Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Chapter 6: Kaname's Awakening
"So you've managed to find three more Jewel Shards, huh?" Michiru asked his friends. Once again, the Shikigami User was sitting with his friends at Kagome's house, enjoying dinner and the company of his fellow adventurers.
"That's right!" Kagome smiled, holding up the bottle of Shards that hung about her neck in one hand, the compass Wyvern had given her in the other. "I swear, it's so easy! All I have to do is think, 'Jewel Shard', and bang! The compass points them out!" Grinning with delight at the gyroscopic device she held, she leaned over the table closer to Michiru. "It doesn't matter how far away they are or whatever!"
"I'll say!" InuYasha grinned around a mouthful of food. "It sure is a lot simpler than what we had to deal with before! Always wandering around, hoping to get lucky and bump into a demon with a Shard!" Swallowing loudly, the half-demon looked at the compass like it was gold. "I swear, we spend more time getting to wherever the Jewel Shard then we do actually getting it!"
"Not that that part's gotten any easier," Kagome admitted ruefully. "The last Shard we found? The demon that had grabbed it was this huge monster that looked like a cross between an ox and an octopus! It took forever for us to take it down!"
Michiru's expression became one of concern at this. "It didn't hurt anybody, did it?"
"Eh, we got a few bangs and bruises, but nothing serious," InuYasha informed him. Then his face split into a feral grin. "But man, I wish you could've been there to see it when we brought that bastard down! Sango and Kirara came at it from above, and blasted off a couple of its tentacles, and then Kohaku took out one of its eyes with his kusarigama!"
"Yeah, and that's when that thing started pumping out this huge miasma that started melting the forest!" Kagome recalled with a shudder.
"My goodness!" Mrs. Higurashi grimaced.
"Don't worry, Mom! Miroku was able to generate some kind of spiritual barrier that shielded us long enough for Shippo and I to use one of our combo moves!" Kagome assured them.
"Yeah, that was pretty good, Kagome. You two left that thing covered in arrows!" InuYasha admitted. Then he drove his fist into his hand. "And while that monster was screaming its head off, I got in there and cut out the Jewel Shard, and it was all over!"
"I'm just glad that you all came out of that little adventure in one piece!" Grandpa declared as he took a sip of tea. "Goodness graciousness! You've only been away for a week, and look at the amount of trouble you get into!"
Shooting her grandfather a rueful look, Kagome replied, "Yeah, I know. Though to be honest, it's kind of hard to believe that it's really been a week since we were here last!"
I know what you mean, Kagome, Michiru agreed silently, despite the fact that he was perfectly aware that a week's time had passed since he had last been there. And it had been an exhaustive week for him.
It had started out pretty much like a regular day for Michiru. As he had done just about every day that week, he had locked himself into a routine of studying and practice, focusing his efforts on the tiny area of magic that was key to his plans to return to the Feudal Era, when Kagome had called him on his cell phone to let him know that they were back. After a brief conversation, she had gladly invited him over to her place to spend the day with them, an invitation that he had been quick and happy to accept.
It had been a full day, to be sure, and unlike the last time Michiru had visited the Higurashi Shrine, there had been no crisis or catastrophe to ruin the day. Quite the opposite, in fact; he and his friends had been able to relax and catch up on what had been happening since last time, as well as simply enjoy each other's company. And when Kyle Wyvern arrived that afternoon as he had promised them, they spent time looking through the various artifacts that he brought them.
"Time does tend to fly when you're enjoying life," Wyvern commented from where he sat. "I can't tell you the number of times I thought I had spent a couple days researching an ancient city or exploring a temple, only to find out that more than a week had passed and it was time for me to move on!"
Wyvern was the recipient of several strange looks at this point. "Uh…right," Kagome got out. Pushing that particular subject aside, she then said, "By the way, thanks for bringing us all those artifacts of yours. I really do appreciate it."
"It's no problem, Kagome. As I said before, I think it's best if such objects are used as they should be," Wyvern reminded her. "But I must admit to being curious. How is it that you can pick out which objects are endowed with magical powers from the rest so easily?"
Tilting her head to the side, Kagome replied, "Sorry, but to be honest, I don't really understand how or why I can see and sense things like that. All I really know is that…I can." Pausing to hold up the compass, she elaborated, "For example, the compass? You can't see it, but when I look at it, there's a faint light surrounding it."
"Hmm. I see. A spiritual form of sight, as it were," Wyvern mused thoughtfully. "You know, it really is too bad that we have to keep your adventures a secret. I'd wager that there would be several books in them. And given the role you people have played in keeping the world safe in the past, it seems somewhat unfair that you don't get the recognition you deserve."
"Hmph. Whoever said that life was fair?" InuYasha demanded.
Making a thoughtful sound, Grandpa commented, "He does have a point, however. No matter how you look at it, you and your friends are quite the heroes. And that's something this world has precious few of."
"Here, here," Wyvern concurred.
As Mrs. Higurashi and Sota seconded this sentiment, Michiru sat back, smiling all the time. A smile that was bolstered by the secret he was keeping from everyone there, a secret that he was hard-pressed not to break to them; that tomorrow, when they returned to the Feudal Era, he would be returning with them.
Armed with Wyvern's theories and the information he had uncovered, Michiru had thrown himself into his training with reckless abandon. It had taken days of hard work, of frustrating training, trying to unlock the hidden power within himself that he needed. And to be honest, he still had no idea how he had managed to succeed. Perhaps it had been a fluke. Perhaps the spirits that linked him to the forces of nature had sensed how truly desperate he was, and had responded to his burning desires by giving him what he needed to make his wishes a reality. But how or why it had happened, Michiru ultimately didn't care. All he knew was that a new Shikigami had been awakened. Its power was at his command. And armed with the techniques he had found hidden within the Kururugi Shrine, he had created his own key to the past.
I've finally done it! Michiru found himself thinking, and not for the first time. I'm really going to be going back there! I…I can finally see Sango again! The Demon Slayer's lovely visage popping into his mind again, the Shikigami User was hard pressed to keep his smile from expanding into a grin that would split his face in half.
Losing himself in these wonderful thoughts, Michiru very nearly missed it when Wyvern asked him, "By the way, Michiru…how's your own research coming?" Sitting up somewhat, the Kururugi boy frowned his confusion at the American. "You know? You were trying to find a way to use the Well? How's that coming?"
Freezing up at this, Michiru's mind momentarily went blank on him. "Uh…" he started, stalling until his mind recovered enough to cook up something intelligent for him to say. "It's…coming along."
"Really?" InuYasha asked. Turning towards the half-demon, Michiru saw a look of genuine interest on his face. "Then you've figured out how to use the Well?"
"Um…not exactly," Michiru lied desperately. Feeling an edge of guilt cutting into him, he held up his hands helplessly. "I mean…I think I've got it…mostly figured out, but…I – I still have a few things I…need to test first."
"Then you've at least made some progress, then? Excellent!" Wyvern beamed. "I do hope that my theories regarding the Well were of some assistance to you."
"Uh, yes. Yes, they were. Same with the books you gave me," Michiru replied, grateful for this chance to tell the unvarnished truth.
"Oh, right. Mom told us about that stuff you said about the Well. About how it's because of InuYasha and Kikyo that the Bone-Eater's Well joins our two times," Kagome noted, looking thoughtfully at the author. "Just out of curiosity, why didn't you tell us all that before we left for the Feudal Era?"
