"Fubuki… Fubuki…" A voice rang in the darkness that Fubuki laid in. The shock from the explosions had rendered her unconscious. She eventually opened her eyes and gradually got up. In front of Fubuki stood a pale skinned woman with pointy ears and long black hair. She wore a traditional white robe adorned in red, gold and black cloths. Seeing her, Fubuki's eyes widened slightly as if recognizing the lady.
"It has been a while, my child," The unknown individual smiled gently.
"Mother?" Fubuki's calm exterior belied a feeling of surprise. "Were you not supposed to be deceased?"
"No, Fubuki. On the day your father and I crossed blades, he emerged victorious. However, instead of ending my life, he chose to seal me at the cost of his own. You were merely a child at that time. Hence, it is understandable for you to think of me as dead," Solemnly, Fubuki's mother added, "But, that is beside the point. I am here to lend my aid,"
"…What do you mean?"
"During my confinement, I was able to project my consciousness into your mind and observed the world through your eyes. I am also aware of your current conflict with Kagaku. Unfortunately, it won't be long before I fade back into my prison," The woman raised her palms towards Fubuki. Yellowish light began to encircle the latter. "This is what I'll do-I will channel your soul to the depths of Kagaku's heart. There you shall confront his inner self and end his rampage. When this is done, you'll return to your body and your friends,"
"Is that possible?" queried Fubuki.
"It is," Fubuki's mother lowered her arms. "Right now, Kagaku's soul is twisted by his ambition. The technique I am performing, which can only be used once, shall let you face and converse with it," She spoke sincerely. "Though Kagaku's actions are vile, his motivation is genuine. Therefore, please help him to see beyond his madness," When the lady finished speaking, her body started to flicker like a dimming light.
"It appears my time is coming," Fubuki did not respond. The half Yoma was quiet, staring at her parent with a yearning gaze. A hint of sadness was present in Fubuki's eyes.
"Mother... I…"
"Say no more, Fubuki. I have delved into the memories of your past deeds and cannot blame you. The sorrow from losing me and your father would surely drive you to commit them," Fubuki's mother walked up to her. "By doing so, however, you had forged new bonds. Especially with the humans. And for this, I wish to say…" Again, she smiled. "…we are proud of you," Fubuki lifted her brows in surprise. The light surrounding the females shone brighter.
"There is not much time. Soon, you must go," Fubuki's parent gave her a warm look. "Before that, may I ask of one thing?"
"What is it?" A curious Fubuki replied.
"Can I hold you? For one last time?" Hearing this, Fubuki briefly fell speechless.
"…Of course," Both mother and daughter moved to one another. They embraced, Fubuki placing her head on her parent's shoulder.
"Our paths may not intertwine again. But, always remember-You are never alone," Fubuki's mother cooed as her whole being faded slowly. "Farewell, my beloved daughter. You'll always be… our pride and joy," At this point, tears streamed out of Fubuki's eyes.
"Thank you," Fubuki's voice quivered. "And goodbye… mother," She sniffed softly, grasping on her parent's disappearing image. The darkness became illuminated in white. A barren landscape filled with grey took its place. Standing not too far ahead of Fubuki was a hooded Kagaku, who was alarmed at her presence.
"You! What are you doing here?!" As 'Kagaku' yelled, Fubuki wiped her tears.
"Kagaku, this has gone far enough. Your insanity ceases here," Steeling herself, Fubuki aimed her hand fan at Kagaku. "I will save you from your warped desire. Even if it means exhibiting force,"
"Mistress Fubuki! Mistress Fubuki! Wake up! Please!" Gekko was kneeling next to an unconscious Fubuki. She desperately shook the woman whose form was covered in soot, blood and partially torn clothes. Ryubei had quickly retrieved her with the Dragon Cloth prior. All were anxiously gathered around Fubuki, giving space for Inugami to watch her as well. The abrupt turn of events caused him to pause his chanting.
"This is terrible," lamented Inugami. "She risked her life to defend us, endangering herself in the process,"
"So, the half breed shielded my attack with her life?" Kagaku smirked at the shinobi. "Pathetic,"
"After what Mistress Fubuki did, that is what you wish to say?" Senko glared at Kagaku. It was clear the youngsters were not pleased with his words. "How dare you. Do not think you can live for this!"
"Yeah, you crossed the line, pal," Ryoma shook his head. "Hope you got some last words. Because I feel like riddling you with holes this instant,"
"Resistance is futile! I shall do to all of you what I just did to her!" Immediately, Kagaku readied his tendrils for another barrage.
