Just over a month ago...
"ELIJAH!"
I let out a gasping cough, blood noticeably dripping out already. Before Kuyo could make another move, Moka finally came and delivered a dropkick to the Demon's face. This attack sends him back flying, his arm ripping out of my body. I fall to the ground on my back, my breathing becoming more raspy and rapid. Fuck...this hurts... I...I can't feel my legs...
"ELIJAH!" Kurumu pulls my head up to her lap, resting it on her thighs. "Hang on! You're gonna be okay! Don't you die on me too!" She looks to Moka, her voice breaking. "Help him like you did Tsukune! Please!"
"...That's Impossible."
"Huh?"
"Kuyo went straight through his solar plexus, even if I had more blood to give him, it would be ultimately pointless." Inner Moka stated.
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Kurumu demanded.
"It already took most of my blood to help Tsukune and he's still unconscious. I'm sorry, but I did the best that I could."
"...But...Elijah will-" Kurumu's tears come down like the waterfalls.
"...I'm sorry," Inner Moka solemnly said before moving on to her opponent, leaving Kurumu and me here.
"Wait! Please!" She calls out. "Someone! Anyone! DO SOMETHING!" Kurumu begged as if her life depended on it.
"...Kuru...mu..." I manage to say...my vision getting weaker by the second. I don't know how long I exactly got, but I'm making every moment count. Kurumu looks back down at me, seeing my smile. With what little strength that I have left, I raise my left hand to her cheek. The Succubus is shocked by this gesture. "...Everything...is gonna be...okay..."
"Elijah..."
I stroke her cheek with my thumb, her tears rolling over it. "You saved me...many times... I was just returning the favor..."
"Don't say that! You're gonna be alright! To hell with Moka! Yukari and Ruby could help!" Kurumu sobs, sniffling. "I...I can't lose you too! You're...my best friend. You promised!"
"..." I can feel myself begin to cry. I don't want to die, there's so much I haven't been able to do with her...and so much that I want to say. "Kurumu...I...I..." My vision is getting darker...and the rest of my body is going numb. "...I...I..." My hand falls from her cheek and back to the ground...and the last thing I see is Kurumu's heartbroken expression.
?
"AAH!"
A bright white light blinds my vision as I rise from the ground... Wait...what the hell? Wasn't I just on the roof of the Academy? And... "Augh!" My head feels like a pair of knives are being driven into my temples, and memories begin to come back to me. I was... Oh, God... I can still hear Kurumu's scream ringing in my ears. The pain... It was far worse than anything I've ever experienced. But all those memories don't really matter when the better question comes to mind.
"Where the hell am I?"
Nothing... Nothing but vast, white, emptiness...
"Is this... No... Am I dead? But... I can't be... I don't know if the others are safe. What if Kuyo... No, nonononononono!"
"Do not fret, young man. Your friends are safe."
"...Who said that?" I look around, still nothing but an empty space. I know for a fact that I heard someone just now, but why did it sound so...familiar? "Who's there? Show yourself!"
"Never fret, young one. Thou hast fought well and protected thy dearest friends with thine life. Now that curse has finally lifted, allow me to take it from hither. With thou's newfound power...thou shall doth...my wonders!"
I remember that voice... It came to me when I was...dying. It was the last voice I heard...and Kurumu's heartbroken face was the last thing I saw...
"I can feel your heart, but you needn't worry about your friends."
There it is again...but I'm still alone. "Just show yourself already!" I say more annoyed than I intended. This voice doesn't sound hostile. In fact, when I heard it for the first time, I couldn't help but feel a great sense of...tranquility. It's as if all my previous worries were washed away as it rang through my ears, the only worry I have is whom this voice belonged to. "...Please, show yourself. Help me understand what's happening."
"Of course, young Everett. After all..." Out from the whiteness, there comes a bright blue silhouette. It slowly becomes clear as it approaches me, revealing...a hooded man. He's fairly tall, like me but just a few inches taller. Slowly pulling back the hood of his grey cloak, he allows me to see his face. His elderly appearance only confuses me further, and something about the blue glow in his eyes seems so...familiar somehow. "...It is why I'm here."
"...Who are you?" Have I met this man before? No, I'd definitely remember an awesome beard like that. For an old man, he knows how to make that facial hair work for him.
The elder smiles. "I go by many names. Most have called me a Wizard, a Sorcerer, in some eyes, a Warlock," My eyes widen at that part. "Hehe, some have even called me a Holy Prophet. But, you can just call me, 'Merlin', Mr. Everett."
"...What?" That's...that's not possible. Merlin? As in...THE Merlin? My mind can't even catch up with my words. "But... What...? I... You... How did... Words, not working for mouth."
He laughs at my display. "I can see that this is quite a lot to take in, perhaps it is better to hear the entire explanation from someone more familiar. Your family is quite worried about you, after all."
