Chapter 13: The Light in the Dark Part III
Watsuki Hikaru hissed as he felt the sting slashing across his cheeks. He spun, avoiding the fangs of a spider demon as it came from above. He cut at its legs and jumped back, only to find himself in the shadow of another larger yokai. The creature roared furiously before releasing its gigantic fists on him. Hikaru rolled himself under the beast. He tried to stab it from behind, but the beast spun quickly and slammed its elbow into him, sending Hikaru flying.
Hikaru moaned, one hand gripping the hilt of his sword while the other flew to his left ribs. Pain shot through his body, and he silently cursed his luck. The beast must have cracked a few ribs, he realized.
The demonic spider's screeches echoed in the night. Hikaru looked up and saw the large brute charging for him, followed by three more of its siblings. Getting to his feet, Hikaru weaved his way around them. His blade flashed and shimmered with light magic as it sliced through the spiders, but Hikaru knew his victory was hallowed. With every spider he killed, more seemed to have taken its place, their eyes fueled with bloodlust and hunger. They shot and weaved their threads at him, hoping to cut him down. But Hikaru was faster as he easily sliced through their deadly spider threads. Even so, he couldn't keep this up forever.
Wake up! You must wake up! Hikaru mentally pleaded.
Wake up. You must wake up!
Kimi froze as she glanced over her shoulders. There was that voice again. Noticing her hesitation, her manager turned to her and raised an eyebrow.
"Is something the matter, Kimi-san?" Tsukikage-san asked. She reached out to place a comforting hand on Kimi's shoulder. A thin, silvery mist appeared, swirling around Kimi like smoke.
"Didn't you just hear…?" Kimi trailed off, her mind clouding over. No, she couldn't tell Tsukikage-san. Her manager would chide her for daydreaming. She had to focus. "Never mind, I must be working too hard."
"Would you care for a breather?" her manager asked. "You do have a few hours until your next interview."
Kimi shook her head. "No, I'm fine." Swiftly, she slid into the family's limo and Tsukikage-san followed suit. "To the studio, please," Kimi said to the chauffer.
Wake up.
"Kimi? Is everything all right? You seemed distracted," Kyochi asked from her door.
Kimi glanced up at him from her bed, holding her pillow closer to her chest. "I…" she trailed off again.
Kyochi sat down at the edge of her bed. "What happened?" He tried not to sound curious, but it was clear that he was concerned with that look in his eyes. Kimi scrutinized him, wondering if she should share what she'd learned.
"C'mon, we're twins. You know you can tell me anything," Kyochi urged. "Does it have something to do with Lusteria?" Kimi flinched. Kyochi softened his expression, hoping to appear trustworthy. "I promise I won't tell Mom or Dad. But please, you need to stop—"
"I met the Guardians!" Kimi blurted out.
Kyochi blinked at her in confusion. Before he could ask, she continued. "I was in the park yesterday with Tsukikage-san for a photo shoot. We'd finished early, and I wanted to stroll around the park. There was a crowd of people gathering around a large, pink tour bus. I was drawn to it for reasons I couldn't explain. That's when I met them, Nii-san," she leaned back against her headboard and hugged a pillow closer to her chest. "I met the Guardians, and their bus is a disguise for their school of magic. Nii-san, the seven Guardians are teaching people like us how to control their powers!"
"Seven?" Kyochi blinked. He looked as though he couldn't believe her. "Mother told us there are only two!"
"As it turned out, the other five wield the traditional elements: water, fire, earth, air, and quintessence—or chi. They introduced themselves as Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin, with Will as their leader. But listen, Nii-san," Kimi held his gaze. There was a glint of excitement in her eyes, and it unsettled him. "The other two who wield light and darkness are twin sisters from Lusteria like us—their names are Kazumi and Kiyomi, and they're from the Kinomoto clan!" Kyochi's breath was caught in his throat, and his skin paled. "Don't you see? They're our cousins, and they're here in Heatherfield!" Kyochi said nothing, so Kimi took this as a sign to continue. "The Guardians somehow sensed that I'm a light-wielder, and I told them that you're a shadow-wielder, too—"
"You told them about me?"
"Yes, I don't see why I shouldn't."
"But our parents warned—"
"Our parents didn't expect us to cross paths with the Guardians," Kimi pointed out. "But listen, Nii-san, they know about the two of us and expressed interest in having us join their classes as fellow tutors since you and I are proficient in our magic. They showed me the inside of their enchanted bus, and…" Kimi clasped her hands, "Nii-san, it was wondrous! The Earth Guardian's classroom is a rainforest! The Water Guardian trains her students underwater while playing music! And as for Kazumi and Kiyomi…their classrooms were that of something from Lusteria—spirits and yokai on floating mountains and dark forests. It's just as Okaa-san described…Kyochi, they said they'd take us there if we asked. We can see Lusteria in person!"
Kyochi was quiet as he took this all in. Kimi realized that in her excitement, she hadn't noticed the colors draining from his expression.
"Nii-san?"
Kyochi furtively glanced at the door, but their parents weren't home. He glanced back at his sister and said in a low voice, "Do Mom and Dad know about this?" Kimi shook her head. "Good, then listen. You can't go back to that bus!"
Kimi stared at him. The look in his eyes was severe and he sounded so adamant. How could her brother ask of such a thing?! "What? Why?!"
Kyochi furrowed his brows and let out a frustrated sigh. He raked his fingers through his hair. "You can't possibly think of attending their magic school!"
Kimi stiffened, her obstinacy returning. "And why not? Kazumi and Kiyomi were so surprised to find out that I'm their cousin! They wanted to meet you, too! They could take us to see Lusteria and—"
"No, Kimi! I told you to forget about Lusteria!" Kyochi grabbed Kimi by the shoulders. A silvery mist emitted from his hands, thicker than before. Kimi blinked and was about to push Kyochi away when the mist swirled around her, fogging her mind. "Please, Kimi. For our family's sake, stay away from those Guardians," Kyochi said in his gentle and caring tone again. He softened his grip on her, but something in Kimi's heart was screaming to fight back.
Only she couldn't.
Lowering her head in defeat, Kimi let out a long breath of resignation. "Fine," she said.
"I admire your persistence, young warrior, but you'll tire sooner or later," said Jurogumo from atop her perch. Hikaru barely glanced up to see her still sprawling on her web lazily as she watched the fight. "I've allowed my children to feast upon the flesh of some of the strongest warriors these past centuries. You could say that they're more resilient than most spider spirits."
Hikaru ignored her as he cut down several more spiders. She could see beads of sweat pouring from his forehead. She smiled wickedly despite the cries of her dying children.
As Hikaru fought, he occasionally glanced at the unconscious Guardian of Light. To his relief, she was still lying inside his protective circle. Several smaller spiders tried to retrieve her by breaking through the barrier, but they were quickly incinerated upon contact.
Rise, Guardian! Hikaru mentally pleaded to her. Please, Kimi, you must wake up! Whatever the jurogumo is putting in your mind isn't real!
It isn't real. None of this is real!
Kimi leaned back from Koji and glanced around. Her boyfriend tilted his head at her.
"What is it?" he asked.
Kimi glanced back at him, wondering if she could tell him. Something was going on. She was sure of it.
