Previously…
"Natsuki, where are you now? Mikoto said you were injured." But as quick, relief gave way to worries when she heard grunts and screams from the back ground.
"Don't worry. I am fine now and the situation is under control." The background sound persisted.
Shizuru frowned as her face grew stoney. "Where are you? I will go and find you."
"You don't have to come. I am fine now."
"Give me the address." Shizuru persisted as anger flashed across her eyes.
Fuuka Elderly Home Care.
That was the last thing Shizuru heard before the line went dead.
Shizuru griped the steering wheel tight as she sped her way towards the destination. She grabbed the steering wheel tight, her knuckles paled from the force exerted.
What was she doing there? A case? But then she shouldn't be able to pick up her call.
Possibilities of what could have happened to Natsuki flashed through her mind. Imagines of a broken and bleeding Natsuki had Shizuru pressing her accelerator.
Shizuru followed the directions provided by the GPS and came to a stop outside the elderly care home.
Ditching the car, Shizuru quickly stepped out of the car and entered the elderly care home.
The moment she stepped in, she could hear screams and grunts echoing through the hallway. Shizuru frown and quickened her pace. There wasn't anyone at the reception and Shizuru quickly turned and strode in the direction where the sound was coming from.
There were some elderly loitering along the walkway, some with walking sticks while others on wheelchairs, peering out of their rooms trying to see the source of noise. And occasionally whispering to each other, wondering what had happened. And Shizuru's appearance caused another stir as they wondered who this beautiful visitor was.
Shizuru ignored the stares and came to a stop in front of a room, the source of the screams. There were many elderly crowding at the door, looking on at the commotion inside.
"Excuse me." A polite request that was completely different from the messy commotion in the room. People turned and instinctively part ways for the red eye beauty.
Shizuru took a quick glance around the room and her attention quickly narrowed to Natsuki who was now pale and panting, leaning against the wall at a corner. She was panting and sweats were covering her face. And Mai was standing beside Natsuki, pressing a towel hard against Natsuki's arm.
Shizuru frowned as her lip tightened when her eyes landed on the towel on Natsuki's arm. The once blue colour towel was now soaked red.
She was injured!
Concern and some unknown feelings grew rapidly within her. And for a moment, something inside Shizuru nearly snapped as she saw blood dripping down from the blood soaked towel. Shizuru balled her hands into a fist and tightened it. There was an urge to leash out at whoever had injured Natsuki.
Shizuru narrowed her eyes as she took in a deep breath to control hers anger. This is not the time to loss control. Shizuru took a step forward and walked towards Natsuki.
Ignoring the stares and the commotion in the room, Shizuru walked past others, towards Natsuki.
Natsuki looked up and was surprised to see Shizuru. "Shizuru? Why are here?" Natsuki asked, surprised to see Shizuru here.
"I told you I would be here."
"Yiyeah… You did.. But..." Natsuki said but stopped in mid-sentence.
"But?" Shizuru arched one of her eyebrows, waiting for an explanation.
Natsuki shook her head and smiled as she straightened. She had no intention of telling Shizuru that she wasn't expecting her at all despite her earlier phone call. "I was just... surprise that you reach here so quickly." Natsuki replied, her eyes avoiding Shizuru's.
To be honest, the earlier phone call from Shizuru came as a surprise too. She did not expect Shizuru to contact her at all. In fact, Natsuki thought Shizuru was avoiding her. Natsuki had tried contacting Shizuru a few times after Ishigami's case, inviting Shizuru out for dinner to thank her for her help. But each time Shizuru would decline citing school work as the reason. And after the few attempts, Natsuki gave up having gotten the hint that Shizuru was not interested in keeping contact at all. Natsuki wasn't the type of person that was overly sensitive but through Shizuru's curt replies, Natsuki sensed that Shizuru hadn't want to remain in contact. Natsuki had enough pride in her not to go begging for attention from Shizuru when Shizuru made it clear that she was not interested in remaining friends. Puzzled and perhaps with some anger and sadness, Natsuki stopped all form of contact with Shizuru.
This explained why she was surprise when Shizuru first called her asking for her location and even more surprise when Shizuru turned up in the end. Even though Natsuki wasn't expecting Shizuru, she was glad to see her again, even under this situation. But her pride prevented her from showing it. She wasn't too happy with Shizuru to say the least. And there was some resentment too. Who was she to come as she wants and end all contact when she gets bored.
Shizuru frowned. She can sense that Natsuki wasn't telling the truth. Natsuki was avoiding her eyes.
Shizuru opened her mouth, wanting to say something but paused and closed it instead. This was not the time to pick on this. And there were also some things she could not tell Natsuki. Not until she sorted out her thoughts and feelings.
"Stay still. Let me take a look at your injury." Shizuru reached out to the bloodied towel.
"It's ok. I'm fine." Natsuki put her hand forward to stop Shizuru. "The bleeding will stop in a while."
"Let me take a look just in case."
"I am really fine." Natsuki insisted as she brushed Shizuru's hand away. "It is just a small cut."
Shizuru's lips tightened. Natsuki was being stubborn now. "A small cut? Enough for your blood to soak the whole towel red?"
There was a moment of silence. It was a fact that she was bleeding profusely. Natsuki could not deny it.
"I will go see a doctor after this." Once again brushing off Shizuru offer for help. Pushing her away, Natsuki stood up from the wall but wobbled slightly. She was feeling slightly giddy.
Shizuru's temper snapped as she reached out her hand to grab Natsuki's injured arm, near her wound and gave it little squeeze.
Natsuki hissed in pain.
"Don't be stubborn Natsuki. I am not sure why you rejected my help but for now you are badly injured. Let me help you. If there is anything that you are unhappy about, we can talk about it later on after your wound is treated."
Natsuki remained still, willing to cooperate with Shizuru.
All the way Mai was standing next to them, looking slightly puzzled. Did she miss out something? Why did she have the feeling that they were talking about something else besides treating the wound.
Shizuru bent towards Natsuki and she stiffened and tried to pull back. Ignoring that, Shizuru moved closer and gently unwrapped the blood soaked towel on Natsuki's arm. Natsuki sucked in her breathe as the movement of the towel rubbed against her wound.
