It was dark. Everything was dark. It was silent before Kazuha's eyelids were opened. She was blinded by the strong light that was welcomed bitterly. She needed less than a minute to be able to see clearly and when she did, She recognized the place to be a hospital. She needed time to remember what happened. However, she needed less than a second to whisper a name in horror. ''Heiji...!'' She sat properly and was going to unplug the wires and tube that connected her with medical equipment. He was the only thing in her mind she needed at that moment.
The moment she opened the door, she was startled by two people. She yelped before being surprised thinking Why the hell are those two here?! ''Toyama-san, you shouldn't be sneaking in the hospital.'' Was Shinichi's voice as much as he tried to be funny and polite, questions were only rising inside his head. It was still their first day, and they already started visiting the hospital. He felt that because of this case this wasn't going to be the last.
''Kudo-kun, Mori-san! What are you doing here?'' The couple was still blocking the girl's way and Kazuha knew she might have to start coming with improvised lines to fool them again. She just hoped that Heiji was fine at the moment. ''You can just call me Ran.'' The brunette's sweet voice made Kazuha a bit aware about what she was dealing with. She remembered why they were here. Damn! It's my fault! I contacted her before I fell unconscious. Kazuha could only curse herself at her luck. ''Then please call me Kazuha too.'' She responded politely at her. ''Where's Heiji?'' Her tone was urgent and in a hurry. Both of them knew that.
''Hattori is fine. We were just with him, He told us what happened.'' Kazuha's eyes widened in disbelief. There was no way that was the truth. Heiji wouldn't just go and tell two strangers even if they were helping them about the truth. He never told anyone else before. No one except their own families knows. She was going to ask him to be more specific but couldn't as she already got her answer from Ran. ''Hattori-kun told us that a dog attacked you when you were looking at the city lights. He said he didn't look like he had an owner and you were afraid from dogs.'' Kazuha listened attentively not to miss a detail.
''Yes, I'm more like a cat person.'' She lied. She actually was both a cat and a dog person. However, she needed to keep the story believable. ''He said when the dog was going to attack you, you froze and couldn't move a muscle. So he shoved you and got hurt instead. His wrist is mmmm sprained.'' Shinichi struggled on how to break the news to the girl.
''His wrist is WHAT?!'' She yelled at him surprised at how this turned out to be. ''I'll go and see him, where is he?'' Kazuha went past them and wasn't sure if she should go right or left. ''He's now in his room, I'll accompany you.'' Offered Ran and the girl thanked her. ''Wait for me, you two!'' Walked behind them the detective of the East, still thinking that the story was a little bit too strange to be believed. Who sprains their wrist because of a dog anyway?
The three of them entered the room where the detective of the West was being warned and scolded because of his carelessness and recklessness. ''You should get some rest and stop fighting attacking dogs, young man.'' Heiji gave a grateful smile at his doctor's advice. ''Heiji!'' Alarmed, the called man turned his head as he recognized the voice of the girl that was unconscious moments ago.''K-kazuha, How are you?'' He was nervous to see her up this fast. She ignored him till she took a good look at his injury. ''I should be the one asking you that!'' She yelled at him with a tone that didn't stop to show how angry and hurt she really was.
Heiji was relieved to see her alright. However, his ears were all that mattered to him at that moment. ''Geez, Kazuha, you're going to deafen me, Aho!'' Kazuha was offened because he didn't apologise. ''You're the Aho, Aho! That's because of you! You shouldn't have protected me just to end up hurt! Aho!'' Kazuha's face was all red. Of course, why wouldn't it be and she was the one yelling so loud in a hospital at her stupid best friend who was injured, besides them were his doctor who cleared his throat while the other two teenagers were silent and speechless at the scene.
''Mrs. Toyama, I know that you are worried and concerned about your friend here. However, we don't yell at patients here. Especially, those who are injured like this one.'' The girl lowered her head, embarrassed at how she behaved in front of the older man. She murmured a simple sorry and he left to leave the four teenagers to discuss with each other whatever they were going to discuss.
