Chapter 20

New Beginnings, New Challenges, and a New Life

A few weeks had passed since the whole incident, and everyone noticed the visible change in Nashi. She was more cautious around them, she started to push herself away from everyone, even Yasu but they all pushed back, again especially Yasu. After the whole incident, Lin apologized to Nashi as he did not know what Naru was planning because he thought he was going to talk to her in his office not in front of everyone like that. Nashi accepted his apology and then he offered something to her, to help her be able to control her powers since he did with Naru. She did not want to accept it but because she knew that if she were starting to be able to use some of the powers that her great great great great great grandpa had and she was supposed to, she needed to learn how to control them so she would not kill her or worse, someone she loves. Once she was all clear from her doctor to start do exercises and such, she told Lin and they commenced her training.

The first thing Lin mentioned was her precognition would happen at any time and that and her shiki would cause harm to her body. The Pk would be what would cause her bodily injury and much like Naru, could kill her. He kept working with her to control

Now that it was close to March, the snow was slowly melting away and the trees started to show some green. Nashi had been working with Lin for about a week now as he had tried her on her PK, which did not go well. Something simple as bending a spoon, or moving a stapler drained her so much Lin realized that she was remarkably like Naru as he got exhausted that easily as well. So, he moved away from that and had her focus on her astral projection, onmyouji training and more importantly gaining control of her shiki.

Yasu had picked her up to bring her in for a training day but as she was walking in her phone rang, it was someone she knew but Yasu did not know or cared about. He went over into Naru's office as he had called him in to help with some background research for a new case, something not too bad it sounded like. While Nashi was still on the phone, Ayako came in and saw that she was talking on the phone an went into the kitchen as to not disturb her. Ayako had made herself some tea and one cup for Nashi as she looked like she could you it.

As she approached, she asked, "Nashi, are you, all right?"

Nashi looked at her, gratefully accepting the cup of tea as she answered, "Yes…but no at the same time. I just got off the phone with women who is handling my adoption stuff. I have been up for adoption since I was 5 but no takers."

Ayako gave her a look quick, but it vanished as she hoped Nashi did not take notice of it, but she did and did not say anything.

"Why won't anyone adopt you?"

Nashi wore her long brown hair down today and she raked her hair back with her left hand and kept it there for a moment as her right hand was helping her prop herself against the windowsill.

"Oh, people do want me as they think I'm cute, or sweet, but because of what happened to my family it is disclosed in my adoption report or whatever you call it. And when most families or couples hear, well read about what happened, they immediately say no to me."

"So what? Did someone try to adopt you now and they said no again? If your used to it, why is it bothering you?"

Nashi let out a sigh and closed her eyes and she spoke, "Because they didn't say no. the person said yes still. They still want to adopt me and that scares me. The only people who know about my past is all of you here at SPR now and now this random woman."

"Well maybe she is nice, or you know someone close to her. Not that I know anything."

Ayako was getting flustered now and Nashi knew that look she had had on her face earlier was not for nothing.

"Ayako…" Nashi started, opening her eyes to look at Ayako, "Do you know who it is?"

"Nope. Not one bit," she answered a bit too quickly. Nashi was getting a bit frustrated because she knew something and Nashi could still reject her as she was almost 18, but she wanted to know who it was Ayako had mentioned her to and why she would want to adopt her without knowing her.

"Ayako…"

"Sorry Nashi."

This went back and forth for a couple minutes before Nashi got really tired of this game and finally shouted at Ayako.

"Ayako, stop! This is not funny to me! This is my life, and some random person could be dragged into this and killed because of me! Why can't you…"

"It's me ok?!"

Nashi stopped and looked at her shocked. "Ayako…"

"I want to adopt you. I care for you a lot and would love to help you and take care of you. You worry for all of us and I feel this need to be there for you, I cannot explain it. Maybe it is a motherly need even though I am not a mother or that I was not and still not super close to my own mother at times. It would also get you closer to school and SPR…"

Nashi held up her hand, cause her to stop. "You have to do this out of pity Ayako. I've been doing ok so far; I can still do it…"

"But you can't. You do not see, your wall you have created is cracking. It started the moment you meet us, the closer you and Mai got and then finally when you started dating Yasu," Nashi looked down, unable to look her in the eyes anymore, tears springing into her eyes. Was she that easy to read now? "Now that the truth is out, you're trying so hard to be strong. Kori and Michu has told Yasu how you are, crying, silent and secluding yourself from them. We all felt you pushing us away, but we did not give in to you as we pushed back. Please," Ayako came over and put her hand and her shoulders, "Let me do this. You need someone like a mother in your life, and for some reason I want it to be me."