Shizuru arched her brow at Natsuki. I thought you claimed you were fine?
Understanding the look that Shizuru was giving her, Natsuki turned away, ignoring the looks. But not before Shizuru saw the slight pout on Natsuki's face. Shizuru smiled.
Through the strong coppery smell of blood, Natsuki could smell some tint of floral scant coming from Shizuru. A scant that was soothing and has a calming effect. Despite the pain, Natsuki instinctively leaned forward slightly to get a closer smell of the scant.
"Stop moving." Shizuru commanded as she examined the wound, obviously having caught the movement.
And immediately, Natsuki flushed. Embarrassed, Natsuki turned her head sideways, looking away.
There was a bite mark on Natsuki's arm and a small part of her flesh was bitten off. Blood, black in colour, continued to oozed out from the wound, and there was no sign of stopping.
Shizuru's face tightened.
"Can we move to another room?" Shizuru turned to Mai and said. "I need some place quiet to take care of Natsuki's wound."
"Wait." Natsuki put out her hand to stop Shizuru. Seeing that Shizuru was about to speak, Natsuki continued, "I know that my wound require immediate treatment. But I need to check on Ouji-san first."
"Ouji-san?" Shizuru asked as she turned for the first time since entering to look at the commotion a few feet away from them. "How is he related to you?"
There was a thin elderly man lying on the bed and it seemed he was the one causing all these commotions all along. He was struggling against the nurses who were trying their best to restrain him. And surprisingly, the five male nurses surrounding the old man were having difficulty subduing him, a surprise given that he was a frail old man.
The elderly man turned to one of the male nurses closest to him and took a bite on the nurse's wrist. The nurse cursed and sweared as he tried to free his wrist from the old man.
It was clear now who was the culprit that injured Natsuki.
"He is my uncle, my mother's younger brother. I don't know what happened. Ouji-san was fine earlier on and then suddenly out of the blue, he turns violent, biting anyone within reach."
The nurses trying to restrain him were in no better condition than Natsuki. There were scratches and bite marks on their hands too.
And in between the struggle, the elderly man would let a high pitched scream, hardly belonging to that of human. His pupils dilated and filled with craziness as he struggled against the nurses surrounding him.
Shizuru stood up from where she was and took a step closer. She cocked her head sideway as she studied the elderly man. Her eyes intense.
"Not so close. They might not be able to restrain Ouji-san." Natsuki reached out her non-injured hand to pull at Shizuru.
And for that brief moment, the intensity in Shizuru's eyes faded. "Don't worry. I will be fine."
The struggle stopped momentarily as the elderly man took his eyes off Natsuki to return Shizuru's stare. With his eyes on Shizuru, he bared his teeth liked an animal and gave a low animal-like growl, like some kind of warning.
The stares continued for a few moment until Shizuru broke the contact and turned to face Natsuki. "We can handle that later on. I will help you with it."
Surprise then followed by worries as realization struck Natsuki. That if there was anything that Shizuru was good at resolving, it would be Black Magic. She took a glance at Ouji-san as worries weighted heavily on her heart. He was the only relative she was left with.
However the moment her eyes met Ouji-san's, his struggle renewed, more vigorously this time round as he lurched forward, trying to break free of the confinement and lunged at Natsuki. The nurses cursed as they renewed their effort to restrain him. Had he not been a paid client, they would have throw punches at him.
"Come with me for now. I will handle it after we get your wound cleaned."
"Listen to Shizuru. Come on" Mai urged as she gave Natsuki a nudge.
And with some help from Shizuru, the two of them managed to moved Natsuki out of the room. But before they stepped out of the room, Natsuki paused at the bottom of the bed and stared at the elderly man. "Ouji-san?"
But the man only growled at her as he continued his struggle.
"We will treat your wound first. The rest we can handle it later." Shizuru cajoled as she guided Natsuki out of the room. Not before giving the elderly man a stare.
The old man quivered for a moment. But once the three of them stepped out of the room, the struggle and screams renewed as the nurses attempted to hold him down and inject him with tranquilizer.
In the other room, Shizuru sat Natsuki down on a chair and gently unwrapped the towel on Natsuki's arm. Natsuki grimaced in pain. The flesh around the wound was curled outward and beginning to turn black.
Shizuru's eyes narrowed, glistening. Someone will have to pay for this.
"Face the other side." Shizuru gestured with her face. "It would be less painful for you that way."
Natsuki chewed on her lips as if debating whether she could bare the pain.
"Come on. Be a good girl and listen to me." Shizuru repeated and gently reached out her hands to tilt Natsuki's face so she would face the other side. "It could be slightly painful but just bear with it alright?"
Natsuki flushed but nodded. What's with the sudden gentleness!? She wasn't going to forgive Shizuru just because of this.
Shizuru glanced at Mai and their eyes met.
And right in front of Mai, Shizuru took out a thin bamboo tube and unsealed the talisman covering it. And this time round, a thin greenish red leech crawled its way out of the bamboo tube and onto Natsuki's arm. As if instructed, the leech crawled its way to the wound and into Natsuki's flesh!
Mai stifled a gasp as her face paled when she saw the leech crawl out of the tube. She was pondering the purpose of that look Shizuru gave her earlier on. And now she knew why. Her face turned a shade greener when she saw the leech crawled into Natsuki's flesh. Mai could see the faint outline of the leech underneath the skin, wriggling around. Mai turned her face away. She was not sure if she could continue looking on.
Mai had decided. Natsuki will never come within three feet of her !
Natsuki flinched when she felt a prick on the wound. And then she felt a moment of lightheadedness.
Natsuki flinched but bit down hard on lip.
Blood continued to ooze out of the wound but slower this time round. And the blood that came out was slightly of a healthier colour now. This continued for a while until the colour was a natural red. And the bleeding finally slowed to a stop.
And soon the leech wriggled its way out of Natsuki's skin, looking obviously thicker and longer in size. And slowly, it crawled its way into the bamboo tube.
