To be With You Once More Time


Chapter 8: Like We Used to be


"She's not in the bath, Riko-chan. I guess she's already finished and went upstair…

"Aww, no fun!"

The two girls walk back from the onsen to the inn's corridor. A pout can be seen on the red-haired girl as they go upstair to Chika's bedroom.

"Chika-chan... Are you there?!" the ash-haired girl carefully knocking her friend's door. To no avail, there's no response coming from the other side of the room.

Without a single word, the ash-haired girl glances towards her company. The red-haired girl only nods affirmatively when their eyes meet.

"Excuse us..."

She slowly turns the doorknob. A creeking voice slowly reverberating when the door carefully opened, revealing a peacefully sleeping orange-haired girl on the only bed in that room.

"She falls asleep already… uuuu"

"See?! I told you to finish your work quickly, Riko-chan. Now look! She fell asleep waiting for us to come home."

"Mou! You should remind me earlier before, You-chan. You know that I always get too immersed when I do it…"

"...Whatever, Riko-chan! Just do 'it' now."

"Right… How could that I almost forgot about that…"

The two girls then approach to where the orange-haired girl peacefully sleeping before turning off the lamp.

"Now, excuse us... Chika-chan."

oOo

"..."

"It feels warm..."

I wonder why it feel so comfortable and warmer compared than before. I still remember that I was in my room before, waiting for You and Riko to come back.

"I guess I accidentally fell asleep while waiting for them." I try opening my eyes, only to find that I'm not in my room anymore.

"Is this a dream?"

I find myself on an unknown junction. The Junction divides to three paths. Two of them are a simple soiled roads, while the last one is a path made of soiled stairs.

What made me confused the most is because some kind of smoke obscuring what lies further down the two soiled roads on my left and right. To make it worse, the smoke was purple in color, making it looked like a leaked miasma in appearance. The only path that isn't obscured and blocked by the smoke is the stairs.

"I guess I'll try to check this path first."

I look carefully onto the stairs. It resembles to stairs that led to a certain shrine I saw when I was going to Tokyo with my mother and my sisters several years ago. It look different though. The one in my memory was newly paved, unlike this soiled one. It also doesn't have the handrail installed on the middle section of the stairs like the one I saw.

I slowly walk on the stairs. A silhouette of building began rising as each step bring me closer to the stairs other end.

Several moments later, I finally reach the top. A building stood firmly there.

And it was familiar building.

A shrine...

From the construction to the ornaments, everything is the same with the one I remembered.

Perhaps, the only difference I notice is the fact that the one in my memory is somehow look older compared to this one.

"Is this Kanda shrine?"

I look at the surrounding of the shrine. As I thought, everything around it is different with the one in my memory. The only thing that remains the same is the shrine itself.

"Starting from today, she'll be under our care."

"Rest assured! Well teach her everything properly."

I planned to look around more, but before I could do so, a voice took my attention first.

I just noticed that there are three adults right in front of the shrine. A woman with long reddish hair wearing a pink kimono, along with a taller man with silvery short hair. They're talking to another woman in front of them. Their company sports a a short orange colored hair. She's rather short compared to the woman and man in front of her. A little girl with a same orange hair standing right beside the shorter woman, most likely the shorter woman's daughter. Her small hand holding onto the shorter woman's right hand.

"Mom… Please don't leave me..."

The shorter woman turns her attention towards her little daughter, she smiles seeing her little daughter before lowering herself and patting the little girls head.

"Mom?!"

I accidentally blurted a word the moment I saw the shorter woman's face. luckily though, no one there notice it somehow.

It seems that they can't see me at all.

Also, if the woman was really my mother, then, that would mean…

"Don't worry, I'll visit you periodically, Chika…"

"B-but…"

The girl; the younger version of me pleads, her voice trembles as she's on the verge of crying. She looked into her mother's eyes once again.

A sincere smile is shown on mother's face. Her hand still carefully stroking the younger version of me slowly.

"You'll be fine here, Chika... Beside, you won't be alone here."

Huh?

"Meet Riko-chan and and You-chan!" mother's hand gestured towards where the man and woman who had talk with her before, only then I notice that there are another two children behind them.

Wait… Riko and You?

A question suddenly appeared in my mind as the woman mentioned You's and Riko's name.

Something was off. The older Riko and You mentioned to me before that they knew me long before I lost my memory and adopted by my mother.

If it was true, then why my adoptive mother was here, introducing the younger version of me to the younger You and Riko?

What the meaning of this?

Two little girls can be seen peeking from behind the red-haired woman and the silver-haired man. The one that looks like the younger version of Riko has her hair tied into two ponytails while the one who looks like the younger version of You still keeping the same hairstyle despite being a bit shorter than the current You I know. Younger You grinning ear to ear while younger Riko quickly glanced to the side shyly.

"They'll be your friends while you train here."

"I-It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Sakurauchi Riko." the young red-haired girl bowed herself gracefully.

"I'm Watanabe You, nice to meet you, Yousoro!"

"Yousoro?" the younger version of me tilted her head in confusion.

"Yes, Yosoro! What's your name? the ash haired girl asks energetically."

"Ah! Sorry… I'm Takami Chika… N-nice to meet you too."

The moment my younger version introduced herself, everything around me turns gray and freeze.

"W-what happened?!"

I'm in panic. But the freeze doesn't last long. Time starting to move again some seconds later faster than before. It seems to be fast-forwarded as everything turned into blur of lines that lasting for some times.

oOo

"Mou, You-chan! Stop messing around!"

"You too, Chika-chan! We will get punished if we get caught for skipping our practice!"

I get back into my sense when hearing Riko's voice. The fast-forward has probably been stopped.

Everything's back to their normal pace.

Some times has probably passed since the first time the three girls met. Judging from the younger You and my reaction towards Riko's scold.

"It's fine, Riko-chan! You's voice take me back from my own thought. Chika-chan and I already get the gist of what your parents taught us last time."

"Now the only thing we need to do is performing it perfectly so that we can summon a guardian spirit and seal the pact."