"Didn't you hear something just now?" Kimi asked.
Koji arched an eyebrow and gestured at their surroundings. "This is our secret spot, remember? We're the only ones here that I know of."
"No, I'm not imagining it! I hear someone's talking!" She got up and glanced around, but no one was here saved for them.
"Are you all right? You've been acting weird lately," Koji asked as he got to his feet. He narrowed his eyes and gave her a look of concern. She was starting to hate that expression. Kimi had no answer to give him. Instead, she shivered as the sea blew in storm clouds from the horizon.
"I'm not all right, Koji! I've been having these dreams and thoughts of L—"
The ground beneath them shook. Kimi gasped and stumbled, but Koji caught her and tried to hold them both upright. The leaves in the trees shook, and even the waters in the pool below the sea cave rippled. In the distance, several buildings had their lights flickered from the shockwave.
The shaking lasted about forty seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. Once it died down, Koji turned to inspect her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm…I'm fine," Kimi breathed. "Shouldn't we be worried about that tremor?"
Koji gave her a thoughtful look and squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture. "We've been getting a few lately. I think there's a seaquake out there," he turned to face the oceanic horizon. "I'm an idiot. We shouldn't be having a picnic out here."
Kimi gave him a skeptical look. "And you think going out in a city where things are likely to fall on our head is better?"
Koji opened his mouth to respond but then thought better. He lightly squeezed her shoulder as he helped her to her feet. A thin, silvery mist appeared between his fingers. "You're right, we'd best head back. I gotta call my brother to see if everyone is okay." He bent down and started to clean up their things. "You should call your family, too."
Kimi watched as her boyfriend swiftly put everything back in their picnic basket. She knew she should say something about her dreams, but the urge disappeared. Silently and without protest, Kimi allowed her boyfriend to drive her home. The goodnight kiss he planted on her cheek felt as cold as the wind blowing through her hair.
It's not real…none of this is…
Jurogumo was right. Despite his training, Hikaru was still human. He couldn't keep this up forever. Eventually, he'll tire himself out, and the spiders will come in for the kill. If Watsuki Kimi doesn't wake up from her dream, this will be the end for them both.
Gritting his teeth, Hikaru sped up like a bullet, darting from tree to tree and slicing his sword through five more Jurogumo's twisted children. Their dying shrieks echoed in the night, but all Hikaru could think of was getting Kimi to wake up.
Please, he mentally prayed. By the will of the spirits and Kandrakar, you must wake up! Lusteria needs you! The other Guardians need you! This kingdom needs you…I need you, too!
Lusteria needs you! The Guardians need you…Wake up…wake up…
Kimi took in a sharp breath and glanced around their seaside cabin. She'd thought this family vacation would be what she needed, but the voice followed her. Quietly, Kimi got out of bed, tiptoed to her brother's room, and peeked in. He was still asleep. She glanced into her parents' room and saw they were both quiet.
Kimi wiped off the sweat from her brow. With a long breath, she turned towards the door. She needed some air, and she needed to be alone, where no one could influence her thoughts and where she could think for herself. Grabbing her coat, Kimi quietly snuck out of the cabin. Just as she was about to reach for the doorknob, her mother's voice spoke.
"Kimi? Where are you going in the middle of the night?"
Kimi turned to smile at her. "I just needed some fresh air."
Kotone frowned and approached her. She placed a hand over Kimi's forehead and frowned. "Sweetheart, you're pale and clammy. Is everything all right?"
Kimi opened her mouth, wanting to tell her about the voice. But more than anything, she wanted to confess everything about Lusteria: how she met the Guardians in the park, how she knows about her long-lost cousins, how these little tremors are all wrong! But Kotone seemed worried. She began reaching out for Kimi but paused, wondering if she was smothering her daughter too much. A whisp of a silver mist shimmered around Kotone's fingertips, causing Kimi to recoil. Seeing her daughter's reaction, Kotone lowered her hand and stepped back.
Nothing you see is real. You must awaken and face your destiny, Guardian of Light.
Kimi swallowed, and her heart broke into a million pieces.
"It's nothing, Okaa-san. I just had an awful dream, that's all. I needed some fresh air and to clear my head," Kimi said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "I'm sorry that I worried you. Please, go back to sleep. I'll be back later."
Kotone tilted her head and re-adjusted the bathrobes over her nightgown. "Are you certain? Would you like me to call your brother?"
"Mother, please! I'm not a child! I just…" Kimi sighed and softened her expression. "No, let Nii-san sleep. I told you, I just need some fresh air."
After what felt like forever, Kotone relaxed her shoulders, the silvery mist disappearing from her body. "All right, I can see you need some space." Smiling sadly, her mother brushed a lock from Kimi's face. "Just know that you can always talk to me."
Kimi nodded and watched as her mother returned to her room. Without thinking, Kimi caught up to her and gave her an embrace. Kotone gasped in surprise but returned the gesture all the same.
"I think a hug will do," Kimi said through a muffled voice as she buried her face in her mother's hair.
"I love you, Kimi-chan," Kotone smiled.
Kimi said nothing but nodded. With one final breath, she let her mother go and quickly turned towards the door. As soon as she felt the cold winter wind around her, Kimi sighed deeply. "I loved you, too, Okaa-san…"
But I have to let you go…she thought.
Kimi didn't know for how long she stood on that beach. It was cold, but she didn't care. Closing her mind, Kimi cleared her thoughts.
Wake up, Kimi…wake up and realize your destiny.
Images of her life with her family and her boyfriend flashed in her mind. They were all so beautiful, but they became blurred like smoke and water. The only clear faces Kimi could see were those Guardians she'd met in the park. Kimi's heart pounded louder than ever. She could feel the ground shaking beneath her feet. Opening her eyes, Kimi could see the faint glow of the rising sun.
"None of this is real," Kimi finally said. Clenching her fists, she cried, "This is all just a dream!"
Her voice was like a shockwave as the ocean rippled. The ground shook more brutally, and thunder clapped above her head. But Kimi didn't move. Even the storm felt fake as her words shattered the world around her. A loud, rumbling roar echoed in the distance. Kimi squinted and saw a giant wave—a tsunami, coming in from beyond the horizon.
It was time to wake up.
"Kimi, what's wrong? What are you doing?!"
Kimi turned to see her brother running up to her. He must have realized she was gone. But he couldn't stop her. Kimi had made up her mind. Brushing away frustrated tears, she took his hands. "I'm leaving, Kyochi," Kimi replied firmly. "This is all a dream and I'm waking up."
Kyochi blanched as he stopped before her. "W-what are you saying?"Kyochi gripped her shoulders as though afraid to let her go. For a moment, Kimi thought she saw a silvery mist coming from his hands. "Kimi, who is making you say such things? Why would you even so much entertain the thought?"
Kimi uncurled his fingers. "It is because I am a Guardian, and so are you—the real you, Nii-san! I think a part of you know it's true!" The storm grew louder and wilder around them. She had to scream for her words to be heard. "We do not live easy lives, and we must always fight for a higher cause. I'm sorry, but…"
"Stay. Don't leave!"
