Author's Note:
Whiiieee! Here is Chapter 23 of my fic "In Both Realms. Thank you everyone and Enjoy! To the people who inspired me… My beta-reader Ayjah, Ecyoj06 and my Ate Pretzel, Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
DISCLAIMERS:
I do not own GHOST HUNT or any of its characters.
CHAPTER 23
Fated to Love and Protect
In
darkness, there is light!
I feel energy and life returning to
me!
I feel my heartbeat strong
I feel the power of the universe
and the power of the Goddess and God within me.
It's been exactly five days since she and Kyouya arrived in Singapore. The place is relatively normal and nothing seems unusual… which is more suspicious.
As Eullicia sips her Oonglong tea, her mind drifts off. 'According to Noll the maps Alice had drawn before her connection with Lilith was cut Singapore is part of the dark 9 zones… however, after staying here in this place for five days, nothing seemed wrong.
The people are living peacefully and the atmosphere is quite relaxing… then how come this place is part of the dark 9 zones…' she thought. 'Could it be that Alice has mistaken?' she mentally added.
"That's impossible" she muttered.
"What's impossible?" a voice behind her asked.
Eullicia nearly spilled her tea in surprise. "Damn you Kyouya!" she hissed setting her teacup down.
"Why are you so jumpy honey? Missing me?" Kyouya joked as he sat on the chair adjacent to Eullicia.
"Yeah right! In your dreams, how was your investigation?" Eullicia asked.
"I found something very interesting." Kyouya said.
Eullicia raised an eyebrow. "Do tell" she said.
Kyouya pulled out pieces of papers from his inside pocket. "Remember these?" he asked showing Eullicia the copies of Alice's drawings.
"Yeah, so what?" she asked.
Kyouya chuckled. "Then take a look at this…" he said flipping his phone, it's the complete view of the entire capital of Singapore.
Eullicia knotted her forehead. "I don't follow." She muttered.
Kyouya scanned the papers and pointed one particular drawing where a country smaller than Japan was darkened only in the middle. "Do you know where this area could be?" he asked.
"No… I have no clue" Eullicia said.
Kyouya showed his phone again to her. "See for yourself" he said.
Eullicia took Kyouya's phone and stared at the image there. Her eyes widened when she recognized the shape of the entire city which very much like the one in Alice's drawing.
"You mean to say, the exact dark zone is this city?" Eullicia asked.
"There is a certain place Eullicia. A certain place." Kyouya said seriously.
"Where is it?" Eullicia asked.
Kyouya showed Eullicia another drawing of Alice, there she place an "x" mark in the middle of the map.
"This is…." Eullicia gasped.
Kyouya sat back. "Bingo!" he muttered darkly.
"Oh my god…" Eullicia murmured.
Kyouya flipped his phone close, an image of a large building flashed in his mobile phone's screen. "Singapore State hospital" he murmured.
Eullicia looked uncertain. "What do we do now?" she asked.
"We have two choices Eullicia, either we infiltrate the hospital and cleanse it or we retreat now and report it to the others." Kyouya said.
"Are you kidding me Kyouya?! If we delay the infiltration it might be too late. I do not know how big the affected population is but just the thought that hundreds of people get admitted to that hospital in a single day and the number of out patients too… it's quite obvious that I do not have a choice, I can only attack and prevent more casualties." Eullicia said she turned to Kyouya.
"Yosh! I'll---" Kyouya said but Eullicia stopped him.
"You need not come with me Kyouya. I know it would be hard for you, you are a doctor and your ideals are to save lives even if it were demons life." Eullicia said.
"That might be true Eullicia, but before I am a doctor… I am first your guardian, and as your guardian… your safety is my priority more than any other people's life." Kyouya said seriously.
Eullicia smirked. "Don't get too emotional Kyouya I might believe you next time." She said.
Kyouya grinned at her. "Looks who's going emotional." He teased.
Eullicia smiled almost too sweetly. "Say that again Kyouya and you're dead." She said.
Kyouya laughed. "Fine, I give up. So, what exactly is your plan?" he asked turning serious.
Eullicia looked around her. "Let's not talk about it here. Let's go somewhere more private." She said.
Kyouya grinned. "That's my girl! Come let's find that 'somewhere more private' place you're talking about… I've got a good idea…" he said. "I found this really nice---" he added.
Eullicia whacked him with her fist. "Nice what?" she asked dangerously.
"Park… a very nice park…" Kyouya said nervously.
"Good. Let's go" Eullicia said before standing up, Kyouya shook his head and followed her.
oooooOoOoOooooo
(AN: Now I know why I cannot seem to write this scene very well… I was waiting for something in the manga! And true to it… when I have read the forgotten children arc… I know now what I am missing. Thank you for the wait guys)
Yasuhara Osamu smiled genuinely at Yoshimi Akifumi, he and his niece came to Tokyo to visit.
"I am sorry Yoshimi-san… Naru-sachou and the others are out of the country as of the time being. I am the only one left behind to look after the office while they are gone." Yasuhara said.
"No, it's okay. I just came by today because Hazuki said she dreamt of Shibuya-san." Akifumi said.
Yasuhara nodded. "I see…" he muttered.
A knock on the main door caught Yasuhara's attention. Kasai Chiaki stepped inside the SPR office afterwards.
"I am sorry, I am late. I met someone on my way here she asked me some directions on where to find SPR office so instead of telling her, I just accompanied her here. She said she's Taniyama-san's former schoolmate." Chiaki said.
Yasuhara stood up and invited Chiaki and the girl she's with to come inside the office.
"What can I do to help you…?" Yasuhara asked.
"Kuroda Satsuki." The girl replied.
"Dewa… how may I help you Kuroda-san?" Osamu asked.
Kuroda started fidgeting on her seat. "Is Taniyama-san here?" she asked.
"No, she's not. She and Naru went out of town with the rest of the team. I was given the job to facilitate the office while they are gone." Osamu explained. 'I seem to explain that a lot' he mentally added.
