Chapter 7: Midnight of Hakuou Part 2

Author's Note: Sorry if I get late in updating these days. I have exams coming up so please be patient… I apologize minna… Anyway this chapter and the chapter before this is more on the adventure part so no flames please. The next chapter will turn relaxing and with a bit of the Romance genre so I hope you'll enjoy my story. Arigato gozaimasu, dear readers.

2nd Note: if it's with 'in …'s situation then it's 3rd Person P.O.V but if it's …'s P.O.V then it is 1st Person P.O.V

In Hinagiku's situation…

Hinagiku suddenly just got lost even if she knew Hakuou like the back of her hand… she probably became lost because of the evil presence around or she could have been lost because of the mysterious fog or it was because the place they were in didn't seem to be Hakuou anymore. She sensed it too… The presence of that rumored phenomenon in Hakuou every midnight where something or someone in red roams around Hakuou. The one to get the true meaning of this situation will be no other than Katsura Hinagiku, the student council president.

'Wasn't Jikuberu with me just not so long ago or was I hallucinating that too?' Hinagiku noticed that the person following her has disappeared. 'If he's in here then there are probably more people that came here not just me and him… I was just patrolling then I was suddenly blinded by a light so that is how I got here. If my hunch is right then Saburo must be here… he's something like an exorcist but not fully one'

Hinagiku wandered around Midnight Hakuou and it really seemed like it wasn't the same school that she goes to. It's has a more evil atmosphere and it felt very cold for some reason. Luckily, the student council president is usually prepared for these kinds of things. She opened a bag and took out a flashlight. As soon as she had a flashlight, she felt something tugging her leg. She tried kicking whatever it was but it just continued tugging. She pointed her flashlight at it to identify what it was but it was no more when she pointed at it.

Hinagiku still kept her cool even if she felt like Hakuou was haunted in every area this time. She stopped immediately as soon as she saw a red figure gliding? The figure apparently had someone with him. It was a knocked out Hayate being hostaged by a red gliding thing. They made their way to the old school building which Hinagiku didn't like so much but she sprinted towards the old school building to save Hayate from whatever that thing was. It has arrived on the roof while Hinagiku has arrived in the old school building.

Hinagiku didn't like these 'things' in the building one bit. Some were trying attack her but she easily blew it away with Masamune while some others were cut down by the same. Her wooden sword's strong so don't underestimate it. She soon made it to the stairs but she had to go to the next stairs just to get to the rooftop. She went upstairs once more and was ready to attack this figure since she made it to the rooftop but she forgot one little thing... HEIGHTS! That was the biggest fear of Hinagiku. It made her grab the flagpole nearby by instinct.

'I completely forgot that the rooftop was like this _ ... I feel quite nauseous suddenly. Whatever that thing is, it better let go of Hayate… or else. If we get out of these heights then this thing's dead.' Hinagiku thought to herself then the building began shaking so she could see the bottom… which was high… 'T_T please stop shaking…' She gripped harder so she wouldn't fall.

That red figure was now staring at Hinagiku, probably taking a liking to her fear of heights. The figure threw Hayate's body down and seemed to have become ready to fight this pink haired heroine. Hinagiku shook as she still felt literally high from the ground but she managed to grab her wooden sword, Masamune. The figure launched itself towards Hinagiku but she managed to gather up some will to use its momentum to force it to hit the pole (flagpole) successfully.

"D-Don't think just because I have a fear of heights means that I'll let your capturing of Hayate slide! When it comes to situations like this, I suddenly forget all about my fears." Hinagiku landed a hit on the figure's leg then she quickly backed away, out of reach. "I will never let you take him away…"

"Tsk…" This was the only sound that the figure made then it quickly backflipped away from the pole as soon as she attempted another blunt attack. "I'm not even taking you seriously girl so how do you expect to defeat me? I'll take that cockiness right off of you…"

The figure was currently humanoid but it quickly lunged at Hinagiku without her noticing. It almost stabbed its hand through her sides until Hinagiku instinctively parried at the exact same moment where it was preforming this action. Hinagiku breathed heavily as soon as she noticed that she was actually hit. It seems like that move that the figure used caused some sort of distortion that made the hit a success. Luckily, she wasn't bleeding although she felt internal pain and harsh external pain.

