Chapter 7 -Decisions-

The walls around her seemed to close, but, it was just a slight feeling of claustrophobia, of being in the same room for so long…. Sometimes the meals came through the whole under the door, without a sound, and sometimes she heard voices, but not a word was directed to her, and no one seemed bothered to know she was there. Or at least maybe that's what you think after being in an asylum for two weeks, without a reason, drugged as far as she could tell.

Goldva opened her eyes and lifted her head when she began to hear voices outside, from the sensations, she was beginning to REALLY understand the differences between being drugged with acids against your will and take magical medicine on a ceremony: almost strong enough, she began to open her mouth to cry out for help when the door opened. She almost cried, this time out of relieve. Marco, crossed the threshold, and the door was closed shut behind him.

-Ma…r….co…- she began to speak, but apparently, the drugs where stronger than she thought

-How painful can it actually be- said Marco with a frown – to see such a blessed mind, and soul in a position like this…..- there was almost a silence, and the words that followed, not only confused, but made Goldva a little bit scared…- and not being able to do anything… for you.- so full of sadness and sincerity were this words, he seemed about to cry, the door opened again and a tall man entered the room, and put his arms around Goldva, not having being touched her entire live, this was not just disgusting but also humiliating. But Marco, did no move, and his expression never changed as the stranger took her lifeless body to a chair at the bottom of the room and after injecting her with something that looked like black ink, tied her with a straitjacket.

After waiting for two and a half hours, Yuiko crossed her arms over the table and began to cry, this couldn't get any worse, how could he forget…. Did he hate her? Did he think she was a freak? He said he would answer some of her questions…. –WWWAAAA!-

-YUIKO! – She heard a known voice behind her – what happened? What are you doing here so late? - She lifted her head with eyes full of tears and, look at Ritsuka's preoccupied face, as he approached the table

-WWWWWAAAA- she could answered, but stood up, and ran to Ritsuka hugging him – WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA we daid he ud dome,, an iiii dind, and ai did an an an an an … WAAAAAAA-

-Yuiko calm down! – said Ritsuka raising his voice to be heard – I cannot understand a word of what you're saying…!-

-WWWAAA…-

…..

-I don't want to tell Ritsuka -after three cups of tea, Yuiko had finally stopped crying, but still seemed very upset. The new cottages given to them had fireplace, and Soubi was busy trying to fire it.

-that's stupid Yuiko if you don't tell me I will not be able to help you with it – he explained for the thousand time

-there is no need – said Yuiko blushing – I can…. – she started sobbing again, but with an exasperated look from Ritsuka, Soubi took charge on the ridiculous situation.

Putting a harm hand on Yuiko's shoulder he said: - Its ok, it doesn't matter, you need to rest, I'm sure it was a very hard day for you – a surprised Yuko looked grateful at Soubi that the questioning was over…

-it was…- she looked at Ritsuka – but I want to be with Ritsuka-kun now

-but we need to rest too- he added- and you look exhausted, I will take you to your room, and then you will go to sleep-

-but…-

-we'll spend some time together tomorrow – said Ritsuka wanting her out of the room as soon as possible

-o…ok… I guess- she said finally leaving the room with Soubi.

Ritsuka thought he could finally get some sleep, but someone knocked at the door, -COME IN- …

-I can't!- a voice answered from the other side

-Oh! Hi Osamu-chan – he said opening the door – how is you foot? Still hurting?-

-well…yes, but it's a little but better the doctor gave me a stronger pill, and it works good– they fell silent for a minute or two - … it makes me little bit dizzy though-

- so can I help you with anything? – he said much to tired to do anything right now

-I'm fine I just wanted to know where were you today? And the whole week for that matter… you weren't in any of the activities we did… I was just a bit worried-

-I'm fine… I….. have…. Been busy – he said without knowing what else to say

-doing what?-

-well… - he wasn't sure it was a secret but he wasn't sure he could say anything either, saved by the bell the door opened and one of the security directors came in

-Ren!- they chored

-hi….- he looked at both of them, feeling awkward, Osamu looked at him and her face went blank, Ritsuka was surprised Osamu knew him, but was way too tired to try to understand, and just wanted to get them all out and rest

-Anna needs to speak with everyone… new… measures – he said, not sure how much he could say in front of the girl either, and upset about it.