"For a very simple reason, Kagome. I'd momentarily forgotten," Wyvern admitted straightforwardly. "I have to confess to possessing a somewhat scattershot mind. When I'm focused on something in particular, I completely forget about everything else. Drives some of my colleagues and associates to distraction at times." Chuckling to himself, the American returned his attention to Michiru. "Still, I'm glad that I was able to help you, Michiru."
"Same here," InuYasha admitted. Then he focused on his friend, and gave him a suspicious look. "But speaking of people not telling stuff…why didn't you tell us before that you've got the Well figured out?"
"Because…well, I'm not completely sure. Not yet," Michiru admitted, somewhat abashed. "And…well, this might seem stupid, but…I didn't really want to talk about it until I was sure I've got something that works."
And again, this was true. For while Michiru had the utmost confidence that his current endeavor would be successful in allowing him to use the Well like his friends, there was still a worrisome part of his mind that niggled away at him, insisting on culling up all kinds of possible unknowns that could very well cause all his plans to fall flat on their face. And while these doubts were frightening in their own way, the possibility of then having to deal with his friends after such an event…
I know that they'd all feel bad about if I messed this up. And I don't want that, Michiru thought. A bit of shame eating at him, he then added to this, Besides, I…I couldn't deal with them feeling sorry for me. Frowning inwardly, he pictured that scenario. Of not only failing, but failing before his friends, and having them possibly heap their condolences on him. I wouldn't want that. I'd rather just get going again and try something else.
And it was this thought that kept Michiru from telling his friends just how extensive his efforts had been as InuYasha grinned and said, "Maybe, but I sure hope you pull this off! It'd be great to have you back with us!" Then he narrowed an eye at his friend and added, "And I know Sango and the others would be glad to see you, too!"
Sango. Just the mentioning of this name was enough to set Michiru's cheeks burning red. And was probably why Kagome glared at the half-demon. "InuYasha! What did I tell you before? Don't do that!"
"Don't do what?" InuYasha asked.
Groaning in disgust, Kagome clenched her fist as veins bulged from her head. "Don't you remember? We talked about this before!" Shaking her head in disgust, she looked past the half-demon and murmured, "I'm sorry, Michiru. But…"
"No, it's okay, Kagome!" Michiru broke in, holding up his hands in a dissuasive manner. "But…could you two try not to fight right now, okay? Remember, I have to get going soon. To meet my sister?"
"That's right, I'd almost forgotten about that," Mrs. Higurashi chimed in. "Her name was…Kaname, right?"
"That's right," Michiru confirmed. "Kaname and some of her friends from school decided to go out to see a movie and do a little shopping." Then another bit of guilt hit him, and he added, "And…well, the truth is, with everything that's been going, with my training and that mess with Ryokage, I…I really haven't spent as much time with her as I used to."
"Oh," Kagome murmured sadly. "I'm sorry about that. Really."
"No, no. It's mostly my fault," Michiru admitted. "Anyway, I promised her that I'd meet up with her at this store she and her friends would be going to, and that I'd walk her home."
"That was certainly sweet of you," Mrs. Higurashi decided.
"Well, I figure it's the least I can do," Michiru shrugged helplessly. "I mean…I haven't exactly been the best brother lately."
Kagome nodded to this. "I know how that feels," she admitted before looking over at Sota.
While the youngest Higurashi was blushing somewhat at his sister's attention, his eyes lit up. "Hey, I was just thinking of something," he began, looking intently at Michiru. "Do you think it's possible that your sister has magical powers like you?"
Of all the things Michiru could have imagined Sota asking, this hadn't even come close to being one of them. "Uh…" he got out, taken completely off guard by this inquiry. "W-why do you ask?"
"Well, I was just wondering, that's all," Sota said by means of explanation. "Besides, you two are brother and sister, right?"
"That doesn't mean anything, kid," InuYasha stated firmly. "Just because people have the same blood, don't mean they have the same powers."
Frowning somewhat at the half-demon, his words clearly a bit harsher than she was happy with, Kagome then turned to her brother. "InuYasha's got a point. I mean…no offense, but you're my brother, and you don't have any special spiritual powers."
Grandpa looked ready to protest this, but Sota spoke up first. "Yeah, but Michiru's powers aren't spiritual. They're magical, right?" Turning back to face the Shikigami User, he persisted. "And didn't you say that your Shrine has lots of information about using Shikigami? Doesn't that mean that there were others in your family who had the same magic that you have?"
"Um…maybe," Michiru slowly conceded. "Kakuju and Utsugi were both my ancestors, and they definitely had Shikigami powers. But that…doesn't necessarily mean that everyone descended from them would have those powers."
"Yeah, I know," Sota casually agreed. "But you and Kaname are twins, right? And I've heard all kinds of weird things about twins."
This certainly got Michiru's attention. Something that was intensified when Wyvern chimed in. "As have I. I've actually encountered numerous legends and magic revolving around twin children, both fraternal and identical. Especially in cases of brother/sister twins, which can symbolize yin and yang," he explained. "In any case, if what you've said about your family is true, then it seems to me that there is at least a chance that your sister may have inherited the same abilities."
Michiru's mouth popped open, already prepared to protest this. That Kaname had never displayed any signs that she had the same kind of powers that he had. But before he could actually say this, he remembered that he himself had been just like any other ordinary teenager until the day he had been sent back in time. Until he had been faced with a life-threatening peril that had awakened his hidden powers. "Uh…" he muttered, struggling with this possibility and its ramifications. "I dunno. Maybe, I guess. But even if she does, I'm not sure how I'd find out, or even wake her powers up."
"Good point. There's still a lot we don't know about magic, or your Shikigami powers," Kagome concurred. "Have you told her about any of this? About your powers or us?"
Michiru shook his head to this. "I still haven't thought of a way to tell my parents or anyone about what happened to me." Then he frowned thoughtfully. "Besides, I…if I did that, then I'd have to tell them about you and InuYasha as well. And, well…I don't have the right to tell them about that sort of thing."
"What are you talking about? Of course you do!" InuYasha retorted immediately. "It's not like we're stopping you or anything!"
Touched by this gesture, Michiru sighed. "Thanks, InuYasha. But…I still don't feel very comfortable with that idea," he explained, turning to look at the Higurashis. "I don't know how my parents would react, and…the last thing I want is to make trouble for anyone. Including Kagome and her family."
"I appreciate that, Michiru," Kagome told him. "Alright. But I don't want you thinking that you absolutely have to keep this secret from your family. Not if it winds up causing you a lot of trouble."
"I agree," Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "You should be able to trust your own family."
Pondering this, Michiru lowered his eyes. On the one hand, he wanted nothing more than to be able to trust his parents, his sister. But still, a part of him cautioned him that there was a great deal that could go wrong in such a situation. As much as he loved his family, he simply had no way of knowing how exactly they would react to something of this magnitude. And as he already said, if he told them the truth and it went badly, then it wouldn't just be him that would be hurt. He knew that they had gotten extremely lucky with Wyvern; he could have very easily blamed them for Ryokage's escape, and caused them a great deal of trouble of the worst kind.
As these possibilities weighed heavily on his mind, Michiru watched as a gentle hand came to rest on his own. He looked up and saw Mrs. Higurashi standing next to him. "But I think we all understand how difficult this is for you," she told him. "So whatever your decision…we will respect it."
"No arguments here," InuYasha agreed.
"Indeed. And if it makes you feel any better, you're not the only who sometimes has trouble dealing with his or her family," Wyvern explained. "My niece has often similar difficulties."
"Your niece?" Michiru repeated blankly. "Wait. You have a niece?"