"My family? What are you talking about?" This is all so damn confusing! "Please, just...tell me, what is going on?"
The elder man, apparently known as 'Merlin' only offers me a smile. "Your journey as a Wizard, young Elijah. Now go forth, and shape your destiny!"
I feel myself starting to wake up from...whatever this is, leaving me with more questions than before. A Wizard? What is he talking about? And my 'destiny'? I don't even know what I am!
"...Who...am I?"
When I open my eyes once again, instead of seeing a bright light in the vast emptiness, I see that I'm in...a bedroom. And it's not my own. Great. First, I woke up in what I thought was the afterlife, only to be met with an old man who claimed to be Merlin the Wizard, one of the greatest Wizards that ever lived, but was only thought of as a legend. Now I wake up in a random room in God knows where! What is going on?! Okay, Elijah, calm yourself. Panicking will only give you more unanswered questions.
I pull myself out from out of the covers, seeing that my Yokai Academy uniform has been replaced with my casual clothes. Okay, this is getting more strange by the minute. I need to find my stuff so I can get back to my friends as soon as possible. I look around the room, noticing there's something different about the architecture. This isn't anything like the rooms we have back at Yokai Academy, and this isn't designed like a typical American bedroom either. Where the hell am I? Under a nearby desk, I see a duffel bag, my duffel bag to be exact, the same one I used to pack all of my clothes and other necessities to attend Yokai Academy. I stand, expecting soreness in my body thanks to Kuyo's...
"Huh? It...doesn't hurt?"
I look down at my torso with the intent to lift up my shirt and inspect my injury. When I do...the only thing I see is a faint scar in a distorted shape. I stare at it for a minute or two in complete astonishment. It's...healed? But how is this possible? Did Ruby use some of her magic to get me in good condition? But I was beyond healing, Kuyo's hand went straight through my Solar Plexus. Even Moka couldn't do anything after she tried to heal Tsukune. My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps...coming closer to the room. Shit! I don't know exactly who brought me here or what their intention is, but I'm not taking any chances. I position myself by the door so that whoever opens it, won't see me hiding behind it. The door swings open and a guy steps inside with a metal tray.
"Huh? Where is- HMPH?!"
I cover his mouth and pin his arm behind his back as the tray falls to the carpet floor. "I'm no killer. You be cool, and I'll be cool." The young man nods his head, he tries to speak through my hand but I twist his arm. "I'm gonna let go of you. When I do, you will not say another word. You will only respond with a nod or a head shake. Do you understand?"
"..." He nods. I release him and he gasps for air. When he turns to look at me I get a good look at his appearance. Upon first glance, one would think that he's a girl, but from what I felt in that previous hold was definitely not a woman's figure. His unnatural pink, feminine eyes lead me to believe that he's not human, so at least there's that. His clothes are throwing me for a loop, they're what I can only guess to be common Chinese clothing and his hair is also tied into a traditional Chinese braid.
"I'm going to look through my bag now, you will stand right there and not move a muscle. Got it?" He hesitates at my command but soon nods. I grab my duffel bag, setting it down in front of me so I can look inside while keeping an eye on my new...acquaintance here. Let's see. Clothes, some of my textbooks... Yes! My phone! Wait a minute... I search deeper into my duffel bag. Where's my deck? How am I gonna... I look back up to the young man who's been eyeing me with curiosity ever since I started looking in my bag. "You, do you know where my deck is?"
"D-Deck?"
Uh, uh, uh!" I hold up my index finger, shushing him. "Nod or shake when you answer." He nods. "I'll ask again, do you know where my card deck is? And I don't mean regular old cards, I mean Tarot Cards."
The young man shakes his head, making me groan in annoyance. Great, just what I needed! Not only do I not know where I am, but I can't even defend myself if I'm backed into a corner. I take a breath, calming myself down to assess my options. A few seconds of silence go by until an idea pops into my head.
"You!" I point at the young man, this makes him jump a little and raise his hands to his chest. "I assume you live here, correct?" He nods. "Then you know this place like the back of your hand, right?" Another nod. "See where I'm going with this?" He shakes his head and I sigh. "You are going to lead me out of here without drawing attention so I can get back to Yokai Academy, got that?" My demand makes his eyes widen, he tries to speak up but I cut him off. "I don't know why I'm here, pal, but I assure you that I can't be. I have friends that need me back there and I don't even know if they're alive or not!" I calm myself to keep from shouting. "I'm running out of patience, just help me out and I'll never bother you people again."
"..." The look on his face tells me he must be facing inner turmoil at my demands. "...I'll help you."
I hear the conviction in his voice. He's not lying. But...there's also something else about him that I can't seem to put my finger on. Have I met this guy before? No, I'd be able to recognize a face, and I've never seen him before in my life. And yet...I can't help but feel a sense of familiarity within him. It's faint, but it's there regardless. I offer a nod in response and grab my bag, but not before retrieving my phone from it first. I try to turn it on, only for the black screen to stay the same.
