Chapter 8: The hunt for the rogue shiki. Mental conflicts.

I do not own anything from both series.

(Play Shiki OST - Muddy Water)

Months have passed since the meeting with Megumi. The trees were turning red, indicating Autumn was here. Sora was walking his way to the subway to Sakahino School. He was thinking of the current threat.

'I know I shouldn't trust Shimizu, considering what happened in Sotoba. However, the information she provided to me is enough for me to feel convinced. I just have to protect my girlfriend's family, along with everyone else around the area. It's just like that nightmare back in Sotoba... I won't let those rogue shiki do as they please.' Sora thought with a serious expression.

Kotonoha was walking out of her home. She noticed Sora, who looked serious of the situation.

"Good morning, Sora-kun." Kotonoha said meekly.

Sora noticed Kotonoha nearby and greeted her. She took notice of him thinking carefully.

"Is there something wrong, Sora-kun?" Kotonoha asked.

"I'm trying to find out which areas around this town would a good hiding spot for the rogue shiki to hide. Ever since the sudden revelation, I'm a bit edgy about this." Sora explained.

Kotonoha noticed the tone which Sora made from his voice. It was more of anxiety, ready to panic.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay? You sound rather nervous." Kotonoha said.

"I'm just anxious about the sudden news. I need to prepare for the worst when I fight them." Sora said.

Kotonoha held on to his hand, noticing that he was shaking. She couldn't believe in what she felt. Sora, a vampiric being, was shaking with fear. This made her more concerned for him.

"Don't carry the burden yourself, Sora-kun. I'm here for you." Kotonoha said.

Sora was still shaking but not as violent as before. By then, Megumi was at the background. She noticed the couple walking by.

"My my, I never thought I would see you fall in love with a girl that's a human... Still, I'm glad that you found someone that you can care for." Megumi said.

"What has brought this sudden change in your tone?" Sora questioned with suspicion.

"Trying to lighten the mood up. Anyway, the real threats are lurking close by. Right now, they're asleep. I'm surprised that there are no families attacked yet." Megumi said.

"They haven't attacked yet? Are they finding alternate sources for blood?" Sora asked.

"You can say that. There has been a decline in boars around the mountain ranges." Megumi stated.

"I see... Seems like they also found alternate sources to feed." Sora said.

"It does, but that doesn't mean they'll solely feed on boar blood. They will start hunting for humans." Megumi stated.

"More than a reason to kill them. Those shiki need to die since they have been causing trouble." Sora said.

"How do we kill a shiki if they're like you two?" Kotonoha asked.

"Not to worry. A good hit on the head will knock them out in a brief coma, leaving them vulnerable." Megumi said.

"Okay... I'll make sure they don't come in to our house." Kotonoha said.

Megumi separated from the couple, getting their attention.

"I'll leave you two alone while I search the neighborhood to find them. We'll meet again tonight." She said.

Megumi used the wind to fly off to the sky. Kotonoha was worried about Sora since the threat of the shiki came.

"Sora-kun, are you going out there tonight? It does sound dangerous." Kotonoha questioned.

"Like it or not, I can't let those corpse demons cause havoc among the people I know. They've done their damage back in Sotoba and I won't let them do this to another town." Sora said.

Kotonoha held Sora's left hand with her right. Both were walking to the bus station to head to Sakakino School.

(Muddy water OST ends here)

######

In the bus, Kotonoha leaned on Sora's shoulder. This got the attention of Hikari, who was watching from a distance.

'Oh? Those two sure move fast... I wish Sawanaga was like that with me right now.' Hikari thought comically.

Kotonoha decided to talk with her boyfriend while the ride lasted.

"Ne, Sora-kun. If it's possible, can I come over to your place one day?" Kotonoha asked.

Sora smiled and gently glided his hands on her hair.

"I'll let you know when I have the chance." Sora responded.

Kotonoha smiled and hugged Sora. Both were smiling to each other, something that Hikari quickly noticed.

'They are a cute couple after all... Uuuu... I'm jealous on how their relationship is going.' Hikari thought.

Eventually, the bus arrived at the school. The announcer began to call out the name.