Nashi was on the verge of crying, knowing it was all true. Michu and Kori's moms tried to be there and be as much of a mother figured to her, but she would not let them in. now she is here in Ayako's arms crying, wanting to give in. she wondered what her mom would say but she already knew in her heart.

'Let her in, my dear. Don't force yourself to be alone anymore, let them in and love you.'

Fully engulfed in a hug with Ayako, she answered. "Ok."

Ayako was happy and gave her a big hug. Nashi did not really feel like training anymore so she asked Lin if she could skip for today, and Ayako said she would be with her, so he let her be. He somewhat heard what the 2 were talking about and was happy for Nashi and he knew Yasu would be as well.

-2 weeks later-

Nashi had finally moved majority of her stuff into Ayako's house and she was enjoying it and getting closer to her. Her training with Lin was going well, she was still trying to gain complete control over her shiki even when it was not to attack or defend. They just wondered and if she tried to whistle to get her the, attack, defense or just to bring them back to her, they would not come. Nashi was getting a bit frustrated with that as she felt like most of her training to become an onmyouji hinged on her controlling her shiki. Making hitogatas was not as hard to her as the shikigami were, Lin kept trying to do what he could to help her, but nothing seemed to be working.

"Ayako it's impossible! I cannot even use my Shiki like how they should be, and it is hard since I do not know how I got them or why unless my dad had something to do with it. Or an ancestor?"

Ayako felt bad for her, she could do anything for her really except she was able to teach her the nine cuts. Lin had told her she was doing well and thought she would get it soon; this was something that you start young and he kept telling Nashi that. Plus, that had a case coming up so Nashi would not be training with Lin for a few days to a week and she was not going to be able to go with them she had test that week to get her ready for finals coming up.

March was going to be over soon which meant school would be out for a month before starting back up in April after finals. She had a moment during her studying when she had called Ayako mom because of how she was acting.

-Flashback-

It was the last week in February and Nashi had gotten swamped with papers, studying, and having hardly any time to do anything. She was still able to do her trainings with Lin, but it was wearing at her.

"Nashi you need to take a break and eat something, you've been studying so hard and over working yourself. You need more rest and food. If you keep doing this, you know the physical and mental consequences…"

Nashi snapped back at her before she could finish her sentence, "I get it mom! I know what I am doing and must do. I must do good with this work. Once I am done, I promise mom I will do better, but not now!"

It took all of 5 seconds for Nashi and Ayako to realize what she had said, more specifically what she had just called Ayako. Nashi felt embarrassed and closed the book she was using to study before running off to her room.

"Mom, I mean Ayako, I am so sorry I don't know what came over me. I…I need to go I have s-something to do in my room. S-sorry again." And with that she left everything she was doing on the table and ran upstairs to her room. Ayako was confused, she had told her if she wanted to call her mom she could, it was not a big deal but now it was. She also was confused in her head.

'I feel…feel so happy that she called me mom. I thought I would not care but… she called me mom and I am elated! Nashi…. I need to go talk to her. She feels like she messed up somehow, but why?'

Ayako did not waste time following her, finding her in her room as she would suspect. What she did not expect to see is Nashi laying on her stomach on her bed, head facing away towards the wall. And her crying, despite how hard she was trying to be quiet. Ayako's heart just broke as she finally could get her legs to work and walk from the doorway and sat down on the side of the bed. Ayako heard he suck in her breath and tried to get herself to completely stop, hoping she would just leave her alone.

Not a chance.

"Nashi, what is wrong? I told you before it is alright to call me mom of you wanted and felt comfortable. I get I was nagging like a mom would but you're wearing yourself out and…"

"No, it's not ok."

Ayako froze as she had started to rub Nashi's back when she was talking to her but now her hand was an inch off her back in the air, shocked.

"What?"

Nashi finally sat up and faced her, face streaked with tears and eyes red. "It's not ok Ayako! You heard what happened with my biological mom, I caused her to get killed! Now you know and you still want to be there for me and be my mom and I do love you. You take great care of me and I want to call you mom. I will admit that but," she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, "but if you got killed because of me and because I let you be my mom… I…I don't know what…"

Ayako heard her having trouble with forming her words and just pulled her into her, embracing her and letting her cry into her shoulder till she was ready to talk again. Nashi even wrapped her arms back around Ayako before she continued.

"I don't want to lose another mom. I can't lose more people that I love…"

"Then what about Yasu?"

Nashi gasped; eyes widened as she thought of this.