Younger Riko only sighs weakly hearing what the ash-haired little girl said.

"Look… it's probably just me being paranoid. But I think you're taking things too leisurely, You-chan."

"...am I?"

The red-haired younger girl nods instantly seeing the ash-haired girl tilted her head in confusion.

"There, there, Riko-chan… I'm sure that You-chan didn't mean it… She just acted that way so that she won't be nervous when we go for the real thing soon."

"I hope you're right, Chika-chan…"

"Then, how about this… why don't we do the summoning together?!" a wide grin was shown on You's face when she proposed her idea out of sudden.

"Together?"

Yes, so that Riko-chan could make sure that Chika-chan and I won't messed up the ritual.

"You-chan…"

Riko's face turns dark after hearing the reason behind You's idea. It seems that the red-haired girl would explode anytime soon.

"Pfffft…"

"Ahahahaha…"

"Huh? What's so funny Chika-chan?"

Both You and Riko give a confused look seeing the orange-haired younger girl rolled on the floor.

"I-its nothing actually. it's just kind of funny seeing you two bantering around."

"I wish something like this will stay forever."

Riko and You stand in silence for a solid five seconds before they smiled.

"Then, how about this… Let's make a promise…"

This time, it was Riko who proposes her idea.

"A promise?"

"Yes, let's make a promise that after we finish with our training in this place, we'll always be together until we became old no matter what."

"Aaah! Thats interesting Riko-chan! Count me in!"

"How about you, Chika-chan?"

"It's a promise then…"

"Then, show your pinky finher to me You-chan, Chik-chan!"

From now on, after we finish with our training…

...even after we grow old…

Well be always together.

Three small pinky fingers intertwined against each other before a white light filling my vision.

oOo

The first thing I see when I opening my eyes is the ceiling of my bedroom. Several chirps coming from outside. The sun's ray creeping through the small gap on the door to my balcony.

Its morning already, huh? I glanced to the clock on my desk, showing it was eight past five minutes in the morning.

On a normal occasion I would have rushed to wake up because I would have been late for going to school. Luckily there's no class for today since it's Sunday. I guess lazing around for one or two more hours is fine for now.

"...?"

I was confused when I find that there's something on my bed that prevented me from moving my body. Only then that I noticed that something warm coiling around my body loosely like yesterday morning.

I carefully slipped my right hand out of the coils and grip the end of my blanket. An image of an almost similar situation yesterday played in my mind.

No… please not that kind of situation again!

Gulping my own saliva once, I quickly pull the blanket. And much to my horror, the familiar two girls sleeping peacefully on the right and left side of me. Their arms coiling onto my body. of course like before, none of them wore even a single strand of thread on their body.

Luckily though, I managed to not scream this time. Perhaps since it was the second time they did this.

So, what should I do now?

Afraid of waking the two girls up, I ended stay still in my current position while carefully eyeing Riko and You in their slumber. Their expression was so serene that it reminded me back to the younger version of Riko and You in my dream.

I can't help myself seeing the two. At the end I instinctively ruffle both girl's hair gently. A low hum-like purr came out of their mouth. Their breath hitch for a moment before slowly waking up.

"Morning, You-chan, Riko-chan…"

"Morning, Chika-chan!"

The two girls seem to be still sleepy as I notice that Riko carefully scratching her eyes while You yawns widely.

"So, mind telling me why I find two of you on my bed when I woke up?"

The two girls twitch in reflex hearing the question.

"Don't each of you have your own bedroom already, I wonder..."

I'm sure that mother mentioned that both of them would occupy the room next to mine when we had dinner last night.

"W-we can explain it, Chika-chan." the two girls sat themselves while their body trembled in horror as they saw the glistened light on my eyes slowly fading.

"And where did your clothes go?"

"H-hieeeee!"

The two shriek in an instant as my darkened expression appeared only 5 centimeters away from their faces.

In a quick move, I brought down two karate chops onto their head.

"Ouch!"

"Mou! I don't know what's inside your mind You-chan, Riko-chan! This is the second time I find you two naked on my bed."

"We can explain it Chika-chan!"

"See here you two, as a girl you both should…"

CREAK!

I was going to lecture the two girls a little more. But the words is cut before they even come out as I heard something from behind me.

I turned my body 180 degree in response, only to see a familiar eye peeking through the gap between my bedroom's door.

The eye had seen everything, including You and Riko who were completely naked.

On my bed…

Along with me.

"Mito-nee?!" I swear that I can see her wide grin before the door was closed swiftly.

oOo

"So, how do you feel today, Chika?" It's breakfast time when mother asked about my condition.

"I never felt better before, mom... To tell the truth I was quite surprised that most of the wounds are healed already..."

Thanks to Riko-chan and You-chan for tending me yesterday.

I don't said it loud because of some reasons though…

"C-Chika-chan..."

"Hmph!"

I ignore both You and Riko. I'm still a bit cranky because of what happened this morning.

"Hey. What happened last night between you three?!" Still munching her food, Mito-nee jabs her elbow to my side. Her tone is playful, clearly not letting the chance to tease me go away.

"I-It's nothing!"

"Oooh, really? I wonder if what I saw this morning is really 'nothing'..."

"Mito, at least finish your food first before talking. It's rude you know..."

"Sorry, Shima-nee..."

Before Shima-nee can scold Mito-nee more, our attention is taken by a sudden breaking news shown on the TV.

"Huh? It's quite rare that they air a short breaking news at time like this."

"You're right, Mito. I guess it's really important then."

We watch in silence as the presenter on the screen announced that last night several high-school students from Uranohoshi had missing.

To make it worse, the presenter also mentioned that this morning some resident claimed that they found several remains of bodies near the dock.

And based on those remains, they concl that they belong to the missing students.

No one know who actually did this slaughter, but based on the investigation held by the joint of local police officers and the monks, it was concluded that the culprit is most likely a horde of stray spirits.

What was shown on the television screen is horrible, even though the remains are completely blurred, it still bring discomfort to whoever watch it.

Luckily, Shima-nee grabbed the remote before turning off the TV.

"Chika."

