Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
A/N: Slight title edit and some minor changes to the setting of the opening section of the chapter.
Chapter 8: Against the Odds
It was early morning, chilly, the sun bleak behind darkened clouds. Rain was starting to slowly pitter-patter across the payment in a gentle rhythm, the sound predominant with only a few cars and people trawling the city.
There was only a skeleton crew at the W.O.C., which was usually bustling with activity. The tall white building was usually a bastion of justice and peace, the starting place on a road towards unity. But since the outbreak of violence, there had been nothing but contention thrown in their direction, shouts of derision bellowed at their door. Right now a few diligent cleaners were putting their backs into cleaning off 'FREAKS' and 'MONSTERS' scrawled across the front entrance of the building in large unsightly lettering. A broken window was also in the process of being boarded up after someone had decided to callously throw a brick through it.
Yugo walked through the car park, looking at the vandalism with sadness. It was disheartening to see everything falling apart around him. But could he blame the humans for reacting as they had? They were frightened. And with fear came anger. He passed a burnt out car sat in one of the parking spaces. He didn't recognise the vehicle – even more so now it was a charred wreck – but it was just such a heartless act filled with a wanton need for destruction.
He gave a quiet greeting to the cleaners, who acknowledged him with a nod as they carried on scrubbing away at the wall. He went through the main doors, and proceeded towards the stairs. The elevator – which he would have usually used – was currently out of order. He walked up the many flights to reach the floor for upper management. He unlocked the door with his master key to enter.
He brushed his damp hair back from his eyes as he walked through the corridor until he reached the break room, which had been decked out to feel more homely. Well, as homely as it could be. The couch and chairs had been pushed to the sides of the room to lay out a couple of futons topped with copious amounts of blankets. The kitchenette countertops were covered in takeaway boxes and empty Styrofoam cups from days gone by. When the power had gone down at home and across their local neighbourhood, they'd decided to take up refuge at the offices, bringing with them as many supplies as possible, uncertain of how long they would be staying for.
Alice Nonomura, second in command of the W.O.C., was dozing on the sofa, while his younger adopted brother Kenji Ogami was sat reading a book on one of the futons. Alice was healing well from her injuries though remained rather tired, spending most of her time doing odd pieces of work at the office while the others went out to assist with the crisis. She'd hated not being strong enough to help out – it was in her nature to render assistance where she could, but Yugo and Kenji had both convinced her not to push herself after the encounter with Kohryu.
"You've been gone a while," Kenji said, suddenly noticing his brother's arrival. "Did you bring back much?"
Alice opened her eyes at this point, slowly sitting up. "Yugo?"
The wolf Zoanthrope went to kneel before his girlfriend, petting her hair lightly. "Yeah, it's me. Are you feeling alright?"
She gave a gentle smile. "Just a little achy is all. I don't feel any pain now, so that's a good sign. So, what have you brought back?"
Yugo removed a bag from his shoulders and opened it, lifting out several food packages. "Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sorry I took so long, but there weren't many stores still open. One store had delivery boxes outside. It didn't seem to have been open for days. Some people had already looted a lot of it, but I found some drinks amongst the rest to take." Alice gave him quite a disapproving glare. "Hey, come on, don't be like that. Some places are even turning away Zoanthropes because they're too scared that something will happen. Besides, I posted some money through the mailbox for anything I took."
"Well, if you gave them money," she said looking amongst the selection. "Is that sushi going to be edible?"
"I can say at least I brought that from a place that was open," he said grinning. His lover gave him a wary glance, but even she knew that Yugo wouldn't pick up day old sushi thoughtlessly. Nobody needed food poisoning at a time like this.
Kenji took one of the drinks, uncapping it quickly to quench his thirst. "So, what's the latest out there?" The younger Ogami asked. "You were out all night."
"Sorry about that, I got a bit sidetracked. I did get to meet up with Gado."
"Gado? What's he doing here? Why isn't he with you?" Alice asked before tasting some of the sushi. Satisfied that it tasted good, she started to consume the rest at a quicker pace.