''Kazuha, you alright?'' Asked her, her childhood friend with a smile on his face.''I'm fine, thanks about the save earlier.'' She murmured but he heard her loud enough. ''Oi, both of you can be discharged tonight. That's what the nurse told me earlier.'' Changed Shinich the topic. ''That's better, we need to return to our hotel. Thanks, Kudo, Neechan.'' responded Heiji and followed him Kazuha in thanking them. ''It was nothing, just don't get yourselves encountered by another dog.'' Both of them waved at the couple that left from their sight. Heiji and Kazuha also were ready to leave the hospital.
Outside the hospital, Shinichi was walking fast compared to his normal pace. ''What's wrong, Shinichi?'' However Ran knew better. He wasn't walking fast just to return home early. Something bothered him and he wasn't finding any solution or excuse on why it was like that. ''Why are they trying to hide it? They aren't trusting us at all to help them.'' Ran knew about his concern and worries. He already shared them with her. And the truth was she was also convinced that they were hiding something. ''Let them tell us when they are ready. We can't push them to tell us right away.'' He knew she was right. However, he didn't think that it was this bad that the osakan were in danger because of it. A dog story habahahaha Heiji sure needed lessons from Shinichi's mother on how to act and lie. ''You don't think, something else will happen again do you?'' Asked Ran and she slightly had her answer as Shinichi's only shrugged his shoulders.
''You sure you're alright, Heiji? Doesn't it hurt you?'' Kazuha was walking with Heiji back to the hotel concerned about his injury more than him. He was starting to get annoyed. ''Yes! Kazuha for the tenth time already, I am fine. I got way more hurt in my cases than tonight.'' Kazuha looked down as he raised his voice. She wasn't affected by him, but more by her own stupidity. She shouldn't have told him about what she felt at that time. She shouldn't have run carelessly without even knowing where. She was going by instinct and the problem was... She was right. Takami was there at that time with the amulet.
FLASHBACK KAZUHA'S POV
I just told Heiji about feeling the amulet being somewhere near but getting farther away. I didn't expect him to believe and come with me. I was mainly going towards an unknown direction. It was dark. But, I felt like I was seeing the way clearly. I could feel it strongly. Heiji was behind me following me.
''Kazuha.'' I heard my name said by an unknown voice. It was a male. However, there was no way it belonged to Heiji. In the end he was just behind me. I turned around and didn't see Heiji. My eyes widened with fear of what happened to him. I stopped and I felt as the darkness of the place became much more accurate than the feeling of knowing where to go. I felt something move, I yelped and turned around afraid. I calmed down as I saw nothing or no one behind me. It might have been just the wind.
Yet, relief couldn't return to me as I felt hot sharp breaths cut the skin of my neck. I froze. I was done. I could do nothing in such a position. I wished it was Heiji. I really wanted it to be only hot breeze. I saw as a hand was opened to reveal something inside. He was wearing white sleeves, I noticed. It could make him easy to spot in such a dark night. It was the amulet in his hand. Takami!
I couldn't say it out loud. ''What, Kazuha? Cat got your tounge?'' It was him, no doubt. My blood ran cold, the only thing I was able to do was to use my right arm, because unlike the left one it wasn't blocked by his body. Yet, I was too slow compared to his reflexes that kicked in just in time. He blocked my blow, took his hold of my wrist and placed my arm behind my back.
Damn him... ''Chill, babe. We can still have the rest of the night to talk.'' He rested his face on my left shoulder and it was when I have the best shot to see his face. He had a creepy plastered smile. I trembled under his stare and felt an unbearable defeat. I was speechless. There was a very large gap between our powers, that not numbers nor strategies could fill.
''What about first you tell me how to open the amulet?'' I was gambling on my life here and I was ready. Mom was right as long as they never know the spell that would open the amulet, I would be safe and the one in control. ''Heiji...?'' I whispered feeling like my knees were going to betray me soon. The expression on his face changed to boredom and I was terrified if he was going to answer me with only one sentence with three simple words, I killed him. ''I don't want to answer this stupid question. So, what about a no?'' He damn had the pride to ignore me. I was no threat to him. But, I held great value to him if he ever wanted to crack that amulet open. ''Never...'' I was talking with maximally one word.
