When Shadows Rise
Chapter 8
Good Girls go to heaven, Bad girls go Everywhere
Jai panted and winced as he looked about. Shayla stood in Uhanzee's embrace, tears running down her cheeks. Greg carefully picked up Hana and carried her over to the Kouhei healer.
The battle cost them more than anticipated. Star Ocean and Pain had willingly joined the shadows. Using their powers against their own friends. Pain focused her anger at her former room mate. A part of Greg still loved Seiya but she was deep inside her ld pain. Seeing only enemies. Tiny Hana was too easy a target because she wanted to try just once to help her friends. She let her guard down and Seiya had used he powers to overwhelm her.
Greg brought her to Shayla, who reached out and sent gentle green healing through Hana. It took long minutes before the tiny woman shuddered and opened her eyes. She looked about, shuddering at her family. The family she choose years ago.
Still hurt by the pain, the anger was removed. Removed enough that she cold think and talk. "Seiya came back…wrong…" she closed her eyes as a fresh wave of heartache flowed through her. Her voice was only a whisper and her breath was ragged. "I'm sorry…I should have seen…"
Jai moved next to his team and shook his head. "Even you couldn't have known how she would come out of Limbo, Hana-chan."
Greg held Hana as tightly as he dared. :We need to get out of here people." He turned and started away. holding his partner close. He found his heart still pounding with the fear he had lost this more than friend.
Uhanzee took Shayla's hand and nodded. "It is not safe here." Jaeoh lead his team out of the tower into the rain. They needed to get back to his home. He scanned the streets, Uhanzee taking the left flank as he did the right. The street was clear. Greg ran out and stopped by a SUV parked near Steve's jeep. He waited for Uhanzee and Shayla. Shayla side into the drivers seat as Uhanzee opened the rear door. Greg slid inside, not for a moment letting go his precious burden. Jaeoh signaled from his bike and headed out. Shayla followed behind..
*****
At the same time as Seiya had downed Hana, Setsuna's head came up with a snap.. Being mentor to Hana, they had a special bond. The Senshi of the Gate of Time thought once that Hana was to be her heir and they shared some senses.
"Hana! NO!" She quickly transformed, startling Hotaru. She slashed herself to Tokyo tower just in time to see her apprentice being healed by Sweet water. She stayed back watching and smiled sadly. Though hurt Hana would survive. She quickly flashed back home.
Hotaru blinked sitting on the couch. "Setsuna-mama is Hana-chan okay?"
Setsuna nodded, hiding the tears in her eyes. Recently it was getting harder for her to not feel for these people.
Shayla pulled up right in front of the Dojo. Uhanzee was out his door and helping Greg before she had her door open. The big man was still cradling Hana, not letting Jaeoh or Uhanzee take her at all.
Jaeoh smiled as he unlocked the door and started to head inside. They all got in out of the rain and headed into the apartment beyond when Jaeoh pulled up startled. Standing in the doorway with towels was Suteko. He blinked, startled. "What?"
She smiled and gestured. "Get in , we need to finish tending to Hana."
Somehow Suteko had woken out of a sound sleep and knew she had to come here, bringing her packed. She had taken to the rooftops and gotten in here from the upper story. Persephone had declined to go out in the rain.
Greg almost smiled at the dumbfounded look on his leader's face but he was too worried. Suteko gently rested a hand on his arm and steered him to the futon. "Place her here warrior." She grabbed her bag and signaled to Shayla, ignoring for now the Amerid warrior holding her hand. "Shayla I think I can help get my friend here feeling better." She softly explained in an undertone about chi weapons and how certain herbs and pressure points were needed. She looked up at the intense men circling them.
"Okay I know you three are concerned but you have to back off. Greg-san, please, take your friends into another room and I promise Hana will be fine."
Jaeoh blinked again. This Suteko was more commanding than the gentle teacher he had been watching. He took one of Greg's arms as Uhanzee took the other. Together they steered him to the kitchen and sat him at the table.
Uhanzee decided to lean against the counter and look over the two men. They had changed in the time he had been gone. Both seemed more in control when he first saw them. Older and wiser. His head told him he was only gone moments but his heart knew it had been years.