Yugo shrugged. "He's looking for Shina. She went missing while on a mission. I guess he cares about her more than he makes out."
"Speaking of family, I would really like to know where Uriko's got to," Alice said with a sinking heart. "I told her not to run off, and what does she do? Go chasing after a puppy..."
"It's my fault," Kenji said solemnly. "I was supposed to be keeping an eye on her, but things just got so chaotic."
"I don't blame you, Kenji," Alice said assuring. "She should have learned by now not to run off alone. I had to tell Mitsuko that she'd gone to some place safe, otherwise she'd have got herself into bother looking for her."
"By the way, where is Mitsuko?" Yugo asked.
Alice took another bite of her sushi. "She's helping out at a community centre. A lot of people have lost their homes because of this nightmare, so she wanted to make sure people were getting enough food while they were stuck in such an undesirable position. She takes left over fish from her fresh produce so they have food in the canteen."
"Well, as long as she's okay, that's one less thing to worry about."
"Mitsuko is tough," Alice assured. "She can take care of herself." Yugo patted her on the shoulder affectionately before going to put some of the other food he procured into the small refrigerator.
Alice continued to eat her food, chewing slowly as her mind went back to her younger sister. What if she was hurt and unable to get back safely? While Uriko was certainly capable in a fight, these were uncertain times. She'd had horrible images creep into the back of her mind of her sister trapped, screaming for help, all alone in a dark place, nobody to hear her plight.
She stared down at the empty food package, not realising as she had become lost in thought that she had even finished. She couldn't stand just sitting there and wait for something to happen. She let out an exasperated shout through gritted teeth, getting to her feet. Yugo and Kenji turned instantly at the sound.
"What are you-" the former began, but was instantly cut off.
"I CAN'T JUST SIT HERE!" She yelled, hands balling into fists. "Uriko could be out there hurt or dying. She needs me!"
"Alice, you're not fully healed yet," Yugo began as he walked over to her.
"You can see for yourself that I've recovered enough to go back out there. I need to find Uriko, not only for me, but also for Mitsuko. I'd never be able to forgive myself if anything happened."
He knew it was going to be difficult arguing with her when she was in this mood. But he completely understood. He had been through hell and back to rescue Kenji from the ZLF, and he had even been in a worse condition than she was after her Kohryu encounter. How could he even think to tell her that she wasn't strong enough? There was many a time she was stronger than most of them put together.
Yugo turned to look at his brother, who approached them offering a glance of sympathy and understanding.
"I will go with you Alice. I want to make sure both she and Uriko come back safe," Kenji told her. She smiled at him, eyes glistening with unshed tears of gratitude
Yugo nodded. "Then I guess I'll track down Gado and see what we can do about bringing an end to this nightmare." And on this thought, his mind drifted back to Nagi. He was still trying to unravel the mystery that had befallen the young woman. Something about this whole situation had undoubtedly contributed her strange transformation. It didn't make sense, as there had been no other such documented incidents – not without some kind of insidious intervention. He was definitely disturbed by this turn of events, and could only be glad that something like this hadn't gone into the rumour mill. He was in no doubt this would add more to the fear and chaos if it got out.
Though he was determined to seek her out, something was nagging in the back of his head. He was certain he was about to enter into a very dangerous situation the minute he found her. Not that he was afraid of danger, just the possibility of something beyond his comprehension having a hand in everything bad that was going on.
Nagi hadn't intended to sleep in that morning, but after her run in with the strange woman before dawn, she had decided that she wasn't in the best state just yet to leave the shrine and had gone back to bed to reenergise herself again. She had only awoken a few hours later from prodding by Uriko, who had brought her some breakfast; modest portions of Porridge and fresh fruit.