-I'll wait for Soubi, and tell him… you should probably go - he said to Osamu, angry he had to do something NOW.

-bring those kids too-

-ok-

Once they were out, Osamu wanted to say something but he started first - …mmm so, how are the new pills?

-fine… they work better…- they fell silent for some uncomfortable minutes –

-what are you…-/-can I- they started at the same time, she shut and made a sign for him to speak

-… can … I… you know… walk you, to your room?- "what the hell am I…?"

-yes…. Sure-

they both started walking to her room, -how do you know what my room is?

-I don't – he lied- I just figured I follow you

-mmm….so what do you need Ritsuka for?- she asked

-….- "what should I…."- I'm not sure I can tell you, its… complicated-

-Oh…. He's my friend you know-

-it's busyness… so its confidential…- they fell silent again "what can he possibly be doing, from busyness at a place like this…?"

He shut her door behind him, after living her, he felt so confused, he had decided to stay, tonight, everyone had to decide, some people would come, they decided there was more security if thy al stayed together, and, whatever was happening the priests decision, stood as the most important one, as no one knew what to do now.

She woke up and looked at his still asleep face, how could he possibly be so handsome? He moved to the other side and she saw his back, something appeared to be in the base of it… a mark… she looked at it, not understanding she thought to KNOW he didn't have marks anywhere, then he moved again and the sheets moved, letting her take a closer look… "HEARTLESS"

-No one has seen or heard anything from her yet, everyone is worried, no one saw anything and no one knows anything…. I guess, Ignorance, is not always bliss - deciding not to say a word unless he said anything, half an hour later they were talking about Goldva's disappearance, she had told him all about the other guy who had gone missing exactly the same way at the same time, and about the other 3 couples working in the security, she was worried with so many people they would discover him there, but said nothing of it. ….

-I will soon have to leave- he said- if the X Laws are coming you could…-

-They're not coming- she answered fast – everyone tried to contact them but Marco is off the map and Jeanne doesn't want to talk to anyone so they don't have a head, and decided to stay with their master…

-do you want me to stay?- he said with a sardonic smile

-don't get to cocky, I need a real source of information-

-yes, - he said laughingly again – because, I'm ONLY a source of INFORMATION- he said touching her neck with the point of his fingers

-mmmm- she said with an ironic air – you're a good one

-are you sure? – he hissed suddenly on one of her ears, putting his tongue under it, and then slowly biting it

-well, you can really be a headache…- she said with the last faint bit of air in her lungs, and then noisily taking more air – but I can get all the juice out if I want to!-

-really?- he pressed her against he wall without using his hands, and started to lick and kiss her throat, but suddenly she closed her hands around his arms and pulled him (unbelievably for him) away

-I do want you to stay. But if they discovered you… I would do anything to kill you, and save myself- she pressed her finger nails into his skin and sent the strongest energy she had through him, which he received with a pleasure groan

-you could try…- he answered sending back the energy and carrying her to the bed.

…...

-you saw it didn't you?- he said when Anna came back from the kitchen: after trying several topics to make him angry, to make him leave, and failed, she had gone for some coffee leaving him alone, which usually exasperated him.

-what are you still doing here? Don't you have someone else to annoy?-

-stop it-

-what are you…- but his time he stepped forward, without smiling, and putting his hands around her throat, hissed angrily,

-I really am tired of this game, you saw the name on my back, exactly where yours is, and we both know you couldn't have put it there….- hews so impressed he had actually mentioned it, after so long, she had been waiting, she looked at him smiling

-wow! You're right, so it MUST have been you -

-stop it I said- he really looked angry now and was putting more than the comfortable pressure in Anna's neck – you know what this could mean… Why didn't you investigate this?