"Fuck...it's dead." I put it in my pocket and looked at the young man. "You, what's your name?"
"..."
"...You can speak for that question."
"Oh, It's Fang Fang."
"Well then, 'Fang Fang'," Strange name. I think to myself as I grab my duffel bag and throw it over my shoulder. "lead on."
I have Fang Fang walk out of the room first, he silently tells me when there's no one around and I follow him out. I tread lightly across the wood floor to avoid any loud creaking. I'd like to avoid any confrontation if possible, but with my luck, I don't think I'm gonna have much choice. Fang Fang silently tells me to stop every now and then, allowing a few guards, from my best guess, to pass by us so we can sneak by unseen.
Why are there so many armed guards around here? Where even am I?!
"Hold on," Fang Fang stops me from turning around the corner, placing his hand on my chest. "I need you to wait here for a moment."
"Why?"
"...I'll need to get my sister to move along if we're to continue."
"Your sister?"
He nods. "Yes. Ling Ling has vowed that she will not allow you to leave, not yet, at least."
Vowed? Augh! Doesn't matter! "Well, sorry to disappoint. I ain't staying here, wherever 'here' is."
"Just wait here for a moment."
Fang Fang straightens his posture and turns around the corner. I carefully peek around, and that's when I see her. A tall girl with light skin, green eyes, black hair tied into a large ponytail, and fringe bangs framing her face. The way she's dressed reminds me of...I believe a Jiang Shi, or 'hopping corpse'. So she's dead? Then how could a dead person make a vow? If she was reanimated by any amateur sorcerer, she wouldn't have retained any memories or personality.
"Xiàwu hao, línglíng." (Good afternoon, Ling Ling.)
Huh? That's...Chinese. What are they saying?
"Xiōngdì nǐ zài zhèlǐ zuò shénme? Nǐ bùshì yīnggāi qù zhāodài wǒmen de tèbié kèrén ma?" (What are you doing out here, brother? Aren't you supposed to be attending to our special guest?)
Damnit, I don't know a lick of Chinese. How do I know that Fang Fang won't sell me out? I try to listen closely, trying to feel if there's any sense of deception or a hint of subterfuge in their voices.
"I was, he's fine, Ling Ling. He was tossing and turning in his sleep, poor guy must've been having a nightmare. I wonder if he's dreaming of his home."
...What? I...I understand them now. They're still speaking Chinese, but I hear it as clear as day what they're saying! What the fuck is going on?!
"Oh? A nightmare, you say?" His sister tilts her head. "Yes, I see. Well, I know he'll be alright in your hands, Fang Fang."
"Thank you, Ling Ling."
...What does she mean by that?
"Well, I better attend to my duties."
I watch as Fang Fang's sister hops away, confirming my earlier suspicion of her being a Jiang Shi. Fang Fang signals me to come out when she's out of sight, I do so and sling my duffel bag over my shoulder.
"Okay, come on. We're not too far from-" I cut him off by placing my hand on his shoulder.
"...What did you say to her?"
"Oh? I just, uh...said...I was attending to our special guest. That's all."
"...Bullshit."
"H-Huh? Oh!" I pin him against the wall, I feel my annoyance making my blood boil. "W-What are you-"
I cover his mouth with my hand, keeping him from saying another word. "I heard every word!" I shout in a whisper. "A 'nightmare'? 'Dreaming of home'? What were you really saying to her?"
"Mmph! Mrph!"
I shake my head. "I never should've trusted you... I'll find my own way out of here."
Before he could even protest, I opened a nearby closet and threw him in there. I block it off with a nearby dresser, finding it unbelievably light. Where the hell did this strength come from? I shrug it off and leave Fang Fang as he starts pounding on the door. I won't have a lot of time now...
I make my way through the halls, finding it more quiet than it was before. There are definitely fewer guards. I haven't seen one since I left Fang Fang. Okay...they most likely know I'm awake. Now I need to proceed with extreme caution, this could be a life-or-death situation I'm looking at here and I'm not planning on dying today.
"Hey! Who the hell are you?!" I turn around to the sound of someone shouting at me, seeing two men in tuxedos carrying pistols in their holsters. The taller one squints his eyes at me as if trying to look into my soul. "...It's you!"
"Him? Oh! Shit!" Before they can say anything more, I turn heel and sprint down the hall. "Stop! Wait!"
I ignore their calls and I keep running down the halls. I can hear more footsteps as I turn around each corner. Just how fucking big is this place?! I eventually find myself running to a dead end with a window at the end of the hallway. I turn my head back to look behind me, seeing at least seven guards chasing after me. All of them are shouting at me to stop but I don't plan to. Instead, I take a leap of faith...right through the window.
CRASH!
