Monday, October 6th, 2014 - 11:01
Mayne Road

The four persona users of ASH were sitting together inside Mocha's Chocó's, the coffee shop on Mayne Road. Two waitresses dressed in cream and brown aprons scuttled around in a seemingly random fashion, attempting to satisfy the multitude of customers present while other staff members resided behind the counter. Soft music was playing in the background but was difficult to hear over the murmur of different conversations.

Yuuki and Senga each ordered coffee, while Rebecca enjoyed hot chocolate. Iain, who selected nothing for himself, held the petition folder in his hands and read from the notes he had made.

"Caroline Russell has been successfully protected from the shadows. The next target is 'Jack Higgins'. His place of residence is Prospect Lane inside the Haugh. Tomorrow night the victim is scheduled to be 'Richard Higgins', the younger brother of the aforementioned Jack-"

"Wait," interrupted Yuuki, "I thought it was someone called Ivana who was next?"

"That was a joke name," explained Becky, "Ivana Tinkle, get it?"

"What about Amanda Huggenkiss?"

"A man to hug and kiss, you've already got Iain for that."

"Homer Sex…oh."

Yuuki started blushing. She wasn't used to name puns in English. It dawned on her that fake entries on the petition form had been scored out by Theresa Flowers after Caroline had signed. She couldn't score out the later names as she had died before having a chance to see them.

"I know Rich," said Becky as she twirled her hair, "his brother goes to Urquhart. He's the one who gave the folder to me. So the last name on the list is mine?"

"That is incorrect," stated Iain calmly, "there were two names placed before your own, the first of which will be the central shadow's ambition."

Yuuki tried to think back. She remembered Rebecca receiving the form. Senga had been with them. The three of them talked about it for a while before something happened. Then she remembered a forth person had been there, someone who had written his name and then hers.

"You don't mean it will come after Daigo?" asked Yuuki, praying she had misunderstood.

"Precisely," answered Iain, "he was the fourteenth signatory. This is fortunate."

"FORTUNATE!" shrieked Yuuki, "my brother could die in two days time and you think it's fortunate?"

"If we don't stop the central shadow then the other world and ours will merge. Therefore it is irrelevant who the target is, since they would fall victim to the shadows eventually."

"I…suppose."

"In addition we will know the exact location of the shadow. There is also the option of awakening his potential now, allowing him to become familiar with the other world prior to combat. You have access to him at midnight making this-"

"No," was Yuuki's instant response, "not Daigo, I don't want him to know anything about this. He's just a kid…"

Yuuki avoided eye contact with her friends. She didn't know if they agreed with Iain but she wouldn't allow Daigo to get involved. This was something she would not back down from. The other world was their problem, not his. The thought that Daigo was going to be attacked scared her, however Yuuki was resolute that no harm would come to him.

She was going to make sure he stayed safe and find out who was doing this to them.

aaa

Monday, October 6th, 2014 - 21:58
Hashimoto Residence

Yuuki felt refreshed following her nap.

It was a routine she had gotten herself into. Fighting shadows made her tired and sleep helped her to recover more of her strength. She just hoped no-one ever found her doing this, being 17 years old and forced to take regular afternoon naps would make her seem strange.

With two hours remaining before tonight's operation Yuuki switched on her computer. It amazed her how little time she had had to herself on this day off from school. A quick check of her inbox revealed a new message waiting for her. It was from her pen-pal in Japan, Haruka. She brought up the letter.

To: Yuuki Hashimoto
From: Haruka Higurashi

Ken took me to a mountain retreat for the weekend. When he first told me about it I thought to my self 'whoa that's so romantic' but the place was filled with all these older women he knew. They kept calling him 'Ken-kun' and laughing and throwing themselves all over him (I'm the only one that's supposed to do that!) That really pissed me off and if I ever see that devil woman Yukari again I'll scream!

It's strange how all of his friends come back together and everyone I know is drifting away.

Hey Yuuki, are you coming back to Japan? I mean you're staying there until school is finished and coming back right? Port Island seems so lonely without you here. I know e-mail me the date you're coming back and I'll meet you at the airport! (On second thought I'll meet you at the train station; it's only five minutes away). And hold off applying for colleges until I know what one I'll be able to get into. You should be alright for any since you've been studying in Europe.

Well I've gotta go. Send me an e-mail and don't skip any details! I want to know names, I want to know places and I want to know dates!

