Friday, December 12th, 2014 – 08:53
Bishopmill Academy
Class 5-B Registration
Yuuki gazed out of the window of room C45. She had a smile on her face as sunlight trickled through the red tinted glass. It was a beautiful, crisp day outside. The gusty wind and bitter cold did nothing to dampen her spirits, indeed she found them charming in a way.
She was friends again with Becky, she had helped Alistair recover from the disappointment of not being able to return to Japan, they were stopping the shadows and she had entered a relationship with Iain. That last point made her the happiest. They would be having their first date that afternoon and the prospect caused her to become excited, although they had yet to decide what they would be doing. Yuuki had even put on her best perfume going to school because she knew they would be in the same class during Physics and Maths.
"Hiya Yuuki!"
The enthusiastic cry came from Rebecca. Yuuki nodded towards her as she made her way into the room and towards the window. The two girls surveyed the playground below them.
"Hmm, you smell good."
"That isn't a normal way to start a conversation," criticized Yuuki playfully.
"That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you something. You know how we all have just one persona and you have tons of them?"
"I only have nine."
"Okay, fine, nine, and you know how Iain thinks that these personas are somehow related to our thoughts and that they represent us in some way."
"Yeah, what are you getting at?"
"Well does that mean that you're schizophrenic?"
"WHAT? Becky I'm not crazy!"
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about."
Yuuki recognised the mischievous look on her friend's face and simply laughed it off.
"Maybe I am a little crazy."
"You're in a cheerful mood," commented Rebecca, "did something good happen to you yesterday?"
"G-Good," stuttered Yuuki, "I don't know what you mean."
"Nothing between you and a certain someone you said you liked."
"I-I can't think of anything!"
"Hmm…"
At this moment she heard the door to the classroom open. A handful of students entered, including Senga, who had a piece of A4 paper in her hands. Fortunately for Yuuki, Becky forgot about her interrogation.
"What have you got there Senga?"
"They were handing these things out at the school gate, don't tell me neither of you noticed?"
Yuuki looked at the sheet of paper. It was about the dance the school would be hosting before Christmas, the 'Snow Ball', which was scheduled for the 23rd of December.
"I was wondering when this was happening," said Becky, "it's a little late this year isn't it?"
"Usually it's held at the beginning of December," explained Senga, "but the culture festival got in the way. I think the school wanted it cancelled but Annalisa Milan told them they had to do it. I don't really get the point of it myself, since she won't be showing anyway."
"This will be great 'cause we'll basically get the day off! This is the last day of the second last full week of school for this year!"
Both Senga and Yuuki stared at their excited friend.
"You haven't been taking those happy pills again have you?"
aaa
Miss Clapton's higher maths class included many of Yuuki's friends. Rebecca was near the front of the room beside Alistair, Iain was located next to Richard Lucas and Senga was close to her. The fact so many people she knew were around her made Maths tolerable. Otherwise it would have been a nightmare.
When the final bell rang Miss Clapton didn't dismiss the class. Instead she waited for everyone to sit down properly and remain silent until she gave them permission to leave. This was something she did every Friday afternoon and it drove Yuuki mad. Why couldn't she let them go home for the weekend without an extra few seconds of hassle? Finally, after a lengthy pause, Miss Clapton told them to 'get out, and don't come back if you haven't finished your homework'.
Every student stood up and hurried towards the door. The sound of loud talking and chairs screeching against the floor hurt her ears. Yuuki moved more leisurely than most. She wanted to talk to Iain in private however she was ambushed by Rebecca.
"Hiya Yuuki, do you fancy a little karaoke tonight?"
"Erm, I might be busy."
"Come on," pressed Becky, "Al really wants you there. I know I'll invite Senga and Daigo too, it'll be fun!"
"Well," mumbled Yuuki, "could I, I mean we, bring Iain?"
"Sure! It'll give you the chance to tell him how much you love him!"
"REBECCA!"
Yuuki realised she had shouted too loudly when a sea of faces turned to look at her. She waved weakly at them before lowering her head. Her first date with Iain was going to be with their friends who didn't know they were seeing each other. Her hopes for a romantic evening were fading.
aaa
Friday, December 12th, 2014 – 19:12
South Street
"I'm really sorry about this Iain; I promise we'll do something were it's just the two of us."