After eating, she wandered up to the top room again. It was softly raining outside, the tinkling raindrops gentle on the roof tiles. She had sat near the open doors to watching the droplets cascade through the air, listening to the sound as she found some inner peace. She hoped it wouldn't rain all day, as she hoped to eventually depart to make sure she didn't lose the trail of the 'White Zoanthrope'. There was a brief tremor that ran through the place, shaking the lanterns for a few seconds before stillness took over once more. It was a reminder she still had work to do.
For now, she continued to settle into a peaceful state, ignoring the odd heavy thud that kept echoing behind her now and again. She didn't bother looking back. She knew it was Uriko's rear making contact with the hard wood floor. It had surprised her the first times, but eventually she realised it was going to be a constant for the clumsy girl.
Uriko was hard at it in training with her master. Long was trying to show her some new moves, hoping to balance out her rather risky version of his own style of martial arts. But what he was asking her to learn required poise and balance, two things Uriko tended to struggle with. She was too bouncy and unpredictable, bounding from one stance to another – not always very gracefully. She was spending most of the time unceremoniously landing on her butt.
Nagi had asked her the first few times if she was okay, before giving up, having pretty much received the same answer each time:
"It's nothing! I'm used to it!"
Now, Nagi just let the sound go over her head – bump after bump after bump.
"Keep on training, that was not bad," Long said, showing polite support despite her problems.
Uriko got up from her latest fall, rubbing her sore posterior. "I don't think I have buttocks anymore..."
Nagi turned towards the young girl. "Why don't you just give up? I don't think the floor can take another round of your rear."
"No way! Uriko Nonomura never gives up!" The girl declared. She went back into her stance before Long, who was ready again to demonstrate the moves.
Deciding to practice a few moves of her own, Nagi clambered to her feet, watching them for a moment as they moved almost in unison. Long led, doing a few moves slowly to start with so Uriko could easily copy him and keep up.
Nagi found a clear space for herself, getting into her stance. Moving with quick steps, she went through her own steps as she launched out an array of punches. She rotated with her punches, switching from fist to elbow when she struck the air, imagining an opponent was directly in front of her. Her motions were fluid as she switched from high to low attacks, shifting her weight between her legs as she went from one kick to another.
She was about to start into another chain of movements when she suddenly felt winded. She stopped, bringing a hand to her chest, feeling as if she couldn't breathe. Red electricity sparked across her form, as if it had exploded from her and she collapsed to her hands and knees, a strangled cry slipping from her lips. She placed her clammy forehead to the floor, trying to catch her breath, her body tingling with pain. Somewhere inside her she felt a whisper of something strange. She had felt this before, when the ward had reacted to her violence, when something had screamed inside her.
Uriko had stopped her practice and rushed over to see what had happened. "Nagi, what's wrong?" She touched her arm, which shook under her fingertips.
Sharply, Nagi snapped around, her eyes flashing red. "Don't touch me!" The voice didn't even sound like the girl's. Uriko barely had time to be surprised before she was suddenly pushed back by the young woman. She fell backwards, staring up in shock.
Long flinched, his senses suddenly overrun with strange emotions emanating from the girl. Distrust, hatred, malice... but as quickly as they had surfaced, they disappeared. He approached with caution, leaning down to touch Uriko's shoulder, though he kept his eyes on Nagi.
Nagi twitched, bringing her hands to her face. It was like her mind was clouded with a dense fog. She desperately battled her way through it, determined not to be swallowed up by the suffocating sensation. It took a minute or so, but the odd feeling eventually subsided and she could breathe again, able to comprehend her surroundings clearly. She uncovered her face, her complexion pale, though her eyes had returned to normal.
Once she had realised what she had done, so bowed to Uriko, utterly ashamed. "I'm… I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me," she said in apology. "I still have much to learn about this power."
"There is something dark and destructive lurking within your spirit," Long said, unsure what to make of it. "I am concerned what may lay ahead for you, Nagi."
Nagi rubbed a hand across her damp face, letting out a sigh. "I can't seem to escape the danger and violence. It's out there-" she pointed outside, "-in here-" then gestured into the room, "-even in me!" Her first pounded the closest pillar. "I just don't know what to do anymore."