"Sakakino School... Sakakino School... Please watch your step as you leave the bus." The announcer stated.

######

Sora and Kotonoha got off the bus. Hikari was looking at the couple from a distance. She decided to pass by them and head to her class. Sora took notice and started to chuckle, getting Kotonoha's attention.

"Why are you laughing, Sora-kun?" Kotonoha asked.

"Kuroda-san was watching us, but she decided to leave us alone. I'd say she's being considerate for us." Sora stated.

Kotonoha made a light blush but smiled. She held Sora's hand tightly, not wanting to leave him.

######

In class 1-4, the couple arrived. They went to their seats but noticed several push pins. The sharp pins were all pointing up. Sora was irritated with the childish prank.

"Ha ha ha... It is to laugh... This kind of prank isn't funny when you're on the receiving end of it. Let's see if you think this will make you laugh." Sora said to the class.

He then scooped up the push pins and threw them in the shape of a flame. The pins went to a nearby wall and all impaled at their tips. The students were all shocked on what they saw. Sora was showing an angered expression.

"Whose idea was it to place push pins on our seats...?" He asked in a venomous tone.

No one showed any reaction. Otome was also surprised on what she saw.

"I haven't placed those push pins on the seat. I got here about 4 minutes ago." She said.

Sora had a deep look at her eyes and realized she was telling the truth. He then looked around, but no one answered.

"So, the person responsible is in a different class. Well then..."

He then took the last push pin and held it on his thumb.

"I might as well have to confront the one who did this." He finished.

Sora flicked the push pin with great velocity. The pin zoomed at the same wall like a bullet. It wedged itself deep, creating notable cracks. Everyone remained quiet, frightful of incurring Sora's temper. Kotonoha walked up to him to calm his anger.

"Calm down, Sora-kun. We'll find the one responsible." She said.

He calmed himself down and both sat at their seats as the teacher came.

######

Lunch time was rather peaceful for the couple. Kotonoha and Sora were at the rooftop. She was planning to share her lunch with him, which consisted of tuna nigiri and several rice balls.

"Here, Sora-kun. Say 'aaah'." Kotonoha said.

Sora opened his mouth as Kotonoha provided a piece of sushi. When he began tasting it, he was surprised of the improvement she made.

"Wow, its good... You improved a great deal, Kotonoha-chan." Sora said with honesty.

This made her smile as a faint blush dusted on her cheeks. She slowly leaned forward and kissed his lips. Sora blushed but melted in the sensation. He decided to be slightly daring by placing his left hand on her cheek. Kotonoha felt his hand and leaned closely to him. Both separated from their kissing, out of breath.

"Wow..." Sora said, speechless.

Kotonoha noticed several embers floating around him. She giggled, knowing why.

"Its okay, Sora-kun. We just have to make sure your power doesn't go out of control when we become romantic with each other." She said.

Ironically, it served to make Sora blush red. A train horn whistle was heard as steam was visibly pouring out from his head. This only made Kotonoha giggle, seeing how embarrassed he was. She hugged him close in response.

"I'm sorry if I made you blush like that, Sora-kun. There may be a way for you to control your pyrokinesis without it manifesting." Kotonoha said.

"I've done meditation to help keep myself calm. It's not that difficult, but controlling my powers when they got a little rampant is beyond my capability." Sora said.

Kotonoha, despite hearing Sora's concern, held him close. Sora felt her pulse and his eyes turned into their shiki eyes. His hunger for blood appeared, becoming apparent. Before he gave in, Sora moved back and calmed himself down. She saw his eyes turn back to normal.

"Its okay, Sora-kun. I brought some tomato juice for you." She said.

Kotonoha brought a can of said juice to Sora. He took the can in a calm manner and proceeded to drink the whole can in seconds. It relieved him of his hunger.

"Thank you, Kotonoha-chan. I would've left the school to find a store that has this." Sora replied.

######

At the atrium, Makoto was outside. He was by himself, eating anpan. He was thinking about Setsuna.

'I wonder how Setsuna is doing.' He thought in question.

As if fate answered him, Setsuna came by. She noticed Makoto sitting by himself at the atrium.

"Hi Makoto." Setsuna said in quiet, yet happy tone.

