The next morning, Shane woke with a start. He groped around for his alarm clock and checked the time.
"I'm late!" Shane shouted and exploded out of bed. He was in the process of brushing his teeth, eating a pice of toast, and getting dressed when he heard a knock at the door. He accidently spit the toast in the sink and swallowed the toothpaste in his hurry to answer the door. When the door finally opened, Olivia saw Shane half-naked and a little green in the face. "You look horrible," she said.
Shane made a disgusted face and spit in the sink. "That's what happens when you're running late," he said and disappeared into the house. Olivia stepped in and seconds later, Shane reappeared wearing loose fitting clothing. When Olivia gave him a questioning glance, Shane said, "I'm going to meet a friend of mine."
"Oh. Mind if I tag along?" Olivia asked. Shane shrugged and they left the house together. When they arrived at the park, Shane pointed to where an old man was standing by himself. "Come on and I'll introduce you," he said.
As they drew closer, Mr. Akagi turned around. When he saw Shane, he smiled. "Why hello there," he said. He noticed Olivia and said, "I see you brought a friend."
"Olivia, this is Mr. Akagi. Mr. Akagi, this is my friend Olivia," Shane introduced them.
"Nice to meet you," Olivia said politely and held out her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," Mr. Akagi said and took her hand. "You may call me Shin if you like."
Shane suddenly felt a strange tingling sensation. He frowned and looked around. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, he stared at his feet. What is this feeling? It's doesn't feel like spiritual energy.
"Shane, is something wrong?" Olivia asked, breaking Shane out of his thoughts. He shook his head and said, "No, everything is fine." Olivia narrowed her eyes and shrugged.
"Well, shall we get started then?" Mr. Akagi said, bringing Shane back into focus. He nodded and they stood next to each other, several feet apart. Olivia sat on the ground and watched as Shane and Mr. Akagi went through the forms of Tai Chi. Just watching their movements made Olivia feel very relaxed. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, letting the morning sun caress her face. A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, creating a soft rustling. At that moment, in that place, everything seemed right with the world.
Shane put his hand on Olivia's shoulder and gently shook her awake. She sat up an yawned. "What happened?"
"You fell asleep silly," Shane said and helped her to her feet. Olivia stretched and was rewarded with several pops and cracks. "Watching your movements made me feel so relaxed. And with the sunshine, it was impossible not to fall asleep," Olivia yawned.
"Well, how about breakfast at my house to help wake you up," Mr. Akagi suggested. Shane and Olivia agreed and together they left the park.
"Wow," Olivia said when they arrived. "This is a nice neighborhood."
"And quiet too," Mr. Akagi added. "There are several other older couples that live here." He showed them inside the house. Olivia looked around and noticed the sparse furnishings. "Kinda reminds me of your house," she said to Shane.
"How's that?" Shane asked.
"You have almost nothing in your house," Olivia said. Shane rolled his eyes and Mr. Akagi chuckled. "Please make yourself at home," he offered before disappearing into the kitchen. Olivia slowly walked around the small house, taking in every little detail. She paused at the picture of the man in ceremonial robes. She squinted and thought he looked somewhat familiar. She stopped again when she came to a picture of a beautiful looking woman. Above the door, Shane noticed something he hadn't seen before. "Mr. Akagi, is this sword yours?" he asked.
Mr. Akagi poked his head out of the kitchen and looked to where Shane was pointing. "Oh that? I picked it up a long time ago. You can look at it if you want too," Mr Akagi said.
Shane reached above the door and lifted the sword off its display rack to examine it. The scabbord was a dark teal color with a brass cap on the end. The hilt wrap was also dark teal with gold and silver strands woven through the string. Shane grasped the hilt and his his hands began to tingle. As he began to pull the sword out of the scabbard, the tingling sensation increased, numbing his arms. Shane pulled the sword free and examined the blade. Etched in the metal were patterns of quarter and half circles, almost like rolling ocean waves topped with foam. He carefully swung the sword around and noted the blade was well balanced, before replacing it in the scabbard. Shane put the sword back above the door and noticed Olivia standing at his side.
