Ringing diligently throughout the air, calm bells echoed upon their territory. Flowing over pavement and grass alike, their peaceful charms seemed at one with the midmorning light. With no wind and only a hint of chill in the air, it was one of those immursive moments that provided goosebumps of serene. In the main courtyard, scattered groups of talkative schoolgirls walked without haste. With a general low rumble of conversation present, it was just like any other morning on the field.
Slowly merging with the chatty atmosphere, a group of three familiar friends held their courteous walk with close proximity. Completely different in looks they were nonetheless one with feeling and destination. Taking a parallel lead with Hisae, Chisato supported her school bag softly, smiling at the cool weather. Walking in step, Yukari trailed behind the two, resting her handbag over the right shoulder. They had passed the main gate now, although they were somewhat early, after yesterday they didn't feel like walking in the hot sun.
"It feels nice today." Chisato thought aloud with a sweeping, smiling gaze. Sharing her happiness, her contagious smile was already at work. Upon contact Yukari's neutral expression changed, her lips automatically humoring Chisato's character. Hisae followed and together the trio continued onward, hoping that the doors ahead of them would be air conditioned.
(-)
Sitting quietly on the second floor Miyu relaxed at the window sill. She too had been early, mostly to be alone; but also for the moment. Supported by crossed arms she let her vision sweep the school ground endlessly as she did every morning.
The bright sun had fell upon her, illuminating the angle that reflected a distinct gold splash atop her head. With an inhuman stillness, her ribbon bound stock also bathed gently in the inspiring color, never ceasing to implore nearly the same character as Miyu's.
Thoughts swirling quietly, Miyu's quiet meditation was suddenly interrupted by approaching footsteps. Looking up without hurry, she focused upon the empty doorway just in time to see Chisato's joyful face peer though.
"Miyu!"
Returning a gloomy smile Miyu traced Chisato's hasty approach taking heed of Yukari and Hisae as they trailed in behind.
"Oyhao! Miyu!"
Nosily coming to a stop, Chisato ignored the view, her friend of much greater importance.
"Did you sleep well Miyu?"
Lit up with a grand but almost childish smile, Chisato's face was brimming with happiness. Largely although innocently her rusty brown eyes awaited the response, never failing to achieve reaction from even the shyest of people. Seeing as such, Miyu considered. There weren't many people left in the world with characters like Chisato. As time went on people had steadily become more and more callous. Although most teenagers possessed an adventurous spirit and diverse interests, most of these also faded in time. For Miyu, she had become a guardian, a transcender of eternity, immortal and ultimately…dead. Yes, eternal life, so coveted by humans…
They knew nothing…
Shielded behind detached expressions, Miyu held her twofold smile take shape knowing full well that it was brief. Wondering apart from wither it was the zeal of friends or the stone set image of distant fate she didn't know. Nevertheless she was happy to feel needed…
"Yes"
(-)
The day continued on without much occurrences save for the extreme boredom the time was bringing. Fully affected by its slow but acceptable poison, Chisato rested tiredly on her desk. Slumped forward, her reddish brown head leaned on her weakening fist. Failing in their will to obey, her large eyes were nearly closed and she stared off into empty space beyond the fuzzy image of what she thought was her teacher. Caught midway between sleep and daydreaming Chisato yawned widely in an effort to rouse herself. Stretching out her arms in assistance her sealed eyes were unaware of the cumulating gazes that populated her body. With the sound of blood rushing through her ears once more Chisato regarded the incoherent noise that rushed around her.
"Chisato…"
Chisato smiled through her black lids feeling the last relaxing tension dissipate from her stiff muscles. Whither that voice was a fragment of some forgotten daydream or the present rushing of her starting blood she didn't know. Bringing her arms to rest upon the desk she heard it again…
"Chisato!"
Penetrating the crevices of her ears deeply, Chisato flared her innocent looking eyes forward, remaping the double vision of a still character who returned the focusing gawk. Allowing the twin circles to fold into one brought out the merging image of a stern but patient face.
"Chisato pay attention!"
Realizing the voice and recognizing its supreme authority, Chisato perked up involuntarily, her lids attempting vainly to sweep the building film that covered her sleepy eyes. Straightening out her posture in jerky movements she leveled her concentration upon her instructor.
"I'm sorry!"
Grimacing slightly the teacher reflected her apologetic stare with a considering mind. Allowing a slight note of vex to take hold of his face he let his hip-planted fist come down; recalling vividly the fact that it was the third time already. Visibly annoyed, a quick sweep dismissed any thought of punishment due to the sight that half the class was under the same spell. Under the direction of a hot sun with no air-conditioner he too was beginning to feel the influence. Standing rigidly to regain composure he turned to resume the boring lesson.