"Oh, hey Setsuna. What brings you here?" Makoto asked.

"I was looking for you. I wanted to eat lunch with you." She said.

Makoto allowed Setsuna to sit near him. She had a bento box prepared for herself. It had several croquettes with a few rice balls.

"Wow that looks good." Makoto said.

"You can try some if you want." Setsuna said.

"Is it okay?" Makoto questioned.

Setsuna nodded and a croquette to him via chopsticks.

"Thank you for the food." Makoto said.

He then chew on the croquette. Upon tasting it, he noted the taste was savory.

"Wow, this tastes amazing, Setsuna." Makoto said.

This made the girl blush as she saw Makoto's smile. It made her happy to hear such praise from him.

"Thank you, Makoto-kun." She said in a quiet, happy tone.

The couple felt the breeze blow at them. It was starting to get rather nippy outside, but it was nothing they couldn't handle.

"Should we head inside?" Makoto asked, outstretching his right arm to Setsuna.

The petite class president nodded with a smile and took his hand. The couple walked back in their classroom.

######

School was over for the day. Sora and Kotonoha were outside the entrance. They were heading their way home via train station.

"Sora-kun... I know you and Shimizu-san are planning to fight the rogue shiki. Please be careful though. I can't imagine my fate if you died." She said, clinging on to him closely.

Sora looked at the girl with mild shock. He then hugged her close, alleviating her concern.

"I know it'll be dangerous. But I have to ensure this town is safe. I won't let those corpse demons do as they wish around here." Sora said.

Kotonoha was rather worried for him. Reluctant, she conceded. It made her feel rather dreadful.

"Please be safe. I want to see you more." She said.

Sora, with a smile, went up to Kotonoha and kissed her lips. A small ember of fire formed into a shape of a heart.

"I'll make it back here in one piece. For now, let me walk you home." He said.

The couple walked to the bus station to make their way home.

######

In the bus, Sora was looking outside the window. Kotonoha, fatigued, fell asleep on his shoulder. While she slept, Sora watched out for anything unusual.

'It's already twilight hours so they'll start showing up.' He thought.

Kotonoha, in her sleep, pressed herself on Sora's body, making him blush in response.

'Kotonoha... Even in your dreams you want me to be close to you... Don't lose control.' He thought.

While Sora tried to suppress his blushing, Kotonoha slept quietly. She was dreaming of Sora, thinking deeply other relationship with him.

'It must be a nice dream for you, Kotonoha...' He thought comically.

The bus eventually arrived at Haramihama. He gently nudged Kotonoha awake.

"Wake up, Kotonoha. We're here." Sora said calmly.

She then woke up from her nap and noticed the area where the bus arrived. The couple got off from the bus.

######

Outside, Sora and Kotonoha were walking cautiously. Both felt someone was following them. The strange part is, the neighborhood was too quiet. Sora held on to Kotonoha, carrying her in bridal style before jumping to the rooftops on the nearby buildings.

"Why are we up here, Sora-kun?" Kotonoha asked.

"Shh... Be quiet for a minute." Sora whispered.

Kotonoha looked down and noticed a man with white hair that was appeared flat on top but smooth on the edges. His skin was pasty white and his eyes were dark with blood red irises glowing. She immediately knew what the person was.

"A shiki...!" She whispered in shock.

Sora gently went up to the shiki quietly before getting its attention. It turned to see him.

(Play Shiki OST - Eau de Vie)

"You... So you also survived from the destruction of Sotoba?" The man said.

"Your bloodlust should stop here, Iwao. I know that you survived since that boy, Natsuno tried to burn you alive in the sun." Sora said.

"Don't mention that name in my presence, Tachibana! I nearly died, but it was thanks to Yoshie who freed me from dying. Now I will have my time feeding on everyone here, including your girlfriend." Iwao said sadistically.

"Touch her and I'll fry your corpse to ash…" Sora said seriously, conjuring blue flames that surrounded him.

Iwao laughed at Sora's bravery. Kotonoha watched as a bloody battle was about to start.

"So be it, Iwao. You were always a cold person back in Sotoba. However, being a shiki made you more of a homicidal maniac." Sora snarled.

