets of Tokyo. Hand in hand, he led her to a small wooded area. The trees were tall, covered in leaves and sakuras fell, covering the ground.
"It's so peaceful and beautiful here," Kotoha said, marvelling at the sight before her.
"I came here a lot after we all separated." She looked at him, concerned. "When I wanted to be alone or to think, I came here." He then looked slightly embarrassed. "I actually wrote most of my letters to you here. I don't know why but this place always reminded me of you."
"Chiaki..."
"I wanted to show you this place," he continued, taking some steps away from her. "I was going to show you eventually, but with everything that's going on..."
She watched him. She could tell how much this place meant to him and the fact that he trusted her enough to show her made her love him even more. She heard his voice bite with sadness and she ran after him wrapping her arms around him.
"Thank you." She held him tightly as though afraid that he was going to leave.
He turned in her embrace and cradled her face in his hands. "No matter what happens, always know that I love you."
"Chiaki..." she began but was cut off when he pulled her face closer to his and kissed her tenderly.
The sound of Chiaki's shodophone forced the couple reluctantly apart. He took it out and flipped it open to hear Takeru's voice.
"Chiaki, Kotoha, Fukushunegau and Momoko have appeared. You need to come quickly."
"Okay, we're on our way," Chiaki replied. He caught her gaze and they looked sincerely at each other before he kissed her again. He then took her hand in his and together they ran.
XxX
They joined the other Shinkengers at an abandoned factory. Debris littered the floor, but neither Momoko nor Fukushunegau could be seen.
"Where have you been?" Ryunosuke asked as soon as Chiaki and Kotoha had joined them.
"Where are they?" Chiaki asked, ignoring him.
"This is where the Sukima sensor detected their presence," Takeru replied.
Kaoru nodded. "All of you be on your guard. We have no idea what Momoko has planned."
Kotoha tightened her grip on Chiaki's hand and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. Slowly the Shinkengers moved out, trying to locate Fukushunegau and Momoko.
"They have to be around here somewhere," Mako said as her eyes scanned the empty windows of the factory.
"I don't like this," Genta muttered. "This feels like a trap."
A slow clapping could be heard and they all turned to see Momoko walk around the side of the building.
"Momoko!" Chiaki cried.
"Where's Fukushunegau?" Kaoru asked.
"Here," Momoko replied as Fukushunegau followed behind her. "You should know that we are connected to each other. We can't be without the other."
Chiaki took a step forward. "Momoko..."
Her eyes glanced over at him. "I've got nothing to say to you, not while you're still with her."
Chiaki stopped as Kotoha grabbed hold of his hand. "You have to stop this, Momoko," she said.
"Why?" She began to slowly pace as a smile appeared. "You see, I've already made another wish. Not that I'm going to tell you what it is."
The Shinkengers stared at her in surprise. They all became increasingly worried. They all knew that she was in an unstable frame of mind and they had no idea of what she was capable of.
Kaoru was the first to recover, however she directed her question at Fukushunegau. "How is it that you are here? Doukoku is gone."
Fukushunegau in his low, husky, voice replied, "My master Doukoku ordered me to hide myself in case he was sealed away. I've spent that last year hiding in the cracks between here and the Sanzu river, waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Kaoru questioned him.
"For an innocent, vengeful heart that could easily be manipulated." He looked at Momoko. "And I found one."
Momoko appeared to be unfazed by his words. Instead she looked up at him and he gave a single nod. Unnoticed by the Shinkengers, black oil seeped through the cracks in the ground, stopping once it reached their feet. As soon as the oil touched their feet, a powerful, violent, electrical current seared through their bodies, throwing them back, onto the ground. The oil then wrapped itself around the Shinkengers, apart from Kotoha and Chiaki, holding them to the ground as they cried out. Fukushunegau disappeared in a shimmer and reappeared next to Kotoha, hoisting her up by her neck.
"Chiaki!" she screamed.
"Kotoha!" He was about to make a move for her when Momoko stood before him. He looked at her as she crouched down and caught his gaze with her own. She smiled sweetly, extending her hand, which he took.
A/N: Double wow on that I updated within a week and for this being a nice long chapter. But don't expect me to update this quickly next time, since I've now got assignments for my NVQ to do.
Song: Lost
Artist: Within Temptation
This is one of my fave songs, along with Iron from Within Tempation's new album, which is awesome.