Shadows Cleared
Maka's P.O.V.
"Who the Hell am I? Yukine could it be that they have never heard of me?" The dark haired one asks his partner.
"That was kinda implied when they asked who the hell you were." The pale blond says.
"I am the God Yato!" The dark haired one yells as he strikes a pose.
"Fuck, not another one." Soul says, "I can't take another Black*Star." He says under his breath. "Hey there is only room for one god in the group and we already got one so move along!"
"Only room for one huh? I'd like to meet your god, have I heard of him? You do realize there are several gods don't you?" The dark haired one named Yato says.
"Oh, I'm aware, but really we only have room for one narcissistic god." Soul answers.
"Who's being a narcissist? Yukine do you know?" Yato asks again of his partner who is clearly named Yukine since he has called him that twice.
"Have no clue." He says sarcastically.
"Anyway I could ask the same thing about you? Who the hell are all of you?" Yato turns to look at all of us.
I step up. "My name is Maka and this is my weapon Soul, we are students from the DWMA, This is our team and we are here on assignment."
"The DWMA? Never heard of it. What about the rest of you? You all from this DWMA?"
"No. The names Rin and this is Izumo and Shima, we are students at True Cross Academy."
"What about him? Is he a student too?"
"More like a intern." Shade says.
"So what is an intern and a bunch of students doing out here in the middle of no where? Is it a field trip? But wait you." Yato points at me. "You said weapon? What do you mean by that?"
"Soul is my weapon, it's just as it sounds." I answer.
"Really? Yukine is my weapon."
I thought his soul felt familiar and yet? "Yukine is a sprit isn't he?"
"How did you know?"
"I can sense it. I can see his soul, but thats all he is."
"You don't have to rub it in." Yukine says.
"Sorry." I say.
"He's kinda touchy about it." Yato says.
"So you're telling me that if he hadn't have died he could have been a new student at the school?" Soul asks.
"Yep." I say.
"So you're kinda like me then?" Yato asks.
"Except she doesn't claim to be a god." Soul says.
"I am a god, have been for years."
"We're getting off subject. We told you why we were here, now you do the same." Rin demands.
"You really didn't explain why, but I'm probably here for the same reason you are." Yato says. "You haven't had to fight anything yet have you?"
"Well no." Rin says.
"You're welcome."
"So you're here taking down the pre-kishin priests as well?" I ask.
"Pre-kishin? You mean the corrupted souls? Yeah, they have been causing problems in this area for a while now and I was sent here on my own kind of assignment, a job really, to take out the priests that were spreading evil."
"What about the one aways back who was left?" Rin asks.
"He was like that when we got there." Yato says.
"But there was no one else there?" I ask.
"No."
"So if you're a god, why are you doing jobs?" Soul asks.
"I'm saving up the money I earn to build myself a shrine."
"Sounds like something Black*Star would do." Soul sighs sarcastically.
"Can we get back to what the hell we are going to do with him?" Shade says.
"Why would we have to do anything with him?" I ask.
"I don't know maybe because thats what you did to me. I helped you guys out just like he did and your not going to take him back to Lord Death for questioning?"
"Lord Death huh?" Yato says.
"Why the hell is he any different from me?" Shade yells.
"I would like to meet your Lord Death. Can we go now?" Yato asks.
I hold up my hands to quiet everyone. "Let me contact Lord Death and find out what he would like us to do. And the difference Shade is that you would't talk so we had to assume you were an enemy."
"That's never any good, you didn't even say the line "I come in peace?" No wonder you got treated like an enemy." Yato says.
I walk away from a laughing Yato and a scowling Shade. I find myself a good size piece of window that is still in tact. I write the numbers into the dust and wait for Kid to pick up on his end.
The glass ripples before I can see him. "Meister Maka's team checking in."
"Maka how is it going?"
"Well considering our work has been done for us again."
"Meaning?"
