Hi everyone. Happy New Year.
Hope you all are well and enjoying yourselves.
Please enjoy. Warning: Long Chapter.
Chapter 7: Heart to Heart
"Now children. Do not be afraid. Do not be worried. Relax... Calm your thoughts, your concerns, and let it all out. Release your feelings." My teacher announced.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Once I exhaled I looked at my pencil and placed it straight in the middle of my paper. There, as I calmed my thoughts, the image began to view itself to me. Every curve, swift, angle, and detail flowed through me as I began making my image.
This is what I like. This is my passion. Whenever I pick up a pencil and a piece of paper images just flash inside of me from what I desire to create. The colors I select represent the true feelings of the image and how they feel toward the world itself. There is nothing more for me that to create what I like and give it shape, form, and view from my very own subconsciousness. That is art.
Out of every class in my school, Art is my number one. The one class where I feel more at peace with myself. My teacher is easygoing and puts on music whenever he allows us to draw while he meditates on his own desk. He always has a smile on his face and whenever me or anybody else talks to him it's so soothing. He deeply cares about people and told us himself that he became a teacher because he wanted to be surrounded by kids and teach us what was taught to him years ago.
As I stared at my drawing coming to life I added one last detail before ultimately placing it down on my desk. When I looked at it it sent a shiver down my spine. The face... It looked so evil and disturbing. Just looking at it made me slightly regret making it, but...despite the appearance, it was still my creation and by getting past the creep factor it's actually interesting to see.
"Okay everyone. Place your papers down." He asked as the music was turned off.
I looked at everyone else around me and my thoughts began to wonder how their drawings turned out. Angela was a few rows down to my left and the expression on her face looked gentle and positive. A few rows down to my right was Chelsea and judging by the grin she was producing my best guess was she was happy about her work.
"Now. Can someone here please explain to me what you all drew?"
"Crazy evil looking monsters?" A male student announced.
"Correct. However, these monsters do have a name. Would anyone care to tell us the name of these creatures?"
I immediately raised my hand as soon as he was finished taking.
"Ah, Mr. Evans. Please, speak."
"They are known as Oni." I answered.
"Very good, Mr. Evans. Please come up and tell us what you know about Oni."
I nodded and got up from my desk before over to the front and standing next to my teacher's desk with my picture in hand. I looked down at my picture and showed it to my classmates when I began speaking.
"Oni. The word itself means ogre or demon. It's been debated for centuries on which term is real, but in my own opinion, it means demon. The Oni are demons that have originated from Japanese folklore. They tell the tales of creatures who are spawned by those who's hearts are tainted by darkness, and when it full corrupts you, your mind and body are transformed. These demons reside within Yomi, the land of darkness and would try to escape so that they can feed their hunger on human flesh and eat the souls of children."
The expressions on everyone's faces ranged from disbelief to disturbed when I finished.
"Wow. That's...so inhuman." Angela said lightly.
"I know. I've heard many stories about them and they still scare the crap out of me." I replied while placing my picture down to my right side.
"Oooh. I'm so scared." Chelsea mocked. "Pfft. Please, these are all just stories parents tell to make kids listen to them and give them nightmares."
"Be it as it may, that shouldn't make you believe that they are just fiction." The teacher said as I made my way back to my desk.
"You believe in them?"
"I do. You may never know when an Oni will come and take you away."
Chelsea just brushed off his words while I just shook away any remaining fears left in me. I really hope these are just stories.
Minutes later the bell went off and it now time to move on to fourth period.
"Have a good everyone. For homework I would like each of you to make a full scale image of your very own Oni. Do your best and have fun too." My teacher said as we were all packing up to leave.
Hm. My very own Oni, huh? I think I have a few ideas on what to make.
As I made my way of of the building and outside I then had the Parks sisters join up with me. For a while now even though they were assigned to watch over me I have been able to get to know them a bit. The results: they were each the opposite of each other.
"So Mr. Badass, I believe you owe me and my sister a bit of an explination." Chelsea said as we were walking.
"About what?"
"Your brother. How the hell was he able to leap that far?"
My eyes widened slightly from hearing that. I then groaned while slapping my hand against my face. I told him to wait at home until I got back because I knew something like this was gonna happen eventually.
"Well?"
"It's...complicated." Was all I could say.
Just then Chelsea stepped in front of me and stopped, making me and her sister halt in our tracks.
"C'mon. You've already showed us your powers, we've met your family, what else are you hiding?"
The tone in her voice was firm and the look in her eye told me she needed to know the truth. I lightly gripped onto my backpack strap and looked away from her for a second before looking back.
"It's none of your business." I replied sternly.
Her visible eye widened slightly before becoming narrow. She then approached me and grabbed my shirt, pulling me closer to her face.
"Chelsea. He'll tell us when he's ready. There's no need for this." Angela pleaded.
"Yes there is." She replied before turned to me. "What else are you hiding? Why do you wear bandages on your arms? Why does your brothers and sisters look different? We need to know because I've been thinking about it and you've got the answers I'm looking for. So spill or I'll have to make you. What's it gonna be?"