"Watch out! He's using that move again!" Asuna warned, the shinobi bracing themselves.
"Worthless humans! Perish!" Suddenly, Kagaku's eyes widened. He brought his tentacles down and put a hand over one of his eyes. The ninjas were confused by this.
"W-What is this?" Kagaku grunted. He clutched on his head in discomfort. "I feel… strange…"
In the desolate land, Fubuki and 'Kagaku's battle raged on. The former conjured trails of icicles speeding to the latter. In response, 'Kagaku' unleashed a rain of fireballs to shatter them.
"Die, Fubuki!" An angry 'Kagaku' hurled a fireball at Fubuki. She walked forward, extending her fan out to split the incoming sphere. The two halves of it flew behind her and exploded on the earth. As she kept advancing, 'Kagaku' continuously threw fireballs at her. He yelled for his opponent to die over and over. Each time he did, a tranquil Fubuki just deflected his attacks. As 'Kagaku' pressed on, a question rang aloud in his mind.
Why? Why? Why are you getting in my way?! All this is for our kind to prosper! Yet you choose to impede my efforts! WHY?! He could see that Fubuki was nearing him. And then he saw it. In Fubuki's eyes, there was no trace of anger. Nor hatred. Nor resentment. In fact, there were only two things. Serenity. And sadness. The sight sent 'Kagaku's mind into disarray.
What is with that look? Why are you giving it to me? Could it be? Are you trying to mock me? To ridicule my goal with so called displays of emotion? In an instant, 'Kagaku's psyche screamed.
NO! I won't accept it! I won't accept this! I'll kill you! I'LL KILL YOU! KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL…!
"KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL, KILL…!" Outside, the colossal Kagaku rolled his eyes uncontrollably. He grasped his head with both hands as if in distress.
"What's going on?" asked Imu. The ninjas stared at Kagaku, perplexed.
"Probably forgot his meds," Ryoji then encouraged his team. "This is our chance! Let's get him!"
"Wait," Mikami raised his hand. "Look around you," The shinobi saw Kagaku's flesh field retracting to his body. As it gradually diminished, the trees which were consumed prior reemerged on the soil. The glade beneath everyone was subsequently reverting to its original form.
"The clearing… It's returning to normal," Yumi remarked in wonder.
"So it seems," stated Inugami. "I believe something is happening to Kagaku that's causing his powers to dwindle,"
"What're we staying here for? Shouldn't we strike him?" urged Homura.
"No. For some reason, I feel that we are to do only one thing," advised Mikami.
"What is it, Mika-chi?" Shiki enquired.
"We wait and watch,"
The battle between Fubuki and 'Kagaku' grew heated as both clashed against each other. With the respective swinging of their fan and arms, waves of ice and flames materialized and collided consecutively. The fight was further intensified by 'Kagaku' swiping at Fubuki who blocked his assault with her fan.
"This is for the sake of the Yoma!" shouted 'Kagaku' as he pushed a clawing hand onto Fubuki's weapon. "For their sake, I'll KILL YOU!"
"Even if I told you that the strongest of us is still living?" Fubuki's calm reply caught 'Kagaku' by surprise. He promptly jumped a few feet back.
"W-What're you talking about?" A dumbfounded 'Kagaku' questioned.
"I tell you the truth-My mother was not killed as you believed her to be. She was sealed and hence, remains alive and well. Albeit in a place unknown to us," Fubuki explained in genuineness. "I have discovered this truth and felt I should share it. Knowing this, stop what are you doing. You'll only deepen your insanity," Out of disbelief over this description, 'Kagaku' gazed at his foe.
"No…" 'Kagaku' shook his head. "You lie… YOU LIE!" He rushed to Fubuki and launched a flurry of fiery swipes at her. As she parried every strike, 'Kagaku' roared like a madman.
"I won't believe this! I won't believe this! I'll kill you! I'll KILL YOU!" 'Kagaku's speech devolved into crazed yelling. "DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIIIIIIEEEEE!" In the midst of this, he lifted an arm to deal a blow. Fubuki knocked him aback with a strong sweep of her fan. A deranged 'Kagaku' let out a violent scream, charging wildly at Fubuki. The latter swung her weapon above the ground to create a frosty path encasing 'Kagaku's feet. It crept up his legs, forming a spiky iceberg structure that held him in place. The spikes elongated to his arms and solidified them into blocks of ice. His upper body left unfrozen, 'Kagaku' frantically tried to free himself. A serene Fubuki simultaneously walked up to him.