"We have run into someone who would like to come back with us and meet with you. His name is Yato, he has a spirit with him named Yukine who is his weapon."
"Interesting." I see Kid pinch his chin between his thumb and pointer finger in thought. "Please bring them back, by the time you guys reach the air port arrangements will have been made."
"Thank you. Lord Death." The glass becomes transparent again.
I turn to find Soul staring skeptically at Yunkine who has some resemblance, creepy actually how much they look like each other.
"So when do we go?" Yato asks.
"As soon as we get off this mountain." I answer.
"You know if you just tell me where we are going I could get us there quicker."
"How much quicker?" Shade asks.
Yato smiles. "Quick enough that you'll believe I'm a god."
"I'm up for it." Shima says.
"Yeah it's starting to get cold out here again." Izumo says.
"Ok so everyone gather around."
"Oh great it's story time." Soul says.
"Not quite. Now everyone here, touch me."
"I'm not touching you you perv." Shade says.
"It's not like that at all but hey if you want to walk down this mountain and catch a plan that up to you."
Shade slowly puts his hand on Yato's shoulder.
"Alright, where we going?"
"Death City."
"Take a deep breath and close your eyes."
"Why does this sound like it's going to end up with someone being hog tied while the rest of us watch horrified?" Soul says.
"I may have been into that kind of stuff back in the day but now days I'm calmer. You can open your eyes now."
I open my eyes to find us standing at the base of the academy steps.
"How the hell!" Soul yells.
"I told you I'm a god." Yato says. "Now lets go see Lord Death."
"Not until you tell us how you did that." Shade says.
"It's one of my powers."
"So you could pop in anywhere?" Shima asks.
"Yep."
"Can you take me to the girls showers?"
"Shima thats not cool." Rin says.
"Speak for yourself you got a girl."
"Speaking of girls don't you think you should let Hiyori know where we are?" Yukine asks Yato.
"Oh, yeah, she'll be worried if I don't it has been three days." Yato says pulling out his phone.
"You think this guy is a real god?" Soul asks me.
"Um... why not, I mean look at Black*Star to us he's not a real god but he can do some godly things and apparently Yato can do the same kind of godly things, I just hope Kid can get a refund on those tickets."
"Ok crises averted." Yato says hanging up the phone. "Lets go."
"This Hiyori girl, she your girlfriend?" Shima asks as we start the long walk up the stairs for the academy.
Yato blushes. "Something like that."
"So if Yukine is a spirit then how come he has a body?" Shade asks.
"This is the form I gave him." Yato says. "It's kinda complicated."
"Complicated huh, Me and Rin are the children of demons, I think we can understand complicated."
Yato laughs "No kidding? Well when I found Yukine he was a spirit. I needed a blessed regalia and so I called to him giving him this form and since then he has been my weapon."
"Yep keep talking about me like I'm not here." Yukine says.
"Being the only other weapon in this group I know how you feel." Soul says.
"I don't talk about you like your not here do I?" I ask.
"Only around other Meisters but I think it's just a habit." Soul smiles at me.
"Well sorry in advance." I say.
We enter into the academy and make our way to the full length mirror that turns into the door to the DeathRoom when you write the numbers on it. I do so and it opens. We walk in to a very surprised Kid.
"How did?"
"Long story short." Soul says pointing to Yato.
Kid shakes his head is dis belief. "I- I'm Lord Death, I assume you are the God Meister Maka has told me, wanted to talk with me?"
"Yato, Lord Death, nice to meet you, this is my weapon Yukine."
"Yato. Why does this name sound vaguely familiar?"
"Here we go again." Yunkine says.
"Please Lord Death know that it is in the past and I am a changed God, I no longer fight for those reasons. I see myself as more of a noragami now days, taking on odd jobs trying to make a new name for myself."
"But you use to be the god of calamity, yes?"
"That is right." Yato says. "But I have not been this for a long time."
"So you would rather roam as a stray god then one with a title?"