At that moment...I wasn't sure what to do. I do trust these girls and I did show them a small amount of my power, but... How are they gonna react when they learn about the real me? I didn't know and as I stared into her eye it came back to me.
Freak. Monster. Go back to the science labs where you belong.
I gritted my teeth. I could feel my heart pounding. I didn't want to lie. I didn't, but I had to.
Never again.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to speak I felt a sudden change in the wind. When I looked up I saw something coming straight at us.
"Look out!" I yelled as I tackled both Chelsea and Angela to the ground.
They groaned a bit as I recovered and stood up. I then turned around and from the ground there were three small objects pierced in the cement. I walked over to them and picked one up. As I examined it I turned back around to see the girls get up.
"Dude, what is your deal?" Chelsea asked angerly.
They soon looked at what I had in my hands.
"Is that a shuriken?" Angela asked.
Before I could reply a loud thud erupted our ears. We each turned around and right there stood an unusual figure. It wore a black and white uniform with mixed color body armor. It had on socks with strap sandals, gloves, and over all an Oni mask with long horns, tusks, and a hood while carrying a sword in it's sheath.
"Who are you?" I asked cautiously.
The figure didn't respond. Instead it quickly rushed toward us and kneed me in the stomach, causing me to gawk as I crashed into the ground.
"Let go of me! What do you want with me?!"
My eyes widened from hearing that voice. I quickly got up and noticed Chelsea getting up from the ground while searching for Angela.
When I turned my vision upwards I saw the figure holding her on it's shoulder while standing on the roof of the Art building.
"Hey! Let her go!" Chelsea yelled.
Again the figure didn't respond. Instead it raised it's free arm, pointing straight forward before pulling something from it's armor and throwing it on the roof, vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Without a second to lose I began running to the main building with Chelsea following me.
It pointed at the top, which meant it wanted to meet us on the roof. That was gonna be a problem since the main building had four floors and getting to the roof wasn't gonna be easy.
"Hey wait up!" Chelsea yelled as she ran beside me. "How are you running this fast?"
"Not now. Get on my back and I'll get us to the roof quicker." I replied.
She raised an eyebrow in confusion from what I just told her. I sighed mentally and quickly picked her up bridle style before booking it toward the stairwells.
"Why are you holding me like this?"
"Just deal until we get to the roof, Chel."
Judging by how I wasn't in the mood to talk and how stern my tone was, she hushed herself and just held onto me as I hopped through each step.
From the end of the third floor up we made it to the door that lead to the roof. Luckily there wasn't too many students who saw us come up here and as I released Chelsea I crystallized my entire right hand to crush the lock on the door before opening it.
When we got outside again a small stream of rain began to fall, but that didn't matter too much as right in front of me was the figure who still had Angela on it's shoulder.
"Listen here you twisted thing from hell. Give me back my sister or sayonara is gonna be the last word you'll hear from me." Chelsea said.
I raised up my arms in case it would try anything, but surprisingly it pulled Angela off it's shoulder and back on the ground. She immediately ran away from it and dashed toward her sister, hugging her while sobbing.
"Are you okay?"
"Y..Yes. I'm just..." Angela replied with a choked voice as she continued sobbing.
"Shh. I'm here."
As much as I glad that they were reunited, it didn't change my thoughts from what just concurred as I placed my attention away from the girls to the figure.
"Can you understand me?" I asked, receiving a nod.
"I'm gonna ask you one more time. Who are you?"
The figure didn't respond and pulled out it's sword from it's sheath.
"Girls. Go back inside." I said as I turned my head to them.
"And miss out on you kicking this thing's ass? No way!" Chelsea replied.
"I'm serious. Go!"
"C'mon Chelsea." Angela pleaded.
Groaning, Chelsea and her sister went back inside while the only people left were me and the figure.
I formed my right hand into a chop formation before crystallizing it and creating my very own blade, ripping away the bandages that covered it.. "I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. But whatever you're after I won't allow you to have it and the actions you've committed will not go unpunished."
The figure then went into a stance as I followed before we both dashed forward and clashed our blades against each other. Up close I stared at the Oni mask and though it was disturbing the art and craft were unique and well designed. We then pull away from ourselves right before I jumped into the air and performed a downward strike. The figure kneeled down to one knee and raised it's sword up, blocking my attack.
Due to the rain I had to keep on my toes to avoid slipping. One mistake can cost me this and though making mistaking shows no perfection, I couldn't afford any in this fight.
As I backed away the figure ran toward me and we began exchanging slashes with our blades. Back and forth. Left to right. Ascend and descend as my eyes locked on it's movements and fighting style. Something about this felt familiar to me all of a sudden as we continued. Just then the figure kicked me in the stomach again, but I blocked it using my left arm, only sliding backwards for the results.
I carefully watched what it was gonna do next and as I did the figure raised it's blade and slowly slid it's left hand across it. My eyes widened from this as a memory flashed in my mind. The figure took the blade with both hands and jumped high into the air-filled rain, somersaulting forward and attempting to release a slash.
