Chapter 7: Sympathy - One More Vow

"Rest in peace!"

I swing Tamashii no Katachi once more, sending another Zangetsu wave to put an end to Matthew.

But the wave is sent back at me as a completely different element. I'm forced to reverse the katana and defend myself against it.

That couldn't have been Matthew's doing. Who or what..?

Once I'm able to get a good look, I see a guy standing in front of him, with dark brown hair and deep black eyes.

I can't tell what he is... That's more than enough to assume that he and Matthew are together. They're both Unnatural Hybrids.

"You've wasted enough time," the guy says. "She's clearly more than a match for you, even now."

"Nice to see you too, Sakai," Matthew replies with a groan.

The Hybrid Sakai doesn't take his eyes off me. It's almost like he's looking through me. The pressure he gives off is enough to make me tense up. I can't tell if he's going to attack or not.

He's powerful, that much is certain. I can feel every part of my body screaming out that he's dangerous.

Without a word, he turns his back to me, picking Matthew up over his shoulder. But as he vanishes, I swear I see him glance at me again.

Their presences have disappeared from Salem, and I missed another shot at the Oblivion Stone. But while I curse myself for just that, I didn't really have a choice.

I look to Maria; who returned to normal. She's drenched in sweat, and quaking with fear. Her voice shakes as she asks, "Who was that..?"

I can't blame her. The second he appeared, my fight or flight instincts were running wild.

After trying to calm Maria, she and I search for Lee.

He wasn't in very good shape, but at least he was still alive. That came as a big relief.

But, nothing worked out for the better. The souls that once filled every street corner were gone; devoured by that cursed stone.

Lazaro... Just what are you playing at? The way Matthew spoke sounded like he's found a new pawn.

Then there's that other one. He didn't just stop my Zangetsu, he sent it back at me. Who is that Sakai, and how could he have possibly done that?

5/31 Salem, Masachusetts USA 12:35 PM

"Europe? Back across the figgin' Atlantic..?"

We went out for brunch come noon. When I brought up that we'd have to travel back overseas, Lee didn't sound too happy.

"That Europe slip was all I got from him," I answer.

"And you're positive it's not just another wild goose chase?"

Kagu-sama answers, "We won't know until we see for ourselves."

"What Kagu-sama said."

Lee groans a little. "Yeah, yeah. I guess... Might as well see about savin' up a few bucks. Just getting up north was murder on my bank account..."

Guess that means we might be here awhile longer.

It's a good thing, actually. I still haven't had a chance to follow through on Keiko-chan's request. As much as I don't want to waste time when we have another lead, this is just as important.

Plus, I'm still worried about Maria. This morning left her pretty shaken up.

I get up from the diner table, having finished eating. "I'm gonna head to the hospital."

"To check on the Hernandez girl," Lee asks. "Alright. Let's meet up in the square at around three."

I nod and leave the diner; making my way to the hospital that Maria's parents were treated at.

1:00 PM North Shore Medical Center

I make my way to the second floor; following the directions given by the receptionist, until I reach room 202.

The room door is propped open. As I approach, I see Maria at a much older man's bedside. That must be her father.

I knock before walking inside, so as not to be rude. She looks over her shoulder to where I stand, but then looks away somewhat; as if bothered by my being here.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," I tell her honestly. "May I come in?"

She answers with a slight nod.

I walk over toward her, I get a good look at her father; a human. Looking at the wrappings and gauss, I can tell just how severe it really is. And yet he's still alive; still holding on.

"He's really strong," I say, praising him. "Even with such extensive injuries, he's managed to survive three days."

She doesn't take her eyes off of him as she replies. "The doctors said they don't know when he might wake up. They've had a few incidents where he's suffered spasms, but the doctors were able to calm him some of the times."

"He has a pretty prevalent spiritual aura. Maybe he's aware; of what's around him and what's been happening." I place my right palm on his chest. "Maybe he was afraid something bad would happen to you, and hated that he couldn't do anything. Maybe what happened to your mother caused this."

I pull the jeweled necklace from under my scarf; holding the jewel with my other hand.

"What are you doing," Maria asks, understandably worried.

I softly mutter the keywords; undoing the seal on my power. And drawing on Mr. Hernandez's spirit, I channel Physical Regeneration to mend his much more serious injuries.

The more I've done this, I've noticed that I can feel exactly what the other person is feeling; like my affinity's growing. From Maria's father, I feel my assumptions confirmed. He knows we're here, and can feel us at his side. This whole time, he knew what was happening. All he could think about was his daughters safety.

I can hear him. He's not speaking directly to anyone, but his soul is conveying what he's thinking.

"Fiona... Forgive me. I couldn't protect you when you needed me most. I know I am only human. But as your husband, and a father, I've failed. What am I to do..? I couldn't save you... And if I couldn't do that, how am I supposed to protect Maria..?"

'Helplessness'... It always comes back to that feeling, doesn't it..?

