Rosario to Elf

Disclaimer: I do not own Elfen Lied, Rosario + Vampire, or any characters associated with either of the series.

"talking"

thoughts

The Coming of Despair

~ Inner World ~

"This is just . . . . Unbelivable . . . ." said Kohta.

Nyu could only nod to this as she continued to watch the memories play out.

However their reasoning were different from each other. For Kohta, it was just so much to take in as if his life so far had been a complete lie. Magic? Monsters? A world beyond the human one? They were all a part of his life as a child when he lived with his father and sister. But why did he forget? This wasn't something you can't just suddenly lose. Furthermore why didn't his other family members ever tell him about his heritage? Granted from what he's seen thus far, some of them were non-magical and simply human like the uncle and aunt he lived with thus far. But what about Yuka? Why didn't she ever come to tell him about all this? Turning his head to the ditzy girl next to him, he couldn't believe how close they used to be as kids. Even though a little over two months had passed in their memories, it was unmistakable they were such good friends. But then begged the question, "what happened to us all those years ago? What drove her to do those things to my family?"

But for Nyu, she was always aware of the supernatural world with the existence of magic and monsters since she was a child. However in watching these memories, a lot of gray areas began to fill up as the blank parts of her life began to become clearer. She could never clearly remember anything in her earlier childhood as they only existed as vague fragmentations in her mind. For she knew how horrible humans could be, but never quite why. As she continued to watch, it started to become clearer to her how she learned to fight and control her powers. In addition it also cleared up the mystery of why her mother never had pictures of her before the time she was seven. But strangely, the doll Kohta's sister Kanae always carried around was actually in her possession. She never knew the rabbit plushy belonged to anyone else as she still assumed till now that her mother was the one that gave it to her. In fact it was Bun-kun who taught her all about the supernatural as the rabbit educated her on the politics, etiquettes, and the types of monsters there were in the world. But then she wondered if what she was seeing was all true then why didn't Bun-kun ever tell her about all this? Why did it keep all this a secret? Wasn't this all something that she had to know? Why did the plushy keep this from her? But now looking to the boy next to her, it was shocking that her younger self had so much trust in him. So much faith in him that he would never hurt her, never betray her, and always be there for her whenever she needed him. But at that end thought she could only wonder now, "what could have happened that tore us apart? And what really happened on that train all those years ago?" Although she contemplated about saying Bun-kun was in her possession, she strategically decided to withhold this until their memory quest was completed.

Together watching the weeks fly by, they both were amazed at some of the scenes they saw as they remembered them. Although not consciously, they did recall them from the dreams they had. But looking to the memories in front of them, it was apparent that they weren't just dreams after all.

"But I still don't understand" said Tsukune. "Both Kohta-san and . . . . Nyu-san" stumbling a bit with her name due to inconsistencies, "was such good friends. I just don't get what could have gone wrong".

"That's right" then continued Moka. "There had to be some sort of misunderstanding".

"There was no misunderstanding of what you saw" said young Kohta. "But yet there are specific circumstances to how this all occurred".

"Like what?" questioned Kurumu as the buildup of all these events were getting to her.

"Sometimes" as young Kohta paused for a moment. "One should not ask the question if they are not going to like the answer".

"What's that supposed to mean?" then questioned Yukari. Strangely as the child witch continued to watch these playbacks, a sense of nostalgia began to blanket her. "But why do I feel so weird? I am good friends with Nyu-san and Kohta-san. But yet . . . . Why do I feel so heavily involved with what I've been seeing . . . ." to which she held her face scrunching a bit as if something deep down from inside of her was trying to get out.

Young Kohta noticing this simply smiled to her as he soon looked back to the ongoing memories with a stoic expression. "Soon everything will be made clear".

With that remark, the group continued watching the memories as they knew it was soon coming to an end. For now marking the new set of events, it was now the middle of August as Kohta's father had something he needed to say.

~ Yokohama (Yuka's residence) ~ (memory time)

"What?" exclaimed Kohta. "We're going back to Hokkaido tomorrow?"

"Yes" Mr. Hizashi responded sympathetically. "Work just came up and we need to go soon".

"But couldn't auntie just watch us then?" asked Kanae.

"I have considered it. However summer break is coming to an end soon. So it would make sense for us to return to Hokkaido now to prepare for the next school year".

"But I . . . ." started Kohta before trailing off as he looked out the window to see Kaede and Yuka sitting on the walkway of the external hallway talking happily with each other.