"I see… We received a message from Shibuya-san a week ago, he asked us to assist a guy named 'Yasuhara Osamu'…" she said.
Yasuhara smiled at her. "I am Yasuhara Osamu. Pleased to meet you Kuroda-san, where is your partner Kaito-san?" he asked.
"He said he'll drop by here later. He's still in the university." Kuroda said.
"I see…" Yasuhara mused. "For now… make yourself comfortable. I have some things to attend to." He said as he stood up from the couch and is about to go to his desk which happened to be near Mai's desk.
Kuroda sat on one of the couches and started fiddling the keys of her mobile phone.
"By the way Yasuhara-san…" Akifumi said he looked kind of troubled.
Osamu turned to him. "Hmmm?" he asked.
"Would it be too much if I ask your group to listen to a request?" Akifumi asked.
"A request?" Osamu asked curious.
Both Chiaki and Kuroda paused on their tasks they looked at Yoshimi Akifumi with curiosity.
Akifumi nodded. "Yeah, a group of village officials from Honshu have been asking for our parents to help them out regarding some strange rumors in their village. However, we promised Shibuya-san that we'd never tell anyone what really occurred in our place. For our and his safety. So now, I was wondering if or is there any chance your company could at least listen to their request." He said.
"Hmmm?" Yasuhara asked. "It's like a village haunting?" he mused.
"Yeah something like that… they said something about strange ghost rumors in the abandoned school and nearby dam." Akifumi said.
Yasuhara paused for a while. "Let me see…" he muttered.
Kasai Chiaki place down her book and face Yoshimi-san. "Let's hear it out Osamu. I have a nagging feeling this case is interesting." She said.
Yasuhara narrowed his eyes at Chiaki. "What are you now? The manager?" he asked amusedly.
Chiaki glared at him.
Yasuhara noticed the tea cup near him vibrate while Akifumi didn't seem to notice it so he smirked. "Fine" he said and pulling out a pen and paper from his inside pocket. "If you don't mind sharing some more information Yoshimi-san…" he said.
"Well… I have to admit, that is the only information I can give you. All I know is the village is somewhere in Honshu. I can ask my parents to accompany your group there so you could personally speak to the village officials because as far I know they are trying their best not to let the supernatural events leak out in public because it can affect their economic status." Akifumi answered.
"Honshu huh? Haunted village, an abandon school and a near by dam which was rumored to be haunted as well… interesting enough." Yasuhara muttered taking down notes.
Flashback
"Wait a minute Shibuya-san, what if a client went to our office and ask for an assistance about something supernatural, should we accept the request or not?" Yasuhara asked before boarding the train.
"You've worked long enough for me to know the type of cases I accept. If you feel like it then accept it. However, I have one precaution for you. If you feel you cannot solve it then by all means decline it." Naru answered.
"I understand Shibuya-san" Osamu said.
Naru patted him on the shoulder.
Yasuhara is about to board the train when Naru stopped him again.
"If any chance, someone came to the office offering a case that involves any body of water like lakes or dams… do not hesitate to accept it. Inform me immediately." he said.
With knitted forehead, Yasuhara gave him a slight nod.
End of flashback
"Anything else you can share?" Osamu asked Akifumi.
Yoshimi thought for a while. "Let me see… I think they said something about the decreasing number of children in the area… I am not sure. I just overheard it over dinner." He said.
"I see… Can you help us get to that village tomorrow?" Osamu asked.
"HEY! Immediately?" Chiaki asked. "Shouldn't you ask 'the manager' first?!" she exclaimed.
"I am the 'temporary' manager." Yasuhara answered.
Chiaki scowled. "Fine" she huffed.
"The case sounds interesting enough for me so we are accepting it. Please give Ubusuna-san a call Chiaki. Thank you" Osamu said arranging his glasses making it flash.
Chiaki stared at the guy. At first she thought that Yasuhara Osamu is just a pretentious geek but he proves her wrong with his incredibly good mood swings and sharp tongue to match his smart features. 'Good-looking freak. Now I understand how Taniyama-san felt about Shibuya-san.' she thought.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Kazuki stared at the clear lake water of the lake of dreams.
"Kazuki…" Maya said in a singsong as she appeared floating beside Kazuki.
Kazuki turned to Maya. "I've done what I can do. It's up to them to find Eugene's body." He said.
Maya smiled at him. "Do not worry. I am sure they will be able to pull it through" she said.
"How's Kazuya doing?" Kazuki asked.
Maya giggled. "Unlike you, Kazuya is extremely disappointed because he cannot find Oliver's body." She said.
"Why do I get this feeling that you know exactly where it is and you're just not telling Kazuya?" Kazuki said.
Maya giggled again.
Kazuki sighed. "Maya, this is not the time to play jokes on Kazuya. If we don't get hold of the twins' bodies in time for the ritual then Mai… you do know what will happen to her…" he said.
Maya landed on the water. "I know… Kazuki… I know exactly what will happen to my Mai. She's breaking and I am powerless to help her." she said sadly.
"Maya…" Kazuki whispered.
Maya tried to smile at Kazuki. "Don't worry. I know we'll make it happen this time we'll revive the chevaliers in time. Black knight and White knight won't let her down." She said.
"Yeah" Kazuki murmured.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Sirius watched as children play in the park near the lake. He'd found a lead as to where the body of the white knight is. He'd been under the Black Order's wings since Maya died. He is immortal so he lives every day of his life in hell, as he live through the memories of his comrades dying especially the person whom he saw as his little sister. He remembered the dream he had few months ago.
"Sirius…" a soft feminine voice called him.
Sirius opened his eyes and found the one woman he vowed to protect with all his life.
"Maya-chan" Sirius muttered.
Maya smiled at him. "How are you big brother?" she asked him.
"Suffering." He mumbled. "I do not deserve to be called your brother." He added.
