Sailor Takao R Chapter 28 Finding the flame
"And tell us who is your goddess!" Sailor Spirit panted between breaths. She was the only one was most injuries, but refuse to bad down in front of the others. Once Oliver had step in, it gave her chance to analyze her own injuries. She had a few minor burns, which would heal if she could take care of it quickly. She couldn't believe the strength these mysterious warriors had. This so called priestess, definitely a fighter, though she heard rumours that Catherine was a known to be a dancer in her past life.
"That one!" The priestess pointed a delicate finger towards Soldier Metal, who looked surprised by the claim.
"Well… Look at that lassie, yer couldn't be happy with being a warrior, so yer go make yourself a goddess." Came the taunted.
"I don't believe you-"
"Fine! Then what do I need to do prove myself!" Came a growl. The priestess stood before them with her clothes torn and ripped. The group looked nervously towards each other.
"Then how about tell us why you're here!" Sailor Spirit shouted. The priestess chuckled.
"I thought that would be obvious." The group looked amongst themselves. "We were sent to reiterative white moon dragon who traveled from the distances future." Spoke the priestess. "Their presents here is causing a disruption within the timelines." Spoke the woman. Sailor Spirit walked over to Metal who kept her guard.
"Well?"
"I can't see any fault from what she's telling us." She murmured back.
"Then why do you seek the white moon dragon!" Soldier Ice demanded. The priestess just shrugged.
"I don't know, I don't get paid enough to know that type of knowledge." Stated the priestess. There was a growl before metal step forward.
"Hey! Wait-" The soft armour dissolve to reveal the white kimono as Catherine stood before the woman.
"If I find out that you are lying to us. I will personally kill you myself." Catherine whisper to priestess. "take her to the storage shed." Unicolyon and Soldier Ice nodded as they took a hold of woman and disappeared.
"Are you sure that was good idea?" Wondered Spirit.
"No, but we have guests showing up, so you better de-transform." Catherine whisper back. Sailor Spirit gasp as she quickly did as she was told. Salamlyon had return back to Johnny, though without so much clothing. Manabu screamed in horror as the red darted back inside the sacred shrine. Catherine rubbed her temple in mild annoyances. Then sound of someone slowly climbing the steps had caught her attention.
It was one of her brothers. The middle one, she couldn't remember his name, but he had a stiff look to him as he walked over towards her.
"Where were you?" He demand as he stalked towards her. She looked him over.
"Busy, why does it matter to do you?" His eyes widen briefly before they took on their usual sharp glare.
"I don't appreciate your tone." He replied.
"And I don't appreciated your presents, but it seems we can't have what we want." She stated with a bit. His lips purse into a firm line as he narrowed his gaze onto her.
"You don't realize why we're here do you." Catherine's gaze had soften.
"What do you mean?" There was an edge to her voice.
"Catherine!" Came a loud sob. Catherine's eyes widen in surprise. It was Takao, her eyes red and puff. Tears continued to stream down her face. "Oh Cat!" The teen bolted forward and clung onto the young woman. Catherine kept her stands.
"Takao?" The teen went on blabbering but only choke out sobs had escaped her. "Takao? I don't understand what you're saying!" Came a hiss. Takao just stared at her with a look of hopeless.
"Cat…" Catherine perked up. She took note of his remorseful tone. Ray had finally return at much slower pace than Takao. His face was just as tear strain as Takao's. His lower lip tremble as he stared at her. "Cat He-" Ray licked his lips nervously as he drop his gaze. He seem to be struggling with something while Catherine narrowed her gaze. He clenched his eyes close while his hands balled up into fists. "His gone…" Ray managed to choke out into a whisper. Catherine's eyes widen in horror before shaking her head.
"No…" Flashes of Jiji wishing her farewell appeared before her mind's eye. "NO!" His sadden look suddenly made sense to her. The young woman found herself loosing the ability to stand. She had drop down onto the stone ground with Takao and Ray at her side. Takao was a bawling mess while Ray cried softly and Catherine was shell shock. She couldn't believe it.
