Disclaimer. I do not own any characters belonging to the shows. All rights belong to the creators.

CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE

The car was silent. Akeno slept soundly, head leaning to the side. Hana just stared out the window, eyes hooded.

Percival was leaning in his seat, pretending to sleep. Yarkuzi was humming quietly to herself, though she sounded a bit off key.

Tsukumo had his eyes trained on Akeno. 'She sacrifices so much for me. Yet, I've never once had a chance to repay her yet. One day…she might get herself killed. I don't know…what I'd do then.'

Akeno twitched, mumbling something. Tsukumo leaned over, placing her head upright so it wouldn't be cramped when she woke up.

Percival blinked open his eyes, turning his head to look at Tsukumo.

"You know…I heard you mumbling something while you were unconscious. Akeno was too upset to hear you. But I was beside her while she fed you. I had to get back in the volvo though, because I was getting triggered."

Tsukumo twitched, nervous. "Oh….what did I say?"

Percival stared at him for a good while, then spoke. "You said…mother. Is there something you're not telling us?"

Yarkuzi stopped humming, looking in the rearview mirror at Tsukumo. Hana turned her gaze on him as well, looking sympathetic. But there was understanding in her eyes.

Tsukumo fidgeted, uncomfortable with all the staring. His wing ached, making him wish he could pretend to fuss over it, but everyone was waiting for an answer.

"I was…in a state of limbo, I think. I met someone there. She was my mother. She said that, she had been trapped in that mind space. So long, that her body might not even exist anymore."

Hana scooted as far as the seatbelt would let her, and patted Tsukumo's shoulder. "I understand. Not knowing weather or not your parents are still around."

Tsukumo smiled at her gratefully. "My mother was actually the one who turned me. But she must've been on the run, because I woke up confused and alone."

Yarkuzi drew in a sharp breath, looking at Percival. But she quickly returned her eyes to the road.

Percival sat up straight, staring into Tsukumo's eyes. "Yes…now that I look really hard, you do look exactly like her son."

Tsukumo frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Mizuki Nightingale. That's your mother's name, right?"

Tsukumo narrowed his eyes, feeling called out. "Yes…why? What's wrong?"

Hana stepped in, saving Percival from having to answer. "You're part of an ancient bloodline, Tsukumo. Your mother was around in the time Kiss Shot Acerola Heart Under Blade was in her prime. They constantly battled with each other. Not as enemies, but as rivals."

Tsukumo shrugged. "That doesn't really concern me…"

Hana shook her head, adjusting her glasses afterwards. "No, I mean. That's why the Onmyoji Clan sealed her away. They considered her too powerful. If she could go toe to toe with Kiss Shot, and survive…well the answer speaks for itself."

Tsukumo furrowed his eyebrows, but Hana held up a hand. "Hold it. I'm not done yet. Of course I don't agree with them sealing your mother up. And, now that I think about it…have you ever met your father?"

Tsukumo sighed. "No. I had to survive by myself. I never met him. Only my mother, briefly."

Percival coughed, interrupting Hana from saying more. "I think we get the point. Tsukumo, if you want, we can search for your parents."

Tsukumo sat up straight in his seat, the movement making his wing scream in pain. "You'd do that? Wait…you're just pulling my leg, right?"

Yarkuzi chuckled. "Kid, I've never heard Percival sound more serious. Family is important. Akeno knows that. Hana knows that. Even Yue knows that."

Percival frowned at Yarkuzi. "Don't bring my sister into this."

Yarkuzi winked at Percival, which only irritated him more. Ignoring the glaring she was receiving from Percival, Yarkuzi kept talking.

"Tsukumo. We'll help you find your family. But, while we search, you gotta work hard with your classes, alright?"

Tsukumo saluted, a goofy grin on his face. "Yes ma'am."

Yarkuzi nodded approvingly, turning her gaze back to the road.

Rocky formations loomed ahead, signalling they were close to the tomb. A dusty black jeep was parked way up on the road, with a group of lizard people milling around.

Percival squinted at them. "They must be Jaded Komodo's acquaintances. It's all up to you, Yarkuzi. The sun's out so we can't do anything."

Yarkuzi saluted. "Fine by me. I'll have to check up on old dog breath too. He's turned his head enough that he can glare at me through my car door mirror."

Tsukumo snorted. He turned his head back to Akeno, who had started drooling in her sleep. 'I really love the way she sleeps. All of us are Vampires except Yarkuzi, yet she trusts us so much to sleep so soundly.'

Hana smirked, causing Tsukumo to jump. "What. What is it?"

Hana wrinkled her nose at him. "You are so moony eyed for her. You freaking moon eyed nerd."

Tsukumo flipped her off, turning his nose in the air. Hana just smirked again.

Yarkuzi pulled up to the jeep, then put the Volvo on park. "Alright, I'll be getting out soon. Everyone, do your best to not burn and embarrass yourself."

Everyone glared at her. She simply started whistling, then opened her door, got out and shut it quickly. Percival was hugging his side of the car, nervous.

They watched Yarkuzi walk up to the lizard people. They were all smiles, shaking her hand and laughing when Yarkuzi pointed to the Volvo.

Tsukumo smiled. 'Probably pointing at RipFang. Jerk deserves it.'

Yarkuzi and two of Jaded Komodo's friends went to the back of the Volvo. The rest went to wait by the entrance to the tomb.

Hana scrambled up to the front as the trunk was opened. Percival patted her shoulder.

Yarkuzi took the mummified remains of K'Tun Sanathi, while the other two grabbed the spear. It seemed, as Jaded Komodo's blessing wore off, the spear had become heavy again.

The trunk was closed, and Hana got back into her seat, smoothing down her clothes.

Tsukumo grinned at her. "How unsightly for a lady. Oh wait."

Hana crossed her arms. "Another word out of you, and I'll toss you outside. By smashing you through the window."

Tsukumo remained silent as he sat back in the seat. '…crazy book nerd.'

Hana coughed. "I feel like someone just said something bad about me."

No one answered her.

END OF CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE

Author Notes

-Not much to say really.

-Pretty much nothing will happen until they get back to the Agency.

-I also plan to have a surprising visit soon. Wink. Wink.