"I am trying to make a better title for myself, but until then yes."
"Then why were you surprised that we didn't know who you were?" Rin asks.
"Because everyone should know who I am. I make dreams come true..."
Shade's P.O.V.
I sneak out of the Death Room, I have no intentions of listening to some Demi-God make a big deal about people not knowing him. I felt kinda bad for leaving his weapon there as I watched Yukine roll his eyes, but I really just needed to be alone. As I walk out of the academy images flickered on the edges of my vision, drawing my attention, but remained to blur unable to make sense of them. On auto-pilot, my feet carry me for several blocks while I try to clear my head. Finally stopping outside a set of apartments, that were not mine. I turn slowly trying to make sense of where I was, but suddenly what was city became a frozen forest, snow glistening in the weak rays from the sun. I blinked and the city returned, but I feel drained and stumble slightly, leaning against a tree for support. I know I won't make it home like this, hell I have no idea where I am, slowly I pull myself up into the branches of the tree letting my survival instincts take over. Heaving with my arms, I entered a small cradle formed by the tree's branches. Well no one will see me up here, so that's a bonus. Unable to keep my eyelids from drooping, I settled in and fall into the darkness.
I awoke with a start, raising myself slowly I glanced around. I was in a building the lights from multiple candles cast shadows along the walls. What the hell, where am I! Grabbing a candle, and making my way to the door I stop to listen, sounds carried from the other side. A voice saying something I couldn't make out and a child, crying out afraid of something. Slowly I eased the door open, the only sound coming from its rusted hinges. I stood in a room, with a woman attempting to pull a child outside, but he resisted, screaming as though the devil awaited him through the door. Struggling I watched the child free himself and flee for a darkened corner, where he seemed to vanish, panicked his presumed mother ran to the corner and pawed at the spot the child had stood just moments before. Her hands passing right through him, I heard her give a sound of fear, but I stared at the child. For the first time, I had been noticed. The child stared back at me eyes round, and pure black! I stared in horror, but the kid just raised his hand, waving it through the air. Black clouds billowed through the air where his hand had been and vanished, then he seemed to solidify, and the woman pulled him close crying into his small frame.
The image faded, leaving in the darkness once again, but this was quickly replaced by another scene in the same room. Only this time a man in robes stood talking with the child's mother. She was crying hysterically begging the man to reconsider, but the man walked past her with a shake of his head. He walked straight towards me, but seemed oblivious to my presence. As he drew nearer he paused focusing his eyes on me, his gaze seemed to pass through me and he stepped forward, straight through my own body! I turned quickly, and saw the child standing in the doorway. The man quickly scooped him up and ran out the door. The mother calling out after them furiously.
This time the image warped around me, becoming a room full of men in robes, all screaming questions at the child. Finally one stood slamming his hands down, yelling at his brothers, and gesturing towards the child. The man stepped forward and hugged the child, whispering softly into his ears. I finally caught a bit of the man's voice though the silence that had engulfed me before, "I will see that you never have to fear mankind, and one day you will fight on behalf of us all, I know it."
With that the image changed again, and I faced the child as he ages before me. Finally the process stops and I stood facing a 11 year old child, I can't say how I knew his age but I did. I saw him come slipping through the shadows, nearly impossible to see. He made his way into a room with the men in robes gathered in a circle. All of them chanted silently staring into the ceiling above. I saw the man from before slightly more aged, standing across the room eyes turned to the ceiling, no one saw the boy as he watched the men chant endlessly into the night. Suddenly the room turned blue and noise hammered into my ears. One of the men ran wildly flailing at the blue flames that suddenly erupted over his body. In seconds his screams stopped and he fell to the floor smoking, only for another monk to join him. I turned to the child and watch him as his eyes bulged with fear, but he made no move to run away. Turning back I found three more men lying on the floor, their bodies ominously still. My eyes sought out the source of the attack, and as one man fell I noticed a blue demon, with a crown of fire and wings. He was frantically entering the bodies of the men that burst into flames. Still the men chanted, the man who had whispered to the child, fell silent. His eyes searched the shadows, falling on the young child, they two stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, until the man burst into flames and fell to the floor. The child closed his eyes crying, as the night wore on. Finally as dawn's first rays of light appeared, the child stepped forward and made his way to the man's side. I gasped when I found the man breathing, but burned on one side. The child whispered softly to the man, promising to help him and take care of him.