Stay frosty!

Haruka XXX

And find yourself a boyfriend otherwise people will start talking about you. You won't be young forever you know and wealthy husbands are hard to find!

The message brought a smile to Yuuki's face. She was glad Haruka was having fun with her boyfriend; it gave her a sense that there were people unaffected by the shadows happily living their lives. She wondered if anyone else had faced the other world before, or if they were doing so right now.

Before she allowed her thoughts to wonder Yuuki started typing a reply. Since Haruka would never meet them she felt comfortable typing about the two guys she had met, Gavin and Iain. She felt naughty revealing the confession she had received from Gavin but no-one would find out. She then started writing about Iain. First, she listed his good and bad qualities. Then she focused on his apartment, then his dress sense, then his family, then his traits…

When she finished Yuuki realised her e-mail was over 4,000 words long, and that most of it had been about Iain. She saved it as a draft and started writing a much shorter version. She left out all mention of Iain and clicked on send.

"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Death Arcana shall bless thee."

Yuuki powered down her computer and prepared for tonight.

aaa

Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 - 00:00
Prospect Lane

Rebecca was taking a break from fighting shadows, meaning there would be three members of ASH present tonight. So far only two of them had appeared.

Senga tapped her foot fiercely against the concrete ground, her eyes narrow and dangerous. She was clearly annoyed. Yuuki knew better than to talk to her friend when she was acting this way, only Becky could calm her when she became worked up like this. They were waiting for Iain outside the home of Jack Higgins, tonight's target for the shadows.

Senga let out a frustrated grunt and cracked one of her knuckles. She started pacing up and down, her violet coat fluttering under her light jacket as she moved.

"We only ask him to do two things," snapped Senga, referring to Iain, "arrive on time and stay out of the way. If he can't even do that then there's no hope for him."

Yuuki became downcast.

"Do you not like Iain?"

"Right now no. What's so hard about being on time? God even tricky Dicky would be more reliable. The more people like him I meet the more I like my cat."

"You do hate tardiness," jokingly replied Yuuki, hoping to hide her disappointment.

"(Sigh) Iain's a nice guy," said Senga much more calmly, "an idiot, but harmless. I can see why you…you know, but you should be looking out for him. Fighting shadows is dangerous. All I want is to destroy them, every last one, everything else is a distraction. I don't want someone to die because he couldn't cope."

"You're right," answered Yuuki, "after we face the central shadow I'll tell him."

They stopped talking once a dull light emerged in the distance. Finally, ten minutes after the other world started, Iain appeared. Yuuki let out a sigh. It was sad to think this would be one of the last times he would be with them but it was for his own good.

As he drew closer Yuuki noticed he was carrying something. She couldn't distinguish what it was until he was within a few meters. It was two swords. One was very large, which he was straining to carry, while the other was some form of Katana.

"Erm, Iain, what are you carrying?"

"A claymore and a wakizashi."

"I can see that," said Yuuki rubbing her temple, "why are you carrying them?"

"Ah, yes, it was in light of a previous conversation we shared."

Iain presented Senga with the claymore.

"I believe this would suit you well Agnes."

"Don't call me Agnes," snipped Senga while grabbing the sword. She paused to admire it for a moment.

"And this one is for you Yuuki."

The wakizashi was in a plain black sheath and its 50 centimetre body curved gently. Yuuki was slightly nervous holding it.

"The scabbard contains two pockets however they are empty."

"Are you sure this is safe to hold?" queried Yuuki.

"While there are historical references of people losing fingers from the improper removal of the sword from its cover, this particular model is too dull for such an occurrence."

Yuuki closed her eyes. The last thing she wanted to hear when about to pull out a sword for the first time was of people losing their fingers. Slowly, feeling her way as opposed to looking, she drew the sword free from its confines and gazed at it. Its surface reflected the light coming from her jacket, almost dazzling her with its shine. For a moment she believed it to be a Kiku-ichimonji.

"Naturally, familiarity with using these weapons will improve their effectiveness," said Iain as he fiddled with his glasses, "there is a fencing club within Bishopmill which could provide additional assistance."

"The killing shadows part sounded more fun," responded Senga almost wetting her lips, "so where's your sword Iain, or are you going to be hiding behind us all the time?"

"I selected a more suitable weapon for myself."

Iain revealed a boomerang from the back of his coat.

"So you are going to hide behind us."

