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Keepers Chapter 31
"Gareki, wake up."
Gareki didn't move, his slack face could only mean he was in a deep sleep again or had passed out by exhaustion. Iwa frowned, the kid had been sleeping a lot recently. The drugs in his system were starting to wear off but the after-effects were starting to show up. The continued forced use of his power left him in a deep sleep state. He could tell that he tried to stay awake for more than an hour before it became too much and passed out the moment he sat down on the ground.
His body was another issue. He had bruises everywhere and flinched anytime they got in his personal space. The fear in his eyes when he thought they were leaving him worried him a lot. The kid had been stubborn and even if he was quiet he could tell that he was planning something by observing his confident posture and unflinching gaze, but now he looked lost and unsure.
Gareki was sitting in a corner of the room, far away from the door but close enough to a table where he could hide if necessary. His posture was tense even in his sleep, his knees were folder towards his chest, arms also folded on his lap as if trying to make himself as small as possible.
It was sad. These people messed up a child.
Iwa knew Yukari had agreed to help Gareki on his plan, but he wished to just take him and leave entirely. The Green Clan could benefit from having him on their team and he would have a place to eat and sleep without worrying about anyone coming after him. The only problem would be his brothers. From what he had gathered they were powerful, the older one was a soldier, he had been brainwashed and managed to stay alive all this time while fighting Akumas. His power was listed as 'unknown' but Iwa knew better than just assume anything, it was the kid's brother after all. Kuroh was someone to watch out for, after all, he had the same master as Yukari, and his powers of space manipulation sounded terrifying even if he wasn't completely aware of them. He had been warned about the last one, after all the mere thought of been controlled by a kid wasn't fun. The files stated that he could only use it a few times, and the length it lasted depended on many factors. The stronger the mind or individual the more energy it required, other children and weak minds would likely last for longer if they didn't become aware they were been controlled.
They were already here, willing to destroy anyone on their path from reaching their dearest little brother. Iwa wondered how did Gareki felt about that. Almost 10 years of thinking someone was dead just for those people to suddenly show up? Did Gareki try to find them before or wondered if they were even alive? Did the others looked for him? Kuroh didn't, neither had that exorcist guy- both with no memory of him to begin with- but what about Nezumi? And why did they remembered now? Iwa might be wrong but he hoped they weren't here just because they didn't want his power in their enemies' hands.
He had seen so many families fake their love and care to keep you near when you became successful or useful. The kid might not notice but his eyes didn't lie, he wanted them to come-he was-
"Hnggg…" Gareki whimpered. His eyes opened slowly, blinking away the sleepiness, and stared at the wall in front of him- gaze distant before his eyes glowed a soft color. Right away Iwa prepared himself just in case Gareki used his power by accident, any sudden noises always made him jump- Iwa had discovered earlier that his power was kind of unstable because of his trauma. Anyone would be after all that happened.
"Hey, kid, how are you feeling?" Iwa tried to ask.
"He is fine," Gareki rose and stared at his hands.
"He?" Iwa asked in doubt.
"The drugs forced me out, Gareki is in no condition to keep his power controlled." The fake Gareki answered and tilted his head to the side. Iwa suddenly remembered that time in the room when Gareki lost control and attacked Aphocryphos and Karoku. His eyes looked the same.
"Are you the manifestation of his powers?" Iwa decided to press for answers. Not everyone had such strong power that developed a personality. That was almost unheard of, not impossible since the power of the Kings was granted by the Dresden slate. It was a piece of stone deciding who was worthy enough to be a King.
"Nice deduction." Gareki walked around before looking up and smirking. "Elyurias is calling him again, she is getting impatient and calls for the destruction of this entire city.."
Iwa stared at him in awe, "You can sense her?"
Gareki nodded, "His brothers are close as well. Say-after this is over, what do you plan to do? I know Yukari promised to help as long as Gareki helps him as well, but why are you helping him?"
"All I do is for my King." Iwa answered, "I follow his command."
The fake Gareki raised his eyebrow, "You speak highly of your King. He was the one who sent you two here, wasn't he? That looks questionable to me." His eyes shined dangerously, of course, it would look suspicious to join hands with organizations such as Kafka.
Iwa laughed, "We were looking for allies- not that we found anyone worthy- Our King disapproved of Kafka's methods, the same of No.6 and the Vatican. Our goals don't align with theirs."
Fake Gareki stared at him, most likely trying to find any lie but finding none, "I guess. Gareki at least trusts you a little bit."
"I'm honored." Iwa bowed with a smile.
"Mmm, it seems he hasn't given up, he is reaching again. Interesting." Gareki tilted his head again, lost in thought, "I should-" He winced in pain, "He is persistent, not like it would change anything."
Iwa waited to see if he would give him more clues about the mysterious person trying to reach him but he turned his attention back to him. He didn't seem worried about it so Gareki wasn't in danger at least, the only people he knew could get in your head were Karoku and maybe that Apocryphos guy- but he wasn't completely sure about it. He needed more information just in case something when wrong and they truly became enemies.