"It may have been best to wait for the end of the murders," mused Iain sadly, "regardless this should still be enjoyable."
Iain and Yuuki were approaching 'Too Damn Loud' karaoke bar from the Eastern edge of South Street. A few meters ahead were James, who had been hastily invited less than twenty minutes earlier, Becky, Daigo, Senga and Alistair. The group was nosy as they walked together. Each was dressed colourfully having had the opportunity to change.
The seven teenagers made their way to the reception desk before heading to a room which Rebecca had reserved earlier. It was cramped inside due to their numbers, but Yuuki was content, since it allowed her to sit close to Iain without arousing suspicion. Unfortunately her younger brother was similarly positioned on her other side.
"I don't think I introduced you to Al," said Becky as she moved to pick up a microphone "this is Alistair Miller, Al this James Keir."
"I know who he is," replied James, "we were on the same fitba team and shared a couple of classes last year. You're still with Ianstown aren't you?"
"I wanted a move to the 'Elgin Marvels' but what can you do. You guys have been monsters this season."
Yuuki wasn't sure what anyone was talking about, and was relieved when a song started playing. It was a lively tune with a piano introduction and electric guitars during each verse and chorus. Becky, Alistair and James were the first to start singing.
Becky was grabbing Alistair and pulling him to her microphone, his lips dangerously close to hers. Her eyes were looking seductively towards the boy, fluttering wildly. Yuuki started thinking about doing that with Iain and blushed.
"Are you okay sis?"
"Huh…y-yeah I'm fine Daigo. Why don't you go next?"
Daigo accepted the challenge and gathered one of the available mics. He turned towards Senga before selecting his song.
"Would you like to duet with me? 'Cause there's so many of us we probably should share."
"Fine."
The positive response made him nod enthusiastically. The pair sang two tunes together before James joined them for a third. Being the last to take part didn't concern Yuuki, she was happy to sit quietly with Iain for a while. She also knew they could sing together without anyone suspecting they were dating since neither of them had had a go. They stepped up to the machine while Becky chose a song.
When I wake each morning, and I walk from my home
I see you on the way, and my heart is free to roam
"Rebecca!" bemoaned Yuuki, "why did you pick this song again!"
"You know why," responded Becky while winking. Yuuki continued singing, although if she was being truthful she was starting to warm to this tune.
I've forgotten
What this feels like, though we do this everyday
But for a second
In my heart I want this brand new day
To never end
There's nothing wrong with our love though it's small, it grows everyday
My friends tell me we should move when we know, that this is our own way
We may not hold hands when we walk or laugh, all that often when we're together
But when we do I believe in my heart, it's more special to me
aaa
When the karaoke session ended Yuuki returned home with her brother Daigo. He was very animated for a while, talking enthusiastically to her before treating her the way he had done for the last handful of weeks. As they arrived on Hermes Street he rushed ahead of her. Yuuki dragged her feet.
She had never had a boyfriend before and it disappointed her that she couldn't enjoy her first date alone with Iain. His suggestion that they wait until after the next central shadow before going somewhere made sense, since they would be busy and tired, but left her feeling down. Yuuki returned directly to her room. She needed to prepare dinner soon and mentally began planning what to make.
"Do you think I care about these days, when there's…"
Her cell phone was ringing. Yuuki read the display and noticed it was from Iain. She flipped it open.
"Hi Iain."
"Good evening. Would you care to come to my apartment later?"
"Go to your place?"
Yuuki hesitated. Was Iain inviting her at this time of night because she was his girlfriend? She knew that he would eventually want to start a 'physical' relationship but this was sudden. They hadn't even had a proper first date yet. As Yuuki was wondering how to reply she heard Iain continue talking to her.
"Tonight's target should be situated near my apartment, which would save you time in reaching his location. In addition I have a spare katana for you to use."
'He's only thinking about the shadows' mouthed Yuuki silently. Slightly embarrassed that she had misunderstood his intentions, and with the tension in her body beginning to ease she closed her eyes and replied, 'I'll be there'. She ended the call. Jumping onto her bed Yuuki stared at the ceiling.