I cover my face with my arms as I jump through the window, smashing it to pieces as I fall to the ground. I didn't entirely think it through though... I didn't realize that I was at least three stories from the ground. I brace myself for the incoming impact, but...I slow down. When my eyes open back up, I notice that I'm...falling slower. What? How did...? I glance from left to right, my eyes widening at the sight of...wings protruding from my back.
"What the fuck?!" I have wings?! I didn't even use a card... What's happening to me?!
My feet plant onto the ground and I land in the middle of what I could only guess is a courtyard to the house. My...wings vanish into thin air, leaving me even more confused than I thought I could get. I need answers...
"There he is!"
"Stop right there!"
"Don't move!"
Multiple tuxedoed guards surround me and have their guns either holstered or they have their hands on them ready to gun me down if I even move an inch from my spot. I look around, desperately trying to find a way out of this place. But...there's nothing.
"Elijah Everett..."
I turn to the sound of a man's voice, he stands not only a few meters away from me on some steps leading to the main part of the mansion. He wears a black suit, has short straight black hair, and has facial hair from above his lips to his chin. He bears scars from his face down to his neck. He also has dark-colored eyes. This alone gives me chills, what the fuck did I get myself into? Don't tell me this is the Chinese mafia or something...
"My family has waited a long time to meet you..."
"...'Your family'? What are you talking about?"
"Well, not me specifically, my great grandfather to be exact. Perhaps you have heard of him? He's one of the Three Dark Lords. Touhou Fuhai."
"...Excuse me?" What does he have to do with me? My confusion only fuels my anger, making me grip my fists ball in a rising rage. "...Forgive my poor manners, but I am having a very hard time wrapping my head around this. First, I was dying in my friends' arms as I became a living kabob. Second, I don't even know if they're all right or if they got hurt by that bastard Kuyo. Third, I have a dream of some old guy claiming that he's Merlin. Fourth, I wake up God knows where surrounded by gunmen," I feel something surging through my body but I ignore it. "So if you could do your best to explain things right now so I don't have to beat the living shit out of all of you to get back to my friends, THAT WOULD REALLY BENEFIT THE BOTH OF US!"
My voice echoes through the courtyard, booming with my anger along with my determination. Each gunman and even their leader wince at my outburst. But...each of them seems...astonished.
"...So it's true," Their scarred leader says as he straightens himself up. "You really are the Blessed Child."
"That doesn't explain things!" I shout.
"Calm down, Elijah. No one here is going to hurt you, sweetie."
"..." That voice... It can't be... I turn around and see...two people I haven't seen ever since I started attending Yokai Academy. I feel my anger subside when I see their faces. The woman's smile, like always, finds a way to put my mind at ease. "...Mom, Dad?"
"Hi, honey."
"Hi, son."
"..." I don't even think about it too much. I drop my bag and I run over to them both, hugging them tightly. They return my hug. Mom rests her hand on the back of my head and Dad pats my back.
"We missed you, sweetie."
I pull away, wiping my tears. "I missed you guys, too. But...what's going on? Where are we? What's happening to me? Where are my friends? Are they safe? They're not-"
"Woah, woah!" Dad firmly grasps my shoulders. "Slow down there. Don't pop a gasket."
Mom nods. "Don't worry, Elijah. Your friends are all okay, you and that friend of yours saved them all."
"What? But...how? I was hurt and so was Tsukune."
"Perhaps I should explain that part," Another voice penetrates my ears, one that sounds much older. I turn around, seeing...a very short old man wearing a white, bell-sleeved robe with a more decorated black robe underneath. He has pointy ears and he's wearing fancy-folk glasses, and he has a black cigarette holder hanging from the corner of his mouth. "It's nice to finally meet you, Blessed Child."
There's that word again, what does that even mean? "Who are you?"
"Elijah, this is Touhou Fuhai, one of the Three Dark Lords...and the most powerful sorcerer in the world."
"..."
"Hehe," he laughed. "Judging by that look on your face, you weren't expecting this, were you, Blessed Child?"
"...Why am I here? What's going on with me? And why are you calling me that?"
"Ah, right!" Fuhai snaps his fingers. "Explanations are in order! Kneel before me...and I will show you."
"..." I look to Mom, unsure about this whole thing. She smiles at me and places a hand on my shoulder, but I can sense a hint of...guilt from her.
"It's okay, sweetie."
Dad nods. "Go ahead, son."
"..." I kneel before the short elder, looking him directly in the eyes and he nods.
"Now then," He raises his hand to my face, his index and middle finger are almost in contact with my forehead. "Young Elijah Everett, are you prepared? Do you wish to know what destiny has in store for you?"
"..." I'm not even sure of that myself...but I need to know... "...Yes, please help me."
Fuhai smirked before digging his fingers into my face. My vision starts going back as I feel my eyes rolling back into my skull. I can hear...voices, see...visions. What is this? "Let's take a trip into history, shall we?"