Finally the scene twisted, once more becoming the frozen forest. The child was silently moving through the trees, his face twisted in determination. Slowly I began to hear voices, drifting closer to us. Once again they were chanting, but the sound brought chills to my spine. Finally, the boy found a clearing, with an altar centered in the middle. Men in dark robes gathered around the altar, defeating the sounds of the forest with their chanting. The boy stayed in the trees, but backed into the shadows cast by the overhead branches. Watching closely, I saw the boy close his eyes, as the shadows seemed to crawl their way up his body, almost like a tattoo. I saw them work their way up to his eyes, and down to his hand, where they stretched out, slowly forming into the shape of a katana. In the boys other hand, a similar sword appeared, so when he stepped forward again he was armed with both swords. Drawing my eyes away from the boy's abilities, I focused once more on the chanting, which had grown to a fevered pitch. Suddenly, the altar seemed to split in an explosion of rock and dust, revealing a swirling dark mass beneath. Transfixed I watched as a clawed hand emerged, pure black and seeming to shine, followed by a head and torso. The thing appeared human, but with no features to his appearance, he was a pure black creature. Finally, I made out legs, and a tail, and two red slits that had to be eyes for this hideous thing. I heard a sharp intake of breath, and turned to face the boy once more, only now he closely resembled Rin. With a tail sprouting from his backside, sharp pointed teeth clenched, and a dark swirling cloud emitting from his body. With a scream the child launched himself from the trees, rolling to absorb the impact. As the boy charged the creature, the scene before me darkened, and I found myself staring into the red slitted eyes of the creature. "The boy failed to defeat me, but I let him live, considering that he is my only living child. I'd hoped that he would become a demon I could be proud of, one I could welcome home with honor. However, you have turned out poorly and will soon pay for that ignorance!" With that the eyes vanished leaving me in the dark.
Eventually another scene crept forth, this one back with the man. He had lived, but suffered burns to his hands, and a lame leg. He sat facing the child who had his head down, refusing to meet the man's eyes. "Look at me!" Slowly the boy raised his face to stare into the eyes of the man, his teeth still pointed, and his eyes were swirling black with purple irises. "You have used the powers of your demonic descent, you could not even enter the monastery without a monk giving you permission to enter. I have failed to protect you from what you are, but all hope is not lost. You must suppress your abilities until you are older, only then will you be able to defeat your father. Now that he has entered the world you are at risk. He will want to bind your will to his, and make you into a powerful tool for Satan." The man reached forward with tears falling down his cheeks, and drew a small symbol on the boy's forehead. His eyes wandered, and seemed to fall on me, and he spoke in a raspy voice, "My son you can not stay, soon the world will need you. Please forgive me, I love you, Shade, and I am sorry." The man choked on his next word but finally spoke a single word to activate the symbol, "Forget".
The imaged blurred, but this time it was do to the tears that streaked down my own face. Some of these memories I had seen before, but the details just keep getting clearer, others are brand new.
Izumo's P.O.V
"Finally, that dude would not shut up about himself," leaving the death room came with a sense of relief and a major headache. Course no one noticed that Shade scurried off, even all that soul perception crap didn't stop him. It is already dark and I don't know this city very well yet, hopefully I can get home without anyone's help. Wandering out into the streets, I watched the others part off into different directions.
