Chapter 4: Perplexity
"Ayane!"
Miu's sweet voice echoed throughout the building. For a split second, one could have said that time itself had frozen, the only thing able to survive being the sound of her words. All eyes, even the ones of the shady Invaders, shot towards the dark haired girl still in midair, a horrified confusion locked on her face.
The time defying trance was shattered as Satoka came into view, her wide blade deflecting the ring like bullets that were aimed at Ayane. She grinned at her slightly, allowing her blade to swing in a delicate fashion through the air. Satoka turned her smirking head towards the Invaders, launching an attack more powerful than needed, "Too bad Ayane, you're missing all the fun."
Ayane
I knew what was coming. I knew that death was about to proclaim me as its prize; yet she saved me. Relief, something I haven't felt in a long time, swept swiftly over me, allowing me to breathe again. Just as fast as that had overcome me, another emotion washed over the sudden relief. Anger.
I had been completely willing to except death; perfectly open to being destroyed by a mistake of mine. Never did I wish to die because of another's mess up. I hadn't asked for her assistance, nor had I needed it. Yet she found it necessary to save my life. Ha. Maybe she thinks I'd do the same for her. Then of course, I probably would…
Miu
I've… I've never been so terrified in my life. I really thought that Ayane was going to die. I don't know what I would have done, and I really don't want to think about it either.
The sounds of the echoing gun fire died down quickly as Satoka drew her blade across the mob of Invaders, followed by a rainfall of pink human crystals. Ayane looked up from her position on the floor, her head in her hand, attempting to recover from her near end. Miu sat curled up on the cement, her body frozen in a tight position as she stared off in the direction of Satoka.
The delicate noise of the falling crystals sent a chiming tune through the gloomy air. Satoka sighed deeply, closing her eyes as she returned her blade to her gate. She proceeded to pick the individual crystalline stones from the dusty floor, which was now covered in a thin layer of slime. Satoka finished her job, grinning towards the two who still remained on the floor. "Come on you two, we'd better go."
Miu swung herself upright, her innocence shining through, "Go where?"
Ayane looked sharply at the two, "We're going to talk to Reiji." She turned her back on the two, who still stood in their original positions. Miu sat on the cool floor for a moment more, and then came to the realization that Ayane was leaving, and shot after her. Satoka put her hand over her face, sighing after the hard work. So much for the great Ayane.
Ayane
If anyone knows what happened, Reiji would. I want to know why my gate failed me, why it didn't work. I can't figure it out, none of it makes any sense. I know that too much gate use can result in problems, but I've haven't use my gate much at all; so why is this happening to me?
An uneasy feeling had settled over the group as they exited the dark building. Satoka was grinning something awful as she walked swiftly along, tossing a bag of human crystals up and down, enjoying the dull chime they made every time they hit her palm.
Miu walked behind the Satoka, a worried look plastered to her gentle face as she looked in a concerned way at Ayane, who was looking to the sky.
The group walked that way for some time, each caught in the majesty of their own worlds, almost oblivious to the silence that surrounded them. Miu was the first to break from the out of world trance, "Ayane?" Her gentle voice struck the two others in surprise, shattering the peaceful bubble that had engulfed them. "Ayane? Why are you so sure that Reiji can help? What if you're just losing your gate powers?"
Ayane stopped her rhythm like stride to turn to gaze at Miu, her cold eyes staring past her to the bird flying in the distance.
Ayane
I don't even see why she would question me like that. My gate powers deteriorating, simply going away? I have little faith in Reiji, but I do know one thing, he has more experience with gates than the rest of us combined. If anyone would know, I believe Reiji will. Though maybe it's true, my powers may be faulting for the moment. I wonder, does a bird ever forget how to fly?