"Yes, Shima-nee?"

"Please be careful next time... You made us worried back then when you returned in that condition yesterday."

So, my sisters thought that I was attacked by spirit yesterday? At least it's better than if they know that I was actually bullied again.

"Yes, I'm sorry... I'll be more careful the next time."

"Good... Now, mind telling me why you seems kind of mad towards You-chan and Riko-chan?"

"..."

"Sorry, it was actually our fault..."

Riko's head droops when she admitted what had caused my mood drop.

"You-chan and I were really tired after we returned last night. Actually we planned to check on Chika-chan's first, but we ended falling asleep together with Chika-chan on her bed..."

"R-Riko-chan?!"

It was too late. Blood rushed to my face hearing Riko blurts almost everything to my mother and my two sisters.

"Hooo... I never thought that our Chika-chan would be so bold like this." Mito-nee tried to hold her laugh while she endlessly teasing me.

Please stop it you two, don't embarrass me more than this. Luckily Shima-nee and mother only smile when they heard it.

"And to make it worse, she found us hugging her like a bolster while we were na-Mpphhhtchikwa-cwan?!"

The red-haired girl almost turns it into a nightmare for me by trying to reveal what happened next that time. How can I face my sister and mom if she said all that.

"Thanks for the food mom, I just remembered I promised You-chan and Riko-chan to show them around town. I think it's better if we go now."

Reflexively, I cover Riko's mouth using my hand before dragging the two girls out of the dining room, leaving a stunned Mito-nee, Shima-nee and mother. Good thing my mind works fast at times like this.

"..."

"Well, I guess my teasing ends here..."

oOo

"Mou, Riko-chan! You almost spilled everything!"

"Ahahaha… my bad…"

My heart still beating fast thanks to the sudden surge of adrenaline. My face is still as red as tomato. I can't imagine how Mito-nee would teasing me endlessly if she saw everything since the very beginning.

"Sorry, Chika-chan."

"It's fine…"

"Eh?"

"So, you don't mad at us anymore?"

"Hmph! What had happened in the past is a past. I'm still mad of course!"

The two girls hesitated as they saw me pouting.

"Sorry…"

"If you two still feeling bad, then how about this…"

"I have a favor to ask from you two You-chan, Riko-chan."

"What is it, Chika-chan?"

Without waiting, I bow myself towards the two girls, catching them by surprise.

"Please teach me how to fight…"

"To tell the truth, I hate fighting." a memory of several years ago comes back in my mind. It's when I was bullied for the first time. I fought back with all of might and won.

Still, it ended in an unexpected way. The bullies telling lies to their parents and accused that it was me attack them first. It had forced my mother to apologize to them, asking a forgiveness for something that I actually never did.

"..." The two girls look intently to me. They surely know what happened several years back even though that they were in their dog form and never showing their current human form back then.

"Are you sure, Chika-chan?"

"Yes You-chan…"

"I want to be strong. Not because I want to get a payback from what the bullies have done to me until now. I want to be strong so that I know how to protect myself."

"I hate it when I see my mother went to them begging for forgiveness of something her daughter never did. But seeing the sadness on their face when they find me getting hurt..."

"I hate it even more…"

The two girls look at each other when hearing my resolve. You grins ear to ear while a small laugh come from Riko.

"If Chika-chan say so, I guess we have no choice then, You-chan."

"Alright, Chika-chan. If you want to be strong that badly, we will teach you everything we know about combat."

"Thank you You-chan, Riko-chan."

"Then, since today is Sunday, how about starting it now?"

oOo

I follow the two girl from behind. After hearing my request, the two girl decided to bring me somewhere.

They had asked me to change my clothes before so that it wouldn't hindrance my movement while keeping me warm still when we were outside. It's in the middle of Autumn after all. Good thing I told mom that I'm going to show them around town. Of course I also said that we'll be doing some combat training for our school assignment. Mom didn't really look pleased but well what else can I say to her.

I changed into a dark shirt with long sleeves. I put another red colored shirt with shorter sleeves on the darker one. You wears a black tank top under her blue and white shirt and a blue cap on her head while Riko choose to wear a mainly pink colored jacket.

"So, what will we do Riko-chan, You-chan?"

"We'll train you of course Chika-chan… But first we need to go to a certain place first so that we could teach you."

"It would be a suitable place for training."

Suitable for training, I wonder where that is. After some time, we finally reach our destination. I looked towards where Riko's finger pointed. It's a stairway near the base of a hill in Awashima. The stairs lead to a small shrine on the said hill.

"..."

"Huh? is there something wrong, Chika-chan?"

Riko asks the moment she noticed that I'm spacing out when I looked towards the place where they choose for the training.

"Ah! It's nothing, Riko-chan."

I lied. It's true that there's nothing wrong with this place actually. However, this place had bring me some unpleasant memory.

The stairs is indeed leading to a small hill where a small shrine has stand for years. But on the halfway climb to the hill, there's a small passageway branching from the stairs climbing to the hill. It leads to a part where you can see the sea directly.

And there, lie two tombstones. A mark for two of my friends who rest there eternally.

Kanan-chan… Maru-chan...

"Are you ready Chika-chan?" You's words brought me back from the reminiscence.

"For the training, You-chan?"

The ash-haired girl shake her head hearing my question. "For warming up, of course"

"We'll run from the bottom, until we reach the small shrine on that hill. There, we can start your training."

"N-No way…"

"You want to be strong right, Chika-chan? If yes, this is the only way we know to teach you about combat."

"Uuu, fine… let's do this then."

"Yosh! The last one reaching the shrine must treat the other two free drinks!"

And then the two girls dashed towards the stairs out of sudden.

"Ah! That's cheating You-chan! Riko-chan!"

oOo

Hah… Hah… Hah…

I desperately grasping for air. It had been some time since we start climbing the stairs to the small shrine. You is quite far ahead, seemingly not even losing a lot of energy while Riko isn't too far ahead from my current position right now. On several occasion, she glances back at me, making sure that I was fine.

"C'mon Chika-chan, You can do it! We almost there!"