"You love him but you're still telling him, aren't you scared to lose him? I know the answer is yes, but you still love him and go out with him. And nothing again your biological mother but she did not have spiritual or psychic powers to help keep herself safe and I do. I will always be here for you and protect you like you are my daughter because to me you are. I love you Nashi, but your fear is real, and you have told me now. There is nothing to be afraid of anymore because I am not going to leave when things get scary or tough. I'm right here…"

Ayako did not finish because she felt Nashi's grip on her tighten then relax, though they were still hugging each other.

"I'm sorry…mom. I really do love you and would love to call you m-mom."

After that conversation, Nashi felt a bit happier. She had a family again that was not just Michu, Kori and herself. She had a mom again even if she had always been a daddy's girl with her biological mom and dad, but she did have an amazing, adopted mom.

A few days later, Ayako decided to have a talked with Lin about easing up on Nashi and he was easily willing to give her a break.

"Lin, can I have a chat with you for a moment?"

Lin looked up to the person who had knocked on his door and was talking to him as he asked her to come in, Ayako.

"Yes Ayako. Is everything ok? Is Nashi alright?" With each question addressed to her his tone grew subtly more concerned. Ayako picked up on it and had a bit of fun first.

"So, someone is concerned with Nashi? You seemed to be getting more and more concerned with things involving her. Why would that be? You care for her? Love her?"

Ayako may have been teasing but she did see a slight, oh so slight, reaction in Lin. Did he really care that much for her? Hmmm…

"Of course, I care for her she is my student after all," he said, quickly recovering from his blunder. He knew Ayako had seen him react to that and so what if he did care for her as more than a student?

"So, I talked to her the other day and she is freaking out over having control of her shiki and school. She is not even sleeping or eating properly, and I was hoping there was something else you could do for her. Anything?"

Lin thought for a moment when he came up with an idea that could help her out.

"I have an idea, and I know she comes in a bit later for some training. I will try it then. And maybe it would be a good idea to stop some of her trainings, so she came worry about school more and relax. It's not easy trying to balance the 2 out."

Ayako let out a breath she did not even realize she was holding, and she thanked him and began to leave. Before she left completely, she stopped in the doorway to his office, and asked him a question.

"Lin are you sure you don't care about her more than just a student? You seem to care for her a lot, more than even Mai or Naru, and I know she thinks of you as a father figure since you are Chinese like her and Monk jokes around too much. He is a man child to say it nicely. She really cares for you and values what you tell her and speak. She tries everything you taught her for her shiki and gets easily upset and worried that you will be upset or mad at her for failing. Maybe she needs you more than either of you 2 are willing to admit. Thank you, Lin, and have a good night. I'll see you in a few days to go over the new case we have coming up."

Lin was silent, insure of how to react to what she had just said, but knowing it was all truth in his heart and mind.

"Yes. See you then."

Lin sat there after Ayako left, barely able to focus of his work because of Ayako and what she had proposed about him and Nashi. Yes, he did care for her but how much? And things like if his plan for her training would work, until he heard a knock on the door and Nashi calling his name.

"Hi Lin, I'm ready for twining today."

He could see how tired she was and feel how her shiki were still not under her control, hopefully he could change that today.

"So, Nashi, I have a different idea for your training today. We are going to see if you have an alpha or dominant shiki that you can use to control the rest of your shiki. I have 2 but one is more like a backup in case the main dominant shiki is unable to act like they are in combat or other reasons that are not good. So, you will attempt to call each one, focus on each shiki's specific energy and whistle to call them to you. Hopefully, one will come forward and be your dominant one that will be able to train and control the others."

Nashi attempted to call all 5 of her shiki, though much to Lin's worry, none had responded. One showed a slight waiver but eventually ignored her.

"I should have known this would happen. So, I do not have any that will listen to me. Now what do we do Lin?"

Nashi had placed her head in hands and looked stressed and on the verge of tears. He knew what she was feeling, she thought she was a failure, someone not worthy of having any of these powers.

"This leads me to my second idea," he said before whistling and calling forth one of his shiki who just looked at Nashi as she looked back at her. How she knew it was a female shiki, she did not know but she just knew.

"This is my dominant shiki, her name is Rin, and we are going to use her to get your shiki into shape."

Nashi was now so confused, how could his shiki help her control them? It would work when she was there with Lin but not when she was home practicing. "How?"

"Well, there is a way for onmyouji to transfer shikis among themselves and that's what I plan to do. She has always shown an interest in you so I plan on transferring Rin to you and see how she takes to you calling her and if she can control the other shiki you have. So, let us start, it is a remarkably simple process," Lin explained all the details as he took Nashi's hands and began to send her over. Once it was done, Lin let go of Nashi's hands and asked her to feel Rin's energy and call her. Nashi was apprehensive that it would work, but she went ahead and called her by whistling out to her and commanding her to the front and what would you know.