(-)
After the sweltering torture of that humid classroom, the crowed hallways seemed a transferal heaven. As the school was highly maintained and reserved for upper class capital, its cleanliness and sustained operation were second priority only to the students.
Walking down the flawless hallway, the four-banded friends made their way though the transferring students, speaking over the low rumble of voices.
"Man! Why does our class have to have the broken air-conditioner?"
Yukari agreed.
"Yeah, for the tuition cost it seems odd."
Following from behind, Hisae and Miyu didn't bother to protest, intent only on following. Nearing the first stairwell Yukari held back; suddenly lost in thought.
"Yukari?" Chisato was the first to notice.
"I just remembered that I have a promise to keep, go ahead I'll see you outside."
"Alright, don't forget to get your lunch."
"I got it." Yukari trailed as she turned, her sprinting image beginning to mesh with other students.
(-)
Orchestrating the daily beauty of the atmosphere, the noon sun held its majestically inspiring throne at the top of the sky, shining openhandedly on all below. Swaying the fixed trees upon the bordering concrete path, a gentle wind rustled through their innumerable green leaves. Like a natural harmonica, the leading cool breeze commanded its soaring music from within the hidden branches. Flowing outwards, the wonderful if not simple sound was obliged by all. Coming across gently it touched Chisato's face.
With her eyes closed, Chisato breathed deeply into the invisible stream for fear that any other sense besides touch could lessen the experience. Taking its reviving generosity to the core of her lungs she exhaled in gratitude, feeling the heat and stress eaten away by the passing sky. On the bench next to Chisato Hisae sat reading, grateful for the wind but less favored then the book. Shaded by the large tree opposite the group Miyu relaxed in the cooling shade looking at nothing in particular. Leaning against the protective base, Miyu's eyes were still; her mind concentrating on yesterday's events.
"Hey Miyu."
Miyu looked up. Seeing Chisato's face she could tell that she was worried again.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes"
"You look troubled."
"It's nothing Chisato."
Almost as to emphasize the point further, Miyu tried to smile but as always it was hollow and meaningless. The years of sorrow had cut it so much that now it was merely the movement of her lips. Obviously Chisato wasn't convinced, but she decided not to question as Miyu's privacy was never something she liked to invade. Turning her vision to the side Chisato's expression changed.
"Ah, Yukari!"
Alluring Miyu and Hisae, Chisato waved her hand in the air to her distant friend, although it was pointless since the secluded Yukari was already closing the distance. Passing under the divided tree shadows and saturating sunlight she came closer. Watching intently, Miyu's unchanging stare followed, knowing before words that something was wrong. Alongside the tree bark, Miyu kept silent until Yukari sat down lowering her school bag. Without a word, she leaned forward resting her chin on her palms. Radiating a calm but thoughtful glow from those hazel eyes, her face was deep with concentration that nearly bordered on worry. Kindheartedly, this was not without notice from her friends.
"What is it Yukari?" Hisae asked first, her being the rare one to do so.
Contemplating a second longer, Chisato had time to interpret her close friend's emotions. She had known Yukari a long time and this expression was rare. She could remember that the last time it was used was when Yuko Shigeri had problems with a hypnotic mask. It hadn't come up since then so if there was a problem then it must have been important.
"Is something wrong?" Chisato's gaze wandered out with a curious speculation.
Pondering her hidden thoughts under the gentle wind, Yukari reflected upon her mental inquiry in certainty before explaining thoughtfully. Detached from the full concentration in her voice, it was noticeable that she was still grasping the information internally.
"Toshi Soma."
Sliding her legs over the smooth wood Hisae jerked her stance closing her book, she knew that name.
"Do you mean Toshi Soma from class 2-A?"
"Yes."
Yukari lifted her head from the weight of her supporting fingers, bringing her face to the group but staring at no one in particular. Miyu was now standing near the far edge of the bench but held off on sitting as it already had three occupants. Quietly listening, she let Yukari's shaded expression continue.
"She phoned me late last night saying that she needed to talk to me, but refused to share any important details then. But now she nearly broke down trying to tell me inside."
Viewing sideways, Chisato leaned further from the support of her edge seat, as she was quite naïve; any information was interesting information.
"What was it Yukari?"
Regarding Chisato's griping but caring expression, Yukari took heed of her face rather than staring aimlessly. Layered with a thin but unusually dark shade, Yukari let the concern drift into the wind.
"It seems that her sister was attacked last night and became rather traumatized by it."
Yukari paused a moment allowing the full brunt of her words to sink in. Resounding with an utter silence save for the exceptional cool breeze, she could tell that it had worked. Rotating her head to the side she was just beginning to notice the tranquility of the moment until Hisae politely interrupted.
"Who attacked her?"
