Face Off
Kakei continued to turn around in his seat to look at Kazahaya. Rikuo was holding him as the two of them slept. Smiling he turned back. "I can't believe he's here."
Saiga chuckled. He'd moved the rearview mirror so that he too could see Kazahaya's face. They were hopeless, neither could get over the fact that the kid was with them again. "What do you say that once this is all over we close the store for a few days and just stay home? I'm sure we'll need the rest and that way we can just spend some time with them and get to know Kazahaya again. He's stronger than he was before."
"Yes he is. I hate what he had to go through to get stronger but it's a good thing, for him and us. Yeah, I like that idea. We'll learn about each other all over again – we'll be a closer family now."
Saiga reached over and took Kakei's hand. Kakei leaned over to kiss his cheek then once again glanced back at their boys.
Kakei was driving when he heard a low moan from the backseat. He glanced into the rearview mirror and saw Kazahaya's sleeping face frown. A few minutes went by and he moaned again this time loud enough to wake Rikuo.
Blinking Rikuo looked around and saw they were almost home. He saw Kakei looking at him from the driver's seat. "What?" He asked in a sleep roughened voice. Automatically he adjusted Kazahaya's weight and brought the boy's head over to rest on his chest. He soon noticed that Kazahaya was sweating and looked tense in his sleep.
"He's moaning. I think the further we go into the city, the more pain he feels." The words had no sooner left his mouth when Kazahaya jerked awake clutching his arm.
"Oww!" He hissed. Kazahaya shrugged trying to remove the jacket he was wearing.
"Here, let me." Rikuo removed the sling first then helped Kazahaya to take off the jacket.
Saiga woke up with all the movement happening behind his head. He looked over at Kakei and noticed his eyes kept going from the road to mirror. Not asking any questions, Saiga turned in seat just in time to see Kazahaya's arm.
When they had left the beach, the blackness had ended at Kazahaya's elbow but now it was already half way up his bicep. It seemed that Black Shadow knew that Kazahaya was back in town.
Kazahaya's arm throbbed as he stared at it. He tried moving it and although it moved, the pain brought tears to his eyes. He looked up and saw everyone's worried gaze. "I'm okay. It hurts but it still works." Kazahaya didn't want to worry them or himself so he tried to be positive.
"Sure. We'll be home soon and Kakei can give you something to numb the pain. Just hold on for a little longer kid." Saiga told him with a small smile.
"I will." Kazahaya said already feeling better knowing that he wasn't alone anymore.
Rikuo didn't speak but just held Kazahaya tighter. He could feel Kazahaya's muscles shaking as he tried to control the pain. As much as he wished that Kazahaya could get some rest before facing that shadow, it looked as if they couldn't afford to waste anymore time.
In an hour, they were home again. Despite his pain, Kazahaya had a huge smile on his face at seeing the store. They went in the back and into Kakei and Saiga's apartment. Kazahaya wanted to look around and enjoy being home but they made him sit down while Kakei looked for just the right medicine.
"I'll run out and get us some food." Saiga said. He also wanted to go by the warehouse and see what was going on there. Black Shadow had to be more active now that the kid was back especially given what the thing had done to the kid's arm. "Any requests?" He smiled at the boys sitting on the couch. Despite the coming danger, seeing the two of them together again was great.
Kazahaya and Rikuo smiled at each other and requested fast food. When they got the chance they liked to go to McDonald's or Burger King and have breakfast there. They ordered several biscuits, hash browns, pancakes and just about anything they could think of.
Saiga shook his head as he wrote down what they wanted. "Guess this will teach me - never give you guys a chance to tell me what you want! Next time I'll choose!" He looked at Kazahaya. "Okay kid, rest up and make sure you're here when I get back." Saiga leaned down and tapped Kazahaya's chin.
"I'm not going anywhere Saiga, I promise. I'm home now." Kazahaya could feel the affection Saiga had for him.
"Damn straight, home to stay. Hey," Saiga looked up as Kakei came back with box full of supplies. "I'm going to pick up some breakfast. They want BK or Mickey D's, what would you like?"
