Ch. 6

Storyline

"OK, where do we start?" she asked.

"Well at the beginning. Let's see what you can do," Aki replied.

"Try to lift that vase using telekinesis," Toya said.

She blankly looked at her father, then back at the vase. "Huh? You're kidding right?" When she turned to her father again, she knew this meant business. The magic she's hearing about wasn't a game anymore. If the wildlife does depend on her then she needs this training. She concentrated her energy, and then she closed her eyes. Focusing on the vase, and she kept thinking, "Come on, get up. Get up." Her eyes opened and the vase didn't move a centimeter.

She sighed, "Come on, I concentrated on you and only you. What did I not do?"

"Well for one, you were thinking too hard. Second, it's not all about concentration. Sometimes you just need to relax and let go," Aki said.

"Isn't magic supposed to be easy?"

Toya replied, "Life isn't easy; therefore, magic won't be easy. In fact, it's much more difficult. Just try again."

She sighed once more and focused, but this time she remembered to relax. Her eyes closed and mind opened, she got the feeling that something remarkable was happening. Takara opened her eyes, and a smile appeared as she watched the vase float. "I did it," she thought, "I actually made something levitate." It amazed her, and she realized then that maybe magic isn't just casting spells. It's hard work. She's surprised that she kept it up there.

"I'm impressed," Toya continued, "So tell me more about the boy?"

Then she lost focus and the vase flew over the fence. Her eyes bugged out and her turned face red. "What the hell, dad? I was doing really good."

He said, "While using magic, you also have to make sure you don't get easily distracted. Evidently, you'll need some work on that. Since we're on that subject, tell me more?"

"His name is Naroki. I met him when I was walking home a couple days ago. We were just following up."

Toya contemplated what she just told him, and he put his hand on his forehead and said, "Takara, you met him a few days ago. Why would you even go on one date with that guy? You don't even know him."

"It was one date. I don't even think I'll ever see him again. Did mom get to know you first before she fell in love with?" she argued.

He sighed heavily, "No, not really. It doesn't mean that you can do the same. Our situation was very different."

"Can we be done for the day? I'm tired of debating and I just want to rest."

"OK, fine. Go."

Takara walked off into the house, then up the stairs. Toya wondered now if the decision he made was right. No matter what, the good always comes with the bad. He may be able to live long with Aya, but he has to watch his daughter struggle. Aki walked next to him.

He asked, "You never told her how you and Aya met, huh? Not even how you two fell in love."

"The time hasn't come for that yet. She's too young to fall in love anyway. Maybe I'm also scared because of what she'll think of me. After she learns the truth about me."

"She's bound to find out. I say this is the perfect time. You know, you're doing a good job. Raising Takara and loving my sister," he complimented.

Toya scoffed, "Flattery won't get me to tell her, but thank you anyway. This is too much stress for a 14-year-old girl, for my 14- year-old girl."

Aki nudged him like a loyal pet, and maybe he feels regret. Everything that happened in the past is repeating itself. Celestial maidens, bloodlines and of course the Mikages are reappearing. If history is repeating itself, then maybe Kagami's son is already one step closer to Takara. Maybe this new head is already forming his ideas on how to get to them, but Toya pushed that thought out of his head. Right he needed to make sure Takara is prepared.

The steamy, hot shower started to relax Takara. After a couple days of peculiar incidents, she needed to get her head cleared. However, her thoughts kept going back to Naroki. She can't have feelings for him yet; after all, she barely even knows him. She doesn't even know his last name, so maybe her father was right. It's too soon to know if she has feelings for this guy. She doesn't even know what falling in love means, but she does know that she can't let these distractions get to her head. The shower started getting cold, so she turned it off and headed out wrapped in a towel. When she got to her room, she saw Aki lying on her bed asleep. Her mouth dropped and she stood cross-armed.

"Excuse me dude, get off my bed."

Aki opened one eye and smirked, "Oh relax, I'm just napping. It's what dogs do."

"Ok you're getting crap on my bed. Get off."