Stirring slowly again, Yukari aligned her neck to meet Hisae mid-way. Feeling the rushing air over her navy hair for the first time she subconsciously took in the feelings of her wandering strands. Hazel aglow in the dim shade and howling trees, Yukari reasoned within herself considering if the information would sound far-fetched or not.
"She doesn't know, and she barely remembers anything."
Relaxing her school bag to her side Miyu took a step forward leaving the shade and surrounding air to its willful desire upon her clothing. Settling for a semi-informal stance she permitted broken sunlight beams to dwindle upon her face.
"It would seem." Yukari went on. "That she went into voluntary shock afterwards, we might not find out for awhile."
Looking away, Hisae brought her eyes to the pavement while words formed within her head.
"Isn't that when a person enters shock willingly because they can't handle what they saw?"
Yukari's hazel eyes swiveled lightly to her friend losing little of their contemplative character.
"Yes I think so."
Leaning over slightly, Chisato was concerned.
"Will she be alright?"
Thinking awkwardly, Yukari didn't seem to hear but brought her obedient hands to support her soft chin. Pondering the event as a whole, she quietly and calmly held her posture amidst those shaded yellow-brown eyes. Replaying the conversation with her friend and going over it with internal anxiety she questioned within herself. She had been close to Yukari but could never accompany her during school hours. Belonging to a rich family, her schedule demanded nearly her whole life and as such had endless escorts from place to hurried, if not forceful, place. It was always late after school that she might have had time to speak to her. However despite all that she was still a very close friend. Recalling the fact that it was her friend's sister that suffered brought little change to her feelings.
"I don't know."
Dwelling only slightly in the shadowy backdrop Miyu's face glimmered with the fragmented pieces of broken sunlight, shaded by leaves. Locked within herself she began to think, her emotionless, unblinking eyes penetrating more than simple words.
(-)
Brushing the heavens like a great artist, an orange palette of astounding mood and color illuminated the evening sky unrivaled. Revealing its empathizing desire of generosity, the selfless sun radiated a beautiful new glow upon the tired world. Caressing the white clouds with a veil of shade red, the cobalt sky could have never been more beautiful. Overseeing the unfolding creation Miyu beheld its nature, her glassy double staring sadly back at her. There could only be so many days before you had seen them all. That aside, at least the sun was happy with its fate…
Blankly shining through Miyu's ghostly reflection, the golden beams lit up the empty hall, warming it as she waited.
A minute later, Chisato eased alongside, allowing her vision to wander endlessly at the same beauty.
"Beautiful isn't it?"
Miyu nodded, her lips motioning an agreement softly. But it was hard to recognize it as her mind tended to pull out the empty details first. The hills beyond brought a feeling of solitude to the lonely school as it was populated by many white houses. All cooking with the smell of meals, or perhaps with family voices, or still perhaps even silent as couples held hands under the same atmosphere. Absorbing the random feelings of these, Miyu was slightly distracted at the movement of Chisato's innate reflection.
"Yukari, Hisae!"
Tracing Chisato's invisible form, Miyu shifted her sunlit eyes to the remainder of the group, straightening out from the windowsill. Rising to her full height she grasped her school bag eyeing it as the moon keychain moved. Glittering in silver flashes Miyu smirked at its presence; at least some things brought happiness…
The golden presence of mingling cobalt was nearly entrancing once outside; united with restful cool air that seemed obliged to tear away even the slightest discomfort. The sidewalk was aglow as they exited the gate, reflecting the sun as it closed toward darkness. It was then that Chisato piped up, a sudden idea entering her mind.
"Hey why don't we go visit your friend's sister Yukari?"
Yukari thought. Although it was but a mere moment, the sudden reminder of her troubled acquaintance was a delicate balance. But as always, there was little harm in wishing someone well.
"I suppose it will be ok, after all I'm sure she would like the company."
Chisato nodded as a wave of excitement started to tingle its way inside her. Turning to face Miyu the sun eclipsed her hair under a faint shade that bordered a fiery perimeter.
"What do you think Miyu?"
Cross shaded from the sun Miyu held the thought a moment, as if carefully weighing the balance. Deciding upon the weightier her gloomy voice drifted through the air resentful to deliver its disappointing message. After all there was work to be done…
"I'm sorry but I--."
"You can't!"
Desperate, Chisato cleaved her hand to her chest, her eyes searching for an answer. She only wanted to cheer Miyu up. Shadowed under a wave of disappointment and the rear-bound sun her eyes became flooded with regret.
"It's ok Chisato." Yukari smiled under the looming orange. "I'm sure she has her reasons."
"But…"
Chisato relaxed, sighing defeat, oh well there was always tomorrow. Rapidly changing her expression she twisted sideways waving a goodbye smile to Miyu over her shoulder.
