Chapter 49
Yasuhara was amazed at Lin's ability to keep going.
He felt extremely rundown after running on very little sleep for nearly four days. He watched from the back of the van as Lin sipped on hot coffee and said nothing. Their young boss carried a similar temperament, yet surprisingly, was also drinking coffee, which they all knew he disliked. However, exhaustion was still apparent in his movements. They were slow and lethargic and his usual impeccably smooth face was adorned with bags under his eyes and stubble around his chin.
Not to mention some nasty bruises.
They were all close to their limit, but hopefully also close to their goal.
Mai.
Yasuhara prayed it all worked out, but he was still recovering from the intense phone call he'd had with the Shibuya police not long ago.
Flashback
"This is Detective Senso ."
"Detective. This is Yasuhara Osamu from the Mai Taniyama missing persons' case. We've discovered her probable location and are in route. "Yasuhara relayed as he slid into the back seat behind the dark duo.
A place he usually shared with the bubbly brunette.
It made the vehicle seem very empty.
"I see. How can you be so sure? Did you receive an anonymous clue? Or is this some of that psychic voodoo crap your company peddles off?" The detective replied in a harsher tone than Yasuhara expected. Yasu pulled the phone away from his ear momentarily to double check the caller ID.
'I'm not sure whether to peddle this off as jealousy or moronic disbelief.' Yasu pondered briefly before continuing.
"I assure you this is rooted in facts. I've just emailed you our bread crumb trail and associated evidence. Since Kasai has yet to make a move, we've concluded he must know he's being monitored. He's been loosely involved in a list of crimes throughout his life, but never directly. The closest connection he's ever had to a crime is the murder of Keiko Yurushi. He is a master manipulator who usually employs accomplices and pawns in most of his crimes he has been involved in. Which led us to believe that in this crime he has to be using one or more accomplices as well. The most likely culprit is a Byakuya Hidoi whose relationship to him is unknown, but a point of interest. He used to be an emergency contact for Kasai in his younger years. He lives in a reclusive village in the Tochigi Prefecture.
His cabin residence is a likely location." Yasuhara detailed skillfully.
For a few moments the other side of the line was pure radio silence until a sigh came through the line.
"How much time until you arrive?" The detective asked, clearly annoyed.
"Two and a half hours." Yasu fed back after taking a quick glance at the GPS.
"I'll share the information with the precinct in the small town at the base of the mountain. See them first before you go in. I need time to be sure your vigilante investigation checks out. This man was also on our radar, and is most likely armed and dangerous. If this ends up a hostage situation, we could lose the victim not to mention the danger, you'll be in. In the mean time I'll be getting the applicable warrants. I repeat, do not go in without the authorities or things could get worse than they are." The detective warned and it was Yasuhara's turn to pause and sigh.
"Too much time has already passed. I assure you we have assessed the situation and this is the best course of action. We will inform the local authorities, but if they are less than amenable then we'll be forced to reconcile the issue ourselves. We'll keep in contact detective." Yasuhara bid the detective farewell.
"Agreed. Stay in contact. Remember, it doesn't matter who your father maybe you are still a civilian. If you take your own actions, I won't save you." The detective reported back gravely.
End Flashback
They'd already been driving for two hours so they were getting close to their destination. The duo was quite silent, even for them. Lin was steadily peering ahead, while his counterpart was relentlessly reviewing maps and books they'd carried along. Right now, it seemed he was reviewing migratory patterns of deer in Japan.
It was truly something to behold how well Naru could control his emotions. Meanwhile, Yasu just kept replaying Mai's carefree attitude leaving the precinct when last he saw her.
'I don't want that memory to be our last.' Yasuhara resolved and focused on the road ahead.
"You have got to be kidding me? This broad doesn't know when to quit." Ayako scoffed.
John looked over to the medium and noted her erratic breathing only seemed to get worse. He rested both hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.
"Please calm down Masako. It's going to be alright. We will handle this together." John cooed and the medium nodded attempting more deep and slow breaths.
"The remaining spirits are panicking. I took on a bit of that energy accidentally mistaking it for my own." Masako explained understanding some of the spirits they were unable to convince to pass on.
"Can you sense how many spirits are left?" Takigawa asked. Masako closed her eyes for a few moments feeling out the remaining spirits in the building. It was even more difficult than usual with a schoolhouse full of staff and students.
Not to mention her own mounting exhaustion.
"There are four not including Yura Eto. They are trying to lay low and hide their energy, but she is strong and very angry. She will find them eventually if we don't hurry." Masako urged.