This riled Iwao, causing him to charge at the jinrou. Sora dodged the rampaging shiki and made him hit his head on the concrete wall.

"All horn and no brain..." Sora said.

Iwao was knocked unconscious. His body was starting to heal from the impact.

"This ends here, Iwao. Perish and go back to hell!" Sora said venomously.

He created a dagger of fire and stabbed Iwao in the heart. The shiki couldn't utter anything as the body turned to ash.

"That's one down... Only three more of them are lurking." Sora said.

Megumi suddenly arrived and noticed a pile of ash near Sora.

"You managed to kill one of the rogue shiki. That should lighten the problem up, but they will know that you have been hunting them down." Megumi said.

"I'm not fond of hunting, but I will find and bring down the other shiki if I have to." Sora said.

He then jumped up to a nearby rooftop. Kotonoha was hiding from the rooftop so the shiki couldn't see her. When she saw him arrive, she got up from hiding.

"Sorry I took so long, Kotonoha-chan." Sora said.

Kotonoha couldn't help but blush. The sight made Sora smile calmly. He then looked at Megumi with a serious expression.

"I'll let you know on this, Shimizu. I already have someone that I like. There's no point in following me around like this." Sora said.

"You knew that I was nearby?" Shimizu said in surprise.

"I did sense someone was watching me when I left Sakahino School. I already sensed Iwao's presence due to his blood lust." Sora said.

"Then how did you sensed me?" Megumi asked in disbelief.

"The wind was changing direction 3 times in different ways. Since you have the ability to manipulate the air, it's easy to find out how." Sora pointed out.

Megumi was surprised on Sora's acute senses. They were sharper than she could have thought.

"Nothing could get by your senses huh? In any case, there are three more of them left. Watch yourself, Tachibana-san." She said.

"Same to you." Sora replied in a serious tone.

Megumi used her aerokinesis to surf through the air, leaving the couple behind. Kotonoha held on to Sora once the wind manipulating jinrou left.

"Let's head back to your place. The night isn't safe now." Sora said.

Kotonoha nodded and held on to Sora's left arm. They walked their way to her place, keeping an eye out for the shiki.

"Those shiki will know what I have done and they may attempt to take you. Be sure to wear that omamori I gave you. It'll help ward them off once you show it to them." Sora said.

"I have the omamori with me, Sora-kun. But won't it affect you too?" Kotonoha asked.

"It doesn't. Jinrou are day walkers and act mostly like humans They won't get affected from religious objects like crosses or prayers.. However, like any shiki, they can be killed by destroying the heart or decapitation." Sora said.

"However, a jinrou might have a hidden ability they can use to surprise." Kotonoha said.

"It seems so. In any case, we're here." Sora said.

Kotonoha looked and noticed that they were near her house. She felt slightly depressed she had to separate from Sora.

"I'll see you again in class and at the weekend." Sora said.

Before he could leave, Kotonoha went up to him and hugged him close from behind. Manami and Kokoro noticed the couple and smiled.

"Ne Okaa-san, they do care for each other despite what they are." Kokoro pointed out.

"I know, Kokoro. Sora is a nice person, even if he's a vampire." Manami said with a calm tone.

The couple then separated to see Manami and Kokoro watching them. This got Sora flushed in response, causing him to create embers around him.

"Ara, no need to feel embarrassed Tachibana-kun. All I wanted to know is why Kotonoha was hugging you." Manami said.

(Play Shiki OST - Eau de Vie)

"We had a close encounter with one of the rogue shiki. I managed to terminate it before it could hurt anyone." Sora responded.

"Oh, I see..." Manami said in a quiet, sad tone.

Although Sora was unperturbed, Manami was worried for his psychology. Hearing a boy as young as his daughter being forced to fight and kill was sickening enough. She didn't like how he was used to it.

"Tachibana-kun... Mind if I ask if your mental health is okay after what you did tonight?" Manami asked.

(Play Shiki OST - Mosiac)

Sora knew what she was asking. Reluctant, he complied and decided to answer.

"I understand your concern, Katsura-chan. I lost my innocence of the world the moment I became like this. I want to preserve what's left of it to protect others from my kind." He explained.