Little Hana was a big surprise. She had actually engaged people and had fought. She fought well, with a devastating attack. The dark woman he didn't know but it was obvious that the others trusted her. "Jai," he spoke quietly. "Who is the woman in the other room?"
Jaeoh tired not to smile. "That is Suteko and a long tale comes with her."
Greg sat staring at his hands and then pushed away from the table, starting tea. He spoke as his hands worked. "That is Star Knight Unicorn. The last of the Star Knights."
Between Greg and Jaeoh, with help from the crystal Jaeoh still had the Amerid warrior was brought up to speed on the Shadow Master and Unicorn.
As the men spoke Suteko eased Hana with her own healing gift. While not as strong as a natural healer like Shayla or Usagi's powers it eased and healed the tremors. The pressure point techniques she learned from an ancient Amazon warrior along with the herbalism she picked up over the years had Hana relaxed and quiet. Suteko asked Shayla to get tea and once they were alone she wrapped her new friend in a gentle hug.
For the first time in a lifetime Hana let out quiet sobs. Pain had dumped more than physical pain. The mental pain needed to be purged and this was Suteko's true gift. She could heal hearts if trusted and Hana having seen deep inside, did trust her. The sobs were over in under a minute but the intense purge did its job. As Shayla came back with the men and a tray. Hana was resting on the futon. The two were talking softly as Greg came around and dropped into a crouch. "Hana?"
She smiled tiredly and touched her fingers to his knee. She simply nodded and tension left his form. It was touching to see. Uhanzee sat on the floor, next to Shayla and smiled as Hana left her fingers n place and Greg rested his on hers.
Hana cleared her throat and spoke softly. "It is time for names don't you think?"
Suteko hid her smile Hana could be bossy in her own way. Suteko started to gather her things to leave. She felt out of place here with the Kouhei. "It isn't necessary now, Hana-chan."
"No, it is Suteko-san. Jaeoh has been waiting to speak to you and Uhanzee has only just heard your tale."
Suteko looked a bit uncomfortable but settled back on her heels. "So I should offer my thanks to you, Jaeoh. For the practice space?" She was a bit tentative. This tall man had been around while she taught her classes and had caught her when she received her last wound. When he nodded, she bowed from where she sat. "It was kind of you to let us practice here. The teams are starting to wok.." She paused and looked down. Mentioning team was no polite after the battle losses they just suffered.
Jai spoke carefully to her. "it is time all of us work together. The Shadows know about Uhanzee, Shayla and me now."
Relived Suteko nodded. "We will need a bigger space for all of you. Both you Kouhei and the Senshi number too many to fit here comfortably" She looked over to Hana, who was starting to drowse. "But talk of this can wait Jaeoh-san. You have brought home an old friend and need to let Hana-chan rest." She picked up her pack and started to leave again. Greg spoke softer than his want, thanking Suteko again and Suteko nodded. Hana whispered to Jaeoh to follow Suteko as Greg carefully moved her so she rested against his massive frame.
Jaeoh smiled at his family. One couple who automatically fell into each other, the other friends who might be more. He glided after the Star Knight, catching her in the other room. "Suteko, hold up a moment."
She paused, hand on the doorknob. She sighed and turned. "Yes Jaeoh-san?"
"Thank you for helping Hana." His voice was soft and for a moment Suteko felt wrapped in a warm sweater.
Suteko turned her large eyes, searching his face. "Hana-chan has been kind to me. How could I not help her?"
He stepped closer but stopped as he sensed her tensing. "How did you get in here?"
At that question she smiled. "You didn't lock the attic window. It was simple."
"Was it?" He shook his head and shrugged. "Did Setsuna let you know to come here?"
Suteko shook her head. "No, she was somewhere else when I felt Hana's pain. I just knew to come here." She sounded almost distracted..
Jaeoh slowly moved closer. The woman before him just kept becoming more and more intriguing. "Do you get these urges often?"
Suteko blushed and shook her head. "I think all the time with Hana has forged a bond." She smiled shyly. "But right now you should be with your team. Jaeoh-san. I am sure that they are confused. I will let the others know you need time to get reacquainted with …Uhanzee? That warrior is confused after all. You are no longer fighting the Negaverse."