"CURSE YOU, HALFLING! CURSE YOU!" 'Kagaku' pulled on his arms to no avail. "I CONDEMN YOU! I CONDEMN YOUUU!" Unfazed by his spiteful cries, Fubuki moved close to him. 'Kagaku' kept cursing at her even when she reached him. As he began to hatefully shout at Fubuki's face, she suddenly hugged him. This led to 'Kagaku' falling into stunned silence.
"W-What're you doing?" asked 'Kagaku'.
"It pains me to see you lost in madness. You must be tired of it," Her chin on 'Kagaku's shoulder, Fubuki spoke soothingly. "Let us end this. Not in bloodshed but, in peace,"
"Such nonsense!" 'Kagaku' replied defiantly. "I will not yield! Your words mean nothing-" His eyes widening, the Yoma paused abruptly. He began to recall a memory. Someone had previously embraced him in the same way Fubuki did now. For a moment, the said person's image took Fubuki's place. It was then that he remembered. He once opposed to a certain Yoma leaving his kin due to loving a human. He had confronted her, questioning his comrade's actions. She merely hugged him and instructed 'Kagaku' to take care of the Yoma in her stead. After that, she was gone forever. This drove 'Kagaku' to better the Yoma's lives. Before he knew it, his desire turned to obsession. Followed by hatred. And finally, vengeance.
The person in his recollection was none other than Fubuki's mother.
When he finished remembering, 'Kagaku' was in deep silence. The environment soon became enveloped in bright spheres, their light shining across the area. In the midst of this, 'Kagaku's face showed a sense of calm. He started talking to himself.
"I see… I remember…" As the land was illuminated in white, 'Kagaku' arrived at a realization.
"It wasn't meant to be like this,"
"Look!" Hibari pointed at the giant Kagaku. "He's disappearing!" True to her statement, the enormous Yoma vanished into countless light orbs drifting to the sky.
"Just what is happening?" enquired Murakumo. While she spoke, Gekko noticed Fubuki's eyes stirring. She alerted the group whom immediately checked up on their waking friend. Once she was awoke, Fubuki requested for all to land on the clearing. There, they met Kagaku. He was in his hood and kneeling on the soil. A weakened Fubuki, held up by Senko and Gekko, explained what had transpired to everyone.
"Can we truly believe this?" Referring to Kagaku, a wary Miyabi said, "Do you expect him to be easily pacified after what he's done?"
"No. But, the fact is that he has stood down," Fubuki gazed at Kagaku. "Do you have anything to say, Kagaku?" The latter was quiet. Shortly, he gave his answer.
"I've realized now. It was never about eradicating humanity. All I wanted was to reshape the lives of our kind in honor of your mother," said Kagaku in regret. "That goal drove me to obsession. So much that it twisted me to conduct my deeds. In the end, I was a fool blinded by revenge,"
"If you think saying this will let you off the hook, I'm afraid not," Kafuru criticized. "What you've said is no excuse for your actions. Especially since you've put countless lives in danger,"
"I am aware. There is no justification for my crimes. And I do not need your sympathy," To the shinobi, Kagaku added, "Regardless, there is one final thing I wish to raise,"
"What is it?" A curious Ryobi asked. In response, Kagaku stared at the ninjas intently.
"I… have a favor to ask,"
Dawn had arrived at Hebijo Academy. The shinobi decided to rest there with Hanzo's team after transporting Project Kaishin's remaining captives to various hospitals. Previously, Kagaku utilized his magic to restore their vitality. He then requested for him to be sealed much to the ninjas' surprise. Despite being asked by Fubuki to reconsider, Kagaku believed it was necessary for his atonement. With nothing else changing his mind, Inugami performed the sealing ritual on Kagaku. His final words before vanishing was to thank his opponents and assure this was for the best.
Such was what Fubuki pondered as she stood in one of Hebijo's pagoda balconies. The woman, dressed in bandages and a robe, was observing the orange hued clouds of daybreak. Her face was in its usual emotionless exterior. During her reflection, a voice called her. She turned to see Yumi who was accompanied by Shirayuki.
"Enjoying the scenery, sister?" asked Yumi courteously.
"Yes," answered Fubuki. "Are you two here to do the same?"
"Correct. If you don't mind," Shirayuki replied.
"No, I do not," At Fubuki's words, Yumi and Shirayuki joined her in viewing the sky. The trio silently took in the sight.
"Sister, are you sad? That Kagaku has left?"
