Chapter Thirty-Two – Preparations

"Naru." Lin greeted in his usual neutral tone. It was the first time he'd seen him since his transformation, but the news that it had happened hadn't surprised him. Ever since Mai was turned it had been inevitable that Naru would have to make the choice. If it were for Mai, Lin had no doubt that Naru would walk through fire covered in petroleum. Not that the young teen would admit it.

"Lin…" Naru greeted, unsure what to say to the older man. There were a few things they needed to talk about, not just his transformation. He needed to tell him what he'd learned about Gene and Mai, their plans for Farringdon, and what to do about his parents and SPR. The young teen almost sighed as he wondered where to start.

"I'm glad to see you well." Lin began, noting that he did indeed look well. He was paler than he had been before, but otherwise he seemed to be in perfect health, maybe even better than perfect. He could tell something had changed. Even though Naru hadn't been unhealthy before, the weight of his power had dragged him down and put a lot of strain on his body. It was a curious balance. The power had wanted to be used, but the toll it took made that impossible.

"I am." Naru replied, confirming Lin's suspicions. He was breathing easier than he had for weeks, and stood straight with no strain whatsoever. There was an energy burning just below the surface, as if he could do anything. Lin's Shiki reached out, circling Naru as they examined him to give Lin a report. Naru could feel them, remaining still as they did their work. "You're such a worrier." Naru stated as they brushed against him almost affectionately.

"It's my job to worry." Lin replied simply, though they both knew it was far more than his job. They'd known each other for too long for things to be so simple between them. Lin closed his eyes as his Shiki returned and revealed their findings through the silent bond they shared. He could feel what they felt. There was a new balance within Naru. "So it's true…Your powers have settled." Lin stated as he opened his eyes.

"Well, not settled exactly. I can control them now, and my body is strong enough to cope with the backlash." Naru replied as he flexed one of his fists and looked down at it. It felt good too. He'd thrown Kaname clean across the training room earlier, and part of him couldn't wait to do it again. Mai had tried too, and though she couldn't control it as well as Naru she could form and use the powers with limited success. I guess it's no surprise really. They're not her powers.

"Just be careful and see that you don't get addicted." Lin almost scolded, knowing the lure of power all too well. In his younger days he'd experimented with all sorts of powers, good and bad. It was difficult to give up such things, which was how he'd landed himself with his Shiki. There were times he almost regretted the contract he'd made for their power, though he tried not to think about what he would lose one day.

"I know." Naru replied, though he wouldn't point out the hypocrisy of Lin saying such things. At least I still have my soul intact…He thought with a touch of sympathy, shaking his head as he opted to change the subject. "How are the others?" He asked, deciding to build up to the real discussion.

"They're fine. Takigawa had no lasting impairments from his experience, in fact he was in perfect health after a day of rest. Ayako watched him carefully through the night, and insisted he continue to rest for another day. Masako has been worried about you, but understands the risk you took." Lin replied simply, though that was stretching the truth a little. Although she had known for some time where Naru's feelings lay, she couldn't quite forgive him and Mai for what had happened. On reflection Lin believed it was healthier for Masako that Naru had finally made his feelings clear.

"That's good…Let's get started. Lin, we have a plan." The younger boy said finally, opting to get down to business. It was what he and Lin were best at after all.

"Keep your guard up!" Kaname snapped as his energy hit Mai's crossed arms and sent her flying back into the wall. Mai groaned as she dragged herself to her feet once more. Fighting wasn't really her strong suit, and she just couldn't get Gene's power to work for her the way Naru's did. "Can you continue?" The pureblood asked with a hint of sympathy, though secretly he was eager to keep going.

"I can." Mai insisted as she planted her feet firmly on the ground, her legs shaking from the effort. Kaname's gaze softened as he watched her trying so hard. In reality she wouldn't be able to withstand another full attack. Deciding to make this the final hit, and using only half his full potential, Kaname readied a ball of red energy. Mai bent her knees a little as she summoned Gene's power, struggling to keep it sparked in her weakened state.