Time slowed down on me as this was happening. The only ones who know that move is myself and the one who taught it to me. My sister. How does this person know it too?
Just as the figure came down on me I gripped onto my Crystal Blade and released a powerful horizontal slash as I screamed. When the figure returned to the ground I looked at the sword and half of the blade broke off before I aimed mine directly at the figure's face.
"It's over." I said seriously.
The figure dropped the remains of the sword before falling to it's knees. I then reverted my right arm back to normal and lowered it as ears picked up someone clapping while I looked at my opponent.
"Well, well, well. It looks like my teachings never left you, huh?"
My eyes widened from hearing that voice before I quickly turned around and right there as the rain was starting to fade was somebody I didn't expect.
"Charoite?"
"That's my name. And you've passed the test. Congratulations!" She replied with a smile.
"Test? Wait a minute. Is this figure with you?"
"Uh, yeah. And that's not a nice thing to say about her, little brother."
I raised an eyebrow and turned around to see the figure get up from the ground and remove the Oni mask and hood. Beneath the mask was a beautiful young woman with long black hair and crimson red eyes that I've never encountered before.
My eyes widened and my mouth slowly gap as I stared at her. "Y-You were a woman this whole time?!"
"I am. My name is Midori Misaki." She replied simply.
"How come you didn't say anything when I spoke to you?"
"Ninja Guideline #1: Silence. Never give away your voice to the enemy unless you have a reason to." She explained.
"O...kay? Char, why are you here and what is going on?"
"Listen. I know you have questions to ask, but can we save all of them for later? I need your help." She asked calmly and seriously as her eye lightly narrowed.
"With what?"
"We'll explain when we get to Kyoto." Midori said behind me.
"Kyoto?" I asked before turning my head to her and back to Charoite. "Sis, I can't just leave school and go to Kyoto. What about the others?"
They're in Africa dealing with a crisis. Please? I really need you right now." Char said as she softly placed both hands on my shoulders.
I looked into her eye and noticed it shaking a bit. I wasn't so sure what was going on, but judging from the tone in her voice and the way she lightly gripped my shoulders told me this was either serious or personal.
I couldn't just leave school right here and now though. That was one of the rules my mom and dad set up when my powers were developing and I was going through training: No mystical Gem adventures during school hours. I had to balance out my humanity with my Gem side and this is one of the examples, however she said she needed me and I couldn't help but feel sorrow in me through her.
I let out a small sigh while closing my eyes and reopening them to give her a nod. She formed a small smile and embraced me.
She then stepped away from me and before a word could come out from her lips the rooftop door opened up with Chelsea and Angela walking out from it.
"Hold up. If you're going, we're going too." Chelsea announced with a grin.
"No way." I instantly replied.
"Dude. We're going. We just saw you fight this ninja chick and heard you going to Japan. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you still have to answer for what's going on here."
I groaned while looking away for a second before turning my eyes back to her. "Chelsea. I get you and Angela want to know more about me and believe me I want to tell you too, but...I really...can't."
Before Chelsea could speak up again my sister intervened. "Everybody. I have a better suggestion. How about you two cute girls come and my brother can watch over you?"
"WHAT?!"
"You heard me. I don't know what's going on with you and them, but whatever the case is you need to settle it. Normally neither me or the others would allow this since I don't know them very well, but they do seem okay to me and this is something you have to get over if want to move on. Understand?"
I couldn't really argue with my sister about me having to tell the girls about my other half, but having them come to another country with me is a bit extreme depending on whatever's going on there.
"Wait. We can't go. We still have classes, in which we're missing out on right now?" Angela addressed.
"Ugh. If you want, allow me and Charoite to take of it if it'll ease your concerns." Midori suggested.
"What are you two gonna do?" I questioned with a hesitant tone.
"Don't worry about that. We won't do anything too drastic. I promise." Char replied to me with a short wink.
Despite her vow, I felt goosebumps rising in me to what they planned on doing.
With Onyx's help the five of us made it to Kyoto, Japan after my sister and Midori dealt with the issue of me and the girls leaving campus early. The suggestion that they selected was non-lethal and effective, even I was glad about it and relieved that they didn't choose the other options.
After exiting through one of my brother's portals we appeared on top of a building overseeing several others in a neighborhood and just beyond that was a large temple up north with the sun slowly heading down the horizon.
"Wow. I can't believe it. We're actually in Japan." Angela said quietly as she stepped forward and observed her surroundings.
"This is so cool. Do you travel like this all the time?" Chelsea asked me.
"More than you know." I replied while rubbing the back of my head.
"Okay everybody. You can sight see later. There are more important matters to deal with right now." Char announced, gaining our attention.
"And what are the matters?" I asked.
"My clan." Midori answered. "Oni have attacked us and even though we've managed to lower their numbers thanks to your sister, they are still out there and by nightfall they will return. If not defeated then they'll reach the temple and this place, killing anyone that stands in their way."