"Oh, yes, indeed," Wyvern confirmed in warm, jovial manner. "I can't tell you the number of times she's come to me with problems that had to do with her parents. As a matter of fact, there have been times that, when she's wanted to get away from them, I've brought her with me on my expeditions." His lips curling at these memories, the American shrugged helplessly. "Who knows? Perhaps you might wind up meeting her one of these days."
"That'd be nice," Kagome smiled enthusiastically.
"Uh…right," InuYasha grumbled, considerably less so. Shaking his head, the half-demon returned his focus to Michiru. "So anyway, uh…look, whether or not you tell your folks about what you've been doing, that's your business, okay?" After obviously forcing himself to say this, his expression softened somewhat, becoming one of reassurance. "But we…I don't want you getting in trouble with your family, just because of us."
The two friends looked at each other for a time, until at last Michiru nodded. "Alright," he replied, feeling a bit better. "Still, I won't tell them unless I feel like I have to. I wouldn't feel right about it, otherwise."
"That's fair enough," Kagome decided. "Now, c'mon, everyone! Let's try and relax a bit before we have to get going! We've spent too much time worrying as it is!"
"Heh! You won't get any arguments on that from me!" InuYasha declared, and with that, the small group began talking about various things. InuYasha talked about some of their earlier adventures, such as the battle with the Thunder Brothers, as well as his fight with Ryokoutsei. Kagome talked about more emotional matters, such as their encounter with the gentle half-demon Jinenji, a farmer well known for his herbal remedies, as well as Shiori, a half-demon girl whose gift to them had granted Tetsusaiga the power to shatter virtually any barrier, save for those created by Utsugi. As for Michiru, his stories were much more limited. All he could really tell his friends were of moments where he was separated from them, such as when they had returned to the Castle where they had been previous defeated by Naraku, and how he and Sesshomaru had battled various demons, as well as their encounter with the undead Toki, one of many victims of Naraku's evil, just like the samurai that had sacrificed themselves to save them.
Finally, after much talking and much cheer, remembering good times and bad times alike, Michiru reluctantly looked out the window, and saw that the sun was setting. "Well…as much as I hate to say it…I'd better get going," he was forced to admit. A quick look at his watched confirmed this observation. "I'm going to be so late if I don't leave right now!"
Various sounds of disappointment were head, mostly especially from InuYasha. "I understand," Kagome murmured as Michiru got to his feet. "Before you go, here." Reaching towards her backpack, the modern priestess brought forth the digital recorder. "It's got messages from everyone back in the Feudal Era."
"Thanks, Kagome," Michiru beamed, looking at the device in his hand. Wondering what kinds of things that had been said to him. Things that he soon would be able to respond to in person.
"Ah, and that reminds me. I also have something to give you," Wyvern commented bringing out a memory card like that from the digital camera he'd given Kagome. "It's a copy of the video Kagome took before. I thought that, until you can return to your friends and see them again in person, that…well, you would like to have this."
Holding out his hand, Michiru watched as Wyvern carefully deposited it into his hand. "Uh, thanks," he replied. For although he was certain that he would be able to see his friends in the past in person tomorrow, he did appreciate the thought behind this gift. "Really, I…"
"It's no problem, my friend," Wyvern told him. "And best of luck to you and your own endeavors."
"Heh. That goes double for me!" InuYasha declared as he stood. Clapping Michiru on the back, the half-demon grinned. "The sooner you manage to figure out a way to get through that damned Well, the better!"
Don't worry about that, InuYasha. That's going to be sooner than you think! Michiru thought happily. What he actually said was, "I'll do my best, InuYasha." With the half-demon nodding his satisfaction, the Kururugi boy eyed Kagome. "So, uh…when are you two planning on taking off tomorrow?"
"Early morning," Kagome reported. "I'd say about…somewhere around 9:00."
"Then I'll try to be here at 8:00," Michiru informed them. "So…guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah. And you better be here!" InuYasha told him, somehow managing to say 'or else!' without actually saying it. Then he chuckled, instantly defusing whatever menace his warning might have held.
"Right," Michiru nodded before exiting the Higurashi residence. Before long, he had dashed down the steps, and was making his way along the sidewalks towards the rendezvous point.
As the Shikigami User strolled about the streets of Tokyo, his gaze was drawn to the darkening sky. A sky with very few stars, that was lit up by the many lights of the city. A sky that was so unlike the sky he had grown used to during his journey through the Feudal Era. A sky that he would soon be seeing again. A sky that already felt so close to him.
Everything that he had left behind in the Feudal Era, his friends, the people, and even the minor dangers, all of these felt so much closer. The time he had spent with his friends had brought home everything that he had gained and experienced in the past, and made it that much more real. And when he thought about tomorrow, the very real chance that he would soon see and experience all these things, it made his heart beat that much strongly.
Of course, I probably won't be able to spend as much time there as I did the last time, Michiru found himself thinking as he moved along, this thought the only unhappiness he knew that night. Even if I told Mom and Dad about what happened the last time, about my magic, there's no way they'd let me spend all that time back there. I'm not even sure how I could ever explain it all to them! And I don't even want to think about how Kaname will react to all of this!
Wincing at the thought of such a scenario, Michiru sighed wearily before returning his gaze to the sky. Despite the fact that his friends had given him permission to tell his, he still felt uncomfortable with the idea of doing so, and if he did, he couldn't imagine such a story being received well. Damned if I do, and damned if I don't, Michiru thought, the exact meaning of this expression never having been as clear to him as it was that moment.
And yet, even as he thought about the many problems he would have to deal with when the time came, Michiru's heart refused to be dissuaded. For as he thought of the world he sought to return to, of the beautiful face that had haunted his dreams and was at the heart of his yearnings, he couldn't help but feel his concerns fade away.
Soon, he would be able to see Sango again. And in the face of that, all of his other worries were as of nothing.
His thoughts continuing to drift, Michiru smiled and gave a weary shake of his head. Tomorrow and whatever it had in store for him could wait. Right now, he had to get where he was going and meet up with Kaname. I did promise her that I'd try to spend some more time with her, he reminded himself. Besides, it would be nice to just walk home, spend some time talking with each other…the way we used to.
With this thought in mind, Michiru continued onward, and before long, he arrived at the store where Kaname had promised to meet him. After taking a quick look at the window displays and deciding that he really wasn't interested in spending time looking at women's dresses, he proceeded to lean back against the wall and wait for his sister's arrival.
As the minutes crept past, Michiru couldn't help looking about, even darting glances at the store's wares. In particular, one satin dress of Chinese design caught his eye, causing his thoughts to drift once more. Sango would look great in that, he thought, giving a slight smile as he pictured the tender warrior wearing such a garment. Despite himself, he then imagined her doing a twirl in the dress, something that resulted in his cheeks burning. Of course…I bet she'd look great in just about anything. She…
"Hey, bro!" came a familiar voice, drawing Michiru from his thoughts. Looking about, he saw Kaname and two other girls from their school appeared from the store. A couple bags of clothing were dangling from his sister's arm."Hope we didn't keep you waiting!"
"No, I just got here," Michiru returned easily. Looking past his sister, he waved at the other girls. "Uh, hi, Sayko. Tomo-chan."
"Hey, Michiru! Long time, no see!" Tomo-chan replied, grinned broadly as Sayko waved at him. The two girls then returned their attention to his sibling. "Well, I guess we better get going as well," she commented ruefully. "As much as I like sleeping at school, I don't want to try it in Mr. Takayama's class!"
"Not if you don't want him to use the Ruler of Doom on your head, that is!" Sayko chimed in. "See you tomorrow, Kaname?"