"Can we corral the spirits into a room and put up a barrier on the inside to keep Eto at bay?" Ayako suggested looking over at the Monk.
"We might be able to pull it off with your charms, but my barriers push out all aspect of the nonliving. We'd essentially be pushing them all out into the open. Pretty much exactly what she'd want." Monk shook his head.
"If we go at her directly, we could mitigate the scenario of her recapturing the remaining spirits. Even if we fail, she'll be weak enough to buy us more time." Ayako pitches again.
"True, but we barely had a grip on Yura's abilities when she was alive. How could we face her now? "John countered thoughtfully.
"We'll just have to hope she isn't as in tune with her abilities yet as she adjusts to her noncorporal form. I agree with Ayako intercepting her contact with the other spirits would be our first priority. "Masako surmised.
"Well, then that brings the issue of timing. It's 11:30 now, nearly time for lunch. While I don't think time is something that is on our side with this, we can't exactly move freely right now. Who knows what could happen if we confront her now with the students and staff in the crossfire." Monk growled clearly frustrated.
"Well, we'll have to continue to confront the spirits individually for the next three hours until classes are dismissed. Damn, it's like yesterday is repeating itself." Ayako whined biting her nail.
"No. Today we will finish this. Masako, please rest. We'll need you in the next few hours." John urged and the medium nodded.
"John, you should stay in base and take over the monitors. You look pretty tired yourself. Ayako and I will grab some lunch for you guys. Then we'll head out." Monk suggested and the priest agreed wholeheartedly.
Kasai has slipped out through their shipping dock and bummed a ride from one of their regular truck drivers. He packed his bag with all the necessities and even was able to get a fake ID and passport through some of his more... reliable friends. He tossed around the idea of leaving the country or simply going into hiding. He hadn't given up on his dream and it was fun while it lasted, but the way things were headed now he had to lose the trail.
Currently, he had a flight to Berlin as Ginta Yamamoto. Or he could retreat into a small village like his last colleague had chosen to do.
'No... I won't become a recluse so easily. I still want to have my freedom.' Kasai resigned himself as he headed to the airport.
It was a quiet sleepy village they were met with. It had a fairly small population, but then again coming from Shibuya, any town would appear quaint.
The air smelled different here and there was a resounding peace about the area. Although, the tension still clung to the trio as they exited the van and approached the police station.
Just as they entered the establishment two uniformed officers rushed out past them. Naru kept his forward momentum toward the front desk. A stoic woman held her finger up towards him as she completed her phone call.
" ... yes, she was found on the outskirts of the forest by an elderly gentleman...Yes, she has been taken to a local hospital for examination. Hold the media as long as possible. We don't want to scare off the perpetrators... Good, keep in touch." She hung up and wrote down a few details.
"Speak." Was all she uttered to inform them she was listening. Yasuhara stepped forward knowing that whatever his boss was about to say to this woman would not be polite.
"Good morning. The detective from Shibuya should have called your staff to inform of our arrival. We have reason to believe that our friend Mai Taniyama is being held somewhere outside of this town against her will. You might have seen her on the news and-
"Yasuhara started but the woman held out her hand again to stop him from speaking.
She quickly dialed a number and spoke into it.
"Detective. The party for the Taniyama case is here." The front desk attendant spoke and nodded. Hanging up the phone and pressed a button under her desk. The door to their right buzzed and she waved them away with her hand.
"First door on your right." She called are Naru hastily pushed through.
A tall woman with long black hair met them in the doorway of her office. She walked forward and bowed.
"Gentlemen. I'm Detective Kikyo Nendo. Please come in and have a seat." Kikyo motioned to her office behind her but Naru didn't budge.
"Detective Nendo. I'm not sure if you realized, but we aren't here for tea and gossip. We have concrete clues to find Mai Taniyama. Therefore, short of her sitting in that office behind you, I'll be leaving now. "Naru responded crassly and Yasuhara inwardly cringed.
Yasu knew how police officers could be when met with aggression, after all, he grew up with one as a father.
Kikyo didn't seem phased at all though.
"Well then all the more reason we speak now. I'm sure this is news you'll want to hear." Kikyo replied and walked into her office. Naru narrowed his eyes, but marched forward nonetheless. The trio followed, somewhat reluctantly, and took a seat across from the detective. She quickly printed some files and handed them to Yasuhara.