"He made his decision," In honesty, Fubuki responded to Yumi. "It'd be dishonorable to persuade him otherwise,"
"What about your mother?" Yumi asked in concern. "Are you really fine with being unable to meet her anymore?" For a moment, Fubuki did not answer.
"In life, we are bound to undergo sorrowful partings. It'll be a lie to utter that they're not hurtful. Nevertheless, we are never alone. We make up for each loss by cherishing the time spent with those dear to us," Fubuki looked at Yumi and Shirayuki. "This is the conclusion I've arrived. I will continue living with this lesson in my heart,"
"Sister…" Yumi gazed at Fubuki thoughtfully.
"An impressive statement if I may remark," said Shirayuki. "I can relate since some of us including myself have lost families of our own. Though mine I admit isn't exactly a real one,"
"What do you mean?" Yumi enquired, her and Fubuki's attention shifted to Shirayuki.
"I'll tell you a story. A story in my country of origin," In reminiscence, Shirayuki said, "There were once a group of scientists in the Russian military. They worked on a project wherein a human was artificially created with extraordinary powers. The result was a young man possessing the ability to control snow and whom was planned to be trained as an assassin,"
"However, two of the scientists, a Russian man and Japanese woman, pitied the subject. They couldn't bring themselves to treat him solely as a weapon. Hence, they took him and fled into hiding," Shirayuki adjusted his cloak. "Eventually, they settled like a family. The experimental product was cared for akin to a son and taught the responsibilities of using his abilities,"
"Unfortunately, this tranquility did not last. The military tracked the family with the intention to take back their asset via force. When the parents stepped in to object, both were killed on the spot in cold blood," Yumi and Fubuki raised their brows, uncertain of what to say. "It was at that moment the son unleashed his power in a fit of rage. He massacred the soldiers present, sparing no one. Among the corpses he left, the man felt empty. He set off to wander the globe in search of his purpose,"
Shirayuki paused temporarily. "In his travels, he met several others tied to their own circumstances. They became a team due to sharing a sense of companionship. By chance, this group entered Japan and was embroiled in the conflict between the Shinobi Association and The Organization. They allied with the former and contributed in toppling the latter. To this day, they remain in the Association together with their friends,"
"This man you speak of," Fubuki spoke attentively. "I take it he found his purpose?"
"Without a doubt, he has," affirmed Shirayuki. He glanced at Yumi. "I have been meaning to say this-To be honest, you bear a resemblance to the woman in my story,"
"Eh?" Yumi became confused.
"It's odd. Your complexion and eyes are coincidentally similar to hers. Almost the same as my mother's. To think I'd be reminded of her in this manner," A briefly fascinated Shirayuki quickly cleared his throat. "Forgive me. I've spoken out of turn,"
"Oh, not at all. It's good for you to share your thoughts," Sympathetically, Yumi added, "Also, my condolences on your family,"
"Spasiba.* More importantly, look," Shirayuki pointed to the sky. The sun rose in the east, radiating its light. "Isn't the sunrise beautiful?" He smiled at the scene.
"Yes, it is," Yumi followed suit. The same went for Fubuki albeit she gave a smaller one.
"Shall we go?" Shirayuki talked to the girls politely. "Our friends should be up,"
The day proceeded as a normal one would. A recovered Hanzo, Sayuri and Daidoji made their acquaintance with the Shinobi Association. As thanks for saving them, Hanzo offered to hold a feast for the youths to which they wholeheartedly accepted. This was merely a calm before the storm. Unbeknownst to everyone, a new battle was about to occur.
Said battle began with Horai and Homura standing in Hebijo's cafeteria. The duo were glaring intensely at two plates on a table. Each was piled with a tower of futomaki rolls large enough to be held in both hands. Circling the shinobi pair were their friends, the girls in casual wear or in Fubuki's case, her usual hood. A crowd of Hebijo students joined them as well. The adults stood beside the table. Among them, Inugami was disguised as a fair skinned man with short silver hair and in a floral yukata.*
"Are the contestants ready?" Suzune watched Horai and Homura.
"You bet," A confident Horai gave a thumbs up.
"Yeah," Homura slammed a fist into her palm.
"Then, let the challenge… begin!" At Suzune's signal, Horai and Homura grabbed a futomaki. They devoured them in minutes and scoffed the next ones in rapid succession. Cheers were heard amidst the audience minus the adults. Fubuki merely observed in mild wonder. Beside her, Senko and Gekko gaped at the spectacle. The same applied to the Mikaguras and Naraku. Kagura on the other hand, found the match interesting.