Uriko climbed back to her feet. "It'll be okay," she said, her voice reduced to a meek softness that didn't suit her usually loud nature. She was hesitant, mostly concerned. Nagi felt somewhat guilty for putting the girl on edge.
The 'Spurious' was resolved. "I can't stay here. I've caused enough trouble as it is."
"But you can't go!" Uriko exclaimed. "Not after this!"
"There really is nothing anyone can do for me. The answers I seek are out there," Nagi said as she stood, turning her eyes towards the horizon, where she could just about see the tops of skyscrapers. "And besides, whatever this is, I can't let other people get hurt because of it. Maybe when the problems are over, these issues will go away too."
"We can only hope and pray that will be the case," Long said softly, not sure how else to console her uneasy spirit.
Nagi sighed, looking at her hands. Maybe once I've faced down the 'White Zoanthrope', he can give me back my humanity...
"Are you sure you want to go?" Uriko asked.
Nagi nodded. "Yes. I'm well enough now. I must complete my mission. For all our sakes."
Long cleared his throat. "I really do hope that your battle with Xion will indeed bring an end to the strife."
"We'll soon find out. If there's one thing I'm certain, I'm NOT going to lose. I will never give up."
He turned, motioning to the door. "Then, I wish you safety on your journey. You have been given a role to play, as have I here. I will not stand in your way this time."
"You'll watch over Uriko, won't you?" Nagi asked.
"Hey, I…" Uriko was about to protest, but Nagi just placed a finger to her lips, giving her a firm look. The cat-girl became flustered, muddling her words before quickly falling silent. She didn't like to be perceived as being incapable, but she knew this journey Nagi was taking didn't include her, and that she was probably best staying under Long's watch. She'd already caused a lot of upset already running off. At least here she was safe. And deep down, wherever little Pakupon was, she hoped the 'puppy' was safe too.
"I will make sure Uriko is well taken care of," Long said. "I am sure her family will come here eventually to be with her." He glanced at Uriko, a small smile forming. "I certainly do not wish to face the wrath of your mother and sister if anything were to happen to you. Your safety is my safety."
Uriko giggled, before turning to Nagi, giving her a big hug, which surprised the other. "You come back if you need help! Don't chance it alone if you don't feel ready. We'll be here."
"It's a kind offer, but I'd rather not risk anyone else on this mission. That would be incredibly selfish of me." Nagi patted her back, offering back grateful affection. "I promise to take care of myself. I won't go looking for fights, only with this Xion - the 'White Zoanthrope'."
Uriko nodded and parted back from the hug. Nagi turned to Long. There was a slight pause before she folded her hands in front of her and bowed to him. He hesitated, not expecting her to do such a formal motion and humbly returned her gesture in kind.
"Thank you," she said, "for caring about me."
He simply nodded and watched her salute to Uriko before departing the room. She went to collect her backpack, slinging it onto her back before heading for the stairs. She had one last pit stop to make.
On the lower levels, there were rooms for quiet prayer. One had been cordoned off, treated like a prison cell. ShenLong was leant against the far wall with his arms folded stiffly, his face a mask of agitation. He had his eyes closed, listening to the murmurs around the prayer rooms, completely unimpressed. He had made the unwise decision to kick up a stink about there not being any adequate food and drink in the place, especially ranting on about the subject of alcohol. When he got a little too heavy-handed with one of the caretakers, he had been subdued by the shrine officials, thanks to a little intervention by Long, who had blindsided him while he was too busy trying to throttle a priest. Now he was being contained in a room, with a protective spell blocking his exit. It couldn't actually be seen as it was a completely see-through barrier, but the minute it was touched, it would light up like the sun, the symbol of the ward appearing to turn air in front of the room into a metaphysical brick wall. He couldn't pass through it until it was removed. He had been told he was in there until he calmed down and showed some respect.
He had somewhat worn himself shouting; he'd even transformed into his beast form temporarily to fruitlessly ram the barrier. Eventually, he's given up in a sulk, reverting back to human form. This had all happened when Nagi had still been resting, so she was somewhat surprised over breakfast to hear what had happened.