And for a moment, Mai had the insane thought that the leech looked quite satisfied as it made its way in. But thank goodness Natsuki did not see that. No doubt, she would rather have her hand severed than being touched by a leech.
Shizuru then took out a bottle and poured some white powder onto the wound.
Natsuki took a sharp breath as she felt stinging pain at the wound area.
"Your wound should be clean now." Shizuru said as she bandage the wound carefully. "You have lost quite a lot of blood and most likely feel a bit lightheaded now. Nothing serious. You will probably need some rest. And try to avoid getting your wound wet for the next three days."
"Thanks…" Natsuki said and look away. She wanted to said more but wasn't sure what else to say. Particularly when there was unsettle issue between them and this was also not the place for them to talk about it. But thankfully, the awkwardness was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Mai moved to open the door and a balding man in his 40s entered the room. He was the director of this elderly home and he was perspiring profusely as he spoke, "Kuga-san, the situation is temporary under our control. We have managed to subdue him for now and inject him with tranquilizer. He has calm down for now. But the medication does not seem to have much effect on him though. We suspect that when the medication wear off, we might have difficulty holding your Ouji-san down and he might renew his attacked again. He is not responding very well to the sedative. So the doctors suggest an increase dosage of the sedative to stop him from hurting others and at the same time seek additional medical support from the hospital. But before we can administer the drug, we would need the next-of-kin approval and signature."
"Will there be complication to Ouji-san's health because of the increased dosage?" Natsuki asked as worries crowded her green eyes.
"Can I take a look at him? I may be able to help." Shizuru interrupted and offered her help.
"I would suggest you not to do so unless you are a trained doctor." The director advised as he frowned. Doubt clearly etched on his face, obviously doubting what a young lady can do when their nurses and doctors can't even solve the situation. "The patient is currently very violent now. I would say extremely to be more accurate."
"Let her see my uncle. She might be able to help."
"Hmmm… " Skepticism clearly evident on his face. "I would not encourage this Miss."
"We will just take a look at Ouji-san." Natsuki insisted.
"Hmm… Alright then. But I'd have to caution you, the hospice will not be held responsible if she is injured." Reluctantly, the Director agreed.
"I understand."
"Alright. Please follow me then." The man frowned but led the way
Natsuki stood up to follow them but paled and wobbled the moment she stood up, feeling lightheaded from the loss of blood.
"Here, lean on me." Shizuru offered herself as she moved to stand at her uninjured side.
Together they made their way to find Natsuki's uncle.
Natsuki entered and saw her uncle tied on all four with ropes tied to the bed. There was also a cloth stuff into his mouth.
As if sensing Natsuki's presence, the elderly man wiped his head to the door, looking straight at Natsuki. He growled at her and the struggle resumed, albit slightly more sluggish and less aggressive as he attempted to loosen the rope. There were red abrasion marks on his hands and legs.
Natsuki took in the whole situation and frowned. Ouji-san was her only relative and she did not want to see her only relative tied up in this manner, regardless of the situation.
"This is only temporary. Once he is better sedated we will move him to a more appropriate room with proper restraints." The director explained, after taking in the displeasure on Natsuki's face.
"I maybe able to help. But I would like everyone to clear the room first?" Shizuru requested.
"I would not encourage this Miss." The director stepped forward and intervened. "It is really too dangerous. In the case that he breaks free of the restrains, there will be no one to help restrained him. And I won't be responsible if you are injured as a result of this. And not to say…"
"Lets just clear the room for her." Natsuki interrupted the director and started to leave. But the the director stood in front of Natsuki, blocking her, preventing her from exiting the room.
"Kuga-san, the patient is currently classified as dangerous. He is very aggressive." The director reiterated. "He poses a threat to others. I cannot guarantee your friend's safety if left alone with the patient. And we will not be held responsible if anything happens to her."
Natsuki glanced at Shizuru and then replied, "I will be responsible." And with that Natsuki sidestepped and made her way to the door.
"Natsuki can stay. The rest will clear the room."
The two of them were the only ones in the room now and their attentions were focused on the man in the bed. He pulled and tugged at the ropes around his wrists and ankles and growled at Natsuki. There was a wild look in his eyes and perhaps some hint of hatred.
"Ouji-san…" Natsuki called out but hesitate and took a few steps back when he tried to lunge at her.
Natsuki turned to Shizuru, "Shizuru, did something happen to Ouji-san?"
And this time round the man's attention was on Shizuru. He snarled and growled as if trying to caution her against any intervention.
Shizuru had no intention of retreating despite the threat.
"Not so close!" Natsuki cautioned and instinctively move her non-injured arm to pull Shizuru towards her.
Natsuki knew Shizuru was more capable than anyone to handle this situation. But still she could not help but worry that Shizuru might injury herself. And she disliked having to let Shizuru face the danger alone.
Shizuru's attention was broken by the interruption. Warmed by Natsuki's action, Shizuru's soften as she patted Natsuki's shoulder. "Don't worry. I will be careful." Shizuru said and gently guided Natsuki to stand a distance from her. Shizuru turned to look at Natsuki's Ouji-san, her usual polite smile on her face. "Would you like to come out now or are you waiting for me to force you out?"
The man hesitated for a second and renewed his struggled and growled at Shizuru.
"Ara… A mere being like you baring its fangs at me?" The smile remained on Shizuru's face. "Allow me repeat again. Would you like to come out on your own?"
The man bared his teeth as Shizuru and growled again.
"Stubborn!" Shizuru said as she moved her right hand to her pocket. With a flicked of her wrist, a talisman appeared in her hand, held between her forefinger and middle finger. And with another quick flick, Shizuru threw the talisman at the old man.
Natsuki thought that the thin flimsy paper would have landed on the floor instead. But to her surprise, the thin flimsy piece of paper flew towards Ouji-san and landed squarely on his chest.
Caught by surprise, the old man could only stare blankly at the yellow piece of paper on his chest. Following that his face contorted in pain as he struggled on the bed, his movement restricted by the ropes around him. He tried to lung at Shizuru but was again pulled back by the ropes. Natsuki looked on by the side, ready to pull Shizuru away in the case the rope snapped. The old man let out sharp screech before collapsing back onto the bed, falling completely unconscious.