Another creepy smile returned on his features. My breaths were partially unable to make it past my throat due to fear consuming my breathing. ''Now, you don't have to act so tough Kazuha. I know all your negligible strength, your flawed personality, your countless fatal weaknesses. In the end, my whole plan succeeded thanks to none other than you. I never thought I could put my hands on such a strong energy that would open all doors of our full strength.'' I knew he just wanted to make me loose confidence in myself. I shouldn't listen to him, I know. I should be stronger. But...
''Our?'' I repeated with confusion in my voice. I shifted my eyes to meet his. I turned to stone, not daring to move as his fingers run down my cheeks. ''You didn't think this is our only extent, did you?'' I didn't notice as the amulet went back inside his pocket. ''You're lying...'' I desperately murmured. He laughed maniacally, I wanted him to stop. I was terrified unable to do anything. I was useless, totally under his mercy.
I'm sorry, Heiji... I closed my eyes with these words inside my mind.
''Kazuha!'' My eyes were opened instantly as I heard this tone. It was Heiji, all in rage. He charged at Takami which was why the later one let go of me. Heiji could only scratch his right cheek. I saw Heiji in his other form. A black horn and red eyes were easy to see despite how dark it was. Heiji also, had claws. I could feel the atmosphere he gave was also pretty scary too.
''Who do you think you are to interrupt my important conversation with my darling Kazuha?'' There was no use, for him to ask. When Heiji is in that form, he won't be able to think rationally or speak. I was on the ground, and I thought not moving was the best move to make. Heiji was seeing everyone as an enemy. Whoever comes in his sight becomes an enemy. However, this time he seemed fixated on Takami precisely. I wondered why? Was he starting to be able to control his powers? Heiji charged again at his to attack. Yet, Heiji's streak of luck was fading away. Takami easily dodged Heiji's fist, he let go of a chuckle as he was able to take hold of his wrist. He punched Heiji in the stomach that made him kneel. I heard a painful cry from him. ''Heiji!'' I stood as I saw him returning to his human form. He was in such an unbearable pain.
''Kazuha...Don't come! Stay away!" I froze and did as he said. His wrist might have been broken in a split of a millisecond. ''An Ackela, huuuuh? And a human too. Then, you must be Hattori.'' A few tears formed in my eyes. Heiji was hurting because of me. I couldn't not think about this. Takami put a foot on Heiji's back. ''You really do disappoint, you know.'' What was I supposed to do? ''Leave him alone!'' I felt like I was ordering him. Takami looked at me with another creepy face that was scary. ''Kazuha...don't..." I heard Heiji's faint whispers.
Takami stood up and walked towards me with slow steps. He was trying to scare me off. And he was succeeding. ''let's continue our previous conversation. I think you might now have a different answer. You know, for the sake of this Ackela?'' Even though I was terrified. I was the only one that could get me and Heiji out of this situation. But, How? My mind was blank. I didn't have an answer. ''Leave heiji out of this.'' That was all what I could have mastered to say. A smile only widened on Takami's face. He might not have realized yet. But, Heiji was able to let the amulet fall from his pocket when he scratched him. If I just had the amulet, I would be alright. Mother told me it would be strong enough to protect me from him. I just needed to distract him and to go and have it. I needed to have it no matter what. Determination suppressed my fears. I pretended to be terrified even though a part of me actually was. I crawled with the support of my hands backing me away from him.
''Come on, now. You don't think you really are getting away from me, do you?" I hated the cheerful tone he had. I hated that victorious smirk he had like he had won. As long as he keeps himself delusional about me not having a plan, everything would be just fine.