Kakei laughed at their choice of foods, "Get me whatever they're having." Kakei gave Saiga pat on the chest as he walked by him. "Don't be gone long; I think Hikari-san will probably come early." Kakei figured she'd be anxious for them to get started.
"Will do." Saiga said grabbing the keys.
Kazahaya stared warily at the stuff Kakei placed on the coffee table. "Is all that for me? Are you trying to knock me out?"
"I should but no." Kakei grinned. "You need to be awake when Hikari gets here. I want to stop or at least numb your pain but it can't be too strong because you'll need to be able to concentrate. I also want to give you an energy booster to keep up your strength but one medicine can cancel out the other so I have to be careful. Just give a little time and I'll fix you right up!"
"It's a good thing I trust you Kakei or I think you were trying to poison me!" The words were said in fun but Kazahaya's eyes told Kakei that he truly trusted him.
Kakei blinked, "Thanks. Okay you guys, watch TV or something while I figure this out."
Kazahaya's eyes got wide as he turned to Rikuo. "TV! I didn't have one so I missed all my favorite shows! Rikuo you have to tell me what I missed!" Excitedly Kazahaya got in Rikuo face.
"Hey! I didn't watch all those shows!" Rikuo backed off laughing.
"Why not? You always watched them with me." Kazahaya asked.
"You weren't here. I wasn't going to watch your shows without you." Rikuo said quietly stroking Kazahaya's jaw.
Kazahaya stared at Rikuo then smiled softly. "Oh. You know I like that answer but now we've got to find repeats! Maybe Hinata recorded them, yeah! I should call her later…"
Kakei smiled as he went into the kitchen. This place had been so odd and quiet without Kazahaya. It was good to have him back and talking nonstop. Kakei would do his best to find the right medicines for Kazahaya to take.
Saiga went there first. He stopped about two blocks away and cautiously approached the warehouse. Saiga didn't get near it, he couldn't. Still a block away, he saw it. Somehow it was moving along whatever shadows it could find. Along the shadows of telephone poles and wires, the overhang of the roof, the crime tape roping off the building – it was taking advantage of every shadow and branching out. It was now at the wall of the warehouse next to it. Saiga could see the windows shaking as it slithered inside.
In Black Shadow's warehouse, there was a dark gray haze that showed in the pane-less windows and sounds meant to tear at a person's nerves echoed in the streets. Every now and then hoarse sounding words would mix with the sounds – "More…Death…More…Ago – ny…More…P – ain…Comme…tooo… meee…Kaza…" Saiga turned abruptly when the thing started to say Kazahaya's name. Undoubtedly they would have to confront this thing today and very soon. Saiga hurried back to the car. He needed to get the food; it was going to take massive amounts of energy to fight that demon not only for Kazahaya but for the rest of them too. No way in hell or heaven was he going to let the kid face that thing on his own.
Saiga returned home to hear laughter as the boys talked about something happening on TV. It made him pause and marvel at how he'd missed that. "Food! Greasy, full of fat and calories – the breakfast of champions! Come and get it!" He took the food in the kitchen as the guys hurriedly got up off the couch to follow.
"Good timing, I just got this figured out." At Kazahaya's place there were three pills and behind Kakei was a blender of some green stuff. "Energy drink or call it a smoothie. Don't frown Kazahaya-kun, I made sure it tastes good." Kakei laughed at the boy.
"Hope you made enough for all of us." Saiga said quietly as the guys tore into the bags. "It can move outside. It's already reached the building next to it."
Kakei looked up in horror but quickly disguised it. No need to worry them just yet. He nodded to Saiga and began gathering more ingredients. For a short time they were able to act as if nothing was wrong. They gorged themselves on the fast food and Kakei's surprisingly tasty smoothies. Together they cleaned up the mess and moved to sit down and relax when the backdoor buzzer sounded. Hikari-san had arrived.