"Ouji-san!" Natsuki called out from the side, wondering if she should move toward the bed. Natsuki hesitated.
But given that she was not standing too far away, she could clearly see Shizuru staring into a empty space and talking to it, as if there was someone or something at that empty spot.
And instinctively Natsuki knew that whatever it was, it was something not good. Because the moment Ouji-san collapsed onto the bed, temperature in the room plunged and the hair on her arms and neck stood on ends. Natsuki rubbed her hands up and down the arms as chills ran down her spin. Suddenly a thought struck her and her face paled considerably. Oh shit! Natsuki cursed silently. I hope it's not what I thought it is.
And with that thought, Natsuki squinted her eyes at that spot which Shizuru was looking at and surprisingly if she tried hard enough she could see some fade outline at that empty spot.
"Interesting ne… It's rare nowadays to see a Gui Wang [gui: ghost ; wang: king]." Shizuru said as she took in the appearance of the creature standing in front of her.
It had the appearance of a young toddler, of about two to three years old. But instead of a sweet looking and cuddly toddler, the sight of the creature in front of Shizuru was definitely something to behold. The creature in front of her was pale, very pale. And it was bald with hardly any hair on its head. Instead of hair covering the head, there were pronounced thin red and greenish veins creeping all over the bald head. The slightly chubby face was pale and the eyes were completely black with no pupils. It stood there staring at Shizuru with anger in its eyes. It was restricted earlier on when it was in the old man's body. But now that it is out, it planned to pay Shizuru back for all the pain the talismen caused.
It opened its mouth to let out a high pitch screech, revealing tiny sharp teeths, the teeths
mirroring those of animals. It was standing on its two chubby feet but the nails on its feet and hands were long, sharp and black. It looked like a single swing of the hand could easily slice off a person's hand. The look of a toddler, but a powerful tool used by some Black Magicians. It was known to be strong and agile. No wonder the male nurses had difficulties subduing Natsuki's Ouji-san earlier on when it took over the control of his body.
The creature glared at Shizuru, baring its teeth at her. It bended its knees, getting ready to pounce on its prey. But Shizuru shook her head. "I won't do that if I were you." And as she said that, Shizuru took out another talismen.
Having experienced what the talisman could do, the creature hesitated and took a step backward, cocking its head sideway as if pondering its next step, weighing the possible danger.
It studied Shizuru for a while and then decided that she wasn't the focus and turned its attention to Natsuki instead. She was the reason why it was here.
It opened its mouth and let out a loud screech and bend to pounce on Natsuki who was just a few metres aways.
Anticipating this, Shizuru sidestepped to stand in front of Natsuki, her eyes glowing a dangerous red. "Wrong should not have picked on her."
The Gui Wang's actions only just confirmed Shizuru's suspicions.
Shizuru did not give the creature any time for alternative action as she threw the next talisman at it.
The yellow talisman disappeared the moment it touched the Gui Wang as the yellow paper quickly dissolved into itsbody. Shock, it stared at its stomach, the part where the talisman dissolved into, as it tried to comprehend what had just happened. But moment later, it writhed on the floor, screeching in pain and started scratching it's stomach as if it could pry its body open to remove the talisman. Its collapsed onto the floor and curled up in agony. And then a source of bright light suddenly appeared from within its body. The light slowly become brighter and brighter until it finally engulfed its body. The moment the light swallowed the creature, it started to compress in size and become smaller and smaller in size with little change in brightness. And finally, the light compressed to the size of a fist before it dimmed off to reveal a small origami star, situated at where the Gui Wang was earlier on.
Natsuki saw Shizuru moving to stand in front of her before it was immediately followed by a bright light..
"Shizuru?" Natsuki asked as she saw Shizuru bending down to pick up the origami star and put it into a small test tube.
"What just happened?" Natsuki asked, wobbling slightly as she slowly made her way to Shizuru. Shit… She was feeling a bit giddy.
Shizuru quickly reached out her hand and grabbed hold of Natsuki's arm to steady her. Shizuru's hand was met with an overly warm skin. "I will explain it later when we are in the car." Shizuru replied. "Let's get you home first. You look like you needed some rest."
"But Ouji-san." Natsuki turned her head once again to look at her only relative. "Is he going to be alright?"
"He is. Dont worry. I think it is you who needed more rest." Shizuru insisted as placed her palm on Natsuki's forehead. Her forehead warm to the touch. Her body immune system has kicked in to fight the venom from the bite on her arm. "And you are running a fever now." Shizuru said as she guided Natsuki to the door.
Shizuru opened the door and found Mai and the director standing outside the door.
"Just the right person I am looking for. Director-san, I think Natsuki's Ouji-sama is feeling better now. Could I trouble you to help take proper care of him?"
"He is!?" Shock, the director sidestepped Shizuru and entered the room to see Natsuki's Ouji-san lying peacefully on the bed. He hadn't expected the young lady to be able to help.
"Ouji-sama is resting now. We will come again soon. In the meantime, we will leave first so that Ouji-sama could have a proper rest. We will leave Ouji-sama in your care." With that Shizuru quickly bundled Natsuki into the backseat of car together with Mai as the driver.
"What was that Shizuru?" Natsuki asked again as she leaned her head against the car window, feeling slightly weak and sleepy. She felt powerless once again when she found herself helpless in this situation. "And what happened to Ouji-san?"
"Possession." Shizuru said, a term that was not all new to everyone.
"Possession? Like the ones we see in the movies? Like er… you know that movie? The Possession of Emily Rose?" Surprised, Mai took her eyes off the road momentarily to look at Shizuru. "Where demons possessed a person and take control of him or her?"