Hundreds of years ago...
I open my eyes to find myself in a seventeenth-century-looking bedroom. Three individuals in dark cloaks surround a tester bed. In the bed is an old man—the same one who invaded my mind fence.
"That's...who I saw in my dream..."
"So, you already saw him?" Fuhai's voice turns me to him, he stands at my side looking at the three surrounding the bed.
"...What is this? Where are we?"
"Approximately over two hundred years ago. We're in my mind, young Everett. Here, I shall explain everything."
His mind? Two hundred years?
"...I'm afraid it is time, my old friends," The elder voice came from the bed. "This will be our last encounter. I shall bid thee farewell."
"Do not give in, Merlin." A younger voice comes from one of the hooded figures. They lower their hood, revealing a taller young man with long black hair and pointy ears. We had only just defeated Alucard. We need you now more than ever."
"...Who is that?" I ask.
"Hehehe," Fuhai chuckled. "Why, that is me, young Everett. My true form, anyway. I normally keep myself in this form to suppress my energy as much as possible."
"...And what about the other two?"
Fuhai lets out a long sigh, he seems to be in a state of what I can only guess is nostalgia. "Those are old friends of mine, the other Dark Lords. Tenmei Mikogami, and Akasha Bloodriver. The old geezer in the bed...that is none other than Merlin Ambrosius, the greatest Wizard who had ever lived. I may be known in our time as the most powerful sorcerer, but Merlin..." He chuckled. "He had many greater feats than my own, Young Everett."
"...What's happening to him?"
"Well," Fuhai raises his hand, pointing to the bed. "see for yourself."
"Yes," A woman's voice said, she pulled her hood back revealing her face. My eyes widen when I see her...familiar appearance. She had fair pale skin, long pink hair, and a kind look behind her emerald green eyes. "You cannot leave us now, Merlin. What are we to do without you?"
"...Moka?" I mutter under my breath. But how is this possible? She looks just like the outer Moka. If that's the case...then what about the Inner one? She looks...much different than her?
"With a power such as yours lost," The third figure revealed themselves, showing their long blonde hair and glowing white eyes. I feel like I've seen this man before, but I can't place my finger on it. "I fear that our mission may not come to pass."
The bedridden man lets out a faint laugh. "My dear friends, our journey to peace has only just begun. When I leave this world, my power shall be passed down to a child. And they shall become a far greater and far more powerful Wizard than I ever was."
"A child?"
"What are you saying, Merlin?"
"Are you mad?!" The younger Fuhai shouted. "You're telling us that your power will be 'passed down'?! What kind of joke is this?! I am growing old of your trickery and jokes, you old fool!"
"Calm down, please, Fuahi," The pink-haired woman says in a sweet tone. "We must allow him to explain himself," She looks to Merlin. "Please, tell us. What should become of this 'child' you speak of?"
"...I'm afraid I do not know."
Younger Fuhai scoffs. "What is that supposed to mean? You're telling us you did not choose a successor?"
"...Yes. This child will be blessed with my power, but I will not choose who shall carry the burden that comes with it. Many times have I been tempted by the darker side of my abilities. I imagine my future successor shall undergo the same troubles. But it will be up to them to decide how they use their gift, be it for the good of all life on this earth...or its destruction."
"How can you say such a thing, Merlin?" The blonde man questioned. "This is reckless, even for you. Wagering the fate of what very well may be the entire population of earth in the hands of...a child. What compelled you to do such a thing?"
"...I have a hunch."
"Excuse me?"
"I simply have faith, that is all. Nothing more, nothing less." Merlin chuckles. "This old fool is relying on nothing more than a hunch."
"...How will we know who's been blessed with your power?" The Blonde man asked.
"...They shall bear my mark from the moment of birth," Merlin, with what strength he has left, raises his hand, revealing a circle insignia on the back of his palm. Upon closer look, I see that the insignia is divided into six pieces, each one with its own symbol. "When you find them, promise me..." Merlin coughs, letting out a few weak breaths of air. "...Promise me...that you will...look after them..."
The pink-haired woman, known as Akasha Bloodriver, takes his hand and smiles. "We promise, Merlin. No harm shall come to this child, no matter who they are. We will teach them your ways. I simply can't wait to meet them."
"...Thank you, Akasha." Merlin leans his head back against his pillow, looking up to the ceiling. "Thank you all..." He says before letting out one final weak breath of air.
"...He's gone," I say in disbelief as everyone's movement besides my own and Fuhai's stops.
"Yes. Even in death, he drove me mad," The short elder laughs. "You always were leaving us in mystery, weren't you, old friend?"
"But I don't understand," Fuhai's memory fades around us, leaving me and the elder in a seemingly empty void. "What did that have to do with me?"
"Hmph, don't you get it?" Fuhia points at me. "You are the Blessed Child."
