Heart of Shadows
Chapter 36: Date Four
They sat in the secret area Kai and Hikari went to during their date. Mirroring the first part, the younger and more coolheaded of the twins sat across from him in a lighter color of the same dress her older twin wore. She dressed in the same skirt and even the same tops. Now she sat across from her partner and spoke about an important topic.
"We understand that you feel as though you've taken us away, but what you refuse to understand is that Seo was the one who suggested the switch. He's the one who gave us to you, and you even agreed to it. When you and Minato came to us about the escape plan, you talked to us and even showed us your powers. Why would you do something like that if you didn't feel some sort of connection?"
He waited for her to respond. "It's because you knew we were partners. You knew from the start that the three of us were bonded in a way. You heard what Seo said; he wanted us to be with you because he saw how much better you would treat us. He knew you would be the better choice regardless of the fact that he's putting himself in risk. He made the choice and went with it, you agreed to it, and we accepted. So why is it that you can't accept the fact that we're yours now? Why can't you see that we're happy being with you? What else do we need to do? We keep telling you over and over again that we're happy with the change."
He let out a sigh and grasped her hands.
"Hibiki; I do understand your feelings. I know it seems like I don't, but believe me; I understand completely. I never said we weren't compatible; however, what you have to realize is, I have a lot more troubles than you think. Yes, I'm strong and smart, but can you really stay with a guy who's holding back so much rage? You know of my past and the amount of rage I've accumulated; that's why I keep saying this. One day, and I fear it may be soon, my anger will be unleashed again. When that happens, not even you will be safe; I will literally attack you in blind fury. You know it's true too. So my question to you is, what will you do when that happens? What will you think when my anger is released? Will that make you see I'm a lot more trouble than I'm worth?"
Hibiki closed her hands and suddenly hugged Kai tightly. He didn't expect the sudden embrace and felt the twin hug him as tight as she could.
"This is what I'll do," she told him. "If your anger ever surfaces, all of us, including me, will be right there to bring you back. We don't care if you attack or hurt us; we'll get through to you one way. We'll do whatever it takes to bring you back."
Kai looked down and let out a closed breath. He returned Hibiki's hug and rubbed her back.
"See? This is why I'm not worthy of you. We've only been together for a couple of weeks and you're already so devoted to me."
She lifted her head so their eyes could meet.
"It's because I really care about you. We've gotten to know each other better, much better than Seo knows about me. I just…I don't like the way you feel; it seems like I'm the only one happy about the switch."
"I'm happy about it too Hibiki; don't get me wrong. I am happy having you and Hikari with me."
She frowned. "I don't believe you. You're always saying negative about this switch so how can I believe that you."
Kai copped her cheek and planted a soft kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes and melted into the kiss, her heart pounding. Hibiki straddled Kai's waist and lifted his head to deepen their kiss. They proceeded to plant more kisses on each other lips and continued their embrace. Soon, they needed to breathe for air and broke the kiss. Hibiki rested her head on Kai's shoulder as they resumed their hugging.
After a while, the two stepped out from the secret areas, and Hibiki grasped her partner's hand.
"Let's go see a movie; there's one I've been wanting to watch."
"Sure, let's go," Kai agreed. They proceeded to leave the park while talking about the preferred movie; however, they stopped in their tracks and faced the person standing in their path. He was a bespectacled man wearing a black suit with a white shirt underneath and a yellow tie; there was an air of sophistication about him, but Kai made sure to stay on guard.
"Hello there, pleasure to meet you; are you Kai Sasaki?" the man spoke. Kai nodded his head.
"Yes, I am Kai Sasaki. How can I help you?"
The man fixed his glasses. "I see that you are busy so I'll cut straight to my point. You see, my boss have required your assistance. After doing some research on your abilities, he believes you would make an excellent addition to his cause. So, will you lend him a hand?"
"Hmm, so your boss requires my help. Mind if I ask for what exactly?" Kai asked back.
"He wishes to tell you the information in person," the bespectacled man replied. Kai nodded.
"I see. Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'mgonna have to decline his offer."
"What? You're going to refuse when you don't even know of his request?" the man asked.
"That's right; he most likely owns a large corporation since he sent his secretary and would want me to help make his business flourish by taking out his competitors. How about that? Right on the money?" Kai deduced. Hibiki was surprised, but the bespectacled man wasn't.