Unable to bear it, Kyochi returned her affection by wrapping his arms around her, holding her Kimi opened her eyes, she would have seen the silvery mist fighting harder to keep her anchored here. But it was of no use.
Kimi shook her head. A thunderous rumbling sound caught their attention. They turned to see a giant tsunami wave coming closer. Lightning streaked across the sky, and the world around them crumbled away. Death was upon them, but for Kimi, it was only the beginning—or the continuation of something true.
"If what you say is true, then everything here, our parents, our lives and our treasured memories—everything will be forgotten," Kyochi cried. "And once you forget, we will truly be dead."
Kimi shook her head. This time, she didn't bother to wipe away her tears. "No! I'll never forget you, Nii-san. I'll never stop looking for you—the real you. I promise I'll bring you home, and we'll be together again!"
Kyochi blinked at her wish astonishment, but to her surprise, he smiled and leaned in for one final embrace. "I know you will…"His words were barely audible as the roar of the sea and the sky came down upon them.
Then there was nothing.
Kimi moaned and stirred as her hand felt the cold obsidian beneath her. Opening her eyes, she is met by a sky full of stars.
"Why would you give it up?"
Kimi sprung to her feet and turned to see her younger self still dressed in her first Guardian transformation, looking at her with great disappointment. "You could have had a happy life!" the younger Kimi sighed exasperatedly. She placed both her hands on her hips. "You could have had everything: Fame, fortune, love, and even friends!"
Kimi said nothing. Her younger self began to walk. Kimi mirrored her movement until they were circling each other. "Your parents were alive and well in that world! Kyochi wouldn't be missing! And you wouldn't have to say goodbye to W.I.T.C.H. You could have been free from all that burden and expectations! Why couldn't you let Kazumi and Kiyomi carry the Guardianship instead?"
"I can't…" Kimi's voice trailed off. Why couldn't she let it all go?
"But what?! Because you're proud of being a Guardian, aren't you?" Her younger self's words were like a slap in the face, causing Kimi to wince. The younger Kimi smirked. "Admit it, you like the power and all the trappings that came with it!"
Kimi bit her lips, hating that she was correct. But in her heart, a small but resilient voice whispered in defiance. Kimi knew her answer.
"Yes, I admit that parts of me like being a Guardian, but there is another reason: I can't hide from who I am," Kimi replied.
"Being a Guardian isn't all you are!" the younger Kimi sneered. "You'd think you're being dutiful? All you've chosen are pain and suffering! You could have been free from the chains Kandrakar has bound you!"
Before Kimi realized it, chains from the stars came down and wrapped themselves around her. Kimi cried out in pain. The chains tightened around her like a constrictor. Levitating several meters off the ground, she struggled as her younger self looked up.
"Release me!" Kimi cried, but her words were disregarded.
"Surrender," the younger Kimi said softly but not unkindly. "Give up, and you will be free. Let go of your pride for once, and be happy! Let go of the Guardianship. You could be Watsuki Kimi—a normal girl. Isn't that what your heart truly desires?"
"I…" The words fell, and Kimi hung her head. Was it what she wanted? She'd be lying if she hadn't thought about it.
Fake as they were, her idyllic life in Heatherfield was perfect and beautiful: She wouldn't have lost much had she chosen it. Her family would've been whole and happy. Their futures were bright and full of opportunities to explore. She still would have met W.I.T.C.H. and have a wonderful boyfriend.
But it wouldn't be real, Kimi thought. It would still be a dream and nothing more.
Her real memories replaced the fake ones. Kimi saw herself losing her parents and suffered years of abuse from her clan elders. Her kin looked down on her as the daughter of a traitor, and even when she ascended as the Guardian of Light, the Kinomoto expected more from her for their selfish means. She could not be weak! She could not show her weakness! Eventually, she became colder and inapproachable.
But spending time with W.I.T.C.H. changed that. Kimi remembered how much she hated being forced to live on Earth and learn from the other Guardians. At first, Kimi looked down on them, thinking them weak and incapable of their duties. But little by little, Kimi's outer shell cracked. She'd fought alongside W.I.T.C.H. and had been through a lot with them. Kimi grew to love them as though they were her sisters. Will and her friends weren't weak and incapable as her elders had claimed. No, they taught Kimi to grow and be worthy of her title as the Guardian of Light. Each Guardian, including W.I.T.C.H. has their trials and tribulations. Despite everything, they were happy and proud—proud but humbled by the responsibilities. Kimi had faced more demanding challenges and knew there would be more. And she would meet them together with her friends…her sisters…
With renewed strength and determination, Kimi clenched her fists and lifted her head. The chains around her tightened, but she took no notice. They were constructs made of light particles. And light was her element. Kimi waved her hand, and they shattered, scattering like stardust.
The younger Kimi stepped back, glaring at Kimi as the latter landed on her feet.
"If you're me, then you would know that being a Guardian is a sacrifice. Humility and suffering are my teachers," Kimi pressed a hand to her heart. A warm glow pulsed, and she transformed. "All I've endured are what shaped me into who I am now."
Her counterpart snarled. "You're a fool! Your pride and arrogance will send you to an early grave!"
"I'm not done fighting," Kimi said. "If I had chosen such an idyllic life, it wouldn't be my life! It's a betrayal of who I am! I would be abandoning my heart!" A warm sensation grew in Kimi's chest. She smiled as she held out her hand to reveal the Jewel of Life. "Let me tell you what I told my grandfather earlier today; I am the daughter of Kinomoto Kotone, and I have her mother's humility. I am the daughter of Watsuki Kohaku, and I have my father's pride."
The Jewel glowed brighter with every word, encouraging her to continue.
"I am the twin sister of Watsuki Kyochi, and I am his shadow while he is my light. I am the granddaughter of the Dragon of Hoshi and the great-niece of a blood witch."
Her younger self took a few steps back. Kimi approached, and with each step, the ground and the sky lit with colors.
"I am the keeper of the Jewel of Life and a friend to Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, Hay Lin, and Orube. I am their sister by bond, if not by blood."
Five colored beams came to her from beyond space and time. Kimi smiled. It was as if W.I.T.C.H. had found her—the colors of the five elements merged with her white light.
"I am myself and no other! I decide who I am and what it means to be me! My name is Watsuki Kimi, and I am a Guardian!"
The Jewel glowed brilliantly, plunging the world around them in blinding white.
Light was one of the most versatile elements. It's the fastest element in the universe. It shines in the sun, moon, and stars. Without Light, animals and plants couldn't receive vital energy in the land and sea. It is made of all the colors in the universe. For eons, civilizations worshipped it and considered it as a force of good. In the deepest darkness, Light shines the brightest.
The power enveloped Kimi as though she was a caterpillar in a chrysalis, embracing her. The magic flooded through every fiber of her being, removing the pain and replacing it with a strength she'd never realized she had. The lights from the Jewel and the Heart converged, and Kimi felt something else pulsating within her.
The chrysalis cracked as Kimi pushed out, feeling lighter than before.
She opened her eyes and held her breath. The celestial dome and the dark ground gave way to a vast blue sky with a shining sun and drifting clouds that stretched to an eternity. Instead of obsidian, Kimi now stood on a watery surface as transparent and still as glass. Like the endless sky above, the sea went on forever. Never had Kimi seen a place so beautiful.