"Ay... Our little nina... If I could have stopped her from going along with that man... I would have given anything to carry the burden she chose... How scared she must have been... And yet; in the end, she still remained strong..."

Mr. Hernandez suddenly sounds as if he's talking to me directly.

"It's thanks to you that she's safe. If I could, I would find some way to repay you. But, all I can give you is my gratitude... Gracias, nina..."

He was more aware than I first assumed. He knew; all of it...

Communicating with his soul, I tell him, "You haven't failed as a father. That you were watching over her this whole time; even if you couldn't have done anything for her, you still kept her safe in your own way. I know she was scared, but Maria has a lot more heart than she lets on. And I don't doubt where she inherited it..."

When I've finished, I look to Maria. "The doctors did a good job, but there's only so much that can be done about internal damage. He wouldn't have lasted much longer on will-power alone..."

"You...healed him?"

"Yeah. But, something else might be keeping him from waking up. I could feel what he felt, and somewhere during the process, my soul was able to communicate with his. At least now, he'll remain among the living..."

That's one life preserved, I guess. But there's still the matter of her mother's soul...

"I'm sorry for deceiving you... I..."

"There's nothing for you to apologize for. She's your mother. You'd be heartless not to consider the chance."

"You aren't mad?"

"I'm envious, if anything..."

I couldn't help that slipping out, even if it's half of the truth.

Twice I've lost something dear to me. And both times, I couldn't do anything to stop it happening. I envy Maria. Because unlike me, she had a chance and took it; even if it was based on a lie.

She suddenly asks, "Just who are you..?"

First it's what, now it's who... Two different words, but the question's still the same.

I look her in the eye and answer, "Just a girl doing what she can for others." Straightening myself up, I decide to switch gears. "On a different note; do you mind if I ask you for help on something?"

2:10 PM Harmony Grove Cemetery

The cemetery has a few visitors; giving it a much different feeling than last night. But at the graves being visited, the souls that once lingered there are no longer present. I don't doubt that those bonded with the dead here can tell; even if they don't know it...

"It's over there," Maria says, pointing to one grave in particular.

Whatever name is present on it is faded by erosion. From a distance I can't even tell how faded.

But as we get closer, I feel it. The spirit that this grave belongs to is giving off an even more powerful aura; whether they're here or not. And it feels...familiar.

"Is something wrong," Maria asks.

I find myself kneeling down and placing my hand to the gravestone. I have no confirmation, and the evidence is faded. But, I know for certain that I've found who I was looking for.

2 Years Ago, Two days after the 'Week of Disaster'... 10/23 Tokyo, Japan 9:38 AM

Lee and I were just about to set off. And as everyone was seeing us off, Keiko-chan suddenly brought up a request of sorts; concerning Salem.

"I want to help Ada find closure," she said. "Hikaru. If your trip takes you to Salem, could you please look for the grave of Laura Phyllis?"

It went without saying that it meant a lot to her that I did this one thing; since she couldn't do it herself. Of course, I had no way of knowing if we'd end up coming to the U.S in our travels. So I couldn't really promise anything...

Now... 6/31 Salem, Massachusetts USA

Maria frantically asks, "Hikaru, what are you doing?!"

Without thinking, I had unsealed my power, and was using an Ice Kunai to carve into the grave. I was also channeling earth to help strengthen the stone itself; since time had weakened it substantially.

Carefully, I carve the appropriate letters into the old gravestone; giving name to the deceased woman that lay beneath the earth. And as I do so, apart from Maria, I can feel another presence behind me.

No malicious intent... Not even a sound... She just stood there; as if watching what I was doing to her memorial.

Finally, I stand up; having renewed the name of this spirit. This woman who died during one of the darkest times in history for this country. Laura Phyllis.

I turn around, and meet eyes with Laura.

I'm amazed just how much of a resemblance there is, between her and Keiko-chan.

"I apologize for disturbing your grave," I say. "I only wanted to correct the damage done over time."

Laura's eyes are no longer on her grave, but are looking around. At the cemetery around her... At Maria, who is standing next to her; seemingly nervous... And finally, at me; as if finally taking in how the world has changed since her time.

I introduce Maria and myself before telling her, "There's something I'd like to ask you; on behalf of one of your descendants, a friend of mine. And also, a demon you may have had a special relationship with."

She begins to speak; telling the details of her life to the both of us.

Laura was a medicinal specialist, in a time when women were only allowed to nurse. Most anyone that needed medical assistance came to her; whenever she came into town.

What I find odd though, is that Laura never lived anywhere in Salem. Rather, she made her home in the woods near the edge of town. It makes me wonder how she got visitors...

She tells about her meeting Ada; the demon now resting within Keiko-chan, the days she spent trying to help her, the relationship they had, the day Ada possessed her to save her... Everything leading up to her hanging.

The way she spoke about her life; and even about Ada, sounded as if she had no regrets. And while Ada was trying to protect Laura, Laura gave up her life so that Ada could continue to live.