"Oni? As in Japanese Demons?" Angela asked, receiving a nod from Midori.
"Seriously? Oni aren't real. They're just characters in bedtime stories." Chelsea stated casually.
I saw Midori widened her eyes before narrowing them. "No! They are real! I saw them with my own eyes! And they critically injured members of my clan!"
The girls and myself were a little taken back by from Midori's outburst. And Oni can't be real so there has to be a better and more logical explination.
"Midori, please. We'll get them." Char said softly as she took Midori's hand into her own.
She closed her eyes and took a breath before exhaling from her mouth. Once she composed herself she returned her view on us with a small frown. "My apologizes. I didn't mean to speak to you all like that."
"It's okay." I assured. "I'm sure your clan is important to you. It's natural for people to react to others that don't understand what you're going through."
"Indeed. Come. We must head to the forests to see my brother before nightfall."
She then placed her mask back on and leaped off of the building to the next.
"Girls." Charoite said gaining their attention. "Since you two don't have much agility, I would prefer that you cling onto my brother as he does the leaping."
"We have to do what?" Chelsea asked.
"Let him wrap his arms around each of your waists while you two hold onto his tightly and follow us."
I felt my face burning when my sister told us that. Sure, I've had people wrapped onto me and myself holding onto them, but that was to get them out of danger or carry them if they're injured. THIS is a completely different story. I looked at Angela who seemed a little nervous and Chelsea who just raised an eyebrow at me.
"Umm... Couldn't you have one of them wrapped around you?" I asked my sister.
"Nope. This will help you guys connect better. Good luck and try not to get too excited." She replied before leaping off the building.
I looked at both girls and sighed as I walked toward the edge of the building with them next to me. "Are you ready?"
"S-Sure. Just hang on tight, right?" Angela asked.
"Yeah." I replied before turning my head "Chelsea?"
"I'm fine with it. However, you gonna have to take us out to dinner when this is over. And try not to have any special thoughts while you're holding us, okay?" She replied with a small grin.
"W-what are you talking about?"
"Don't worry about it. C'mon. Let's go before we lose track of your sister."
Both girls scooched over to me a little closely as they wrapped their arms around my back and chest as I placed my hands around their waists. I then squatted my legs and took a big leap, causing Angela to scream and Chelsea to shout joyfully with every other leap I followed after.
I hope the forest isn't too far away.
Charoite
As my brother was busy handling the girls I kept my focus on Midori and the sun as we started heading into Bamboo Forest.
She was hurting. I could feel it and nobody was more hurt about all of this than her. Her brother may be upset about this as much as I am, but Midori was more emotionally fragile when it came to the clan, even if she didn't always show it. She's always been like that for as long as I can remember, but the worst stage came on a certain day.
(Flashback)
I wonder how she's doing? I haven't had a call from her for a while and whenever I called her it always go to voicemail. It would be an idea to go see her brother to know about her progress and her well being, but ever since he became head of the clan he's been busy lately and I'd be getting in the way since it's only been a week since he first began. Only one option left: Go see her myself and see what's up.
I began leaping through every building roof in the district I was in until I ultimately found the Misaki residence. There, since it was already dark out I just leaped from the roof all the way to the sidewalk with nobody around. I then walked up to the house and near the door I only noticed her shoes. Things weren't easy after their parents passed away and he joined the Jihi Clan. I was there for a time and after we got to know each other he introduced me to her and asked me to watch over her when he couldn't. I couldn't say "no" and because we use to be an item, but more importantly I did like her as we got closer.
"Midori? It's me." I called as I rang the doorbell.
I crossed my arms behind my back and waited patiently until I heard locks unlocking and the door opening up. On the other side I saw her and when I did my eyes were widened. She wore a white tank top and black shorts. Her face was a little red and her eyes were narrowed as she looked at me.
"Oh...it's you." She answered before turning around and walking away.
I raised an eyebrow before going inside and closing the door behind me. The house still looked the same and was kept pretty decent with each step that I took before I followed her into the dining room. There she was sitting in a chair with a glass in her hand and gulping down the drink in it. I can already guess what it was, I've had my fair share of it at times.
"Are you okay?" I asked as I slowly approached her.
"Does it look like I'm okay?" She replied a bit sternly.
"Drowning your sorrows?"
"Correct."
I sighed.
"What happened?"
"I went over to see him and I heard noises coming from the window near the front door. Out of curiosity I took a peak inside and I saw him with another woman. Right there! I had a feeling something was off whenever he said he was really busy with something but I never thought I'd caught him in that!"
My eye widened as I placed a hand on my chest. I couldn't believe he would do something like that to her. I thought he was a pretty nice guy, but this breaks my view on him. It hurt me inside just as it did with her.
She then attempted to get up, but as she did she toppled over and I quickly caught her before we both fell onto the carpet floor.
"Midori, it's gonna be okay. Things like this happen."
"Don't talk to me like you're my mother."
"Believe me, I've got through heartbreaks too. Myself and my partners. You need someone to talk to right now."