Her gaze fell, and she marveled at her reflection.
"Is this me?" Kimi whispered. Her hair, her wings, her outfit—her transformation has evolved! This is her Power Girl! She blinked at her reflection again. But how could she have awakened her third form when she hadn't faced a Celestial Warrior?
"Because you've passed your ordeal."
Kimi bristled. She glanced back up to find her younger self standing before her, still as a tree. Kimi bristled but was soon surprised when the younger Kimi laughed.
"No need for that, child," she said in a deep, melodious voice that was not Kimi's own.
Before Kimi could ask, orbs of light gathered around her younger self, peeling away her form to reveal a tall and beautiful woman Kimi hadn't seen before. Power radiated from this woman, making her appear ethereal and timeless. Tall and slender, the woman's hair was tied up in a ponytail with a crown of flowers. She was partially dressed in a shimmering green outfit, showing off her natural form that was both concealed and revealing. A beautiful aura radiated from her, dancing in shades of green: mint, emerald, forest, lime, and so much more.
The Jewel of Life flew to her like a child running to its mother.
A hand flew to Kimi's mouth. "I know you! You're the one of the five Great Nymphs!"
The woman smiled. "Indeed, I am Oneide, the Nymph of Life and the creator of this Jewel."Oneide's voice was like a breeze blowing through a meadow but also powerful, like the clap of thunder and the roaring sea.
Kimi lowered her head and was about to get down on her knees when Oneide stopped her. "None of that formality is necessary, young Guardian. Please, stand."
"How is it that you are here?" Kimi asked.
"The Jewel of Life contains my essence, as I was its creator. Through this Jewel, I've watched over every Guardian who became its keeper. I am connected to all of them as I am to you, Watsuki Kimi."
Just like it was with Xing Jing and Will, Kimi thought.
As if reading her mind, Oneide nodded and smiled. "My fellow nymph and I share many traits, but while Xing Jing and N'ghala established the five Elemental Guardians, I helped create the Twin Guardians and the Gemini Council with the help of Téa and Ebla. The three of us are connected with all your predecessors through our creations of the three Sacred Talismans."
"But the Mirror is with my brother, and the Sword is missing!" Kimi pointed out.
"What was lost can be found. The Sword of Heaven's Revolution was meant to be wielded by you. And while you are also the keeper of the Jewel, the Sword will eventually find its way back to you in time."
Kimi's eyes widened and wanted to ask her for more details! She wanted to know where the missing Talisman was, but the stern and patient look on the ancient nymph's face told her the subject was done. With a sigh of resignation, Kimi thought to ask her something else.
"What is this place?" Kimi waved a hand at their surroundings. "It cannot be the spirit world, surely?"
Oneide turned to admire the peace and tranquility around them. "This place has many names. Some called it the Realm of Light. Others called it the Realm In-Between, for it lies between the realm of life and death, between the world of reality and the dreams…or even nightmares."
Kimi shuddered. "Nightmares?"
Oneide nodded. Her eyes turned solemn. "You could not escape that world you were imprisoned in without sacrificing a large portion of your heart," Oneide said. "Did you not sense something was amiss throughout your ordeal?" Kimi frowned, but she knew the nymph was correct. "Closed your eyes and remember, young Guardian," Oneide urged. She pressed a finger to Kimi's forehead, unlocking the sixth path—the Light Chakra. "Lies and deception can cloud your mind, but your Light will clear it away just as the sunlight clears away the fog and the morning mist."
Kimi closed her eyes and remembered how grey and cloudy Heatherfield had been in her dream. Fog…mist…A silvery, white mist…it came from Kimi when she first faced her younger self, and it had been there to cloud her mind whenever she was close to realizing the truth. The mists had been there from the start!
Kimi's eyes shot open, and she looked up at Oneide. "The silver mist was a Deadly Sin!" Kimi gasped.
But which one? From its color, Kimi knew it couldn't have been any of the five wielded by the Celestial Warriors. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she remembered her friends' recent discussion about the possibility of two more Deadly Sins. Everything clicked into place: The yokai who ambushed and separated Kimi from her friends must have been the one to drug and induce her with a Sin. There was no doubt in Kimi's mind that she and Kitsune both worked for Seiryuu. Whatever her plan, the Deadly Sin could not withstand Kimi's newfound power.
"Tell me, Watsuki Kimi, what power guides your heart?" Oneide asked. "What power does not yield to the Darkness since time immemorial?"
Kimi's hand flew to her chest. She glanced down at the Jewel in her hand, feeling her new powers pulsing within. In the face of her ordeal, Kimi had rediscovered her element's true strength, but only with the lights of her friends' elements. Together, they awoke something magnificent—her Virtue and Heart of Light.
"Light," Kimi answered. Her answer was simple, but that's all it needed to be. Tightening her hold on the Jewel, Kimi declared loudly, "With the Heart of Light and the Virtue of Humility, I, Watsuki Kimi, Guardian of Light, will use my power and end an era of tyranny in my world! I will use it to find my brother and bring him home! I will forge a new path for myself and others! I will take on my cousin Seiji's dream and change Nihon for the better! I will end a sad and terrible legacy that has befallen all of my Guardian predecessors! I have more than one dream, but I will achieve them with those I love!"
Oneide smiled and placed a hand on Kimi's shoulder. "Watsuki Kimi, in your first few years as Guardian, you have shown more grace, courage, honor, and strength than most of your predecessors had in their lifetimes. I am proud and happy to see someone such as you as the keeper of my Jewel," Oneide said. She gestured at Kimi's transformation as if to make her point. "You are the first Guardian of Light to have achieved this transformation. You are destined for greatness, young one."
"Thank you, Oneide-dono, but I'm afraid I've dallied for too long here."
"Time is an illusion here, Guardian of Light. But allow me to open the door for you," said Oneide gently. She waved a hand to their side, and a portal surrounded by crystalline fractals appeared. Kimi glanced at it and gave Oneide a skeptical look. The nymph chuckled. "I assure you that this door will not lead you to another alternate reality. When you pass through, you will find yourself back in Shinrinkage. But be warned, the yokai induced with the Deadly Sin will be there waiting."
Kimi nodded. She gave Oneide one last bow of respect and turned towards the shining door.
"Oh, and one more thing, Watsuki Kimi."
Kimi paused and turned to see Oneide's form slowly disappearing. "When you find your twin, do not trust him to be what he appears to be. Do not trust the one who hides in the shadows."
Kimi's heart could feel the dark thorns tightening. That was the same warning Zhu Que gave to her before he died!
"Wait, what do you mean by that?!"
Oneide shook her head, her form dissolving more quickly, like trees shedding their foliage for the winter. Kimi reached out for her. "Please, tell me! I have to find him! I promised that I would bring him home! Kyochi is so close that I can feel him!"
Oneide gave her one last look with an expression that Kimi couldn't quite understand. It was as though she could see something past her. With a small smile, Oneide's gaze looked heavenward. "N'ghala, the Nymph of the Stars and the first Oracle told me this: You cannot see the stars by day, but that doesn't mean they are not there."
Kimi blinked, unsure what to say.