Saiga, Rikuo and Kazahaya waited in silence for Kakei to return with Hikari-san. Rikuo scooted closer to Kazahaya and pulled him back to rest on his chest. Kazahaya looked up at him with a smile and Rikuo couldn't resist kissing him.
"Aww, now isn't that nice?" Hikari-san said as she stepped into the room. Her waterfall of black hair glinted in the light as she went to the boys. Bending slightly she stared first at Rikuo then at Kazahaya. Hikari-san examined their auras intensely before straightening and gracing them with a beautiful smile. "Well done. The two of you have made up and the bond between you is tighter than ever." She turned to look at Kakei and Saiga and once again stared and nodded. "I was wrong, now all four of you are closer, a unit – no a family. I'm happy for you because you'll need that connection to each other to survive."
"Always straight to the point Hikari." Saiga said dryly.
"Of course! Now let me see that arm." Hikari-san perched on the coffee table before Kazahaya.
Kazahaya looked to Kakei who nodded then slowly removed his arm from the sling. He held it out to the woman and was relieved that it didn't hurt as much, thanks to Kakei's medicine.
Hikari-san only stared at the blackened skin at first before reaching out to take his hand. As soon as their hands touched, she shivered violently. Hikari-san bowed her head and prayed over the hand and arm. She slid one hand from the tip of his middle finger up to where the mark ended. Hikari-san did this several times until she had touched every inch of blackened skin.
Kazahaya gasped as he felt a tingling in his arm. She was doing something to him but as far as he could see was just praying. Her words were spoken so lowly that they seemed to run together and were unintelligible. The tingling became a warmth and his arm jerked once or twice scaring him.
Hikari-san covered Kazahaya's hand so that it was sandwiched between hers. She placed a kiss on her own hand then lifted her head to look at Kazahaya. "Amen. How does that feel?"
Head tilted to one side Kazahaya looked at his arm and moved it just a little bit and blinked. Next he wiggled his fingers and there was no stiffness! Kazahaya grinned at her then at Rikuo sitting beside him. "It doesn't hurt – at all! It feels like it's supposed to! How'd you do that?"
"I'm glad I was able to take your pain away but it's only temporary. I prayed to my Goddess and to God then infused your arm with positive energy. The effects should last for a while. Oh my!" Hikari-san laughed when Kazahaya gave her an enthusiastic hug.
"Thanks." Rikuo said quietly.
"Yes thank you Hikari. I had only been able to numb his pain but you were able to take it way." Kakei added.
"It was necessary. Kudo, may I call you Kazahaya?" She smiled when the teen nodded. "Thank you and please just call me Hikari." She said to the guys. "Kazahaya needs to be well rested before we face Black Shadow and constant pain will only wear him down. There should be no hint of weakness in front of that demon. I'll pray over it again before we face Black Shadow."
"We?" Saiga asked sitting forward. "You're going with us? I thought only the four of us would be going."
Hikari shook her head. "No, it's grown too much for just the four of you to have any real effect on it. You'll have me, my coven and…a few others joining you. We'll make it possible for you to get close enough to do your thing."
Saiga stared hard at her. "It's grown. Black Shadow is no longer confined to that warehouse. I went by there earlier and it's using the shadows to move into the next building. So now what? That's two city blocks it now occupies. What do you mean by close enough?"
"We'll have driven it back by the time you and Kazahaya are ready." Hikari smiled at their confused expressions. "We've been casting spells and performing rituals the whole time Kazahaya has been missing. If we hadn't, most of the city would be gone by now. That place has been watched by covens from all over Japan. This thing can be felt by any with the least amount of spiritual awareness. We've had a steady stream of people coming by the store to find out what's going on. There are even some who have traveled from Europe and the US. Once people heard what was happening, they came to help out. It's a phenomenon to us who deal with the supernatural, if a deadly one.
"I never told you any of this because I wanted you to concentrate on finding the young one here." Hikari patted Kazahaya's knee. "You would only find him when the time was right and letting you know about Black Shadow's activities would have only made your search more desperate and nothing would have been resolved between these two." She waved a hand at the boys. "This way Kazahaya was found, you guys talked and made up and now we have a stronger young man who will without a doubt rise up and save the world! Or something like that." Hikari said with a charming smile.