Wandering aimlessly, I stared blankly at the city around me, recognizing nothing in the dark, moonless night. Constantly, my thoughts flickered back to Shade and the events of the week, that guy seems to really be out of his elements. He is clearly not used to being in the center spotlight of things, how had his life intertwined with ours. I shook my head to clear the thoughts, who cares how Shade got into this. Sighing, I kept walking glancing at structures and signs, until finally I found one I recognized, and turned to head home. Slowly I let my mind wonder, thinking of maybe taking a week off for myself, but would Death or Yukio ever let me? I stopped under a tree, leaning my head against it, steadying my thoughts. Standing there for a few minutes, all too aware of my apartment building just a few feet away, but for some reason I feel like I just need to be here. After a few more minutes, I kicked the tree letting go of some anger, what was I doing? I heard the leaves above rustle, and a small sniffling sound came from above. Glancing up, I can't see much in the tree, but I know there is something there. I felt something wet drop on me from above, and quickly rub it away. Glancing towards my fingers before I brush my hand against my pants, I see only what appears to be water. Was someone above me crying?
"Hello?!" I talked softly, speaking up into the branches, I had to remember it was late and people were trying to sleep. No reply came from above, and silence dragged on, everything seemed to be holding its breath. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was in the tree watching me. Coming up with a plan I shrug I walk towards the apartments, but duck behind a corner, out of sight of anyone in the tree. I watch from my spot and after what felt like ages, someone lowered themselves from the tree, and stood there rubbing at their eyes with their sleeve. Stepping forward, I carefully moved so as to make as little sound as possible, I want to know who was in the tree.
The figure stood almost directly under the glow from a street light, but kept his face buried in his sleeve, I was so close I could see his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. Finally the figure raised its head, and I stared right into the puffy, bloodshot eyes of Shade. He froze on the spot, staring at me, his face a mask of emotions. It was clear he had been crying, and now I saw what I believe to be fear flash through his face, and I understood. He doesn't want to show any weakness, but why was he crying in a tree, in front of my apartment?
"Shade, what, are you..." I sighed, this is just so confusing, "Shade what is going on? Why are you crying in front of my apartment?"
Shade's P.O.V
Ahh shit, this is her apartment, how do I even begin to explain? I opened my mouth, fumbling to even begin an explanation, "I uhh.. I was.. It's not like...". I hated every second that I had to stand there, staring at the most beautiful person I had ever seen, but unable to react in anyway. I looked into Izumo's eyes, and just melted away, telling her the truth as though I had no choice. "Stein did something to return my memories, and they came rushing back to me as I left the Death Room, I couldn't make it home before I would collapse so I climbed this tree. I had no idea you lived here, and I am sorry."
"You're sorry, but for what?"
"You know showing up like this, with little control over myself, it isn't right." I couldn't believe she just took all that info, and that was her only question.
Izumo's P.O.V
"Look Shade, do you know where your apartment is from here?" What am I doing, I should be questioning his story not his ability to get home, but despite my arguments a small part of me wants him to say no, but for what? Maybe he could stay the night with me? I am going crazy, I need to control myself, I had to fight back a small moan as my body clenched a little tighter at the thought of Shade staying. What is wrong with me right now?!
"I don't actually, but no worries I am sure I will find it." Shade answers, but it was obvious he was lost when he glanced around.
"It is to dark for you to wander around Shade, just come with me."
I turn away feeling Shade's eyes follow, and came to a stop in front of my door. Shade was already beside me, a little offset at my invite for him to stay. I open my apartment door, and step inside, hearing Shade close the door behind us. Am I seriously alone with Shade?
"I am going to go take a shower, make yourself at home." I say as I flee down the hall.
Shade's P.O.V.
"Thanks Izumo." I say as I hear the bathroom door shut behind her and the water turn on. I sit down and put my head in my hands, My mind starting to wander again...