With a final parting smile, Oneide said, "Find your brother's wandering heart, and you will find him. And together, you'll find your home."
She was gone.
Kimi took a moment, wondering what she'd meant. Taking a final glance around this place, she turned back to the portal and stepped through.
Hikaru cursed his luck when Jurogumo caught him in her web.
In the last fifteen minutes, he'd managed to kill off her grotesque and monstrous children. But it wasn't without some difficulties. Although they lay dead on the forest floors, thousands of little spiders still existed. But they were of no concern to him. He now had eyes on their mother and their queen. He jumped and ricocheted towards the yokai in several flashes of light, his sword flashing in the dim moonlight. But Hikaru had underestimated her power.
Jurogumo smiled and blew out a kiss—no, a silvery mist towards him just as he was coming for her! Without meaning to, Hikaru inhaled just a little bit of the fog and froze in mid-air. The Jurogumo grinned as he fell before he could swing his blade. Down the young warrior went, but he never hit the ground. Instead, he landed on a giant web her children had woven earlier. Hikaru did not move or fight back. Jurogumo straightened her kimono as she lowered herself towards him. Jurogumo doesn't know what dreams her Deadly Sin was giving him, but it didn't matter. He was trapped and under her power.
"You've put up a brave and admirable fight, young warrior," Jurogumo said. She knew he couldn't hear her, but she couldn't help bragging. "But you've killed so many of my children and stalled me long enough from my mission. Let me repay you in kind." She grabbed Hikaru by the chin with one hand, her nails digging into his flesh. He made no indication of being in pain. His eyes were still too glazed from the fog. Jurogumo's lips curled as she raised her other hand, expanding her nails like claws. "Farewell to thee, Watsuki Hikaru," she whispered in a sultry voice laced with sadistic pleasure.
Light exploded from behind her, creating a shockwave that sent her flying several yards into the forest. Her remaining children shrieked and tried to escape, but the intensity of the blast incinerated them as though they were dark spirits evaporated by sunlight. The energy washed over Hikaru, repelling Jurogumo's Deadly Sin that held him captive.
Hikaru took in a sharp, startled breath. "By the spirits!"
Hikaru looked to where Kimi was, only to find a pillar of light towering into the sky, surrounded by halos of colors. He watched in amazement as it parted the clouds, bathing the Dark Forest in light. It was as though daylight had appeared. From the base of the pillar emitted waves of energy and light magic. Curiously, he touched the grass as one drew closer. A faint tingle crawled from his fingers and spread all over his body. Hikaru's eyes widened as the healing light erased his cuts and injuries. More than that, his fatigue was gone!
Hikaru quickly rose to his feet, feeling light as a feather, and turned to take in the wondrous sight before him. He'd never seen so many colors before. He'd heard recent rumors of light columns appearing briefly in Zhong-guo, Joseon, and Annam these past few months. Whatever color the pillars were, he knew it as a sign of a Guardian being reborn.
Watsuki Kimi hovered from its center, the Jewel of Life emerging from her chest. Together, they glowed brilliantly like the sun, moon, and stars. Spreading her arms out, Kimi absorbed all the power and the light from the pillar into herself. As the light subsided, she emerged, fully clad in a new transformation. Her outfit, hair, and wings—everything about her was different! A brilliantly white aura emitted from all around her, flecked with tiny rainbow crystals. Hikaru blinked again and shook his head. No—her aura wasn't just pure white—they were all the colors!
Kimi opened her eyes and clasped the Jewel back into her heart. A small, gentle smile appeared on her lips briefly, and love glimmered in her eyes.
Hikaru sucked in a breath as he felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He quickly wiped them away, surprised that the sight of this girl could bring him to tears.
"By the Light, I'd never thought I'd lived to see this," he breathed.
Hearing his voice, Kimi whirled to face him. She blinked, unsure how or why this young man was here. Reading his white aura, she could tell that he'd meant her no harm and that they shared the same element. Kimi opened her mouth to ask him why he was here, but immediately froze when she saw his face.
A hand flew to cover her mouth. "F-Father?"
Hikaru held his breath. Finding his composure again, Hikaru shook his head and gave her a sad smile. Kimi blinked and looked at his aura again. No, this boy couldn't be Kohaku! Her father was a shadow-wielder and had a darker aura. This young man couldn't be older than twenty-five! Her father's eyes were an icy blue like hers! This boy's eyes were a blend of green and blue like her mother's. And yet, he looked precisely like Watsuki Kohaku.
"Who are you?" Kimi repeated. This time, her voice was steadier. "And what are you doing here?"
Hikaru was silent momentarily as his mind raced to find the right words. In the end, he settled for the simplest ones. With a deep breath, Hikaru gave her a respectful power and said, "My name is Watsuki Hikaru. I am the adopted son of Watsuki Sora-dono, the daimyo of the Watsuki clan."
Kimi blinked and nodded slowly as the information sank in. Had she been away from Lusteria for so long that a new daimyo of the famed Watsuki clan ascended? It would explain why Hikaru looked so much like a younger version of her father. Still, the resemblance is too uncanny for her liking.
"You said you're an adopted son of Lady Sora?" Kimi said.
Hikaru lifted his head and nodded. He stood tall like a proud and dignified warrior before her. Their auras touched in the air momentarily, and a strange feeling of recognition came between them. Time stood still. Kimi couldn't take her eyes off this boy. Unconsciously, she clutched her fingers at her heart to protect it. She'd only met this boy today, yet it felt like she'd known him all her life.
"Yes, the daimyo is a cousin of my biological father," Hikaru said. "My birth mother passed away when I was but a child, and my real father was killed in Zhong-guo nearly three months ago."
Kimi froze as his words sank in. Three months ago in Zhong-guo.
"My real mother's name was Kinomoto Kotone, and my real father was Watsuki Kohaku," Hikaru said. "I'm your older brother, Kimi."
The leaves rustled in the gentle wind, but Kimi was deaf to the world as it cracked around her like glass. Her aura began to fluctuate, turning an ugly shade of lime green. Shaking her head, Kimi clutched the sides of her head, refusing to listen. No…no, you're lying!" she cried, her eyes glaring at him.
Hikaru shook his head. "No, I speak the truth! You can see and feel my aura! You know it's true!"
"No! Kyochi and I are our parents' only surviving children! My mother had difficulty bearing children before us! They were either stillborn or died prematurely!"
"All saved for one! My name is Hikaru, and I am your older brother, too! You and Kyochi are my real siblings!"
Kimi's memory flashed several weeks ago when her uncle Komei had dropped by to visit. He'd been talking to Orube and Ngọc Long, and Kimi had eavesdropped on them from upstairs. Chancellor Komei admitted that after several miscarriages, Kotone had bore one other child before finally having twins. The baby's name had been Hikaru.
Kimi shook her head, her hands trembling. It wasn't true! "No! You can't be the same Hikaru! He'd died shortly from infant mortality! My mother was devastated! His death was what motivated my father to study dark magic!"
Hikaru clenched his fists. "You're right! I should have died twenty-five years ago! But it was all a lie—a lie crafted by our mother!"
Kimi froze and stared at him in shock. "W-what?"