"I should start making dinner for Daigo."
Despite saying this Yuuki lied on her back for another few minutes. It had felt like a busy day.
aaa
The time was close to midnight when Yuuki arrived at Iain's apartment block. The streets were quiet and the weather was more temperate than during the day. Iain greeted her at the outside door. He was carrying a newspaper under his arm and fiddled with his glasses as he welcomed her. She expected him to return to his room but instead he led her towards the elevator in the middle of the corridor.
"Are we not going to your apartment?" asked Yuuki.
"There's somewhere else I thought you might appreciate more."
He pressed the button to take them to the 12th floor. When they arrived Iain stepped out and headed along the corridor towards the staircase. Yuuki followed as he climbed the stairs. Iain unlocked the plain red door at the top and walked through onto the roof.
Yuuki gazed upwards. The stars were shining brightly, much more so than she could remember outside the other world. The air was a little gusty, which made her nervous moving around, but otherwise this was a beautiful place. She looked westwards and saw all of 'Old Bishopmill'. The artificial lights around the buildings made it a stunning and romantic view. This was similar to the sight which Richard Lucas received from his apartment and Yuuki was grateful to see it before midnight.
"It's amazing from here Iain," said Yuuki sincerely.
"I never came to this location until recently. For some reason I suspected you would appreciate this setting."
"Any girl would like this."
"I do have one suggestion," said Iain as he looked at his watch, "please lie back and face upwards within the next twenty four seconds."
It was an unusual request but Yuuki complied. The ground was a little damp and she knew she would need to wash her clothes when she returned home. Despite this distraction Yuuki continued to look upwards, until the other world arrived.
The stars became at least five or six times brighter than before, each one of them twinkling against the backdrop of night. It was a perfect, uninterrupted, uninhibited view of the heavens which dazzled her. Iain placed the newspaper he was carrying carefully onto the ground and sat beside her.
"It's amazing," repeated Yuuki, "I think I know why Becky enjoys stargazing so much."
"I was unaware Rebecca had an interest in astronomy."
Yuuki sat upright. This was exactly what she wanted to do on her first date. She leaned over towards Iain and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you."
"W-We s-should hurry," stumbled Iain, "we s-shouldn't keep the others waiting too long."
Yuuki nodded, "work before pleasure."
aaa
Saturday, December 13th, 2014 – 12:12
Bishopmill Academy
Yuuki had carefully considered what she could do today.
She had spent the early morning shopping for Christmas presents. Gifts for Becky, her brother and James had been purchased and hidden away in her room. Finding something appropriate for Iain would be more difficult, since he was now her boyfriend as opposed to a mere colleague. There was one other person she was hoping to buy a special present for, Senga.
Despite having been friends since the beginning of term Yuuki didn't really know much about Senga. She was well respected around school, particularly for her cold wit and athletic ability, but she rarely spoke about herself. Indeed all Yuuki knew about her came from the little titbits of information she had gathered. Facts such as she wanted to become a doctor, and that her mother was Finnish, were not offered freely.
One other fact she had learned about Senga was that she was part of the school's netball team which met every Saturday. Yuuki decided to go watch them play. Students were free to do this however few did. In the small gym on East block Yuuki stood alone at the entrance and watched a game take place. When the match ended she waited for Senga to wash and change before talking to her.
"You were really good Senga," complimented Yuuki.
"You were watching?"
"Uh-huh, although I'm not sure about the rules."
Senga gave her a disbelieving look before continuing to walk towards the school's main gate.
"There are seven in each team. Each has a specific role and is limited to where she can move. You can't move in possession and you can't make contact with other players. The rest is simple but difficult to explain, you'd need to play to pick it up."
"We never played this game at my old school," stated Yuuki, "it does look fun though."
The two left Bishopmill Academy and headed east. It was a cloudy day, which made the temperature slightly higher than recently. The brisk pace they were travelling at also helped Yuuki stay warm. The prospect of making soup for herself when she returned home heated up her cold body.
"Lorraine is good at netball."