"One last thing," He spoke up, "Take him to Elyurias, he is not going to be physically capable of getting there himself." Saying this his eyes stopped shining and Gareki raised a hand to his head confused before swaying and almost falling if it wasn't for Iwa been warned about his physical state.
Iwa picked him up. Gareki didn't react, he had passed out again. Iwa could still feel the power radiating off him, it engulfed him like a protective layer, ready to strike anyone who dared hurt its master.
Iwa wondered why it had shown itself to him, was Yukari aware of it? Powers like Gareki could manifest in different forms, this one acted as a guardian. Maybe it was the reason Gareki wasn't traumatized about what had happened. Powers could act as a barrier between traumatic events- making everything seem as it didn't happen to you. Gareki did remember what happened but when he spoke about it he seemed detached. They will have to address that eventually but for the moment it didn't matter. They had a mission to complete after all.
Karoku concentrated again, after Gareki had destroyed their connection he had been unable to find it completely again. But he could feel Nai trying to reach him every night, even if he wasn't aware of it. He was growing impatient though, anytime he could feel some sort of connection getting closer a force will push him back, and had to start from zero. He was sure Gareki's power was preventing him from reaching him. Gareki knew that if something bad happened to him Karoku was going to feel it as well, but Karoku needed to know if he was alright.
After he was taken who knows where and Nezumi's mouse wasn't able to find him everyone had grown restless. Nai was eating very little and even if everyone tried to take his mind off the situation at night he would fall asleep holding a blue jacket that someone from the school had to send back along with some of Gareki's belongings.
The connection was familiar, he just had to find a way to keep it connected without his powers cutting it anytime he got a hold of it. It sounded easier earlier, he had been at this for hours and even skipped dinner with the excuse that he was tired and the promise of waking up early to eat before watching the sunrise with Nai and Allen- who had been for the most part hiding inside his room with only Johnny and Yogi bringing him food. Allen had been quiet recently, maybe he was afraid of losing control again and Kanda and Nezumi been too far away to stop him was making him nervous.
Something connected and Karoku was ready to fight for the link to break again, he waited but nothing happened. The connection was a little weak but nothing was preventing him from reaching out. Was this a tramp? Perhaps he finally did it? He took a deep breath and decided to test it out.
Fatigue and sleepiness took over him. He was glad he had been laying on his bed already. There was pain as well but the drowsiness was keeping it away. Karoku finally let his muscles relax, the worry he felt all these days without news finally letting him breathe. Gareki was in rough shape but he was alive and was sleeping. No dreams or nightmares, that was good.
He wanted to reach out, maybe even talk to him but wasn't sure if he was going to be able to. His power had attacked him and Nai before after all, maybe not to hurt them but to keep them away but Karoku was sure it was because of Nai's presence.
Should he risk it?
"Gareki, can you hear me?" Karoku whispered, he didn't want someone to hear him talk to himself and barge in, his concentration would lower so much he wouldn't be able to keep the connection at all.
Nothing happened for a couple of minutes, Karoku sat down on his bed while waiting for any signs that Gareki was even aware of his presence. Maybe going to sleep would help? Dreams were the doors to the memories after all. He could try and see if he could get more information. At this point, anything would help.
After waiting for at least ten minutes in complete silence he decided to take a break and try again later. After all, keeping the connection going by himself wasn't easy, and he had skipped dinner.
"Karoku! Are you awake?" Yogi's voice made him flinch, "I brought you some snacks."
Karoku stood up and opened the door. Yogi was carrying a full basket with all kinds of snacks, drinks, and bread, it was overfilled and so colorful. Nai would love it.
"I wasn't sure what kind of things you like but you can't go to bed with an empty stomach!" Yogi explained. He placed some of the items on the bed to help Karoku see them better, "Nai likes the chocolate filling bread, but I prefer the vanilla. Anyways, are you okay? Nai said you had been staying up for a couple of nights."
Of course, Nai would notice, Karoku almost laughed. Yogi waited for his answer, staring at him with concern. Karuku didn't mean to worry anyone, but he didn't want to give them any false hope in thinking he could reach Gareki again. He needed some proof first.
"I- honestly I keep thinking about Gareki's memories," Karoku saw Yogi's expression turning sour, "There is so much happening, bigger forces out there trying to control everything and then all of you fighting back. I feel like a deadweight on this ship, I know I caused all of you trouble before, my evil counterpart took your friend because of his power. I feel like if I never had left Nai by himself if I hadn't been weak enough to be captured, all of this would have been avoided. Gareki wouldn't have met us and he would be safe somewhere."
"That's not true!" Yogi argued, "If Nai and Gareki never had met then all of us would have moved towns, and Gareki and Tsubame would have probably died trying to save Yokata by themselves or become varugas. Gareki isn't the type to take things quietly, he would have caught Kafka's attention somehow. His power was going to manifest sooner or later, there is no avoiding that. Also, his brothers would look for him, they are powerful on their own, their enemies would jump at the idea of having an advantage over them and would have gone after him anyway! Your actions alone wouldn't be able to change much."
Karoku smiled after a moment, "That's the most interesting conversation I had in a while, never thought you could change my view on the matter. Thank you."
