Chapter 9: Vultures
I should've realized that it was far past the meet time and that Kairi was late. I should've been looking for him. What if he got hurt, or captured? There was no telling what could've happened. However, despite all the warning signs that told me to go searching, I stayed reading the damn book that is just so addictive.
How did I live so long without this thing amazes me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see movement. I keep reading as if nothing's there, which to me, there was nothing. A Vulture lands a few feet in front of me, "sneaking up" on me. I furrow my eyebrows before hearing a strangled "squawk". Looking up again, I see an ice spear has appeared out of the ground and straight through the Vulture's chest. Smirking I get up, holding the book under my arm.
All emotion leaves me, the book is to blame for this. It's like I'm not even in my body anymore. It's like I'm trapped behind a glass box and the book is being me. I'm just looking through at what the book sees and I'm slowly being worn away to nothing.
I hear commotion going off, but still continue my calm stroll.
Kairi is fending off five Vultures. They have him pinned down and are trying to get him to look into their eyes. I roll my eyes and snap my fingers.
An icy wind comes out of nowhere and sucks the Vultures up and into the air, sending them far away. I feel as if nothing can harm me, like I'm the strongest person in the world. With the book, I am unstoppable.
Kairi hastily gets up and looks at me, noticing the object I hold under my arm.
"Rima-chan, what are you doing with that?" he asks. I don't answer him, drawing my gaze to the mouth of the mountain. Extending my wings, I notice Kairi's shocked face when he sees they're fully healed. They're better than healed though. They're much stronger and powerful, like me. My wings are no longer vulnerable to snow and rain. It'll be like flying on a clear day, now. Oh, how I love my book. "R-Rima-chan."
The volcano rumbles, loud. This rumble is more powerful and strong than the previous ones. Kairi falls down, and even I have to get down on one knee to steady myself. My gaze locks on the volcano. It's about to explode, I can feel it.
Grabbing Kairi's hand, I take off to flight. Kairi holds on to my hand with all his mite. I easily carry his weight through the skies as I feel the strength of the volcano erupt. Turning, I see a black mushroom cloud starting to form. It quickly spreads out and the ash is coming towards me quickly. However, through all that I see smaller figures emerging from them. Vultures. Growling, I fly faster.
I can easily take on those damn birds easily. Kairi however, is still Kairi. He hasn't been enriched by the book. He can't take them on so easily as I. I have to get him to safety.
However, the volcano has other means in stored for us. I hear another explosion and the ash hits me. I feel something sharp scrape my right wing, and see a Vulture digging it's talons in them. Hissing out, I accidentally drop Kairi.
I feel more claws against my back as I plummet to the ground. I can't see a thing. I feel the book slip away and also plunge down to the ground. The glass box that surrounds me breaks, and I come to my real senses. The pain from the claws digging into me forces a cry from my lips.
Blood stream down my back and wing as the Vultures finally let go. I see the ground coming up fast and close my eyes, going out of consciousness.
I can't get the taste of dirt out of my mouth. Yuck. It's like someone fed me dirt for three days straight. Groaning, I move my hand to my head, feeling a bandage there. Slowly opening my eyes, I realize I'm in a hospital room.
There are monitors everywhere, monitoring my heartbeat. Looking around, I see one window. It's pouring outside and from inside I can hear the wind raging on. There's a TV in here and a door leading to, what looks to be, a bathroom. Towards the end of the bed sits a figure.
He has arms folded on top of my legs, making a make-shift pillow. He has long violet hair, but doesn't have soft features like them. His features and slight build show that he is in fact male. His face looks peaceful with bliss, but you can tell there are dark circles underneath them, showing that he hasn't had much sleep. I wonder if he's having a good dream.
Slowly, the boy's eyes flutter open to reveal beautiful amber eyes. Those eyes slowly travel up to me, widening when they see that I'm also awake. They shrink back to their normal size and a smile crosses his features. Nagihiko sits up abruptly, but the chair he sits in tips back and he falls over with a loud thud.
I can't contain my laughter, even as he gets up.
"Haha, very funny Rima-chan," he groans. Nagi gets up and places the chair back up, carefully sitting in it. I'm still in a fit of giggles.
