Die.
We were going to die.
I was going to die.
The shadow smiling death at me comes closer, the steel of its kama gleaming.
Was this the end? I don't want it to be.
Please, I can't die here.
I don't want to die.
I refuse to die.
I refuse for that girl to die.
I am getting my happy ending. We are getting our happy ending, whether they agree or not.
A scream bursts forth...and this time it's not out of fear.
XXX
Lewis
Something's up with Courage and Mystery.
In fact, they've been like this ever since my family's barbecue some days ago. Whether Artie or Vi have talked about this is up in the air (note to self: group-chat about this later), although I'm sure they've must have noticed our furry buddies' behavior by now.
Thankfully whatever's going on between them, it doesn't seem serious enough that they can't hang around each other anymore. Mystery even left smiling when he followed Arthur down one of Tome Tomb's aisles.
There's just this nervous energy between the two dogs, especially on Courage's end, like something new has come up between them and they're still figuring out how to handle it.
I'd almost call the energy romantic if I were being serious. Not that it wouldn't be adorable as hell (and it would) but projecting into the future wouldn't help Courage's mood right now. The moment Mystery left, it's almost like all that joy left with him cuz all Courage has been doing since then is stare off into space.
Doesn't help either that the little guy seems exhausted too, leaning against a nearby bookshelf next to my chair and yawning every now and then. Did he not get enough sleep last night? Perrito pobre.
I look away for a moment before a sudden idea comes and inspires a smile from me. Reaching down, I nudge a hand against Courage's side. The little pink dog startles before looking up at me, curious.
"You want some strawberry acai from the coffee shop next door? Might perk you up. In fact, how about some cheesecakes for everyone while I'm at it since Vivi and Arthur already got themselves drinks there?"
That seems to do the trick because Courage gives me a genuine smile in response. I smile back before getting up from my seat.
"If the others come back and ask, just tell I'm getting us lunch, 'kay? I don't want Vivi thinking I bailed out." Courage nods and I rub his head in gratitude. "Thanks! Save my seat for me!"
With a wink, I saunter out, intent to give the little guy a needed boost.
XXX
Courage
What a kind boy.
God, thinking that makes me feel old.
Anyway, I have got to figure out how to force myself back to sleep after a bad dream. It'd been easier back when Muriel had been alive since I only had to sneak in a drink of cold milk – until I came across that one theory video about the truth behind what cow's milk really does to you. Get on my case about how being magical makes health issues irrelevant all you want. It's not like I need to get any taller anyway.
Besides, Lance is a light sleeper and does not take kindly to getting woken up. Maybe I could sneak in some of Arthur's melatonin gummis before bed?
I sigh in defeat and hoist myself onto Lewis' seat so there's a soft place for me to take a quick nap. In no time, I'm comfortable on my stomach and starting to close my eyes.
"PSST! Courage…"
Why do I even bother? An annoyed groan escapes as I peer open one eye to find Mystery peering up at me with an excited expression, something that gives me pause. Usually, the guy's coasting between mellow and smug, so this behavior threw me for a loop.
Mystery shoots a glance over his shoulder at the people walking around the place before leaning up so I can hear better. "I found someplace quiet and out of the way. It's time we had that talk I promised."
As if by a spell, I find myself wide awake and at attention. When Mystery tosses his head to gesture that I follow, however, there's hesitation in me. I promised Lewis to stay here until he came back. If he found nobody left or Vivi and Arthur didn't come back in the meantime—
A rustle of fabric cuts in and Mystery's suddenly to my lower left, pulling back the cover of the table and inviting me in with a sly smirk.
Oh, of course. Duh. Ignoring both his expression and my own blush, I embarrassedly shuffled onto the floor and beneath the table. Mystery followed straight after and pulled the cloth back together, cloaking us both in shadow.
"So," he started in a low yet easy tone, "what'd you like to know first?"
What would I like to know first? Figuring I'd be best off starting simple, I put a paw to my chest and then gesture it to Mystery.
"I'm like you, yeah," he confirms with a nod. As a demonstration, he swipes a paw through the air between us, the limb now glowing a red aura. In awe I copy him, only mine is pink.
We really were the same, I couldn't believe it! Despite all the questions rampant in my mind, I can't stop myself from smiling.