"I'll sure try." Kazahaya said hoping he lived up to her faith in him.
"Don't worry, you won't be alone Kazahaya. Rikuo, Saiga, Kakei, me and almost three hundred other people will be with you - if not more."
"Three hundred?!" They all said together remembering Hikari say a 'few' more people were going to be helping them.
"Like I said – it's an once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon." Hikari grinned and shrugged. "Things have already been arranged with Seki. Only he, his superiors and those he trusts know what's really going on. Three city blocks will be partitioned off and the official explanation is that a bunch of 'New Agers' will be having some sort of ceremony. Special permits were filled out and only you and those of us helping will be allowed in. There will be some curiosity seekers but they won't be allowed to get close. New Age people are looked down upon by the general populace any way so we shouldn't have too many people there to worry about."
Kakei slumped back in his chair. "I can't believe we didn't know or that I never had a vision about it."
"You had only one thing on your mind – Kazahaya, as it should have been. Okay enough of that. Before we do anything, Kazahaya I want you to tell me everything that's happened since you first came into contact with Black Shadow. I want any and all details you can think of. It will help me decide exactly what we'll need because we'll only get this one chance.
"Also since we want everything to go well, we'll use all of today to train. Black Shadow can wait one more day before seeing Kazahaya. Yes, it's risky to wait but this way you'll have the time to really learn and understand what you'll be doing. In the morning we'll review everything one more time and go to the warehouse about noon. We want to execute the spell well before the sun goes down, before it gains the power darkness brings." Hikari moved to sit beside Kazahaya and patted his thigh for him to begin. "Okay, tell me about your experiences with Black Shadow."
Kazahaya looked at Rikuo and then down at his lap. He felt ashamed of what had almost happened to him when Black Shadow first appeared. He knew in his heart that none of it was his fault but it didn't stop him from feeling guilt and shame from almost being raped.
"It didn't happen. We saved you, remember?" Saiga spoke up. "Just tell her about the stuff concerning Black Shadow. Right, Hikari? You don't need the whole story do you?"
Hikari saw how sick Kazahaya looked and how his once bright aura had dimmed and was quick to agree with Saiga. They couldn't afford for Kazahaya to be in any way depressed or upset. "No! Just tell me about Black Shadow. As a reward, I'll teach you a spell that will make anyone agree with you all the time. Would you like that? You could get Kakei to agree to give you a raise or a day off. Or for Saiga to agree to do all your cleaning! How about that?" Hikari's eyes were laughing as she looked at the two men.
"Hey!" Kakei and Saiga protested while Rikuo nodded and urged Kazahaya to say yes.
Kazahaya perked up at the thought of being able to make Kakei or Saiga always agree with whatever he wanted. Nodding and smiling, he got comfortable and began to tell her everything he knew about Black Shadow.
She listened to his words all the while taking notes. A few times the others interrupted and Hikari hushed them wanting to hear only what Kazahaya had to say. Once she was finished listening to Kazahaya's account of what happened to him she had Rikuo tell what he'd seen and experienced. Next Saiga and Kakei told their stories. Hikari wanted as complete a picture of Black Shadow as possible so she needed each person's perspective.
"You know now that I think about, I've been touched by that thing too but my marks disappeared! How come I'm not going through the same thing as the kid?" Saiga unconsciously rubbed his leg but of course there was no pain, stiffness or discoloration. There hadn't been for months.
"Yes, I was just wondering the same thing myself." Hikari nibbled on the tip of her pen. "It must be suffering that it craves. Kazahaya was suffering that first time, unable to help himself because of his injuries and the coming threat. He was suffering the next time as well when he was chasing after that Osawa person. His feelings for Rikuo were all over the place then once he'd touched Osawa and experienced everything he was going through – Kazahaya felt that pain as his own and Black Shadow picked up on it.