"Hah… It's easier said than done, Riko-chan… hah… hah…"

Still, what Riko had said is true. I can see the end of the stairs not too far from You's current position now. Just a little bit more…

After the struggle for climbing the rest of the stairs for several more minute, we finally reach the top of the hill.

"Hah… Hah… I'm worn out…"

"Good work, Chika-chan!"

You offers me a towel to wipe the sweat on my face. I gladly accepted it while I comfortable sitting down on the soil. I didn't care whether it would make my pants dirty or not. I'm exhausted to the rate that I think I got cramps on my legs.

"Since it's Chika-chan who got the last position, it means that Chika-chan owe us two a drink, right,?! Ahaha..."

"Mou! That's because you and Riko-chan got a head start, You-chan! it's unfair you know!"

"Maaa… You-chan was only joking, Chika-chan. Even without a head start, we know that none of us could beat You-chan when it comes to athletics.

"Ahahaha, like usual… You know me well, Riko-chan. For now, let's take a fifteen minutes rest first before we started on the actual training."

"Okay, I bring drinks for us. You want some Chika-chan, You-chan?"

"Waa! Riko-chan, You're the best!"

Without waiting, I grab one of the three water bottles from Riko.

Fifteen minutes passed quickly as we took some time to cool down while chattering. My ragged breath had return to its normal pace by now.

"Should we start now Riko-chan, Chika-chan?"

"Okay You-chan!"

"I'll be in your care You-sensei, Riko-sensei!"

"First, summon Mikan first and perform your 'Soul Release' Chika-chan?"

"Sure!"

Without wasting any time, I take the ornate mirror hanging on my neck before closing my eyes and concentrating. Small ripples appear on the air in front of the ornate mirror before it slowly became bigger and a golden-furred fox appeared from beneath the ripples.

"Kyuuu!"

"Waa! Mi-Mikan!"

The fox spirit suddenly jumps towards me the moment it answered to my summoning making me falling onto the ground because of the unexpected momentum. It snuggled its snouts several times to my cheeks.

"Kyuuu!"

Right, I just remembered that I forcibly sent it back to its plane the last time when I was attacked by the bullies. It must be worried about what happened to me after that.

"I'm fine, Mikan… Sorry for making you worried…"

"Kyuu!" mikan only nods before it licks the tip of my nose with its small tongue. it moves itself aside after several moment, letting me to stand up again.

"Now, let's do this, Mikan!"

"Kyuuu!"

The fox spirit transforms itself into a ball of yellowish aura before launching itself towards me and once again transformed itself into the an ornate ritual dagger on my hand.

"Soul Release: Taiyouji!"

"Good, Chika-chan! Now, do you remember seeing other 'Soul Release'? Aside from You-chan's Shiranui and my Kaguyamori of course."

"Do you notice something different?"

Yeah I remember, Kiyo-san gauntlet, Mimori-sensei spear, I also have seen many 'Soul Release' from my friends and mine also. But there's something bugging me about those 'Soul Release' different from what I have…..

"Ah, I know Riko-chan, apart from mine, you girls, and Mimori sensei. Their soul release looks incomplete and spewing out aura uncontrollably. Even Kiyo-san gauntlet didn't look complete, it's also spewing out aura."

"That's right Chika-chan, that's where the difference between perfect 'Soul Release' and incomplete ones. Perfect 'Soul Release' like yours, me, You-chan, and Mimori-sensei looks like an actual weapon with ornate decorations. Only those whose able to do perfect 'Soul Release' will be able to draw out their spirit full power."

"But then Riko-chan, why does yours and You-chan doesn't engulfed in any aura at all?"

Yeah that's strange, aura is supposed to engulf the weapon and your body. It acts as an energy for the 'Soul Release' and to protect the user too from spirit attacks.

"fufu…. nice question. It will be quicker if I show you. Come Mirraji."

As she said that, Mirraji quickly transforms into a naginata on riko's hands. Then she engulf it with a huge aura which length at least 5 meter before slashing a nearby branch with a quick motion. Then the aura on her naginata quickly dissipates.

"Do you understand now Chika-chan? It's not that my naginata doesn't have any aura surrounds it. I purposely didn't engulf it with aura. this way I suppress my aura consumption and focusing my attack so it will have more strength than just engulfing all of it with aura. You-chan can also do it, this is how experienced fighter will do things because there's no guarantee every battle will be quick. You have to save and rest whenever you can."

"Using that technique you could use your power when you need it, it's a pretty convenient tactic." You chips in.

I see with that I could minimize my power consumption by a lot. That's a pretty vital technique to master.

"Also Chika-chan by using that technique, you can do things like this too."

With those words, You engulf her katana with massive aura then slash it to the nearby tree, toppling all of them like it's made of paper. Seriously? Just by focusing your aura, the blade could be that powerful?

"So Chika-chan this will be your top priority for training today, so without further ado…"

CLANG

I subconsciously hold out my dagger right in front of my body. You's Shiranui presses hard against my Taiyouji's. Ugh what are you doing You?! aren't we supposed to practice today?

"Your face seems like saying you have no idea about what am I doing Chika-chan. It's obvious isn't it? the only way to get real experience is by battle so that's what we'll do."

"Also it's no fun if you don't put your life on the line, so I'll be doing my best to almost kill you. Don't worry Riko-chan can heal you so there won't be any scratch on you tomorrow."

What is this girl saying, is she joking?

"Nah I'm deadly serious Chika-chan, Ready or not, Full speed ahead."

CLANG

Now another slash to my chest, kuh she haven't even engulf her sword with her aura and there's already this much force in it. No other choice then, I'll have to fight her, for my own sake.

oOo

CLANG!

The sound of steel clashes with steel echoed in the air as You's blade met mine. Roughly ten minutes has been passed since my training combat against You started, my breathing started became heavy. This is not good I won't last at this rate.

"Chika-chan, don't just parry my attack! Try focusing your aura more on your dagger!" a wide horizontal swipe from You's blade come from my right. My instinct screams at me, telling me that I don't have enough time to parry.

Dodge it!