Maya caressed his cheek. "Of course you deserve to be my brother. And do not worry Sirius… our deaths was worth it, Kazuki and mine so please stop blaming yourself for something you didn't do." She said.
"But I couldn't stop you from dying. I vowed to protect you and yet I let you die with your chevalier and you still call me your blood brother." Sirius said.
"If you really want to make up for the lost time then help the new generation of divine clan, you should see the new gifted one and her knights. They are the world's only hope of salvation now." Maya said.
"How can I help the new divine maiden Maya? I do not even know her." Sirius said.
"Seek and you will find. You'll know that it was her when you see her. I assure you." Maya said.
Maya started fading away, Sirius stretched out his hand but Maya disappeared completely.
What Maya said was true, the moment he saw the new divine maiden he knew instantly that it was her, her Brown chocolate hair, her soulful eyes and her kind voice… from then on… he knew that Taniyama Mai is his little sister's incarnation. He remembered another one of his dreams.
"Sirius…" Maya called his name.
Sirius lazily opened his eyes and found himself in a beautiful garden.
"Maya…" he mumbled her name.
Maya smiled sweetly at him. His heart broke. His eyes harden with anger and guilt.
Maya saw his internal battle and walked up to him. "Stop punishing yourself Sirius…" she pleaded.
His eyes softened. "I am sorry" he whispered.
"The three of us are together now… I cannot get any happier. Kazuki remained beside me… and Kazuya kept his promise." Maya said.
"Maya I vow to protect your incarnate." Sirius said.
"You already knew it then… I remembered what Yalen and Yelan told me before I accepted my destiny as the divine maiden… in every one hundred years a baby is born to protect human kind from their own darkness. However, one hundred years ago… I wasn't able to fulfill my duty to completely defeat Lilith. I sealed her yes but with great risks too. Joel and my chevaliers died." Maya said.
"Only three of the former spirit guardians are protecting the order, Master Leon chose to atone what he think is his shortcomings by becoming the order's protection." Sirius said.
Maya's eyes saddened. "Leon has always been very responsible. His actions are enough proof of his sense of responsibility so let him be… while you, Liaa and Lyra are doing your best to protect the new maiden. In time, I wish Leon could find it in his heart to forgive himself. My death is not his or anybody's fault it was my choice. We could have defeated Lilith using other method but it would also cause us more lives and I do not want to see the people I love dying for my sake. I want to be the one to protect you and not you protecting me. I risked my life not to defeat Lilith but to let the people I love have a peaceful life." Maya said.
Sirius smiled at Maya. "You always think of other people before yourself." He said.
Maya smiled sadly. "That is not entirely true… the sacrifice I did on the last battle was purely selfish. When Joel, Kazuki and Kazuya died protecting me. I wanted to die as well that is why I use all my power to seal Lilith and destroy the Eves. It was my sorrow the fueled my power that is why it wasn't strong enough to completely defeat them." Maya said.
"Kazuya did not die on that attack." Sirius said.
Maya chuckled. "It was too late when I found out. Kazuki was upset with me too." She said.
"Kazuya died when he found out you died. He used all of his power to suspend time and try stopping your death." Sirius said.
Maya smiled. "We are idiots… I didn't know Kazuya loved me." she said.
"He does and will always love you Maya. Kazuki too. They live to love you." Sirius said.
"I live to love them too and the people of this earth." Maya said.
"Maya… my little Maya…" Sirius whispered.
"Can I ask a small favor from you brother?" Maya asked.
"Anything my little princess… anything at all." Sirius said.
"I know that it was you who saved Oliver's body from the eve's attack. Please bring his body to Japan. His twin brother awaits him. It's time to completely revive the chevaliers." Maya said.
"Then it means…" Sirius said.
"Kazuya and Kazuki are ready to return to battle." Maya said.
"This time… we'll definitely win without fail, right?" Sirius asked.
"Without fail Sirius… without fail." Maya said.
Sirius smiled. "Then by all means… I will bring the black knight back to his brother's side." He said.
"Thank you." Maya said with a smile.
"How about you Maya? Will the new maiden accept your soul to be part of hers?" Sirius asked.
Maya's smile widens. "The new maiden is very different from me Sirius. She's accepted me the first time she found out about my past, her present and her future. Her heart is purer than white. It's diamond and gold." She said.
"She sounds promising" Sirius said.
"She is… however right now she's experiencing difficult times. If she can surpass this grief then… no matter what evil comes her way she will not waiver." Maya said.
"I will protect her." Sirius said.
"I know you will…" Maya said caressing his face as she starts to fade.
"I only have to wait…" Sirius said as he watches the lake with a smile he turned to the cottage he's occupying he noticed a group of civilian walking towards the nearby cottage, his smile widens as he recognized two familiar faces.
"Who'd have thought that those two will be reborn as humans… they're supposed to be star-crossed lovers right?" Sirius mused.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Naru and Gene sat under a huge tree on top of a hill. Naru resting his back on one side while Gene rests his on the other side.
Naru chuckled. "This and dream realms are quite convenient. You can go and imagine the places you want to be in and when you open your eyes you'd be there… no wonder my assistant loves to sleep a lot." He muttered.
Gene laughed. "Partly true partly false. Mai wanted to spend time in the dream realm hoping to see me as you and see you smile. She also want to help you in solving the cases." He said.
Naru looked sideways. "Why didn't you correct her when she thought that you are me?" he asked.
"If I did… would she even believe? Probably no and she'd not trust me as much as she trusts you. It has always been like that." Gene said looking up in the blue sky.
"What do you mean?" Naru asked.
"Mai and Maya… from what I found out about our past. Since before it was always Kazuya whom Maya loved. While Kazuki is Maya's confidante. She no doubt loves both men but Kazuya holds more of Maya's heart than Kazuki can ever wish for." Gene said.
"Do you wish for Mai's heart Gene?" Naru asked.
"Would you give her up Noll?" Gene asked back.
Silence reigned.