-how do you know…-

-I know- he said tired of wasting time – now…- he applied more pressure –Why?-

-Who cares?- she said with the little hair she had – we're not sure THAT is the case – now with one of her hands in his arm, she dug with her nails in his skin – but killing me won't answer any questions….- then he realized he was marking her neck and relieved the pressure, almost all of it

-we could ask that kid-

-whose name hasn't appeared yet…- she said with a sardonic smile checking her neck once he'd freed her – sure why not – and then she put a ac like talking to the police –"hey listen, I'm sleeping with the guy that everyone is afraid of, a strange name appeared in the same place in our bodies and I was wondering if you had any ideas what it could be?"-

-Oh yes- he answered just as ironic – because THAT would be the way to say it-

Suddenly a knocking interrupted them, and the sound of something falling on the wooden floor outside the room, Hao looked at her, confused – I thought you said, they were all out-

-they were- she seemed as surprised as him, no one knew this place – they still are – she said looking at the cell phone, she had just received a message from Ren saying they were going to take three more hours on the inspection of the higher cottages

Hao hid in the closed bathroom as Anna opened the door, only to find a white envelope, one of the spirits brought in, and put on the table, just in case it had anything dangerous.

-it isn't- he said before she could ask - open it - she did, in the envelope was the picture of an old woman lying on the floor, tied with a straitjacket, blood coming out of a wound in her head, in the back of the picture one word was written with black ink, "BETRAYAL"

and then recognizing the woman in the picture both choired

-GOLDVA!-

there is a point where you have done all you can to prevent certain events from happening, and the panic of inactivity begins to swallow you up. With all the areas secured at all times, everyone had to work themselves out, and no one could rest for more than two followed hours, you couldn't leave you guard down or your watch place without official permission and relevance, everyone was searched every time they went in or out of somewhere, this situation was difficult for everyone, but Natsuo and Youji were far more worried about the who, than they were about the why, they practically assumed by right it was Seimei, who had been doing all this, why? Because he was sick, and was stupid. What other explanations did people need? They herd that Hao guy mentioned a couple of times, but something told them he had nothing to do with all this…

-he kids have to go back home sometime - said Soubi, not understanding this new measure, staying inside all the time didn't made much sense, if it WAS Seimei, indoors were not going to protect them

-actually – said Ren, who had been occupied on that one more diligently than anyone expected – I talked with the head master, and one of the routes is closed, and the other ones are illegal for school buses, so they have to stay here anyway…. And is probably better, they all will be safer here

-so, - said Ritsuka trying to understand the main, problem in this reunion – I may not understand very clearly, but who is this person? Why is it so important to recover her?.. I don't understand anything? What is this got to do with Seimei and the deaths?- they had so many rotten and broke information, this was almost a puzzle, a vast field full of letters he couldn't separate quite correctly.

-please, let me- said Silver stepping up, looking at a VERY silent Anna -…explain- Anna looked up, as if she couldn't care less, and nodded her head, her silence left everyone cold, it was like the organizational scheme had fallen apart, and they still had to keep moving.

-well….- said silver- seems like is not the first time the combination of all these events, had happened, the Great Spirits falling asleep, the shamans dying, people disappearing… it happened about a hundred years ago; looks like a lot of tragedies happened back then, but the Great spirits, and the shamans united to fix it, and they succeeded, nature came back to a natural order, there are a lot of stories of that time: the thing is the only person alive that we know, that lived in that time, and that helped the Great Spirits was Goldva, so the only person who could have guided us, is not only disappeared, but also…. Well- he seemed sad, angry and confused, how could all this have happened? - is in this situation- he said pointing at the picture – On the other hand, there are, one too many coincidences in all this: first of all there is that person you now disappearing at the same time in the same conditions, second, there is your… well…. Your brother; third the shamans deaths began around the time He appeared, and Goldva disappeared not long after you discovered the message on the cottage, the time and succession of all this, is way too close to be a coincidence.- and incredibly awkward silence followed, everybody's thoughts had gone dark, the possibilities were to many, yet to crazy and despairingly sad, engaged in dark thought, everybody heard the words the fared the most, whispered from Silver – and.. if one thing, we are sure, the last time this happened, Hao wasn't alive- Without giving time to the others to process this information, which assured everybody that Hao wasn't after this, and that they had no idea who or what was causing this, Ritsuka stood up exasperated.

-But this cannot possibly be the only problem you've had to deal with…- he waited but no one answered – without… her… there has to be someone else you can ask for advice-

-the reason we call her is not because we think she has all answers – said Yoh since no one explained this to him, and they all assumed he knew – is because, she is the only one who has a direct connection with the Great Spirits, they answer to her prayers in a different way, besides, she has that much more experience that any…-

-no- Interrupted Anna with a blank expression–she's no the only one – it took everyone a while to understand the meaning of her words,

-THAT!- screamed the recently-arrived Lyserg - is NOT a possibility – his yelling woke up, the group, and then it was all confusion, everybody trying to get they're opinion heard, screaming at each other, calling Hao was not a viable possibility for many of them, who had come here to feel protected, and now felt that the protectors wanted to bring the wolf into the house, it was clear he wasn't CAUSING this, but he could be involved in some way.