"Who?! My brother is now the leader of the clan, my parents are dead, and my friends are all busy with their own lives and I don't to be a burden to them."
"What about me? I'm here for you and I always will."
"I know. I love you for that and my brother told me how amazing you were when you two were together."
"Yeah. But when he became leader we went our separate ways, but kept in touch and he brought me to you."
"I know, having friends and people being there for you is great to have, but sometimes... I want more than that."
I looked at her face and saw tears forming in them before they fell. She doesn't deserve this. If anyone it's her now ex and he's gonna have to deal with me for breaking this girl's heart. That'll have to be for later as she needs me right now and in her current state I'm gonna have to play my ultimate trump card.
It's time I give Midori my compassion and hope it'll be enough to heal her wounds.
(Flashback End)
As we entered into Bamboo Forest I quickly checked behind me to see Kameron and the girls before turning my head back to Midori.
"So... How was my brother when you fought him?"
She looked at me with her mask for a short second and back to moving through the forest. "He was well trained. His stance was on par and his skills are at an amateur rank. In other words, he's acceptable and I can see why you picked him for this."
"Yeah. Sorry about your katana."
"It's fine. There are plenty more at the temple."
A short while later as we got deeper into the forest I saw a large building hidden within the bamboo. Once I landed onto the ground near it along with Midori I took a step forward to look at it with a smile forming around my lips.
It's still holding up, even to this very day. I better make sure those monsters never come an inch to this place.
"Wow. That's a big temple." A voice said.
I turned around and saw my brother and the girls arrive and walking up to us.
"Kameron. I need you three to stay outside."
"Sure. But why?" He replied.
"Nobody outside the Jihi Clan can enter the temple. I do trust all of you, but those are the rules and I can't break them even if I wanted too."
"What are the Jihi Clan?" Angela asked.
"I shall explain who we are as long as you all keep it to yourselves." Midori said.
"Why?" Chelsea asked with a hand to her hip.
"Because if we are ever discovered in the outside world, it will lead to devastating consequences." Midori explained before she continued. "We are a group of ninjas who have dedicated ourselves to help the weak and the innocent. We steal from the rich, corrupt, and those with evil hearts and outlooks and give it to the poor. For as long as I can remember, my clan has been accomplishing this for many centuries and we do this to have balance in our home country as well as spreading compassion."
My brother and the girls widened their eyes from hearing this. I smirked while crossing my arms.
"That's really nice of you. So, you all are like Robin Hood?" Angela said.
"Robin Hood?" Midori asked while tilting her head.
"In America we've got this guy wearing green tights who uses a bow and arrows and pretty much does what you all do." Chelsea explained.
"Really?"
"Yeah, but you look way better. Especially with that strange look you're wearing."
"It's a uniform. Only second in command can wear them and in doing so we are called by a title instead of our names."
"What's the title called?" Kameron asked.
"We'll tell you later. For now, stay here." I replied as me and Midori went inside.
Walking into the temple there were rows of lantern lights turning on from one side of the place to the other and as the room illuminated more of it started to show itself from the shadows. Statues emerged, honoring the former second in commands before Midori. Each one wore similar attire as her right now, but more ancient and old.
Through the halls of the temple we traveled quietly onward until we reached the very last door at the end. The Throne Room.
Midori knocked on the door three times before it was opened. Inside the room I saw a familiar face sitting calmly in a well designed chair with several ninja loyalists around him. The man in the chair wore traditional royalty garments in red and yellow along with a short hat on top of his head, but what really impressed me was the fact that he still had his mustache.
"Brother. I have returned." Midori said as she kneeled down as I soon followed.
"It is good to see you again sister. Your timing is ripe and in less than an hour shall the sun set and the beasts of the night return." He replied with a deep voice.
"I'm fully aware. How are the others doing?"
"Their injuries are very severe, but the medical aid is helping them as much as possible. Do not trouble yourself. It was not your fault and they will get on their feet again soon."
"I understand, but... I failed. I wasn't good enough to defeat them."
"Sister! Do not blame yourself over this! We are all to blame and we will all make it right. Compassion is our strength, but do not let it consume your thoughts and well being." "Charoite. As much as I would want for us to catch up, there isn't any time. You've stated that your brother is here to help us in this crucial time?"
"He is. Don't worry, I've trained him and he is more than capable of himself." I replied.
"How can I be certain of this?" He questioned.
I raised myself up from the floor and looked at him eye to eye.
"Because I believe in him. He trusts me ever since the day he wanted to become a Rainbow Gem. I care a lot for what has happened to the people who fought the Oni days ago and I swear to you that me, my brother, and Midori can take care of this together."
The Head of the Jihi Clan lightly widened his eyes before closing them. I waited for a response and saw him grow a smile.
"Your compassion for others is the strongest I've seen out of anybody's. You haven't changed a bit, Charoite, and that makes me happy."
I grew a smile when he said that. "You've always known how I am, Reiji. So will you accept my words?"