"I thought so too." Gene said with a laugh. "Let's just keep her safe and happy Noll… that is what's important." He added.
It took Naru a while before he could answer him. "I don't know what you are talking about… but I agree with you that Mai's safety is our priority." He said.
Gene chuckled. "Keep that up who knows you can convince me or yourself about your little lie Noll…" he said.
"I don't really understand what you're saying" Naru repeated.
Gene sighed and dropped the subject.
"I wonder. Can we use our ability in his realm?" Gene asked.
Naru stiffened. Gene straightened up.
"Noll…" Gene murmured.
"I understand" Noll said.
Gene stood up and Naru did the same.
Standing in front of each other Naru lifted his arm started building up his kikkou on his palm. Gene did the same but he didn't built his own fighting kikkou instead he started regulating Naru's kikkou with his own.
Spark.
Gene and Naru pulled back.
"It's harder than I thought." Gene said.
"Yeah" Naru agreed. "But we managed to maintain it for a while, meaning there is a chance." He said.
"You're right." Gene agreed.
They were about to try it again when their surroundings began to change.
"What the--?!" Naru exclaimed.
Before they knew it both he and Gene was standing in a vacant plane.
"Noll…" Gene whispered.
"I know" Naru replied and both of them positioned themselves back to back. Naru started gathering his kikkou.
"Stop right there" a voice said.
Kazuya appeared in the shadows.
"What do you want now?" Naru asked.
"If I were you I wouldn't try that stunt again. This plane isn't the right place to use such powerful ki. You can destroy this plane and that would be very troublesome for all of us." Kazuya said.
"We just used a small amount of kikkou." Naru reasoned out.
"I thought you were smart." Kazuya said mockingly. "Clearly I was mistaken, you were an idiot scientist in deed" he added.
Naru glared at him, he's determined to retort back when Gene butted in.
"I've been using my ability in this realm but nothing seemed to happen? Why cant we use Naru's ability then?" Gene asked.
Kazuya sighed. "Your ability doesn't involve anything about destruction instead you were the ones regulating your brother's violent kikkou. That is why you can freely use your ability in this plane. To make things easier to understand. This is your field of expertise while your brother's ability lies more on the aggressive field." He explained.
"I see… but you said this isn't the place to use his kikkou meaning there is a certain place in this plane where we can make use of Noll's ability." Gene mused.
Kazuya sighed again. "Past or present… nothing can deceive you." He said.
Gene smiled. "So?" he asked.
"Yes, there is a place where your brother can freely use his ability. He can try using them in the lake of dreams. I'll take you there" he said and with a snap of his fingers they were transported into another plane.
It was an ordinary lake-like environment with the tree branches swaying with the wind, fireflies dancing around the lake shore.
They saw Maya playing on the water, her Brown locks dancing as she bounce up and down playing with tiny fire sprites. Sensing an additional presence in the area, Maya looked up at them and smiled. She waved a hand.
"What do I owe this visit of yours?" Kazuki asked.
Kazuya walked up to him and sat beside him in one of the large rocks in the lake.
Gene and Naru surveyed the lake.
"Is this the lake of dreams?" Gene asked.
Kazuki nodded. "Yes and this is my realm" he said.
Kazuya lied down the large rock and watch the moon. "Those two are trying to do the things they used to do. That bounce-and-regulate his kikkou thing." He muttered.
Kazuki scowled he turned to the twins.
"Why?" he asked.
"Nothing, we just thought if we could use it here." Naru said.
Kazuki lifted an eyebrow. "I'll ask again… why?" he said.
Naru and Gene looked at each other.
"Noll answered your question already." Gene said.
Kazuki sighed. "Then no wonder it didn't work. You both could have destroyed Kazuya's realm and the dream realm. Don't to that again. Especially when there is no particular meaning to it." He said.
"What do you mean?" Gene asked.
Maya appeared in front of Gene and Naru, the twins' initial reaction was to step back surprised. Maya giggled.
"What Kazuki means is… do not use your powers unless there is a reason for it. Besides that… have you forgotten when you use both of your abilities your hearts and minds should be synchronized." She said.
"We were synchronized." Naru said.
Kazuki stared at Gene. Kazuya straightened up and stared at Naru. "Oh?" both men said.
Gene and Naru stared at them before looking at each other. They realized something and avoided each other's eyes.
"Twins are twins" Maya said. "What the other feel the other one feels too. Am I right?" she asked.
Gene and Naru didn't reply.
Kazuya smirked. "Listen, both of you must sort things out by yourselves first. Or else… both of you cannot fulfill your roles. The black and white knights are suppose to compliment each other not rival each other without even noticing it." He said.
"Kazuya was right. However, we wont act as if we were perfect, there came a time when we had this same dilemma. All you have to do is compromise." Kazuki said.
Maya smiled genuinely at Naru and Gene. "Both of you will pull through this" she said.
Naru and Gene started disappearing.
"Come back here when both of you are ready." Kazuki said with a smile.
Kazuya snorted and lied down again on his spot.
The twins disappeared completely when they opened their eyes they found themselves in the first dream realm they were in.
"I guess they are right Noll. We need to sort something first before we do anything else." Gene said.
"What things do we need to settle? As far as I am concern we are okay." Naru said.
"Noll… listen." Gene said then sighed.
Naru gave up and sighed. "Fine, I am listening." He said.
"I like Mai… no, it's more than that… I love her Noll. I am in love with Mai." Gene said.
Naru stared at him impassively.
Gene stared back.
Few seconds passed. Gene sighed. "Aren't you going to admit your own feelings Noll?" he asked.
"I have nothing to admit Gene. I care for Mai but that doesn't mean I love her romantically." Naru said.
Gene gaped at Naru as if he'd grown nine heads.