Hikaru let out a long breath, praying for his usual patience. "I wasn't born with a twin like you or most of our cousins. You saw how difficult life is when you're a twin under Lord Isamu's thumb. Do you imagine it would be easier when you're not?" he asked. "I was a sickly child when I was born. Our mother knew I had a low chance of survival had she kept me. She thought I'd have a better chance at life in the Watsuki clan, so she secretly sent a message to our father's cousin, Watsuki Sora. The two secretly spirited me away to the Watsuki's main mansion, and I have lived with them since."
Kimi shook her head and shut her eyes. She didn't want to believe any of this. Yet, his claim made sense in a way. Kimi gritted her teeth in frustration. She didn't want to believe any of this! How could she have another brother living so close yet so far all these years?
Seeing that she doesn't want to believe him, Hikaru straightened his resolve and came closer. He'd moved so swiftly that Kimi didn't notice him until he was right before her.
"As the Guardian of Light, you can read auras and see the truth of our souls," he said. "Read my aura, and you will see I speak the truth, little sister."
Before Kimi could recoil from his touch, Hikaru gently took her hand. Kimi gasped at the skin-on-skin contact. Just as it had happened with her father, Kimi read Hikaru's aura and watched his life flash quickly in her mind. Kimi watched as her mother met with Sora under the cloak of darkness, passing over her newborn son. Her mother silently wept as she kissed the infant's cheeks goodbye. Sora could only promise Kotone that she'd raise the child as if he were her flesh and blood.
Kimi felt as though she was watching Hikaru's life through an hourglass. As promised, Sora had Hikaru brought up with the best that the Watsuki clan offered. He learned how to wield weapons, honed his light-wielding magic, and sharpened his mind. Hikaru became adept in all of these but excelled in the art of espionage and infiltration. Long before his mother became the new daimyo, Hikaru became one of her closest and most trusted spies. Lady Sora didn't hide his true parentage from him. Hikaru grew up knowing he had two younger siblings in the Kinomoto clan. He'd known what had become of his parents and had watched from afar when Kimi and Kyochi became the new Guardians. He'd been watching them from afar, dreaming how they would ever meet and what he would say to them.
Hikaru grew into a handsome young man, practically the spitting image of his birth father, catching the eyes of several young women and a few men. But Hikaru only had eyes for one girl, a shadow-wielder named Yurika. She'd been visiting the Watsuki clan from her village, Shinrinkage, and his life brightened whenever they see each other. They were in love and hoped to marry. Sadly, fate intervened, for Yurika was one of the victims that night when Shinrinkage was destroyed three years ago. Hikaru had gone to the village to find her, only he stumbled upon the scene where Kimi was forced to kill Minamoto Seiji. Hikaru had been there, watching Kyochi taking his sister to Kandrakar to be healed. He watched in secret when Kyochi returned to bury the dead, including his beloved Yurika. But he'd never reached out to them.
Devastated and motivated by his loss, Hikaru followed the scent of dark magic and infiltrated the Kinomoto clan. There, he discovered Lady Kazue as the blood witch who'd cursed the village and her husband and brother-in-law as the masterminds behind the slaughter. Seeing their evil intrigue at play, Hikaru reported his findings back to Lady Sora, and together, they plotted to unseat the corrupted Kinomoto elders.
Finally, Kimi saw Hikaru's most recent memories—how he'd followed Kazumi and Kiyomi and rescued them from imprisonment. He'd also spied on Kenji and discovered his plot with the shogun and Lady Seiryuu. It all led him back to the Dark Forest, where Hikaru followed Kimi and fought against Jurogumo. Throughout his battle, Hikaru called to her when she was under the influence of the Deadly Sin.
Watsuki Hikaru had also been her guiding light.
Kimi took in a sharp breath as he released her hand. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Kimi slowly lifted her head and gazed into Hikaru's eyes. He really does look like their father, but has the same eyes as their mother's. "It's true, then? You're my brother," she breathed. Her aura had been an agitated orange, now softened to a serene blue.
Hikaru nodded and smiled at her. "I'm sorry. I wished our meeting had been under better circumstances."
"You protected me…you tried to save me from that yokai…"
"It was my duty as a warrior and as your brother. I couldn't let Jurogumo take you away. I couldn't let her harm you," he said, still smiling.
Kimi's lips quivered and hot tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but caught herself when all that came out was a choking sob. These past few hours had been overwhelming for her: fighting against her grandfather to demonstrate her growth, being poisoned and nearly killed by her clan elders, chasing Kitsune, and being kidnapped by another spirit, not to mention being trapped in a dream and going through her ordeal. How much more could she take in one day?
"Kimi, are you all right?" Hikaru asked. There was a genuine concern in his voice. He reached out for her but paused, not wanting to overwhelm her again.
"Yes, I'll be fine…it's just…it's a lot to take," Kimi said. She closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing. A strange thought occurred to her, making her laugh a bit.
Hikaru raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What is it?"
Kimi turned to him and said, "My friends and I came here to find my brother…and I did…" she paused, "…I just didn't expect it to be you."
Hikaru smiled. He opened his mouth to say more but was interrupted by a familiar voice that sent a cold chill down his spine.
"How touching…" Jurogumo said, appearing right from behind him.
Hikaru spun, but Jurogumo was so swift and deadly that she was already upon him before he could draw his sword. He screamed as she dug her sharpened nails into his flesh. A sadistic smile curled on her lips, her eyes gleaming with pleasure at the sound of his pain.
"HIKARU!" Kimi cried. Her aura glowed red with fury, her eyes piercingly white as she conjured two orbs of light in her hand. "Hands off him!"
Kimi fired her attack, but Jurogumo saw it coming. With her razor-sharp claws still embedded in Hikaru's chest, she heaved him in front of her and used him as a human shield. Kimi gasped in horror as her attack, fueled by her anger and her red auras, burned the skin off his back.
"Was that the best you can do, little Guardian?" Jurogumo asked in a mocking tone. "I'd expected more after that little light show, but unfortunately for the two of you, I'm no longer here to play games." She turned back to Hikaru, who was still trembling from the unbearable pain he'd received. She pulled him closer to her face and showed him her teeth. "Your little stunt killed my children, so let me repay you in kind!"
A silvery mist saturated with the Deadly Sin of Pride erupted from Jurogumo. Her jaw grew, her teeth sharpened. Her eyes flashed red with feral instinct as she sank her teeth into his neck.
"NO!" Kimi screamed. Desperate to save him, she flew for them, her aura and attack flaring. But Jurogumo flicked her wrist, and Kimi was stopped dead in her tracks. She glanced around and realized she'd been caught in a giant spider web. Not again! I can't lose him, too! Kimi frantically thought. The memory of racing to stop Xuan Wu from killing her petrified father was fresh in her memory. She tried to think. Indeed, with all her new powers, there must be something she could do to stop this! She manifested blades and cut herself free. "HIKARU!" She ran to her brother, her cry of desperation echoed in the night.
Hikaru tried to scream, but his voice died as blood spurted and gurgled from his neck. Jurogumo gave Kimi no time as she leaned back and slammed her fist hard into Hikaru's chest. Kimi froze as she watched the yokai rip Hikaru's heart out. Hikaru took one final gasp before his eyes rolled to the back of his head. He slumped forward dead. Jurogumo chuckled as she tossed his remains unceremoniously to the ground as if it were garbage. His bloodied heart was still beating faintly in her grasp before it finally stopped.