"Sure thing!" Kaname agreed, already waving as she walked up to Michiru. "So, you ready to head home, bro?"
Nodding, Michiru turned another look towards the girls. "See you around," he told them before turning about with his sister. Barely paying attention to them as he and Kaname started off towards home.
"So…" Michiru slowly began as they walked along. "You have a good time?"
"Sure," Kaname returned, giving her brother a look. "Why? Is there any reason I shouldn't have?" Pulling back somewhat, Michiru momentarily struggled to come up with an intelligent answer. Only to be brought short when Kaname smiled impishly. "I'm just kidding, bro! Of course I had a good time!" In short order, the Kururugi girl began telling her brother about the things she and her friends had done together, of the movie they'd seen, the various stores they had gone to, as well as stopping at the arcade and for a bite to eat. Every now and again, Michiru would break in to ask her about something, or make comment about things like how Sayko had wound up spending too much at one particular store.
As Kaname continued to go on about her day, Michiru found himself relaxing as well, simply because it was such a familiar thing for him. To just relax and enjoy the company of family, of his sister, and not think or worry about anything else.
However, it wasn't long before Kaname wound up her narrative, and looked inquiringly at her brother."So, how about you? How'd your day go?"
"Uhh…" Michiru started, his mind completely emptying as his mouth froze up. His simple enjoyment gone as he found himself struggling to recover, to try to think of something to tell Kaname. Some lie to tell to his twin sister.
After a few seconds hesitation and deciding to keep things as simple as he could, Michiru tilted his head this way and that before beginning. "Well…we didn't do a lot, really," he began, hoping to keep his narrative to a minimum. "We spent most of the day over at the Higurashi Shrine…had lunch there, talked…"
"Yeah? And who did you do it with? Your new girlfriend, perhaps?" Kaname wondered, her inquiry taking on a distinctive point. "What was her name? Kagome?"
"Uh…" Michiru frowned nervously, his cheeks already burning. "I already told you, she's not my girlfriend."
Raising an eyebrow, Kaname asked, "Oh? Then whose girlfriend is she?"
Pressing his lips together, Michiru struggled to think of something he could say to this. "She's…with someone else."
"And this someone…he wouldn't happen to be another friend of yours?" Kaname demanded with increasing force.
"Yes. Yes, he is," Michiru admitted.
"And what's his name?" Kaname asked, all pretense of casual curiosity dropped as what had been a simple conversation twisted into a full-blown interrogation. "This friend of yours does have a name, right?"
Heaving a deep sigh, Michiru replied as best as he could. "Yes, he does," he told his sister, wincing even as he spoke. "It's…InuYasha."
As much as he hated doing this, Michiru was gratified as Kaname's demanding expression was cracked with confusion. "Inu…Yasha…?" she squeaked out. For a time, she just looked at her brother, as if waiting for him to say that he had been joking. When he failed to do so, her frown returned in force. "Wh…what kind of name is that?"
"Uh…the kind his parents gave him?" Michiru replied with a bit of humor.
Kaname continued to study her brother, her frown deepening. "And what kind of guy is he? What's he like?"
"Well, he's…a good guy, but a bit impatient, and…" Michiru began, only to catch himself. "Kaname, why are we talking about this now? Can't we wait until we get back home, and…"
"And you can bury yourself in more of your 'research', Michiru?" Kaname demanded, her tone more sad than angry. "Because that's all you've been doing for the past week!"
Sighing as a fresh dagger of guilt lodged itself in his back, Michiru placed his hands on his sister's shoulders. "Kaname, listen to me, I -!"
"No, you listen, bro! I'm not going to wait until we get back before I try and talk to you! And do you know why? Because this is the first real conversation we've had in a week! Probably even longer!" Kaname exploded. When Michiru averted his eyes from his sibling, the Kururugi's face fell with pain. "You barely tell me anything about what you're doing! You haven't told me anything at all about these friends of yours! Or how you met them or what you all do together or…or anything else!" Pulling up even closer to him, she gave Michiru a pleading look. "Can't you tell me…anything about them? About…you?"
Sighing, Michiru pressed his lips together as he considered the situation. The sadness that was so clear on his sister's face. "Listen, I…Kaname," he began slowly, making sure that he spoke all the right words. That nothing slipped out by mistake. "I…I know haven't been making a lot of time for you. And…I do understand why you're…concerned about what's going on with me." Moving closer to her, he put his hand beneath her chin and gently lifted it up so that their gazes met. "But…a lot's happened to me. More than I…than I could every really explain."
"Like what?" Kaname asked. Her eyes pleading in a way that could never be expressed with simple words, she wrapped her arms about Michiru. "Please, bro…tell me what's happened to you! Ever since the Doll Festival, I feel like I have a stranger living in my house, not a brother I've known all my life!" Tightening her grip on her brother, she looked longingly at him as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "Please…what's happened to you? Why can't you trust me anymore?"
Shaking his head sorrowfully, Michiru told her, "It's not about me not trusting you, Kaname." Frowning intently, thoughts of the permission his friends had given him, that their secrets were his to give or keep as he saw fit, as well as the burden of responsibility that inherently went with them, the Kururugi boy lowered his eyes. "It's just…I…"
A sound hit Michiru's ears. The distinctive sound of a branch snapping.
"Just what?" Kaname asked. When Michiru looked up in the direction of the sound, his eyes narrowed with intensity, she asked, "What is it?"
Michiru didn't answer right away. The last thing he wanted to do just then was to work himself into a tizzy over another bird. But as he looked about his surroundings, he realized that, not only were the two of them far away from any buildings or human habitation, but they were presently walking near a park. Which meant there were only a few lights around to provide illumination…and plenty of trees and bushes to provide cover.
This had better be another bird! Michiru frowned as he concentrated, focusing his senses through the spirit familiars that connected him to the forces of nature. C'mon, Michiru! Focus! You know what to do! It's just like Grandma Kakuku once told you! Focus on the flow of nature itself! The flames burn, the great river flows, and…the blue sky blows!
With that, Michiru closed his eyes, abandoning normal, human eyesight and focusing entirely on the Shikigami. At first, he couldn't see anything, but as he continued to concentrate, he slowly became aware. Aware of the plants that surrounded them, the flow of water somewhere below the streets…and a disturbance in the air. Something moving through it. Several somethings…and they were drawing closer to them.
Realizing that this wasn't just another bird, Michiru opened his eyes and turned in the direction he had sensed the approaching figures. Positioning himself between them and his sister, he tersely whispered. "Kaname, get ready to run!"
"Run?" Kaname spat out. "Bro, what are you talking about? Run from what?"
"Don't argue with me, Kaname!" Michiru countered, brooking no argument. "Just – huh?" It was then that the beings he had sensed appeared…and furrowed his brows when he realized that they were out of time.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" came a voice from just beyond the darkness, causing Kaname to jump back Then, with a hiss of annoyance, Michiru watched as seven boys and girls of about a year his senior appeared from the shadows. All of them were wearing rough outfits, they all wore similar looks of bullying cruelty, and each of them was carrying a weapon of some kind.
"Uh-oh…" Kaname murmured nervously, taking a step back as the three youths in front hoisted their weapons menacingly. The one closest to them held a long, metal bat, and grinned wickedly at her. "Um…I'm sorry. I…guess we took a wrong turn. We'll just be going now, and…!"
"Wrong, girlfriend! You two ain't going nowhere," the punk with the bat informed her. "That is…not until you pay the toll."
"A toll, huh?" Michiru returned sharply.