"See you tomorrow!"
Returning the wave weakly Miyu turned about leaving the three friends to grace the other direction; while her own shadowy outline continued upon destiny.
(-)
Roaring over steel and pavement, cars and trucks echoed overhead; railing the air as they passed metal gratings. As one of the busiest bridges in the district it was nearly never empty, and the girders beneath always rumbled. Overlooking a small man-made stream the sloping underside met up securely with an overpass that descended into the far as a heavy columned ceiling.
From under its construction a single figure sat alone, dulled by the shade. Seemingly unaffected by the chaotic raging above, he remained motionless; content with the place. Clad in full black attire, he rested, silent as the wind. He had always been partial to places like this, away from human contact, alone. After all he didn't have to eat, as his energy came from darkness. From time to time he would drink water, but its reflection was often sorrowful. It was probably better that way, since mixing with humans was like trying to merge iron and clay. While his face wasn't a complete mask it could not express anything except dread. That aside, he patiently glided his vision to the right. Slowly at first, but then receding normally, the diagonal structure of his draping hair made way for his inhuman eyes.
No one was around.
He had been waiting for that, as the park that bordered the bridge was much more favorable. Coated down though several hundred feet of landscaped hills, it had been one the city's best nature reserves. Scarce in its location, it was rare the people visited it. Occasionally yes, but its forte was desertion, same as the cemetery. Perhaps that was the reason no one visited; but he couldn't care less as he had no interest in graveyards. Standing tall, he walked into the park, eying the topmost hill.
Then something happened…
Shuddering at a sudden gust of wind, the man's merciless eyes angled; squinting shut at overpowering squall. Summoning his counter-parting arm to block the air mass, it rippled all around him, his black clothing ravaged like a whip. Then abruptly it stopped, leaving deadly silence in its wake. Lowering his arm the man in black stared, and with unchanging eyes swept his vision forward.
Endless grey
Forcefully injecting surprise within his sight, the gaze remained unchanged but what he saw was by no means neglectful…
Everything was gone. The life, the colors, it was nothing but endless grey. Amazingly the landscape resembled the very same he had just seen, except for the fact that the beautiful green grass had been replaced with a dry, grey, lifeless dust. Saturated in ash grey, the silent atmosphere rumbled and reflected a conspiring overcast of eternal grey clouds. Stretching from horizon to horizon they contaminated the setting to no end.
Instantly alert with instinct the contrasting person looked around carefully, taking heed of the leafless brown trees that had just stood so multihued. Devoid of dwellings and roads, it was if he had stepped into a parallel world, as only the rounded hills and troughs held any resemblance to the park that had just existed. Blowing ever so weakly, the faintest breeze touched his cheek, barely succeeding in stirring his clustered strands. Barring the side of his face in a diagonal fashion, the downward hair swept over his hidden ears with little resistance. Hearing little from the deathly depressing place, his eyes focused to the apex of the highest hill he had been approaching. Protruding from the top of the afar place was a solid wooden figure that maintained its ground amidst the surrounding greyness. Swinging hollowly from the top of its L structure was something at what he guessed to be a swinging loop.
Without emotion he started to he top, losing the structure to the hill's growth as he climbed. It was a shallow climb with no steep inclines or crevices, but the eerie inert trees were something to take hold of. Eyes aglow with evil concentration, his pupils maintained their lock of the moving horizon ahead. Step after step brought the goal closer to his face and soon the jutting dark wood was remapping itself from the monotone incline. However this time the details were much stronger…
The loop that he had seen from long below was no longer swinging but held fast by a center weight. Filling the hole of where it had been was a beautifully draping extension of gold curls moving under the light wind. Revealing more from its imprisoned terrain brought only a revelation of ancient torment.
The curls belonged to strikingly familiar blond girl that he had known long ago. Still afar off he nevertheless saw with tunneled vision. Piled low beside the incanting building were the black silhouettes of assorted people, nearly all of them reacting vaguely in heart. Realizing everything, he broke into a sprint eyeing the deathly edifice with full strength. The time was slow now, becoming infinitely lethargic. Still unable to tear his unnatural eyes from target, he could only watch with unprofound realism as the waiting girl turned helplessly to face him. Poisoned with monotone condemnation, she was the only blemish in a world of void color. He could see her now, her face, the person he had cared about the most so long ago. She was weak with color and her appearance suggested more than that. Standing with her arms tied in front she looked so sad and yet so sorry for something unfathomable.
Only revealing himself at the last moment, another, a second figure appeared beside her, hidden under a protective cloak of darkness. His broad and tall outline was unmistakable for a man, but the sinister nature could never have been…
The beautiful blond girl beside him only looked forward, staring blank with fear while hazy tears collected in her blue eyes to trickle silently down her cheeks. Eyes widening only slightly under their cursed position, the man in black stretched forth his hand, grasping the air between them as the executioner pulled the trapdoor.