"This morning on the Southeastern side of the mountain a young woman was found who we believe fits the description of your missing colleague. I was just sent photos from the Intensive Care Unit. The girl is alive but the photos aren't pretty. Brace yourself because she's not in good condition. Another day and she may have died from exposure. We'd like you to confirm or deny her identity." Kikyo informed gravely.
Yasuhara's choked a sob at the photo. She was unconscious and there were deep colored bruises all over here face and legs.
Worse yet the welts visible on her arms. He handed off the folder to Naru and tried to compose himself.
Lin's eyes skated over the shoulder of his young charge and widened a fraction. The picture was quite horrific and it seemed she was connected to more than a few machines he was sure Noll would recognize. Upon closer examination, he could see the young scientist's hands shaking.
"Where is she now?" Lin asked knowing that he may have to shoulder more responsibility with the state of the two younger men.
"I'm guessing from your reactions that she looks familiar even with her injuries. I won't be able to share that information with you yet. We've received a warrant from the speedy work of the Shibuya Detective Senso on this case. There are units in route to the suspect's house to arrest him for questioning and search the premises. You see, I've also been advised not to let a certain trio ruin this case so it won't hold up in a court room. You three may stay here while we try to wrap things up. I'd say three hours' maximum and you'll be escorted over to the intensive care unit." Kikyo informed with a sigh.
Lin only nodded in reply and took in Naru's reaction.
'I'm sure Noll has already deduced that a small town like this most likely only has one hospital. It wouldn't be too difficult to find if he truly wanted to. However, due to the nature of this case, there are sure to police officers outside of Taniyama's room and a non-disclosure policy at the front desk. He could also use his psychometry, but another round so soon after multiple uses in the past few days combined with his obvious exhaustion makes me think he may wait. Especially knowing that she is at least in the hospital.' Lin surmised.
"We will wait two and half hours and then we will make it to the hospital in three. But not a second more." Yasuhara said quickly followed by a hiccup. Kikyo offered the tissues from her desk which Yasu took gratefully. Kikyo stood, secured her weapon and began to make her exit.
"Agreed. My assistant will communicate any further details to you. We'll touch base again at the hospital." Kikyo exited reared by two other police officers.
"I'll let the others know. It's also time we get an update on the school as well." Yasuhara cleared his throat and relayed the best he could. He felt like such a child next to the stoic statues he was currently toting. Neither of them said anything so Yasu excused himself and left.
No sooner did Yasu close the door did a small crack appear in the frosted glass window next to them.
"Breathe Noll." Lin said simply and placed a hand onto Naru's knee and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
"I can't. I'll lose control." He nearly whispered as a more noticeable crack formed in the glass.
"No, you won't. Controlling it and not feeling anything is not the same thing. As long as you breathe you will be fine. Now breathe." Lin spoke softly and in a tone he didn't remember Lin was capable of, at least not since he was very young.
As instructed, he began to breathe long deliberate breaths. Just as soon as his heart rate started to lower tears broke free from his strained eyes. Lin wrapped one arm over his shoulder and leaned his head onto his as the boy silently wept.
With Masako resting the remaining team members had little luck contacting the spirits remaining in the school. Monk had been able to find one cowering in the library, but at the mention of Yura Eto the spirit left immediately for another source of cover. The team regrouped and decided to bide their time instead and wait at the monitors.
Monk was pacing the room, much to the priestess's annoyance, when his phone began to vibrate. He checked the ID and recognized the combination of heart, glasses, and eggplant emoji's on the screen.
It was a prank he and Mai pulled a few weeks ago, and he hadn't had the heart to remove it.
"Hey kid, what's new?" Monk asked, not too excited to share their lack of progress.
"Monk, put me on speaker if you please." Yasuhara asked his voice cracking a bit. The sadness in the college boy's voice made Monk's heart drop to his stomach.
"All right. We can all hear you. You're scaring me kid; did you find her?" Monk asked. John swiveled around toward him and Ayako stood to her feet as well. They all shared a look of fear, but only listened in.
"Yeah, she was-hiccup- found this morning outside the forest here at the uh… the base of the Tochigi Prefecture." Yasuhara shared and he could hear the gasp from Monk on the other line.
"Found…found… wha-what does that mean? You don't mean her body, do you?" Monk choked panic rising in his tone. Ayako's hand flew over her mouth.
"No, she is alive, but she was found in bad shape. She's currently in the ICU and we aren't allowed to see her until the local detectives can tie up the rest of the case. There were photos of ….uh… her –hiccup- that we were given to um…identify her to the police. She looks pretty bad. They said another day and she may have died." Yasuhara explained his voice wavering with each word of detail.