"That comes from the Western movies. But the idea is similar. In the East, possession occur when evil spirits or ghosts take over the human body. It all started in the ancient days where human has a history of keeping Xiao Gui [Xiao: little; Gui: ghost] to reap good karma. Xiao Gui are ghosts or spirits of young children or babies. They normally died from an unnatural death such as abortions or accidents when they were very young. And these Xiao Gui may not be able to move on to the afterlife. So people would house them by providing a medium for the spirit to stay in. The medium could be the form of doll or status. Keeping and rearing them is easy. You would only need to leave a cup of milk out for them weekly. And these Xiao Gui would help the families that house them thus accumulating good karma from helping human. Accumulation of good karma would enable them to move on to the afterlife. Families who house these Xiao Gui could ask the Xiao Gui for blessings from prosperity to wealth to harmony within the household to anything that is within the power of the Xiao Gui."
The hair on Natsuki's neck stood when she imagined herself living with spirits.
Even though she was the one who brought up this, she could not seem to keep her attention on it as her body started to grow sluggish and tired. She rolled her foreheads on the glass panel, feeling the cool panel against her warm skin. And slowly Natsuki drifted off to sleep, her head leaning against the window.
Shizuru took a sideway glance at Natsuki and paused in her explanation as she moved to sit closer to her. Shizuru then moved her arms around Natsuki and gently tilted her head so that Natsuki could lay her head more comfortably on Shizuru's shoulder. And all the while, Natsuki was in deep slumber.
Shizuru glanced up and saw Mai staring at them through the rear mirror. Shizuru smiled and continued in a softer tone.
"But unfortunately, human motivated by greed devised ways to create Xiao Gui and control them for their own benefits. Black magicians sought ways to control Xiao Gui and then use them to satisfy their own desire for money, fame, power and woman. One of the easiest way to create Xiao Gui was go excavate coffins of recent deceased child or toddler and extract the fifth rib bone for male and the seventh rib bone for female. And then using the bone, carve it into the shape of a toddler or child and tie it with red string. The Black Magician will then put the statue of the toddler or child into a small wooden coffin engraved with spells. Together with the coffin and statue, place them on an altar and chant a spell. For every three incantation, the Black Magician will have to kneel down and kowtow. Do that for three days and the recently deceased child's spirit will be bounded to the statue and will do your binding. Treat the Xiao Gui as if they are members of your family. Offer them meals three times a day. But at the same you have to worship them, you have place them at a higher level than your ancestral in the altar. Give them offerings such as sweets, milk, cookies, clothes and toys. And they will do as you instruct. And you will be surprise of the people who keep Xiao Gui in their house. Businessman, singers and artists. They keep Xiao Gui to help them obtain money, power, fame and women. Businessmen use Xiao Gui to steal top business secrets and seal deals. Artists and singers use them to secure acting roles and songs. Anyone possesses by Xiao Gui would be under the control of the Xiao Gui and the Black Magicians. Even the most prim and proper lady can turn into a vixen under possession. They are good weapons for attack. You have seen firsthand earlier on how strong Ouji-sama became after being possessed. Even the five male nurses had difficulty holding him down."
"Natsuki's Ouji-san is possessed by one?" Mai asked.
"Yes he was. He was possessed by one. And because of the possession, he became stronger. And his attacks are venomous too. A simple scratch from them can cause a person to fall ill. And a bite from them, if not treated properly, could have long lasting impact on the health."
The moment Shizuru said that, the car jerked and came into a halt in the middle of the road. Horns came loud and clear from the cars behind them.
Shizuru quickly move to hold onto the handle at the car door, trapping Natsuki within her arms, and at the same time hugged Natsuki tight, preventing Natsuki from hitting the front seat.
Mai had panic upon hearing Shizuru's explanation and she had slammed the car break, causing car to jerk and stalled.
"Shit!" Mai turned over and took a look at Natsuki, shock and panic evident in her eyes. "Shit! Natsuki! We need to send Natsuki to the hospital now! She was bitten by Ouji-san earlier on!"
The fact that Natsuki wasn't awake despite the commotion added to her panic.
Mai turned and quickly restarted the car engine, her hand shaking.
"Hold on Mai." Shizuru reached to put her hand over Mai's shoulder. Her voice calm amidst the blair and honking of cars as they bypassed Mai's car.
"Natsuki is fine. Don't worry."
"She's fine? But she is unconscious!" Mai pointed out. "She fainted!"
"She was just sleeping. Her body trying to mend itself after the attack. If you remember I cleaned her wound earlier and removed all traces of venom." Shizuru continued on after seeing the doubt still lingering in Mai's eyes. "She is fine. I promise you and I would not risk Natsuki's life."
There was a momentary struggle going on within Mai before she finally accepted that Shizuru may be right.
Mai acknowledged it and turned to restart the engine. But then turned back once again. "What about those nurses? They were bitten too."
There was momentary silence.
"The hospice will have to provide paid medical leave for them then. My concern is with Natsuki now."
"Right. I see." Mai arched her brow as she tried to digest the meaning of Shizuru's words. She slowly restart the engine. "Er… you were saying something just now before I interrupted you. About Xiao Gui possessing Ouji-san."
"He was. The possession gave Ouji-sama the strength and also the venom. But the creature that possessed Ouji-sama was something more powerful than Xiao Gui. Some Black Magicians are not satisfied by mere Xiao Gui. They sought to have stronger ones that are more power and the end product is Gui Wang [Gui: ghost ; Wang: King]. The criteria needed to create and rear Gui Wang is much more stringent. To create one, the Black Magicians must find two young deceased toddlers, remove the third rib bone for the male and fifth for the female. For it to have the best effect, it is better to use twins, a boy and a girl. Find a pregnant lady with twins, at the seventh month of her pregnancy, pry open her stomach and remove the two foetus."
Mai cringed at the image of slicing open the tummy of a pregnant woman.
"Kill the twins and repeat the same steps needed to create Xiao Gui. However, three months after that, the Black Magician has to place the two statues into one single and bigger coffin. Start the incantation. Xiao Gui are very territorial and dislike anyone infringing into their territory. Putting two into one coffin will force them to fight against one another. The stronger one that wins will swallow the weaker one becoming the Gui Wang. A cruel yet powerful method of creating Gui Wang."
The hairs on Mai's hands and neck stood when Shizuru detailed the process. Such cruel and dark practices. Mai thought.