By the end of her story, I got what Keiko-chan wanted; plus, satisfied my own curiosity.

I glance at Maria.

Thinking back, we were both at Laura's home; untouched by civilization. Lee and I were looking for her, but what was she doing there?

She walks over to Laura; seeming still somewhat nervous. And then says to her, "You helped me find the herbs mama and I use, didn't you? I didn't think anything of it at first, but that cottage that still sits in the woods is yours..."

I guess she didn't know until now...

Laura simply nods; answering her question.

Maria seems taken aback.

This spirit, that had seemingly kept to herself, had been helping the Hernandez family.

After a moment; Maria says shakily, "Gracias'. I'm sorry for any disturbances... I..."

Laura simply holds out her palm; telling Maria not to say anymore with a gentle smile.

She then speaks, saying, "I have been watching you for some time now, Maria. The way you interact with these deceased spirits warms my soul to no end. Your actions these past four days were wrong, but your intent was just. Those people may never forgive you, and you may never forgive yourself."

"But then, what else can I do," asks Maria. "How can I make things right?"

She places her hands on Maria's shoulders gently. "By being strong, as you are now. Right now, your parents need that of you."

With those final words, she disappears; leaving behind a thoughtful Maria. She must be wondering still about what Laura meant by that.

We leave the cemetery, and as we walk to the town square to meet up with Lee, she suddenly asks, "You're leaving town, aren't you?"

"They got away with those souls," I answer. "We have to."

Maria looks as if she's thinking about something. I already have some idea as to what.

So I tell her, "Maria, listen. I understand how you feel; I've been there. But right now, there's someone else that needs you just as much. You'll only worry him if you leave Salem with us."

"I know, but..."

She pauses. I know how she feels, but I just can't allow it. Not even Lee would approve her putting herself in danger.

"What we're up against is worse than you can imagine. It's not something that just anyone can handle. We're talking about people that will either make you suffer through your worst fears, or kill you. It doesn't matter who or what you are."

She doesn't say anything more, a look of dejection on her face.

In all honesty, I'd prefer that she stay out of this. Lee and I are both risking our lives because it's our duty; even if the conditions for just that differ. We'd be involving her in a fight she might never return from alive.

3:29 PM Town Square

We arrive behind schedule; only to see Lee waiting with a pretty impatient look on his face.

"Little miss punctual is late," he says; tossing me my bag. "That's a first."

"No luck," I ask.

"Nothin' I'd be able to do without us havin' to stay in town. We can't exactly afford to waste time now that we know where we need to go."

I only assumed we'd be leaving at first. I didn't exactly think we would be. Only question is where to?

"We'll head north," he says, answering my thought. "New York or even somewhere around Jersey. We can shack up, work'll be easy to find, and we'll have quick access to an airport."

"But that's miles away. Who knows when we'd arrive?"

"Details. I only got lost in Brazil because it was my first time down south. Now, we don't have to ask for directions anymore."

I'll just take his word for it. He's been at this longer than me after all.

I look to Maria. "I guess this is goodbye then," she says.

"Yeah," Lee answers. "Don't worry about your mom. We'll make sure she gets put back where she belongs."

Maria looks anxious.

She feels guilty. She feels helpless.

I understand perfectly what she's going through; because it's a feeling I've experienced before. I slightly unwrap the sports tape around my right arm; forming an Ice Kunai in my left hand.

And using the Kunai, I slash my right forearm as deep as I can.

Naturally, both Lee and Maria are shocked by what I just did. It was sudden, and to them; probably looks like I'm suicidal.

"Hikaru, what the hell was that about," exclaims Lee.

I hold my arm out to Maria. "I can heal whatever wound is inflicted on my body. But I won't heal the scar this cut leaves, until I've kept my promise to you. We will return your mother's soul. Or we'll die trying."

She looks at the cut; and then looks me in the eye.

I'm sure she understands that I truly mean that. This cut on my arm will mark that vow, that mission, until it's fulfilled.

With that; Lee and I leave Salem to head north. With my power sealed again, the cut burns quite a bit. Even if I keep it wrapped up by the sports tape, it doesn't make much of a substitute for gauss and bandages; whether it festers or not.

"I knew you were reckless," Lee says, "but cutting yourself like that was just stupid. You had people starin' back there."

I reply, "I didn't really have any better way to show that I mean it. Words can only do so much..." I look up to Lee. "You understand just as well how helpless she feels. Why didn't you do anything?"

He sighs as we continue walking. "Same reason as you. Only, I wouldn't have cut myself to show it. You alright..?"

Several thoughts race through my mind. Thoughts about home, the dream I keep having, and the events of this morning.

One other thing comes back to me; only increasing the questions in my mind. Questions we have yet to find the answer to.

"I'll be alright," I answer as the two of us continue onward; myself holding the spot where the cut is.

One more vow that I don't intend to break...