"I know you think I am lying, but I am not Gene. I am not sure if I am capable of romantically loving other people. I promised myself to protect Mai because I want to, Mai is someone who attracts trouble like magnet but despite of all the troubles she brings Mai is also one of the most trusting and kind-hearted person I ever met and it makes me want to protect her more and not because I am in love her. I see ourselves in her when we were younger, homeless, with no family and less friends, that's why I do all these for her sake Gene. That's all." Naru explained.
Gene felt the sincerity of Naru's words but deep inside him he's quite unsure about his own brother's words. He knows Noll more that Noll knew himself. He closed his eyes. 'Noll… Noll… you're really an idiot scientist.' He thought.
"Are you still not satisfied with my explanation Gene? I am not stopping you from loving Mai. I do not own her. Mai is Mai. You can love her all you want and she'll be whoever she is." Naru said.
"I know." Gene replied with a deep sigh. "I understand perfectly what you said Noll although I'd be honest… I am not convinced, I know you Noll. More than you think you know yourself so I know there is still something you aren't telling me or you are admitting to yourself. I wont push you if you are not ready. At least we agree on one thing Noll. We want to protect Mai." He said.
Naru nodded.
"For now… I'd satisfy myself with that. We both care enough for Mai to set aside our own differences and work things out to protect her." Gene said.
Naru remained silent.
Gene places a hand on Naru's shoulder. "I hope that when the time comes that you'd finally realize your own feelings… I wish it won't be too late… I'd hate to see history repeat itself." He said
"I don't quite get what you're trying to say but I do understand that we need to protect Mai." Naru said.
Gene sighed but smile afterwards. "I'll always be your brother Noll…" he said.
Naru smiled a little. "And I'll always be yours as well… we'll finish this once and for all so we can get back to normal." He said.
"Nothing in our life is normal Noll… especially since we both met Mai." Gene said.
Naru chuckled. "Yeah." He mumbled.
Suddenly Naru and Gene's forehead shined. They heard Mai's familiar voice in their minds.
"I completely put my trust in you." Mai said. A glowing purple iris materialized between Naru and Gene.
Gene smiled genuinely. "When Mai said she's giving me her complete trust she doesn't only mean me Noll… what she mean is… she put her absolute trust in both of us." He said.
Both Naru and Gene extended their hands to touch the flower then they were enveloped by a white light. The next thing they knew is there were back to Kazuki's dream plane.
"That's fast." Kazuya said amused.
The twins didn't reply.
Kazuki smiled at them standing up from his seat. "I guess it's time we start doing our part Kazuya." He said.
Kazuya smirked standing beside his twin brother. "I think so too." He said.
Maya smiled at the four men. "I guess I should go and make sure they have a body to return to" She said.
Kazuki and Kazuya smiled at her.
"Sorry to impose on you." Kazuki said.
Maya smiled back at him. "I don't mind at all. The sooner these two return the sooner my Mai will get better." She said her smile wavered and disappeared.
Kazuki and Kazuya looked at each other worriedly. "You think she's hiding something from us?" they asked in unison. Their eyes widened. They sighed.
"I guess we're worrying over something we shouldn't be worrying about." Kazuya said.
Kazuki nodded. "Yeah"
The twins of the past stared at the twins of the present generation of divine clan. "Are you both ready?" they asked in unison.
Gene and Naru glanced at each other before answering. "Ready when you are." They replied.
Kazuki and Kazuya nodded. "Then let's begin." They said.
"Break! Sea of Trees." both Kazuki and Kazuya said.
The lake of dreams shattered like glass and soon the four of them are standing in a forest-like place.
"Where are we?" Gene asked.
"In the real world as spirits. This place is where it all ended one hundred years ago and this is where it will all begin again." Kazuki said.
Gene and Naru looked around the place. Recognition dawned to the twins.
"This place…" Gene muttered darkly. Naru's eyes turned black.
"I guess you both recognize this place. This is where we will begin." Kazuya said.
"What are we going to do here?" Naru asked.
"We train" Kazuya's short reply.
"What?!" both Naru and Gene exclaimed.
"Kazuya is right. We train in this place then when both of your bodies are found then we can do the resurrection ritual during the new moon." Kazuki said.
"First, both of you must know what kind of powers you two have." Kazuya said.
"We already know our abilities." Naru said.
"You mean psychometry and PK?" Kazuya said mockingly. "That is hardly an ability black knight. If you want to protect your queen you must be someone unbeatable and incomparable." He said.
"Meaning?" Gene asked.
"Meaning… you must first awaken your real powers. For example, Gene, remember when you saved Mai from reliving your death, you healed her?" Kazuki said.
Gene nodded.
"That is one of your abilities… you just have to hone it more." Kazuki said with a smile.
Gene nodded again.
Naru remained silent.
Kazuya smirked. "Thinking hard are we?" he teased Naru.
Naru glared at him hard, the wind picked up and then lightning struck from behind him followed by a deep rumbling of thunder.
Kazuya looked unimpressed. "Impatient bastard… calm down idiot… that is your greatest weakness. You are too impatient. Think, what you did in the ship when you fought with the Eves." he said.
Naru paused. He didn't notice the change in his surroundings nor did he notice the building of bad weather above them.
"I turned everything around me into weapons." Naru said.
Kazuya nodded. "Then?"
Naru tried remembering, ha vaguely remember the fight. All he can remember is the desire to protect Mai and get rid of the enemies then he remembered the volts of electricity ran through his veins as he gathers his kikkou.
"Electricity. My kikkou produced a huge amount of electricity." Naru said.
Kazuya smiled. "That's right because you lucky bastard can control the highest form of power any being could ever wish for. You idiot control the power of Lightning, thunder and the heavens." He said looking up above the sky.
Naru's eyes widened.
"That is right idiot. You are the most powerful chevalier ever lived in this world. Both in humans and gods history. So you better make the use of it the best way you know." Kazuya said he held a leaf on his hand, he threw it to Naru.
Naru thought Kazuya attacked him he deflected the leaf to his surprise the leaf absorbed his kikkou and hardened suddenly the simple limp leaf turned to a hardened leaf weapon.