I duck in an instant to avoid the incoming slash.

"Nice choice, Chika-chan!"

"But you won't learn how to focus your aura on your dagger at this rate."

"Mou! It's easier said than done, You-chan!"

"Then, I guess I should step up my game to force you to do it. If you can't do this then we'll end our training for today. There's no merit to continue after all if you can't do at least this much."

Much to my horror, the cyan colored aura dances around You's Shiranui became smaller. But judging from how it slowly lost its transparency and became darker in color as time passed by, it's clear that the aura surrounding the blade became denser and denser.

Crap!

You's style on offense mostly relying on her own speed, added with Akitu's power and sharpness as Shiranui, and seeing her fight against Riko yesterday make me realize that she haven't been serious at all for the last ten minutes.

Her blade raised onto her eyes level once again. The hilt is only several centimeters apart from the left side of her head. The blade gleams as it was pointed right at me. But unlike her previous battle stance, the ash-haired girl leans her body forward.

"You won't be able to dodge this, Chika-chan…"

"And at current rate your body won't hold against an unending consecutive strikes."

"Here's my last advice. Don't think about whether you'll be able to do it or not."

"Just close your eyes and focus. Feel the aura flows from your whole body to a single place."

The ash-haired girl is right. At this rate the only thing I can do is to focus my whole aura solely onto my dagger at least to the same level with what she had done to parry it.

I guess I had no other choice…

I close my eyes, while trying to breathe rhythmically to focus myself. It's harder than before considering my ragged breaths.

Focus…

Imagine that the warmth on your whole body starting to flow and accumulate on one spot, the blade of the dagger itself.

"Prepare yourself, Chika-chan!"

I give no reply as I still focusing myself. The warmth I felt on my body starting to flow back to my right hand.

"FIFTH KAGURA, WHIRLWIND DANCE!"

Not good, at this rate I won't last. Realizing that, I quickly cover my body with the aura and hold my ground instead of channeling them to the dagger.

SLASH!

"Urk!"

SLASH SLASH SLASH

I can feel the pressure from You's unending attack. It doesn't cause much pain since I'm focusing all of my aura to defense.

Still, the fact that the pain slowly feel more and more intense as the unending attack continues telling me that it will be the ending of my training today if I don't do anything soon.

"I said it before, Chika-chan! your aura won't be able to defend you if you keep using it this way!" the ash-haired girl screamed. She moved around me in an incredible speed while continuously striking me with her blade.

Ugh she's right, I'll only worn myself out at this rate, at the very least I have to push her back. But how could I do that if I cannot see where her sword from.

Ugh think Chika, think! Just this once use your brain, even if I can't see I could still feel her sword when it's about to slash to me, so if I follow that trajectory I should be able to push her back. But can I do it, no there's no time to think the only way now is forward.

Focusing my all to feel her sword slash, I bend my body to minimize the damage from her sword then slammed my body to her.

"Oof"

With strange word the ashe-haired girl is pushed back, finally some breathing room. I began to focus my aura to my blade again.

"Hm, nice decision there Chika-chan but the next one is the real deal. If you don't parry my katana with your blade, it will be the end."

"SECOND KAGURA, GUST LEAP!"

'KYUUU'

Right when the ash-haired girl released her second technique, I feel Mikan still in its dagger form gently pulling my right hand. Only then I finally realize that the warmth that used to cover my body has accumulated on my dagger completely.

"NOW!

Sensing an incoming danger that moves fast like a striking bullet from above, I quickly close my eyes and focusing my all to feel where her sword is coming from. I bring the dagger on my hands upward with determination on my eyes to parry the incoming blow.

CLANG!

Once again steel and steel met. The clash between the two metals has caused several sparks to fly out from them. There's a surprised look on You's face before she leapt back and land two meters from where I stand.

"Hehe… Finally you manage to do it, Chika-chan…" gone was the surprised look on the ash-haired girl. An adorned smile was plastered on her face instead.

"Look at your dagger now."

"Whoa!"

The dagger on my right hand remains the same like before. However, now I can see a glistening yellowish aura jutted out from the blade. It was roughly twice the original blade's length, increasing its range of use.

"Thank you for teaching me, You-chan!"

"Don't mention it Chika-chan… That's what a friend usually do."

"Shall we continue then, You-chan?"

Noticing that I brandish my dagger once again, the ash-haired girl eagerly grinned.

"Why not?!"

With a strong kick, You quickly dashed again to me. Mimicking what the ash-haired girl did I dashed towards her.

"?!"

Without any warning, I feel something dreadful creeping behind my back. cold sweat begin pouring on my back as a natural response from my body.

"What's this?"

"Not good, at this rate I'll die."

"Uwaaa!"

I jump to my left, trying to dodge something that fast approaching from behind. A fireball lunges straight on its track where I stood several seconds ago. Before my mind can process what just happened, You slashes the fireball into two. The two halves then hit some trees, burning them to charcoal.

I scan the entire area. A red glowing jewel with the kanji for 'flame' inscribed on it. Strangely it looked familiar to the beads of a certain someone necklaces.

Which could only means….

"Fufufu.."

Sweats start dripping profusely down my back. Oh please not her again. Filled with dread I turned my face to that red haired demon.

"Fufufu... as expected from our Chika-chan. Your sensing had become better. Just yesterday you couldn't even dodge that trash attack and now you could parry You's blade with eyes closed. aaaahh as expected from our Chika-chan."

"Riko-chan, what are you doing?! You would have turned me into a roasted orange if I didn't dodge it you know!"

"Yet, you managed to dodge it right? Fufu… aaaaahhh that's why you're so irresistible Chika-chan."

Damn! She's in her sadist queen mode?! At a time like this?

"Since Chika-chan is getting better, I'll join the fray too."

"I-I think fighting against You-chan for now is more than enough for training… Beside I doubt that I could survive against your naginata play, Riko-chan…"

"Oh rest assured Chika-chan... I won't use my naginata like when I fought against You-chan yesterday. Remember, I promised to make you into my target practicing after all, fufu..." Riko casually laughs when she saw the horrified look on my face.