"NO!"
Breathing heavily and blinking through confused drama, the monotone world disappeared into full blackness being replaced with dizzying spectrums and vibrant sounds. Swirling all around him he fell to a kneeling crouch, resting his panting head upon a black kneecap. Echoing off the walls of his head, the last images merged into squinted blackness. Shaking slightly at the vividness of its recollection his left hand fisted tightly, the nails nearly piercing the skin. Recovering from the wave of emotions, he calmly shifted about to settle on the living ground. Beholding the promising orange twilight and pale cobalt, his emotionless eyes became an essence to his surroundings.
Glancing downward over the park on which he sat, he needed not to be told of where he was. Quite a distance away was the drumming bridge, now only a slight prick in the rhythm of wind. From the zenith of the hill he swept his sapphire rims to rest upon the view; his breathing slowing. There was an empty bench near but he let it alone in appreciative of the soft ground. Setting into a comfortable sitting position, he rested his left elbow upon his raised kneecap, leaning forward.
Empty beyond a cause, the lack of humans from the beautiful park was something to be thankful for...if there was such a thing…
Thinking the moment had passed, an abrupt vigor of negative energy suddenly railed over him. Perplexed, his mind raced defensively, trying to counter it but feeling slightly faint. Shuddering slightly it came again, this time delivering a passive blow of wobbling scenery. Flaring with determination against the third dizzying strike, he struggled to maintain consciousness but it was no use. Strength giving way, his form slumped to the grass.
(-)
"Five hundred thirty eight years…"
"That humans would covet eternal life…what do they know?"
Dark swirls of dim light swirled in the locking blackness, reverberating the incoherent noises and incomplete feelings. Stirring the illusions of defusing colors, the mind slowly began to reallocate. Very slothful at first, then at a medium speed, until enough focus was gathered to receive a simple sound.
"Diajoubu?"
He could hear it…faintly. Distorted with something incomprehensible it was like moving water in the dark. Coming again it seemed to have strength in its words, revitalizing the chaotic black fragments and choppy sensations.
"Diajoubu?"
Feeling a prick of conscious, reality began to awaken, driven by so simple of a command. Gathering strength and spirit his body began to fumble with commandeering nerves. Releasing the strange pain of electrical discharge, those sapphire eyes opened to double worlds, relaxing only when the image was of one accord. Blinking ponderously he focused on the forest of thin lines and blades, staring at their gentle movements without conception. Boarding its jagged canopy, a blue sky littered with autumn colors drifted by vertically.
"Diajoubu desu ka?"
The sentence was clearer now among the lopsided grass. Words that reflected concern and care. Inhaling them along with an uplifting aspect of refreshing air, the man left his collapsed impression to the ground, lifting himself to the aid of unknown grip. Settling for folded legs while his brain sorted out its vertigo, he quietly inspected the streamlined white hands that held his shoulders.
"Are you alright?"
Kneeling from behind, a young girl with crimson eyes and long black hair held the slack of this clothed shoulders firmly. Waiting a moment for the stranger to recollect his bearings she waited until he decided to stand. Smiling gently with compassion she lifted him to his feet whilst he rubbed that hidden face with a reveling hand. Restored to full stance, she held of his unexpected towering appearance, stepping backward though his shadow to fold her arms admiringly across her open jean jacket.
Cursing himself internally for such a weak demonstration, the noir colored male held off the dissipating torment of his mind, the last pieces trickling out of the nerve endings. Fully aware of the person behind him, he turned ecliptically in the orange sun lowering his white hand to the shade. If she had approached him, then perhaps she would not fear him.
Catching the first glimpse of her flattering posture he brought his eyes to wine flavored orbs wishing to thank her. Outlaid in full blue jean attire with brown shoes, she was indeed a youth.
She stepped back.
In but a second nearly the mirror of her first impression had been revealed. Eclipsed under his reigning shadow she began to shake, trembling backward with fearful eyes. Defensively bringing her forearms to her chest she shuddered; locked into the sudden terror that radiated in her face. Unable to take the sight of those insidious sapphire shapes, she turned and ran focusing all her attention forward from beyond that flowing, long black hair. Incapable of looking back for fear it might consume her, the young teenager fled as fast as her jeans covered legs would allow.
…
Pursued by a rendering stare down the pavement, a small girl dressed in a Tokiwa school uniform watched from the seclusion of a sunlit roof. Emotionlessly watching the jean-covered girl run off, she brought her rounded stare to overtake the vast park. Barely interested with the green shades that mixed with the low sun, her vision did not break from the interest of a single black individual. Unaffected by the streaking sun that beautified her face, she let her senses carry outward, mixing with the concentration of her quivering ribbon bound stock.