It couldn't be true. There was no way, he could be gone.
She raised her gaze towards her brother. He had a solemn look plaster across his face which pissed her off because he knew. It was the only reason why any of them had show up. She narrowed her gaze as she felt hot tears travel down her cheek.
"You knew!" She snarled. His expression didn't change as he continued to look at her. "You knew why and didn't bother to say anything." She spitted out in anger. He let out a heavy sigh before squatting down to her level. He met her hot glare as she cradle Takao's head against her bosom. Ray was leaning against her shoulder crying softly.
"Yes, but it was a truth you weren't willing to accept." He simple stated. Her eyes widen at the remark before she return her gaze back towards Takao. She had tighten her hold onto the two teens before her as a loud sob had escaped her.
~W~
"What do you mean Mariah isn't returning!?" Came a low growl. Ozuma narrowed his gaze onto Joseph and Dunga. It seems only two were willing to see him.
"We are still analyzing her last of communication…" Joseph replied as he was hesitated with his news. "But the conclusion is… she might have switch sides."
"Get out!" The two flinched in surprise. "I SAID GET OUT!" The sudden feeling of weightless caught the two off guard as they were flung across main communication area. Joseph wince as he felt himself being lifted from the area. He couldn't understand what was going on with their leader.
"Don't worry mate… Aye got ye." Joseph watched as Ozuma seeming to be communicating with the future.
But…. How? Aren't we low on time crystals?
Joseph found himself in the medical bay. He was trying to make sense of what he saw. His sister came into view. She seem to be scowling Dunga for something.
How can he communicate?
His vision soon began blur before darkness had filled them.
Mariam narrowed her gaze as she continued to jolt down notes. Dunga sat in the chair watching as the data began to stream in with from Joseph's injuries.
"The boy has a minor concussion…." He commented. Mariam frozen as she tilted her head towards her brother. She was relief to know that his skull had fracture, but source of impact had cause some of his brain to swell. So she decided to keep him under to monitor his stats. Though if it was her, Joseph probably do the same…
"That and exhaustion, that would explain why he passed out." She added in. Dunga shifted his head towards her. "There is also some minor swelling with his brain, which I am keeping a close eye on." There was a sniffle as she quickly swipe away the tears. She needed to keep it together. She couldn't allow for this to occur any more.
"Well… since most of the family is in here. I think I will take on the next mission if that is okay with ye." Mariam perked up. Dunga stood up and began to rotate his joints.
"I am sorry, I forgot to ask, how are you feeling?" A loud bark of laugher had escape the man.
"No worries lass, Aye made of tougher stuff than that boy." Mariam drop her gaze. "Besides, it looks like the little lady needs some sleep as well." Dunga had gotten up in her personal space. He had tilted her chin up to face him. "Look at yea…. Dark circles and all…" Mariam didn't flinch away or try to move. She allowed the blond to touch her. He leaned in close as she tilted her head to the side. "Get some sleep…" He breath against her lips as he let go of her. Mariam's eyes widen as Dunga had left.
~W~
It was bright and sunny day for mourning. Takao was in awe at the many people that came over to paid their respects to her grandfather. There were a lot of martial arts masters who gave wine and their wives came with flowers. The gifts had filled the living room and the practice room of the house. The door bell rang, and she ran over to get it. When she open it, it was one she wasn't excepting to see. The one person who set her heart a flutter. Standing before her was Lee, who was wearing a black suit. His cheeks turn pink at the sight of the girl. Instead of wearing a suit like her brothers, Takao was given a simple black dress.
"Uh… Sorry for you loss, my mum sent these." In his hands were a bouquet of white roses. Takao took them with a blush.
"Thank you." She spoke quietly. Lee nodded as he shifted from foot to foot. "Oh! Would you like to come inside?" Lee looked hesitated.
"Is he in there?" Lee wondered nervously. Takao tilted her head to the side in confusion. "I guess not," he chuckled nervously before entering into the house.