"I see. I'm thankful that she has at least been sent to the hospital. Let us know the second you see her alright. After we wrap things up here, we'll meet you all down there. Don't worry about our little Mai. She is strong remember. She will pull through." Monk promised sensing the young man could use some words of encouragement.
"Right Monk. How is the case?" Yasuhara asked and Monk made quick work of telling him their current status, and the unfortunate return of the guidance counselor.
"Alright. Well, best of luck and I'll inform the boss." Yasuhara chimed into his end of the receiver.
"You got it kid." Monk said and hung up.
Ayako slipped back onto the couch with tears of her own slipping from her eyes, and John let out a heavy breath.
"Mai. God knows what her injuries are. Let alone the psychological trauma that will come with surviving something like this." Ayako wept her thoughts racing. John rose to place a hand on her shoulder.
"We will be there for her. All of us. Remember, we are her family now. She can lean on us and we'll keep her safe." John reassured as he looked to Monk for confirmation. Masako took this time to return from the separate room.
Her anxiety had only allowed her an hour of real sleep at best. Most of her time was spent lying down and feeling incredibly restless. She heard enough of the conversation in the other room to realize that her friend had been found but in bad shape.
"That fool needs us. So we'd better make this quick." Masako responded by announcing her presence to the rest of the team. They seemed clued in by her response that she'd heard the news.
"You said it. We will do the best we can. After all, we're all she's got." Monk cracked his knuckles and moved to the monitors, watching the students ushering out the school. Monk shared a look of determination with the rest of the team. Now the only thing keeping them from Mai was this case.
More specifically Yura Eto.
With the emptying school no longer a factor the team prepared for the inevitable.
"Masako, where is she now?" Ayako asked the newly rested medium. Masako closed her eyes and concentrated on her surroundings. There were still a few students and staff lingering in halls, classrooms, and gymnasium. The four remaining spirits were attempting to blend in by clinging to these smaller groups of students. Yura was ironically in her old office peddling through some of her belongings. Hopefully not looking for the items from her briefcase.
The police were now in possession of all of the ex-guidance counselor's belongings, that is, whatever was left hanging around after the car accident. Lin explained that with the death of the caster the items could technically no longer hold the spirits. Although, the spirits were still undoubtedly connected to Yura in death. They were spiritually linked and shared residual energy with one another, and that placed them on the same spiritual plane of existence. That would make finding one another child's play.
"She's in her old office. I suggest we seal her in with the four of us and do our best to dispose of her in there." Masako planned narrowing her eyes in disdain. The fact the Masako hadn't even hinted at redemption for her soul meant that she too was prepared for brute force.
"I agree. It's the opposite offensive approach to our previous plan, but it may do the trick. I'll have twelve charms prepared quickly. Let me change and I'll be ready in the next five minutes." Ayako approved already pulling her hair back.
Once the rag tag team was outfitted in their religious garb they headed down to the counselor's office, fully prepared to face their foe. They all stood outside of the office, the air thick with tension. Ayako handed each of them three charms before they left base. Each team member was to seal every window and door twice. Any additional charms would be for self-defense or to reinstate the barrier if she started to break free from it.
'That, of course, will only be a factor if she doesn't cut us all to bits first.' Ayako thought morbidly.
Monk was the first to enter and the remaining members of SPR quickly filled in behind him. The air in the office felt heavy it was immediately difficult to breathe. However, the members of the team didn't take any time to consider their dilemma. They immediately worked to seal the room, feeling the inevitable about to happen. Masako made quick work of the door as soon as it was shut and Monk and John sprinted over to the windows and slammed both of their charms down at once, only for the duo to be flung backward simultaneously. Soft laughter began to reverberate about the room and the temperature took a nose dive.
"I must say. Not much has changed. I'm getting the feeling of déjà vu." The spectral voice hummed.
"Not at all. This time you're going down for your merciless crimes!" John sputtered and Takigawa didn't even have time to raise a brow at the priest's 'trash talk'. Two wind sickles whipped through the air and Monk rolled over onto his feet barely dodging.
"Your current performance isn't very convincing I must say." The voice spoke again, mirth bubbling through each word.
"Un kirikiri hata!" Monk began to chant and revealed his Buddhist dagger. John followed suit with a spray of holy water and his own set of prayers. Amid the chaos, Masako rushed around the seal the last window.
"NO!" Yura's voice screamed and Masako was pushed backwards as a wind sickle shaved a bit of her hair.