…
Witnessing her retreating figure with an outstretched hand, the dark man lowered his apologetic arm, turning about with internal regret. Cursing himself once again in silence he resettled into the soft grass, clinching it hatefully. Mentally cursing the fear he had given her, he wondered if this unending infliction would ever cease. Suffering was enough, but others suffered just because he existed…no, rather because this face existed. Buried under a peak of sudden memories, loneliness, and unrivaled hatred there could have been no way he would have noticed the small girl standing behind him…
"You really hate yourself don't you?"
The voice was still and small, but nevertheless full of compassion as it met his ears with a humble personality. Straining his bleak suffering to the side he forced himself tall, releasing the torn grass from his strong grip. Her…
"Guardian"
Meeting the horse voice with zero impact, Miyu ignored any excuse of creeping fear that might seek her judgment. She wanted answers. Standing under a relaxed mood of setting orange her brown eyes valiantly penetrated his glowering back.
"Are you a Shinma?"
As if considering the question very carefully, the man didn't move in the slightest. Trying to get a feel for his motives, Miyu's senses were again distorted at his unusual presence. She couldn't smell him or feel him very well but that tingling 6th sense she had was soaring out of control. One thing she could feel though was his emotions… Still facing the other way he answered.
"No…perhaps I should have been..."
Miyu's eyes widened, the shock of those bitter but truthful words stirring up unprofaned mental storms. Taking a knowledgeable step forward in her Tokiwa uniform, Miyu's voice loomed out unaffected by the unbalancing confession.
"Why?"
She couldn't deny that last statement had indeed surprised her. As most Shinma had nothing to hide, nearly all were straightforward save for the few that abided their short time with persisting lies. Some would even denounce their entire plots to her ears, possessing the framework of foolish, undefeatable beliefs. Cascading deeply with a baritone voice, Miyu listened further.
"Because then…you would kill me."
Turning about slowly the dark man traded the glowing sun upon his face, replacing it depressingly amidst an oblique shade as he faced her. Regarding the girl's unmoving character he awaited a response.
Miyu stared deeply into his face, focusing resolutely into those inhuman eyes. But this time was different; as they were no longer contained with immaculate malevolent strife, but soft sorrow…
Incredibly his eyes were actually rounded with depressing sentiments. It was if it was a world within a world. Flashing brightly for a mere instant Miyu's mind reflected the first time she had seen this.
The school window…
Disrupting further recollection, the man's voice came out again, amazingly changed to a tone of understanding. A soft voice, one that she knew very well…
A voice of sorrow.
"You can see it can't you?"
Yielding submissively under his internal character, his sapphire eyes depressed further as the mutual understanding Miyu reflected became known.
"Who are you?"
The answer was instant.
"My name…I have forgotten it."
Speechless at the answer, Miyu nodded her head, blinking her eyes for a momentary, but disappointing acknowledgement. If there was one thing she was sure of it was that he was telling the truth. As she did have an extensive arsenal of interpretations, it was only in a rare case that they could ever be wrong.
"How do you know me?"
The man stopped for a moment, the wind blowing between them. His eyes glowed in the shade, considering critically the next sentence. Fading back into permanent form, his face turned fearsome, although his voice did not change.
"The book of Shinma."
Before Miyu could respond he raised his left arm, its motion causing herself to react. But he didn't attack, rather flattened his hand into a knife. Then slowly rotating, he showed her the palm, until the presence of dark Kanji caught the sunlight, burned in his skin. Seeing the letters, the symbolic language came to her mind.
"Taka-yama"
Miyu switched her view to his face, taking hold of his solemn eyes.
"High Mountain."
The nameless man nodded slightly, barely disturbing the flowing pattern of his sunset hair.
"Correct."
Miyu thought a moment.
"Then isn't 'High mountain' your name?"
Narrowing his brows at the hearing of that word the man regarded her for a second; if he was impressed by her knowledge he wasn't going to complement it. Speaking callously he shunned his hand aside, angrily biting off the words.
"It's a lie."
As if to emphasize the point further he tightly griped his hand with audio-able results.
"Return in three hours, I shall be here."
Starting up he moved slowly and diligently upon the lush grass, returning the way he had come. Pausing to scan the ground the man held off a brief moment before gathering a lost school bag that now lay alone. Shouldering the cargo that had belonged to that crimson-eyed girl he turned back to Miyu, fixing his legs into an L position. Rendering a stare under his standard terrifying gaze, he let soft, parting words seep the air.
"Your friends care for you. But fear will not last forever."
Miyu watched him go, thinking within her heart.