"Come." Takao simply stated. Lee turn pink as he followed the young girl. When they entered the kitchen, he was in awe at the huge amount of bake goods that were piled up. "Coming through with more flowers!" Takao claim loudly as she pulled out a stepping stool. Catherine let out a growl of frustration.
"Damn it! I get it! They sent their sympathy, but why so many flowers!" Catherine slammed the oven close. She stood in heels, with a black Victoria style dress with white pearls and earring. She wore an apron as she walked around. Takao found a vase where she place the roses.
"Uh.. Miss Kinomiya?" Catherine slowly rolled her head towards the teen as she glared at him. It didn't help that her eyes were still red from crying. "You know what never mind…" Lee's voiced died as he drop his gaze. He was very scared of the young woman at the moment.
"Oh don't mind her, she's still mourning." Takao stated with a sad smile. Lee nodded. Setting the flowers down, Takao grabbed a plate of cupcakes and took a hold of Lee's hand. Confused, Lee allowed himself be dragged around. He was taken to the Kinomiya's private garden, which was inner part of the house. It was quiet and cool in the area. Takao set down the treats and began eating them. "You should have one." Lee nodded as he took one. He looked at it before shifting his gaze towards her.
"How are you doing? eh!" His eyes widen in surprise when he spotted her stuffing two cupcakes into her mouth. She ate them so fast, it was very surprising.
"Sorry…" she swallowed the food. "I'm…"
"Adjusting, I get it." Lee smiled. "I was the same way when my father had died." Takao perked up.
"Your father is gone?" Lee nodded.
"Yeah, it happen sometime last year, some sort of coma." Takao's eyes widen in surprised. "It was odd, but the doctor's couldn't do anything about it." Lee's expression had drop then he perked up. "Uh! What I'm trying to say is I understand what you're going through." Takao smiled softly as she moved closer to Lee. The teen was surprise at the sudden physical contract. His cheeks were red as he looked down at Takao.
"Lee…"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you." Lee leaned in closer to her body warmth before wrapping an arm around the girl.
"No problem." He took another cupcake and began to eat it.
~W~
In the kitchen, Kai was sitting at the table with Ray and the dual hair teen was stuffing his face with mocha cakes. Ray frown his brows together in concern.
"Dude… I think you need to slow down." Kai narrowed his gaze to glare. He quickly swallowed the food in his mouth and took a big swig of water.
"Never! These are too good!" He stated with a growl. Catherine came over with another tray of moochi cakes. Kai began to pile up his plate, but his hand got smacked. He flinched in pain while he retracted his hand. He was about to yell at the person until he receive a glare.
"That's enough! Anymore, and you're gonna make yourself sick!" Catherine growled. "Besides, this is not only stress baking." Ray noticed the other package with name tags.
"They are thank you gifts?" Catherine nodded.
"Yes, as we receive gifts for sympathy, we need to return gifts of thanks." Catherine stated. Kai looked around at the crazy amount of booze and flowers that filled the living room.
"I didn't realize the old man had some many friends." Kai stated.
"Neither did I, but I guess since our parents death. He took over reign."
"What do you mean you're going to sell it!" Came an angry growl. Hiro and Edward came storming into the Kitchen.
"The place isn't making any money, besides, we can put the children into private schools, where they are being taken care of." Edward stated. Hiro narrowed his gaze. Catherine perked up.
"What is going on?" She walked over towards the two. The men calm down before looking at their female cousin.
"There seems to be some issues with Grandfather's will." Hiro stated. Catherine tilt her head to the side.
"Meaning what?" Edward let out a heavy sigh.
"The heir to the Kinomiya estate is the one who is in control of some force field." Catherine's eyes widen in surprised as did the boys. "But since that's not a clear cut way-"
"That leaves Edward in charge of the estate." Hiro pouted.
"Edward? Why Edward?"
"Because he is the eldest one in the family." Hiro stated with a growl. Catherine shifted her gaze to her older brother who was busy eating one of the cupcakes.