"Kazahaya is an Empath, in fact I've rarely heard of anyone who feels the emotions of others as keenly as he does. This ability to feel what other people are feeling would be like and an aphrodisiac to this thing. The people inside it, their suffering – Kazahaya would feel it plus his own pain and Black Shadow would become even more powerful." Hikari again shivered at the thought of being lost inside that shadow-thing.
"So it didn't mark me because I wasn't suffering? That doesn't make any sense because I was really worried about the kid and what would happen to him if we didn't reach him in time." Saiga stood and paced.
"Yes but your goal was to save him. No matter how scared you were, the only thing on your mind was getting Kazahaya out of there. You had no injures, no confusion, no hurt feelings – Saiga your will and determination were strong and therefore not tempting to it. Don't get me wrong, it would have swallowed you given the chance but each time you got away quickly. Your contacts with it were very brief. You weren't as important to it as Kazahaya. There was a tug-of-war to free Kazahaya from its grip both times. He was vulnerable and Black Shadow wants that, no craves it. Pain and agony are its food and with Kazahaya comes a double helping, so to speak."
Hikari stood and went to the bags that she'd given Rikuo a few days before and started rummaging. "This is why I wanted you guys to resolve your feelings before coming back. Cold determination or a great love between lovers and friends is the only way you can stand before this thing and survive. Okay, looks like we have almost everything we'll need. I'll have to call the store and make sure that my fiancée, Yutaka brings the rest of the tools and ingredients we'll need. He'll help me teach you want you need to know. We'll both stay the night and give you a crash course in magic!" Hikari turned and clapped her hands. "If you need bathroom breaks or drinks, now's the time to get them because for the next few hours I'm going to teach you magic until you think you're 'Harry Potter!'" She spoke using a commanding tone that left them no doubt that she meant business despite her smile.
"Yes ma'am!" All four of them responded standing, towering over the little woman and went off to prepare themselves to learn magic. As the guys got ready they felt relief at knowing they wouldn't have to do the spell today. Each of them was already nervous about using magic and having to do it on the fly - they were sure they would have done something wrong. Now they could breathe a little easier because they would have the chance to practice and understand more about what was expected of them and besides the extra rest would be nice too.
They worked for hours until early afternoon when Hikari called for a lunch break. She was proud of them. A lot had been accomplished in that short time. Once lunch was over, Hikari insisted that they all take a nap. She didn't want them to be too worn out and she planned to work them more throughout the night.
"Come on, let's go upstairs." Rikuo pulled Kazahaya to his feet and the boys started to leave.
"My own bed, I missed it." Kazahaya said smiling.
"I kept it warm for you." Rikuo said blushing a little.
"Umm, guys? Could you sleep down here?" Hikari asked. She knew the boys wanted some time alone but thought it better if they stayed here. "We've got a real vibe going on here, the five of us and I don't want to lose it. We're stronger if we're all of the same mind and I fear if the two of you go upstairs…together and umm, do – well never mind what. Please can we all stay here?" Hikari looked to Kakei with rosy cheeks.
Kakei laughed at her embarrassment. Hikari was usually unflappable but for some reason this had tripped her up. "She doesn't want you guys to have sex yet!"
Rikuo frowned down at the little woman. "Why not? It's been…a while."
Hikari felt put on the spot but took in a deep breath. "We're a team right now, if the two of you have – sex, it will put the rest of us on the outside. While the two of you will be closer and more intimate with each other, you'll close us out and that won't help us in the coming battle. I'm sorry guys." And she really was, they'd been apart for so long and to deny them felt wrong but she knew she was in the right.
"It's okay Rikuo. I'd rather wait until I'm back to normal anyway." Kazahaya looked ruefully down at his blackened hand. He sighed and let go of the thought of being with Rikuo. "You guys still got that air mattress?" Kazahaya gave them a lopsided smile.
"Yeah kid, I'll set it up." Saiga felt for them but he had no doubt that Hikari reasons were factual besides after this mess was over, they would be together as much as they wanted.