Noticing his son's hesitation, Mr. Hizashi gave a soft sigh. "I know you'll miss your friend. But don't worry; you'll see her again next summer if possible". However Kohta still appeared slum as he continued to look out the window to which he gave another sigh. "Kohta, why don't you go and play with your friend for the rest of the day. Its fine, and don't worry. I'll discuss it over with Mrs. Hikaru if we can arrange a schedule for you to visit each other as often as possible".

At hearing this statement both Kohta and Kanae brightened at this. "Thank you father!" they both said before going outside. At exiting hurriedly, this caught the attention of the girls as they looked back to the siblings.

"Kohta?" questioned Kaede.

"Come on!" said Kohta. "Let's go play!"

"What's this all about?" Yuka then questioned.

Taking this conversation on the go, the group hopped on the bus as Kohta explained the situation to his cousin and horned friend. At finishing what he had to say Yuka did appear saddened by this. However Kaede appeared completely devastated as if something horrific had been said to her. "I don't know" she then said in a saddened tone. "We might not see each other again . . . ."

"Don't worry. My dad is currently talking it over with your mom. So I'm sure we'll have plenty of times to meet each other again. But if this really is the last time we get to play together then that just makes having fun now all that more important!" said Kohta excitedly.

The horned girl gave a slight chuckle to this before smiling to her special friend. "Yeah, let's make the most of our time then".

Now in the early afternoon the group arrived at the beach and did everything one would do at a beach such as building sand castles, shell collecting, playing in the water, and running along the coast line. As time passed, it was now late afternoon as Kanae became worn out to which Yuka decided to watch over her as they sat aside wanting to watch the waves wash along the sandy beaches. This being the case, this left Kohta and Kaede up to their own devices.

Seeing this, an epiphany struck the elder Kohta at what he was watching now. "This scene . . . . I remember this scene from my dreams . . . ."

"I do too . . . ." then said Nyu as she stepped forward eyes wide like saucers to this which caught Kohta's attention at her statement. "But this was only a dream . . . . Wasn't it?"

The pair looked briefly to each other before looking back to their younger selves as the scene was playing out exactly to how they dreamed or rather how they remembered it.

For now closing to the early evening, the pair sat quietly next to each other against a boulder looking out to the setting sun. The tanned youth looked to his friend as a wide smile began to spread along his face to which she in turn did the same. But it slowly crept away as she looked towards the horizon. "Kohta . . . . Will I be . . . . Able to see you again?"

The tanned youth chuckled at her question. "Of course you will! There's no way I won't be able to see you again".

The pale girl looked down at his statement. ". . . . How long will you be away?"

Kohta scratched his head in thought as he pondered this. "I'm not really sure. Father is having some sort of business trip and wants me and Kanae to come with him. So I'm not sure how long I'll be gone or when we can meet up again".

Kaede's lips slightly wavered as tears began to form in her eyes.

At seeing her current reaction, the tanned youth immediately dug into his pocket as he slowly stretched out his arm to her revealing the contents in his hand.

"What's that?" she sniffled out.

"It's a jade stone I found when we were playing out in the forest. I wanted to give it to you because it was really pretty and it deserves to go to someone as pretty as you".

The pale girl blushed as a smile began to creep back onto her face. "Thank you Kohta, it's very beautiful".

"But it isn't just a gift" smiled Kohta. "It's a promise!"

". . . . A promise?" she asked.

"Yeah! A promise that one day I'll come back to you and we'll make up for the lost time between us!"

The tanned youth blushed as the pink haired girl leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Kohta let out a soft chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head. "It's a promise right?"

He then went in as he hugged his best friend. "Of course it is! We'll be together again, right Kaede-chan?"

"Yeah" she whispered out.

"But before we head back to Hokkaido, we plan to go to the festival that occurs at Yokohama every year. I usually go with Yuka and Kanae every year ever since I could remember. But this year I was wondering . . . . Well . . . ." as the youth was slightly stammering while rubbing the back of his head seeming bashful. "Would you like to come along with me?"

Kaede blinked to this for moment as she was enjoying how embarrassed he seemed. She knew this would have been the first time Kohta had ever asked someone to go with him to such an event let alone a girl to which by a certain perspective he was asking her out on a date. Although she already knew they weren't going to be alone, it was fine by her since she enjoyed Yuka and Kanae company. But pausing for a moment allowing the tension to build, she enjoyed teasing him whenever she could find the opportunity to do so. But then giving a fond smile, she placed her hand over his. "I'd love that".

Kohta flushed a bit before returning a smile of his own. "Great!"

With that came the conclusion of their day as the pair soon met back up with Yuka and Kanae as they then went home to which they prepared for the coming day.