There was silence in the car as Mai pondered over the information. "But why are you telling me all these?" Mai took her eyes off the road for a moment and glanced at Shizuru over the rearview mirror, meeting Shizuru's eyes, trying to guess the reason for Shizuru's detailed explanation. "I remember Natsuki told me earlier on that you were hesitant to reveal more information about Black Magic to her while we were working undercover. It is not simply as to satisfy my curiosity right?"
Mai was a sharp one.
Shizuru turned to look pensively out of the window into the bright afternoon sky. "Gui Wang and Xiao Gui normally don't go around attacking others unless instructed by their masters. Either that or people may have unintentionally offended the Gui Wang in the first place, such as infringing into their territory."
"And for ouji-san's case…?"
But there was no reply from Shizuru.
Mai contemplated before commenting, "Are you suggesting that someone ordered the possession of Ouji-san which then led to an attack on Natsuki?"
"Maybe, maybe not. I won't be able to tell." Came Shizuru's pensive reply.
Only Shizuru knew the truth. The Gui Wang had come after Natsuki.
There was a long silence in the car.
"Could it be Ishigami and his sister?"
"Not possible." a definite reply. "Tomoe is ill now and Ishigami is unable to do that. He lost his ability to perform any black magic." Shizuru replied as she recalled her earlier visit to Ishigami's house.
"Then is Natsuki in some form of danger?"
"I am not sure. We might need to monitor the situation first."
Silence returned to the car once again as Mai mulled over Shizuru's reply.
Why had the situation turned so complex suddenly? Mai thought. Black Magic was never part of their lives but now it seemed to be a common occurrence.
"We are here." Mai finally said as she parked the car into the underground carpark.
"Natsuki… Wake up… We are at your house now." Shizuru went to other side to open the door. She patted Natsuki's face.
Natsuki's eyes fluttered open to reveal clouded green eyes. "We are?"
"Hai. We will get you home and you can rest after that."
Natsuki nodded groggily and moved to get off the car. But she tripped and nearly toppled. Lucky for Natsuki, Shizuru was at the other side to catch here. "Hey hey, be careful. Alright… I have got you."
With each of Natsuki's arm over their shoulders, Shizuru and Mai moved Natsuki's into her house and gently laid her on the bed.
"Natsuki is a bit feverish now. Her immune system is kicking in to fight against the venom. But she should be fine by tomorrow." Shizuru said as she touched her palm to Natsuki's forehead. Feeling something cool against her head, Natsuki instinctively rubbed her head against the cool surfaces. And for a moment Shizuru's heart skipped a bit.
"Mai-san, I need to leave to settle something and will be back later into the night. I can help look after Natsuki for the night."
"That's good. We can take turns taking care of her." Mai welcomed the idea of Shizuru helping out. Her knowledge of Black Magic could come in handy if Natsuki was in danger.
Shizuru existed from Natsuki's apartment and saw Mikoto standing next to her car, waiting for her. She had texted Mikoto earlier on to pick up her car from the elderly care home and wait for her here. She needed to make a trip down to see the Elder now.
Shizuru sat at the backseat of the car as Mikoto slowly maneuvered the car towards the new destination. She leaned against the leather seat and closed her eyes, looking as if she was asleeped.
But Shizuru was thinking. Images flashed through her mind as she recalled all the incidents that took place ever since Natsuki entered into her life and today's incident only confirm her suspicion.
All the things that happened seemed to be too coincidental. While she believed in karma and retribution, all the incidents that brought them together were too timely to be just called coincidental. Either it was fate or someone had a hand in all the events up to date.
And her instincts told her it was the latter.
Shizuru began to list down the sequence of events that brought them together.
The two of them first met because Natsuki was investigating a case involving the Viola Family. The corpse of her deceased sister-in-law was stolen then and Natsuki was the officer in charge of the case. And even though, the police had retrieved her sister-in-law's remain, there was still some unresolved mysteries surrounding that incident. Shizuru's own investigation into this case suggested that someone might have set out to sabotage Shiho's coffin, casting a vicious spell on Shiho, trapping her in the coffin, turning her spirit into a vengeful one. But who would do that? And why?
And then there was Yuuiki Nao, Natsuki's cousin. She was caught stabbing a dead corpse. But why was the corpse in the university toilet the first place? And why was it there for a long time without anyone discovering it?
And right after that incident, someone had placed a Black Magic on Natsuki. That was Natsuki's first, but not the last contact with Black Magic.
Then subsequently, Natsuki was asked to handle a case at the university Shizuru was studying in. They had initially thought it to be like other normal case of murder but the more they delved into it, the more they discovered that its link to Black Magic. And Natsuki was pulled deeper into the realm of Black Magic. This high frequency contact with Black Magic always left Natsuki injured.
And somehow along the way, Shizuru realized that she began to care for Natsuki more than anticipated. She worried then, that her continuous involvement with Natsuki could only bring Natsuki more harm. Natsuki was only a normal civilian and she had no idea the ruthlessness of Black Magic.
And so immediately after Ishigami's case, Shizuru started to distance herself from Natsuki, which was why she declined all of Natsuki's invites. Shizuru had not doubt that Natsuki must be hurt by her action.
But for Natsuki's safety and to protect her from more harms that might come along the way if Natsuki continued to hang around her, she must distance herself from Natsuki. For she, Fujino Shizuru, had ties to Black Magic. She was going to be the head of the Fujino Clan, one of the leading clan well well known for Black Magic.
Yet when Shizuru chose to part way with Natsuki, fate seemed to intervene and today's event pulled the the two of them together once again.
The moment she heard that Natsuki was injured, she had rushed down immediately to see her. The need to know that she was safe was never stronger. Even postponing the meeting with the Elder.
Shizuru sighed. This concerns she had for someone else was something she was unprepared for. And this foreign feeling she had for Natsuki was rather unsettling for her.
But regardless, Shizuru was glad that she came to see Natsuki. At least she knew Natsuki was safe in the end.
But this incident at the elderly care home only confirmed Shizuru's suspicion about things.
The sequence of events was too timely to be just called coincidental, which arose Shizuru's suspicion. How coincidental can it be?