"H-Hinagiku-san…" Hayate finally awoke as soon as Hinagiku fell to her knee. "W-What happened to you, Hinagiku-san?! All I remember was being the bait in Saburo's plan in demon capturing and everything after that is all fuzzy…"

"It's about time you woke up Hayate-kun… I was getting worried that you'd not wake up." Hinagiku barely dodged a hit from the figure. "Anyway since I know you'll be safe then maybe I can attempt to fight this creature again." Shirosakura appeared on my hand then I sheathed Masamune.

'This may do nothing much to an opponent like this but Shirosakura should give him a great deal of damage… Hayate's still recovering from his incident so I guess that I should cover him until he's back to full strength…' Hinagiku thought to herself. 'I must at least try to give this some damage until Hayate recovers so that he doesn't have to fight… I think I should be ok by myself anyway.'

That figure was fast but Hinagiku was just at par with it. They knew where the other hits and where they're supposed to hit in this situation. Both were formidable fighters and it seems like no one was hit in the process since Hinagiku kept her distance every time it attacks since she notice that it can distort space to make a small miss a hit but not a big miss. It was already 1:30 a.m so Hinagiku felt quite dizzy out of sleep but managed to stand. The figure was about to land a hit on the not prepared Hinagiku until someone blocked the hit with his arm.

"Oi, oi… don't hurt someone not ready… how unhonorable…" A shadowy figure appeared. "I shall extinguish you from this world and show Hana the way again so she won't succumb to the Yameru illness…"

Saburo's P.O.V

I like introducing myself so I'll do it once more… I am Yameru Saburo, the heir of the Yameru clan and the current owner of the Yameru katana and shield… plus the original gauntlet and the other one being artificially made by Hana. Currently, Hana has the Yameru illness that occurs when a person is in change too much. It can kick you out of the clan even if you're the heir so that's why I've been careful to not reveal it to any of the clan members. Only Hana and I know about it and I'm planning it to stay that way. I was currently fighting the figure I was looking for after I forcefully teleported Hana away for her safety.

"Oi, Hinagiku… don't think I'm doing this for you since I'm just doing this for Hana and my clan so don't think of getting the wrong idea…" I told her as I unsheathed the Yameru katana then my black eyes turned red. "This thing will be a walk in the park so don't bother helping since you'll just drag me down… if you get it the way you may get hurt so please sit this one out."

"A drag?! I could've beaten this thing without you as well if you hadn't shown up!" Hinagiku became enraged by my words making us start an argument. "You always try to piss me off whenever you get a chance, don't you Yameru?!"

"I kind of agree there but this isn't the right time for me to argue back even if I win… This threat must be erased as fast as possible…" I did some reasoning. "Plus… isn't Ayasaki-san your boyfriend? Show some more consideration… It's a wiser choice to protect him from harm while he's weak than fighting a battle where you don't even know what you're up against…"

"… Just because Hayate really is in a bad condition… I'll let this event slide and I'll not interfere with this 'thing' you're planning to do…" Shirosakura disappeared from her hand then she went to Hayate's side to take the necessary treatments that had to be made. She looked in relief as she saw Hayate fine. "In exchange, next time let's spar with kendo sticks like we did last time when you were still the temporary butler of Nagi. I won that time with not much effort but I want to see the results this time since I forsee that I'll be having trouble in sparring with you."

"Hehe… indeed you're right but sorry for doing this but this is for the best… wouldn't want you both to experience a true fight between me and that figure…" I teleported Hinagiku and Hayate away like I did to Hana not so long ago by using a chant from a scroll that's stored in my bag. "This is where things get serious… I will exterminate you with all my might…" My eyes were red as my katana was ready for attack and some blood-stained slashes.

"Yameru Saburo… you're the one that made me into this and you shall pay… you incompetent sorry excuse of a heir shall die in vain…" The figure charged at me releasing some kind of staff but it turned into a spear not so long after. "I will never let you escape this tragic fate that I shall give you!"