-endangering the greatest group of shamans, and school kids is NOT the way to solve this-

-I agree, that cannot be an option-

-but with all of us, it can't be so dangerous-

-well I'm sorry to doubt your incredible skis but Hao is older than any of us, and he has more power than any of us-

-we may have the power, we're stronger together-

-doctor Seuss! Is that you?-

-we didn't 1000 years ago were there was more power and knowledge, What makes you think we have it now?-

-Is not about if we could defeat him, the problem is we're actually considering this…- Lyserg was more than furious – this madness – but a inhumane whistle made everybody shut up, everybody covered their hurting hears as Anna refused to stop the whistle until they were ALL looking at her, after a minute that seemed like an eternity, she stopped and used the microphone

-HIS IS NOT A MARKETPLACE, YOU'RE NOT SELLING SAUSAGES this is an informative reunion, you don't all have a word on the decisions taken – people started to whisper but she made a hint to pull the whistle back in her mouth and everybody shut up and looked at her afraid for their ears – we agreed that the decisions would be taken by the priests, and once those ones are taken, there will be another INFORMATIVE REUNION for now every body is dismissed for dinner – this could get much, much worse than it already was, but IF they called Hao and she convinced him to go and talk then, it would solve one of HER pressing problems, she wouldn't be able to keep secret their relationship with so many people out and about.

-Is widely known and used , and the only possibility right now – an Invocation of the great spirits, was their only chance of asking for advice without a direct connection, at least the only one being discussed after dinner, but after this no comments where made, they had to explore all they're options, and Hao was only their last one.

-well…-began Anna who had been inexplicably silent – we have to try…. I know that no one wants to explore this possibility, but if it doesn't work… - she fell silnt again, no one wanted to explore that idea, no one wanted to finish that sentence – he is the only one with direct connection, unless any of you wants to surprise the rest of us….

-we will only considerate it as a last resort, you have to understand that… many families, many lives, many dreams, were destroyed because of him… by him….- the old Yohmei hadn't said anything yet, and at this point we was the oldest and wisest, they respected the silence as the old man talked.

-there may be another possibility – he began – maybe to use after the invocation…. I understand and support the idea of not considering Hao as a viable option, -then he turned to Anna - I very much respect your opinions Anna, but as head of the Asakura family, I cannot agree with you on this – Anna understood, and answered with a slight respectful bow of her head – It may only be a story –he continued- for I do not know the details. It is said, that one of the things the Great Spirits respond to, is curiosity, and that is picked by strange creatures, we, as shamans have a connection with them… but there is said to be another type of beings, powerful beings, who can use their "forces" to contact them with the help of a shaman – this information clicked on everybody's head – however, I do not have personal knowledge of such being – "he hasn't been present in the resent events and doesn't know of the couples, could it be? And if they are…. No, I NEED to solve this situation as quickly as possible" no one seemed to wanted to explain, so Yoh took about ten minutes to explain it to his grandfather. But Yohmei made no comment on the new-acquired information

-well…. –said silver –that would be a useful solution, it may be stronger than, a simple invocation, we should try both things… Goldva, maintains information about rituals in the old archives, we will investigate it, and then see what we can do… - then he went out of the room, tired of all this and headed with his spirits towards the great library when Goldva had been last seen.

As she opened the cottage's door Yuiko found a basket with fruits and flowers over her bed, after Soubi left, she changed into her pyjamas and, curiously looked at the basket, then discovered a note attached to it

"Yuiko, I'm really sorry about the other day, busyness kept me all day long, I wish you can forgive me, I hope that I can make it up to you tomorrow evening, please meet me at the lower dining room, at 8

Yours truly,

Yoh. "

She wasn't sure she would go, actually, she wasn't sure what to think of the note… apparently Yoh-kun had some connection with Ritsuka-kun, and HE had been out all day too, so she had a reason to believe him. She kept her mind in the matter, while she organized for bed, her parents had taught her to go to bed at eight o'clock, and she was in bed by that time, but her mind was so fully engaged in everything related to Yoh-kun, that she couldn't sleep, and when someone knocked at the door, she stood up, perfectly composed, and opened it, at first not understanding…

-W...Watashi…. Watashi….. WWWWAAAAHHH!