"Hello?" A somewhat timid voice called as Kaname released his attack. Mai's eyes widened as she recognised Masako's voice behind her. Kaname gasped as the human appeared. He hadn't noticed her coming. How could I be so foolish? He cursed inwardly, knowing there wasn't enough time for him to reach her. If his attack hit the human she would definitely be injured, if not killed. She screamed as she saw the ball of red energy, her hands instinctively rising to cover her face.

"Masako!" A voice cried, a voice Masako recognised. Kaname sighed in relief as Mai's body seemed to glow in a gentle green light, the ball of green energy darting out to consume the red energy before flying harmlessly into the far wall. Masako lowered her arms with wide eyes as she looked at Mai, who had turned to face her with a gentle expression. "Are you hurt?" She asked, her voice echoing a second presence.

"You…" Masako trailed off, her hazel eyes wide as she stared at Gene's ethereal form as he seemed to solidify over Mai. When he spoke she could still hear Mai's voice, but it sounded distant. Masako reached out and touched Gene's chest, gasping as she felt the softness of Mai's breast beneath her hand. "How…Why?" Masako stammered as she stumbled back.

"I've wanted to see you…" Gene trailed off with a touch of longing as he reached out and cupped Masako's cheeks. The young medium leaned into his touch as she bit the inside of her lip, her feelings in a whirl as she felt Mai's gentle fingers caressing her pale skin. She knew the hand that touched her was Mai's, and yet she could feel Gene.

"Why didn't you choose me?" She asked, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat. Gene looked regretful as he pulled Mai's hand back. He looked at the floor guiltily. He'd never wanted to hurt Masako. He wouldn't even have revealed himself if it hadn't been for this incident.

"I couldn't…I didn't want to hurt you." He excused, knowing that Masako would understand on some level, even if she didn't accept it right now. Not only would the physical burden take its toll, but with their history the emotional strain would have been unbearable for both of them. "The thought of what you'd go through, carrying me every day…" He added, his thumb running across her bottom lip. Masako didn't have time to object as he leaned forward and pressed Mai's lips to hers in a gentle kiss.

"I never got the chance to tell you…" Masako murmured as Gene drew back, his eyes warm as he looked down at her. She closed her eyes in contentment as he cupped her cheek and leaned Mai's forehead against her own.

"You didn't have to. I knew." He replied quietly, his jaw tightening in regret as he slowly drew back. "I loved you, Masako Hara…very much." He said with a smile, feeling Masako's grip on his hand tighten at his words. He reached out and wiped her tears, giving her a final look of longing before he faded away. Masako started as Kaname caught Mai's unconscious form and lowered her gently to the wooden floor. She'd forgotten he was there.

"I apologise Miss Hara, I didn't sense your arrival." Kaname apologised as Mai slowly came to and shook her foggy head. Masako shook her head absently. It had been an accident. In some ways a happy one. As their eyes met Mai's cheeks flushed slightly, and Masako averted her own gaze. She wasn't sure how much Mai remembered, but she definitely recalled something of what had happened.

"Masako, you didn't get hurt, did you?" The honey haired girl asked, though she doubted they would be talking at all if Kaname's attack had struck. Kaname's gaze softened as he helped Mai to her feet. As usual, she was only thinking about other people.

"No, you deflected it." She replied simply, silence falling between them after that simple exchange. "I-I was actually looking for Naru. Have you seen him?" She asked finally, Mai shaking her head in response. She knew he'd gone to find Lin, but she had no idea where the pair of them would be now. Before she could respond Kaname had already started talking.

"I believe you will find him in the main school building. He wanted to see Lin." Kaname replied, giving the medium a quick and easy excuse to retreat. She could tell the human girl was horribly embarrassed, and also sad. A cloud of grief had settled over her since the encounter, not that he was surprised.

"Are you sure about this?" Ichijou asked as he watched John wrapping his hands in bandages. The blonde looked a little uncertain of the idea himself, after all he was fairly new to this and had no idea what his limitations were. It was also only a theory on his part, but as long as Ichijou was there to step in he thought it would be fine.