The first of the shadows started approaching, and the trio immediately turned their attention towards them.

aaa

Tuesday, October 7th, 2014 - 16:56
Lossie Wynd

It was a damp, overcast day.

The smell of freshly fallen raindrops mixed with the subtle fragrance of a nearby bakery and the exhausts of cars passing by. The rain had temporarily stopped, giving her some respite. Yuuki was searching for the community centre which hosted the Bishopmill Fencing Club; however she wasn't having much luck. She had only walked passed this way once before and that was to go on a picnic with Becky and Senga. Parts of this town were still unfamiliar to her.

Last night Iain had given them swords to help fight against the shadows. They weren't of much practical use but holding a wakizashi made Yuuki feel better. Unfortunately they wouldn't be able to use them every night as being caught out with the other world holding a weapon would be problematic. Regardless any help was better than none.

It was for this reason that she was here. She wanted to handle a sword better and the Bishopmill Fencing Club was the best way to do that. Eventually a pale bricked building came into view. This was what she had been looking for. Yuuki lowered her yellow hood, shook her hair free of moisture and stepped inside.

The sound of her footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. There were few people present making her worry slightly. On her travels she spotted a piece of paper cellotaped to a window. 'Fencing Club Here'. Yuuki chapped at the door and walked into the large square room.

"Good Timmy, keep your right hand nice and high."

"Like this?"

"That's it."

There were a group of five young children between the ages of 8 and 12 close to one another. They were each holding a plastic blue or red sword and running happily. In the middle were two adults, one an old man with a hunched back, and the other a young woman in her mid twenties. Believing this place wasn't for her Yuuki turned to leave quietly, but the woman spotted her.

"Wait, don't go!" she cried almost desperately, running over to her.

"Sorry," answered Yuuki, "I didn't know this was a kid's class."

"A kid's class? It isn't, this is for anyone."

Yuuki felt her arms being held lightly, guiding her back inside. Unable to resist without making a scene she meekly followed.

"This fencing club is for anyone," reaffirmed the woman, "have you done fencing before?"

"No. If this class is for anyone then where are the older students?"

"The older students? Hmm, well there's me and sometimes Priss shows."

It didn't fill her with confidence. Yuuki wasn't sure what she had been expecting but taking lessons with ten year old children didn't sound like fun.

"I recognise you now, you're Yuuki Hashimoto right?"

"How did you know that?"

"How did I know? I'm a teacher at Bishopmill, we know all the new students. Strictly speaking I'm a teaching assistant and I'm not allowed in the teacher's lounge yet but it's the same thing right? I help with PE, art and any one off subjects like sex education. Oh my name is Nicola McGregor, Nicky here and Miss McGregor at school. You want to learn fencing?"

"I'd like to control a sword," replied Yuuki, trying to be as honest as possible, "are there any tips you can give me?"

"Tips? Hmm, practice, practice and practice!"

Nicola moved across the room and collected a foil. When she came back she placed it in Yuuki's hand and positioned her fingers for her. Slowly pushing her arm from the elbow she showed how to do a basic thrust. Yuuki repeated the motion.

"As long as you can do that, you can fence!" said Nicola with too much enthusiasm, "I'm usually here every Tuesday between 4 and 5, so come along. It would be nice to have a fresh victim to play with, I mean, someone older to challenge me. It'll be fun!"

"Well…sure, why not."

"Why not indeed!"

Yuuki heard a voice echo in her head.

"Thou hast established a new bond. From hence forth the Fortune Arcana shall bless thee."

The five children left the room, followed by the old man who was their instructor. Yuuki and Nicola did the same and walked part of the way home together, all the while talking about fleches, parries and lunges.

When they parted Yuuki remembered that PE was one of Senga's classes and decided to ask her about Nicola.

aaa

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 - 23:30
Hashimoto residence

"We should have a numerical advantage tonight. It would be sensible to bring your brother to a wide open area. I'll contact Agnes and Rebecca and tell them to wait for you on Lossiemouth Road before heading for Green Park. Be careful not come into contact with him at midnight to ensure he remains unaware."

Iain hung up before she could even respond. Yuuki put her phone down. Tonight they would be facing the second central shadow, tonight they would be fighting to save Daigo.

All day Yuuki had been in her room trying to think clearly. It hadn't worked. Thoughts whirled through her mind relentlessly, giving her no peace. She had hoped that missing Richard Higgins rescue would give her time to prepare for tonight but it merely added to her nervousness.