Furniture was moved and sheets were found and shortly they were ready to catch some z's. Hikari left the apartment so the guys could sleep. She would meditate while waiting for Yutaka to get there. Once he arrived, he would have to form a bond with the guys as well so they were all of one mind. There would be hundreds of people helping them but the six of them with Kazahaya as the lead would be the focus of the spell. Everything had to be perfect.
Hikari opened her eyes and felt refreshed. She'd meditated for about an hour, it was really a great way to calm the spirit. Sounds of life came to her from the store and from the hustle of city life just outside the door. Hikari rose from the floor and did a few stretches. Soon Yutaka would be arriving and then the training would begin again.
Quietly she went the apartment door and peeked in. The teenagers were curled together on the air mattress deeply asleep. Kazahaya's head was tucked under Rikuo's chin and one of his thighs was sandwiched between the larger teen's. They really made such a cute couple, thought Hikari as she smiled at them. It was good they were able to let go of worry and find peace in sleep and each other. She moved further into the cozy apartment and checked on Saiga and Kakei. They were knocked out as well, she'd worked them all hard and they were still tired from trip back from the beach.
Leaving the sleeping men, Hikari went to the kitchen to fix some tea. She was feeling better about things now that the morning was over. Hikari had known Kakei first and then Saiga. It seemed those with power recognized the same in others. In any case the three of them had been friends for years and even though Kakei and Saiga had power, they'd never done magic before and she'd been worried. Maybe they wouldn't take to it or just wouldn't get it but that fear was gone now. Each man had watched her carefully and asked intelligent questions. Even the boys had done well, especially Kazahaya.
Hikari smiled as she remembered him touching her and the light of knowledge come into his eyes. His power had allowed him to see exactly how magic was done and he in turned had helped Rikuo to understand.
The ability to visualize what you want to happen is key in magic and Hikari had thought that might be their biggest problem but she'd forgotten who she was dealing with. Kakei had no problem doing this because he'd been more or less doing it all his life every time he had a vision. Saiga, who saw all, also had no problem. Although Rikuo's power was more 'physical' in his ability to break and cause things to shake, he sometimes wasn't able to see the object and had to picture it in his mind. After a little coaching from Kazahaya, he'd gotten it. They had a chance now, she was sure of it. Their biggest obstacle would be of course the entity itself and everything it would try to do to stop them.
Kakei knelt on the floor and reached out to gently shake Kazahaya's shoulder. He hated to wake them, they looked so comfortable but he had to. "Wake up son. Come on, you too Rikuo." He shook them both and laughed as they turned into each other and away from him. "That's not going to help, might as well wake up or Hikari may throw cold water on you guys."
Two groans then finally two pairs of eyes peeked over at him. "Hey Kakei." Kazahaya said. He was home again. He'd woken to find Rikuo beside him, holding him and to the kind expression of Kakei. Life was almost perfect.
"Sorry kid, time to get up." Saiga said over Kakei's shoulder. He gestured with a coffee cup. "I made coffee and Hikari's man is here. Time to get on with the show."
"Just a minute." Rikuo said before Kazahaya could pull away from him. "I need something more to help me wake up." A sly grin tilted Rikuo's lips as he brought Kazahaya's mouth closer to his.
"Oh brother." Saiga said dryly but was happy to see the two of them being loving with one another. "It seems we have to wait until the kid has sufficiently woken Rikuo up." He said to the couple coming out of the kitchen.
"Looks like he has the right idea." Said a deep voice.
Rikuo broke off the kiss at hearing an unfamiliar voice. He and Kazahaya stared up and up at the new face. The man was as tall if not taller than Saiga. Both teens looked from him and down, down to Hikari and laughed.
Hikari grinned and shrugged. "Everybody does that! Nobody can get over how tall he is or how short I am." She leaned down to look at the boys, "But don't you worry – we have no problems whatsoever!" As intended, they all laughed at that. "Okay guys, put those tongues away – we've got work to do!"