"Sorry," I say, smiling. I find myself trapped in his beautiful gaze before I feel Nagi's lips on mine. He runs his hands through my hair and I put one of my small ones on his cheek. I missed this. I missed Nagi, so much.
We pull away and he leans his forehead on mine. I bite my lip, looking into those eyes that I've missed so much.
"Hi, Nagi," I whisper.
"Hi, Rima-chan," he says. His lips dive down on mine again, but we hear a cough. Nagi jumps back, tripping behind the chair. I laugh as the nurse and doctors push past him and up to me. They check the monitors, my heart rate, muscles, bones, blood pressure, and anything else that could be wrong with me. Nagi just stands at the door with a massive grin towards me.
After the doctors and nurses move away, they allow a few more people in the room. Nagi comes up to me, holding my hand tightly in his.
"So there's a lot to explain, but I think I should just show you instead," he says. I look at him in confusion as he goes to the door. Opening it, Kairi is the first to come in. He has his arm in a sling and a tired smile on his face. Then comes in Ikuto, who looks good in shape. Next are Utau, Amu, and Kukai. They don't even look as bad as last I saw them, with only cuts and bruises on their face. Nagihiko then leaves the room. A wheelchair enters the room and I gasp, tears spilling down my cheeks.
"Yaya," I whisper. The little brunette girl sits in the wheelchair with a big smile. "Yaya!" I have to resist jumping out of the hospital bed and into Yaya's arms. Nagihiko wheels her up next to the bed and before he can adjust the settings, I'm already sitting up and hugging the life out of her.
"Nice to see you too, Rima-chan!" she says in glee. I look at her. It actually is Yaya. However, I do notice that her hair has gotten a bit shorter and a large gash on her forehead, she is the Yuiki Yaya.
"How?" I stutter out.
"Maybe we should start off smaller, like where we are now," Utau says, taking a seat at the foot of my bed. She winces and that's when I know she still hasn't fully recovered. I don't think anyone is actually 100% recovered.
"Do you remember the other legend involving Vultures?" Kairi asks. I rack my brain.
"That Isamu had a twin sister, Azumi. Because her sister turned evil, she wanted to save her. She rounded up a group of good Vultures to help turn her sister back. But Isamu was already consumed to deep in darkness and couldn't be saved," I recite. They wait for me to continue. I take in a deep breath. "Her mountain are actually on the clouds in the air and she sends Vultures out to save angels, even evil angels, from her sister's wrath." My eyes widen as I conclude the story. They each nod.
"Welcome to Azumi's Cloud." I whip to the door where a beautiful woman stands. She has long blond hair like mine, but it's completely straight. She has an hourglass figure and completely white eyes.
"Wait, this is all? I'm not dreaming, are I?" I ask.
"Nope," Ikuto says, popping the "p".
"But...Yaya, I saw you fall," I mutter, looking at the half healed brunette.
"So you thought," Yaya says with a wink.
Flashback (Yaya's P.O.V):
"Goodbye Rima-chan." I let go of Rima-chan's hand as I fall into the dark abyss. I hear her call after me, but I know it's too late. The pressure from falling makes my head spin. I can see dark waters coming up. Preparing for impact, I close my eyes tightly.
Suddenly, the air feels different and I feel myself being carried in tight claws. Peaking my eyes open, I see that I'm flying right over the water. Looking up, a Vulture is carrying me by under my arms with it's talons.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you," it says. It has a silver helmet on. In the center is a crown. I gasp. The mark of Azumi. I don't struggle as the Vulture is met with more of the same Vultures with the same helmets on.
"The legends are true," I whisper.
"Well of course. You think someone just made all of this up?" a Vulture flying next to us says. It squawks in amusement. The other Vultures chorus in.
"Where are you taking me now?" I ask.
"Azumi's Cloud of course. We'll save your friends, don't fret," another Vulture says. However, the only thing I can think about is Rima-chan and the others. I hope they're okay.
End Of Flashback
Rima's P.O.V:
I hug Yaya tightly before turning to Ikuto, Kukai, Amu, and Utau.