Masako's eyes widened at her narrow escape and began to chant holding her charms in her hands.
Yura manifested in front of the window in a grotesque devilish form.
She still wore the skirt suit she passed away in the day prior, but half of her face had caved in, most likely from the car accident.
Chunks of blood and organs dripped down onto her side and her one good eye stared forward with palpable hatred. The room grew even more frigid with the appearance of this specter, seemingly undeterred by their chanting.
"I beseech the Gods lend me your power to remove this defiled spirit from the spiritual plane." Ayako prayed and threw a charm forward at the spirit. The air sparked in a flash, but the paper merely burnt up and fell to the ground.
"Little priestess. Do you know how long I've been cultivating this power? How many lifetimes of energy you are throwing your love notes at?" Yura Eto taunted and flowed forward with Godlike speed.
Casting one ghost hand forward she grabbed the Miko's collar roughly.
"AHHHHHH!" Monk thrust his dagger forward into the specter and she cried out, dropping the breathless priestess in the process.
"Insects!" Yura yelled unleashing a barrage of wind sickles causing each member to dive to the ground.
"I tire of this game. Time for you fools to join me in the afterlife. Once I'm done, I'll make you all my servants! But not before I take back those petulant children!" Yura cackled as all the charms crumbled away slowly.
"Might have to fall back!" Monk called as he quickly erected a barrier around his colleagues as the merciless onslaught of wind sickles persisted.
"Then what?! Let her wreak havoc on the whole school? Not only could we lose the other spirits; Naru would never let us hear the end of it!" Ayako yelled interrupting her own chanting.
"I gotta agree with Ayako mate! Can't let her go now. Can we seal her to something?" John inquired flinching away from the deflected wind sickles.
"Do I look like Lin? Sure, I could figure it out, but I'd need more time than it would be worth!" Monk responded holding his stance.
"How about we survive and then try to figure out the rest!" Ayako responded only being partially sarcastic.
"I have an idea, but I'll need at least five minutes. And there is no telling if will work." Masako voiced shakily. She slid down into a cross-legged position and close her eyes.
"Mind clueing us in?!" Ayako griped.
"No time, just back me up." Masako explained and closed her eyes. Ayako scoffed at her bossy attitude but complied nonetheless.
Masako knew there would be no astral projecting for her.
Admittedly, she tried for a few weeks straight, out of sheer jealousy, once Mai had been able to do so in saving her life, but to no avail. Although, all that study, practice and dedication wasn't for not. Masako had been able to expand the distance she could call or communicate with a spirit over. With some luck, she could call out to the spirits now.
'No, not with luck. Determination!' Masako reassured herself and stretched her senses around the building.
She was not disappointed, only surprised, when she found all four remaining spirits hiding together, a vast difference from their last few strategies of elusion.
'They must sense our dilemma. Worse they know they could be next.' Masako thought before connecting to each of them. She took great care in weaving together their minds to the same plane of consciousness.
'Spirits! Please hear me! I'm in desperate need of your assistance.' Masako project her thoughts towards them.
'Where are the others? Did they escape her? Were they taken?' One of the spirits fired back. Masako was happy that they were indeed conscious of the goings on around them, and maybe even their own untimely demises. This would make communicating far easier.
'No, they were able to pass on from this plane of existence and obtain peace.' Masako responded but could feel the panic of the remaining spirits unsated.
'What about us? Will we be able to leave? We aren't stupid you know! We can feel her here! Eto is nearby, isn't she?' A different spirit expressed anxiously.
'Yes. My colleagues and are in the middle of a confrontation with her spirit right now. That is the reason why I've come here. To seek your assistance in removing her from this spiritual plane.' Masako urged knowing time was eluding her.
'Remove her? We can't even leave or hide ourselves? How can we get rid of her?' A different more somber and resigned voice asked.
'Though my friends and I are spiritualist with notable psychic energy we are still alive. You beings are made entirely of energy yourselves. Meaning your strength is more potent than our own. All you have to do is use your energy to overpower her.' Masako clarified.
'Then what will happen to us? Will we be free? What if we cannot do it?' A spirited countered.
'This is the last chance for all of us. If we don't all work together; the spirit of Yura Eto may devour us all. This is our final stand. If we all work together, we may be able to remove her from this plane once and for all. I know you may fear her now, but you were able to stop her once before. Together we can do it again.' Masako encouraged praying her cry was heard.
'What if she comes back again? Then what?' The first spirit asked again.