Mystery smiles back. "Sorry for not telling you sooner. There never seemed to be a good time for it."
Ah, so Vivi and the others didn't know then. How odd since I figure she'd fly over the moon to know her dog's secretly a yokai. Plus, you'd think the kids would have made use of his abilities on all their 'trips'.
Whatever Mystery's reason for keeping this part of himself hidden, it had to be a pretty damn good one. Perhaps even dangerous (like about 70% of my life so far). In fact—
As I fear, he balks and hesitates. Great, there was a catch after all.
If any silver lining exists, we've already had each other's backs on several occasions so at least there's that. Still, it'd be nice to have a head-up of whatever craziness he's been wrapped up in outside all the ghost-hunting.
At last, Mystery brings himself to meet my eyes again. "There are things I've done I'm not proud of before meeting Vivi." He shakes his head. "It's left me my fair share of enemies."
Enemies: my mind can't help but linger on that word. Shirley's letter comes back to mind, the mention of someone associated with plants and scissors. For all the memories I've yet to recover, I know too well by now that I've faced this person before.
Then there's that brief vision from the cookout days ago, the same vision Mystery triggered.
Ever since that day, there's been this nagging sense of dread. Not dread in finding out – I may not be smart, but I know how to put the pieces together – but rather dread in hearing it out loud, hearing it be confirmed. I don't want my bond with Mystery ruined after all the effort we've put into it.
On the other hand, shrugging off the truth would not only be stupid but dangerous. How were we supposed to protect the kids if we weren't on the same page?
I look back at Mystery, who's been patiently waiting on my response…and with some nervousness of his own I notice from a deeper gaze into his eyes.
Deep breaths, Courage. Deep breaths like Muriel taught you. (Or perhaps the memory lady that reminds me of Muriel taught me? Somedays I can't tell.) Once sure I'm as calm as possible, I give Mystery the most serious expression possible. "Did we ever meet before the restaurant?"
He looks away again, nervousness still there but underscored by shame this time.
Whatever resolve I have starts to crumble like a cookie left too long in a cup of milk. "Were…we ever enemies?"
There's so much sadness and regret in his eyes when he faces me again. "Again, there're things I'm not proud of."
I find my mind traversing back to one dream in particular, of the bladed weapon – definitely not scissors if I remember right—being raised against me. "I-Is the person with plants and scissors one of them?"
Suddenly there's frustration and even hate in his eyes although as scary as their appearance is, I know they're not for me and perhaps not even for Snippy Plant Person either.
"Shiromori's…something of a personal case. In fact, there's a chance she might free herself if she hasn't already."
Wait, she's been imprisoned this whole time? For once, I hate no surprise-visions are springing on me because I definitely need context – and apparently Mystery's a step ahead of me because suddenly he's fixing me with a stern glare, shaking his head.
"No. We save that explanation for later." The sternness melts into something softer, more reluctant. Pleading. "Much later. All you need to know for now is that we might run into people who…desire beings like me – like us." His face hardens again. "That's why we need to start your training ASAP."
Training?
Although I knew sooner or later that I'd have to use my kitsune powers more fully one of these days thanks to the kids' nutty adventures, somehow the idea of needing help to hone my abilities never occurred to me. It's not like this would be my first-time needing practice to face a big bad, but something about how Mystery spoke about Snippy Plant Person made me suspect she was on a special level of dangerous.
Yeah, maybe some training wouldn't hurt.
That said, I can't but feel a drop of reluctance. Even with all the good reasons to follow through, a part of me still couldn't completely get behind the idea. Almost as if something else needs to be addressed that neither of us has brought up yet.
Once again, Mystery picks up on my general mood, even adopting an apologetic smile. "Although we might be going a little fast with this, considering the bombshell I just dropped."
I can't help but giggle at the quip. It's more like he's been dropping pieces of it at a time, which doesn't make much sense, but I think the comparison works here. In that same vein, though, he's definitely dropped a relatively big piece.
Perhaps that was it.
"Mystery," I speak as I step closer, "what were we like back then?" Because maybe if I had just a few more pieces to the puzzle of my past, I'll have an easier time scrounging up the courage (pun not intended) to brace myself for whatever lay ahead. "Did we ever become friends?"