~ Yokohama (festival grounds) ~ (the next day)

Watching the flurry of activity, the audience was growing edgy at what was about to happen. Looking about nothing seemed out of place as things were as good as they could be. Observing, Kohta was waiting with his sister and cousin for Kaede to arrive. Waiting for her to come, the group talked amongst themselves of what they thought so far.

"Things look rather lively right now" said Yukari at seeing the festivities that were going on.

"Yeah" agreed Kurumu. "It all looks so fun and interesting. So these are one of those festival things that happen in the human world right?"

"It looks pretty fun" as Mizore's eyes twinkled a bit especially towards the frozen treats.

"It seems like your younger selves are currently waiting for Kaede-san to come" said Ruby

"Yes they are" said young Kohta still watching the memories without breaking contact. "However this is the night where everything changed to what has produced" looking to older Kohta and Nyu, "what you see now".

Back to the memory, Kaede had just shown up in a white yukata with pink Sakura decorations as her mother was following behind her dressed in a dark blue one. Approaching the group, the horned girl gave a shy smile as she averted her eyes scratching her cheek. "Do I . . . . Look OK?"

"You look great Kaede-chan" Kohta smiled to which Kaede cutely blushed too before returning.

"Are you children going to be alright?" asked Mikomi.

"We'll be fine Mrs. Hikaru".

"We're going to have lots of fun with Kaede-neesan!" said Kanae excitedly.

"Don't worry" then added the bunny plushy. "I'll watch over them to make certain they stay out of trouble".

"Alright then. Just be careful, OK?" to which the children nodded too before running off. Giving a soft smile to this sight, she nodded as she turned about to visit a few stalls she wanted to visit. But taking a step, Mikomi let out a shocked look as she gazed around rapidly. However she soon settled down as a few beads of cold sweat rolled down the sides of her face. "What was that? Why did I feel as if something . . . . Evil was surrounding us?" But not sensing it any further, she closed her eyes taking a moment to breathe as she wiped her face dry. "Probably just my imagination" as she attempted to brush herself off of the feeling before departing.

Meanwhile the group of children were very much enjoying themselves as they shared many laughs over the various entertainments there were as there was just so much to see and do.

"Yuka! Let's go do that next!" said Kanae grabbing the brunette's hand dragging her to the stand.

"Wait! Slow down! Don't run too fast" as Yuka tried not to stumble in her wooden sandals.

As they both ran off, this left Kohta and Kaede alone to converse amongst each other as they followed right behind them. After a bit of time, the horned girl looked about as her eyes shined at the view around her. "This is all so exciting. So many lights, so many sound, just so much to take in".

"I'm glad you came Kaede-chan" smiled Kohta.

The horned girl nodded to this before she paused as she looked around before turning to Kohta. "Kohta, are there monsters here at this festival?"

"Of course there are. As you should know while in human world, monsters are under human disguise to allow them to mingle better with them. As a matter of fact many monsters come to this festival every year as either participants or vendors" as he pointed out the few peculiarities around him to which most humans would excuse as strange quirks. But then looking back to Kaede, "and I see that you covered your horns" noting the ribbons.

"Yeah, mother didn't think it was necessary for me to have them. But I wanted to experience this festival without . . . ." pausing for a moment, "any weird looks" as she looked down with a crestfallen expression.

"Kaede-chan" as Kohta placed his hand on her shoulder. "Some humans can be stupid anyways . . . . And some demons" as a bit of an afterthought. "So you don't need to care about such people as what they say means absolutely nothing. You are you and that's all that matters".

Kaede looked to him giving a small smile. "You're right. Thank you Kohta". Truthfully if this was said by anyone else, it wouldn't have really meant much. Aside from being one of her only few friends besides Yuka and Kanae, she became well informed of the kind of lives a magi had to live. In truth what she had experienced in her short life, the magi had experienced for thousands of years by both humans and monsters as they had been persecuted, murdered, and outcaste by both kinds. Of course relationships were getting better, but it still had a lot of work to do. So it brought her comfort that someone of Kohta's background could truly understand her and the hardships she had to endure as she shared this kindred connection with them. "But I shouldn't dwell on this. This is a festival, I should be having a good time!" as she placed her hand to her chest in serenity. But upon that action, she felt a small lump through the fabric to which she smiled at knowing what it was. "Hey Kohta, look at this" as she parted her yukata a bit revealing a silver necklace with a green stone at the end of it.

"Ahh, isn't that . . . ."

"Yeah, it's the jade you gave me" gripping the stone in her hand. Kaede then looked to Kohta with a stern playful look in her eyes which surprised the boy a bit. "So remember Kohta that by this you promised to come back to me OK".