It was just his way of saying sorry…
(-)
Claming the final flicker of sunlight, darkness overshadowed the land. Darkness really seemed like a liquid sometimes. Almost like black water since it liked to drown every thing it touched. Humming protectively, white streetlights stood watch over black streets; fully conscious to their mechanical summon. Even on the hospital grounds all was silent. With the main building several stories in height, nearly every window was dark.
Nearly…
Quietly standing in a white room layered with dividing cubicles, three Tokiwa schoolgirls regarded the youthful patient before them. Resting peacefully in the dim light, her unconscious self swept away in the warmth the large bed provided.
"Thank you everyone." Soma whispered from the side of her sister's bed not stinging in even the slightest gratitude. "Thank you for visiting my sister."
Yukari smiled, shouldering her school bag as quietly as possible, replying with an expression that no words could match. Leading the way from the small room her two friends followed her as they prepared to go home. Stepping lightly they made their way to the elevator, being careful not to disturb others.
Chisato whispered.
"I'm glad that she is doing better now."
Nodding with agreement Yukari kept her smirk, glad that her friend and her sleeping sister were doing all right. Since before the time they had come soma's sister hadn't even responded to the simplest of requests except for her family. Fortunately the course of the visit had not only changed that, but the spirit of the three friends as well. It was so nice to help others, and they could have never attested better. Blinking with the fresh image of Miki's health, Chisato smiled in unison. Happy with the knowledge that today had been a good day.
(-)
Bloodcurdling the air with echoes of a medium wind, a darker melody took hold upon the nightly landscape. Fading quickly into the horizon, pale azure died to the deep black that enveloped the world once more. Weary of the exhaustion the day had provided, shadows merged themselves into their creators. Without glisten or shine, cold pavement provided the medium for upon which footsteps resided.
Leaving the dim outline of a simple high school to diminish into the overpowering darkness, a tall erect figure walked unaccompanied. Shunning reaction of any sort, he walked alone under the streetlights. Focused intently to the destination before him, he continued onward, impassive as the shadows.
Adorned with the bare shadow of darkness, Miyu relaxed under the hidden moonlight. Sitting comfortably upon the roof of a small house, she waited patiently as the unbiased wind tugged at her white kimono. Standing along side her cross-legged posture, Lava held firm his stance, attesting to the protecting blood contract that flowed within him. Creaking the cape about his head, he brought his hidden eyes to white attire.
"Miyu, do you think we can trust him?"
Patiently, Miyu closed her eyes to the rushing air, feeling her purple bow strips fly though the draft.
"We shall see."
Raising her ruffling head but a little, Miyu looked to the far of the murky park. Everything was completely dark without the moon, setting a twinge of uneasiness as she waited. Without the aid of any internal lighting, the park had been transformed into a sea of twisted proportions.
Reacting silently to a distant object, Lava uttered his strengthened voice.
"Miyu, that's him."
From across the ocean of blackness a single black figure entered the park, losing the impaling company of neighboring streetlights for the ominous cover of total concealment. Narrowing her eyes with piercing lock, Miyu fastened to his afar approach. Refusing to break she held his character upon inhuman retinas, regarding the image carefully. Tipped with the color of the surrounding shade, his atypically open skin basked dimly with minimum movement. Reaching a stealthily place of near-invisibility he stopped, allowing indomitable sapphire to match Miyu's face. Holding ground with that infamous L position, his faint expression lived with stirring hair while he waited for the next move.
Miyu blinked deeply, residing to the confines of her memory, searching acutely. Leaving a scaring impression through her moving lids, Miyu regarded the key scenery as she stood tall, unaffected by intimidation. Speaking softly to her friend, she prepared for the meeting.
"Let's go Lava."
Cloaking into the surrounding environment, it was but a short trip before she stood barefoot among the welcoming grass. Reinforcing her stance, Lava held her side, ready to fight if need be.
"Well?" Miyu began, politely recalling the sympathy she had shown so shrewdly before. Wishing to promote a friendly atmosphere she smiled faintly, her mind prepared should anything happen.
The man didn't answer for a moment, but rather maintained silence. Looking past his sharp eyes into his core, Miyu's senses could only return hazy emotions. Distorted and bleak, it seemed the only information she would get tonight would be verbal.
Still quiet, the man regarded the two that stood before him, taking no surprise at Lava's intimidating company. Setting his eyes shut, he spoke low having made the decision.
"Here..."
Miyu listened.
"The book of Shinma is shinma."
"Is?" Miyu questioned, not quite understanding.
The man opened his eyes, looking solidly into the guardian's face.
"Your name is Miyu."
Miyu grimaced, her face taking a narrowed look. Taking a step forward, her voice toned up. She did not like to be toyed with…
"How do you know my name?"
Darkly, the answer came.