For the previous thirteen nights the shadows had been targeting individual victims based on a list of petitioners, now they would appear to kill the final signatory, her younger brother. Yuuki guessed that Iain's suggestion was sound and did what she was told. She had the sense to realise her apprehension was dulling her judgment. The only problem was how to get Daigo to leave the house with her. Yuuki had an idea but wasn't sure if it would work. She changed into her best clothes before knocking at her brother's door.

"Who's there?"

"Ssshhh," whispered Yuuki, "I'm coming in okay."

"What's up sis?"

"Get changed."

"What for?"

"Keep your voice down;" answered Yuuki sternly, "we don't want mum or dad to hear."

"Hear what?"

"I'm going to sneak you into a nightclub. Put on something nice and follow me, you have five minutes."

Yuuki left Daigo's room and closed the door. She could hear him stumbling around and various objects falling onto the ground. She sneaked throughout the house to see if either of her parents were awake. She could tell by his snoring that her father was asleep but the ever-changing flickers of light showed the TV was on in the living room. Her mother must be in there. The door was slightly ajar so Yuuki looked though the gap. Her mother had dozed off on a chair with a glass of brown juice at her feet. This was their chance. Yuuki moved like a ninja up the stairs and saw Daigo waiting for her. The pair silently left the house.

The time was now 23:42. It was unlikely they would make it to Green Park before midnight but they would reach her friends with time to spare. They headed west towards the Haugh, following the path they took to get to school in the morning.

"What nightclub are we going to?" enquired Daigo.

"A place called Replicants."

"What's it like?"

"You'll find out."

"How will you get me in?"

"You'll find out."

"Why are we going on a Wednesday night?"

"Less security."

"Ah," said Daigo, as if he had just experienced an epiphany, "that makes sense."

After fifteen minutes of walking the pair reached Lossiemouth Road. Waiting there for them was Iain, Senga and Rebecca. They were each dressed in their usual attire for hunting shadows, not for a night out, which Daigo commented on while they were still out of earshot.

"Is this club not very formal? Cause I think Iain and Becky aren't going to get in."

"I forgot it's come as a tramp night," weakly answered Yuuki, "let's hurry up."

They headed over towards her friends and said hello. Quickly, the five walked together in a group, except they turned south towards Green Park instead of west towards Old Mills Road and club 'Replicants'. Yuuki felt Daigo tugging at her arm.

"Hey sis is this-"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" shrieked Yuuki.

"Geez, fine, what's up with you today?"

Daigo let go of her arm and sulked. He carried on walking alongside Iain and Senga. Rebecca stayed further back and whispered into her ear.

"You didn't need to yell at him."

"I just panicked that's all."

"Were his hands cold?" asked Becky.

"No, it'll be the other world soon. If he touches me he'll wake up."

"Ah, gotcha! I'll keep him close to me then."

Becky hurried ahead and leaned over in Daigo's direction, deliberately showing him some cleavage under her light jacket. Yuuki sighed. Did her friend really need to do things like that to her little brother?

Before they reached Green Park the streetlights became extinguished. Yuuki looked around. Most of the buildings around them were two stories in height, but there were a couple of taller structures close by. The road was wide as it was the main route into the Haugh; however parked cars made it appear more cramped. It wasn't the worst place to be fighting, just not as good as the park.

"What happened?"

"It's the other world," answered Yuuki automatically, "aren't you used to it ye-"

Yuuki then realised who had asked her. She turned slowly and saw her younger brother standing behind Becky, nervously glancing in every direction. She hadn't touched him, why was he awake?

"It is the same as last time," stated Iain, "there appears to be a barrier. It is possible for an entity to enter yet impossible for that same entity to leave. I can faintly detect a number of scattered shadows approaching from outside."

"Iain," yelled Yuuki, "why the hell is Daigo here? I didn't touch him!"

"Ah, that was unexpected. The only theory I can come up with at this junction in time is that the presence of a central shadow is far greater and more significant than those which hunt individual targets, thus fully awakening the target as opposed to merely maintaining their form."

"What is happening?" repeated Daigo, "why is the sky changing colour?"

Sky changing colour? Yuuki looked up and saw that her brother was indeed right. Instead of stars in a sea of black, the sky mirrored an oil stain, with swirling deep purples mixing with flowing light greens. Under different circumstances it could have been considered pretty, but none of them had time to consider that.