"I did nothing to make you into like this… you brought this on yourself… He is controlling you so would you snap out of it? I might not know you much but I know that you are him so spit it out…" Thunder clouds began appearing on the sky as I glared at him. "I may be quite incomplete in terms of balance unlike my two older brothers but don't think I'm weak… This is your last chance to get your act together before I zap you so hurry-" I was interrupted.

Before I could finish my speech I felt scorching heat on my abdomen. As I looked, it seems someone or something has stabbed me… It wasn't that figure since he looked just as confused as I am. When I tried to investigate the blade which stabbed me I noticed that the one that stabbed me was… myself? Why did I do that? As I looked closer I saw something materializing until it formed a body… It was the Yameru katana… the demon inside… it's just as Oka-san predicted… the weapon shall get a mind of its own if the user is against something like this but why now?

"Did you have fun using me for these 4 years of your life, Master? However your time is up so be ready for a world of pain when I return in full strength…" The demon embedded in the katana smirked and muttered sarcastically on the 'master' part. "Yameru Saburo… tell your clan… that they better watch their backs and capture me or a new one since I'm leaving that prison now… We shall meet again… currently neutral heir… or should I say somewhat fallen angel?" He disappeared into red fog.

'Kuso… the katana's seal is now broken… I better finish this up quick and tell Hana so that I could tell her to forge the capturing thing… I will still be able to use the katana but not in full power so I might as well use these gauntlets for a change…' I unsheathed my katana and shield then got ready for some 'punchies'. 'Luckily, I'm still able to chant… I hope that demon still has loads of energy to recharge since this may not end well if he just needs a little bit… Anyway I better focus on my fight worry about the seal later…'

The red figure charged at me once more but I easily grabbed his punch with my gauntlets which my clan calls the Gauntlets of balance but one of the original ones are lost so Hana made an artificial one (yes I already said that). This opponent was still humanoid so it might mean that I can still remove this thing from him but will it even work? He stabbed with the spear a few times but not on any of my vital points so I'll be fine.

That demon called me a fallen angel… I wonder why… I wasn't anywhere near one and plus all I do is balance my use in my sword and shield… Anyway the thunder clouds were roaring louder and louder until it was time to proceed with my attack. I stayed in an area, taunting the figure which worked then I managed to land a punch on its stomach then now I was ready for my next move… by punching him with my gauntlets, it makes him like a lightning rod since it was metal and we were in a high point and plus I was the one controlling this weather. Not so much later, I struck him with lightning.

"Nanidai?!" The figure staggered back as electric current flowed on him. "W-What did you do to me, Yameru Saburo?! I will not forgive you for what you have done to me here… I curse you and I will kill you with my own hands!" He decided to retreat so he became into some red light then left.

'I couldn't capture him today but I will catch him soon as well as the embodiment of the katana… I will capture them both for the sake of my clan and for the cure to Hana's illness…' I punched the ground since I let it escape. 'I couldn't fight any longer anyway… I lost so much blood from just that one stab from the katana… I must rest here for a while to regain my energy again I guess… that's a great idea…' I slowly close my eyes as I felt in peace... for now…

Takeshi's P.O.V

It seems that both of the evil presences are gone… I felt quite weak from that tree which sapped my energy or life force until Jikuberu came to save me. He was one of my three friends I met in our old school while the other two were Saburo and Furekeshi… Jikuberu seems to have noticed that the presence was gone too since he stopped blindly hitting branches. The school's normal atmosphere was back to normal and the barrier seems to have disappeared. It was already 2:00 a.m so I was very sleepy even though I was knocked out for the whole afternoon.

The only problem is that I think the quiz event for tomorrow will be cancelled since Hakuou seems in pretty bad shape right now… some of the trees were down because of forces while the paint on the school was mysteriously vandalized by who knows? Also it seems like the gate's all jacked up by the mysterious force so let's just say that Hakuou doesn't seem so presentable right now. There were even some vandalized signs that don't seem friendly.