She came and listened. Now Lin told her to try to call the others and what should happen in when they do not listen, Rin would make them respond to her call and force them up to the front. Nashi tried and each time, Rin came through and brought or made the shiki Nashi was calling answer her and come to her front.

Nashi was amazed and so happy she could not help but jump up and hug Lin! "Thank you so much! I cannot believe it is working! Ow how long do I have with her Lin?"

"It can vary, though she will be there for as long as you need her to be until the shiki are fully under your call without her being there. So, we are going to cut back on the lessons, one because of school and I know finals are coming up. And 2 because we will be having that case that is happening the same week as your finals are, so you aren't able to come with us."

Nashi nodded but thought of another question that would open a whole can of worms that she didn't k ow if she would be ready for, "how long have you had Rin for Lin?"

He looked over to her and his eyes softened some before her answered, "10 years."

Nashi was impressed. She knew that some of her shiki she probably had since she was little and did not know because of family contracts and such but for being his best and dominant shiki and it only be 10 years was amazing.

"How did you make her contract? Did you know her?"

Lin did not answer at first, not knowing if he wanted to tell her but then her realized she had her for now and it would benefit her if she knew more about Rin.

"Well… she was my first shiki I can remember making a contract with without officially doing it. And the reason. For that, before you can ask, is because she is actually my older sister."

Nashi was shocked.

'What? His sister? His sister became one of his shiki? That would mean she…she died. Oh my... I can't!'

"Lin," Nashi began to protest, "I can't take her. She is your sister how can I…?"

Lin reached over and took her hands as she felt Rin wrap herself around her shoulders then watching her materialize with her head over both their hand.

"Because I know she will keep you safe on cases until you gain control. And let me say this, I have an older sister and a younger brother as well, Kenji. And in my family, we all are onmyoujis and for contracts with other people in our family before death since most shiki are demons created from the souls of onmyoujis. Rin's contract was with our younger brother, Kenji was to me and I was contracted to my sister. Usually, these contracts cannot be broken or changed but when my sister died due to a car accident, she for some reason came to me instead of our brother. He was not happy and still is not happy. I felt guilt for the longest time over causing something to change in the contracts, even our parents cannot explain and fix it. I have tried to give her permanently away to my brother, but she keeps coming back to me. So do not worry about her, she is tough and can handle anything and can come back to me at any time. Just keep working on controlling the other shiki with her help. She will help you."

Nashi noticed how quickly Lin changed the subject and could only think of one thing to do. She hugged him tightly and without thinking said…

"Thank you so much and I will take care of her dad. Don't you worry."

Nashi immediately stopped, let go of Lin and stood up, mortified as to what she just did. Why was this happening again?

"D-Lin, I am so sorry I…I don't know… sorry I have to go thank you!" And she ran off, leaving Lin shocked there in his chair.

'Why? Why did that feel so good to hear her say to me. Damn…was Ayako, right?'

All Lin could think of to do was call the one person who had just questioned him before his lesson with Nashi about that.

Ayako.

A week later, everyone but Mai and Nashi came to the meeting regarding the new case because those 2 were busy studying for finals or taking them. Yasu was there because he was able to take his finals 2 weeks early due to his standing in the school and telling them he had important meeting coming up. Mai had hers this week, a week early, so she would be joining them next week when they went on the case.

The case would be taking place in Setagaya City at Komazawa University Senior High School. The principal and school board had serious concerns as a few students and facility have gone missing in the past 2 months and all were last seen at the school and not leaving. The 5 facility members that went missing included 2 teachers, 3 maintenance or cleaning crew and 2 students. The students were both staying after school for tutoring as one was tutoring the other and lived close. During the classis's things had been thrown and hit other students or teachers, thought at night was when I had gotten bad. Reports of voices and screams echoed throughout the building and it all was described as coming from under the school. What appeared to be blood writing showed on the walls, doors, windows, and desk, and all the speakers would go off with different noises and voices, including laughing that was heard more often than anything. The rest of the maintenance and cleaning crew were afraid to go into the school at night. And the students were starting to become fearful they would be next. Finals had happened the week before so the school would be closed for a month and they could investigate the strange occurrences though some students and staff would still be coming in and hour for tutoring and grading as well as getting ready for the next semester of school.