"And what about you guys?" I ask.
Flashback (Ikuto's P.O.V:)
I watch as Kairi leaves the cave to go get Rima so they can go save Ikuto. That girl. I pity her. She's come all this way, and probably all for nothing. Kairi and I can see it, but Rima's still holding on to that sliver of hope that Nagi's still alive. In fact, I think I am as well. Honestly, I think she can do it, I think she can find Nagi. However, in what kind of condition is what worries me.
Sighing, I go back inside, planning on treating more of Utau, Amu, and Kukai's wounds. Utau's surprisingly awake.
"Where are Kairi and Rima?" she asks.
"They went to go get Nagihiko. As soon as I make sure you, Kukai, and Amu are alright, I'm taking you guys back to the school," I say.
"Are you crazy Ikuto? How could you let them go?" she asks in bewilderment.
"I tried to stop them. Rima though, she's still thinking Nagihiko's alive," I say. We both keep silent. We both know that the chances of Nagihiko being alive are zero to none, we just don't know how, nor want, to accept it. Another groan sounds and it comes from Amu. I rush to her side.
Her eyes are squeezed tight as if she's trying to ward away a bad dream. Her fists are clenched tightly, with white knuckles.
"Amu? Amu! Can you hear me!" I ask. Slowly, her body relaxes and she hesitantly opens her eyes. Seeing her beautiful orbs reenergizes me. I almost hug her right there, but I know her body is in a fragile state in this moment.
"Ikuto, what's going on? Where are Rima and Kairi?" she whispers. I quickly get her a bowl of soup and spoon it in her mouth.
"They went off to go get Nagihiko," I say. "Don't worry about them right now. How are you feeling?"
"Tired," she says. Amu yawns with a drowsy look in her eye. She needs rest, I conclude. Suddenly, her eyes snap open. "Vultures."
"It's okay Amu, there are no Vultures," I say, stroking her cheek. Amu shakes her head frantically, lifting an arm to point behind me, at the entrance of the cave. Slowly turning, I see a band of Vultures right at the cave entrance, blocking any passageway for leaving. "Crap." I swear.
Getting up, I stand with my back towards Amu, Utau, and Kukai.
"I'll take on all of you at once," I say boldly.
"That is a bold challenge there, Tsukiyomi-san." How do they know my name? Isamu probably sent them after us. This is all a trap, I realize. Which means...Rima and Kairi are also in danger. I clench my fist, ready to take on all four of them. I'll hold them off as long as I can. I have to try to defend my friends. "Are you sure you want to take us up on that offer?"
"Try me," I growl. Before anyone can move, dark figures appear from behind the Vultures. Great, another five Vultures. I guess Isamu ordered backup.
What surprises me though, the new five instead start attacking the four other Vultures. It's a big mess of black feathers until five Vultures stand. They make their way towards me. I prepare myself to fight them when I notice their helmets. They have a crown on them. Azumi's Vultures.
Lowering my guard, I let them pick up, Utau, Amu, and Kukai. The girls look at me in shock. I walk out of the cave with them.
"Ikuto, what the heck!" Amu screams. I ignore her, letting them fly off. There are still two Vultures with me on the ground.
"Are you alright? Can you fly?" one Vulture asks me. I shake my head and almost immediately am picked up.
"Ikuto! Why didn't you fight back!" Utau shouts at me.
"They're Azumi's Vultures, look at the helmets," I say. Utau and Amu do as I say and relax afterwards. We're in good hands, but what about Rima and Kairi. "What about our other friends?"
"They will be with us shortly. We're running a bit behind schedule," the Vulture carrying me says. I just hope it's not too much behind schedule.
End of Flashback
Rima's P.O.V:
"My Vultures saved you in just a nick of time," Azumi says with a sweet smile on her face. "It was close too. One more second and you and Sanjou-kun would've been pancakes." She laughs a bit. Honestly I don't find that all funny, but I don't say anything. I'm grateful to this woman for all she's done for me and my friends.
"The book. The book! What happened to the book?" I ask, frantically.
"We did not find a book," Azumi says. I relax in my seat, feeling as if a whole part of me has been lifted.