"God"

"Fucking"

"Dammit!"

So she's really serious when she said that she would make me into her shooting target for practice yesterday?!

"Ara! Ara! I never thought that our Chika-chan knew such bad words." The smile on Riko's face grew wider.

"Bad girl must be punished, right You-chan?" Riko slowly reaching for Kaguyamori on her neck before pulling it until the string snapped. However, the red colored beads that was held by the string don't fall to the ground. They are hovering on the air instead. Then, Riko rips some red talismans and threw them to the air.

"Sun Hymne, Second Verse. Crimson Ensemble."

The talismans glow brightly before it got absorbed by the hovering beads. Each of the beads start to glow in bright crimson color. The kanji for 'flame' then appears on all of the beads' surface.

I can only stare in horror as each beads then start to surround me, preparing to barrage me with fireballs.

"Now I'm ready Chika-chan. Let me explain about those beads first. My Kaguyamori's has the power to condense and empower my spirit magic. both my talisman and naginata is actually a part of my Kaguyamori too."

"Oh and also even though each beads is separated, they are still capable of condensing my energy thanks to thin line of aura that connect them to me. This way I could use them as remote weapons, pretty neat right Chika-chan?"

"Ah, please don't look grim like that. I already set the output to the lowest of course so you won't die…. Probably." Said Riko as she smiled widely while closing onto me. Each beads starts to move around positioning themselves to barrage me.

"Kyuuuu….."

Yeah Mikan I know even if you don't say it. One wrong move and I will really become a roasted orange. Damn this perverted sadist, I didn't even know anymore whether that she want to teach me or actually torturing me for real? I look up to You in hope that she would made Riko stop.

"You-chan you know well that it's an impossible feat for me to dodge these right? Please speak some sense to Riko-chan. I want to live!"

If it's You who persuade her, then maybe I still had some hope.

"Mmm... But you're the one who ask for us to teach you right Chika-chan? I think it's actually disrespectful for me and Riko chan to hold back when you're showing this much growth. I guess I need to get serious too."

"Hey, Akitu… you don't need to hold back anymore!"

Responding to her call a wakizashi manifests on her left hand. Are these two girl crazy? Or are they trying to kill me while disguising themselves as my friend.

"It's okay Chika-chan I know you'll be able to do this. I believe in you after all. Since you and Riko-chan are both my treasured friend."

WHAT KIND OF FIGHTING GAME YOU GIRLS THINK IS THIS!? Suppressing the urge to do a facepalm, I prepare my own stance. sweats dripping down my head while those two sadist approached me. Then the red haired devil spoke circling me around.

"Now, please accept my feeling Chika-chan..."

With those words the journey to my demise begin.

oOo

BOOOM

This is insane...

CLANG CLANG!

It felt like hell was let loose on earth.

I set my dagger right in front of my body using two of my hands, parrying a strike that came right in front of me.

CLANG

The strike is really heavy that it takes me both of my hands to hold the hilt of Taiyouji together so that it won't get thrown away because of You's powerful strike.

"Not bad, Chika-chan!"

"Here's some tips for you: your opponent is also your teacher. Watch them carefully."

What does You mean?

The ash-haired girl jumps back to retreat before I could even ask her back. Several milliseconds later, my sense alarms an incoming danger from both of my side.

Two fireballs fastly lunging to me from my left and right. I respond by ducking under and rolled back several meters.

"Ahhh, Chika-chan! Why you always avoiding my attack?"

"Of course I dodged, if not I would have ended become a roasted orange the first time you launched those fireballs to me, Riko-chan!"

"You hurts me, Chika-chan..."

I ignored Riko's comment as my sense alarmed another danger. It was a thrust right to my face from You.

"Whoaa!" somehow I managed to dodge it, but I was several miliseconds late as You's Shiranui managed to score a small cut on my cheek.

Weird... my sense was never as good as now. I wonder what happened to me... Also, why out of sudden You's speed keep increasing compared to the first time.

'Your opponent is also your teacher. Watch them carefully.'

You's words from before echoed in my head before I noticed that the dense blue aura around You's Shiranui had revert back into its usual transparent cyan color.

The thing that make me more confused is because its size remains the same like when she turned it to become more dense. And I don't see it covering her whole body as protection either.

This is weird.

"...?"

Now that I think about it I don't think You always clad her body with aura like what Kiyo-san did. She only focuses the aura on a certain part of her body when needed.

Could I also do it? If I didn't do anything I'll lose for sure. Might as well take a bet now. Focusing my aura on my leg, I waited the moment You fastly closing up to me.

As soon as she was near enough I stomped my legs on the ground real hard, my body launched back at least twenty meters. The stomp left a dust cloud around You, forcing her to stop her charge. Alright even though the power is greater than I expected I really did it. Now I have a chance to turn the table.

"Not bad Chika-chan, but can you dodge this?"

With her shout, Riko unleashes her fire barrage upon me. Due to the excessive power I used to jump, I can't steady my landing, and as the result I'm unable to jump for dodging the second time. If I just condensed my barrier at this time it will put me into a checkmate since You will be able to rush and pin me.

What should I do…

Suddenly a flash of inspiration comes to me. Can I do it? No there's no option left other than trying it.

Focusing my spirit flow to my dagger, I extend my dagger length by the condensed aura on its tip. I closed my eyes, sharpening my other senses to its limit to sense Riko fireballs.

I sense it, four fireball closing onto me at high speed. In just a few seconds it would hit and burn me to crisp for sure. Relying solely on my instinct, I move my hand to cut all of it.

Sounds of explosion ringing out behind me and I open my eyes, luckily I was able to cut all of them. I did it, it was quite a gamble mimicking what You did but thankfully I could pull it off. Now I truly have a chance against them.

"fufufufufufufu…."

I feel like a basket full of freezing water has just poured down onto me, all of my hair are standing on their edges. This goddamn sadist, would anything actually faze her?

"Aaaahhh, really good, really good Chika-chan. Watching your growth really excites me. You surpass my expectation, the shock and the ecstasy I felt, it's just supreme."