"Yeah, a toll. You see, you happen to be trespassing on our turf. And nobody gets through our turf without paying the price," the lead jerk informed him, pointing his bat into Michiru's face. "So why don't you hand over all your money. Right now. And maybe if you give us enough, we'll let you two go with only a light beating!"
As the other punks there chorused their leader's words with a burst of cruel laughter, Michiru stared hard at creeps confronting them, entirely unimpressed. He had fought things far more terrifying than a bunch of losers who thought they were tougher than anyone else, who relied on numbers and intimidation to get their way. He fought actual demons, demons that would send them screaming in terror to hide beneath whatever rock they had crawled out from under of. Narrowing his eyes, Michiru looked back at his sister, who was standing just behind him, fear inscribed in her face. "Kaname, run. Get out of here."
"What?" Kaname squeaked out. Giving a quick shake of her head, she then belted out, "But – I can't just -!"
"Don't argue with me, sis! Just go!" Michiru declared, pointing off in the distance. "I'll take care of these creeps! Now run!" Kaname continued to stand there, completely frozen. Not having the luxury to be gentle, Michiru grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around. "Go!" With that, he shoved her away, very nearly sending her tumbling to the ground. But Kananme windmilled her arms, and although she came very close to falling, she managed to recover her balance and look back at him. Not allowing her the chance to say anything further, Michiru pointed in the direction he had pushed her. "Go! Now! Go get the police!" When she still failed to move, he snorted and glared harshly at her. "I'll be alright, sis! Now go!"
Whether it was because she was heeding the words of a brother she loved, or simply because she was more scared of Michiru now than she was of their attackers, the Shikigami User couldn't say. All he cared about at the moment was that Kaname forgot her hesitations and began running as fast as possible. As soon as she was moving, the lead punk pointed at her with his bat. "Raido! Junko! Get after that dumb bimbo!"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Michiru told them, his voice completely free of fear. Something that stopped the two punks before they could do more than take a step. "It's one thing to mess with me, but if you so much as lay a hand on my sister…then you better start praying. Because nothing short of a god will be able to save you!"
To Michiru's immense satisfaction, it wasn't just the two punks he'd addressed that were given pause by this declaration; all seven of them froze momentarily, looking perplexedly amongst themselves. They were used to preying upon people weaker or in smaller numbers than themselves, and had been expecting Michiru to terrified. Not only was he not even slightly intimidated by them, but he was acting like he was the one in control, rather than them.
Clearly unhappy that things were going according to Standard Operating Procedure, the lead punk snarled menacingly. "Hey, what are you two doing? Get after that dumb bitch, already!" he roared, raising his bat over his head. Raido and Junko took one look at their boss, then glanced at each other and Michiru before starting after Kaname.
At least I gave her a bit of a head start, Michiru frowned before turning his attention back to his antagonists. Now…all I have to do is figure some way to beat these five creeps without letting them see my magic!
As Michiru was considering this particularly nasty problem, the lead punk was again focusing on him. "And as for you, asshole, you're in for it now!" the jerk declared with an abrasive sneer. "Maybe if you'd just forked over your dough like a good little sheep, then maybe we wouldn't have had to break every bone in your scrawny little body!" Snorting in triumph, he gestured at Michiru with his bat. "Get him!"
"Yeah!" spoke one particularly nasty-looking goon, who was armed with a bokuto. Taking the lead position, he stomped his way up to Michiru, his weapon held overhand.
Bracing himself for battle, Michiru studied his foe, and knew instantly what he was dealing with; a rank amateur. He was just stomping up to the Shikigami User like all he had to do was bash him over the head and the fight would be over. But he had made the mistake of underestimating his opponent. While no expert in hand-to-hand combat, Michiru had been forced to fight with his fists against actual demons back in the Feudal Era. And more importantly, he had taken some lessons in fighting from someone who had been trained virtually from birth. And as he had learned from Sango, sometimes an opponent's arrogance was their greatest weakness.
Watching carefully, keeping aware of his opponent's every move, Michiru waited until he was primed and ready to strike. Before he could do so, Michiru snapped back his fist and fired a punch directly into his enemy's midriff. The blow cruelly drove the air from the thug's lungs, leaving him vulnerable long enough for Michiru to follow up with a kick to his groin. The thug was now hurting in two sensitive spots, which was all he needed to convince him to let his wooden sword fall from his grip. Seeing an opportunity, he bent down and grabbed the bokuto.
By this time, the thug's teammates had realized that things really weren't going according to plan. Whether they thought their large ally would be able to deal with Michiru on his own, or had just wanted to see what their foe was capable, they had decided that now was the time to move in with superior numbers. Even as they did so, their large friend was recovering from the damage inflicted upon him, something Michiru knew he couldn't afford. Now he was the one with a weapon, and one he used with devastating effect as he brought it down upon his first foe's head. With a sharp cry of pain, the one creep fell to the ground.
"Ugh!" the creep with the bat growled even as the other two creeps took up position next to Michiru. The Shikigami User slowly backed away, trying to figure a way out of this situation. Despite everything, he knew the odds of him winning without using his magic were slim to none, and to make matters worse, there was no guarantee that Kaname would be able to escape her pursuers unassisted. He had to get away from there quickly, and go after her.
As Michiru considered these things, one of his female foes drew closer. "Nice moves, wimp. Not that they're going to keep us from tearing you apart!" She held up the chain she had in her hand, and snapped it against the ground, sending sparks flying. Meanwhile, another goon was flanking Michiru, this one armed with a set of brass knuckles.
The girl was the first to attack. Lashing out with her chain, she snagged the wooden sword Michiru had claimed, and pulled hard. Michiru knew that she expected him to pull back, which would leave him wide open to an attack from her friend. So he did the exact opposite, and rushed right towards her, fist raised and ready. The girl didn't even have time to cry out as Michiru's knuckles crashed down on her nose, snapping cartilage and sending her crying out in pain. The other attacker right on his heels, he rushed past the staggered girl, and with a forceful shove, sent her flying right into him.
Watching as the two punks crashed into each other, Michiru pulled on his pilfered sword, freeing it from the slackened chain. Even so, he knew he had won himself a temporary respite. The first punk he had downed was recovering, and while the girl's nose was bleeding profusely, she was still in the fight. Added to this the three other punks that he hadn't even gotten to yet, and he knew that pressing the fight now would only make things worse for him.
Which leaves me with just one chance! Michiru realized before taking off in the direction Kaname had run in. "Sorry, I hate to leave the party so soon!" he called out over his shoulder. "But I promised my parents that I'd have my sister back in time for bed!"
This taunting remark had the desired effect. The disarrayed punks, stirred themselves back up as their leader snarled, "I don't believe this! What, are you trying to get your butts kicked? After that little creep!"
"Hey, if you think it's so easy, you take first swing at him next time!" one of the goons protested.
"Aw, shut up and let's get him!" the girl shrilled. "After what that bastard did to my face, I'm going to -!"
Michiru couldn't make out the rest of the girl's tirade, which was just as well; judging from her tone of voice, she was letting loose a barrage of expletives that would make even InuYasha's ears burn. At least I bought myself a little breathing room! he thought as he pushed himself for all the speed he could must. Now, all I have to do is find someplace out of sight!
Unfortunately, there was no hiding spot immediately evident, and so Michiru was forced to keep running, and to stay far enough ahead of his attackers that he didn't lose the precious amount of time he had won.
Don't look back. Don't look back! Michiru told himself over and over again. Despite this good advice, his neck twisted so that he was able to see the goon platoon racing after him. They weren't gaining any ground, but they were much too close for comfort. Okay, dummy! he told himself as he turned his eyes forward. Don't look back again!