"No…no…no…" Kimi flew back down Hikaru's body and held him close to her chest. Hot tears welled up in her eyes. "Please…don't leave me…I've only just found you, big brother…"
Jurogumo smirked as she glanced down at Hikaru's heart in her hand. "What a pity to kill such a handsome boy, but I've allowed him to interfere with my mission long enough." Kimi trembled, holding her brother closer. Jurogumo sneered at this. "How pathetic. You've barely known him. Was it so easy to forget about your precious twin?"
Jurogumo's words incited fury within Kimi. She could feel her aura burning brighter. With steadying breaths, Kimi whirled on the yokai and rose to her feet.
"You…you…" The air around Kimi began to shimmer and reflect like mirror shards.
Light exists in people's souls and can transcend beyond realms…a realm parallel the physical world. Kimi's eyes snapped open. Tapping into her new power, Kimi made a quick circling gesture in the air like Oneide did. The mirror shards swirled in a circle, creating a crystalline portal! It spun faster, creating a cascade of dancing light and colors. Jurogumo's eyes widened in surprise as the portal swallowed them both. She glanced at their surroundings. They were still in the Dark Forest, except everything looked distorted and reflected.
"Where are we? What is this place?" Jurogumo glanced back up at Kimi and glowered.
Kimi didn't answer her as she flew in and landed a hard blow to Jurogumo's face, sending her flying. The yokai hissed as she shot a web to a tree and spun back to kick Kimi. The Guardian crossed her arms and created a protective shield over herself before flexing her fingers and sending down a volley of light constructs in the form of knives. Jurogumo growled as she leaped back to avoid being cut.
"Do you have any idea what you did to me?!" Kimi screamed. With a wave of her hand, the space around them warped and bent. The trees, stones, and water rotated and cascaded into one another as if they were images reflected by glasses in a spinning kaleidoscope. Jurogumo had to admit that everything would have been beautiful if she hadn't been so distracted. Remembering her quarry, she turned to face the Guardian of Light, who eyed her with a cold and steely stare.
"Are you referring to your dead brother or the pleasant dream I gave you?" Jurogumo asked. Flexing her fingers, she conjured a silvery mist and aimed it at Kimi. "You should be grateful to me, Guardian."
A look of disgust painted Kimi's face. "Grateful?! You used my heart and my emotions! You toyed with them like any prey caught in your web!"
"I know nothing of your heart's desire, little girl. Only because of my Deadly Sin could you live out your little fantasy." Pride gleamed a sickening silver color. Jurogumo couldn't help but grin. "Beautiful, isn't it? It takes hold of your heart's deepest desires and traps you within your own mind," Jurogumo sucked it in and breathed out a plume of silvery fog, filling up this strange mirror dimension with her Deadly Sin. Kimi gasped as she tried to attack, but her light passed through the mist. It hit several crystalline shards around them, and her attacks ricocheted back and forth until one knocked her down. Jurogumo smirked at the irony and sought her chance. Quickly spinning her threads, she pinned the Guardian down, trapping her under her web.
"Pride is such a powerful thing. Every human has them. Too proud to accept defeat. It makes them stupid and arrogant. Even you couldn't resist its influence." Kimi grunted and struggled under the web, but it was seeped with Jurogumo's Deadly Sin. The yokai smirked as she bent down and grabbed Kimi by her chin. "My Deadly Sin fashioned for you a beautiful prison you could not escape without sacrificing your heart's deepest desire. I'd imagined it must have been like having your heart ripped out of your chest. Take comfort that you and Hikaru now have something in common."
"You're sick!"
"No, I'm merciful," Jurogumo said. She dug her nails into Kimi's chin and drew blood. "While you were dreaming, I was ordered to bring you back to my mistress. You could have been reunited with your precious twin. Instead, you've decided to wake up only to watch me kill your other brother. As brutal as it was, I at least made sure to make his death quick."
Hot, angry tears spilled from Kimi's eyes. She screamed and cried. She kicked and tried to free herself, but it was useless. "How? Seiryuu would never allow her underlings to be as powerful as her!"
"Did you think that only a demigod could wield a Deadly Sin? Seiryuu may be the Lady of Lust, but even she couldn't dream of such power as this! Tell me, Guardian, did you ever wonder how and where the Celestial Warriors received those powers? How they'd fallen from grace?"
Kimi swallowed but said nothing. Just as she and her Guardian friends feared, there were two more unaccounted Deadly Sins…and Jurogumo possessed one of them.
Seriyuu grinned and leaned in close to whisper in her ears. "Let me tell you a little secret: There is a force older than the Celestial Warriors—an ancient foe. She was the one who induced the Deadly Sins upon the five Celestial Warriors, and she also chose me to carry her Pride. You Guardians may think you're the strongest in this universe, but even you are insects to her. None of you will stand a chance against her. And I can't wait to watch you all die."
Jurogumo threw back her head and laughed. In Jurogumo's mind, she was the only one who bested a powerful Guardian! Once she had her fun, the yokai would force Kimi to free them from this dimension. With Kimi defeated, Jurogumo would take her to Seiryuu and let the Celestial Warrior do with Kimi as she wished. Then Seiryuu will bestow upon her the promised reward—endless mortals for her to feed upon. And with more monstrous offspring growing in her womb, the infinite supply of human flesh should be satisfying. Jurogumo planned to wait for her moment. She would watch Lusteria burn and the universe crumbles. And when that time comes, even the Celestial Warriors would fall, and her real master—the ancient being locked behind the Gate of Oblivious—would be free! And Jurogumo would have worlds at her feet. Jurogumo would be a god.
What happened next spelled her defeat. Kimi stopped struggling beneath her, and a calm expression washed over her face. "Thank you for enlightening me with your exposition, demon." She'd put so much sass into that delivery that she was certain Irma would be beaming with pride.
Jurogumo stared at her and blinked in confusion.
"NOW!" Kimi cried.
Before Jurogumo could move, a glowing blade came at her and pierced through her forehead. Jurogumo gasped, too surprised for words. Several feet away, the bloodied corpse of Hikaru disappeared and the real one became visible before her with his sword in her forehead. Guardian trapped beneath her dissolved away, only to reappear next to Hikaru.
Everything had been an illusion—perfectly crafted to trick Jurogumo into spilling her secret. Hikaru twisted his wrists, thrusting his sword harder into her forehead. The blade of his katana wasn't just glowing from his white magic—it was consecrated with all of Kimi's Virtue of Humility and her Heart of Light!
Jurogumo opened her mouth, but her words came out as a raspy moan. She could feel the combined power of all their lights coursing through her. Unlike the Celestial Warriors, who had once been good, Jurogumo was a yokai, born to be cruel. There was nothing in her for the Light to save. She could feel her blood boiling and her innards roasting! The Light reached deeper until it found the seed of her Pride and quickly extinguished it.
The Deadly Sin escaped from her forehead like fading smoke. Kimi and Hikaru stood back and watched it disappear into the night sky. Jurogumo slumped to the ground in defeat and watched as her hands began to flake away like ashes in the wind. Kimi and Hikaru watched as she disintegrated, leaving nothing behind—not even her beautiful silk robe.