"Boy these are good! Catherine! You are an amazing chief!" Smiled the older man. "Besides, with Hiro's education in archaeology. Who else is there to take over the temple?" Catherine narrowed her gaze.
"What about Ray? He is a kinomiya male." Edward shifted his gaze to his dark hair cousin. It was true, the boy was kinomiya, but not a true one. He was there when his aunt and uncle had adopted the young babe since they were having trouble convincing another baby.
"He's too young." Edward simply stated. Catherine narrowed her gaze.
"And I am not option?" Catherine arch a brow while Edward smile as he looked at his younger sister.
"Well, you are legal an adult right?" Edward moved around the kitchen. "Which gives you every right to fight for inheritances of this place." Catherine narrowed her gaze onto her older man. "But I've heard rumours that there might not be wedding." Edward casual looked at his nails. "Something about a mistrust?" He arched a brow. Catherine's stand had stiffen, which had caused Edward's sly smile to stretch even further. "Now I hope you realize that you are legally underage in the crown state of her Majesty." Edward stated. Catherine arch a brow.
"The state of her Majesty? What sort of bullshit are you pulling here Edward!" She growled. Hiro gave a little cheer. Edward pulled a piece of paper and handed to Catherine. To her surprise, it was her birth certificated. Revealing she was born in London England.
"Now, you may be an adult in your home country, but here in Japan. You're still underage unless you marry someone of age." Edward smiled. Ray and Kai looked over Catherine's shoulder as she glared at the two. They quickly sat down.
"Fine, I will marry." Edward perked up while Hiro looked hopeful. "Can someone call Oliver?"
"!" All the males were in surprised by the statement. Catherine wore a sly smile upon her face.
~W~
Mariah had left coded message for Joseph as she hope it got through. Though she began to wonder if she should be more worried about herself at the moment. She was kind of lock up in tiny build, which she could easily escaped if she wanted to, but the raw power she felt from her goddess. She couldn't possible pass up that opportunity. The door to her temporary cell had open up. She wince at the sudden floating of light before her jailer came into focus. All them were wearing dark clothing. She didn't understand why.
"Get up." Commanded one of the younger males. He seem to be cutest one out of the group. Though he sounded exhausted as she walked out in the main area of the grounds. "All right, you're free to go." Mariah looked surprised.
"What?"
"Yeah." Stated the young man as he headed towards the main house.
"Wait!" She grasp a hold of their arm. The young man had narrowed his gaze onto her. She suddenly release her hold. "Why?"
"Because at the moment, we have other things to worry about us. And we don't need some craze dark moon nut job blowing everything up." Mariah narrowed her gaze at being called crazy.
"Hey! I have you know-"
"Look, you don't have any information for us, so-"
"Ray!" Came a voice. Mariah perked up. "Is that…" Looking pass the young man, Mariah seen what she thought was a very petite looking girl. They came rushing over. "Are you the dark moon agent?" Mariah gulp nervously as she felt large amount of white moon magic coming the petite girl. She kept her guard up as she stared at the young girl before her.
"Ye-yes…" she spoke with hesitation. The girl before her radiated innocents and pure. Mariah began to wonder if she was wrong about her goddess's power. This child alone could destroy her if she wanted. Mariah gulp nervously.
"Why so scared?" Came the mellow voice. Mariah perked up. Standing at the entrances was her proclaim goddess. She looked less of a goddess and more normal looking.
"Well considering I am severally out number, and being held against my will-" Mariah pointed out.
"Cut the crap!" Mariah perked up. "This place is easily escapable for someone of your abilities." Catherine slowly approached Mariah. But Mariah also took note how Catherine had placed herself in between her and the girl. Mariah cock a smile.
"True, this simple wooden shed doesn't provide much for a jail cell, but the surround barrier does." Catherine arch a quizzical brow while Mariah note of young woman's expression. "It is much more complex than the previous one. I fear if I leave the protection of this tiny shed, that I might be turn into dust." Mariah declared. There was a scoff that escaped the young man.