"Shinma...are the supernatural beings that devour the hearts of men...and lead them to ruin. Long ago they were sealed in the dark world. However there are stray Shinma that live secretly in the human world. They live in the division between night and day."
He paused, raising his head to angle with Miyu's.
"The Guardian who sends the stray Shinma back to the dark world...is the beautiful vampire, Miyu. No one knows her true face…"
His voice seemed to echo upon more than her mind, more like the very core of her being itself, those words…although she had never heard them, pounded her heart nearly as truthful as the destined blood that flowed though her.
"That…book…is it?"
Miyu was shocked, he had said that its contents could not be transferred nor learned by words, and after such a strong display of knowledge she could not believe that it was but inferior…
Maintaining his undying malicious eyes, the man answered her question.
"No, it is a shinma. It was a shinma, and will be a shinma…"
Miyu didn't understand.
"What do you mean?"
The man's eyes narrowed, his head bowing slightly before they closed.
In his head he had again remembered…
(-)
A dark forest…
A monster…dead
Approaching it…
Getting wounded…
Escaping…
It was so fragmented. But the next images were vivid.
His village was before him, the villagers all stirred up with weapons of various sorts. Ahead of him was a large platform, a girl standing on it. He could remember her… She had been more than a friend. More than a sister… Did he have a sister? Visually his family was just voided outlines... three of them… Why was it that she was the only one that had color? No…Why couldn't he remember her name? He knew he had loved her but couldn't remember anything…how… why….
But it didn't matter… No…
All that mattered was that he had cared once …and it was for her...
Pushed to join them on that death stage, wordless orders were shouted, the sound long since forgotten… In the monotone grey and brown that his memory provided the last images played slowly. From his vision they all hung…everyone he had cared about. Lifeless, and quiet they swayed with the wind. Everywhere it was deserted, the mob long since gone. But he himself,… alive...
Hanging alongside them, the memory ended like camera without film. The last image being his own shout that cut the rope.
(-)
Exiting his fragmented memory the dark man beheld the guardian. At that time his wound had absorbed the drops of a shinma's blood. Although he never guessed until his face reflected in the river… and his hand…
Unknown to him, it had been a higher tier shinma of Japan. Mixed with immortality, he had been given what no human should wish for…
Then it had only been a matter of time before the village tried to kill him…
Unable to remember further, the dark man focused. Perhaps he shouldn't tell the guardian. He had wanted to, but there was no point. What he was flowed in his blood and as such could only be shared… Although he had experienced more than enough suffering in his life, it by no means lay it upon another…
What had consumed him had changed him. His existence was empty and cold. He would not give her the same.
"The book of shinma…"
Miyu listened, his voice trailing off.
"You don't need it..."
Turning, he began to walk.
In her mind Miyu's expression had changed. He hadn't told her one thing about himself and yet she could feel that he was living meaninglessly. If there was one emotion that spread like darkness, it was sorrow. She knew because for decades it had been the medium that consumed her…
"Are you going to wander forever?"
He stopped.
Not bothering to turn he glanced over his shoulder, his voice passive.
"Is there anything else?"
Miyu stared back, softening her expression as she came closer.
"Eternal happiness. A place without pain or suffering, isn't that what you want?"
In the enveloping darkness he paused. Is that what he wanted? He didn't know, and even if he did he would never be worthy of such a gift. Time had erased any hope he had had in 'happiness'. Time had destroyed any vitality that word held.
Leveling his head on his own path he closed his eyes, drifting his final sentence.
"Is there even such a thing?"
Then he was gone, walking into the distance the way he had come; alone.
---
Holding her lustful expression a little longer, Miyu slowly let it collapse into a farewell smile.
Turning her attention to her trusting servant she looked up upon his white mask.
"What do you think Lava?"
Lava softened his voice, his fortified thinking coming to good use. Carefully moving about the hood of his dark blue cape, he regarded Miyu's insightful face.
"He is human Miyu."
Miyu nodded.
"Are you going to follow him?"
Shaking her head, Miyu faced forward to the blank park devoid of light. Having learned more tonight then in the past two days her mind breathed deeply. While his power was very confusing in shinma terms, it was very easy to read his emotions.
"No, we'll watch him for now."
(-)
Moving at a slow pace under the government of white streetlights the nameless person sustained his meaningless goal, walking to where his random feet would deliver. Remembering the conversation with the guardian, his mind flashed with the unmistakable monotone pictures that traced her inked form with ancient yellow paper. Always alone, he continued into the sleepless night.
Seeing the same, a shadowy figure followed from the rooftops, stalking his every move without detection. Pausing on a small satellite antenna, it let his only distinguishable attribute glow in the night.
Violet eyes.
Smiling invisibly but evilly, they narrowed with desire.