More details would be given once they arrived at the location. Everyone was to mean back on Monday at 7:00 A.M. to load up the van a hopefully leave by 7:45 or 8. It should only take 16 minutes at most with good traffic. Lin and Naru walked back into his office but Lin left the door to his office open as he knew Ayako would probably walk in, which she did and then shut it behind her.

"Have you heard anything from Nashi?"

Lin just shook his head, "No, and I've tried calling and texting her especially since she has missed 2 trainings and I'm worried how things are going and about how she is."

"If it is any consolation, from what I've seen she seems to being doing good since you meant her that shiki of yours. She said she was incredibly special to you."

Lin nodded and was silent for a few minutes before finally deciding to tell her because she deserved to know, and she was Nashi's mother now.

"She is my older sister."

Ayako did not need to say anything back to him because she knew if he never talked about it that it was personal or hard to talk about it.

"So, she still hasn't gotten in contact with you? All because what? You gave her your shiki and she called you dad? The only reason I could think of is she is doing something like what she did with me when she first called me mom, she is scared. She didn't want me to become her mom because she was afraid with the man who killed her family is still out there and she didn't want to lose another mom and I'm sure she wants you to be her dad… do you want to be her dad though Lin?"

Lin looked shocked and his eyes connected with Ayako's as he thought, 'How could she doubt that… wait. Do I really want to be a father to Nashi? What do I care but Rin has been saying I have a soft spot for her, and she could tell I was lying to myself? Is this what she meant? Why did I give her Rin? I could have given her my second dominant one and it would still have worked. Why Rin?'

"Ayako, I think I would. I think I have been lying to myself by denying this feeling towards her. I could have McGovern my second dominant shiki to her and it would have worked just as well but… maybe I gave her Rin because I knew no matter what, Rin would keep her safe and out of harm's way."

Ayako gave the smile that was crossed between happy me scheming.

"Now to get her here so you can tell her, and she can stop avoiding her. I cannot only get her here tomorrow. So, I will see you then." Ayako opened the door and started to walk out but. It before asking him one last, important question.

"Are you going to adopt her to as your daughter. Me as her mom and you as her dad?"

"Yes"

"Ayako, why are we here again? It is Tuesday and I know we are open but why couldn't it wait? You were just here yesterday?"

Nashi and Ayako were talking as they entered the seemingly empty SPR office, only Ayako knowing that Lin was here in his office though it seemed Nashi was worried she would see Lin.

"Yes, I don't want Naru to find out I left my case file here and hear him drone on about being unprofessional." Both girls walked over to the couch area and just then, Lin walked out of the office surprising Nashi but not Ayako.

"W-what is this? Mom did you…"

"Yes, and you're avoiding him why? You need your training and Lin is the only one who can do that out of all of us."

"It's because I c-called…called him d…"

"Dad?" Both Ayako and Lin said at the same time. Nashi was shocked because that meant they had been talking to each other and both knew what had transpired.

"Mom! You know and you tricked me to come here? How could you…"

Ayako turns the tables very quickly on Nashi. "Because you are doing the same thing to Lin as you did to me. You are afraid because he feels like a father to you, so you called him dad and became afraid to ruin the relationship between you 2. Did you even ask if it was ok?"

"Well…no…"

"Then let me say this to you Nashi," Lin started, giving her a slight scare as to what he would say to her regarding it, "I talked with Ayako and I would like to go ahead and become your adoptive father. If you would like me to that is."

Nashi was shocked. She was so afraid that he would be mad or say no and hate her for it, but he wanted to be her dad. How did she get so lucky with Ayako and Lin? Tears started coming out of her eyes as she was still scared but happy all the same. Ayako knew what she was thinking but was surprised when Lin moved to give her a hug.

"It's alright Nashi. You can be happy and sad or scared at the same time. You have been alone long enough with no parents. Time for things to change don't you think?"

He was right, things needed to change. She was so used to being alone except for Kori and Michu that she forgot what true love felt like till Yasu and even Mai came around. Then after the truth about her came out, the did not run, they became closer to her till Ayako became her mom and now Lin was becoming her dad. She was scared… no terrified but she felt love from a parent again.

"Y-yes please… mom and dad."

-End Flashback-

A.N. Ok so it has been much longer than I wanted I have been working a lot of hours and it has been hard trying to word things correctly and get the timeline right. Hell, I might still have it messed up. I will say when I first was doing this chapter the whole lin and Ayako adopting nashi was supposed to be more like a month or 2 but I was going off the American school system where finals are in June, but in japan they are in April because its 3 semesters, so it was kind of speed up more. So sorry if its so weird but case happening next chapter and its going to be a crazy one.