Kohta gave a choked laugh before recomposing himself. "Yes Kaede-chan, I promise I'll come back no matter what".

". . . . To which you'll also make me a wife" Kaede then said meekly under her breath as she looked away with a slight blush.

"What?" Kohta then asked as he didn't quite hear what she said.

"Nothing!" she flustered waving her arms to this seeming a bit embarrassed. "Let's hurry back or Yuka and Kanae are going to leave us behind!" as she soon ran off.

Kohta gave this a peculiar look before giving a solemn expression which settled into a smile. "OK" as he too ran off.

~ Yokohama (festival outskirts) ~

"Are we all in position?"

"Yes, the target is clear. We do not want to attract any more attention then what is necessary as we do not want any hindrances to our master's plan. So to be clear, we will snatch the boy as quietly as possible. But if hostilities are to occur then we've been given full permission to do what is necessary".

"But the master has come himself has he not? Why go through this much trouble to snatch a child which is something even a lower class demon in capable of?"

With that question, it was answered as a dark presence then appeared carrying with it a rather foreboding atmosphere about himself as it was apparent that all those surrounding trembled with his coming. The dark presence then looked to the underling that questioned him with menacing eyes. "Let me be very clear" he said in a dark tone. "We will accomplish what we've come here to take as nothing will stand in our way. Once we take it, there will be nothing in this world that I cannot claim as I shall become the new undisputable ruler of human and demon world".

"Ye . . . . Yes master" the underling trembled. A moment later without warning or real provocation his head was ripped violently off leaving a decapitated corpse on the ground which caused those around to shudder at the sheer brutality of their master.

The master looked to his followers making certain they were watching before he spoke. "I will not accept failure any longer as I have waited countless centuries for this opportunity. So do not dare fail me or this will be your fate" he then said in a low dangerous tone pointing out the fresh corpse.

At that finish, the underlings stood at attention as they immediately disseminated amongst the crowd as they began to slowly but surely close in on their target.

~ Yokohama (festival grounds) ~

"You have to be steady if you want to play this game" said Kanae as she was scooping up one large marble after another.

"You're too forceful, that's why the paper keeps breaking" said Yuka.

"You really suck at this" snickered Kaede.

Kohta could only sigh as he was on his fourth wand as it was self-apparent how bad he was at this scooping game. "I get it. I get it already. Let's just get to the next game please".

As the children left the stand, they wondered where they should go to next.

"So where should we go to next?" asked Yuka as she looked around.

"I'm not sure we can" then said Kanae disappointingly. "It's about time for me and oniisan to leave now".

"I see" said Kaede as she looked down for a brief moment before looking up to everyone with a smile. "Everyone" getting the groups attention. "I wanted . . . . To thank you all for the kindness and warmth you've shown me for these past two months. I swear . . . . I will never forget this. So everyone" giving a bright smile, "thank you for everything till now".

At hearing this, they were all quite touched with her words as they all smiled to it. "Don't worry Kaede-chan" smiled Kohta gleefully folding his arms behind his head as he began walking backwards. "There will still be plenty of opportunities to do this again for the next summer then the next summer and the summer after that. So let's do this next year OK?"

Kaede gave a happy nod to this accompanied by a smile. "Yeah".

"Alright, so it's getting late now and there is only time to do one more thing. So what does everyone want to do?" But before Kohta could receive an answer, he was stopped as he felt his back bump into something. Turning around, he looked up to see a rather imposing man standing before him with beading eyes staring right at him. "Sorry about that sir. I guess I should have been watching where I was going" giving a slight scoff while trying to seem apologetic.

But almost immediately the stranger grabbed him by the shirt picking him up until they were face to face as the youth struggled in his grasp.

"Oniisan!" Kanae exclaimed.

"What are you doing?" yelled Yuka.

"He already apologized you jerk!" said Kaede. "What is your problem?"

However the stranger just continued to stare as a smirk started to form. "So you're the brat my master is after. You were sure easy enough capture".

"Let go!" Kohta struggled trying to get the stranger off. But at feeling the man about to leave hurriedly with him, "I said let go!" kicking the man hard in the face prompting him to drop him as he landed on the ground to which his group was immediately at his side to see if he was OK.

"You little brat" said the stranger. "I'd had preferred this was an in and out job. But it would seem you want to do this the hard way" as his body slowly started to mutate. "Truthfully" as his body started to get bigger, "it's actually more fun to have it this way" to which amongst the crowd many individuals started to change as they discarded themselves of their human disguise taking on their true form. Upon that act many screams could be heard both human and disguised monster alike as the newly transformed monsters began randomly attacking the crowd injuring and killing civilians left and right.