"Listen to me Daigo," said Yuuki, holding his shoulders firmly while she spoke, "it's going to get a little dangerous soon, I want you to stay behind me and do whatever I tell you, okay? You're safe; you don't need to be afraid."

"The first shadows are here," Iain called, "get ready."

aaa

Two blue masked Mayas crawled slowly through the multicoloured barrier. They were the first enemies of the night. They used ice and were vulnerable to fire, thus Yuuki asked Senga to help her defeat them. Senga moved closer, summoning her persona as they attacked. The blocks of ice which struck Poena had no effect. Yuuki selected 3 from her cell phone and Coatlicue, the goddess of fire with snakes draped around her neck, appeared. Within seconds she had created a wide arc of flame that incinerated the two shadows. The first conflict of the night was over.

Yuuki glanced back towards her brother. He was shaking, clearly confused and upset by everything that was going on around him. It was a natural reaction. At least he hadn't run away like Richard Lucas, but he needed to calm down. Yuuki was about to talk to him again when Iain shouted towards her.

"Jorōgumo approaching, it's accompanied by two wolfs."

"Wolfs!" exclaimed Daigo, who hid behind Iain after Becky moved forward to help.

The three new shadows appeared from the opposite side of the street, revealing that the central shadow could come from any direction. These enemies were particularly dangerous. Yuuki decided to attack one of the wolves while Rebecca dealt with the other and Senga faced the Jorōgumo.

When she got into range Yuuki summoned Ukko and unleashed a thunderous bolt of lightning down upon her enemy. It wasn't enough to destroy it however and the shadow leapt towards her with its claws exposed. Yuuki raised her arms over her face and braced herself. The impact was hard, causing her to stumble. The wolf stood its ground, looking for an opening. Yuuki used this time to charge a stronger attack, and when the shadow moved she stuck it hard, decimating it entirely and leaving no remains.

Becky had been holding her own against the other wolf, weakening it slowly with a series of quick, light attacks while avoiding being hit herself. Yuuki decided to help her first. She switched persona to Monkey and prepared to receive strong physical blows. The wolf duly changed its focus onto her. This would give Rebecca the chance to prepare a stronger charge. After twenty seconds the bolt of lightning made contact with the last wolf. It was destroyed, leaving just one more shadow opposing them.

In contrast to Becky, Senga was punishingly dominant against the Jorōgumo. She wasn't going to give it a chance to change form and continued hitting it with soft but constant shards of ice. Yuuki called forth Damballa and followed Senga's example. Soon the effects of this stream of attacks were shown as the shadow fell to the ground and started fading away. All that remained now was the central shadow. Yuuki hurried towards her brother.

"(Pant) are you (pant) alright Daigo?"

"Sis what is going on?"

"I'll (pant) explain later."

"Please be more careful Yuuki," reprimanded Iain, "changing persona so frequently is inadvisable."

"Ah the master of fighting shadows shares his undoubted wisdom with us," mocked Senga, "as long as they're dead what's the problem?"

Yuuki wished her friends would stop arguing. She had enough to worry about without the other members of ASH adding to her concerns. She walked over to a nearby bench and tried to catch her breath. Iain followed her. Thoughts of what she and Senga had discussed two nights earlier returned to her mind. It was going to be hard telling him he was no longer wanted after tonight.

"Your attire is different than normal," stated Iain.

"My clothes? Oh right, I said to Daigo we were going to a nightclub. It was the only thing I could think of to make him follow me."

"Ah, good thinking, I wasn't sure how you were going to resolve that problem."

"But now I don't have my light jacket. Sorry I should have come up with a better idea."

"Your clothes suit you well."

Yuuki blinked and looked at Iain. Did he just compliment me?

"I don't imagine we will encounter any situations such as this in future, however I will prepare supplementary equipment should the need arise. In addition I'll-"

"Please don't," responded Yuuki.

"If you are certain, however it would be prudent-"

"I don't want you to fight the shadows with us from now on," blurted Yuuki while looking away, "please just stay at home."

Iain said nothing. The two of them sat there, neither looking at the other. Yuuki wasn't sure why she said what she did right now, but when he told her clothes looked nice she felt a wave of guilt come over her. For so long he had risked himself beside them when he must have known how weak he was. If they kept fighting shadows together eventually he would be hurt or killed. She didn't want that to happen to him.