Hikaru sheathed his sword and turned to face Kimi. "You didn't have to glamour me to make me invisible. I'm a light-wielder, too."
"I only had a split second to do it, or the plan wouldn't have worked. That monster had to be put down quickly, but I also needed Jurogumo to tell me how she'd gotten hold of a Deadly Sin."
"So, you glamoured us and sent me visions of your plan so I would be ready to strike her when needed."
Kimi nodded. "Yes, and I'm glad that you were able to catch on so quickly."
Hikaru lifted his sword. "Why aim for her forehead? A thrust to her heart or chopping off her head would have sufficed."
"I've discovered a second method to kill a Celestial Warrior, or anything possessing one of the Deadly Sins, and that is to strike at their weak chakras."
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Chakras?"
Kimi nodded. "Yes, the seven gates of power within our bodies. Jurogumo possessed the Deadly Sin of Pride. The sixth chakra is the Light chakra, the source of intuition and insight. Jurogumo's Deadly Sin gave her the power to create illusions. It is the source of her weakness," Kimi released Hikaru, and his vision returned to normal.
A thought came to Hikaru. "But you did something else to Jurogumo! From the moment you've sensed her approach!" he said, his tone almost accusing.
Kimi's eyes flashed coldly. "I've dealt with her the same courtesy as she'd done to me. I've implanted an illusion in her mind. To Jurogumo, everything she saw felt real—sounds, smells, and even touch!" Kimi held out her palm, letting Hikaru see what Jurogumo thought she'd seen on a small scale. His stomach lurched as a tiny Jurogumo ripped his heart out of his chest. Kimi snatched her hand shut, dispelling the vision. "I made that spirit believe she killed you and gotten the upper hand over me. I needed her to feel arrogant and undefeated so that she would boast. And it worked."
Hikaru nodded but said nothing else. He couldn't tell whether he should be in awe or frightened of such a thing. Light-wielders could always create illusions, but altered her opponent's perception with illusions!
The aura around Kimi subsided until she was no longer glowing. It looked like her new transformation had unlocked other abilities. Hikaru turned and gazed at their surroundings, noting the ever-present veil of crystalline fractals.
"And what of this little pocket dimenion?" he asked. "It feels as though we're inside a kaleidoscope!"
The answer came to her as easily as breathing. "This is the prism realm," Kimi replied. "It's a parallel dimension…one of those in-between-worlds."
Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean like a dimension of mirrors?"
Kimi nodded. "Or even like the world of dreams. I've just emerged from one before I woke up, except that the world was an endless sky and sea. This world," she gestured at their surroundings, "is somehow ever-present but always undetected by those who aren't aware. Those in the real world aren't affected by what happens here."
"Our family in the Watsuki clan spoke of such a place, except they called it a phantom zone. Those unfortunate enough to fall into it are cursed to walk the earthly plain without ever being seen, touched, or heard. They do not age and feel no hunger or sleep! Only the most powerful can create a portal in and out of it!"
Kimi nodded, a grim look painted on her face. "It's the perfect place to contain threats for an eternity." She held up a hand and folded an opening to the real world. "Come, let us leave," she said, gesturing for him to follow.
As beautiful as the prism realm was, Hikaru was glad to be free. Regaining his bearing, he returned to Kimi and asked, "So what now? Do you wish to go forth and rescue Kyochi?"
The smile on Kimi's face vanished. She sighed and lowered her head. "That would be pointless as Nii-san is no longer there. When my Virtue and my Heart pierced into Jurogumo's black soul, I've glimpsed her aura: Seiryuu had Kyochi moved. My friends and I have come here for nothing!"
Hikaru studied her for a moment. "I wouldn't say nothing! You've gained a new transformation! You're the first Guardian of Light to achieve this! And you defeated the keeper of Pride."
Kimi shook her head. "Weren't you listening? Someone else bestowed Pride upon her! Jurogumo wasn't the real holder." Kimi tightened her fists. Despite the win, she didn't feel any closer to victory. "The yokai was a puppet! We were right to suspect that someone else was behind all these Deadly Sins! It's why there's an imbalance between the Light and the Dark right now!"
Hikaru tightened his grip on his sword. "Then let's return to Edo. I've been tasked to rescue you and warn you about the siege! Seiryuu's forces are practically on our doorsteps!"
Kimi shook her head. "I need to find my friends. Even with my new powers, I can't do it alone." She paused, taking a moment to tap into her auraseer magic. Spreading her magic, she picked up eight auras—W.I.T.C.H., as well as Orube, Matt, that Kitsune and…someone else…Kimi blinked, surprised by the ninth aura.
"What is it?" Hikaru asked.
"The other Guardians need me! Return to Edo and help with the siege—"
"No, I'm coming with you," Hikaru said. "Kimi, I'm your brother, too. I understand you've been through a lot, and it's a shock, but please, let me help you."
An unreadable expression crossed Kimi's face. She didn't have time for this but couldn't turn away his help. In this fight against the Darkness, having a little more Light wasn't bad. She could deal with and process her emotions about having a long-lost brother later.
Kimi nodded and held out her hand. "Shinrinkage is this way."
Hikaru took her hand without a word, and together, they took to the air, leaving a light trail like two comets in the sky.
To be continued…
Author's note: Sorry for taking so long. I visited family members in Australia for about two weeks back in September. When I returned, there were some changes at work, meaning I had to work longer hours. I am drained by the time I come home and can barely write. There's only 2 more chapters to this arc! Hopefully, I can get them both done before the end of this year!
Originally, there is a beautiful scene where Kimi encounters the Guardians in her altered life. In that version, she ran into them in the park and they were surprised that she's magical and is Lusterian like Kazumi and Kiyomi, who are the Guardians of Light and Darkness in this alternate reality. There's even a lovely scene where W.I.T.C.H. and Kiyomi and Kazumi gave Kimi a tour inside of the magical bus. Unfortunately, it ran for ten pages, and I had to make the hard decision of trimming it down. This chapter was long enough as it was!
Anyway, Kimi's new power stems from the seven chakras and how each chakra unlocks her power over light: invisibility, illusions, aura magic, light constructs, mystical light magic, seeing light waves, and the newest one is access to the prism world. I drew inspiration from the Mirror Dimension as seen in the Doctor Strange movies. The world where Kimi encountered Oneide was an inspiration of The Final World from Kingdom Hearts III. Seeing it and Oneide's power inspired Kimi to access the prism world.
I've drawn Kimi's first Guardian outfit and her Power Girl. You can see it on my Deviantart gallery.
Yes, Hikaru whom I'd mention so long ago, is Kimi and Kyochi's older brother! He's alive!
I know about the W.I.T.C.H. comic reboot, and I already have a copy! I like it! Yes, it's different from the OG, but there are a lot of things that I disliked and enjoyed about it. I'd say when you go in, try not to expect too much. It is a reboot, after all, so yes, there are a lot of differences. Sadly, Yen Press has lost its Disney license and can't publish any more of the original W.I.T.C.H. comics or Disney-related titles such as Kingdom Hearts.