Senga's random statement caught Yuuki off-guard.
"You mean the one the central shadow is after."
"Yes. She's a good girl, although she must be odd having Terry as her boyfriend. I hate those damn shadows. Whenever I see one I feel like ripping it apart. They steal the lives of those who can't defend themselves like cowards." Senga stopped walking and stared intently at Yuuki. "I'm going to get the bastard who's using them. I don't care what I need to do, I'll wring his neck."
The hatred in Senga's eyes frightened Yuuki. There was pure, unadulterated rage wrapped around each syllable spoken. After glaring intently into space Senga's body jarred suddenly and her face became less fierce than before.
"In any case we're doing fine for now. As long as you're in charge we should be okay."
"Do you really think so?" asked Yuuki.
"You listen to Becky's stupid suggestions too often, you're overprotective of Daigo, you think Iain is wonderful for some reason and you hold me back too much. But we're still here, so you must be doing something right."
"Erm, thanks Senga."
"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Hanged Man Arcana shall bless thee."
Hearing the social link voice comforted Yuuki but even without it she felt she knew Senga a little better. From the depths of her soul she wanted to find the killer and destroy the shadows however Yuuki suspected that this wasn't born solely from revenge. She cared about people too. When the two schoolgirls reached Lossiemouth Road they parted ways. Yuuki returned home.
Sunday, December 14th, 2014 – 09:34
Friars Road
Rain trickled softly from wispy grey clouds above. The pavements were icy, a legacy of the previous night's clear skies. Yuuki moved carefully as she felt her boots sliding under her feet. A sense of relief overwhelmed her as she reached the Catholic Church on Friars Road however that changed when she heard a girl yelling from inside.
"What Terry and I do is none of your business!"
"Don't raise your voice in a house of God."
"Don't drag me here and I won't yell here!"
Yuuki edged closer to the door. She recognised the softer voice as belonging to Christine but the other was a mystery to her. She poked her head inside and saw someone faintly familiar. It was a girl with short brown hair in a bob cut, hazel eyes above rosy cheeks and an athletic build. A colourful scarf was secured around her neck and a small white rabbit was attached to a key ring on her stylish handbag. Neither Christine nor this girl seemed to notice Yuuki.
"Terry's my boyfriend, why can't you get over that? He's a good guy if you give him a chance. And why do you keep bringing me here anyway, it's not like it makes any difference."
"Never say that!" snapped Christine, "you should be more respectful."
"I'm pretty sure the creator of life, the universe and everything has better things to worry about than whether or not I show up to this church on Sundays. And if he isn't cool with it then I'll make it up to him later."
"YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP TO HIM LATER!" screamed Christine, "our lives are a test and nothing is ignored or forgotten. It's only through repenting and improving yourself that you can expect forgiveness."
"Come on 'C', can't you give me a break? I'll do you a deal, me and Mr Rabbit will come here once a month, fair?"
"You should visit every Sunday."
"(Sigh) I'm going home. I'll tell mama you said 'hi'."
Yuuki found herself caught at the doorway. The girl walked straight towards her and stopped.
"I know you! You were in the play with Terrance. How do you do I'm Lorraine Reilly."
"Y-Yes," stuttered Yuuki who felt awkward for eavesdropping, "my name is Yuuki."
"Nice to meet you! My little Terry-bear talks about you a lot, but he never told me how pretty you are! I'll yell at him later for that (giggle)."
Lorraine offered a friendly smile before leaving the church and walking down the path to Friars Road. She was the one the central shadow would be trying to kill on Tuesday night. That thought left Yuuki feeling cold. It was easier to save someone she didn't know.
The church was now empty inside save for herself and Christine. She had sat down on a pew with her head dropped low. Yuuki moved beside her.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in."
"Don't apologise child," replied Christine. "That was my youngest sister. I'm just grateful she came this time." She began staring into one of the stain glass windows, "normally she isn't home when I come to collect her. I hate to think what that boy is doing to her."
There was harshness in Christine's voice. Yuuki presumed she was referring to Terrance Clyde, her classmate and Bonnie's boyfriend. Although Yuuki knew him well and considered him a friend, she decided to remain silent. Christine continued to talk.