He nodded, "You are not one who can tell a lie since I met you. I shall allow my sister to join you in this bout, but be careful."
Midori stood up and nodded with me. Then Reiji stood up from his chair and snapped his fingers. One of his loyalists disappeared before reappearing moments later with a long object in his hands. He gave it to Reiji as he then approached us with the object.
"Midori Misaki. My sister. For your fight I bestow upon you this sword. It has been passed down to me from our father, his father, and his father before him. Our ancestors have carried this very blade as a symbol of justice and the very blade itself is stained with their blood before they've passed it on. As of now, this blade is now and forever yours."
Midori lightly gasped as she gazed upon the sword. It was long and carried no handle. I looked at her face and though she was wearing a mask, she was happy to have this honor.
"Thank you so much, brother. I swear on my life that I will keep it safe." She said as she took the sword with her right hand.
Reiji then approached her and wrapped his arms around her. My eye widened from this but it later softened as I watched the siblings embrace.
"You are more to me than the sword. Do your best and don't die." He said as they separated.
She nodded and because I was just too happy, I walked up to Reiji and planted my lips on his cheek. He lightly gasped and covered his cheek while turning his attention to me.
"That's for being an amazing leader and brother."
A small blush appeared on his face with a smile forming on his lips.
"Let's go Midori before things get too hot around here."
"R-Right." She replied as we made our way out.
Kameron
As me and the girls were waiting outside with nightfall approaching, I got up from the steps of the temple and faced the girls you were still sitting down.
"Are you okay?" Angela asked.
"Yeah... Just thinking." I replied. "Do you two still want to know more about me?"
"That's the whole reason we came." Chelsea said as she sat up.
"If you're ready to tell us, go ahead." Angela added while placing her hands in her lap.
I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath before exhaling from my mouth. When I reopened my eyes I looked at both of them, waiting patiently for me to speak.
"Have both of you seen the news about any strange occurrences or monsters happening?"
Both sisters looked at each other and back to me.
"Not that much. There were glimpses from what they said, but nothing much. Why?" Angela said.
"I'm an alien." I flat out said.
Both girls widened their eyes from my words before Chelsea started laughing. She repeatedly slapped her knee before she ultimately stopped and looked at me as I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes.
"Oh... O-Oh are you serious?" She asked.
"Half. On my dad's side."
"Wow. And did you get your powers from a young age?" Angela asked, receiving a nod from me.
"Dude. That's so cool!" Chelsea said as she suddenly got up.
"No it isn't." I replied while looking away.
"C'mon. What's so bad about having powers?"
"How about being called a freak?"
Angela lightly gasped from my response before she got up from the steps. "Kameron. You're not a freak."
I sighed and gripped my fists while closing my eyes. As I did this I began concentrating on my primary ability. I could feel them. Creeping onto my body from all over and shedding my bandages. When they full reached I heard another gasp from Angela as I opened my eyes to see her covering her mouth and Chelsea just staring at me with her eyes widened.
"This is what I meant. This is my curse."
As they stared at me I could only imagine the worse. To be honest, both of them are the second people I've showed my powers to. My first was another and it was the biggest mistake I've ever made.
I will never forget that day.
(Flashback)
We were laughing so much as we swung together. Going higher and higher until one of us could touch the sky. Then an idea popped in my head and I stopped my movements while getting off the swing.
"Hey, why'd you stop?" She asked.
"Can I push you?"
She then stopped herself and looked at me strangely. We then stared at each other until she grew a smile and nodded. I smiled too and got behind her before stretching out my arms and pushing her up, making her giggle.
After a while we ran and played tag. She couldn't keep up with me, so I let her win as she tackled me to the ground.
We kept playing for hours and hours until sunset. When it came we both sat down on a bench and stared at it.
"This was so much today." She said cheerfully.
"Yeah. I had a lot of fun too. And there's something I want to give you." I replied.
She looked at me with wonder as I placed my hand into my pocket. When I pulled it out I opened it up and she gasped from looking at it.
"This is for you."
"It's soo beautiful. Where'd you get that?"
"I made it myself."
"Really? How?"
Before I could tell her I wrapped her gift around her neck. She was a little surprised I did that, but nonetheless was happy. I pulled my hands and started thinking really hard. My hands then started changing and getting covered in crystals. When I ended at my wrists I looked up to her as she was in awe.
"That's so amazing! How are you able to do that?"
I was about to speak until I felt something hit me. I placed my hand where I was hit and turned my head to see a big kid looking at us, smiling.
"If it isn't the freak." He said as he walked up to us.
"Leave me alone! I'm not a freak!"
"Yes you are. I saw what you can you. Only a freak and a monster can do that."
I turned away from him. I thought the park would be the last place he'd find me.
"Leave him alone. He's isn't a freak." My friend said.
"Are you stupid? He's just like those monsters everybody talks about. He should go back to the science lab where he belongs." The big kid replied.
Before I knew it I turned to him and he pushed me away from my friend. I fell to the ground and I glared at him while getting up.
"What's wrong? Wanna fight, freak?"