"Alright. Jeez, like mother like daughter."

She face palmed and exclaimed, "Can you go outside? I need to change. Go take a dump or something. That's another thing dogs do."

He jumped down and nonchantly walked away. "Just saying I already did!"

She slammed the door and rolled her eyes. Quickly, she changed and called Aki back, and she regretted doing that because he ended up on her bed again. She sighed and dealt with it, so she started doing her homework while her uncle napped peacefully. In the middle of writing her essay, she wondered about the celestial maiden that she acquired powers from. Researching was probably the best thing she could do, and what came up were many stories from all over. One story was about a celestial maiden getting punished because she didn't fulfill a promise. Another dealt with a maiden who couldn't return to heaven, so Mother Nature started to deteriorate. It all had the same patterns: punishment, nature and journey to heaven. Suddenly, Takara felt heavy breathing on her leg.

She looked down and squealed, "Ah, what are you doing?"

Aki said, "Just trying to see what you're up to."

"I'm doing research."

"Not related to school I'm presuming."

Takara stared and replied, "No, well. Not really. I just need to know who I am. I need to figure out this other part of me. Why did my father have to do this?"

"Keep in mind, if he didn't he wouldn't be here. You wouldn't have known your father and your mother would've been single," he continued, "He did it because he loves you both, so much. So understand that."

"I do, I know he loves me. I know he doesn't want to see me hurt. It's just that I wish I knew more to this situation. I want to know about my own family's background. How did we become this cursed celestial reincarnation?" she wondered.

"Why don't you research it for yourself?" Takara sadly looked at him. "You're scared what you'll find out? I have to say you're going to find out anyway. Especially if the Mikages are recreating this project again."

She asked, "Tell me then, what is this project?"

He lay down, sighed and began, "OK then. Way before you were born, on your mother's sixteenth birthday, she found out that she was a reincarnation of Ceres. Usually every Mikage girl gets killed if she finds out that she is a celestial maiden. This time things were different. She escaped and we had a cousin, Kagami. He started the C-project, and the purpose was to create the perfect human being using celestial DNA. He was trying to turn these celestial maidens into the perfect mother, so he collected women who were descendants of celestial maidens. "

"He was playing God. It's as if he were breeding these women, and you say collected as if these women weren't human. He treated them like objects. Why?"

"I think he was pretty troubled, and he didn't exactly have the best mother. Anyway, Ceres was the central component to this project. It obviously stopped, and Kagami died with the project. Looks like it didn't completely die considering Rin is trying to recreate it."

"Takara, dinner!" Aya yelled.

She stood and walked away; Aki stopped her and asked, "You OK? I know it's a lot to take in one day." She nodded and continued her way down. How can one take all this information in one day? Thinking about what this cousin was trying to do made her want to puke, and she almost gagged when she thought about those women. Pawns of a stupid experiment that failed, and her objective is clear. She has to stop whoever this is and control her powers while she's at it.

Naroki came into the building, and his mind still on Takara. Rin noticed his distraught face, and he approached him.

"Is there something wrong? Did your heart get broken?"

"No, just thinking."

"If it's about Takara again, I suggest you abandon those feelings. Honestly, do you even understand what you're feeling?" he asked nastily.

Naroki thought and said, "No, but I really want to."

"We have to focus our attention on something more important. Keep your head out of the clouds," Rin reminded.

"You know I don't want to just focus on this project. I still have a life I want to live."

"Remember Naroki, we're in this together. If you're out well you're just going to have to make sure nothing bad happens to you."

He sighed, "I know, but you haven't told me anything about this project at all. I don't even know what we're doing together. So how can you expect me to be with you on this?"

Rin chuckled, "Well, if you really wanted to know. The project my father started was to use celestial maidens and create offspring with them. Creating offspring with them also meant creating a perfect mother. Don't you know what this means?"

Naroki was in awe and he replied, "You're trying to make the world a better place by using celestial maidens."