'If we band together, surely, she will pay for her transgressions, and never return again. Then you spirits will be free to find peace of your own. Please I beg of you. We must stand together!' The medium begged.
She was met with tense silence, and regrettable felt the limitations of her abilities drawing near.
'I can no longer speak with you without draining my energy completely and I must help my friends. I shall wait for your reply through your actions.' Masako ended.
Opening her eyes once more she couldn't help but notice the barrier had grown much smaller then when she closed her eyes. Yet, Yura Eto loomed ever closer to piercing their defenses.
"Look whose back among us! I hope that your little trick was worth it!" Ayako complained.
"I was speaking to the remaining spirits. I told them we need help. Hopefully, they will come to our aid." Masako prayed refusing to meet eyes with the horrifying specter longer than necessary.
"And if they don't come?" Ayako questioned again. Masako said nothing, refusing to entertain dark thoughts.
"Either way; I've got a plan of my own. I have no intention of just sitting here and being chopped onions. John, your holy water did something earlier. Soak the rest of Ayako's charms with it then hand them to me. Once that is through, I'll strike her with the charms and jab her through with my dagger." Monk spoke low enough to prevent their current adversary from hearing.
John and Ayako made quick work of the task and made swift plans to get cover behind the surrounding furniture once the barrier was down.
"On the count of three, and don't stop chanting. "Monk warned.
"One."
"Two."
"THREE!"
The trio leapt for cover disorienting Yura for a few vital moments. Just as she began to move towards John and Masako; Monk leapt forward chanting.
The charms and dagger landed remarkably, and Yura cried out in an inhuman squeal. Sparks flew and the air grew even heavier with the crackling of energy.
"Stupid mortal." Yura reached one rotting hand forward and grabbed Takigawa's throat, but he refused to drop the dagger.
"Houshou! Let go!" Ayako cried watching the struggle ensue, but Monk made no move to let up on the specter. Ayako and John started the chant again, and John through the last of his holy water.
All the while Masako looked on in stark disbelief at their struggle.
Bending her head down she began to pray.
'Please help us.' She begged quietly. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and opened her eyes again to a bluish hue entering the room.
The four student's spirits appeared in a show of brilliance, hands interlaced, they advanced onto their former teacher, who continued her struggle with the Monk.
Though the last fits of air were escaping him; Houshou could sense the specter was weakening too. He knew his team was at their limit, and if he could dig deep enough right now they could still make it out again. Just as he could feel the dark spots clouding his vision he was engulfed in a blinding blue light. The student descended onto the pair and surrounded them, and Yura began to scream out.
"Stop chanting! The students are being hurt too! "Masako yelled to John and Ayako. Yura's death grip loosened and Monk fell to his knees coughing. Ayako immediately ran forward and did her best to drag him further away from danger.
"They're purifying her." Masako said in awe as their foes' oppressive aura dwindled into nothingness and the air became lighter. In all of her years as a medium, she had only heard of spirits who had the ability to purify in legends.
Masako felt tears falling from her eyes as she realized that this must have been what it was like to be in the presence of angels.
Their blue hue surrounded Yura and continued to intensify until it elevated into a blinding white light. The dark twisted creature cried out and its form began to fade. Yura screeches faded into a distant echo and only the light remained. The wind within the room finally died down into a peaceful hum.
Masako rose from behind the sofa and approached her saviors.
"Spirits thank you for your help. You truly saved us and this entire school. Now, please go and find peace." Masako sobbed graciously.
The blinding white tinted with yellow warming the room before evaporating altogether. Masako fell to her knees and John rushed over to join the other three. They were all silent at what they'd just experienced.
None of them tried to form words until a few moments had gone by.
"Masako...are they really gone? Did you… do that?" John stumbled over his words.
"Yes, I called them to help us, but I never imagined that this could happen. I've never seen spirits with the ability to purify one another. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life." Masako explained and wiped her eyes.
"I don't sense them anymore. Are we sure they're all really gone?" Monk asked his voice scratchy and raw. His head was now rested in Ayako's lap and she gently began to run her fingers through his hair.
"Yes. I don't feel them anywhere around the school, but we should give it until tomorrow before we break down the base." Masako responded again. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, though it was difficult to believe how the encounter turned out.
"There is one problem though." Ayako said slowly and they all turned to the priestess.
"Naru is going to pissed we didn't get this on camera. Would have made an excellent research paper." Ayako replied sarcastically and the rest of the team laughed knowing full well they were in for a scolding for not setting up a camera.
What joyful problems to have.