It was fortunate that Michiru followed this particular bit of advice. For it was the only reason he spotted exactly what he had been looking for; a strip mall, complete with various shops, and best of all, a nice long section of alley behind it.
Perfect! Michiru thought, grinning with delight as he poured on every last bit of speed he still had in him and lit towards the alley. Somewhere behind him, he heard the thugs crying out and making various threats that he barely paid attention to. All he needed was a bit of luck, and he'd have them out of his hair in no time.
As it happened, luck was indeed with him. When he reached the alley, he found it completely unoccupied. He couldn't see or sense anyone nearby. And therefore, there would be no one to see him in the precious few seconds he needed to conjure a spell.
"Oh, overflowing blue sky!" he intoned, invoking his Wind Shikigami's latest spell. "Sing the song of deepest sleep! Blue Sky Slumber!" With that, a pentagram appeared at his feet, releasing the bird that was his Wind Shikigami up into the air, where it hovered overhead for a brief time as it oriented itself. Before long, the spirit familiar caught sight of its intended targets, who were still cursing as they ran towards Michiru's general position.
Peeking around strip mall corner, Michiru watched his own magic at work. Unseen by the five punks, his Wind Shikigami swooped down upon them, a shower of green sparkles falling down upon them as it flew past and ultimately disappeared. "Huh?" one of the goons started, looking up at the shower of magical light. "Hey, what was…was…?"
"What was what?" the girl demanded crossly. The only answer she got was a loud thud, prompting her to turn and look. "Hey, what are you -?"
"Aw, damn…!" Another goon muttered, rubbing his eyes blearily. "Sure am…sleepy…all of sudden…" With that, he keeled over as well.
"Hey! What's with you two!" snarled the lead jerk, who had stopped to look at his fellow creeps. Only to stare slack-jawed in amazement as, one by one, they keeled over and fell to the ground, dead asleep. When even the girl with the busted nose collapsed, his jaw plummeted. "Aw, I don't believe this! What…what's with you…jerks…?"
Watching as the lead creep ended his sentence in a deep yawn, Michiru smiled dangerously. Four down, and the fifth one just about ready to go down as well. Not bad for my first time with this spell! he decided. Now, to help this guy to bed as well! With the head jerk fully occupied with trying to stay awake, the Shikigami User made his way up to him. "Sorry, creep," he told him, causing him to look up just as Michiru drew back his new sword, "but lights out!"
The bokuto swung down and met with the creep's head, and finished the job his Wind Shikigami had started. Looking as if invisible birds were chirping around his head, the lead punk tottered back a few steps, his knees wobbling like jelly until they finally gave out, sending down to the ground with his friends.
"There!" Michiru grinned, the air filled with snores and other sounds of sleep. Holding up bokuto he'd won from them, he told them, "If you don't mind, I think I'll keep this. I'm sure it'll come in handy when I catch up with your friends!" And so, the Shikigami User resumed his course, hoping that Kaname was still safe.
I can't believe this is happening! Kaname shrilled inwardly as she ran full-out. Adrenaline was flooding her entire body as she pushed herself as hard and as fast as she could.
Numbly clinging to the bags of clothes that she bought, she glanced over her shoulders, hoping against hope that her pursuers had given up their chase as a bad job. Unfortunately, she was not in luck; the two creeps were still in hot pursuit. To make matters worse, it looked like they had narrowed the gap between them and her.
Additional fear and desperation shooting through her, Kaname struggled to find another reserve of speed in her, and send it straight to her feet. I swear, if I get out of this, I'll never slack off in gym class ever again! Unfortunately, this slacking off in gym seemed to be determined to lay her low right then and there. Her legs were already protested this prolonged chase, her lungs were burning, and whatever reserves she had wouldn't last long. Michiru! Aw, bro, I'm sorry! I never meant to…I…!
As this thought degenerated into chaos, a part of Kaname flashed back to before, to her when brother commanded her to run. His face…! she thought, flashing back to that moment when her shy, gentle twin had looked her with a face that was fierce and completely without fear. A face that had shocked her so completely, that he had had no choice but to run. My brother…what's happened to him? How did he get to be this way?
Despite the fear of the moment, Kaname's conscious mind slowly detached itself from her current peril, and returned to a question that had haunted her for months, since the Doll Festival of Wishes. When Michiru had come home that day, he had been just the way he had always been. The same kind brother he had been since the day they had been born. And yet, in the span of a simple trip to the storehouse…he had been irrevocably changed.
It hadn't been obvious right away; Michiru had been distracted, a bit solemn, but nothing major. But as the months passed and he became increasingly secretive, absorbed in his own little world, it had not only been easier to see, but it had become harder for Kaname to take. Her twin brother was steadily drifting away from her, and she had no idea why, or how to bring him back.
And now, her brother was buying Kaname time to escape. Standing up to five punks that could pulp him without even half trying. How? How did he get to be this way? she asked herself, over and over again. Michiru, who are -?
Kaname's thoughts were stopped by a burst of pain in her foot, followed quickly by the entire world lurching around her. Crying out in terror, she realized that, in her distraction and fear, she must've tripped on something. And that was all she had time to realize as she fell to the ground, tumbling about a few times before coming to a stop.
Her overloaded mind knew that she had to get to her feet. Already, she could hear her attackers coming closer. But Kaname was already exhausted from the chase, and stunned as she was by the shock of the impact, her drained body simply refused to respond. C'mon! C'mon! Get back up already! she cried out, her body shuddering as she tried to will herself back to her feet. Bracing herself up by her hands, the Kururugi girl attempted to force herself back up. Only to slammed back down by a booted heel coming down on her back.
"You shouldn't have tried to run from us, you dumb slut!" a coarse, male voice sneered. "Because now we're really going to have to mess you up, just to make up for the hard time you gave us!"
"Hey! What do we have here?" came a cruel, female voice. Unable to prevent it, Kaname watched as her other pursuer grabbed up her purchases from where they'd fallen. "Looks like someone's had themselves a big day at the mall! I wonder if there's anything in here that'll fit?"
"No, stop!" Kaname cried out. "Leave me -!"
"Aw, shut up, bitch!" the boy growled, smashing his foot down on her again. "It's your own fault for not giving us your money when you had the chance." The punk ground his heel down on her, doing it as slowly as painfully as he could. All the while, his companion was looking through all of things Kaname had bought that day, sneering as she dump several items on the ground. "Hey, Junko! Watcha doing?"
"I'm trying to see if there's anything worthwhile in here!" Junko retorted nastily.
"Who cares? We can deal with that later!" the male retorted. "First things first! Let's have some fun with this little bitch…and then, I think I'll slice off one of her fingers. That way, everybody will know what happens when they mess with us!"
"Ooh, sounds like fun!" Junko grinned. Kaname's eyes went wide at the distinctive sound of switchblade, and as she lay there, completely helpless, she watched as the girl deliberately marched into her line of sight, holding her knife up to her mouth. "Let me do that! I'll make a great addition to my collection!"
"No!" Kaname cried out in horror, her eyes focused on the gleaming blade as her tormentor approaching, moving slowly towards her victim. Enjoying the suspense as her comrade kept Kaname still and helpless. Made sure that she couldn't look away from the cruel girl and her knife.
But even as she watched her doom come closer, Kaname gasped as she saw something else approaching. Coming at them from behind Junko, and thus out of her line of sight, was a figure holding a wooden sword. Her first thought was that it was another member of this gang, come to inflict further torment on her. But then she realized that the approaching figure was wearing a very familiar school uniform. "Michiru!" Kaname cried, her mind exploding with relief, both that her brother had come and that he was apparently unhurt. "Michiru, help!"