"Exactly," he smiled evilly, "I will help rid this world of horrid mothers like my own. This world will be perfect once this project goes through."

"You're really going to go through with that? You may end up hurting dozens of people. Especially those people you recruit," he continued, "Is that the real reason why you want to do this?"

"What other reason would I have?"

"I wouldn't know. Just don't let this get into your head."

Naroki swung his jacket over his shoulder and hit the showers. He kept thinking if Rin had other reasons to do this. For a 15 year old to think that he can create a perfect world is too radical, but Rin did have a horrible childhood. Maybe the trigger really does come from that making the perfect mother, or maybe this project is the only connection he has to his father. Whatever the reason was, Naroki had to stick to his promise, but he wondered how many people would get hurt in the process. He wondered if Takara would get hurt too. Rin had his eyes set on her because of the lineage, and Naroki needed to figure out where his heart lies.

Nine o'clock on a Saturday should mean sleeping in, but Toya decided he and Takara should pay a visit to an old friend. She reluctantly got ready and headed out with Aki.

"Come home before sundown, OK?" Aya said.

Toya replied, "We'll be back early enough. Don't worry." He gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Takara, let's get going."

She headed out saying nothing to anybody, and once she got into the car she sat there silently. Until she began to drift to sleep, and then images started to pop into her head. An enormous pine tree appeared in front of her, and then a light glowed from its roots. As she tried to get closer to it, hands grabbed her ankles. Tugging her as she struggled to get closer, and when she pried a hand away blood stained her hands. She awoke with a jolt.

"You OK?" Toya asked.

Takara breathed, "Yea, I think I am. Bad dream, that's all." She stared outside and asked, "Whom are we seeing anyway? You said it's an old family friend."

"It is. Just don't tell your mom who we're seeing."

"You know for someone who loves their wife, you sure keep a lot of secrets."

"I'll say. When are you going to tell her about Takara?" Aki interrupted.

Toya said, "I haven't thought of a good way to tell her yet. She always thought Takara would be free of this curse. However, because of me that doesn't hold true anymore."

"I know why you did it. In a way I'm happy that you did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known you. I would be spending my whole life trying to know who you are. So I'm ok with this."

He smiled at her. Maybe getting these powers were part of her fate no matter what, and it can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. She wouldn't have known that she had an uncle, but it's too late to escape this now. This is something she'll have to deal with. Before she knew it, they arrived at a parking garage. Everyone got out of the car. They went up a couple steps, and Toya pressed a call button.

"Hello?"

"Who is this?" a man replied.

"This is Toya. Remember me?"

"Oh yes, come on in."

The door buzzed opened, and they all scurried inside. They arrived on the third floor, and before Toya could knock a tall, lanky man appeared at the doorway. He had pale skin, a blond ponytail and thick black glasses.

"Toya, long time no see. Who is this?" the man asked.

"This is my daughter, Takara. Takara, this is Dr. Alec Howell. He used to work with me."

Takara shyly said, "Hi, nice to meet you."

"Oh my, let me look at you." He carefully scrutinized her. "Wow, she has your eyes and her mother's face structure. Um, who's the dog?"

Aki replied, "Hi Alec, remember me?"

"Uh, Aki? He's a dog?"

Toya pat him on the shoulder, "We have a lot to explain."

They came in, sat down and explained their situation. Alec poured some tea for them, while he listened. He scratched his chin and sat down. It was a lot of information for him to take in, but Toya knew that Alec could guide them where to start.

Alec sighed heavily, "And here I thought the curse was broken, but this time it was a choice. You basically sacrificed your daughter's normal life so you could live loner."

"He had a reason. I'm not completely OK with it, but I'll deal with it. At least I have a father."

"Let me ask then, have you forgiven him?"

Takara heavily breathed, "Not really. I would give anything to have not powers, but I have to deal with this. What's done is done. I can't change it."

Toya put his arms around her and embraced her. He said, "I'm sorry. There's one more thing you need to know, Alec." He began, "Kagami has a son, and I think he's continuing the C-Project."