"The data was correct; your analytic skills are incredibly good. However, I'm afraid my boss won't take no for an answer," he said and reached into his pocket. Kai narrowed his eyes, as did Hibiki. The man pulled out four things and showed them to the couple. Hibiki was confused, but Kai only tightened his guard more. In the man's hand were four pictures of Kai during his infiltration of Higa's building.
"Kai Sasaki, as the ashikabi of no.10, it would be disastrous if she found out about where your mission led you. How would she feel if she found out you of all people broke into Higa's building and found the one she's been trying to save? You were right there, yet you left her behind; what would no.10 say if she found about this? Pretty devastated if you ask me; however, we can keep this a secret if you come with me. If you refuse my offer this time, I have no oppositions on revealing this matter. So, what say you?"
Kai didn't respond at first; he pieced all the necessary information together before responding.
"Tell Uzume; I don't care."
"What?" the man and Hibiki responded in utter shock.
"I don't care one bit. You can tell Uzume everything, me sneaking into Higa's building, and meeting Chiho. I don't care. Sure she'll be infuriated at me, but she'll find out on her own sooner or later. You telling her now will only speed up the process. Honestly, I want you to; it'll save me the trouble. By all means, go right ahead; it won't make any difference to me," Kai continued. The man was shocked. He wasn't counting on his target to be so evasive. He wasn't like the other targets he encountered. Usually, it was simple to get them under his boss's rule, but Kai will need a different approach.
Kai took Hibiki's hand. "We're done here; let's go catch that movie."
They turned to leave, but Kai stopped once more.
"Oh yeah, before I forget, answer me this; the boss you're referring to is Higa isn't he?"
"That's right," the man answered. "And I am his secretary, Kakizaki."
Kai narrowed his eyes and released his date's hand.
"That's all I needed to hear."
Suddenly, Kai vanished, surprising the others, and reappeared before Kakizaki; however, his trusty blade gouged the secretary's shoulder.
"AAAHH!" Kakizaki screamed as his blood oozed out his shoulder and fell along the blade of Kai's sword. It stained his suit and made him cry out in agony. Hibiki gasped when she noticed, but could only watch as her partner pushed his sword deeper into Kakizaki's shoulder. His screams continued to echo through the park, deafening the air.
"Before I leave, I have some things I want you to relay to your boss."
Kai shoved his sword out, knocked Kakizaki off his feet, grabbed him by the neck, and slammed him on the ground. He twirled his sword and thrust it forward, just stopping at the secretary's eyes. Kakizaki opened his eyes to see the cold stare shooting from the lightning ashikabi.
"Don't worry; I'm not going to kill you…yet. There are some things I have to know first before that happens. Killing you now would prevent me from knowing that so I'll let you go for today; however, if I ever see you again, if you or Higa dare speak to Uzume, harm her sister, or confront my loved ones, I will not hesitate in cutting you down."
Kai began chocking him, causing Kakizaki to squirm and attempt to pry him off.
"You dare ask for my assistance? You have the audacity to request my support, even going as far to blackmail me, when you knew I have full hatred towards your master. I don't care if Uzume finds out what I did; however, if by any chance she was to run off on me, I know exactly who to go to in order to exact revenge. Don't think for even a second Uzume being under Higa's reign will make a difference to me; you're only giving me motivation to kill him more. If I ever find out you've been doing the things I've told you not to, I will look for you, I will find you…and I will kill you."
Kai let Kakizaki go and watched him coughed horribly to regain some air. The lightning ashikabi turned his back and sent his sword away; he grasped the still shocked Hibiki's hand and planted a kiss on her cheek. She stared at him and closed her mouth, reaching to seize his arm.
"Sorry you had to see that," Kai told her. She shook her head.
"Are you okay?"
He nodded back. "I'm fine; we need to get out of here. Still want to go see that movie?"
"Yes," Hibiki answered.
"Hold it!" someone shouted. The lightning users stopped again and saw two people standing before them. One was a tall woman close to Jacob's height with long dark green hair and blue eyes. She wore a blue and white tight belly-top, which revealed a lot of cleavage, and the sekirei crest on her left breast. She wore dark long gloves, stockings held by a garter over her bloomers, and thigh length boots to compliment her appearance. A long black staff rested in her grasps and a confident smirk spread across her lips. Beside her was a girl with short blond hair, wearing a black leather top up from her belly and lather bloomers and stockings. Around her fingers, various strings wrapped around them as blades moved flawlessly around the puppeteer.