"Ever since Lorraine met him she has become standoffish. She often refuses to pray or say grace when eating. Sometimes I feel as though my parents don't scold her enough and that I'm the only one who looks out for her, but I'm sure she resents me for that."
Yuuki could understand that. Her parents didn't take enough interest in Daigo making her compelled to protect him. Before he was happy to listen to her, but recently he had become frosty. There wasn't anything she could say or do to reach him and she was certain that was how Christine felt about Lorraine.
"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Hierophant Arcana shall bless thee."
They spent the next twenty minutes at the church talking quietly. When Yuuki left she believed Christine to be in a better mood than before, which made her content.
aaa
Tuesday, December 16th, 2014 – 00:00
West Road
Tonight the shadows were targeting Terrance Clyde, and tomorrow it would be their final aspiration, Lorraine Reilly.
Considering how far apart the spates of deaths had been thus far, Yuuki assumed this would be the last central shadow they would face this year. She would be happy if that was true, as she would have time to spend Christmas with her boyfriend. However for the moment she was focused on saving Terry.
He lived in a small house on West Road, which was close to Bishopmill Academy and south of the Haugh. The cars parked on the road told her this wasn't the wealthiest part of town, but rather similar to her own home. As was now normal, the six members of ASH waited in the street for the shadows to arrive. Having more room for manoeuvre was generally an advantage, since they were rarely outnumbered.
"Geez its cold," complained Daigo.
"Turn on the heater Iain gave you," suggested Yuuki. He followed her advice.
"It's still cold!"
The other members of the Afterschool Shadow Hunters were close by. Senga had insisted upon coming since Terry was a friend of hers while James refused to leave tonight's mission up to them. Rebecca and Iain were there too, although that was because they didn't need a break. Everyone understood that they needed to make sure Terrance Clyde survived for neither Yuuki nor Senga would abandon him.
"Does anyone know where whatshername for tomorrow lives?" asked Becky.
"We won't be going to Lorraine's house," answered Senga. "Terry told me she hurt herself in an accident this morning and was taken to Dr Silver's hospital as a precaution. She should be there when the shadow arrives."
"Is she alright?"
"She'll live."
That statement didn't fill Yuuki with confidence. The other world was thirty minutes old, meaning tonight's enemies were overdue. Iain was using his newly acquired persona, Nagasena, to search their surroundings. Eventually he found them.
"There are three entities approaching this location," he stated, "I cannot confirm yet if they are shadows, however it is likely. They are unfamiliar although all three appear adept with poison."
"Just tell us how to kill them," said an exacerbated Senga.
"Unfortunately I am unable to tell from this distance."
Three enemies appeared on the horizon. The first was a shaggy dog. Its exact size was difficult to determine due to its long hair and small body. Beside it crawled a snake with a mitre on its head. Wherever it moved it left a trail of ooze which seemed to melt the ground. The third shadow was the most bizarre in appearance. It was like a chimera, except it had the head of a monkey, the body of a tanuki, the legs of a tiger and the tail of a snake.
"They're types of mythological creature," muttered Iain.
"Could you be a dear and tell us how to kill them already?" interrupted Senga with equal measures of sweetness and menace.
"The Keukegen, ah hound, is vulnerable to fire. Despite utilising it in its attacks the Basilisk is susceptible to poison. Finally the Nue is weak against electricity. I recommend that James remains uninvolved during this engagement."
Yuuki decided to let her brother tackle the Keukegen and Becky the Nue. She would take the Basilisk. Summoning Damballa, her poison resistant ice specialist, she led the charge towards the enemy.
"Take them out as quickly as you can," ordered Yuuki. She rushed to the snake and her persona leaked purple gas in a wide plume. The shadow managed to escape its path. It in turn did the same however this had no effect on Yuuki. She knew there was no way for this enemy to defeat her as long as she used Damballa. Her friends however were not fairing so well.
Both Daigo and Becky had been infected with poison released by their respective opponents. Senga rushed forward to help only to end in a similar condition. This left Iain, who couldn't destroy any of their opponents, James, who would be seriously hurt or killed if he tried, and Yuuki to defeat these three foes. Fortunately for her she was immune to their attacks, and tried to take advantage.