"The central shadow is close," stated Iain, showing no emotion, "I cannot pinpoint its location; however it will be entering this space imminently."

"Daigo," shouted Yuuki, "stay behind me."

"R-Right."

The five stood close by one another as far removed from every edge as they could. The four persona users gazed in different directions, with her brother between them, hoping to spot the central shadow arrive. Then Yuuki sensed something. She looked up and saw a creature falling from the sky. She pushed Daigo to one side and leapt to the other. The creature crashed into the ground with a tremendous thud. This had to be the central shadow.

"Tiamat…Tiamat…"

The shadow was smaller than Jahi with a height of six and a half feet. A tail perturbed from its body and its skin was a series of scales matching the colour of the sky. Its face had gills and its neck was unnaturally long and flexible. An udder lined the underside of its body, completing its unusual appearance.

Yuuki had pushed her brother between Senga and Iain on the opposite side of the shadow. She hoped one of them would look after him. Right now she needed to distract the shadow and used the last persona she had summoned, Damballa, to attack.

A block of ice hit Tiamat directly however it had no effect. Yuuki ran around the shadow hoping to attract its attention. She soon succeeded, being caught in a powerful burst of fire.

"The shadow utilises fire and ice," shouted Iain, "it is vulnerable to wind."

Immediately Yuuki recognised a problem. Senga was weak to fire while ice was dangerous to Becky. To make things worse her wind persona, Erebus, couldn't cope with flame. This meant she would be fighting against the most powerful enemy they had thus far encountered while constantly being susceptible to counterattack. The only relief was that Iain had moved as far away from the shadow as possible with Daigo. It allowed Yuuki to concentrate.

Senga circled the shadow, probably to entice its attention away from her. Yuuki used this time to evoke her persona and generate an attack. Tiamat acted against Senga with ice, causing her no harm. It then attacked with fire which forced her to the ground. Before it could do any more Yuuki unleashed a powerful gust of wind which connected with the shadow cleanly. It fell to the ground giving them the advantage. Yuuki and Becky both moved in close and tried to do as much damage as possible.

Tiamat recovered quickly, returning to its feet and preparing for another attack. It sent weak fragments of ice towards the three persona users, doing nothing against Senga, causing mild irritation for Yuuki and forcing Rebecca from her feet. It then did the same with fire. This time it was Yuuki and Senga who were felled. The battle was going badly. They needed an opening; a few moments were the shadow wouldn't fight back.

Senga regained her footing and tried running around the shadow again. It didn't work. Tiamat used fire immediately against her, forcing her back. Rebecca followed her friend's example, but she too was quickly downed. All that remained was Yuuki. She wasn't sure what to do.

She could switch to Pangu, which would mean the shadow's attacks wouldn't harm her as much, but her own actions would be weaker too. She stuck with Erebus and successfully connected another strong flurry of air. Tiamat was now moving more slowly, her efforts visually having an effect. Unfortunately a wave of flame swept across the three girls, pushing Yuuki and Senga to the ground. Becky's attempts to fight back were dismissed quickly and the shadow was free to move towards Daigo.

There was nothing she could do. Yuuki tried to get to her feet but because she had used so much energy she couldn't do it quickly enough. She shuffled towards Tiamat, which had Iain and Daigo cornered. The shadow was about to attack them.

Senga managed to stand up and charged headfirst at the shadow. It caught sight of her advance and used its tail to bash her away. Rebecca attacked from distance but couldn't generate enough power to trouble the beast. Iain pulled out his boomerang and threw it with all his might only to see it bounce harmlessly off Tiamat's scaled skin. Finally Daigo picked up a rock and threw it, but even this desperate attempt failed. The shadow was just too strong for them. There wasn't anything else she could do.

Yuuki closed her eyes to avoid the inevitable.

"Brahan Seer!"

It was Iain's voice. Was he calling his persona to distract the shadow? Yuuki gained a clear view of Brahan Seer and noticed it had changed. The bottom half of its raincoat was darkened with tar and a wooden staff stained by dirt was clenched in its left hand. The black stone with a round hole in the centre was being held tightly against its right eye.

Without warning a series of sparkles and brightly coloured lights started exploding in different directions, swirling in the air, weaving between one another with entrails slowly fading away in their wake. Most of them orbited Tiamat before simultaneously latching themselves onto its body.