"You're not going anywhere; our master said if we couldn't get you to come, then just terminate you," the green haired girl said. She twirled her staff around and pointed it at Hibiki. "Care to dance no.12?"
The woman in question narrowed her eyes as lightning began crackling around her hand.
"Kai, will you treat me to dinner instead?"
"Sure, no problem," he answered.
"Thanks," Hibiki waved her arm and sent a bolt of lightning at the girls.
Minato listened to Jacob, who explained the basis of animal instincts.
"Okay, it's understandable that you would've lost control of your dragon powers. The thing that gets me is the fact it took you so long."
"It confuses me too," Minato replied. The two stood in the backyard of the inn across from one another.
"Kai filled me in on what happened and your sekirei did the explaining as to why you might've lost control. It's safe to say that you and Kai are in the same boat. You two need to release that part of you keeping you back. Kai is self-explanatory, but you have family issues that need resolving. Your instincts act on your emotions, more particularly your rage. When you first saw your sekirei get terminated, that started your aggressive change. After that, it took a lot to calm you down again, but seeing Kai being defeated sped up the aggression. From there, it was seeing Kai in a coma and hearing what people had to say about him. Now, it's all come back to haunt you," Jacob explained. Minato nodded in understanding.
"Matsu told me this stuff already so I have a general clue as to why I lost myself. So as someone with similar traits to mine, what should I do about it?"
Jacob rubbed his chin. "Hmm, in my opinion, you need to settle things with your family first before we move on to the harder stuff. With all that behind you, there will be nothing holding you back. The next thing is actually learning how to harness your animal instincts. Sometimes, thinking everything through isn't a safe thing; you need to trust your instincts. Don't resist the power you possess, but become one with it; the more you resist the more your instincts will take over."
"Okay, you think this will work?" Minato asked back.
"Yep, trust me; I had to learn to handle my instincts as well. These wolf powers don't work themselves you know," Jacob chuckled. "You're a fast learner so it shouldn't be a problem, but you also hold the most powerful assistant. What's his name, Leonidas, isn't a dragon for nothing. I'm sure you know how powerful dragons can be."
"Yeah, I know, but he's a great companion. Kai told me we're a perfect match," the dragon holder replied. "So, just take things one step at a time, gotcha."
"Yep, that's all you have to do. When you do all that, I'll help you even further," Jacob nodded. He checked the time and groaned. "I need to head to work, but I have something important to tell you. If you see these people, let me know immediately."
Jacob showed him a picture of Vash and Zane. Minato quickly memorized their picture and cocked his head.
"Okay, but can I ask who these two are?"
"That's sort of classified, just know that they are extremely dangerous. If you find one, don't engage them; let me know," the wolf told him.
"If you say so; have fun at work," Minato responded.
"I'll try," Jacob groaned. The wolf ashikabi left the premises, and Minato cocked his head to the side again.
"I wonder why these two are so dangerous," he said aloud.
"Maybe they committed a severe crime," someone responded.
"AH!" Minato jumped in surprise. He quickly turned and saw a laughing Kuruse on the ground. Minato flushed red at his outburst and scratched his cheek. "Kuruse; don't do that."
She continued to laugh, even while tears filled her eyes. She managed to stop after a while and wiped her face.
"I'm sorry, but that was just too funny. I didn't expect you to jump like that."
Minato helped her stand and watched her giggle. "I should scare you more often."
"Please don't," he replied. "So what's up?"
"Don't you remember? I'm first in our line up and I want to spar with you before going out," she said. "So, grab your sword and let's go."
"Uhh, okay," he went inside and came back out with his sword in hand. He stood across from his sekirei, who materialized her trident. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, what if things turned out like last time?"
"They won't, just stay calm and keep your focus. Matsu said, we need to decrease your energy daily and then any, hehehehe, sexual desires you've been suppressing," Kuruse responded. Minato flushed red again.
"I still think that's not the case."
"Too bad, that's what Matsu said. Now let's spar," Kuruse rushed forward and swiped her trident diagonally. Minato used his sheath as a shield and blocked the attack. He then stabbed his sword, but missed his target, as she pivoted around the attack and swung her trident. Minato's senses alerted him to the attack, and he responded by ducking under the swipe. He quickly turned while swinging his sword, using the momentum to increase his strike. Kuruse jumped into the air and summersaulted over him. She brought her trident down like a hammer. Minato rolled out of the way, but Kuruse conjured more tridents and fired them all at her ashikabi, who formed a wind dome and knocked the spear like weapons away. Then took the dome and fired an airburst. Kuruse acted quickly and made the tridents rotate in front of her. The tridents absorbed the impact, but blew her away in the process.