"What are they doing?" asked Yuka covering her mouth in horror.

"Oniisan, I'm scared!" as Kanae clung to the back of Kohta's shirt.

"This is just . . . . Horrible . . . ." said Kaede as her eyes were wide like saucers as her body shivered slightly to the brutality she was witnessing.

Kohta watched on appalled as innocent people scattered trying to escape the onslaught of these vile creatures as they gave no mind to who they were hurting as the aggressors appeared to be enjoying this slaughter. But getting a bit of his wits back, "Stop it! Stop it now!"

"Can't do that boy" as the demon lunged for him.

Kohta barely having time to react narrowly half stepped back just to receive a minor flesh wound as four claw marks were on his arm. But remembering his training, the youth quickly attempted to calm himself and not allow the fear to get to him as he needed to jump into action and do something. Charging the great power inside of him, conduit lines lit up on his arms indicating his spell casting as shadow like arms appeared swerving on the ground like snakes as they slithered towards the intended target climbing up the enemy completely binding his movement.

Seeing this happen, Kaede immediately got a handle over herself as her friend was fighting which focused her as she needed to fight too in order to protect the people that meant something to her. So summoning out her vectors, she formed several fists with her psychic hands as they got to work pummeling the foe Kohta had immobilized. At landing an nth amount of punches creating severe damage, the enemy appeared completely knocked out to which Kohta released his shadow binding spell allowing their foe to fall to the ground.

Allowing their adrenaline to settle a bit, the children began to talk amongst each other.

"What are we going to do?" asked Yuka as she was hyperventilating a bit. "This is just so scary I don't know what we're supposed to do" as the brunette was trying her hardest not to break down.

Kohta trying to stay calm and be brave for his group looked around scanning the situation the best he could understand. It was apparent that whoever these demons were, there target was him. Although he didn't know why, it wasn't important right now as it was something he could question later once they were in a much safer situation. But seeing the vicious slaughter going on around him, it was obvious that the goal of these demons was to cause mass discord as it was nearly impossible to get anyone through this kind of crowd thus making escape by foot difficult. With their size, they would more than likely be trampled to death by the adults in their heightened state.

"Can't you just teleport us out?" Kaede then questioned.

Trying to focus himself showing the strain on his face, "I can't" said Kohta. "I can't . . . . . It seems something . . . . Is keeping me from doing so . . . ."

"Then we'll run" said Yuka as she looked ready to turn tail with them all.

Just as Kohta was about to agree, "I can't run" said Kanae on the very edge of tears. "I'm so scared . . . . My legs . . . . My legs don't want to move . . . ." she said fearfully.

"We have no choice then . . . ." as Kohta closed his eyes for a moment to think this over. "I'll stay behind and protect Kanae while you two go get help".

"Why don't we just carry her!"

"But neither Kaede-chan nor I can fight alone or while holding Kanae. Plus with the way you're all dressed, it should be hard enough to move as it is. So this is the only thing we can do".

"But it's too dangerous!" Yuka retorted.

"I know that's why I'm doing it".

"I'll stay with you then" said Kaede.

"No! Go with Yuka and get help!"

"I won't!" Kaede then shot back. "You can't do this alone. If we work together I know we can do this! I want to protect you both!"

Kohta bit his lip at how complicated this was all becoming.

"I'll go then" said Yuka hesitantly. "If I go by myself, I should be able to slip away and find your dad. I'll tell him where you are".

The youth shook his head slightly slapping his face smearing it while sliding his hand down. But then looking back to his cousin, "Just please be careful OK?"

"Alright" the brunette nodded as she soon turned about and departed.

"I'm sorry oniisan" said Kanae as she seemed about ready to break down into tears at the trouble she was causing, but then felt a pat on her head which caused her to look up to see her brother placing his hand on her head rubbing it slightly.

"It's not your fault" said Kohta calmly. "Just stay with us and we'll keep you safe OK".

"But it's so scary. You shouldn't have to do this". However the child then felt a hand on her shoulder to which she looked back to Kaede who was equally trying to be as calm and collected as her brother.

"Don't worry. Your brother is one of the bravest people I know. So don't worry as he'll be fine and I'll be there to protect him as well OK".

Kanae slightly brightened to this as she gave a nod.

But contrary to what she said, Kaede still could feel herself somewhat shaken as fear lingered at the very edge of her mind. So activating her telepathy, she connected to Kohta as she didn't want to worry Kanae. "Are we really going to be alright? There are so many of them and they feel so much stronger then what we've faced before . . . ." as she began to shiver in intimidation to what she felt.