Yuuki's first goal was to ruin the Basilisk. It could be destroyed without the need to change persona, making it the logical choice. She hustled it to the side of the road and trapped it against a building. A plume of violet gas spiralled from her persona and wrapped itself around the helpless snake. It's hissing fell silent before fading away.
Now there were just two. Yuuki decided to make her closest enemy, the Keukegen, her next target. She needed to change persona to Coatlicue in order to exploit its weaknesses, but doing so would take away her defence.
"Iain," shouted Yuuki, "I'll distract the dog, freeze it in place."
She bounced quickly from side to side, diverting her foe from the ever advancing Iain. He summoned his persona and rained a thousand sprinkles of light on its body. The Keukegen turned to statue, not even able to twitch. This was her chance. Yuuki rushed to get as close as she could while evoking Coatlicue. The shadow was destroyed without any chance to counter. Only one more remained.
"Watch out you two!"
The cry from James was panicked. Yuuki turned and saw their final opponent. The Nue was too close for her to dodge and she didn't have time to alter persona.
"Nagasena!"
From the moment Iain yelled a white light surrounded her. Poison left the Nue and started emanating in every direction except hers. Yuuki glanced towards her friends. They too were protected by this glow. After ten or so seconds she noticed the light flicker. Traces of gas were starting to escape through. Believing that she didn't have much time Yuuki called forth Ukko and obliterated the lone shadow. Terrance was safe, for the moment.
Yuuki returned her attention to her struggling friends. She hurried to her younger brother first and felt his forehead. It was feverish.
"How are you feeling Daigo?"
"Like crap."
"I'll assume you're swearing because you're unwell," said Yuuki menacingly, thankful that her brother seemed alright. She checked on Senga and Becky. They were the same, sickly but unharmed. Iain was out of breath after creating that temporary glow, making her believe he was unable to assist anymore. Everyone was on their feet however fighting the shadows would be left to her and James.
"Don't try and kill them all at once!" bemoaned James, "they were dangerous. You need to know what you can and can't do."
"It worked out okay," reassured Yuuki, hoping he would stop complaining.
"If you had died tonight it wouldn't have helped anyone would it?"
"Yuuki knows what she is doing," interrupted Senga between coughs, "she might look clueless but I'd say the same about you, so quit whining."
Yuuki wasn't sure if she was being complimented or insulted.
"I wasn't the one who ran in like a damn numpty!"
"The only way you know how to run is backwards."
She knew this was going to be a long night.
aaa
Tuesday, December 16th, 2014 – 23:49
Victoria Crescent
Tonight the fourth central shadow would mark its appearance.
The previous three had been the most difficult battles they had faced and Yuuki suspected that tonight would be no different. They had had no time for rest, having been involved in protecting Terrance Clyde the previous night. To make matters worse half of them had been poisoned during that fight, which left them short of their optimum strength.
James had invited everyone to his family's home on Victoria Crescent. There they would prepare for the shadow awaiting them. Dr Silver's Hospital, which was where Lorraine 'Bonnie' Reilly was being held, was less than a two minutes walk away, making this the perfect location. They were in a billiards/game room with plenty of seats along the walls and a snooker table in the middle. The television was switched on, but this was to drown out the sound of their conversation rather than entertainment.
Being able to leave after midnight also meant they could carry their weapons with them. Senga had her claymore, Yuuki a wakizashi, Rebecca a bullwhip, Daigo twin daggers and Iain a series of boomerangs. The sole member of the group who had thus far been unarmed was James however Iain had brought something to change that.
"I believe this may be suitable for you."
From within a long thin bag Iain revealed an axe with an eight pound head which had a hammer at one side and an edge on the other. It was more cumbersome than the sword Senga wielded and that made Yuuki doubt its effectiveness. She looked at Iain.
"Ah," he said knowingly, as if reading her thoughts, "this selection was based around the same principle as the one for Daigo. James has high levels of physical strength however his ability to evade attacks is underdeveloped. I believe that maximising his offensive capabilities to be more advantageous than to compromise for minimal gains in agility and a splitting maul matched these conditions."