She stopped herself and raised her head, seeing her opponent rushing towards her. Minato thrust his sword, and Kuruse met his attack by twirling her weapon and knocking his arm away with the shaft. She twirled her trident again as she unleased a multithrust attack. Minato dodged left and right while deflecting a few of the thrusts. They were practically dancing with Minato taking the lead. Kuruse twirled her body and stabbed her trident, but Minato parried the strike with his sword and brought his sheath down. His opponent elegantly twirled around him and smacked his on the head with the trident.
"Ah, why?" Minato questioned as he turned, only to be passionately kissed on the lips by Kuruse. His cheeks flushed red as his eyes widened in surprise. Kuruse kissed him hungrily, the intense spar turning her on. Her wings sprouted behind her and gave light; however, the moment she pulled away and hugged him.
"Mi-na-to," a familiar blonde said in a cold tone. Minato froze at the voice and slowly turned his head, where he saw the angry looks and dark smile on his busty blonde, young blonde, and brunette's faces. Tsukiumi and Kusano stared angrily at him while Musubi had a somewhat sinister smile on her face.
"Minato; I want to spar with you too," she stated.
"Mi-na-to, what dost thou think they are doing exchanging saliva with this concubine?" Tsukiumi questioned with little Kuu growling in agreement. Kuruse hugged him again and frowned.
"Minato and I are only sparring. We can kiss if we want to; the landlords allow it. You can't do anything that the rules allow and as I recall, Minato selected the orders. I'm first in the lineup, so it's my job to deplete his energy and desires. When it's your turn, I will gladly enforce the rules Minato has established."
She kissed his again while staring at the three. "And how dare you three forget said rules. Minato said to control your jealousy; he even asked as nicely as possible. Are you going to disobey our ashikabi, who has been through so much trouble because of us, and his requests? I thought you loved him, but not going through with your promises is inexcusable; we promised Minato to control our jealous rage and help him control his dragon powers. Apparently, I'm the only one who loves him big enough to remember."
The three had nothing to say, and Minato decided not to speak at all. Kuruse released her hold on Minato and pointed to the three.
"Now all of you look at your ashikabi and tell him you're sorry. Think about his feelings for once."
"Kuruse; I think that's enough," Minato told her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and approached his group.
"Listen; I understand why you all get so jealous, but let me ask you this. As my sekirei, how would you feel if another prohibited you from receiving my attention? Say for instance, Kazehana, and I know she wouldn't do this, was to keep me all to herself and didn't allow you any attention at all. Wouldn't you be angry with her for doing so?"
They nodded.
"That's what you all are trying to do. You hate it when I show my other sekirei more affection; however, isn't that my job though? Isn't that what I'm supposed to do? What if I started ignoring everyone all together? I know that's not what you want, so my request to you again is; keep your jealousy calm. I understand how you must feel, but there is nothing wrong about it; you all have to see that my attention isn't limited to just one of you. While I believe you all deserve better,"
BAM! Kuruse smacked her ashikabi on the head with her trident. He grunted in pain and turned towards his trident wielder.
"Ah, why did you do that?"
"Because of what you said," she stated. "You were doing so well until you said that last line. Things were going so well until you had to ruin it. Now you must be punished."
"Punished? For what?" Minato questioned.
"You see, there was a rule we established when you weren't here one day. That rule is; every time you insult yourself, we have authority to punish you because you're talking lies."
"She is correct husband," Tsukiumi spoke up. "Thou must learn to hold thy tongue on such false accusations."
"What she said," Musubi and Kuu responded. Before anything could happen, Minato's phone went off; he counted his lucky stars for the save.
"Wait a minute, I have to take this."
"Humph, thee is just trying to escape punishment," Tsukiumi stated. Minato answered back by showing the ID on his phone, earning his right to leave. Minato answered the call and went to the front of inn, where he spoke to the caller.
"Grandma, it's been a long time since we spoke to each other. How have you been?"
"It has been a long time; I'm doing great. How about you?" She asked back. Minato rubbed the back of his head, which became a bad habit.
"I'm fine, things have been a little crazy here, but it's always like that with me."
His grandmother chuckled. "I see what you mean. How's Kai been doing; I haven't seen him since he left that day."