When Shizuru thought they would drift apart, Black Magic brought them back once again. And Natsuki was injured. Remembering today's event had Shizuru clenching her fist. Whoever sent the Gui Wang, he or she better be prepared. That person had set out deliberately to injure Natsuki. Shizuru would take this as a threat for injuring her friend.
Just friend huh?
Shizuru opened her eyes and stared out of the car window, hardly taking in the passing scenery. Her eyes pensive.
Or something more?
Her power in Black Magic and the Fujino legacy had made her fearful in the eyes of both the Black Magicians and normal civilians. They feared the power she wielded and had viewed her as someone different. Not an outcast. Just someone different. Although her adopted family members, the Violas, treated her as part of the family but she could still sense the cautiousness whenever they approached her. They saw her as someone who wielded supernatural power. Others who knew about her true identity as the heir to the Fujino Clan feared her, for her power and talent as a Black Magician and the clan she will helm in the future. But with Natsuki, it was different. Natsuki saw her as a person, one made from flesh and blood like any human being. Natsuki would be the first to stand in front of her to protect her whenever there was danger. Despite knowing that she was capable of handing Black Magic, Natsuki never for once see her as someone different.
But Shizuru was not sure what she should do with Natsuki. This person who suddenly stumbled into her life had stirred some foreign feelings within her, a feeling that she was not sure if she should explore further.
And much as Shizuru did not want to acknowledge, deep within her, there was a hint of uncertainty about their relationship. She wondered if their relationship might change when Natsuki knew she wasn't just well versed in White Magic but also with Black Magic. The same Black Magic that harmed many innocent lives.
All of Natsuki's actions were based on her limited knowledge of Shizuru. What Natsuki did not know was that, Shizuru was not as innocent as Natsuki thought to be. Her hands were never clean. She, Fujino Shizuru, was a Black Magician too. She knew how to deal with Black Magic, because she too, knew how to cast one.
What would Natsuki think if she knew I knew Black Magic. Natsuki was a police. Her responsibility as the police required her to protect and serve. Her innate sense of duty required her to act against any injustice. Would Natsuki still see her as who she was after knowing she was involved in Black Magic?
This uncertainty has weighed heavily in her heart all the while.
"Shizuru-sama, we are here." Mikoto interrupted Shizuru's thought as she pulled the car to a stop next to a modest suburban house. It was located a distance away from the city. And just next to the pavement was a thin fatherly elderly man in his 60s sitting on his stool and pruning his plants.
Mikoto opened the car door and Shizuru alighted from it. Together with Mikoto, Shizuru walked towards him and gave a deep bow. "Gokigenyou, Ouji-sama."
The man looked up in surprise.
"Haha… Shizuru is here! Come on in. Come on in!" The man gestured to Shizuru as he led her into the house and into his study room.
"Wait for me outside in the car." Shizuru instructed Mikoto before stepped into the study room.
Shizuru walked into the room and the old man had already settled himself comfortably behind the desk in a leather chair.
The study room was filled with the smell of leather, beeswax and hint of tobacco. Bookshelves filled with books lined one side of the wall. Some of the books were bound in leather while others were in hardcopy. And some of the them were in foreign language. And all the books were old with most of the pages turning yellow.
Shizuru stood patiently in front of the desk as the man slowly took out a tin can. He then opened the tin can and pinched some dried leaves from the can onto a piece of thin white paper and rolled it into a stick. He put the stick into his mouth and lighted it. "Come Shizuru. Sit down!" Don't just stand there. Be at home!" The man spoke and waved his hand at Shizuru while puffing away happily.
"It has been a long time since I last saw you young lady! How is the Viola family treating you? Good I hope?" The man continued as he took another puff. "I don't know what your Okaa-san was thinking when she was having you. Taking you away and hide the both of you in the Viola family. And not to say, force you into learning Black Magic. You are talented with White Magic I would say."
"I guess Okaa-sama has her own views then. And I was able to learn both the Black and White magic anyway." Shizuru replied respectfully.
"Yes yes… you are a talented young lady Shizuru. No doubt about it! One of the few that can learn more than one aspect of White and Black Magic. Its rare to have this talent."
Black Magic was classified into five sects and normally, it was impossible for one to learn more than one. Each form of Black Magic has its own unique skills such that it was difficult for a Black Magician to learn more than one sect. A really talented Black Magician might at most be able to pick up two. However. for Shizuru, she was one of the rare genius who was able to master three out of the five aspects of Black Magic. Not just that, Shizuru was also the only one in the history of Fujino Clan who was capable of mastering both the Black and White Magic. It was close to impossible to learn both the White and Black Magic together. They were two different spectrum. The skills between the two were too contrasting that should one attempted to learn both, the knowledge would be too great for the Magician to bear leading to madness and finally self-destruction.
However ancient history has it that back in the ancient time, both the Black and White Magic originated from one single source, one single origin, the one who founded the Fujino Clan. The founder was the one said to have inherited the power of God. But subsequently after the death of the founder, there wasn't anyone strong enough and capable enough to learn all five aspects of Black Magic and White Magic as well. That was until Shizuru was born. She was the one whose talent was the closest to the founder. Her talent in these areas was one of the reason why other Black Magicians fear her and also the reason why she was going to be the Head of the Fujino Clan.
The man puffed at the paper cigarettes again before snubbing it off in an ashtray. His eyes suddenly sharpened as he stared straight at Shizuru. "I have been hearing some stuff recently from other Elders. They were saying that you summoned a thunder spell in broad daylight, injuring another Black Magician. And not only that, you had asked for assistance from the Kikukawa Clan to track down that Black Magician… Is that true."
"Hai, Ouji-sama. I did both." Shizuru answered truthfully. There was nothing to hide.
"You do know that by summoning the thunder spell in broad daylight, you are exposing the public to the existence of Black Magic and possible even the Fujino Clan."
"Hai, Ouji-sama. I apologise for any trouble that might cause you." Shizuru bowed. "As the representative of Fujino Clan, i feel obliged to uphold the honour of our clan. We do not tolerate challenge to our clan. Any attempt to challenge us should be squashed immediately with no mercy. And I need to show the rest of the Black Magicians that Fujino Clan is a clan of power. So please be assured that my behaviour will always be in the interest of the Clan."