For a moment, there's something hot and thick in his eyes that I can't place – something deep – but it's gone before I can regret asking and apologize. His voice comes out hard as steel, protective as a blade.
"Yeah, we became friends. Best friends even. So much that you had no choice but to sacrifice yourself."
A sharp clenching sensation seizes my throat at the last two words. This time, something does come back to mind although it's not so much a distinct memory as much as words. I force myself to gulp and barely stammer them out.
"See you in the next life."
That hot thick something in Mystery's eyes only worsen, to the point that he has to rub away some tears. This time, though, there's a fond smile. "You got it. As for what you did, well, that's also something we should leave for later. At the least, it's possible the trauma of your sacrifice induced amnesia."
Meaning whatever I pulled off must had been intense. Geez. Did I do it against this Shiromori person?
I bite my bottom lip, afraid to ask any further on account of how long we've been under here. I'd like to know more, don't get me wrong, but without a watch down here there's no telling how long we've spent talking. Besides, Mystery looks half-ready to burst into tears – not that I'd have a problem with that of course, this just wouldn't be a good place for that!
Fortunately, Mystery doesn't take long to regain his cool, wiping off whatever saltwater's left and regaining his usual half-smile. "But it's OK, cuz this time we'll both be ready." For a moment he had a confident smile; then it drooped a little as he looked away murmuring, "and maybe Vivi as well."
Wait what? I crane my head at him with furrowed brows, not sure I heard right. What did Vivi have to do with all of this? He…isn't expecting her to take part in this, is he?
Unfortunately, the chance to probe on this concern passes faster than expected because a new unfamiliar younger voice catches our ear.
"Hey Lewis!"
As does a much more familiar voice.
"Oh, buenas tardes, Chloe! Isn't it your lunch break, too?"
"You mean these? Oh no, these are just some books Duet's letting me borrow for research!"
There's a pause before Lewis asks again, albeit in a more cautious tone. "And that would be…ghosts?"
"Yep!"
"And that's all?" OK, now he sounds suspicious.
Mystery and I share a curious look before peeking our heads from under the table cover to see what's going on. We discover Lewis, one hand cradling a holder containing some lidded plastic cups full of strawberry acai to his chest while the other is akimbo, conversing with a shorter girl with short blonde hair who's all decked out in this oversized spoopy green outfit.
Save for the round, huge glasses and somehow her facial expressions, her face is obscured in shadow by a bat-winged hoodie.
And books in her sleeve-covered arms, lots and lots of books.
How she manages to notice me and Mystery from around that tower is beyond me because a gasp bursts out of her as she races over to where we are, causing her books to dangerously lean over several times, prompting Lewis to follow close behind out of concern.
She kneels down to be face level with us. "Oh my gosh, is this the little guy Arthur took in? He's so cute!"
This girl seems harmless enough, so I return the smile (albeit bashfully).
Then I notice one of the titles of her books: Spirits of Ancient Japan. How oddly appropriate.
Chloe notices me staring and pulls out the book in question. "Oh, you interested? I've been looking up on Japanese yokai ever since Vivi got me hooked on 'em." With one hand, she opens the book to a random page. "Oh, this here is an Inugami! They're supposed to be dog spirits that serve families."
Suddenly she stiffens then shrinks back a little, cringing with a realizing expression. "Although the way you make them is pretty…messed up. On second thought, you're probably best off not knowing."
An empathetic frown comes to me in turn.
Ugh, how I wish I could go back to not knowing. Way back when I first started to research what the heck I actually am, one of my first guesses had been those spirits. Thank god that didn't turn out to be the case or else Eustace's mistreatment of me would have hit way harder than it already did.
Chloe evidently knows how to read the room because she claps the book back shut and tosses it up to the top of her stack. "Anyways, I better get back to the break room and set these aside so I can grab some lunch myself, BYE!"
And like a phantom she zips out of sight, leaving us to look on at her hurrying figure and the pile of books that somehow still aren't tipping over.
Once the girl disappears around one of the shelves, Lewis gives off an awkward chuckle, rubbing his nape. "Chloe's a…character to say the least. Good person, her priorities are just a little…skewed."
I'll bet. Here's only hoping she doesn't get into trouble because of them. Mystery and I have enough kids without any sense of self-preservation to look after.