Jaeoh started to protest but she had stepped outside. "At least let me give you a ride back home?"
Suteko swung her pack on one shoulder and flashed a small smile. "I don't need a bodyguard tonight, Jaeoh-san. I am not the target tonight." She waved s she sprang up bouncing to a nearby rooftop. Jaeoh watched as she sprang from one to another till she was out of sight and then turned back inside to his team. They had losses to deal with and the return of one steady warrior. He wanted to spend more time with the Star Knight but he needed to spend time with his team.
*****
Suteko bounced from rooftop to rooftop deep in thought. So many new people n just a few days. Kind Shayla had her heart returned to her this night. And by the look big Greg was starting to realize tiny Hana was more than a team mate. It had been startling to see an Amerid warrior in the middle of Tokyo. The man was wisely silent while Shayla and she worked on Hana. The gentle healing energy from Sweet water mixed with Suteko's well hidden gift and the herbs brought color back to Hana's pale face. How a once friend could have done that to tiny Hana, Suteko did not know but if she ran into Pain she would make sure that it didn't happen again. She was lucky so far during this storm but decided roof tops slick with rain were not the best path. She dropped down just as a bolt hit the lightening rod on the next house.
She started to jog, her feet hitting the wet pavement lightly. She kept her senses open for anything around her and hid her surprise well when a soft voice called form the roof she just left. She spun and looked up, carefully hiding a glow in her hand. The figure slid down the building to pool on the ground before slowly forming into a female form made of water.
The An-eonma, or rain spirit stayed close to the wall, being as non-threatening as possible. "Please Light bearer please do no harm to me."
Suteko let the light flicker out. "If you come in peace then I will not harm you little one."
The figured quivered all over. She was half of Suteko's size but was a slender full grown woman in image. The An-eonma darted looks about then glided a little closer. "Light Bearer we are begging your help. The Shadow lord is taking spirits and forcing them into new molds. Turning them into shadow beasts. Help us Light Bearer."
Suteko felt the spirit's fear and hope. "The time is not yet right but I can promise that Kaneda will be stopped. If not by me then by the Guardian."
The an-eonma shook her head. "It has to be you Light Bearer. The Guardian can only fight to keep the Shadow gate closed. You..you are our only hope Light Bearer!" It quivered more losing some of it's woman form. "You only can see and hear us. Please save us!"
Suteko shushed the spirit, trying her best to sooth with a calming hum. To her surprise the spirit firmed back up and even spun about at her music. "I will protect those of you I can little one. I know light hurts some of you but tell your brethren to come to me if they need help. I will do my best."
The rain spirit spun and then leapt up and swirled about the lone Knight her voice softly thanked Suteko as it removed the water from her braid, untying it in the process. Suteko gasped as her hair tumbled about her face and shoulders, cascading down her back. Shaking her head she swiftly braided it back up, chuckling. The spirit might be frightened but she could not fight her nature. The trick was a simple one, only costing her a hair tie. She pulled a pare one from her pocket.
Suteko headed back to her new apartment. It might be a one room walk up but it was hers. No more sharing space with Iriko or using Setsuna's spare room. It was too much at times, being always watched. The others might have argued but she put her foot down. She needed her own space.
Avoiding the front door she once more bounced up to the roof and entered her apartment from above. It was a small space compared to some. A tatumi matt on the floor, a small table and a futon couch wee all that could be seen. Two photos were hung on the wall and she bowed to them each before putting her jacket in her closet to dry. She settled onto the futon and sorted the contents of her pack.
Persephone opened one eye and made a face at Suteko. "You should dry off before sitting on the bed. Remember we have to sleep here." The cat got up and hopped down to settle in the window. The rain had stopped and she gave Suteko a long look.
Chuckling Suteko moved to open the window. "Enjoy yourself kitty. Just try to come back before dawn."