So that means every time I get stronger, the more excited she becomes? Give me a break. Please just let me go oh Riko-sama. I have gone through enough, right?

"Yeah Chika-chan growth really surprises me too. But well it's to be expected from Chika-chan. Aaah I started to understand how Riko-chan felt."

Now You starts to become the 2nd sadist queen too? This is bad, if this thing keep going on forget the roasted orange, I'll literally become orange's pulps. Preparing my resolve I took my stance and focused my aura on my dagger.

"Good, that's a really good face Chika-chan. Now show me your futile struggle against us."

All of the beads started to gather behind Riko, each beads began to glow in deep crimson color. Its bullet ready to be shot. Who said it's futile? It's my life on the line sadist queen.

"..."

Meanwhile You don't say anything. Her deep blue eyes focusing onto me, it feel like I'm being swallowed by her eyes. She enters her iai draw stance although I don't feel any monstrous aura from her. But her quiet stance and serene aura make my instinct roars. It tries to tell me that the ash-haired girl is currently more dangerous compared to Riko.

"Hehehe, it seems you realized it already Chika-chan. I'm not the one you should fear, it's actually You-chan. So what will you do now Chika-chan? Will you run? Or will you futilely face your demise?"

This sadist know full well that I couldn't ran away now. Also You already see me as her worthy opponent. There's no way I can back down now. Steeling my resolve I dashed forward.

"This is why I like you very much Chika-chan. All talismans, open fire."

Numerous barrage rained down upon me. Using minimal movement I dodged and slashed all those fireball. Some of them also came from my rear and back. Sharpening my senses to my utmost limit, I dodged it all. Keeping my speed I drew nearer to You.

Without any words, You lowered her stance prepared to draw her sword just as I stepped into her range. Focusing my aura into the dagger on my hands I prepared to parry her sword and rush forward.

It was only a meter left, I put my dagger forward preparing to block her slash. You already began her drawing motion, her slash would come at any moment.

A fireball, the biggest one launched itself towards my back. But I already predicted something like this. Concentrating a little aura on my legs, I flexed my knees before jumping upwards before the fireball could hit me. Missing its initial target, it went straight ahead to You.

Perfect!

And it doesn't just end like that. I swiftly twist my body midair, now concentrating a little more aura on my right arm before throwing my dagger right to the red-haired girl.

Ha, I already know that sadist queen will throw a fireball at me again if I decided to clash with You first. If I slowed down even once there's no doubt that I will be hit by her fireballs.

Now what will you two do? Confident with my victory I took a glance at Riko.

Only to notice that her smile just got even wider.

Suddenly my thrown dagger is hit with a katana. It fell on the ground together before both blades revert back to Mikan and Akitu.

What? Then it mean You choose to take the hit from that big fireball?

But when I glance back at You it turns out that a small grin forms by her lips.

"WATANABE YOU SPECIAL SKILL NO 1. ZENSHOKU ZENSHIN, YOUSOROOOO."

With that roar, You punches the big fireball with her bare fist and redirects it to me when I'm still midair. Realizing that I can't dodge to anywhere I focuse the remaining of my spirit energy to the front to block it.

BOOOM

"GYAAAAAAAAAAA"

Ah it's no use, the remaining aura I used to form the barrier couldn't withstand the explosion so I'm still blown back and burned.

That You she actually punched that fireball to me bare-handedly. How strong she is I wonder.

Amidst my hazy consciousness I can see a proud looking You while Riko seems like she's in ecstacsy, her face contorted in happiness.

oOo

"Ugh..."

"KYUUU!"

"Ah! Chika-chan... You finally wake up!"

The first time my eyes open, Riko and You's worried expression filled my vision. I find myself lied on You's laps.

"Uh… What happened to me?"

"You didn't remember, Chika-chan?" I only shake my head weakly.

"You fell unconscious for several hours, Chika-chan." You mentioned. The sky was covered by vermilion color instead of the previous blue. Indicating that the sun will set under the horizon soon.

"You were hit by Riko-chan's fireball, remember?"

"AAH!"

My body rose the moment You mentioned about what happened before, startling the two girls in the process.

"S-Slow down Chika-chan! You might trip yourself if you suddenly rose like that."

The two girls panic, probably they still worried because I was blacking out quite long.

"I'm fine..."

"I-I see... I'm glad to hear that." What Riko said despite from her tone it's clear that she was still worried. And she had returned to her normal usual self.

"Actually, Chika-chan..."

"We're sorry..." both Riko and You bow down to me.

Tilting my head, I asked the two girls in front of me. "Sorry? For what?"

"For what happened before..."

"We were too happy seeing your fast growth that we forgot we were training you. And we ended becoming too serious."

"It's fine..."

"T-then, let's go home now... it's getting dark." You suggested

"Hmph!"

A small nod followed by a pout, that'ss the only reaction I give after making sure that Mikan stopped worrying about me and it returned to the spirit realm. I slowly walking to the stairs, ready to go home. The two girls follow me hesitantly after seeing my reaction to them.

"..."

"..."

We're just halfway back to the main road when I stop. My eyes focus to a small passageway that split from the main stairs.

A small passageway that lead to where Kanan and Hanamaru rest forever.

"Chika-chan?"

"Huh... Ah?!"

"You dozed off just now Chika-chan. Are you sure you're fine? You-chan can piggyback you if you're still exhausted.

"I'm fine. It's alright..."

The walk from the hill down and back to our home was a total silent. Neither Riko nor You tried to initiate a conversation. I know that they actually want to so badly, but they decided to wait until I calmed down later perhaps.

oOo

"How was the training, Chika?" My mother asked before passing a bowl of rice to me. It was almost dinner time when Riko, You and I arrived back half an hour ago.

"It went well mom..."

"I see... I'm glad to hear that Chika."

A smile plasters on her face hearing my answer, then she glances to You and Riko who sat beside me.

"Thank you for teaching Chika You-chan, Riko-chan."

"..."

"Ah! I-It's nothing kaa-san!" It took a split second until the two came with an answer.

"Hmph!"