"It'll help him hit hard," surmised Senga.
"Precisely."
The lights switched themselves off. It was midnight. The central shadow would be appearing shortly to murder a now aware Lorraine Reilly. Would she be able to hang on until they reached her? And would they be strong enough to defeat the darkness awaiting them? The Afterschool Shadow Hunters left the Keir compound and made the short journey to Dr Silver's Hospital.
aaa
When the hospital came into view they immediately recognised the effects of the other world. The outer walls were skewed disproportionately, creating a bizarre almost fantasy building. The original height of three stories was gone, replaced by a single level at the front and six at the rear. It was the wildest alteration to reality thus far and made Yuuki wonder what the future held in store for them.
Inside was similarly distorted. The walls breathed in and out and were coloured differently in each corridor. The floor flexed as well, making their steps uneven and slow. Past the reception area were two doors, one leading left and the other right. They had to choose.
"We won't reach Bonnie on time if we guess wrongly," said Senga, "I'll go with Yuuki and Iain, the rest of you go the other way. Keep moving until you find something and we'll meet up against the shadow. Does that meet your approval James or should we host a committee first?"
"You're not going to listen to me anyway," he replied forlornly.
Now that they had a plan in place Yuuki decided randomly to go through the left door. She could see one continuous level with no inside walls. There were winding stairs near the rear which she hurried towards. The floor lit up under her feet as she walked and strange, pained voices were echoing in the open space. These grew louder as she reached the second and then third level.
At the top of the stairs the trio saw a figure in green. She was an old bucktoothed woman with long hanging breasts and clothes in her hands crouched over a river of blood that trickled down the corridor.
"Is that the shadow?" asked Senga.
"Precisely," replied Iain. "Be very cautious, she appears to be adept with electricity and vulnerable only to fire."
Yuuki called forth Coatlicue and wasted no time in attacking. The shadow was caught unaware and fell backwards sharply. Then the walls began flexing, wheezing as they moved as if inhaling deeply. The woman's haggard face turned slowly to look hers before she started screaming wildly.
"MY CHILD, WHY ARE YOU WITH THEM? COME HERE MY CHILD. YOU'VE RETURNED!"
"Is she talking about me?"
"It would appear so," answered Iain, "she is a bean-nighe, a spectre from Celtic mythology. It is said that anyone who approaches her in the correct way will become her foster child."
"MY CHILD GET AWAY FROM THEM!" screamed bean-nighe, "I'LL KILL THEM, I'LL KILL THEM!"
The shadow started glowing brightly and an electric current ran along the trail of blood on the floor. Iain and Senga were both hit, causing them to fall over. Yuuki attacked in response, and forced their enemy back.
"YOU!" said the shadow with great menace, "YOU ARE NOT MY CHILD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER?"
This time electricity was sent along the walls and leapt out at Yuuki from every angle. She wasn't weak to this type of attack however the confusion it caused disorientated her. Bean-nighe removed the dark green outer shall which had covered her body and transformed into a beautiful woman in dark clothing. Only her yellow eyes remained the same.
The now regenerated shadow moved with frightening speed, focusing her attention solely on Yuuki. Shock followed shock as the onslaught continued. Yuuki was unable to fight back, and unable to break away. Suddenly a claymore was swung between herself and bean-nighe. A quick glance proved it was Senga's. The attack had missed but bought her enough time to get away. Yuuki drew her wakizashi and crouched low.
"This is why I came with you Yuuki," stated Senga without removing her eyes from bean-nighe. "I had a feeling you'd find the shadow. Now how do we take out this mothering melancholy maniac?"
Yuuki tried to come up with an idea. Unfortunately their opponent didn't wait and lightning began popping at the three of them from every direction. There wasn't anywhere to hide or anyway to get behind the shadow as the corridor continued to flex in and out, leaving them trapped. Running away was an option however they had no idea where Lorraine was, making it too dangerous to flee.
As Yuuki was starting to lose hope she noticed bean-nighe stumble forwards. It was Daigo and James. They had arrived from the far side of the corridor, surprising the shadow with a well timed attack.