"I know Kaede-chan . . . . I know . . . ." as Kohta was quite scared himself. Amongst these many demons, he could feel the presence of one of them as its evil aura blanketed the entire area. Frankly whoever it was, it was stronger than anything he has ever felt as this creature easily felt like a class B demon judging by how openly his presence was felt and probably stronger if it was still holding back. If this demon were to fight him and Kaede, it was almost certain they would both die trying to defeat this creature. However he could only hope his dad would show up in the nick of time as their situation was already bad enough as it is. But looking back to Kaede, "it's going to be alright. We just need to hang on until my father gets here".

Kaede could sense uncertainty within her friend. However she could also feel his unyielding courage of wanting to protect both her and Kanae. Keeping this is mind; this gave her courage to do what needed to be done. "OK, let's do this".

Leaving the crowd, some demons began to approach them.

"We're only here for the boy right? What about those other kids?"

"Whatever we want" as the monster licked his lips. "They're especially chewy and crunchy when they're young".

"They can also serve some . . . . Other purposes" said the other monster looking disgustingly to them.

"This is no time to be afraid" pushing his fear aside as Kohta stood before the demons unwaveringly. "Kaede-chan, link us up".

"Done" as Kaede synced up their senses and thoughts"I'll watch your back as you'll you watch mine OK".

"Get ready Kaede-chan, here they come".

The horned girl nodded as she prepared herself by redoing the leggings of her yukata with enough room for her legs to move around more easily. Looking to her opponents with her own eyes, she was also seeing them through Kohta's as the enemy was now charging at them. It was a rather strange sensation for the both of them when they first done this. But through practice and tuning, this method greatly improved their combination and reactions as this shared sight provided perspective and information the other was not seeing as they were able to plan ahead together in real time allowing them to act almost immediately to the changing situation to overcome the enemy. Due to the difference between them in both numbers and experience, this was an advantage that they needed. "So what's the plan?"

"We take them down one at a time. Rinse and repeat. But most importantly, don't take any more risks then we need too".

"I understand, so how are we going to do this?"

"Like before" to which the battle began. As the demons approached them quickly baring their claws and fangs, Kohta went to work using his shadow binding spell to hold them all. However it was not as effective as this spell was generally strongest when used against one opponent at a time to which the monsters were still slowly trudging towards them.

At seeing their opponents slowed mobility, Kaede jumped into action using her vectors as she began launching a barrage of psychic punches attempting to pummel their opponents into submission. But at still seeing them coming, "there much tougher than I thought" as she knew her current attack was strong enough to at the very least crack a boulder.

"I know, I'm barely holding them back and there are only three of them" as Kohta was straining just to hold them. "They must be at least C class demons with how hard they're pushing" as the youth was tensing at how much focus he needed just to limit their movements. Then taking a glimpse back spotting Kanae still shivering in fear, "I refuse to give up! I won't give up!"

Kaede feeling Kohta's determination needed to amp up her game. For she understood like her friend that they couldn't take the real offensive with their combination hit and run tactic like they did before. In doing so, they would leave Kanae unguarded and that was something they couldn't afford. So concentrating her attacks, she condensed her vector to the best of her ability launching the psychic fist out knocking one of the monsters out. Seeing the success to this, the horned girl proceeded to knock down the second demon as she then began to work on the third. Working on their last class C demon, this eased Kohta's efforts as he was able to concentrate his shadow binding spell on their last opponent.

However, "mistress Kaede! Watch out!" Bun-kun called as right behind them several spines were being shot at them as another class C demon appeared aiding their comrades.

Reacting to the call and seeing it through Kaede's eyes, Kohta turned his head to the direction of the attack raising his other hand up materializing a circular shield of runes stopping the boned projectiles from touching them. "Kaede-chan!"

"I know!" as Kaede redirected her attention grabbing the new arrival raising him up as she begun repeatedly slamming the demon against the ground as hard as she could before throwing him to the other demon Kohta had bounded.

"We should be fine if we can keep up this pace". But almost as if fate was contradicting him, several more class C demons emerged in various shapes and forms which almost immediately sent what little hope the children had down the drain.

"What are we going to do?" as Kaede was feeling hopelessness towards their current situation. "There are too many of them!"

Kohta flinched as his friend was right. There was simply too many of them to defend themselves against. Even if they tried to make a run for it now, the likely chance of them making it out alive was practically in the negative margins with the odds they were looking at coupled by their current situation. "Come on . . . ." he prayed for some sort of ray of hope to come their way.