It was getting late as she restocked her herbs and cleaned up. Slipping out of her wet clothing, she composed herself for sleep. Just as she dozed off the house's Zastiki-wanashi looked around her door. The child spirit waited till she fell asleep before tiptoeing into her room. Like the An-eonma before, it was a frightened spirit. Normally a simple good fortune bringing prankster, it had followed the Light Bringer to this boarding house. The household's other spirits didn't mind. They were glad that the Light Bringer settled here, bringing Light to keep back the shadows. Even a Baku had come. The spirit knew the Light Bringer had been suffering from nightmares. Dreams of her friends dying under claw and fang, of her brother turning away from her. The Baku ate what dreams it could, allowing the Light Bringer to rest.
They whispered together, shoeing away the Mokumokuren and quickly repairing the rice paper wall separating the hall from Suteko's room. All became peaceful and even the little scrabbling of the mice drifted off.
*******
Aki smiled as he brought his acquisitions to the shadow realm. Three Kouhei! This made up for the lose of the earlier days. Seiya took fully to her new role. He pink hair now held black stripes, her eyes were now obsidian pools. She mumbled under her breath, threats and predications.
Steve's once happy face had grown cold but confused on the trip between realms. His once pristine white and blue colors were muted as if dipped in shadow. He spun about, taking in the hall they had appeared in.
Empty for the moment, he cold see flowing curtains of blood red and ink black. Anything further away than 20 feet was lost in deep shadow. Earth was still muddled Nothing seemed real to him. One moment they were fighting the Negaverse, next they were surrounded by mist, then shadows. In the shadowy place he could swear he watched as Seiya did something to make little Hana scream. Then it got dark again and they were here. Where ever it was.
:Steve what is going on? Where are we?"
Steve turned to the stocky Earth and shrugged. "Ask Aki bro. he is in charge of this ride."
"You are in your new home Samuel. A place where there are no more Negaverse creatures. Just creatures of Earth." Aki gestured and two figures formed. One of waster and one of earth. They moved to the sides of Steve and Samuel, whispering in their ears and leading them off to side chambers, visions of dark pleasures fed into their minds. Aki himself distracted Seiya. He knew her secret desires and was more than wiling to indulge her.
*****
In his darkened throne room, The Shadow who was once Kaneda smiled. Things were looking up. Three of Suteko's potential allies had defected to his side. Three less beings to interfere with his plans for Unicorn. "She should have given in. Now her pain will be greater." he new woman that Aki had yet to bring to him would be useful. Her ability to channel pain, when augmented with his shadow gift would destroy the Light power in his bride. She would still be a chi master. She would then bring their children into the light of day, destroying the guardian as she did. He settled back to plan.
******
Two days later the cats held their own conference. Sitting on the roof of Suteko's building they went over all that had happened in the past month.
Andromeda was starting to fade away. NO guardian cat dealt well with the loss of their charge. The month and more was taking a toll on her energy. "The Kouhei have returned, all but one were taken by the shadows. Can we trust the others?"
Persephone looked up from her paw. When outside she acted like the cat she emulated. "Can we trust them? Come on, the five have all passed their tests. " She went back to cleaning her paw but spoke between licks. "Sweet water…has proven…she is good. Between her…charge…and healing…she is an asset."
Artemis paced about the roof, "What about Draco? He hid his powers, letting unicorn get injured was not good."
Luna interrupted him before he could get started. "He was not to expose his powers. That was straight from Pluto. He had to wait till the time was right."
The cats continued to debate quietly. The fact that their were no Mauans assigned to the Kouhei seemed to bother the white cats. Luna was more concerned with the stepped up shadow feints. The creatures were showing up whether Suteko was present or not. They either threatened vaguely or attacked directly. It was obvious that the shadows were still testing the teams. Everyone made sure to go out in mixed groups. But the reason the cats had gathered was the Star Knight. She was willing to train the others but still wouldn't stay with them.
"Persephone why is she staying in this place"" Luna made a face at the boarding house. It didn't make sense why she stayed here.
"There is something drawing her to this place." Persephone was glad to be in cat form. In human from she would have never hid her smile. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted the childlike spirit watching. I giggled silently making a silly face at the three moon cats. They acted so superior but they couldn't see the friendly spirits that had flocked about the boarding house since Suteko offered her help.