"He's doing great, still the same as ever."
"Still a girl magnet," she clarified. Minato nodded.
"Like you would not believe. I swear, he cannot do anything without having girls fawn all over him."
"I agree with you on that one; he has that charm about him. Yukari was definitely smitten by him."
"Her and every other girl in our neighborhood."
His grandma chuckled again.
"Those were good times; I see that you're doing well, but there is one thing we need to discuss."
"Okay, I'm listening," Minato replied.
"I am under the impression that you, Yukari, and Takami had a falling out recently. Care to talk to me about it?"
Minato stared at the ground, his smile fading.
"Well, you know how my relationship with mom and Yukari are. When Kai came into the family, things started to get better, but at the same time, they became worse. You see, mom overheard my conversation with Kai about why I let them treat me like they did."
"How come you never told me about this? I was right there you know; we could've settled things without having them escalate."
"Truth be told, I was thinking that things would never look up. While you were a safe haven for me, Kai made the bigger connection with me. But, now things turned out worse; I screamed at mom and Yukari one day and told them my conversation with Kai."
"Yes, Takami and Yukari have been filling me in on what's been happening. I will say that I did give them a stern talking to, but Minato, you have to make things right. Can you stand or sit there and tell me you're happy with the way things are?"
"Of course I'm not happy with the way things are," he stated. "I want things to be resolved, but."
"But nothing," his grandma interrupted. "Things cannot stay this way Minato; you all need to get together and talk about this. The sooner you talk about this and settle this matter, the better you all will be in the end. I know you didn't want things to be this bad, but you only have yourself to blame Minato. Yes, my daughter and granddaughter should know better than to treat their son and brother like that, but Minato, things don't just happen on their own. I'm assuming Kai gave you this speech already so I won't remind you; however, you need to step up Minato. Stop being so timid at times; I know you're a kind and bright person, but that kindness is what they took advantage of. You need to stop and take a look around you, pay more attention to your surroundings. Just…let it go."
Minato let her words sink in. He's heard the same words thousands of times, and they all left the same impact.
"Minato; I know you've heard this a million of times, but I'm only telling you the truth. The reason why you don't act is because you don't believe in your abilities. You always underestimate your prowess, but that's why things end up like they did. What's so hard about telling your family how you feel? If you don't like the way they treat you, then let them know that; don't let them push you around."
"Grandma, I know what you're telling me, but it's not as simple as you think," he told her.
"How do you know? Did you ever try or did you just imagine it and figured things would go sour?"
He didn't respond to the question and heard his grandma sigh.
"Minato, you're a smart, nice, and great young man; but you need to stop this negative talk and take action. You've made a new life, have a great girlfriend, Yukari told me, made a lot new friends and reunited with old ones, and have a bright future ahead of you. Don't you want to have fun, instead of living in the shadows of your past? Do you want to have a heart of shadows?"
Minato let out a heavy breath. "No, I don't."
"Then you know what you have to do. Call her, tell her you want to talk, and I know she'll agree. Now, I have to go; I'll call you again soon, okay?"
"Yeah, bye grandma," he said.
"Bye, love you," she responded.
"Love you too," he ended and hung up the phone. Minato pressed his back against the wall and let out another heavy breath. He looked up at the sky and thought about what his grandmother told him. He knows everything she said is true, but there was still something holding him back. He closed his eyes and looked at his phone, flipping it open, and dialing her number. He heard the phone ring for a bit until she answered.
"Minato, is something wrong?" his mom asked. He shook his head.
"No, I just wanted to call and see how you were doing."
"I see. Well besides the amount of work I have, I'm doing fine," she said.
"Oh, I'll call back then if you're busy," Minato offered.
"No, that's alright. I can tell you called to get something off your mind," she pointed out.
"Was it that transparent? You're right; I called to ask you something," he told her. "I just finished speaking to grandma and she basically said the same thing Kai said that day."
"I know; she talked to me the other day. We had a long chat about what happened and she pretty much blew me up."
"Yeah, she informed me of that," her son replied. "So, do you still want to talk?"
"I do, and I've been thinking of a day we can meet up to discuss. Since Kai is leaving Wednesday, will you be able to see me Tuesday? I'll text you the place the day before," she answered. Minato nodded.
"Alright, that's fine with me. I'll leave you to your work."
"Okay, bye Minato; I'll see you later."