As if his prayers were being answered, "Kohta!" Kohta's father called as he was fighting his way through the crowd just to get to his children and their friend.

"Father!" Kohta exclaimed quite ecstatically.

"Daddy!" happily said Kanae.

"Thank goodness that Yuka was able to make it" said Kaede at seeing the appearance of the elder man as he was easily taking on several class C demons without breaking a sweat.

"Stop him! Kill him at all costs!"

"Don't let him through!"

"You won't get pass us!"

"Get out of my way!" shouted Kohta's father. Even though several attacks were flying at him in both close and long distance, the elder man quite skillfully maneuvered around while using little of his magic to protect himself as he made his way to the children. After sending out a flurry of attacks of his own to clear his way, he finally reached them. "Are you guys OK?" kneeling before them but still keeping well aware of his surroundings for any approaching enemies.

"We're OK" said Kohta.

"We're saved" then added Kaede in relief.

"I was so scared!" cried Kanae as she hugged her father.

"It's alright now, you're safe. My backup will be here very soon to deal with all of them".

"Well we can't have that now, can we?"

Upon that statement, the children felt like fainting at feeling this overwhelming and evil presence that now surrounded them as the pressure of this enormous power felt like several tons of weight was just placed on their shoulders weighing them down. However the elder Hizashi was having a better time in withstanding the new presence, but it was clearly written on his face that something terrible now stood before them.

"It would seem a new set in scenery will be required" as the dark presence snapped his fingers to which a spell circle began to write itself under everyone.

At seeing this, it alarmed Kohta's father. "A teleport spell! We need to get off it! Now!"

"Too late" then responded the dark presence as the circle completed itself instantly transporting all those on the circle away to another destination.

~ Unknown Place ~

"Are we . . . . Are we on a train?" questioned Kohta. Looking around, it was apparent that they along with several of the hostiles were translocated onto a moving train as it was speeding away to destinations unknown. For the rapid jump did leave everyone a bit disoriented. However, not so much for the dark presence as he was instantly before him grabbing him by the shirt lifting him off the ground which instantly alarmed his father.

"Release him immediately!"

The dark presence simply smirked to this as several of his henchmen repositioned themselves shielding him from the elder man. "I have waited centuries for this moment and I'm not going to let this chance slip through my fingers. Not when I'm so close to absolute power".

Upon hearing this, Kohta's father showed shock as his eyes went wide.

"Ahh, judging by your expression you know what your son really is. But no matter as soon he will belong to me". Then directing his attention to his underlings, "as for all of you make yourself useful and provide me the time needed. My assimilation spell will take some time" to which he then began leaving for another cart. "And do not fear, since we're on a moving train there is no way we should be disturbed by anymore nuisances".

"Yes master!" they all chanted together.

"Kohta!" exclaimed Kaede at seeing her friend being taken away.

"Oniisan!" Kanae cried out as she tugged at her father shirt to spur him into action.

"Father! Help!" Kohta shouted out in fear to the situation.

"Kohta! Hold on!" But instantly, several of the dark one's goons stood in his way which forced the elder Hizashi to step back in defensive stance as he grunted to the situation he was in. One eye twitching in anxiety, he maneuvered his hand back pushing Kanae and Kaede behind him. "Stay behind me, I will keep you safe".

"But Kohta was . . . . Kohta was . . . ." Kaede stuttered as she was attempting to maintain her bearings.

"I'll get him back. So please stay out of this as I need to focus now in defeating all these demons" to which Kanae and Kaede nodded too after observing the situation before stepping back.

Just like that, Mr. Hizashi began the battle as he was showing more fighting spirit then he has ever displayed before. For desperation was his drive as he needed to save his son at all costs even if it meant to die trying.

Even though he was surrounded, the magi officer was clearly more experienced and powerful as he was skillfully turning the odds into his favor employing the many spells he knew ranging from defense to binding in order to overcome this desperate battle.

As this was occurring, both Kanae and Kaede watched in awe at how powerful the elder man was.

"Father is amazing" said Kanae.

Kaede could only nod to this at seeing the sheer difference in power displayed before her. She always knew that Kohta's father was strong, but watching the battle now only reaffirmed just how tough he was. Seeing demon after demon go down, "Hang on Kohta, we'll be there soon".