"...What?" I feel my practically stop for a good few seconds. "Th-That's impossible. I've never shown any sort of magical abilities in my entire life, all I've ever been able to do is use Tarot Cards forged by my mother. Even then they were rarely effective."
"Then tell me, Young Everett," Fuhai approaches me, pointing to my upper left arm with his wrinkly index finger. "how do you explain that?"
"What?"
I look at where he's pointing, feeling...something pulsing on my arm. I roll my sleeve all the way up so my entire arm is exposed. When I saw what lay underneath...my jaw dropped to the floor. The same insignia that was on Merlin's hand...is embedded into the dermis layer of my skin.
"...What the fuck?!"
I feel my breath getting faster as my ears start ringing. This has to be some sort of joke, right? I have never seen this in my entire life. I would know about it every time I take a damn shower! What does this even mean? How could I possibly be-
"Calm yourself, Everett," Fuhai commanded in a firm tone. "I understand that you have many questions and that you may not even believe it yourself, but that is why you are here now. I will give you all the answers you seek."
Fuhai turns around, and the area around us slowly fades into a small room. The same younger self of Fuhai sits at a small desk, reading an incantation book.
"Where are we now?" I ask.
"This is approximately sixteen years ago, almost seventeen in a few months if memory serves me right."
Sixteen? That's... And I'm almost... What the hell?
"Just watch closely, Young Everett."
The door entering the room slams open and a suited man comes through, almost out of breath. "Master Fuhai...there's...someone here to see you!"
Younger Fuhai sighs. "What is it this time? More issues with the Miao Family?"
The suited man shook his head. "N-No! There's a Witch here, she claims that her child is the One!"
"..." Younger Fuhai drops his book and looks to his servant in disbelief. "...Bring her to me at once!"
"Yes, Master!"
A few minutes pass by and then the door opens once again, this time...a strikingly familiar woman steps through. One of long brown hair behind a pair of deep brown eyes...matching my own. In her arms, she carried an infant child wrapped in a dark blue blanket with white stars embroidered into it.
"...Mom?"
"Yes," Older Fuhai confirms. "I could feel her aura the moment she stepped into the room, that woman has a strong sense of resolve, much like yours."
"Master Fuhai," My mother went on. "I do not mean to disturb you, but I come to you for the purpose of utmost importance. My name is Luna Everett, and I believe that my son may be the Blessed Child."
"I see," Younger Fuhai brings his index finger and thumb to his chin. "and how can you be so sure? Many Sorcerer, Witches, and Wizards alike have lost faith in the Blessed Child's return, seeing that Merlin's passing was merely two hundred years ago."
My mother nodded. "Yes, but I knew this was a fact when I saw this..." She approaches Fuhai's desk, slowly unwrapping the infant from the blanket. Mom gently shows Younger Fuhai the child's left arm. Fuhai gasped in shock.
"That's..."
"Yes," My mother confirmed. "Elijah was only born a few days ago, but this mark was there when he arrived, not a single moment after."
...Me? But...how is this possible? And...why me of all people?
"You are a strong woman to be back on your feet just mere days after childbirth, but how do you know for certain he is the one?"
Then, out of nowhere, the infants began to fuss in my mother's arms. Well, I suppose I began to fuss, at least my younger self did. The room around us began to shake, Younger Fuhai's books fell off of their shelves, and...the infant's eyes began to glow an ethereal blue. My mom quietly shushes the child and caresses his tiny little head. The rumbling stops and the child coos in her arms.
"...This child has shown an aura of raw and powerful magic every time he makes the tiniest fuss. I can tell that his mana is off the charts whenever he is in that state. I may not know much of the world despite my many years of studies of the humans, but I know for a fact that my son is the Blessed Child. And I know that he will be in grave danger for most of his life, many dark wizards, witches, sorcerers, and warlocks alike will hunt him down and mold him into the perfect weapon against the humans. I do not wish that for my son...that is why I came to you."
"...I see. What is it you wish to ask of me, Ms. Everett?"
"It's 'Mrs,' actually. My husband Arthur is waiting outside."
"Apologies."
"It's no trouble. Now...to why I came to you. I know this will sound selfish, not to mention downright ludicrous, but...I wish for my son to live a normal life before he faces his destiny. I want him to grow up, make friends, go to school, fall in love, all the things that make us...alive."
"...Go on."
"...You are the greatest living sorcerer on earth, surely you must know a way to hide him and his mark. I don't want you to remove it entirely, just enough to where Elijah will not be hunted down like a wild animal."
Younger Fuhai crosses his arms. "You're asking me to curse your infant child so he could live...a simple life of a mere human?"
"...Yes. I know that this demand of mine is selfish, and cruel, and my son will not know what he truly is capable of until the time is ready, but...please. I know in my heart this could be the best outcome."
"Oh? How so, Mrs. Everett?"