Yutaka took over the teaching, working with each man individually and forming a connection with them. He needed to get along well with them and working one-on-one was the best course. The teaching went on all afternoon and evening. They cooked and ate supper while being quizzed. As they washed and cleaned up after eating, they memorized the spell. They practiced how exactly to move during the rituals. Meditation was encouraged and accomplished. Grounding and increasing their own power was achieved. A spell was cast. It was a protection spell, first performed by Hikari then Yutaka. Then one after the other the guys did the spell too – flawlessly. The six of them looked at one another and grinned. "We're ready." Hikari said.
Morning came and everyone was quiet. They had to prepare themselves to work magic. They ate and went over everything once more. Again they practiced the protection spell but this time they knew it wasn't just practice but also something that would indeed protect them from Black Shadow. To maximize the effect of the spell, they bathed and purified their bodies. They meditated and grounded themselves, attaining the calm they would need.
Soon it was time to go so they packed up the car. Kakei made more smoothies for everyone and they drank them down knowing they'd need the extra energy. Kazahaya took more painkillers and just as Hikari began to pray over his arm again, she noticed that the mark had grown. It was now closing in on his shoulder.
Kazahaya didn't say so but the spell wasn't as effective but still it was better than not having Hikari pray over it. Sitting in the backseat of the car, Kazahaya was nervous about doing this, afraid he would fail them all but Rikuo took his hand and Kakei his bad arm and their love and confidence filled him. He would not be alone. They would not ever leave his side, he was sure of that now. His nerves began to fade and Kazahaya concentrated on his future with Rikuo and he knew Hinata was waiting on him so they could go and hang out together. He couldn't wait to be with his two best friends after this was over. Kazahaya rid himself of the dangerous negativity.
It was a scene. The warehouse district was away from the main streets but it seemed that didn't stop the curious because there were crowds of people, not only policemen but civilians as well. Cars, vans and police vehicles were everywhere. There were flashing lights, large spot lights, barricades and large blue screens surrounding a three block radius. As Saiga inched the car forward spectators were tried to peer into the car curious as to who they were. Ahead of them, other people who moved with purpose filed inside the barricade. Some looked like ordinary people others looked like priests, nuns, witches with pointy hats and brooms, monks and a few that were wearing hardly anything at all but gauzy materials. From every walk of life, people with unexplainable powers marched inside ready to face a demon and send it from this world.
Seki met them at the entrance to the barricade and escorted them inside. He'd been placed in charge of the whole thing much to his disgust but at the same time he wanted to see how it all turned out. He had faith in Kakei and Saiga, if anybody could do the impossible – they could.
"I'm never bored with you guys around. You should have seen me trying to convince my bosses that all this shit was necessary." Nerves made his voice weak. Seki shook his head and cleared his throat as he led the way. "Finally I got my supervisor to come down here with me. All it took was that thing causing ice to hang off his nose ten seconds after stepping inside to make him a believer! After that I let him handle the higher brass. Apparently a few more visits were in order but by this morning everything was set." Seki chuckled because events this big usually took days worth of paperwork and prep but this was done in hours. There were a few cameras here and there so the bosses could keep an eye on things while they watched safely back at headquarters.
"Nothing like fear to get politicians moving." Saiga clapped Seki on the back. "Thanks man, for helping out." He added sincerely because without Seki's help, this could have been a disaster.
As soon as they entered the enclosure some three hundred people turned to look and grew quiet. Hikari and Yutaka were immediately recognized since they were the ones that had organized and brought everyone together. The people knew they were here to support a teenager who'd been touched by the supernatural entity but not who the teen was. Curious eyes tried to identify which teen it was, which one carried the mark of the demon but both young men walked with their hands covered.
Hikari had told them to be discreet and not to call attention to themselves. She wanted them to maintain the calm and serenity they'd had since grounding themselves before leaving the store. After it was all said and done there would be time enough for people to find out who they were and for Kazahaya and the others to thank the gathered witches, sorcerers, psychics and laypeople for their help.
Saiga looked for the signs he'd seen yesterday, of Black Shadow reaching out and occupying the warehouse nearest to it. It was gone! In the bright sunshine, he could detect no sign of the entity. Saiga looked around at the men and women and silently thanked them for their help.