"Bye mom, but wait," Minato stopped her. He pressed his fingers against his forehead. "Listen; I know things aren't the best between us right now, but I promise you that it was never my intentions to make this happen. I just…I was just sick and tired of being made fun of that it drove me crazy. I never wanted us to drift apart."
"I understand Minato and frankly, I don't blame you. Things have been rough on you so I can see why you snapped like you did. When you come to the place I send you, try to come with Kai and Yukari."
"Okay, I'll see you then," he said.
"Take care Minato," his mom replied.
"You too; don't work too hard."
Takami giggled. "I'll try."
The two ended their call. Minato stared back up at the sky and sighed.
"You know it's rude to eavesdrop on other people's conversation right?"
Minato's statement caused the eavesdroppers to fall out in front of him. Kuruse, Musubi, Tsukiumi, and Kusano groaned on the ground and looked up to see their ashikabi. Kuruse chuckled sheepishly.
"Whoops, we forgot about your sensitive hearing."
"Please excuse thy wife's spying," Tsukiumi spoke up. "However, as thy true wife, thee must fill me in on the situation."
"What she said," Musubi stated. Minato put his phone in his pocket.
"Grandma gave me some encouragement and I set up a time with mom to have a chat with her. However, none of you are allowed to come except Yukari and Kai."
"Preposterous," Tsukiumi stated while crossing her arms. "I must see this event happen with my own eyes. Thee must take his wife along."
"I can't do that Tsukiumi. Mom said not to bring any of you and that's the way it's going to be. Are you going to go against your mother-in-law's wishes?" Minato questioned back. The buxom blonde tried to retort against her husband but found his logic to be irrefutable. "I'll see her Tuesday, the day before Kai leaves."
"That sounds fair," Kuruse replied. She then grasped Minato's hand. "But back to business now; we still have a date to go on. Let's go."
She dragged Minato away.
"Hold it, where dost thou think they're going?" Tsukiumi questioned Kuruse.
"We're going out; didn't we just say that. Our ashikabi needs stress relieve and he picked the order; don't disobey our husband's request Tsukiumi. You don't want to be punished."
The blonde couldn't retort again, but she could growl in anger. Musubi and Kusano said farewell to their ashikabi and sister while Tsukiumi just looked on.
At the Sasaki household, his girls lounged around in the living room, watching television.
"Hey, can someone think of anything else for Kai? I'm running out of ideas," Uzume suggested.
"I've been thinking of one for myself. It seems to be a common thing though really," Kochou responded. "But I know Kai will love it."
"Really? Care to fill us in?" Yomi asked. Kochou giggled and presented her idea to the group. When she finished, they all nodded to her.
"Why didn't I think of that?" Uzume spoke up.
"I believe it's because I'm more sophisticated than I let on. The idea came to me whenever Kai tells me some of his school adventures," Kochou explained. "I figured with the right outfit and makeup, I can make it work."
"Ooh, I want to help out," Oriha stated cheerfully. "We can put your hair in a bun, give you a nice business dress and skirt, and take it from there. I like this idea. Ooh, and I can do a high school girl or cheerleader."
"So we're doing role playing now?" Yahan asked.
"That's correct; we've been doing so for a while now," Yomi answered. "It's fun since we can wear whatever we want."
Yomi rubbed her chin while staring at Yahan. An idea soon popped into her head.
"Aha, I've got the perfect idea for you Yahan."
"Hold on, I'm not comfortable with this. Can't I just spend time with Kai regularly?"
"Nope," Uzume, Kochou, Yomi, and Oriha answered at the exact same time.
"You're a part of Kai's legion so any normalcy is saved for the sparring and bathing," Yomi added.
"What about sleep?" Hikari questioned with Yahan nodding with her.
"We always sneak into Kai's bed, mostly naked," Uzume giggled. "We love how he reacts in the morning."
"We can tell; those surprised screams of his aren't necessarily subtle," Yahan stated. Hikari laughed at the reminder.
"It's so funny though, like he screams and then there's this loud thud that hits the floor. It's funny."
The rest giggled in agreement. Uzume then hopped off the couch.
"I'll be right back. The lady's room is calling my name."
She proceeded to the bathrooms; however, she walked in, closed the door, locked it, and took out her vibrating phone. She answered the call and made sure to speak softly.
"What do you want?"
"Geez is that the way you talk to someone you haven't spoken to in a while?" the caller teased. Uzume gritted her teeth.
"Don't toy with me. Now what do you want? Why did you call me?"