-I couldn't sleep Yuiko – said Yoh, understanding immediately, that she wasn't asleep either – I'm really sorry…

the food at the buffet was really weird today, this kinds of meat she didn't know and all this different things, they said it was international food, but Osamu had always preferred normal Japanese and the pain and hunger were making her angry, she was about to pick pointing with her finger when a voice, warned –if you don't like sweet and sour you shouldn't get that- she turned happy to hear a familiar voice, and smiled in a tender way she usually didn't, this was a first Ren had seen in her face and was unsettle at first

-I…. don't know any of it, but I do like sweet and sour a little-

-what do you prefer- "what am I? her nanny?"- of Japanese

-mmmm sour…-

-then you want to get the third menu, is the one that most resembles it-

-mmm- she asked for it and waited 'till it was ready, he looked at her from behind, after having ordered

-can I sit with you?- he was surprised, but she had already picked a table and was waiting HIM to sit

-…. How's you foot?-

-I have to see Faust after lunch-

-mmm- "they said…" – I have to talk with him too… - another silence – after lunch. Do you mind if I come with you?- most of his actions an words didn't match in her mind, but it didn't take her long to answer: being so far apart from Ritsuka it made her happy to have someone accompanying her.

-well- said Silver after Soubi and Ritsuka entered the room, they were the last ones, since the letter, that to informed them of a reunion, had arrived only a couple of minutes ago - I found the special ritual, but it would take, not only a lot of energy, but, time, we are not sure we can perform it without Goldva, and we are not sure they would answer.-

-but, the first one could work… - said Ritsuka, who didn't understand what takes place in a ritual – the second is only in case of emergency-

-what silver is saying – explained Soubi – is that they may not have enough energy for both rituals, and they are not sure which would work (if any) –

silence fell in the room, why weren't they concentrating in recovering Goldva instead of all this?, why didn't they call someone who could help? This situation, wasn't only out of hand, but no one seemed to notice that it was. They would have to take a decision anyhow, so why sweat it now?... well the kid didn't seem to understand the undertakings of a ritual, and what would happen to those involved if it didn't work, which could be one of their most serious problems since he was taking part in it…. He was the most important thing altogether….

-we can study it –said Yoh – can't we? Take energy from different places, see the common elements between the two rituals and then mix them up so is not that difficult

-wait!- said silver – we hadn't said we are going to make any of the rituals…. Is WAY too dangerous. Specially for them-

-I can take care of us if master decides….-

-I don't think that is your choice, we will decide as a group, which is the only way we are ALL gong to survive –

-which your not even sure about…-

- I don't need to be, I trust all of you-

-it doesn't matter, we are not sure if we want a part in this…. Our tribes have been collecting all this knowledge for centuries, we are not just going to give it away, without practicing it –

-what do you suggest we do then?-

-I don't understand, what is the REAL problem with this ritual? What would it entail?-

-it doesn't matter, because we are not going to do it- said one of Silver's companions – like I said, is too dangerous –

-the worst that could happen is that we die…. And that is pretty much MY choice –

no one could argue with that, if this choice was anybody's, it was the child's. – I should be able to decide shouldn't I?-

-well…- Anna had been quiet pondering the possibilities, everybody was acting as if the dangers of this ritual were a new fact, what on earth could be THAT powerful, and not dangerous? She couldn't say anything about Hao before they came to a conclusion, it would bring suspicions over her, which at such a critical time, she couldn't afford to have- if it really can give us the information we want… I'd rather have two deaths, than two hundred –

-wait – said Yoh, worried – we're seriously considering this? –

-YOU are not – said Silver looking at Ritsuka and Soubi – THEY are –

-that's right – said his companion – is your decision weather or not to participate, we'll tell you all can about the ritual, and THEN you will have two or three days to decide – silence, as everyone considered this- with all the information in your hands- they were all looking at them, they knew this was a real solution, but if they backed out…

-Why do THEY have to choose? – said Len, again opposing the decision – we are the ones dying, we should force them if they're egocentric enough to deny their help, why should we listen to them?-