"Woot… Hakuou seems very different now… I hope I don't see any fights between the students or anything… I better go back to Oichi and Kaori but we both have to get out of here first." Jikuberu smiled and told me. "We might get suspected for doing this even if we didn't so we mustn't take that risk. The Student Council President and the chairman or should I say… chairwoman will get enraged and I wouldn't want that…"

"It's fine, Jikuberu-san. No would suspect us since there were no cameras around in the process since someone broke them all down for some reason… Anyway I agree, let's head out. Miss Isumi's probably worried sick for me…" I frowned when I thought of her being worried. "I wonder if the other people that accidentally got here is safe now… I pray that they'll get out safely.

After a long walk since Hakuou is gigantic, we finally made it out. Jikuberu and I separated so we could both go back to our places. He went back to the Talezayu clan mansion while I'll be going back to the Saginomiya clan mansion where Miss Isumi's waiting for me I think. I went in and I really saw her. She really was waiting for me… I'm such a nuisance… I'm making her stay up late just because I made her worried…

I wonder if she's mad at me or anything… I actually deserve a punishment for not being with her as her butler since I am sworn to be with her and guide her since she gets lost easily. I also help her learn new languages like German or Spanish or French. I don't know what punishment I'll get but I'll accept it with no hesitation for I really do deserve one from my Mistress… I've been a bad butler…

"Konichiwa, Miss Isumi… Why are you still awake?" I questioned. "I'm sorry for worrying you by my absence but I'm here now. Gomen for not being with you for a long evening Miss Isumi… I never really wanted to leave your side today but I don't know what happened to me… please punish me if you wish…" I bowed and awaited her response.

"Takeshi-kun…" Isumi hugged me making me surprised. "I'm not mad at you at all… I was just worried about you… I sensed a great amount of demonic energy in Hakuou and I even sensed your presence there. I tried to go in but a barrier kept me from doing so… you suddenly disappeared after I saw you faint so I was frantically looking for you… but I got lost and ended up asking for directions from other people…" She had tears of relief as she told me. She was covering most of her face with her sleeve as usual but I like how she does it.

"Miss Isumi… please don't give me too much of your kindness for I really do deserve one…" I begged. "I haven't been a good butler to you so please give me one task so I won't feel guilty… please Miss Isumi…" I was hugging her back when she hugged me.

"If you really insist then… just stay with me until morning so I can stay calm knowing that you're there to be by my side." She smiled as we walked to her room where she went on her futon to rest. "Oyasumi, Takeshi-kun… please stay with me from my sleep to my awakening…" She slept sondly which made me smile in tears.

"Arigato Miss Isumi… for this punishment isn't as harsh as I deserve… I shall sleep with you and stay with you so that no danger may be able to reach you… My body is ready to block any strikes, my soul is ready to be traded for your sake, my life is ready to be taken if needed so, I will always protect you even if I die… like my mother…" I whispered to her ear as I cuddled her since she seems to feel cold.

"Why do thee like her anyway, my son? I understand because thou her butler but what's the exact reason of thy?" The spirit of my mother called out since it seems she came back to my clothing. "Think about my question as thee sleep…"

"Hai, Oka-san… I love her because she renewed my life… if I hadn't become her butler in that day of fate then I might have succumb to grief but she taught me that I still had one thing left that will never disappear and it was… Ai (love)…" I muttered softly as I closed my eyes. "I might not be that powerful to protect her from everything but I'm powerful enough to take a hit for her and stuff like that… as her butler I must assure that she will grow up to a fine lady and that she will be protected at all times… that is my Ai…"

"I see, my son…" My mother seemed to have giggled. "I wish thee the best of luck to make her my daughter-in law then… My son… I may not be with thee physically but I'm always here for thee spiritually so don't fret. Thy mother shall be with thee like how thee be with his Mistress… I will be in thy clothes since I accidentally made myself into a spirit in clothes…"

After the words my mother said I smiled then I cuddled to Miss Isumi as I closed my eyes. Before I knew it, I already dozed off, hugging her… I will protect you… even if space and time must stop me, I shall break science and go back to you… I promise you, Miss Isumi… I will be your butler until the day I die because I love you very much and you're very special to me and many other people… I am Tsugaru Takeshi, the butler of Miss Isumi and nothing will change that.

End of Chapter 7

Next Chapter: Backstage Pass?