Any minute now, the table will be turned around and the magic would turn on the magician. ''Get away from me...'' I repeated helplessly. I wondered was he really oblivious to the fact he lost the amulet? Or was he freaking toying with me? I needed to calm down or maybe I should keep the act of being freaked out. Either way, I was in a rush to obtain the amulet. However, rush meant no caution which was also not really a good sign. I was indecisive on what to do as I continued retreating back without breaking the eye contact with him. He isn't going to kill me, he needs me. I kept repeating this song like it was some guarantee. But, was it really that efficient? I stopped from moving as my hand touched something solid and metallic. I only stole one glance at what it was without raising Takami's suspicion. It was it. The amulet. I grabbed it in my hand and stood up as the act was over.
''This is your end, Takami. Too bad you won't leave safely.'' I showed him the amulet in my hand and damn how much I loved the exchange of our expressions. ''What? Cat got your tongue? Or did you really think I was that stupid and powerless?'' The surprise in his face, I mistook it to be terror and shock. But, actually I was the only one that had been in such an illusion. I let my guard down and he never did. He laughed his heart out as he replied. ''Stupid? Powerless? Maybe I'd use the term pathetic better to suit you.''
My hands were vibrating and the amulet in my hand was taken. I yelped as it moved from my grasp to his. I didn't expect that to happen. ''Thanks for picking it up for me.'' He gave me his most devilish smirk. If there was anything I could do, it was nothing.
It was impossible to win against him. That was the final conclusion I deducted. It was inevitable to escape death from him. I wanted to close my eyes and wait for him to kill me. It would end in a flash, wouldn't it? Yet, I couldn't do that.
With the last bit of hope, I forced my legs to move and ran towards him in a speed I knew he could easily outspeed. But, what could I say? I was desperate. Even for at least one second, I needed to know that I wasn't going to die fruitlessly. Or , so I thought. I aimed to snatch the amulet back from him. Yet, all what was going back was my thrown body.
My eyes widened as he didn't look that bothered at all when I charged at him. He only poked my forehead. That only one poke on my forehead sent me flying back, slamming hard on the ground again. "It would be best for you not to try anything else stupid, Kazuha." He came closer and lowered himself with a pitying look on his face. "Don't take it personal. This is how the world works, the weak gets killed by the stronger one."
A tear escaped the corner of my left eye and I could feel myself fighting not to fall asleep. I could see his legs, he was too close that I couldn't get away from him. I already was at my limits. His hand touched my hands and I flinched under his touch, before he raised it again just to create a ball of energy. It was a dark purplish color and the last thing I was going to be see. His smirk was engraved in my memory, never to be forgotten.
He's right. I am pathetic. That was my last thought and woah it was such an encouraging thought to die. Takami stopped as he saw the amulet glowing in his hand. His smirk turned to confusion before he smiled calmly again. "So, you are one too." He saidd more to himself than to me. He got up an flicked the amulet and caught it with the charm of a playboy. "Well see you later, guardian."
My mind was unable to process everything. It was a miracle that I was even alive. My body was heavy and it took me so much effort and a damn five minutes to be able to bring myself to get hold of my phone. I couldn't use my left hand and my right hurt alot. I didn't know who to call. The only one I always called was Heiji and now he was in a worse shape than me. I clicked without knowing who it was I was calling. But, I heard a familiar female voice that answered from the other side.
"Hello?" I recognised it to belong to the girl I just met this day.
"Mori-san..." It was my last words before falling unconscious. After that, Heiji came and took the phone to talk to the girl and ask for help without taking his eyes off fainted me.
End of flashback
It was now something after 10 at night, Kazuha and Heiji both went back to the hotel exhausted both physically and emotionally.
Kazuha was upset and sad with the fact that she got both of them in another trouble once again. It was always her fault, while Heiji was frustrated and got his pride broken. He was an Ackela, strong by nature, but was unbelievably defeated against Takami, a still unkown person. He got injured which was going to be hindering their mission from now on.
Their mistake was, they went head on with no plan. They overestimated their strength and their chances of success.
Both of them, went to their own rooms, straight to bed without being able to let go of the demons of doubt rising inside their heads.