They were met at the entrance to the warehouse by Hikari and Yutaka's coven members. One older woman stepped forward to greet them.
"They all set?" She asked bending down for a quick hug.
"I believe so. It'll be the six of us standing before Black Shadow with our coven members filling in the outer room and then everyone else out here. Hopefully everything will go as it's supposed to and this victory will go down in the paranormal history books." Hikari said with a smile.
Taking a deep breath, Hikari turned to face the silent crowd. "Thank you." Her her gaze traveled over the assembled people grateful for their presence. "We are about to enter. Please begin the ritual and be prepared to send us your energy. As you know the entity is very strong and will no doubt try to stop us from sending it from this world. Be prepared for anything. Again, thank you for your help and may the Goddess and God bless you all." Hikari smiled and bowed to the crowd. Behind her Kazahaya and the others bowed as well.
Turning back to face the warehouse, Kazahaya took Rikuo's hand then Kakei's. Saiga took Kakei's and Hikari's while she took Yutaka's. Drums began to sound as they walked forward into darkness. It was still early afternoon outside but Black Shadow controlled everything inside its domain.
Quickly the coven members hurried in after them and started flicking switches. There were over twenty lights set up throughout the warehouse and leading into the demon's room. No artificial light would be used there only natural and candle light.
Sounds came at them so fast that breezes were created from the force. Cold blanketed their bodies so that their goose bumps had babies. Limbs became heavy with the cold and movement became difficult. If they were walking straight up a mountain, it would have been easier that this.
They maintained their calm, repeating to themselves the meditation Hikari had taught them to control their fear. Yutaka held in his free hand some of the things they would need as they made their way forward. His hand shook so badly that at times he had to hold the bag close to his chest so that he wouldn't drop it.
Finally they made it to the doorway of where Black Shadow lived. Unsurprisingly there was very little light there despite the windows Rikuo had broken all those months ago. It had created a haze that blocked out the sunlight. Still they were able to see and from where they stood – there against the far wall were two black-on-black eyes.
Screams came at them this time, human screams. They were full of pain and fear. Voices begged to be saved or to be killed and released from this nightmare. It was horrible - the cries and yells for mothers to come help them. So loud were these screams that the people outside could hear them and it gave them all pause. Never had they heard or wished to hear such torment.
A single thump was heard as someone pounded on a drum. Again it sounded and other drummers picked up the beat. Then one voice began to pray and then another voice. Quickly everyone joined in for they could not afford to let Black Shadow distract them from their purpose. They had to support those on the inside, those facing the demon itself. If they could not do their part then all was surely lost.
Rikuo squeezed Kazahaya's hand and Kazahaya almost broke Rikuo's. They both knew that this was an attack sent to weaken Kazahaya. The thing wanted Kazahaya to hear its victims' pain and therefore cause Kazahaya pain.
Kazahaya could barely feel the hand that Kakei held. His arm was now a limb of ice. If there was blood inside his flesh – it had ceased to move. He had to look down and reassure himself that his arm was still there.
"Okay?!" Hikari yelled at him.
"I can't feel anything!" It would be impossible for him to do want he needed to do if he couldn't move his arm. Worry tried to worm its way into his soul.
Hikari too felt a moment of panic. The screams were grating on her nerves.
"Don't worry! We'll be his hands!" Rikuo shouted in the din. "We're here with you Kazahaya!" Rikuo leaned close and when Kazahaya took the hint, Rikuo kissed him. A flame of light, maybe it was love warmed Kazahaya and there was once again feeling in his arm. He kissed Rikuo back with all the energy in his soul and felt strength flow through him.
The others could feel that power and to increase it, each couple engaged in a loving, passionate kiss. The sounds didn't go away but somehow they were less intense than before. The lovers ended their kissing. They all smiled and nodded at one another, stronger now.
Kazahaya took a deep breath then stepped forward. "You wanted me and here I am! You want to destroy me, my friends and this city but it will not happen! Time to die jackass!"