"...Merlin's goal, along with the other Dark Lords, was to bring peace between humans and monsters so that one day we all could coexist. Would it not be best if his successor grew up human rather than be fed out of a silver spoon?"
"Hmm..."
Younger Fuhai ponders for a moment. I myself...am internally struggling to wrap my head around this entire thing. Mom wanted me...cursed? All my life I have never once shown any abilities in magic of any kind. All I could ever do was sense most things that most humans cannot. Mom would always reassure me that I would do great things someday, but the more I grew up...the more I stopped believing it. She...lied to me all my life. Surely Dad knew about this too, he lied to me as well...
"Very well," Younger Fuhai answered. "I gave it thought, and you have made a valid point. I trusted Merlin's judgment at the time of his passing, and I shall trust yours seeing your resolve."
Mom lets out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Master Fuhai, thank you."
"But know this," He said. "This curse of mine cannot be replicated by any other mere Sorcerer, Witch, or Warlock, so you will have to keep the child safe even if he is found. This curse will not be permanent. Only until you believe he's ready and I remove it myself...or if the boy is on Death's doorstep."
Mom nods. "I understand. With my life, I will protect my son."
"Very well..."
Like before, this memory fades away, leaving me and Fuhai inside an endless void. "So...do you believe it? Or...shall you need a little more convincing?"
"What do you-" Before I could finish, the area around us slowly fades into view again. Only now...I know exactly where we are now—the rooftop of Yokai Academy. I look to my left, seeing...myself, bleeding out in Kurumu's arms. "...W-What the fuck."
"Someone! Anyone! DO SOMETHING!"
Kurumu cries to the heavens, desperately wanting to save my life. I slowly approach, wanting to let her know that I'm alright. But I know that this is only a memory, my voice can offer her no comfort. So I fall to my knees and watch as the rest of this vision plays out. I remember all of this so vividly. The pain...the numbness in my lower body...Kurumu's heartbroken expression... I don't know if I can go through this again.
"Kuru...mu..." I sound so weak...how in the hell did I live through this? I watch as my dying self raises his left arm to Kurumu's cheek. "...Everything...is gonna be...okay..."
How could I say that as I was dying? She's right...I really am a dummy...
"Don't say that! You're gonna be alright! To hell with Moka! Yukari and Ruby could help!" Kurumu sobs make my heart clench. This sucks...
"Please stop showing me this..." I demand.
"Not yet," I hear Fuhai's voice. "Don't you want to know how this ends?"
"..."
"I...I can't lose you too!" Kurumu went on as I continued to be forced to watch. "You're...my best friend. You promised!"
I know I did...and I failed you... I'm so sorry, Kuru...
"...Kuurmu...I...I...I," I'm forced to watch as I see myself...die. I watch as my hand falls to the ground from Kurumu's face, and a faint smile still forms.
"Never fret, young one. Thou hast fought well and protected thy dearest friends with thine life. Now that curse has finally lifted, allow me to take it from hither. With thou's newfound power...thou shall doth...my wonders!"
"...That voice, it's the same as Merlin's. I remember hearing it after I passed out." I mumble to myself.
The memory around me fades out, but it soon comes back to the same rooftop. Only this time...I see Tsukune and myself rise from the ground. Our bodies are practically glowing with overwhelming power and monster energy. Tsukune had a dark red glow about him while I had an ethereal blue...and my eyes are glowing the same color. My hair has faded to pure white as well.
"..."
I can't believe what I'm seeing. There's no way that can be me. And what the hell happened to Tsukune?! He...he's like Moka when she takes off her rosary. What astonished me even more...was seeing me and Tsukune fight alongside each other against Kuyo. My mouth could catch flies from how long it's been kept open. Tsukune is much stronger than he was before...I fly high in the air thanks to my wings... It's like I'm watching someone else...
"Ah..." Fuhai lets out a sigh of relief. "It's as if he was reborn right in front of me. You're a little sloppy. But with proper training and discipline," The elder looks to me as the memory around me fades into pure white, blinding me. "You will become a great wizard, young Everett!"
Present day...
My eyes jolt open and I catch my breath. I feel a hand on my shoulder and my Mother's voice penetrates my eardrums. "Are you alright, sweetie?"
"..."
"Give the boy space," Fuhai says.
"...You lied to me?"
"Elijah? Are you-'"
"No! I'm not okay!" I interrupt my mother, standing up and feeling...angry. "You knew my entire life and you never told me?!"
"Elijah, I only-"
"'Wanted what's best for me', right?" I finish her sentence, scoffing. "I never knew who I was growing up, I even started believing that I was just some...some...freak! Now you're all telling me that I'm some sort of 'chosen one'?!"
"Blessed Child," Fuhai corrected me, fueling the fire.
"I don't give a shit what specifically I'm called!" I retort. "I was practically lied to my whole life and now...you're telling me that I'm supposed to be...this?!" I point to the mark on my left arm.