"What monstrous appetites…" remarked Senko.
"This is insane!" Renka exclaimed. The competition went on with Horai and Homura having eaten half their food. During this, Imo chatted with Inugami.
"Inugami-sensei, would this be a good time to enquire what really made you follow us here?"
"Well, I admit it was the result of curiosity. Plus, I felt it'd give a different pace compared to staying in my abode," A carefree Inugami replied to Imo. "And fate ended up landing me in this world's shinobi headquarters. It was there that I met Kiriya and Suzune with whom I arranged for our eventual rendezvous in Narusawa,"
"And you disguised yourself as a HQ member to brief us?" Ryoma arched an eyebrow at Inugami in bemusement.
"I plead guilty," grinned Inugami.
"It was an odd plan at first. But, Kiriya found it amusing when Inugami revealed he'd surprise his students this way," Suzune described.
"It's as Suzune says," supported Inugami. He keenly added to Suzune, "On a separate matter, would it interest you to have a cup of tea with me? I'd love to know more of a fine lady such as yourself-"
"Sensei, please refrain from hitting on a woman…" A frowning Yuri interrupted Inugami softly.
"Rin, look. It seems the match has reached its climax," Daidoji gestured for Suzune to observe Horai and Homura. The two were on their last few rolls. In seconds, they ate them and exhaled in satisfaction. Horai cocked his fist up in triumph as claps resounded among the audience.
"Ah, that was nice!" To Hanzo, he clasped his fists in a salute. "Thanks for the meal!"
"Aw, man!" Homura groaned in good humor. "Too bad it was a tie!"
"Ho, ho, it's nice to see young 'uns like yourselves eat with vigor," Hanzo commented amiably as the clapping died down.
"That's typical for Horai. Though I find a company of beauties much more attractive," Haruhi winked at two masked Hebijo girls fondly clinging to him. "Don't you agree?"
"Aw, you're so cool, Haruhi~" said one of Haruhi's admirers.
"Wait, since when did you hit on them?" A puzzled Mirai asked.
"Don't mind Haruhi. That's just like him," Aoyama mentioned.
"Yeah, it's not as if he's doing anything embarrassing. Not like how we crashed in the bath in front of Miyabi's team-"
"WHAT WAS THAT?! DID I JUST HEAR THAT RIGHT?!" To the crowd's astonishment, the I Heart Miyabi Militia crashed onto the tables after listening to Ryoji. Their members directed murderous stares at Team Mikami.
"You ladies again? Where'd you come from?!" questioned Ryoma.
"That matters not!" shouted the militia's leader as she pointed an accusing finger to Team Mikami. "Is it true that you entered a bath that Miyabi was in?! This is unacceptable! Prepare to die!" The I Heart Miyabi Militia drew their weapons.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's with you girls?!" Ryoma frantically lifted his hands. "And for your information, that was an accident!"
"Now, now, ladies," Haruhi courteously stepped up to the militia. "Whatever the problem is, let's not engage in violence-"
"Silence! We fell for your charms on that day but, do not think it'll work a second time!" The militia's head yelled at Haruhi before looking back at Team Mikami. "Vile fiends whom laid eyes on our precious Miyabi, perish!" Team Mikami soon had to defend against the former whom charged at them angrily. The confused crowd cleared the way for both sides as they jumped across the cafeteria tables.
"Oh, my. Youths these days sure are energetic," Sayuri joked.
"Grandma, this isn't funny!" corrected Asuka. "At this rate, they might wreck this place!"
"We have to stop them!" Asuna advised.
"I suppose we have no choice," Miyabi sighed wearily. "Let's go, you all," The Hebijo Five moved to intercept the I Heart Miyabi Militia. Unfortunately, it worsened matters due to the militia putting up a fight. The bystanders could only watch as the Hebijo Five, Team Mikami and the militia zipped about in the air. The sight of this led Fubuki to give a small chuckle.
"Mistress Fubuki?" Gekko said, she and Senko puzzled over Fubuki's behavior.
"Senko, Gekko," Fubuki smiled at her subordinates. The youngsters within the crowd began to display various reactions to the battle. This ranged from Shinjo providing a dramatic commentary to several cheering the combatants and several others appearing baffled. The adults looked on as if this was a normal occurrence.
"This world… never ceases to intrigue me,"
And hence, the story of the two worlds' shinobi comes to a close.
Spasiba: Russian for "Thank you".