Yogi's face went red, "I- I only sid what I thought, Gareki hated when I wasn't direct so I have been trying to speak up more. At least when I think is important."
"That's great, Yogi." Karoku opened a bag of chips and started munching on them, "Gareki would be proud."
"You think so?" Yogi beamed and reminded Karoku of a dog getting praised for doing something good. Karoku nodded and decided to give the bread a try. Vanilla was definitely a good flavor. After snacking for a while and keeping a light conversation with Yogi he decided to just let someone know what he had been doing. Yogi might not be able to keep it a secret for long but he was a good listener.
"I have been trying to reach Gareki, remember that connection Nai opened a few weeks ago? I can still feel it but I need to put it back together. It's not there yet but I could at least get a feeling of how Gareki is doing. He was tired, that's sadly all I could get."
Yogi was staring at him with amazement in his eyes, "And you said we are the ones doing all the work? You're amazing! If we get a connection we could use it to get in touch with him! You need to inform Hirato!"
"It's not completed yet." Karoku protested.
"But you're getting there! I'm sure you're still getting used to your power but I'm glad, you haven't met him properly but I'm sure you two would get along!" Yogi said with a huge smile.
"I truly hope you're right." Karoku smiled. At least for Nai's sake, having their favorite people fighting wouldn't be good for the Niji.
"If you don't hurry you won't be able to find out."
"What..?" Karoku exclaimed. That was Gareki's voice, but he could tell it wasn't Gareki speaking. That was who Nai had called the fake Gareki- the manifestation of his power. "Wait, what do you mean? What's happening?"
"Is it Gareki?" Yogi stood up and was waiting for Karoku to answer. At least he didn't think he was crazy. Yet.
"You all have around 40 hours before the countdown to destruction begins, Elyurias is growing impatient and Gareki is not going to be able to hold her back any longer."
"Elyurias? Who is that? 40 hours to what exactly? We can't just go in! We need more-"
"You can feel it, can't you? He grows weaker by the second. If he continues like this he will die."
"Die?! Can't you do something?!" Karoku raised his voice in panic. Yogi stepped back when he stood up and dropped the rest of the candy that was on his lap to the floor. Both were panicking, that was going to be a problem, Karoku needed to calm down.
"Funny you said that- it would be in your best interest to bring that doctor with you. His brothers can only do so much after all."
Karoku felt the connection snap and he was alone with his racing thoughts, "Wait! What does he mean by that? What's going on?" Yogi demanded.
"We have to tell Hirato!" Karoku ran, he passed by Tsukumo and Nai on the way, they called his name but he couldn't stop to explain and could hear them run after him after Yogi didn't stop either.
He didn't bother knocking on the door he just opened and searched the area for Hirato. The captain was sitting next to Tsukitachi and Jiki, a map of the area was sitting on that table in front of them and Yashiro-with Neko on his shoulder- had been pointing at some red lines. Most likely planning for escape rules.
"Karoku?" Tsukitchi was on his feet the moment the door opened.
"We have to move! Where is Akari-sensei? We are going to need him! We only have 40 hours! Gareki-he can't-!
"Wait, Gareki?" Hirato asked, "Did something happened? Did they found him earlier than expected-?"
"No! I talked to him- well not him exactly! His power reached out to me, he said we only have 40 hours to stop whatever Elyurias is doing-"
"Elyurias?" Yashiro stared at him like he was crazy, "How- Are you sure?"
"Yes, he said we only have around 40 hours before something happens, and Gareki somehow is involved! We have to go now!"
The silence in the room was suffocating, nobody moved and Karoku was starting to feel like they hadn't understood when Akari walked from behind him and that's when he realized everyone had come to see what was happening. Allen and Johnny were standing next to Iva and Kiichi. Tsukumo was holding Nai, Yogi was right next to him.
"What are your orders Captain?" Akari asked.
"It could be a tramp," Jiki said, "We would be running straight into unknown enemy territory without backup."
"Permission to move freely!" Yogi shouted at the same time Tsukumo offered to infiltrate. Karoku could tell they were ready to leave. Such loyal friends/family.
"Permission denied," Hirato ordered, "all of you sit down." Karoku stared at him in disbelief. Didn't he understand? Or maybe he was the only one seeing the bigger picture? He was the captain for a reason. Karoku knew his request to move ahead of schedule was risky. The infiltration team wasn't even gone for a whole day, they weren't ready- but Gareki might not have time.
"It's killing him, whatever happened to him...he is hurt and tired, I can feel it. He is running out of time." Karoku explained as calmly as possible, he could tell his voice sounded painted and his hands were shaking but he could still feel the tiredness on his body, Gareki had it worse if they didn't do something fast everything they did would be for nothing, "Please…"
"Captains, if I may- I could cause enough distraction for your assigned team to infiltrate through the front door," Yashiro spoke up making everyone turn their attention to him, "With some help, I could keep their attention away for a couple of minutes." Neko yawned and nodded happily.
"I can help!" Allen spoke up, he walked forward and stood next to Yashiro. "I have a debt to repay."
Johnny joined him a couple of seconds later, "Me too!"
Hirato stared at them, eyes icy cold but calculating, "I'm listening."
Hope you like it!