"Not at all, but we won't know until I try." John replied as he held out his hand. Ichijou didn't need to be told. He tied the ends of the bandages, which had been bound around each of John's fingers individually, and then his whole hand. He could see John clenching his teeth as he looked at his first hand. Ichijou tied his other hand and nodded. They were ready. John took a breath as he opened his trunk, which had been moved into his Moon Dorm room. "Here goes." He said quietly, his light Australian accent almost sounding like music.

Ichijou watched as John crouched and reached into the trunk. The top layer was just normal things. Clothes, books, and a few personal items. At the bottom was his hunting gear. Ichijou held his breath as John pulled out his combat gloves, subconsciously avoiding the small metal crosses. He pulled them on and waited a few moments nervously. Finally he let out a hiss and tore them from his hands.

"Damnit!" He cursed, running a hand through his curled locks. If he couldn't use his gear then he was pretty much useless. There must be a way! Lord, you know I haven't turned my back on you, so don't turn your back on me! He thought inwardly as he closed his eyes. Ichijou sighed in resignation.

"I'm sorry John, I'm not sure what else we can do. Perhaps the barrier needs to be thicker? Is there such a material that purity can't seep through?" He wondered idly. He knew that lead could do it, but lead was completely solid, so there was no use even suggesting it. John tugged the bandages loose as he slumped back onto the bed and looked at his hands. There were very pale red crosses on his knuckles where his gloves had been.

"The burns aren't that bad…I wonder how long I could get away with it…" He thought aloud idly. It had been maybe thirty seconds before the heat had gotten to him, and that was just the start of the burn. That meant maybe two minutes, but would that be long enough? He doubted it. It's better than nothing though…

"Not long enough. It's not worth it." Ichijou stated firmly, John's expression softening at the older boy's concern. Ichijou gave him a small smile as he joined John and sat on the edge of the bed looking down at him. "Let's think of something else…Perhaps one of your friends may have an idea?" He suggested, thinking of the stoic Chinese man in particular. Of all of the humans he seemed the most resourceful, and knowledgeable.

"That's true, Lin or Takigawa might think of something." John replied thoughtfully. "It can't do any harm to ask." He added as he sat up, seeing no reason to delay. Until this business had been concluded Cross had called off all lessons. The Day Class were confined to their building, as were the majority of the Night Class. It was too dangerous to go wandering with Farringdon so close.

"Something to stop purity huh?" Takigawa said thoughtfully, though it wasn't really his area of expertise. "Any materials you already know of that work?" The older man asked as he sat down in an arm chair. They had decided to meet at the main school in the library. There were enough resources there that they may find something.

"Lead, however that does little good." Ichijou replied, the monk nodding his agreement. Regretfully, the monk really didn't think he could help. He was Buddhist, a peaceful religion. It's not that they didn't have the concept of pure and impure, but it was different to the Christian faith.

"This might sound strange…" Monk-san began thoughtfully, really uncertain it would have any effect. John nodded for the older man to continue. "Christianity and Buddhism are completely separate religions with their own value systems, so what would happen if you placed something Buddhist between your skin and the cross?" He asked thoughtfully. John nodded his understanding.

"You think they may cancel each other out?" He suggested, the monk shrugging his shoulders in response.

"It's a long shot." He stated uncertainly.

"We can but try." John supplied warily. Ichijou watched anxiously as Takigawa started writing Buddhist scripture on the bandages and chanting prayers of some sort. John seemed just as anxious as he waited, watching the older man's elegant movements. Usually the monk would use paint, but since there wasn't any he'd made do with a simple black marker. He assured them it made no difference. It's not like the paint was blessed or anything to make it special.

"Okay, there it is." Monk-san sighed as he finished. Ichijou had lost track of the amount of time they'd waited. John nodded and began to wrap his hand, allowing Ichijou to finish the job before slipping his glove on. He held his breath and waited. "Well?" Monk-san prompted after a few minutes.

"It still hurts…but it's slowing down the burning." John reported as he tugged his glove off. It still wasn't great, but he had at least doubled his fighting time. I'm lucky the blessing didn't hurt me. He thought as he unravelled the bandage and flexed his fingers.

"You could try Lin…I think he's in this building somewhere." Monk-san added with a shrug. John nodded in agreement. They'd do just that. If all else fails, at least I have four minutes now.