I pout again seeing the two girls, but it didn't go unnoticed by my mother.

"Is there something wrong You-chan, Riko-chan? You two kind of down after coming back home."

"No... A-actually..."

"Did something happen?"

"We... uh..."

"It's nothing serious actually mom... just a small accident, but no one is harmed."

"Is that true?" my mother asked once again. It's clear that she doesn't believe what I had said just now. I'm sure that both Riko and You tensed up the moment my mother asked the question.

"I'm full…. Thank you for the food." instead of answering my mother's last question I left the dining room with empty bowls on my hands. You and Riko followed from behind not long after that.

"C-Chika-chan…" You called from behind as I put the empty bowls on the sink and ready to go upstair to my room.

"Hmm?"

"W-want to take bath together? We promised yesterday remember, Chika-chan?"

"Ahh… Yes, I remember, You-chan."

"Then…"

"Not tonight, maybe later… Sorry, I feel tired already. I think I'll just go sleep."

I walk upstairs towards my bedroom. The two girls still following me from behind.

"Chika-chan… We're sorry for everything we did before." When I opened my bedroom's door, Riko began talking. "We… we…"

"It's fine Riko-chan…"

"Look, if you want to talk about it, can we do it tomorrow?" I looked to the two girls, only to realize that their dog ears were dropped while their tails hanged low behind them.

"A-Alright… If Chika-chan say so…"

"But…"

But?

"Can we sleep together, Chika-chan? Like we used to do sometimes back then."

They apparently meant the time when they hadn't revealed their human form to me. You and Riko sometimes slept on my side back then, especially when I had nightmare and felt afraid to go to sleep again.

"But you two already have your own room, haven't you?" I asked, tilting my head a bit. Yes, mother gave two spare rooms beside my bedroom for the two girls when she said that You and Riko would live with us yesterday. "I think it would be a waste if the rooms are never used RIko-chan, You-chan."

"I… I guess you're right Chika-chan. Sorry for bothering you…"

"Good night, Chika-chan."

After saying their parting, both You and Riko walk to their own respective room with a tumbling steps. The dog ears on their head drooped more while their tail that was hanging low now swayed limply when they moved.

Ah… I guess I overdoing it…

Maybe it was the right time to forgive them…

"Riko-chan… You-chan…" I called when they just almost closed their own bedroom's door

"Yes, Chika-chan?!" The two quickly responding while their dog ears perked up.

"I guess sleeping together for three night consecutively won't hurt…"

"...and I think I want to change my mind…"

"So, want to sleep together? Make it quick before I change my mind again..."

"Of course Chika-chan!" The two rushed back to my bedroom eagerly.

"Waaaah! Wait! Wait! I have a condition for you two first!"

"Hmm, what is it, Chika-chan?"

"I forbid you two for being naked when we sleep together! I'm going to mad at you two again if any of you break this, understand?!"

The two girls look at each other for several seconds before laughed.

"Aye aye, Chika-chan."

oOo

"Uuggh give some room you two, I can't sleep like this."

"Well what do you expect if we sleep like this, of course it'll be cramped Chika-chan."

"But I seriously cannot sleep like this, can you two move a bit?"

"Ummm it's impossible if we move anymore, we'll fell down Chika-chan. How about if we hug you while we're sleeping? That'll save some room."

"Ooo nice idea Riko-chan, don't mind if I do then."

"Oy you two, if you do that then it'll be more cram…"

Too late, they both already hug me from both sides. Urgh now it's even more cramped. What's more I can feel the heat directly from both of them.

"Don't you two feel ashamed for doing this? Also it's hot."

"Mmm? Nah it's just like the old days and I really like doing this so I'll be going ahead Chika-chan, Watanabe You sleeping now."

"Oy what do you mean by old days? Have we done this before You-chan?"

"zzz"

She's asleep already?

"Fufufu, same as always You-chan. She'll immediately fell asleep after hugging you. Then I'll also be sleeping Chika-chan. Good night."

"Eh so we have done this before Riko-chan?"

"..."

And she's also asleep, so what I'm supposed to do now.

….

Looking at those two relaxed face, I felt somewhat sleepy too. Not able to open my eyes anymore, I slowly fell asleep.

Before I fell asleep, I think I saw something nostalgic

oOo

"Ueeeeee…. Moooommmmm, Daaaaadddd,"

"Don't cry Chika-chan, look I can sleep alone. Riko-chan could also too, so you should be able to do it."

"But, but Mom and Dad is usually with me, if... if… if they're not with me then then ueeeeeeehhh."

"Chika-chan please don't cry, here I have some book for you let's read together, nee Chika-chan?"

"Now Riko-chan is also confused. Hm what would dad do at times like this."

In my eyes, I see three children. One of them is me, others are Riko and You. Is this continuation from yesterday dreams? Am I really acquainted with both of them? You and Riko seems doing their best from stopping me crying though.

"Oh I know, EEEIII."

"UWAAA, what are you doing You-chan?"

"Ehehehe hugging you of course. If you're feeling sad because your mother and father is away then I'll just hug you so you felt like your mother and father is here. Riko-chan you do it too."

"Eeeh? but it's embarassing….. But if it will make Chika-chan can asleep…. EEEIII."

With that cute yell, Riko also hugs the younger me from the other side. Like this I'm sleeping with both of them hugging me.

"uuu, thank you You-chan, Riko-chan. I'll try to sleep now."

Slowly I stopped crying, then with a smile I slowly fell asleep. Seeing my sleeping face, both of them also smiles then fell asleep.

Suddenly a wave of drowsiness hits me before everything slowly turns into blackness.


A/N:

Whew... It's been around two months since the last chapter, eh?

First thing first, I'd like to apologize on behalf of Himizu-san and myself for taking so long to update for the first chapter of the second arc.

And also, we're sorry for for not leaving any notice before. Unexpected IRL issues had our hands full for the last two months, thus making the process of writing the chapter slowing down. But hey, at least the new chapter is here. So please bear with us for now.

So, what do you think about the 2nd arc beginning? Please tell us on the comment.