Izumo turns the water on, letting it heat up while she strips off her clothes, silently she prays that the sound of the water would mask what she was about to do. Stepping in, she let herself get used to the water temperature, before slowly lowering herself down till she lay in the tub. Slowly Izumo let her hand slide down her breasts, and trace over her stomach. As her hand neared the beginning of her womanhood, Izumo slowly spread open her legs, allowing her hand to begin its work at her cliteris. She gently pinched the small bundle, moaning softly as her body reacted bringing her further along. Izumo's other hand, worked on her perky nipples, toying with them, and slowly building herself up to a small moan. Slowly, Izumo began to rub along her opening, spreading her own wetness, and coating her fingers with it before she slowly pushed them inside. Once inside, her fingers began to act on their own accord, seeking out the rough patch inside that always made her go crazy, and feverishly attacking it. Izumo nearly screamed out in ecstasy, but bit her tongue and moaned loudly. As she neared her climax, Izumo began to moan, asking for more from an invisible man, and even adding in Shade every now and then. She had to be crazy but at that moment she couldn't care anymore, as she screamed out her orgasm.
I slowly raised his head, had I really heard that? I glanced down the hallway where Izumo had fled and listened, there the sound came again. Izumo was moaning out my name! Listening intently, I ignored the growing pressure in my pants, and in a few moments I heard Izumo scream. I couldn't believe what I had heard, but as I sat there I heard the water turn off, and the scrape of the shower curtain being drawn back. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
Izumo stood staring in shock at what had to be her worst mistake ever. She had not brought a towel in with her, so now she stood there dripping in the tub, trying to think about what to do. Slowly she walked to the bathroom door, and opened it, peeking down the hall. Shade was on the couch, looking the other way, now was her chance to dart for her room, but another thought entered her head. What if she went over to Shade instead? The idea had a lot of appeal to it, especially after her crazy fantasy. Deciding quickly, Izumo stepped clear of the door, and made her way down the hall towards Shade.
I sat, hands covering my erection, hoping Izumo would not come into the room before I could calm down. I heard the sound of the bathroom door open, followed by bare feet coming closer! I moaned inwardly. Suddenly, a shadow fell over me and I knew Izumo was there.
She stood behind, staring down at me, was she seriously about to do this? The answer came quickly as Izumo leaned forward, pressing her breasts onto my back and letting her wet hair hang down over me.
Slowly I raised my head, and looked deep into Izumo's eyes. Her shoulders were bare, and I had to resist the temptation to look down at the soft items pressed against me. Her eyes were full of a strange desire. I stretch up, lightly kissing Izumo's lips before retreating. To my surprise she followed, and engaged me in a more heated kiss. I could feel Izumo's tongue, frantically trying to find a way into my mouth, which I open, engaging her in a war over domination. Izumo was the first to pull away, smiling she moved my hands away, revealing my hard friend. Rubbing slowly she was able to coax me to full mast, all the while staring into my eyes. I stood, and faced Izumo, reveling in the site of her naked body, before I gently pulled her over the back of the couch, and up into another kiss. I lowered her to the couch, and began to pepper her body with kisses.
Izumo drew in a breath as I began to kiss her body, slowly working towards her breast where I suck and lightly nibble until she moans out my name. Waisting no time I slide further down her body towards the golden gates. I plant a soft kiss against her cliteris, before launching myself on it, giving it the same treatment as I did her nipples. After Izumo was breathless from moaning, I finally moved on, letting my fingers rub along her opening.
"Shade, I already took care of this." Izumo said a little impatiently.
Smiling I stood up, letting Izumo remove my belt, and pants, to gain access to my throbbing cock. Izumo grips me in her hands, and pulled me along. Bringing me to a stop at her opening, where I quickly began to rub my cock along her opening. Slowly I pushed into her, slowly working my way in so as not to hurt her. When I was all the way in I kiss her fiercely, and began to pull out.
Screaming with pleasure, Izumo wrapped her legs around me, willing me to go faster. Her fingernails, dig into the edge of the couch, tightening as her core began to tighten around me.