"So, what happened to you Nagi?" I ask, looking at my violet haired boyfriend.
"Well, to sum it up..."
Flashback (Nagihiko's P.O.V:)
"Let me out of here!" I shout. I'm trapped in a gray jail cell. No one else is here. I try rattling the bars, but it's no good. Clutching the bars tight, I sink to my knees. Damn it. Isamu kidnaps me, to lure Rima here to kill her for revenge. It doesn't matter what happens to me, only what happens to Rima. I hope she doesn't by into this and come and save me. I've been here for about a week. They do feed me, sadly, and keep me locked up in here. I've tried multiple ways to get out, but my powers don't work in here. I need to get out, to save Rima.
Suddenly, an explosion goes off from behind and I find black Vultures coming in. I notice their helmets.
"Come with us boy, if you want to live," one says. I nod. I step out of the big hole and fly out of Isamu's Volcano with them.
-Time Skip-
"Azumi, you must let me warn Rima about Isamu," I beg her. I've been here for two weeks. Azumi says its too dangerous to let me go, for Isamu might send more Vultures after me.
"If I do, then the Vultures will intercept it and know of your location," Azumi says. "Right now we have sent out the decoy body, so she thinks you are dead."
"But I must warn Rima, it's for her safety as well," I persuade. Azumi sighs.
"Fine, but make it vague, very vague." Sighing, I excuse myself and leave her office. It's all I'll get, so I have to make the best of it.
I need your help. I'm in trouble. I'm sorry, but I have to keep this message short. All I can say is that you'll find me with the Vultures.
End Of Flashback
Rima's P.O.V:
Well, that explains that, but one more question remains. I look at all of my friends carefully.
"Which one of you kept writing me those notes?" I ask. Everyone looks at me suspiciously.
"What notes?" Amu asks.
"I've been getting these strange notes, from someone." I take a pause to fish out the notes from my jacket pocket. I spread them out on the bed. Everyone leans in to read them. "I thought it was one of you." We all share glances at each other, waiting for one of us to fess up.
"None of us wrote these Rima-chan," Kairi says.
Before I can react, I feel a tight pinch in my chest. It's like someone or something is squeezing against my chest, putting tons of pressure on it. I double over in pain, gasping for breath. I close my eyes tightly. I hear loud footsteps, making my head pulse. The doctors push me back down on the bed and hook me up to some machines. Someone puts a face mask over me.
"Just stay calm," a nurse says. "You just need your medicine. The Vulture Poison is spreading through you." I didn't take my medicine to prevent the Vulture Poison this month. My vision is very fuzzy and I feel myself slowly slipping out of consciousness. The pressure is even stronger this time and I can't breath.
"Rima!" Nagihiko exclaims before I go out cold.
So I'm really sorry I haven't updated in a month. I kinda put this off for a while cause this story is giving me major writers block.
However, you guys reviewed and that was like a wake up slap to me that i had to write for you guys. so i spent all day just pushing on and writing for you guys today. Non-stop. i mean it. I fought through the writers block, which is something i don't ever do and this fighting has given you this. I wanna get this to you asap so there are mistakes in here.
I'm sorry this story has been shit, i personally hate this story now, because i know i could do better.
This story is ending like...next chapter actually. Actually next chapter IS the last chapter. thanks you guys for sticking by me through this journey. my writing has developed so much.
Today when I woke up it was a wake up call for me to update and work on test of trust because this is where i posted my first story (which was an epic fail) and i wanna finish what i started. I love fan fiction, but i don't think Shugo Chara and I are that connected anymore and is actually annoying for me to write (sadly).
HOWEVER: Next chapter i will give you guys more information on what is happening to me.
Obviously i'm not gonna write anymore Shugo Chara long term stories.(i only had 1 person that said they want a sequel which really ins't enough for me to write one, sorry!) There are gonna be that occasional one-shot here and there.
other than that i think i'm done. i'm so sorry. thank you for all the readers that have been here from the start! I love you all! You've made me be the writer I am today and I love being a writer because of you guys. I think I'm gonna expand my horizons a lot more.
R&R!