Anyway, Lewis turns to us and offers me one of the drinks, straw included. I'm all too happy to accept, eager to have something to sooth my nerves after that bombshell of a conversation with Mystery. Halfway through my drink, though, I notice Mystery looking down the aisle of shelves Chloe had gone down, his face unseeable from my angle.
As I consider pulling him back under the table to ask what's wrong, the sound of Lewis' setting the bag of food on the table snaps him back to the present and he's sipping from his drink without missing a beat. He really needs to teach me how to be so smooth.
Speaking of smooth, wow! What place did Lewis order this from? Note to self: ask later.
Of course, like near about everything else in my life, the joy is short-lived because it's not until halfway through my drink that I feel someone watching me, hard enough to bore a hole into me no less.
With dread, I warily turn my head – only to notice Chloe is back, organizing books on one of the shelves. A sigh of relief escapes me, louder than I intended because Mystery looks up at me then follows my gaze to where I'm staring. I notice and blush before ducking my head in embarrassment.
Sheesh, can my paranoia take a vacation for one day?
Lucky for me Vivi and Arthur pick now to stroll out of the one of the aisles, Arthur carrying a short stack of books in his arms.
The moment she spots us, Vivi sets her hands akimbo with a smirk. "I hope you boys saved enough for us."
Lewis teasingly wags the bag full of remaining food in the air. Vivi blows a raspberry at him before racing off at a mad dash while Arthur rolls his eyes with a fond smile and follows at a more sensible speed.
The rest of the lunch break passes like this, everyone goofing around and chatting about their lives over good food. I smile to myself before taking a bite out of my piece of cheesecake.
See, these sorts of moments I live for, just simple joyful peace.
If only everyday could be like this…
Ah, who am I kidding? I might as well enjoy this while it lasts before the next crazy adventure these kids drag me into, which judging by the titles of some of the books Vivi is pulling out to show us, is going to be soon.
I half-consider downing my acai in one gulp, hoping the cold liquid somehow drowns my anxiety – until Mystery nudges me in the side.
When I give him my attention, he smiles and drags a book into view, tapping the title.
All About Yokai
"It's not exactly a training guide, but this should still come in handy," he whispers as low as possible. I open my mouth to ask, but he beats me to the punch. "And don't worry; I got Arthur to buy this for you. Vivi thought I was being a good friend by helping you diversify your knowledge of the supernatural."
That's partially true. At the very least, this would definitely come in hand in case we ever do have to deal with other Japanese spirits. I give him a grateful smile, hoping I'll find a way to pay him back for this.
Mystery smiles back – only to ruin the mood a second later as he runs a paw through his mane. "Just had to pull out the ol' sad eyes. Puppy's play, really."
This time, I resist the urge to roll my eyes. That way, his head doesn't get any bigger because dear God people need room to move in this store.
He nugs me in the side to get my attention. "C'mon, don't act like you haven't used it too."
Out of curiosity I meet his eyes and…oh, oh no, he is not trying to use it on me now. As much as I try not to, I can't keep myself from smiling as I playfully paw his face away.
Because no, no I am not charmed. Absolutely not. I'm just amused, yeah that's right, amused.
Then he has the nerve to chuckle at me, making me blush.
Thankfully, he lets up and goes back to enjoying his drink. It's at this point I seize the chance to take Mystery in, the way he takes his time with the drink, forepaws crossed together in ease.
I find myself staring a bit more than I probably should.
OK, so maybe this guy could be a little charming. Huh, funny, why did that thought feel more right than surprising?
I think back to that moment between us earlier, that moment when he had to hold back tears at memories of our past life.
We became something else back then…didn't we?
All of a sudden, my heart's pounding and there's heat rushing to my cheeks. I need to take a few breaths to maintain my cool.
I…I honestly don't know what to think of that, we've only known each other for so long after all.
But wait, could that be part of the reason why Mystery held back so much on sharing his secret with me? Did he not want to pressure me?
Now my heart's all a flutter at the thought, except this sensation I can handle.
Me and Mystery. Heh, I suppose the idea of us being together that way would be nice.
Despite the idea still making me a bit anxious, I can resist another smile as I once again take the calm and poised dog in.
For now, us being friends is enough for me, but…maybe someday.
Until then, strawberries.