"You've got to control your own emotions first black knight. Your power is like a seal Pandora's box once released it can only be two things destruction or salvation." Kazuya said.
Naru stared at his hands in shock.
Gene watches the different emotions dancing in his brother's eyes. He's happy for Naru having an incomparable power however he's worried too. With great power lie great responsibilities too.
"I suggest you concentrate on finding and knowing your own power white knight." Kazuki said.
Gene turned his attention back to Kazuki.
Kazuki smiled.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Finally, Yasuhara and his team arrived at the village proper after forty five minutes of plane ride and another two hours of rough road ride. After lunch the village officials held a council meeting in private in one of the houses, there they explained the happenings affecting their small village.
Osamu cannot stop the unusual feeling within him since he set foot on that place. Something among its history seems to call out to him. 'It's like a puzzle waiting to be solved' he thought.
"There… after hearing about our village's problem we cannot blame you from leaving." One of the village elders said.
Yasuhara push his eyeglasses on the bridge of his nose. "I am not the type of person who runs away from a case without knowing the real problem. It's for me to decide if I want to continue or discontinue the investigation. As long as I haven't given my final decision allow me and my team to conduct temporary research about your village's problem." He said with confidence.
The village elders looked at each other before looking at Yasuhara.
"For someone as young as you, you sure know your field." One of the elders said.
"Of course." Osamu answered.
"Very well… we've provided a cottage for your team." The eldest said, he gave instructions to one of his men to accompany Yasuhara and his team to their cottage.
"If it's not too much, I want to see some of the sites you're talking about." Osamu said.
The village officials glanced at each other then nodded at Osamu.
"Thank you" Yasuhara said.
Yasuhara Osamu stared at the ruined building in front of him his eye glasses flashing.
"So this is the abandoned slash haunted school the village officials are talking about." Chiaki said.
"That is perfectly how this place should be described." Satsuki said.
Osamu turned to his team. "We'll set up our things here." He said.
"Why not inside?" Chiaki said.
"Yeah, it would be easier to investigate if we immediately get into the bottom of it." Satsuki seconded.
Kaito place a hand on Kuroda. "Yasuhara-san's decision is right. We should first set up our equipment outside. It's much better to investigate a place we know nothing about from outside that from inside, it's safer that way." he said.
Kuroda nodded. "I see." She muttered.
Kaito turned to Osamu. "Madoka-sempai thought you well." He praised him.
"Yeah, she did. But practically speaking almost everything I know came from my experience with working with Shibuya-san." Osamu said.
Kaito laughed. "The great Shibuya-sama… yeah how can I forget? I am so glad I wasn't assigned to work with him I heard from my superiors that before he got you and Taniyama-san as his assistants he made almost thirty junior researchers quit from their jobs because of his slave driving and incredible mood swings." He said as he started setting up the equipments in the nearby shed.
Yasuhara smiled. "That is twenty nine and a half to be exact." He said.
"A half?" Kaito asked with knotted forehead.
Osamu chuckled. "The thirtieth employee didn't last thirty minutes in Shibuya-san and Lin-san's presence and walked out. And that is the day Shibuya-san contacted Taniyama-san asking her to be his part-time assistant." He narrated.
Kaito laughed. "I see… you're quite a researcher yourself. You'll go a long way. however, by any chance are you a psychic?" he asked.
"I'd rather not have those kinds of troublesome powers. Living normally is hard enough." Osamu said eyeing Chiaki sideways.
Chiaki looked at him, Osamu avoided her glance.
"I didn't know we go to the same school recently I found some of your literary work on our university's newspaper… why didn't you tell me and in what program are you in?" Chiaki said setting up the monitor in one side.
Osamu chuckled. "I am on advance courses. You know… there is a huge difference between your brain and mine." He said.
A vein popped in Chiaki's forehead. "You…" she hissed the glasses nearby cracked.
Osamu smiled sweetly at her. "I'm just kidding." He said his glasses flashed.
Chiaki groaned in annoyance. "You're creeping me out." She said and walked away. "Kei-sensei, can you help me set up the microphones at the back." She called Ubusuna Kei who's setting up the computer near their van.
Ubusuna looked up from the computer and smiled at Chiaki. "Give me a minute Chiaki-chan" she said.
Chiaki nodded marching towards the back of the school building.
Osamu watch gleefully as Chiaki make her way to the back. "She's so easy to annoy." He commented with a smile.
Kaito laughed. "That's so cheap Yasuhara-san. I didn't know you have hots for Kasai-san!" he joked.
Osamu turned to Kaito with an eerie smile. "I don't know what you are talking about Kaito-san…" he said.
Kaito felt a cold tinge run down his spine, he laughed nervously.
Kuroda Satsuki sighed and shook her head.
oooooOoOoOooooo
Eullicia made it past the nurse station without getting detected by anyone. She eyed the sensor and the nearby monitoring camera.
"Kyouya, I am ready." She whispered on her mouthpiece.
"Give me a second." Kyouya resound on her ear.
Eullicia glanced behind her. 'Clear' she thought.
"Okay… listen carefully Eullicia. I can give you 10 seconds to reach the emergency exit and another 10 seconds at the next nurse station. Stay on track. You've memorized the floor plan nothing can go wrong. Be careful." Kyouya said on her earpiece.
"I understand" Eullicia murmured.
"On the count of three…" Kyouya said.
Eullicia flexed her fingers. "One" she heard Kyouya count.
"Two" Kyouya said. Eullicia glanced at the monitoring camera, she took a deep breath then she eyed the emergency exit on the far end of the hallway.
"Three". Eullicia heard Kyouya said, she dash out of her hiding place and to the emergency exit, in her ear she can hear Kyouya counting. She pushes the doorknob open but it won't open. She cursed. She heard Kyouya mutter "7".
Eullicia cursed again. Using her fingers she cut the knob open and slid inside just in time as Kyouya said "10".