I was astonished as Izumo began to get tighter, and I found it harder to continue. Faltering once in my thrusts, sends both Izumo and myself off, her screaming out my name.
"Shade... Shade!"
I open my eyes and blink once, twice, before looking up.
"Are you ok? Were you having another flash back?" Izumo looked concerned.
I take a deep breath realizing that the last few minutes were all in my head. Shes standing in front of my fully dressed.
"Answer me." She insists.
"Yeah, I'm ok.
"Good, You can crash out here on the couch." She says as she hands me a pillow and blanket. "Unlike one of us I had to sit in the Death Room and listen to the idiots all night so I'm kinda tired."
I smile and take the pillow and blanket. As I'm getting comfortable I see her stop in the hall.
"Shade, if you need anything, just let me know."
"Thanks." I say.
She turns and walks to her room.
I kick my shoes off and pull my hoodie off, setting it next to the couch, laying back on the pillow in the process. I try and forget the images that my mind had come up with, I must be going crazy to be thinking that she would want anything to do with me. I pull the blanket up over me and close my eyes hoping to get some sleep. I'm surprised when the pull of unconsciousness takes me.
I'm back in the monastery, sitting by a bed that holds the most fragile man I have come to know as my father. I know how this dream, scratch that, nightmare goes, this isn't my first time. I try and close my eyes not wanting to see what I already know is coming. But not seeing it is not an option, even behind my eyelids the scene plays out.
The bed is slowly engulfed in a dark mass and as it starts to touch the flesh of my father his skin starts to melt. He tries to not show the pain he's in, not calling out, no screaming, and I know that in reality I had tried to stop it but in my nightmare I sat and watched just as helpless as I was in reality.
As the mass covers his body completely I know it wont belong before he can't hold back his pain any longer, and the screams start and I know they wont stop. The bright red of his blood always startles me, the contrast between the blackness of the mass and his blood, theres so much blood.
He's stopped moving and I realize that the screaming isn't coming from him anymore, it's coming from me. I can feel hands on my and I start to freak, this is new. I wont let him take me, I start to fight.
"Shade... Shade!"
"LET ME GO!" I yell, pushing away from the hands.
"Clam down... It's me, I'm not here to hurt you.
My breathing is labored from the screaming and yelling and fighting and when I open my eyes I'm in a dimly lit room.
"Where the fuck am I?"
"In my apartment where you fell asleep, where else would you be? Did you have another flash back?"
I take a deep breath. "Sorry Izumo, lately I never know where I am or if it's real."
She take my face in her hands. "I'm real."
I'm about to say prove it when she leans in and kisses me. My mind goes blank, no words, memories, I'm not even breathing. As quickly as it happens, it's over, she pulls back and even in the dim light I can tell she's blushing.
"I'm sorry..." She says getting up from her kneeled position in front of the couch. "I'll let you get back to sleep."
I catch her wrist. "Izumo...stay... please."
"I don't think that is a good idea."
"Please... at least until I fall back asleep."
She sighs and turns around. "Fine but I'm not sleeping on the floor."
I let go of her wrist and scoot back on the couch.
"Not really what I meant but..."
She laid down next to me on the couch and pulled the blanket up over both of us.
"No funny business." Izumo says with a smile.
"Never."
She gets comfortable next to me and I put my arm around her waist.
"Hey!?"
"Just making sure you don't fall off." I say against the back of her neck.
"Fine but if your hand becomes ideal..."
"It wont." I say.
It takes a bit longer for me to fall asleep but as she relaxes under my arm, my breathing calms down and I can finally take a full breath. I fall asleep, not afraid of what my subconscious will show me.
Authors Note: I want to thank LastOfAll for his work on this chapter, it was a collaboration, a combining of minds if you will, in hopes that Shade will stand in a better light for you all... No pun intended. He is not meant to be the bad guy and I hope that in the future you all will grow fonder of this character, as much as I have liked him from the start. Heres to rebuilding Shade as one of the good guys.