"Aw, shut up you damn skank!" Junk sneered, licking her knife as she approached. "Ain't no one gonna save you! So try and save the screaming for -!"
"Kaname!" Michiru cried out desperately as he raced towards them. "Oh, furious howling thunder, unleash your wrath!"
Huh? Kaname squeaked inwardly. Wh-what's he saying -?
"Thunder Break!" Michiru finished, his body glowing with electric yellow light. Her terror momentarily forgotten, she watched as the light rose up from him, taking the form of a golden wolf. The newly spawned monstrosity howled its fury before leaping forth into the sky. The beast shot towards Junko and transformed into a lightning bolt that smashed into her dead-on.
"Aaaaaahhh!" Junko cried out, writhing helplessly as electricity crackled up and down her body. She screamed and kept on screaming for several seconds, until at last the lightning dissipated, leaving her swaying to a non-existent wind. Sparks of electricity still snapping about her, the cruel woman fell to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
As she looked from the fallen punk to her brother and back again, Kaname could think nothing. Her mind rendered completely blank by the insanity that this night had spawned. And thus was completely helpless when a strong arm wrapped itself about her throat and dragged her to her feet.
"Stop! You better stop right there, pal!" the remaining punk cried out as he dragged Kaname to her feet. "You come one step closer, and I'll do her! You hear me?" Forcing himself to a halt, Michiru grimaced as he glowered menacingly at the punk that remained. Already trying to figure out his next move.
It had taken a bit of time to follow Kaname's trail, and ultimately, he had been forced to follow a relatively straight course, hoping that his sister had favored speed over stealth. Fortunately, he had guessed correctly, and had arrived just in time to see Kaname trapped by her pursuers. As well as listen to one of them as she marched towards her with a knife in hand.
The sight of his sister, with one aggressor grinding his heel down on her back and another declaring her attention to take one of Kaname's fingers, had sent anger searing through Michiru's mind. Rage and concern overwhelming all other concerns, Michiru had struck down the female with his Thunder Shikigami. And even the part of him that was furious to see his sister assaulted in such a fashion found this extremely satisfying, there was no getting around the fact that he had a big problem.
C'mon, Michiru! You had to do something! he told himself. Blue Sky Slumber might not have worked fast enough to take them down before they could hurt Kaname! But even with this thought, he knew that he had attacked out of anger, rather than any particular strategy. And while it may have succeeded in bringing down one of their attackers, the other had been quick to drag Kaname to her feet. Now he had her locked in a chokehold, and worse yet, he had a knife of his own in his free hand.
"Yeah, I heard you," Michiru tersely returned. "And if you're smart, then you better try listening to me as well."
"No! You're the one who's gonna be listening to me!" the thug cried out, holding his knife above Kaname's chest. "I don't know what the hell you are, man, but you better back off! Because if you don't, I'll stick this bitch right in her heart!"
Yeah, and if you do that, you'll lose the only thing keeping me from tearing you apart, Michiru thought to himself. He didn't say this aloud, however; Kaname's captor was on edge, acting out of fear. His hand was trembling so badly it looked ready to stab his hostage of its own accord, and Michiru didn't dare do anything to set him off. Shikigami were out; his opponent would go off the instant the modern magician attempted to conjure their powers. He was too far away to get him with his sword. Which means I've got just one chance. I'm gonna have to talk him down before he does anything stupid!
Slowly holding up his hands, Michiru looked towards his sister. "Don't worry, Kaname. Everything's going to be okay. Just stay calm for a little while longer." She didn't smile or nod or do anything of that sort, not that Michiru could blame her. Shifting his focus to his adversary, the Shikigami User took two steps backward. "Okay. I've backed off."
"Now drop your sword!" the petrified thug demanded. Without hesitation, Michiru let the wooden blade fall from his hands, which clattered loudly as it hit the ground. The punk gasped loudly at this, increasing the pressure on Kaname's neck as he stepped backwards. "Okay, now don't you move, you freak! The bitch is coming with me, and if you even think of following us, then she's dead!"
"No, she's not," Michiru told him. "Look, right now, I couldn't care less about whatever you and your buddies were doing. All I want if for you to let my sister go. You do that, and I promise, you can leave."
"What, you think I'm stupid?" the punk shrilled hatefully, bringing the knife closer to Kaname's chest. "Oh, no! No way, man! If you want your sister to keep breathing, you're gonna do what I say! Is that clear?"
"Perfectly. And let me tell you something," Michiru vowed, glaring dangerously at the creep who held Kaname's life in his hands. "If anything happens to Kaname, then there isn't any force on this Earth that will keep from breaking you into pieces. Now…is that clear?"
The punk's breathing was coming in short bursts, his hold on Kaname's neck tightening. For a moment, Michiru was certain that he'd pushed him too far. But then the punk grinned cruelly before raising the knife up to Kaname's face. "Uh-uh! You ain't gonna do nothing, pal! Because I got your sister! And you ain't got the guts to do anything if it means hurting her!" Lowering the sharp edge to his hostage's face, apparently oblivious to the strangled cry that tore its way free of her lips at the touch of the cold metal, he glared cruelly at Michiru. "Now, she and I are gonna take a little trip! And if you're really lucky, I might just let her go without take off an ear or – hey, what are you -?"
What happened next almost happened too quickly for Michiru to keep track of. Overwhelmed by terror, Kaname went completely rigid, her mouth wide open, as if to scream. But no sound came out of her mouth; instead, a hazy red aura rose up from her body. An aura that Michiru knew all too well.
What? Michiru gasped as the light surrounding Kaname and her captor grew in intensity. Memories of his discussion with Sota and the others leaping to the forefront of his mind. No way…it can't be -!
As if in direct contradiction to this thought, Kaname very nearly fell limp as a pentagram spun into existence at her feet. Her captor looked down at the impossible circle of magic, his face falling with shock as crimson light rose up into the air. "What the hell -?" the punk cried out, both himself and Kaname looking up in terrified awe as a lion that was red as flames burning bright took shape, and snarled at him.
"Oh, flame burning bright!" Kaname intoned, her mouth moving of its own accord. Her eyes wide with shock and horror, her conscious mind barely able to handle what was happening to her. "Turn into a sword of wrath! Raging Flame!"
The lion that was the Fire Shikigami roared in response to this invocation, and leapt down at her captor. With a shriek of purest fear, the punk shoved Kaname away from him before turning about to run for his life. He didn't run nearly fast enough; the lion released a wave of white-hot flame at the punk, enveloping him in an instant inferno.
As the punk shrieked in purest agony, Kaname turned around to see the result of her own magic unleashed. Her eyes expanded until it seemed impossible that they could remain in their sockets, her mouth opening and closing randomly, her entire body shaking until at last she screamed. She screamed loudly and horribly, holding her hands up to her face as if she was torn between covering her eyes and tearing them out entirely. Anything to stop watching the human being that was now staggering forward, wrapped in flames. His cries of agony filling her ears and causing tears to flow down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Michiru was racing after the punk. As angry as he was at what happened, the last thing we wanted was for someone's life to be on his sister's conscience. "Oh, mighty flowing river, become the lance of justice!" the Kururugi boy began, invoking the power of his Water Shikigami. "Great River Torrent!" At this, a magical fish appeared, sending a spray of water at the burning thug. The spray quickly put out the flames, sending plumes of smoke from the smoldering thug as he toppled to the ground.