-because- answered an exasperated Anna – the sacrifice must be willing

-what sacrifice? – asked Ritsuka turning pale

-wait, will you listen it all?... to decide?-

-yes - said Soubi, looking at Ritsuka, worried, that he would say yes to the ritual without considering it first, he knew it meant he could be opposing to Ritsuka's wished, but if he had the opportunity to convince him to put his life over their, we was going to take it

-did he say if he is going to do it?- asked Seimei after hearing about the ritual in which his little brother was to take place

-do what?- asked Marco entering the room after one of his visits to Goldva, but Seimei just ignored his question and answered it with another – aren't you supposed to be threatening Goldva? –

-she said something you might be interested in – he said, not iking to report to this guy

I don't think so-

-apparently- he continued ignoring the comment-there is a way in which the other shamans can communicate with the great spirits –

-this is not you task Marco – said Seimei, looking with a deceiving smile at him – I do not like it when fighters take attributions, as if they were free to think for themselves, it makes me want to prove them wrong –

-this could involve your…-

-SHUT HIM UP!- it was almost a whisper but, it resounded in Marco's ears, as crumpets, he had just time to notice that feeling, when a piercing pain shot through his chest sending him flying to the wall behind him, he had no idea how Nisei had hit him, but blood was coming out of his chest and he couldn't speak

-you have no right to talk about my brother…- Nisei looked out the window as if looking for someone to appear, while Marco tried to stand up crying out of pain – as for the ritual they are planning to involve my brother in, I already know… and its just a bit of a show-

Marco didn't answer, though the wounds in his chest were already healing, he didn't look impressed at Seimei knowing, he smiled but again said nothing, this angered Seimei enough so that he would answer – Soubi won't let him die… his in love with the boy – Marco still didn't answer but is smile grew bigger, he completely stood up, then made a bow and a hint to leave the room, but he felt Nisei's hand in his arm

-answer- said Seimei calmly – what are you smiling at?-

-he is in no danger of dying in that ritual – he waited but Seimei said nothing, so he continued – he is in danger of awakening – something clicked on Seimei's head, but his expression didn't change – I hope you know ALL the other implications of the ritual. That is all –

- Nisei… -

- all I heard was that they had enough energy, with Aoyagi-sama to call on those things – again Seimei didn't look surprised, he was just a bit more serious than before and then he looked back at Marco

- explain –

- the ritual they are to perform is a summoning ritual – no one answered, so he went on – on these rituals, the is often sacrifices used for various reasons, one of them is to interest the spirit you're invoking, the other is to give it power to manifest in a physical plane, and "do things for you", in this case, give them information, on what s going on. Now, shamans do this all the time, and great spirits are often offered the same things, so giving them a different species of magic…. Well… it interests them more, besides, a couple like them is a lot of energy and power for a great spirit to use -

-what does it mean sacrifice, you said he wasn't in danger of dying –

-he isn't, they would only use part of their blood, which wouldn't only connect them to each other…. It would also connect them to the spiritual world…-

-which would definitely break my bond with Soubi, the seal you have on him…-

-and awaken Ritsuka-sama – finished a really surprised Nisei

-Why use them, why not anybody else?- asked Seimei, temporarily ignoring Nisei's stupidity, he looked calmed and controlled

-two main reasons – Marco said surprised this wasn't getting Seimei more angry – sacrificing something unknown is more interesting to the spirits and second… well, they have a more closer relationship with their… real names, than shamans do, which makes the invocation A LOT easier –

- why blood?-

- Blood: first, holds energy very well; it has an ability to process ambient energy, gives the spirit using it, access to the donors energy, and gives the donor a certain power over the spirit…- he was surprised, but then, Seimei smiled again

- I think Goldva is missing you…. Why don't you go take care of her for a while – before he had chance to left the room, Seimei's voice sounded again, - Nisei, bring one of the yes in the freezer and a piece of paper, then you can accompany Marco. – Nisei bowed and they both left the room, as Seimei began to make a draft on his notebook

"Beloved brother

I have recently heard, of some dreadful plans, you have with that people you are so close with lately; it worries me that they could be TOO close to you, but you need not to worry, because I will take out of the way all the trash that stands in your way to meet me.

Missing you

Seimei"