The caller chuckled amusedly. "Ah that lovely fire you exert. How I do love it so. Now, since you're eager to be rid of me, I'll make this quick. Your sister would like to speak with you."
Uzume gasped and nearly dropped her phone. "She's right here beside me."
"What's the catch?" Uzume questioned. He chuckled again.
"All in due time; think of this as…foreshadowing."
"Foreshadowing? Foreshadowing what? The day Kai kills you?"
"Oh no my dear; I mean something much bigger. I have a good grasp of what's going to happen in the future so I'll leave you with this; your bond with Kai will be severed."
"That's a lie," Uzume stated, but James didn't respond.
"Uzume?" Chiho spoke up.
"Chiho; I'm so glad to hear from you. Are you alright?" Her sister asked worriedly.
"I'm fine; don't worry about me."
"Of course I'm going to worry; I haven't been able to set you free or anything."
"Don't say that Uzume; I'm sure you've been doing your best. Also, I had a dream about someone one night."
"Really? Who was it?" Uzume questioned excitedly.
"I didn't catch his name, but he has brown hair, brown eyes, and a very serious expression. It was kind of dark, but I could tell he wore a karate gi and matching pants. He spoke with a very caring yet sort of angry tone, but he treated with so much kindness. He was really cute too; I mean really cute."
Uzume giggled at her sister's description.
"The guy you dreamt about is my ashikabi; his name is Kai."
"Kai, sounds like a fitting name when you think about it," Chiho responded.
"I know; he's really amazing."
"Yes, I can't wait to meet."
"That's all I can give you right now, sorry," James interrupted. Uzume frowned.
"Put Chiho back on the phone."
"I could do that, but then I would ruin my proposition," he replied.
"Proposition? Why would I ever negotiate with you?" She interrogated angrily. James chuckled.
"Because it's thanks to me that your sister is still alive and isn't part of Higa's legion. However, I can make that happen if you want."
Uzume tightened her fists and let out an angry sigh.
"What do you want?"
"Good girl; I knew you wouldn't let your sister suffer. Now, I am under the impression that Kai will be heading home for a bit to let go of some…personal issues, correct?" James clarified. Uzume gasped in surprise.
"How did you know that?"
"I know many things my dear. My proposition to you is as stated, Chiho's life, or Kai's rage; which one do you wish to keep intact?"
"What?" Uzume asked in confusion.
"Allow me to explain. Things here are going to heat up and your assistance is mandatory; however, since Kai and your team know of your history, they will try to stop you. You have two options; either stay with your team and Kai; however, Chiho's life will not be in my control. Higa will have full reign to do with her as he please. Or option B, leave your team. That one is self-explanatory so I won't go into details. Those are your two choices and you have until Kai returns to give me your answer."
Before Uzume could respond, James hung up the phone, leaving her speechless. Uzume slowly lowered her arm and stared at the floor, the sudden ultimatum still fresh on her mind. She tightened her hands and then splashed water in her face to clear her thoughts.
Elsewhere, the four individuals sat in a dark room. The leader just ended his call and faced the three.
"Do you all have your targets?"
"Yes, I take on the dragon kid," a male voice stated. "I'm glad it's not him though. I could use a little breather."
There was a feminine giggle. "Oh come now redhead; you don't mean to say he's too strong for you."
"I never said that. I meant I could use someone who doesn't know of our history. At least you get a great match," he told her. The woman giggled.
"He's so cute too, he he he. I'm a lucky woman indeed; it's too bad I have to wait until he returns from his trip. I wouldn't mind getting to know him better actually. What do you two think?"
The first man simply shook his head while the other remained quiet. He didn't talk and exited the room.
"Aw, he's such a shy person, so cute. Well, I better prepare as well. Oh, and boss; if he turns out to be a jerk, can I kill him?"
"Do as you please," he allowed. The woman giggled and left the room as well. Only the leader and the final man remained.
"Zane, as for you, I don't want you to kill your target. I want him alive so when he returns, there is something for him to bring back that he's trying to lose," the leader stated.
"Yes sir; I won't fail you," Zane responded and left the room. A wide smile crept upon James's lips as he contemplated everything he has laid out. He chuckled evilly.
"All according to plan."
A/N: That does it for another chapter guys; I hope you all like it. What's going to happen now? You'll just have to read on to find out. Please tell me what you think in a review or pm if you would and I will see you all next time. This has been MalevolentDarkness16 and I hope you all take care. Thanks for reading.