Alec responded, "I never knew he had a son. I never knew he was capable to even love someone. What's his name?"

"Rin," Aki continued, "We have no clue where he is or if he's already on our tail."

Alec stood and grabbed his laptop. He began typing and researching as if his whole life was revolved around it, and his scanned website after website. They were scrutinizing his gestures to see if anything extraordinary pops up. Alec looked surprised as he scanned one article.

"OK, let's search Rin Mikage, and see what comes up. Looks like this boy had some anger issues with his mother, and he knows how to cover his tracks." His eyes grew wide. "It says he's deceased. Forensic analysts found traces of his blood on the floor next to his mother. Wait, let me see something." He vigorously typed. "It says his mother's death was ruled as a suicide. Reports say she killed her son, hid the body, and then killed herself. The son's body was never found, of course we know why."

"Is something the matter?" Toya asked as he looked at Alec's distressed face.

"If this boy really is as smart and devious as Kagami, then he's already one step ahead of you guys. It's just a guess, but right now stay vigilant," he continued, "Oh and Takara, I may have something for you." He opened a small drawer and took out a book that was titled, Legends: Most Talked About Celestial Maidens. "Ceres' story was in here, so maybe the celestial maiden you embody is here too. It should give you some clues."

Takara carefully reached and took it. She stroked the covers and bindings, and hoped that this book could be the key to getting back to a normal life. Then she opened it and skimmed the pages. All she saw was yellowed pages that contained gibberish. Her heart sank, and it was because she was hoping for a magical reaction to the book.

"Is this really going to help me? What if this leads me nowhere?"

"You never know until you try," Alec continued while cleaning his glasses, "Those pages can tell you a lot. Just read carefully and you'll find the answer. You'll need every resource if you want to out smart this guy. My guess is that he's located you, and he's watching Takara as of this moment."

Toya said, "Alec, don't scare her. We really appreciate your help, and I think it's time for us to be going now. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, and it was great seeing you again."

Takara thanked, "Thank you, Dr. Howell. I hope to see you again."

"It was nice seeing you after all these years," Aki said.

"Yes, it was even though you're not in human form anymore."

Everyone got up and Alec saw them out. Alec wondered about these various events, and he hoped that no one else is involved like many years ago. He knew he had to do something too, so he went back and opened up the drawer from the past. Hopefully, it will contain things that they needed to stop Rin.

"I liked him, but he does seem sort of loopy," Takara commented.

Toya laughed, "He always was, even while at work, but he's smart and helpful. Saved your mother's life once."

"Wait, if you two worked together, and he knew about the Mikages that means…Dad, you?" Takara assumed. He sighed heavily. "Answer me. I won't be upset, just surprised."

He answered, "Yes, I worked for them too, but it was for a reason."

"There's always a reason with you, and that meant you and mom were once enemies?"

"Yes."

She scoffed, "Isn't that a cute love story? Uncle Aki, what about you?"

"Yes, we were all enemies. The family is messed up, and I thought that you guys broke away from that. Apparently not and now you know about this family's history. I hate how you got involved."

"I hate it too," she said sadly. "There's nothing we can do. I just have to move forward."

"Listen, I'm sorry I brought this upon you. I just couldn't leave you, your mother. I wanted to see you grow up, fall in love and be normal," Toya explained.

She replied, "Well obviously I'm not normal. You can't see me fall in love if you scare every boy that tries to talk to me, but seeing me grow up, I would love you there. I meant what I said though about not totally forgiving you." "I need more time for this to sink in. Everything was just so fast, I need time to myself. So please, give me some time? It's all I ask."

Toya agreed, "Alright, I'll give you that. Let me know when you're ready." He looked at the mirror saw Aki's face. He was confused and worried, but Toya had to heed his daughter's words. After all, they're not exactly on good terms.