"Are you alright?" Kyouya asked Eullicia, she'd been insistent that he cannot come with her instead he'd help her get through the hospital's unbelievably tight security.
Kyouya is worried. He knew very well that Eullicia can fight for herself and is more than a handful, but something is telling him that it's too risky infiltrating the demon den's alone.
"I am fine. I reached the data room just in time. I'm going in" he heard Eullicia said. Kyouya clenched his hands that nagging dreadful feeling in his gut strengthens when Eullicia informed him she reached their target location.
Eullicia managed to pass the next nurse station with ease. She's now leaning against the door of the data room, with so much flexibility and she slipped inside the barely lit room.
Eullicia found the main computer system, she carefully and intelligently set up her hacking gadgets, after meticulously hacking the system she readied her transmitting devise and soon enough she's transferring all data may it be confidential or not to Kyouya's hard drive.
Because of her concentration Eullicia didn't notice another person entering the room. Her sixth sense kicked when she heard something move in the dark she moved away from the main computer and rounded on the shelves suddenly a shadow hovered behind her and its too late when she felt a cold knife pointing on her neck.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" a voice said.
"Shit" Eullicia cursed.
"Answer me or I'll slit your throat." The voice said again.
Eullicia raised her hand. "I am from the IT department. I fixed something on the computers." She said calmly.
The piece of metal dug deeper on Eullicia's flesh, she hissed.
"This is the first time saw you. Where is your i.d.?" the man asked.
Eullicia pulled something on her chest and showed the guy her 'i.d.' "Here. I am new here." She said.
The man meticulously inspections her i.d. and returned it to her. "You should have opened the lights. I could have hurt you" He said.
"I am sorry. I will open them next time" Eullicia said apologetically as she fixes her 'i.d.' back to her chest.
The man started walking towards the main computer system, Eullicia cursed under her breathe she eyed her copying device and saw the blinking light signaling the continuous process of transmitting the data to Kyouya. She heard Kyouya said '95 percent complete'.
"Excuse me!" Eullicia said the man turned to her.
"Yes?" he asked.
"I am sorry, but who are you?" she asked eyeing him.
The guy chuckled. "Oh, I am Vice, President Claude Adam's assistant. I was asked to get some information in the main system." He said.
Eullicia nodded. "I see. Do you need any help?" she asked.
The man chuckled. "Don't bother, I don't need any help." He said and resumes his walk towards the main computer.
Eullicia noticed the light of the transmitter off meaning her transmission of data is complete. She walked with him and purposely drops her pen under the shelves. She bent down muttering softly but enough to be heard, she started 'searching' for her pen and somehow the guy looked back at her.
"Is there something wrong?" the guy said, he was about to reach the computer.
"I dropped my pen and I cannot find it." Eullicia said.
The guy sighed. "I told you, you should have opened the lights, stay there I'll open the lights." He said and walked towards the light's switch.
Eullicia took the time to dash towards the computer and press the escape button to return to the main page, she gathered her gadgets and hid it in her clothes. Soon, light flooded the room. Eullicia managed to go back to her spot in time for his return.
"Did you find it?" he asked.
"I am afraid not" Eullicia muttered. She can hear Kyouya's angry voice telling her to leave the room. He said he had activated the system virus that would temporarily crash the entire hospital system including the security monitors. Eullicia mentally cursed Kyouya.
The guy sighed. "I'll get it." He said and looked down, he spotted the pen and got it, he handed it to Eullicia. "There. You can go now if you are done here." He said.
Eullicia smiled at him. "I am sorry and thank you" She said got her pen. She's by the door when she heard the man's voice again. She flexed her fingers ready to kill the man. "Yes?" she asked.
"What again is your name?" he asked.
"Miranda" Eullicia answered without looking.
"Alright then, see you around Miranda. Claude is on his way here." He said.
Eullicia stiffened. "I see. See you around." She said and turning slightly to him with a half bow.
He raised a hand and went back to typing.
Eullicia heard Kyouya tell her that she barely have a minute to leave the place.
Spotting the nearest window she sneaked to the emergency exit, as soon as she reached the exit everything went dark. She heard screams and panicked voices. She took that chance and jumped off the window, pressing a button on her wrist watch nylons flew out and attached to the nearest metals, using the leverage she landed on the ground effortless, she retrieved the strings and walked towards the escape route.
On her way she accidentally caught a glimpse of Claude Adam getting down of his car.
"This is getting really scheming." Eullicia muttered.
"Where are you?!" Kyouya bellowed as he violently remove the drive attached to the laptop he used during the transmission of data.
"I am on my way to the park. Dispose the computer immediately Kyouya. I'm currently disposing all possible traces they can get from us. I'll be there in fifteen minutes" Eullicia said in his ear.
He cursed and set the poor headset on fire. He stepped on the gas of his rented car. He broke the laptop using his gloved hands and threw it on the nearest trash bin he saw.
Eullicia arrived at the park fifteen minutes of non-stop running. She spotted Kyouya's car and jumped in it. "Step on it." She said.
"Are we heading to the airport now?" Kyouya asked while driving.
Eullicia nodded. "The control?" she asked gesturing for him to hand her the control.
Kyouya handed the control to Eullicia.
"The possible casualties?" Eullicia asked.
"The entire hospital, if what you guessed is right then everyone will surely die when touched by holy water and charmed bombs." Kyouya said.
"Very well. How far will this effect?" Eullicia asked.
"One kilometer away. Exactly this location." Kyouya answered stopping the car.
Eullicia grinned at him. "I see… then… Happy New Year" she muttered and pressed the control.
From their distance, Kyouya and Eullicia felt the ground shake. Kyouya planted charmed bombs underneath the hospital grounds while Eullicia prayed before dropping at least five liters of holy water in the water tank supply of the hospital.
"Let's go" Eullicia said turning to Kyouya.
Kyouya didn't budge on his seat. Eullicia was about to shake him off when he grabbed her and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.
"Argh! Kyouya! Let go!" Eullicia complained pulling away from him.