"Did you feel it too?" Shane whispered. Olivia nodded. "What do you suppose it is?" Shane asked. Olivia shrugged in reply.
"Heh. Young people are always distracted by shiny objects," Mr. Akagi said. Olivia and Shane turned around and saw the table was already set up and Mr. Akagi sitting patiently.
"Sorry about that," Shane said sheepishly, and sat at the table. While they were eating, Olivia said, "That lady in the picture, is that your wife?" Mr. Akagi looked at the picture and nodded. "She's very pretty," Olivia added.
"Yes she is, isn't she?" Mr. Akagi said with a gleam in his eye. Noticing this, Olivia said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any painful memories."
"That's all right young lady," Mr. Akagi assured her. "So what's your relationship with this fellow here?" he asked suddenly. Shane coughed in his drink, spilling it everywhere. Olivia giggled. "We're just friends," she said.
"Oh is that right? I never thought this bum could get such an attractive lady anyway," Mr. Akagi said, pointing at Shane.
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Shane asked angrily. Olivia's face turned bright red. Mr. Akagi laughed so hard, tears began streaming down his face. "You two remind me of my wife and I," he said, wiping his face with a handkerchief.
When they were done eating, Shane and Olivia cleared the table and washed the dishes while Mr. Akagi sat at the table sipping tea.
"Where did you find this guy?" Olivia asked. Shane handed her a plate and said, "I was out wandering one day and I found him at the park doing Tai Chi."
Olivia rinsed and dried the plate, placing it with the others. "Well, I really like him," she said. "I feel very comfortable around him."
"I know what you mean," Shane said, picking up another plate. What is that sword? Shane thought to himself. I've never felt that from a sword other than Tsukuyomi. Does that mean that sword is a Soul Slayer? How is that possible? Just who is Shin Akagi anyway?
"Um, hello? Earth to Shane?" Olivia waved her hand in front of Shane's face, but received no reply. She put her hands on her hips and pouted. "If you keep scrubbing that plate, you'll put a hole in it," she said. With evil in her eye, Olivia stepped back and snapped Shane in the behind with her towel. "Ow! Hey, what was that for?" Shane asked, rubbing his butt.
"Just what planet do you think you're on anyway?" Olivia asked. Shane stared down into the soapy water. "Hey, stay with me," Olivia said, shaking his shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking about that sword," Shane said. "The only sword I've ever felt resonate like that is Tsukuyomi."
"So you think that sword is a Soul Slayer?" Olivia asked. Shane nodded his head. "If that's true, where is its owner?" Olivia asked.
"What if Mr. Akagi is a former shinigami?" Shane asked. "It's not uncommon for shinigami to be permanently sent to the Real World."
Olivia pulled a plate out of the rinse water and thought for a moment. "If that's true, then what are the circumstances behind Mr. Akagi being here?"
Shane suddenly felt like a cold, heavy blanket was surrounding him. Olivia gasped and dropped the plate. Shane caught it before it broke and put it on the counter.
"Shane," Olivia whispered and collapsed. Shane caught her before she hit the ground and carried her out of the kitchen. Mr. Akagi jumped to his feet when he saw Shane carrying Olivia. "What happened?" he asked.
"Olivia's been sick recently," Shane said. "She has medicine back at my house."
"Should we call the doctor?" Mr. Akagi asked. Shane saw his face was lined with concern. "No, she'll be all right," Shane assured him and laid Olivia on the floor. Her eyes opened a few seconds later. "What happened?" she asked.
"You had a moment and passed out," Shane said, giving her a look. Olivia understood his meaning and turned to Mr. Akagi. "I'm sorry to worry you like that," she said. "I guess this means we should be going."
Mr. Akagi helped Olivia to her feet. "Are you sure you're okay? I'd feel bad if something happened to you."
Olivia smiled and said, "I appreciate your concern." She turned to Shane and added, "We should get going. There are some other things we have to take care of today." They bid Mr. Akagi goodbye and left the house.