"MY CHILD," screeched bean-nighe, "I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"
An immense thunderbolt rang throughout the corridor. Its blinding light forced Yuuki to cover her eyes. Immediately she was struck hard and knocked to the ground. The pattern of light and pain repeated constantly without rest. They had no chance of fighting back.
Without warning bean-nighe stopped attacking for a moment and inhaled deeply. Senga lurched forwards but Yuuki stopped her. Something was wrong. After a silent pause the shadow opened her mouth and released an unbearable cry. The persona users fell to the ground and covered their ears. The piercing sound caused Yuuki's ears to bleed and her only wish was for it to stop. This was worse than anything she could recall.
She managed to glance around and saw Iain, his face contorted, clutching his boomerang. He threw it as straight as he could. It bounced off the ceiling and struck bean-night firmly on the head. The shadow fell silent and their torture stopped.
The only member of the group who wasn't paralysed by this barrage of attacks was James. Through squinted eyes Yuuki watched as he raised his axe into the air and tried to drop it down upon the shadow. Bean-nighe dodged and charged a powerful blast towards him alone, but this gave the rest of them a moment to recover.
Yuuki wasted no time, she ordered Coatlicue to generate a burst of flame. Daigo did the same with his persona, forcing the shadow's screams to become incoherent. Its young body visibly aged with each wave of fire, until it returned to its original form.
"DIE!"
A gold coloured light surrounded the shadow, blinding them with its ever growing brilliance.
"Run!"
Iain's panicked voice made Yuuki react quickly. She and Daigo were the closest to the glowing woman and also the fastest to move.
Then she felt nothing.
aaa
Yuuki heard the sound of babies crying. She opened her eyes. Lying on the ground next to her was Senga and Iain, and at the far end of the corridor were James and Daigo. They were moving slowly and recovering to their feet. When Yuuki stood up she realised this was where they had fought against the shadow. The stationary walls and well lit area seemed so different, yet she recognised it none the less.
Next to her was a window looking into a large room. There were newly born babies inside, lying in neatly arranged rows. A couple were crying but most were resting peacefully.
"Bean-nighe are the spirits of women who died in childbirth." Yuuki looked at Iain who was now standing beside her, "it's said that they live until they reach their natural time of death, all the while grieving for their loss. The Other World has ended and the shadow has been destroyed. Everyone here appears to be unharmed however I am uncertain as to the whereabouts of Rebecca or the target."
"We found the girl," said James with a pained voice, "it was too risky to bring her here or leave her alone, so Becky said she'd look after her."
"That isn't true," interrupted Daigo, "you wouldn't shut up until either me or Becky stayed behind."
"Daigo," snapped Yuuki, "don't talk to your elders that way, it's very rude."
Her brother shot her a dark expression but Yuuki ignored it. She was use to his behaviour by now. Turning to James she asked where Bonnie was now. He led the way and the five teenagers travelled quietly through the deserted hospital. They arrived in a private room where Rebecca was sitting on the bed playing a portable game device while Lorraine was lying down, her right foot wrapped in a cast.
"Oh," said Bonnie with an upbeat tone, "my protectors are here!"
"Protectors?" replied Senga, "you haven't been receiving those morphine shots have you?"
"Oh you," the girl playfully responded, "you never could take a compliment. Rebecca was kind enough to tell me what's going on and I'm definitely in! (Ouch)" Lorraine leaned forward and held her foot tightly.
"You can join when you're better," said Senga, "just get some rest."
"Ooohhh," interrupted Becky, "you're being awfully friendly Senga."
"Shut up! It's nothing like that!"
Becky laughed heartily while Senga looked at her with daggers in her eyes. At this point Iain suggested they leave the hospital before anyone noticed them. Concealing their weapons as best they could the six members of the Afterschool Shadow Hunters left Dr Silver's and returned to the Keir compound.
The forth of the seven central shadows had now been defeated. It was only a matter of time before they were all destroyed. Yuuki knew this had been a difficult fight and that the remaining three would be even tougher, but right now she was happy. They were one step closer to their goal and nothing was going to stop her.
As James had once said, 'we will do or die'.
End of Chapter 8