"Please! You expect us to believe that?" Mariah narrowed her gaze onto him. "We fought with you on the main grounds." He stated. Mariah glared at the young man as she tighten her hold on her staff. "Your pretty little words do flatter, but they don't device us." Mariah was about to step forward until she noticed something. She couldn't release her hold on the staff.
"What is going on! How did you do this!" She screeched at the trio.
"It's just extra protection for us since you insist on staying here." The young woman stated. Mariah was about to scream in frustration but remembered why she choose to stay. She took a deep breath.
"I want to be cleanse." She spoke up. Silence greeted her. She cock to her head to the side as she looked at the group. "What? Did you not hear what I said! I want to be cleanse-"
"Yes we heard you." The young woman was sounding more and more annoyed. "What do you say Takao?" Mariah's eyes widen as her gaze drop towards the girl. "Do you think you can do it?" The petite girl looked nervously as she twirl her thumbs around.
"I know can, but not knowing what is going to happen after…" She trailed off which made Mariah even more nervous.
"You're letting that little girl cleanse me!" Mariah was shocked as she gave the young woman a look of desperation. This had arouse the young woman's attention.
"Yes, she is the only one in our group who can, and with that. Takao, you better do it now."
"Wait! Don't I get-" The girl name Takao had pulled out a pink brooch from a hidden pocket. She clench the small item close to her chest and began a soft chant. Mariah was cut off mid sentence when she was swallowed whole by a bright blinding lighting. She gasp in horror as she was surrounded by the warm glow. Mariah didn't know what was going on until the light had died.
There was someone nudging her while distances voices seem to get clearer. "Hey… Hey! Wake up!" Came a the voice. Mariah groan as she found herself on the floor. She flutter her eyes open in awe. Then she looked down at her body in confusion. She held her hands out in front and flexing her fingers. "Uh… Cat." The young woman squatted down to her level.
"Are you okay?" Mariah perked up. Her eyes widen in realization.
"I'm…." She took a shaky breath. "My soul and entire being has been purify." Her voice was trembling, but she didn't care. Then tears peak at the corner of her eyes before she lunging herself onto the young woman. "Thank you so much!" She could no longer feel Ozuma or the strange man in the cloak. Their holds has been release from her.
~W~
Catherine shot the two a look. Takao was mostly relief when Mariah had awoken a moment or two later. Ray nodded before pulling Takao away.
"But Ray…" she began to whine.
"No buts Takao." Catherine began as she gentle rubbed Mariah's back. "Besides, you two are needed else where at the moment." Takao's eyes widen before she drop her gaze. She followed her brother out of the shed. The soft cries of Mariah still followed and lingered. Takao has never seen someone so happy to be purify by the crystal. She wondered about Tala and Catherine. She remember Catherine being awkward about it and the thing with Tala. Looking back over her shoulder, Takao knew this was a right thing to do.
"Ray…" She began. The older teen perked up as he looked over at his sister. "Do you think… The rest of the spectre clan would want to be purify?" She wondered. Ray was surprised by the comment before thinking about it.
"I don't know Takao…" Ray cast a glances toward the shed. "I think Mariah was special case." Takao's expression had drop. "Besides, she looks very happy to have been purify by you." Takao smiled as she lean closer to Ray.
"Thanks Ray! You always know what to say!" Ray felt his cheeks heat up as he quickly shifted his gaze.
"Yeah… no problem pipsqueak." Ray began to pick up his pace while it took Takao awhile to realize what the guy had said.
~W~
Mariam narrowed her gaze as she looked over the last scans she had of Mariah. They all seem normal to her besides being slightly anxious. Mariam continued to look through the file. Then she let out a heavy sigh.
"This doesn't make sense!" She growled out. "What would convinces a woman to leave her family?" It was the last piece of information that Joseph had translate for them
She left because of a higher calling.
Mariam's eyes widen as an idea had occurred to her. She went to her computer and began going over the last bits of data she had left. It was beginning to make sense to her. She need to get to next target. She quickly stood up from the desk and ran from it. On the screen still blink Mariah's last recorded stats.