They arrived home, and when Takara stepped out of the car she saw figure leaning on the fence. It appeared to be Naroki, waiting for her to come home. Her heart sunk because she knew that he would be a distraction. She needs to get her head straight, but that won't happen if he's constantly in her mind. She slowly walked up to him, while Toya and Aki got out of the car.

"You do know we don't have any time for her to think, right?" Aki asked angrily.

"I'm aware of that, but I need to respect her wishes. She's only fourteen, and she has this much stress on her. I'm not going to push her."

He sighed, "Well you better hope she doesn't take a ton of time. This will bite you in the butt, remember that."

He scoffed, "I'm more concerned about the boy hitting on my daughter."

Takara smiled as she walked up to Naroki, and he looked up with a smile on his face. However, it slowly faded as he saw Takara's distraught face. "Hey, you alright?"

She nodded, "Not really. Listen to me; I'm going through a lot of stress. There are things that have been thrown on my shoulders, and it's hard for me to carry them."

"You have someone to vent to if that's what you're saying."

"No, I'm trying to say that I can't see you. I'm sorry, but I'm not ready for any kind of relationship. I admit, I had a crush on you, but right now I can't deal with it. I have other priorities, so I'm sorry. Please forgive me," she said.

He took her hands and gently stroked them. "I understand and you don't have to apologize. I really like you, and I wanted to ask you to be my girlfriend. But I guess that's not going to happen. However, I will wait for you."

"I can't have you do that for me."

"I want to though. Will you do the same? I know we're young and we're moving fast, but I need to know."

She let out a huge sigh, "I don't know. I wish I can say yes, but I just can't."

"Well, no matter what I will. I don't care how long I have to wait. I'll see you then." He brought her hand up to his lip and gave it a small peck. He let them go and walked off into the distance. Her cheeks turned red and hot as she looked at him. As sad as she felt to turn away someone so caring, she knew she made the right decision.

"What was that all about?" Toya asked.

She jumped as he asked. "Nothing really. Just establishing some insurance I guess."

"Break up?"

"No, just waiting." She smiled at her father and went inside. The long walk to her room got her thinking about her fate. She remembered as a girl she always wanted to fly. Every kid dreamt of having superpowers, but now that it's reality it feels unreal. She realized with power comes a sense of responsibility and control. As she lay on her bed, she begins to wonder. Maybe her powers are a gift, and it's a way to stop the recreation of this horrid experiment. She had to learn more about the origins of celestial maidens, and she needs to know this part of herself. So she quickly ran out of her room to retrieve the book Alec gave her.

"Ouch," she said after she rammed into Toya.

"Rushing somewhere?"

"I need that book, now. Please?"

"Here you go. I thought you said you needed time."

"I do. This is part of it."

She grabbed it from him and went back to her room. She set it on her bed and started turning the pages. In the book were pictures of various maidens. Some were maidens stool on pedestals like Buddhas, and some looked like regular human beings. She sat on her bed and began to research the origins, and then she remembered that one story she read in the café about the angel who was punished for leaving her post. Rapidly, she turned the pages and found that the exact story was in that book. She reread it once again. A maiden who takes care of an ill dragon, the dragon departs and leaves a treasure for her to guard. She falls ill, and leaves the treasure behind. Then she gets punished for doing so. Takara pushed the book away from her, and sighed into her hands. She kept wondering what was this treasure and what was so important about it. Then she turned the page and saw the picture of the majestic dragon she took care of. The page after it described what happened to the dragon.

"After losing the treasure, he was also punished. He became reincarnated generation after generation into different human forms. However, whenever he becomes reincarnated he never remembers who he was before. How terrible," she thought, "Both suffered a cruel fate. They didn't even deserve that." She tears up and wonders what will happen to her if she doesn't find this treasure. Then she looks at her window, the sky was blue and not a cloud in sight. "Dragon of this sacred treasure, I hope you're not suffering as much as I am. At least you don't have all of this burden on you. You don't even know who you are. Anyway, I hope you're alright."

She looks back down at the book and begins to read about the original celestial maiden of her family. The maiden who lost her robe, but finally found it and returned to heaven.