I squeezed my hands and I felt my eyes water. I gritted my teeth and shut my eyes before turning around and run. Why? Am I a freak?
I ran home. It was the only safe place for me. My room was an even safer place and nobody was around.
I laid on my bed and turned from the door, feeling my tears fall from my face as I whimpered. Then I heard a knock coming from my door.
"Kameron? Are you okay?"
I didn't answer.
I then felt something poke my shoulder, causing me to turn around.
"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Kameron. I'm your sister. And you know it hurts me whenever I see you or anybody get upset like this. Please talk to me."
I sighed and turned my whole body around. I then sat at the edge of my bed with my sister sitting next to me. I looked at her and she looked as sad as me. I then started whimpering again before wrapping my arms around her.
"Charoite... Am I freak?"
I heard her gasp. We then separated and she softly placed her hands on my face.
"Of course not. Nothing is wrong with you. You're different. And you're special." She told me.
"Liar. I'm not special. What's so special about being called names and getting picked on?"
"You shouldn't care about what other people say. You are you. Don't let them get to you. And if they still bully you, I'll be there to help when I can."
I sniffled a little and wiped my eyes. "Promise?"
"Promise. You know I'm always here for you. Me and the others. And I love you so much."
She then kissed my cheek and wrapped her arms around me, placing my head against her chest as she rubbed my hair. I then wrapped my arms around her and held onto her as tight as I could.
(Flashback End)
"...I never saw her again and kept everything to myself. I did get other friends, but I never showed them this. I wear the bandages to hide my Gem and to keep myself from using my secondary ability." I concluded, explaining everything to them.
Angela and Chelsea just stood right there. Not saying a word and possibility taking all of this in.
Just as one of them was about to say something I heard a sound in the distance. The sun had fallen and the moon was at the peak of the sky with stars all around it.
I turned around from the girls and kept my guard up for whatever's coming as the sound I heard seconds ago was getting louder. From the bamboo branches a massive figure popped out and crashed into the ground a few feet from us. The creature had red skin and long yellow wild hair. It had long horns on it's head and sharp tusks from it's mouth. It's eyes were crimson red and as it stood up I noticed the sharp claws from it's hands and feet. But what really got my attention was the dark red Gemstone on it's throat.
"GGRRRAAAH!" It howled at us.
I heard Angela scream before I spread out my arms as they formed into blades and got into a stance. The monsters growled at me and rushed forward with his claws raised. I dashed forward and our attacks collided. We then separated and I dashed at it again, aiming for it's chest. The monster instantly grabbed my arm and raised my up high before spinning around and throwing me straight at the temple doors.
Due to me crystallizing my whole body I didn't feel too much pain from the impact, but that didn't matter to me much as was fighting this thing and keep the girls from getting killed.
"C'mon Kameron. Kick it's ass!" Chelsea called out.
"Yeah. Thanks for the confidence." I sarcastically replied as I then got up and ran to my target.
When I got close I suddenly felt something grab onto my shoulders, lifting me off of the ground. I looked up and saw another monster. This one was yellow with long wild blue hair. It's eyes were green and had short horns on it's head. It had wings the size of a pterodactyl and I saw a Gemstone located on it's chin.
This beast took me high into the air before commencing a backflip and flew straight down at great speeds, releasing me and making me crash into the ground.
I groaned and slowly picked myself up before I heard loud screams echo into my ears. I turned to where they came from and saw the big monster hold the girls in it's hands while turning to me.
"Please don't eat my flesh! I'm not eatable!" Angela cried as she wiggled herself in it's grasp.
"Let me go you jackass!" Chelsea added with the same results.
The other Oni landed near it's companion and both roared at me.
Great... One is bad enough and two is a challenge. Charoite said that she and the Jihi clan were able to decrease their numbers. I hope these two are the last ones.
Before I was able to make a move both monsters howled in what looked like pain before the red one got pushed forward, releasing the girls.
From here I saw my sister and Midori exit from the temple and in a instant my sister rushed toward the yellow monster and kneed him in the back of the head, making him tumble to the ground just like the other one.
"Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. Hope we're not late to the party?" My sister asked through her bandanna.
"Just in time." I replied as I quickly got over to the girls. "Are you two okay?"
"I...I think so." Angela said nervously as I helped her up along with her sister.
"I'm more than okay. That was sick from what I just saw and how your sister just show up and pounded that Oni." Chelsea expressed, even after she was just in danger.
Before I could respond to either of them I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see my sister before she pointed forward at the monsters. I looked at them as they were getting up with the yellow one taking flight.
"Kameron. As much as your Crystallization is strong, I'm afraid we're gonna have to try something else."
"What did you have in mind?" I asked as I reverted to normal.
"Iolite." She answered.
My eyes widened and my face immediately felt warmer as soon as she said that name. It's been a long time since she's been around, but in a situation like this, I wasn't so sure.
"You sure?"
"Yes." She answered before turning to Midori. "Midori. Can you get these things away from the temple?"