She approached the 'cell', taking in his rigid stance with a look of quiet reproach. He acknowledged her presence without even opening his eyes.
"Shrine of Solace my ass," he said in a gruff tone. "Yeah right..."
"Has the sourpuss calmed down yet?" She said, watching his eyes open to look at her. She smiled innocently, leaning against the wall. "You know, they'll let you out when you stop acting like an ass."
"All I wanted was some good grub, hell, even a decent portion size. Oh yeah, and some God damn booze!"
"ShenLong, this is a shrine, not a seedy backstreet bar," she said, running a hand idly through her long hair. "If you wanted alcohol, you should have stayed in the best place to get it. Right now, you should just buck it up and except you're staying sober. And stop trying to strangle people."
"Pfft... Buck it up, she says..." he grumbled.
"You've got nothing to lose," she assured. "Besides, maybe you'll even come to enjoy the experience if you give it a chance."
He scoffed, pushing himself away from the far wall to approach the barrier. His focus instantly went to her bag. "You're going then."
"That's right, mon ami," she said, giving him a half smirk. "I'm blowing this joint. I have work to do."
"And you're just going to leave me here like a caged animal," he said, sounding almost a little hurt.
"You brought this upon yourself. Besides, you're better off here, all snuggled up in your cage, like a tiger-striped hamster; safe for you, safe for everyone else. Besides, the journey I'm taking is for me and me alone."
ShenLong huffed indignantly. "Great, just great. I find someone remotely decent to talk to and you bail on me. You're not even going to help me out?"
"I have no authority here. And I don't want to risk trying to break you out in case it gets me locked up as well," she said, somewhat apologetic. "Look, ride it out, prove you're sane, and then be on your way. We'll probably catch up at some point."
He shook his head and went to sit down on the floor, even grumpier than before. He closed his eyes, clearly wanting to shut her out.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye... For now," she said, a little uneasy at his silence. She rubbed the back of her neck, waiting to see if he'd respond, but he didn't. He was choosing to be petulant instead. A sudden thought came to mind. "I will miss you, you know. I mean, I'm not sure if I'll ever get to see you flash your ass at me again..."
His eyes opened to that, brows knitted together with confusion as he caught her playful expression. She winked and turned away, walking towards the exit.
Shaking his head, he closed his eyes again, only this time, a small smirk stayed on his face.
A mist hung over a mysterious placed filled with ethereal light, flickering in dark colours. An echoing of tired, soulless voices floated about amidst chimes and drums. It was a void that no man should ever enter, a place only for the most dangerous of creatures. And within the centre of this unearthly place, something existed, breathing raggedly in the shadows, restless and angry...
Ryoho could hear it inside his head, the sounds so close they could have easily been right next to him. He was floating between reality and a world that he knew he stay away from, but he was being pulled there by the 'thing' that dwelled within. He had a fear in his heart that this was some sort of internal manifestation of the realm of the seal.
A roar tore through the shimmering void of spectral light and he felt breathless, his body shaking. Heaviness sank on his shoulders, the weight of something incredibly important pressing down on him. He knew that one wrong move could shatter the fabric of existence. He could feel a shadow crawl up his body, and he knew he shouldn't look, even as he felt the breath on his shoulder...
Ryoho snapped out of his trance, gasping. He forced his focus to climb out of that strange place in his head and focus on the tangible things in the room. He could hear the crackling flames on the standing lanterns echoing so loudly in the silence of the room. Distantly, the wind crept through the cracks in the walls and ceiling with a ghostly hum.
"I can't escape the darkest part of myself," he muttered aloud. "I am the doorway to a realm where no mortal should step, the harbinger of a power that transcends this world. How long can I hold on before this beast tries to escape me? I don't know how much more I can fight it." He noticed that his hands were shaking, and he clasped them hard together, eyes closing slowly.
Mana, please hurry...