There was silence for while as old man leaned back against the chair, contemplating Shizuru's reply. But not for long before he nodded. "Alright. I guess those old men were worried for nothing. You are a big girl now. Do as you deem fit and don't worry about the rest of the Elders. I will convey the information to them."
"Hai, Ouji-sama. I will take my leave now. Gokigenyou." Shizuru bowed and turned to leave the room.
The Elder looked on as Shizuru left the room, an unreadable expression on his face. He really hoped Fate could be kind to Shizuru. He sighed and stood to take out a metal tube from the corner of the bookshelf. He opened the cap and pulled out rolls of animal skins. There was some ancient inscriptions on it. It was handwritten by the Fujino ancestors and passed down generation by generation to the first Elder of the Fujino Clan.
According to predictions written in the ancient inscriptions, the founder of the Fujino Clan will once again be reborned into the Clan. She will be born into the Fujino Clan again to bear the karma and sins that the Fujino Clan had committed and accumulated throughout the centuries. She will receive the retributions for all the wrongs and deaths the Fujino had caused. And according to the inscriptions on the animal skin, the founder will be reborn with eyes bright as ruby, coloured the blood of human. Shizuri had the eyes of their founder. Everyone in the clan knew about this and perhaps that was the reason why they were more lenient and generous towards her.
Who's to argue with the one who is going to pay the debt for you?
The Elder sighed and rolled the text back into the metal tube.
Shizuru exit the house and saw Mikoto waiting for her at the original place she left her.
"Drive me back to Natsuki's apartment."
"Hai, Shizuru-sama."
The night was getting darker but Shizuru's mood got lighter when she thought of meeting Natsuki next, despite the lingering thoughts of uncertainty.
It was the first time in Shizuru's life that she felt this way. And she disliked such feeling. Shizuru sighed.
The sigh caught Mikoto's attention as she glanced at Shizuru over the rear mirror. And Shizuru caught the glance that Mikoto sent her way.
"Is there something wrong Mikoto?"
"Yiyeah Shizuru-sama." Mikoto shook her head. "It was just that it's very rare to hear Shizuru-sama sighed." Mikoto paused for a moment, contemplating if she should say any further and then decided to continue, "No matter how challenging and difficult things can be, Shizuru-sama would always meet the challenges head on with a smile. So Mikoto was just surprise." It was truth. The path of Black Magic was a path filled with dangers and a misstep could cause you your life. But Shizuru had always taken such dangers face on with a faint smile on her face.
There was silence in the car.
Unsettled by it, Mikoto glanced at the rear mirror again, wondering if she had overstepped her boundaries. But Mikoto only saw Shizuru staring into space, with a slight frown on her face and in deep in thoughts.
"Gomenasai Shizuru-sama." Mikoto apologised. "I may have overstepped my boundaries."
But Shizuru only shook her head absently and waved her hand.
Taking this as an indication that Shizuru had accepted the apology, Mikoto turned her attention back to the road.
But a few minutes later on, Mikoto looked back at the rear mirror only to see a smile on Shizuru's face.
Mikoto cocked her head. May be Shizuru-sama found a solution to her problem? Mikoto thought.
Shizuru looked out of the window and her mood slightly lifted up. She had been overthinking, Shizuru realized. If she really liked Natsuki, she should grabbed on to her tight. She may not sure if it was love right now but she knew she would feel happier if Natsuki was by her side. So she should grab hold of her own happiness. Shizuru smiled and shook her head. She nearly forgot what her Okaa-sama said.
"Ne Shi-chan! If there is someone who makes you happy and is willing to stand by you and protect you, hold on tight to that person! Don't ever let that person go, alright Shi-chan?" An older version of Shizuru bended down and tapped little Shizuru on her nose.
"Hai Okaa-sama!" Little Shizuru grinned and nodded her head vigorously, the curls on her head bounced as she did so.
Shizuru smiled at the memory. How silly of her to forget such important advice.
Shizuru had decided. She was going to take a gamble. A gamble which Shizuru hoped would keep Natsuki by her side.
But for now, Shizuru would have to think of how to pacify Natsuki and explain her lack of contact for the past few weeks. The smile of her widened as she thought of Natsuki this morning. Natsuki must be upset with her for the lack of contact because Natsuki had declined her help to cleanse her wound, Stubborn woman.
That night at the university hostel, Natsuki's words had scared her. Shizuru's eyes softened the moment she thought of that night. The complete trust and concern Natsuki had for her frightened her at first.
Natsuki always jumped right into the fray despite knowing the danger because Natsuki would not allow Shizuru to face the danger alone. Again and again Natsuki had stepped in in front of her (Shizuru) when there was danger, either to protect her or fight alongside with her. And each time trusting Shizuru with her life.
How can she bear to let Natsuki go?
But that night, doubts filled Shizuru mind.
Would Natsuki still feel the same if she knew Shizuru was a Black Magician.
Would Natsuki still stand by her and protect her if she knew Shizuru practiced black magic too.
The idea that Natsuki might loathe her and the look of disgust on Natsuki filled Shizuru's head that night. And so she had ran, avoiding Natsuki for weeks until she got news of Natsuki injured in an altercation.
But all this running was going to stop from today onwards. She was going to take a gamble to keep Natsuki by her side. A genuine smile tugged at Shizuru's lips.
"Hai, Okaa-sama! I will hold on to Natsuki tight." Shizuru whispered into the night.
~End of Chapter 12~
A/N:
Here it is! A 10,000 words chapter. I guess you can see it as two chapters combined into one? This chapter really took me a while to finish writing. Though I did mention that I had it written long ago (and yes I did) but it really took me a while to upload it because I wasn't too satisfied with the chapter and took a while to write and rewrite some portions. So yeah...Apologies for the delay.
And to be honest (I am a very honest person), I did spent some of my time erm writing another story. But I think I will write a few more chapters first before uploading it. So don't get your hopes up.