"Oh, no…!" Kaname moaned despairingly as she looked at the sodden criminal, and Michiru as well felt a wave of sympathy and disgust at what he saw. The punk's hair had been completely scorched away, and much of his flesh had been scorched dark. The dark sections were already cracking, blood oozing out from the wounds, and the stench of burnt flesh and blood rose up in a palpable fog of death. "I…I didn't…I…!"
"I know, Kaname," Michiru broke in, sparing a moment cast a sympathetic look at his sister as he knelt down before the fallen thug. Narrowing his eyes in concentration, he once again summoned forth his Water Shikigami. "Oh, mighty flowing river, ring with the sound of blessing! Great River Offering!" His Water Shikigami rose high up into the sky before disappearing in a shower of blue sparkles. The magical motes of light fell down upon everyone present, including the girl Michiru had electrocuted, rejuvenating and restoring them. As the light was absorbed into the punk's body, burnt flesh fell away as new, unblemished skin quickly grew into place. It wasn't enough to completely repair the damage done, but the amount of healing taking place gave Michiru hope.
It isn't like what happened with Grandma Kakuju. He still has a chance…if I can just keep the healing magic coming! Michiru realized. "Now! Oh, mighty flowing river, give me your blessing! Great River Blessing!"
Off in the distance, Kaname watched as Michiru once again invoked his healing magic. Watched in awe and horror as more ruined skin fell from the punk, and was immediately replaced with healthy tissue. "How…?" she moaned helplessly, shaking her head the entire time. "Michiru…how can you…?"
Sighing as the healing magic ran its course, Michiru rose to his feet. "It's magic, Kaname," he said, speaking as gently as he could. "The power of the Shikigami."
Her eyes widening a bit more, Kaname watched as her brother carefully came closer. "Sh-shikigami…?" she rasped out. "B-b-but…th-they're not…not real!"
"Yes, they are, Kaname," Michiru assured her as he drew closer. "Look, I…"
"No! Th-they can't be real! This can't be real! It can't!" Kaname cried out, shaking her head as she slowly backed away from Michiru. "I can't have – I never wanted - I didn't mean to -!"
"I know! I know you didn't!" Michiru assured her, already knowing full well that words enough would not enough to soothe her. "It's not your fault, Kaname. It's not -!"
"This can't be happening!" Kaname cried out, rivers of tears flowing down her face, her entire body trembling as she continued to back away. "It can't! It just can't! I…I -!" It was then that all of the emotion, all of the terror and confusion and shock guilt of that moment fell down upon Kaname at once, and she reacted to it the same way her abductor had reacted to her Fire Shikigami. Without a second thought, she turned on her heel, and fled from Michiru like he was a beast from hell itself.
Sorrow and guilt clawing at his own heart, Michiru watched helplessly as his sister fled into the night. His first impulse was to chase after her, but then he looked back at thug Kaname had very nearly killed, and knew that he couldn't leave just yet. Not until he was certain that he would be alright. And so, he brought out his cell phone, and hurriedly called for an ambulance.
As he spoke to the emergency people on the other end, Michiru rapidly considered what to do next. It was clear that Kaname's Shikigami weren't fully awake yet; they had responded in response to an imminent threat to Kaname's life, and weren't under her conscious control. And until she could control those powers, there was a very serious danger of the Shikigami within her reacting of their own accord in any given situation, and next time, the consequences of such an event could very well be ten times worse than it was this time.
Unless someone were to fully awaken the Shikigami, and teach Kaname how to use them. Someone who knew the various difficulties in wielding the forces of nature. Someone who had been in the same position Kaname was in now, and knew of the spells and capabilities of the spirit familiars.
And in this day and age, where things such as the Shikigami were seen as simple superstition, tales to amuse little children, there was only person who could teach Kaname what she needed to know.
By the time Michiru had finished his call for help, these thoughts had twisted about him, and sent his heart plummeting. I'm sorry, everyone, he thought, thinking of the faces he dearly wanted to see, of the woman he loved. But it looks like I won't be coming back tomorrow, after all. As he allowed one tear to roll down his cheek, the Shikigami heaved a deep breath, and tried to figure out his next move.
The first thing I have to do is find Kaname, Michiru thought, something he knew was a lot easier said than done. Unlike last time, Kaname wasn't being chased, and had a great deal more choice in places to run, and places to hide. And not only did she have much larger head start this time, but Michiru knew that the last thing she wanted was to be found. Maybe I should call InuYasha. He could track her down in no time. But even as he considered this possibility, the Shikigami User frowned. While there was no doubt that his half-demon friend had the best of intentions, what he didn't have was the subtlety needed to help his distraught sister. Kagome would be better suited for that, but even then…no. Kaname's already scared out of her mind. Dealing with complete strangers, as well as a half-demon -!
Wincing, Michiru thought back to when he had first been confronted with InuYasha. He had very nearly panicked at the realization he was dealing with someone not human, especially after very nearly being eaten by a demon. And Kaname was in far worse shape mentally and emotionally than Michiru had been. No. I'll have to handle this myself, he finally decided, already knowing the kind of task he had set for himself. Now…how do I find her…?
Frowning in thought, Michiru considered his options. Searching on foot would take a long time, and if he took too long, then his parents would get worried. And if there was ever not a time to let them know about the powers he and Kaname had, this was it. Which means I have to find her fast, Michiru frowned. And I think I might just know the spell for the job…
Making certain that he was still alone, Michiru raced off towards a nearby tree. Placing his hand upon its bark, he closed his eyes and summoned the Shikigami he had been so delighted to have awakened. "Oh, towering green wood, spawn the implements of magic! Green Wood Shaper!" he invoked, a pentagram appearing at his feet that spawned forth a leaf-green snake. The Wood Shikigami entered the tree, its magical light suffusing it and spreading up into a branch that just above Michiru's head. As the magical light entered into the tree's leaves, they shimmered brightly before beginning to change. The green subsided and turned white, the leaves grew, becoming thick and rectangular. And inscribed on each of the newly formed cards, there was a crimson pentagram, as well as magical inscriptions.
"Thank you," Michiru smiled, plucking the newly formed cards and taking them in hand. Then he cast his Great River Blessing upon the tree, to help it replenish what he had harvested from it. Tucking most of the cards into his pocket, he then invoked the power of his Wind Shikigami. Glowing with its power, it transformed into a bird, and with a great flap of its wings, it took to the air as Michiru closed his eyes in concentration.
Perfect. It's just like it said in the scrolls; I can see everything it sees, Michiru thought with definite satisfaction. Now, go! Go find Kaname! With this command, the bird shot off into the night sky, leaving the Shikigami User to gather up Kaname's belongings and his pilfered sword…and to wait until it had found his anguished sister…
Author's Notes: It's just like they say; the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. And things have really gone astray for Michiru this time! Please, read and review! And maybe check out my other stories while you're at it?
Now, those of you who have already read this story know that I've been doing a serious overhaul on the way things played out here, and with good reason. I originally skimmed over the events surrounding the awakening of Kaname's powers, mainly because I was impatient to get on with the rest of the story. But in retrospect, I decided that this was a vital aspect of Kaname's development, and thus deserved to be expanded upon. I just hope that the changes I've made are to everybody's liking.
Michael, Urzu 11, I have every intention of finishing this story. But it is going to be a long one, so you better brace yourselves!
Grey Hulk, it makes me so happy that someone who hasn't played the Cursed Mask game can enjoy this story. Thank you so much.
Please, read and review, everybody! And check out my other stories, while you're at it!