"Of course, but why?" She asked.
"I've got an idea and it requires my brother's participation. It'll take us a few short minutes and I really need you to buy us some time."
I looked at Midori and I couldn't read her expressions, but she soon nodded and began dashing toward the monsters, throwing shurikens at them. At certainly caught their attention and made them chase after her through the forest.
"Okay. Ready?" Char asked as she walked over to the other of me from a distance.
"Uh, Char. We've got people watching." I pointed out due to the girls.
"Let them." She simply replied. "Girls. Allow me and my dear brother show you just how strong our bond really is." She added while looking at them.
I looked at them as they raised eyes at me. I then turned to my sister who was smiling at me as I took a breath and exhaled. I then raised my right arm, causing my Gem to start glowing. My sister placed her hands on her hips and her hair started to flow, allowing me to see her Gem now that her bangs weren't fully covering them at the moment. I then started rocking my feet and legs back and forth, getting a rhythm going while circling my arms and doing a spin.
My sister slowly moved her hands from her hips to her chest and her hair. She spun a few times and posed, grinning at me and giving me her soft eye. When we got close I placed my right hand on her waist and my left around her back. She placed both her arms around my neck and we slowly placed our heads against one another while moving back and forth. Our eyes never left each other and as we moved our bodies came close as she then placed her hands around my back. We stopped and she wrapped one of her legs around mine. We both closed our eyes and as our gems radiated more I could feel ourselves merging together.
Iolite
As the light started to fade I started to stretch out my arms, getting out a few moans here and there.
"Mmm. Oh yeah, it feels so good to be back."
When I opened my eye I looked at the girls who looked a bit surprised judging by their expressions and seeing Angela flustered.
"You two okay?"
"Uhh...yeah. What just happened and who are you?" Angela asked.
"Me, baby? I'm Iolite. I'm the fusion of Kameron and his sister Charoite. Anything else?"
"That was quite a show those two put on." Chelsea said, unsure on how to process this.
"I know. It might have been a bit too much judging by your expressions, but that's how things work, honey. And before I go..." I replied before I stomped on the ground.
In doing so large indigo crystals started forming around the girls and the temple.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Chelsea asked as she placed her hands on the crystals.
"A little protection for all of you just in case. It may be a bit extreme, but I'll put it down when I come back."
"C'mon. Why can't we see you kick some serious tail?"
"Sis. It's for the best." Angela ensured. "Go. And please be careful." She said to me.
"Always am. Later."
I then disappeared from their eyes before rushing off to find Midori.
Through the forests I quickly ran passed every bamboo tree and soon heard a scream, making me pick up to pace. When I got toward a certain area I saw Midori kneeled down with her mask destroyed and her uniform bashed up as well as her sword laying on the ground a few feet from her. Her face showed small amounts of blood and she was breathing pretty breath while trying to get up, but no avail.
The red and yellow monsters slowly approached her until I stepped in, throwing my kunais near their feet and halting their movements.
"Slow down, boys. If you wanna play with someone I'm free." I said as I revealed myself to them in a pose.
"Who...who are you?" Midori asked weakly.
"Save your strength. And can I borrow your sword for a moment?" I replied, turning my head to her.
She raised an eyebrow to me and look at the sword before giving me a nod. I smiled and quickly picked it up before rushing over to the Oni.
When I approached the red one it attempted to slash at me, but I slid under it's legs before jumping up and slashed the sword. The Oni looked at each other until the red one's horns broke off, having the pieces land near it's feet. It growled and it's partner took flight before charging at me. I lifted my bandanna up over my mouth and placed the sword near my chest. When the Oni came close it tried to attack, but I quickly jumped into the air, vanishing into the moonlight.
The yellow Oni soared higher and looked for me, and boy was he in for a big surprise.
"Sayonara!" I yelled.
It looked upward as I reappeared before I flipped and cut the sword deep across it's chest. When I landed the Oni screamed before it exploded with it's Gemstone landing right into my hand.
The red one stared at me and suddenly back away.
"No! There is no escape!"
I then dashed toward it and passed through it's chest. I then turned around and pierced the sword into it's back, causing it to tumble forward and fall. I then pulled my sword out and placed it directly above it's head, causing it to look at me as I narrowed my eye.
"This is for the Jihi Clan!"
I then thrusted the blade into it's head, making it cry in pain before it ultimately exploded. I picked up the Gemstone and placed both it and the other in a bubble before sending it away.
I then turned to Midori and helped her up.
"Thank you." She said before coughing up some blood.
"I'm so sorry for putting you though this. Thank you for buying us time and I promise to help you get back on your feet."
"You didn't...answer my question from before. Who are you?" She asked.
"It's hard to explain, but let's go back and I'll tell you everything."
We then started moving as I placed her around my shoulder. It was stupid to make her fight two Gem monsters by herself. But...at the same time, she's okay, and it's all over now.
End of Chapter 7.
I apologize for keeping you waiting on this one. This took longer than expected.
Hope you all are well and I'll see you all soon for the next chapter. :)