Manami could see the truth in his eyes. It was a mentally taxing sensation that she didn't like. She then hugged the young jinrou, trying to hide her pained concern for him. Kotonoha was surprised on what her mother was doing.

"Um... Katsura-chan?" Sora said in questioned.

"I can't imagine what you had to go through to forsake your beliefs of the world. No one your age should go through such heavy burdens." She said in a motherly tone.

"Thanks for your concern, Katsura-chan. Alas, the 'me' right now is but a shell of my former self. If I wasn't a vampiric creature, then I would be normal, given the circumstances we've seen." Sora stated.

This prompted Manami to hold him close. Kotonoha was irked by what her mother was doing, but she realized that it was a sympathetic act to help relieve his mental pain.

"I hope one day that your beliefs have changed for the better... It pains an adult to see a child, especially a teenager with such a nihilistic view of the world." Manami commented in a slight pained tone.

Kotonoha then moved forward, allowing Manami to release him. She hugged Sora closely. He didn't notice, but Kotonoha was silently shedding tears. He then felt a warm liquid flow on his left shoulder.

"Kotonoha-chan... I'm sorry if I made you cry... It's still a sensitive thing for me to talk about how I view of the world around me right now." Sora said.

(Mosiac OST ends here)

"Its okay, Sora-kun. We all have our internal problems." Kotonoha responded calmly.

"I often yearn to live as a normal person. Being a Jinrou may be able to shed some hope, but it's a false one. I'm also biologically immortal... As time passes by, I will remain how I look as you see me to this day. But for any human, they age and pass on from life." Sora explained.

Kotonoha gasped, now realizing why he hates immortality. It felt like a curse to Sora, forcing him to see his family members die from age while he continues living.

'Sora-kun... You had to go through this much pain...? How terrible.' She thought.

The couple hugged each other closely. Manami watched as a sphere of fire surrounded them like a fiery bubble. Sora was subconsciously using his pyrokinesis to create a fire shield. When he separated from Kotonoha, the shield disappeared.

"You two lovebirds know how to make a good scene." Manami teased.

"Okaa-san! Don't tease me like that." Kotonoha pouted.

"It's alright, Kotonoha. I've seen and know enough about him already. He may be mature for his age, but I find it more welcoming for him to be with you." Manami stated.

This had the effect of making Sora blush in response. Tiny embers of blue fire started to float. He quickly regained control and stopped the embers from appearing.

"You may want to control your pyrokinesis a little more..." She said.

"I know... I can control it concisely, but once my emotions get the better of me, it's rather hard to regain self-control." Sora blushed.

"In any case, head back to your home, Tachibana-san. I'll also make sure that everyone in the Katsura family is safe." Manami stated.

Sora nodded and walked back to his home. Kotonoha and Manami watched him leave. Both showed a concerned expression for him.

######

(Play Shiki OST - Epitaph)

Sora was alone, walking in the suburban road. He was outside his home, looking at the sky. His thoughts were wandering of the future.

'There will be a time that the people I once knew will perish... That phrase will forever be etched in my mind for as long as I live... 'You never know what it is that you have near you, till it is lost forever'.' He thought with melancholy.

Sora looked towards the moon, seeing it in its waxing crescent phase.

'Kotonoha's a human so she would live normally. But me, I won't be able to age... I'll be forever 'frozen' in time, unable to die through natural means. It's worth protecting her, despite the fact she will get older' he thought.

He took a solemn look at the moon, feeling the cold moonlight shining.

'This is my price to pay, after what I have become... I'll never forgive the Kirishikis for what they have done. I don't even want this lifestyle that I'm forced to conceal, even from my own parents.' Sora thought.

From the air, Megumi saw Sora from a distance. She could see the hidden pain permeating from his expression. A soft but downhearted expression marred her face.

"Tachibana-kun... I hope you'll be able to find the means necessary to make sure that you live normally... I know your pain too well. Being an immortal does make things rather lonely." Megumi said.

She then flew off to an unknown location. Sora reluctantly went back into his home, masking his sadness.

(Epitaph OST ends here)

That's all from here. More to come.