However unbeknownst to them all even to the elder Hizashi, there was something important they were all missing as this lack of understanding was going to cost them dearly. Being too busy with the extremeness of their dilemma they failed to notice that who they were fighting now was not the real enemy that they should be facing. As each demon fell, a small little spider would crawl off of them as they tried to move away to safety. But as the struggle went with random movements and blasts of demonic and magical abilities, many of these little arachnids perished rather violently. However with impact of some of these powerful attacks, pulsating forces could be felt riveting off of those closes enough to feel it. But for something as small as those spiders, it carried them to safety to which unknowingly one of these little arachnids found its way to the base of a certain horned girl's foot. Unknowingly to her knowledge, the little arachnid began to crawl upwards as it soon found its way to the base of her neck. Before long it bit down hard as the spider soon merged to the back skin of her neck which caused her eyes to go silent as her head titled down which caused her bangs to shadow her face.

Almost right at that moment, the elder Hizashi had finished off the last of his opponents before opening the door to the next cart. "Follow closely behind!" as he proceeded through.

"Come on Kaede-neesan" said Kanae as she tugged at the horned girl's sleeve. "We're going to be alright. Father is going to save oniisan now!" as she began dragging Kaede to which she stumbled a bit following along.

But unknown to either of them, this was where their fate would come to an end as a strange smirk began to spread along the horned girl's face.

~ Train Transit (a few carts down) ~ (several minutes earlier)

At seeing the first chance he could find, the tanned youth tried to struggle. However it was quite the futile effort as his detainer was obviously far stronger than him due to how he could easily move him with one arm. Taking this chance now, he attempted to use the most destructive spell he knew to blast himself free of the demon. But to no avail, it proved ineffective as the dark presence continued to move unscathed and practically uncaring to his escape attempt as this just showed the major difference in power between him and the dark presence.

But then finally stopping, the dark presence looked to him as a malicious smile began to form. "Let's begin then shall we?" as he slammed Kohta into the ground as the youth physically rebounded off the floor sending a severe shock through his body. Just proving his level of cruelty, the demon began kicking Kohta in several places as his well placed shots easily broke bones breaking his legs, fracturing his arms, and cracking his ribs. Finally after such a brutal beating, he placed his foot on the side of Kohta's head as he exerted pressure pressing him into the ground. "Now hold still as this still will require some time to prepare" as he began chanting a spell underneath his breath.

"So much . . . . Pain . . . ." thought Kohta as his body withered in agony. Never before had he ever been in such bad shape as every part of him was screaming to him in torture. It was now that terror completely taken over as his body was now running on a flight or fight response to which his conduit lines lit up as his circular shield of runes appeared between his face and his aggressors foot pushing him off as hard as he could. With that slight opening, Kohta attempted to escape. But at best, he was barely crawling away due to his broken limbs and cracked ribs. Due to the overwhelming pain, tears could not help but escape his eyes as every fiber of his being was screaming at him to escape.

"Pathetic" was all the dark presence could say at watching his prey's futile efforts. Almost in a taunting manner, he slowly followed the trail of blood Kohta left behind as he soon kicked him hard sending him a few feet forward as he was now on his back. Then stretching out from his coat, a spider's like leg emerged. Within blinding speed, it jousted out piercing Kohta right through the chest easily going right through him creating a hole within the metal flooring he laid on. Upon doing the deed, the spider like leg retracted back into his coat. "Try not to die on me as this will be over soon" as he continued to chant some spell underneath his breath.

As Kohta laid there dying on the floor, his eyes slowly began to become lifeless as his life was slowly drifting away as death or possibly a fate far worse was going to take him. Slowly drifting off, the youth's soul began to fall deeper into his sub-consciousness.

~ Inner World (library) ~

"Where am I? I'm . . . . I'm dying . . . ." said Kohta as he lay bleeding and broken on the floor surrounded by what he could tell was some sort of massive library. Peeking around, it was clear that everything around him was disappearing as it was being swallowed by the darkness. In knowing his coming fate, despair had completely overtaken him as he felt completely crushed at his inevitable death.

But then out from the darkness, an adult figure appeared as it slowly walked out from the shadows approaching Kohta as it looked down to him.

Noticing the new presence, the youth looked to the entity but couldn't clearly focus his eyes due to the condition he was in. However there was no point in being wary to the new presence as he was dying now which threw the need for self-preservation out the door. So mustering whatever he had left, "who . . . . Who are you?"

The figure just continued to look on before a soft smile appeared to which it knelled down placing his hand on Kohta chest covering the injury he had. "I have been waiting for you Kohta".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was exciting as the next chapter will be the final part of this memory quest as hopefully things will becoming more exciting from here.

Also thank you everyone for your support in reading as I would like to further my gratitude by thanking you all for your kind patronage in leaving a review telling me what you think. So hope to see everyone in the next chapter.