Yuuki didn't know why, but the shadow stopped moving. She didn't waste any time trying to find out, and attacked with a powerful blast of air.

"Get Daigo out of the way," she ordered Iain. He followed without question.

Yuuki continued to attack, causing as much harm as she possibly could until the shadow regained its senses. The creature called out its own name again before a fireball was thrown at her. Senga and Rebecca tried a co-ordinated assault however it had little effect. Soon they too were on the ground.

Tiamat started marching towards Daigo once again. This time Yuuki returned to her feet and could reach it in time, however Iain intercepted the shadow first. She wondered what he was doing before another series of brightly coloured sparkles attached themselves onto their enemy. Now she understood. Somehow Iain was confusing Tiamat, causing it to hesitate for a moment. Yuuki wasn't going to miss this chance, using everything she had she made one final squall and completely annihilated the central shadow.

The second central shadow had been defeated.

The battle was over.

aaa

With Senga and Rebecca both recovered the four members of ASH stood close to one another. The barrier which had surrounded them, just like the other world, was gone. They were underneath the glow of a streetlight, chatting warmly. Yuuki only had one thing to say.

"Iain, I'm sorry about before, will you stay with us?"

"Yeah you were almost cool," added Becky while giggling, "pass marks."

"I'll try not to get in the way."

"You still can't actually defeat any shadows," sneered Senga, "but I suppose you can tag along."

"Oh trying to act cool," responded Becky, "aren't you happy the love birds can stay together?"

Yuuki was about to 'correct' her friend when she noticed Daigo staring at them. He was standing a short distance away, physically trembling. She walked towards him and saw him flinch.

"I'm sorry Daigo. I'm going to tell you about the 'other world' now."

For the next ten minutes she talked about the mysterious woman, the shadows and the murders. Once she finished it seemed her brother had calmed down. He glanced up to her and nodded his head. If she had known this was going to happen she would have awoken his potential earlier. It was too late for regrets now.

"Do you have any questions?"

"…so the shadows are gone for tonight right?"

"That's right," cheerfully replied Yuuki.

"Then can we still go to that nightclub?"

"No."

"Aw come on sis."

"Maybe when you're older."

"How much older?"

"Three years."

"That's not fair! Geez…"

Yuuki smiled. They had saved her little brother from the shadows and stopped the other world merging with reality. However the one behind all this was still unknown.

aaa

Friday, October 10th, 2014 - 00:00
Hermes Street
The Other World

The mysterious woman was standing outside the Hashimoto residence, her face and body hidden behind an oversized dark cloth. Yuuki, partly prepared for this event, walked outside to challenge her. The two were alone and facing each other.

"Don't you feel alive when your blood starts to boil running through a cold vein?"

"Was that the last central shadow?" asked Yuuki, ignoring the mysterious woman's ramblings.

"Nothing can stop the shadows. Eventually you too will come to accept that fact."

"Just answer the question!"

Yuuki knew she was losing her composure but this woman did that to her. The fact her face was hidden and her words were sometimes flippant, sometimes deadly serious made talking to her rationally impossible. The woman raised her arm and pointed down the street. Yuuki looked and saw an image of Daigo beside that of Tiamat.

The pair was in the same purple and green bubble as last night, except this time they were alone. The scale covered shadow drew closer to her brother as he panicked and tried to run away. But there was no escape. Eventually the monster reached him and with fire and ice murdered him in cold blood. Yuuki diverted her gaze, unable to look any longer.

"Why did you do that? WHY DO YOU KEEP SHOWING ME THESE THINGS!"

"You shall witness far worse, in the fullness of time. This has been a good conversation, therefore, as my parting gift, I will tell you one thing you don't know about the other world."

"What I don't know?"

"There are seven central shadows. You have defeated two, now only five remain."

"Wait," asked Yuuki suddenly filled with hope, "are you saying if we defeat them the other world will go away?"

The mysterious woman just chuckled. Yuuki reached out towards her, hoping to grab hold of her arm, but she was gone. All that remained was her black coat however that too started to dissipate and fade. There were seven central shadows in total and five remaining. They should be able to stop them.

Yuuki walked back into the house. She was about to return to her room when she felt compelled to check on Daigo. She opened his door and saw him sleeping soundly. He seemed so peaceful to her. Yuuki gently caressed his cheek with her hand.

I won't let anything happen to you. I'll protect you.

End of Chapter 4