"Shut up… just shut up." Eullicia heard Kyouya murmur on her hair in mixture of anger, desperation and fear.
Eullicia paused surprised she hasn't heard Kyouya use such tone on her.
"Don't you ever do that to me ever again Eullicia Davis!? Understand!? You're going to give me a hear attack." Kyouya said desperately.
Eullicia got the message and relaxed on Kyouya's arms. "I am sorry" she mumbled.
A few minutes passed, Kyouya pulled away from Eullicia staring at her. He lowered his head towards Eullicia.
"W-what do y-you think y-you're d-doing… K-Kyouya?" Eullicia asked staring at him.
Kyouya smirked at her and pulled her again. "What do you think?" he asked huskily.
A vein popped out of Eullicia's forehead and tried hitting Kyouya's head but he managed to dodge it. "You perverted bastard!" she exclaimed.
Kyouya laughed stopping Eullicia from pounding him. He started the car engine. "Let's go. We have a Hong Kong flight to catch" he said.
Eullicia sighed and stared at the window she missed the relieved look Kyouya gave her and the sad smile that etched his lips.
oooooOoOoOooooo
"Osamu" a voice called Yasuhara.
Osamu paused on his reading when he heard the voice. He looked up from the materials he's reading. 'Was that my imagination?' he thought.
The van door opened, startling him a bit.
Kasai Chiaki smiled slightly at him, placing a steaming hot tea on the van's dash board.
"Have a break. Tea." Chiaki said.
Osamu smiled at the girl. "Thank you. Please tell Kaito-san, Kuroda-san and Ubusuna-san that we are heading back to the cottage as soon as break is over. It's almost dinner and we've gathered enough data for today." He said.
Chiaki smiled at him. "Okay." She answered and left.
Osamu noticed the storm building on the clouds nearby. "The Sea of trees… this place… and a storm. Not a very good combination." He muttered.
Kasai Chiaki has finished washing the dishes with Kuroda Satsuki, she asked her to go join everyone are in the living room and she nodded at her in response.
As wait for the water in the kettle to boil she started preparing some sweets to go with the tea.
"Chiaki" a voice called her name.
Chiaki raised her head turning to her left and right. 'Was that my imagination?' she thought.
The whistling of the kettle caught her attention and she started filling up the teapot with hot water. After making sure she had prepared everything she carried the tray to the living room where everyone sat.
Ubusuna Kei sat near the fireplace while busied herself with knitting.
Kaito and Satsuki sat near the window watching the heavy rainfall snuggled at each other.
Then she noticed Yasuhara sitting on the far end of the living room with only a small lamp to lighten his table as he reads the data gathered for that day.
After pouring tea on two cups she made her way to Yasuhara. Reaching his place, she gently set the cup of tea beside him.
Yasuhara looked up and stare at her for a second or two before smiling at her. "Chiaki?" he murmured.
Chiaki smiled down at him.
Osamu pulled his eyeglasses off massaging the bridge of his nose. "Thank you" he said sipping his tea.
Chiaki sat across him. "You sure work hard." She said.
Yasuhara nodded he eyed his mobile phone then sighed.
"Is there something wrong?" Chiaki asked.
Osamu shook his head. "Nothing" he mumbled before he sipped his tea again.
Chiaki watch him drink his tea. She wondered if this is how Taniyama-san sees Shibuya-san whenever he drinks his tea. A smile crept on her lips she lifted her teacup and sipped from it she didn't notice the long stare she's giving the young researcher.
Yasuhara snapped his fingers in front of her eyes.
Chiaki gasped. "Huh?"
Osamu beamed at her. "Were you day dreaming about me Chiaki?" he asked teasingly.
Chiaki blushed in the dim light. "W-What are you t-talking about!?!" she exclaimed.
Osamu chuckled his smile widening. "You're staring at me so I thought you're day dreaming of me." he said. "Or is it a night dreaming?" he added.
"Oh stop it! You're so full of it!" Chiaki said reddening she immediately stood up and was about to leave when Osamu grabbed her hand.
"Wait! I just find you too cute when you're mad and your tea is delicious too." Osamu said.
Chiaki nearly tripped on her foot she looked back at Osamu.
Yasuhara is smiling too handsomely at her.
"You're making fun of me… right?" Chiaki asked.
Osamu's eyeglasses flashed his smile widened. "You think?" he answered.
Chiaki closed her eyes breathing in and out. "I really want to kill you" she said.
Yasuhara smiled sweetly at her. "Do as you please." he said.
Chiaki stared at him like he'd grown two heads.
"Hmmm? Why? Am I too good-looking you can't take your eyes off me? Don't worry about it I don't charge so you can stare at me all you want but please no drooling." Osamu said.
Chiaki clenched her fists. "You…" she hissed.
The lamp on top of the table shook and the light flickered.
Osamu eyed the lamp with amusement. "Chiaki, you are doing this right?" he asked.
Startled Chiaki stiffened considerably she eyed the flickering light of the lamp and it's slight shaking. She calmed herself. The shaking stopped and the lamp's light went back to normal.
"It's really fascinating when you do those things I won't get tired seeing you do it." Osamu said amusedly standing up.
Chiaki heaved a sigh. "You're still making fun of me" she said.
Smiling. "You think so?" Osamu said when he finished gathering his things.
Osamu lifted his face to stare at Chiaki with amused eyes. "By the way, aren't you aware? Jokes are half meant…" he said then left.
Chiaki stared at him.
Osamu glanced back at Chiaki and re-arranged his glasses. "The problem is… which of them are jokes and which are true or which are lies... are there any? Good night." He said his eye twinkling with mirth.
Chiaki gritted her teeth. "Yasuhara Osamu" she hissed then the lamp cracked.
To be continued…
Author's note:
That's it for Chapter 23… on to the next chapter! Yippee!
I hope you enjoyed the time you have given to read this story. Thank you!
Please don't forget to review.