"...Honey, I know you're upset. But please understand that-"
"I understand perfectly, Mom! You always told me that I could do great things someday but never told me why. All this time...I could've protected the ones I cared about instead of being the weak link! And now...I don't even know what they're going through right now!"
"Son, please, calm down." Dad tries to reassure me but fails.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" I roar. My voice boomed throughout the courtyard, shaking the area around me and...sending my parents to the ground. ...What did I just do? I look around, seeing everyone is either in shock or in awe of...what I am. Wait... I take a strand of my hair and... It's pure white, just like it was in my memories... "...I'm sorry...I..."
I run from the courtyard, unable to face...anyone. I just hurt them... What kind of monster am I? I...I don't even know who I am anymore...
Arthur
Elijah's father watches his son storm away from them all with a terrified look on the boy's face. He helps his wife to her feet, knowing full and well that his son is going through so much in so little time.
"Thanks, honey."
"Foolish child," Fuhai scowled. "Does he not realize his importance? This is what I am to work with? What a joke. I never should've trusted your judgment, Luna Everett." He scowled.
"Hey," Arthur stepped in. "Don't speak to her that way, and don't you talk about my son that way!"
"Ah, yes, the human..." Fuhai rolled his eyes. "And what would you know about any of this?"
"If you think arguing with my husband will help things then you've got another thing coming, you old fool," Luna interrupts them. "...I think he needs a moment alone."
"...No, I'll go talk to him."
"I don't know, Arthur..." Luna seemed doubtful.
"I have to. This is the closest I've ever gotten to this part of my son's life, and I need to be there when he needs...someone. Just leave it to me."
"...Are you sure?"
Arthur nods. "Yes."
"...Well, alright. I'll be right outside, I feel awful for what I'm putting him through."
"Well, you all need to get over it," Fuhai stated. "The sooner he stops whining like a child, the sooner we can get to work."
"Fuhai," Luna said with a firm tone, with just a hint of anger behind her calm demeanor. "He's my son. You've waited over two hundred years for the Blessed Child to arrive. And now that he's here, I'm sure you wouldn't mind being patient with him. If not, then we are going to have problems, I'm sure you know what I mean." She smiled sweetly, her energy radiating through the courtyard and sending chills.
"...Very well."
"I just love it when you do that," Arthur whispered.
The Everetts head inside the Huang Family mansion, asking around where their son may have stormed off. Most of the guards around the household haven't seen him but they know he hasn't left the house. Eventually, their search leads them to a broom closet blocked off by a dresser, where banging is coming from inside.
"Um...could someone get me out of here?" A young man's voice comes from within. Arthur pushes the dresser out of the way of the closest door, the youngest of the Huang family, Fang Fang comes out, letting out a sigh of relief. "Ah, that's better. Thank you."
"Of course. Fang Fang, was it?"
"Oh, uh, Yes, Ma'am." He nodded. "You must be Mrs. and Mr. Everett, then. It's truly an honor to have you in our household. Even you, sir. You may be a human, but you are still an honored guest here."
"The pleasure is ours," Arthur added. "How did you end up in that closet?"
"Oh, uh...you see," Fang Fang scratched the back of his head. "Your...son put me in there when he...woke up."
"Oh, my..."
"Yeah...we never should've left his side."
The young man shook his head. "No, it's quite all right. It was...kind of a thrill in all honesty. I never knew he could be so...strong." Fang Fang thought to himself for a moment. "Perhaps-"
"Excuse my little brothers' overactive imagination," A young woman's voice came from behind, revealing it to belong to the eldest sibling of the Huang Family, Ling Ling. She bows slightly to the Everetts. "If you're looking for Elijah, he's locked himself in the very room we had him set up in. He bumped into me earlier, and even knocked my head off! But it was alright, I'm already dead!"
Luna smiles. "Thank you, Ling Ling. We appreciate your help."
"Yes," Arthur added. "Thank you."
"It's no trouble."
"...They forgot my name but not yours?"
The Everetts moved along from the Huang siblings and made their way to Elijah's temporary room. "...You were terrified when you brought him here, you know?"
"...I know," Luna confirmed as she frowned. "I knew he would be alright, but...dear God. I still can't believe the kind of injury he sustained. If he weren't...our son would've..."
"Hey," Arthur rested a hand on his wife's shoulder, stopping her from finishing that sentence. "It's best not to dwell on it now, Luna. Elijah is here now, he's alive. Hell, even if he wasn't this...'Blessed Child', I think he would've been alright."
"And how would you know that?" She asked, dumbfounded.
"...I don't. I just do. He's our son, and human, Wizard, or anything...Elijah is the strongest person I know."
"Hmph, stronger than me?" She asked with a knowing smirk.
"You know what I meant," He kissed her cheek.
They reach the door, knowing their son is on the other side. Luna looks at Arthur, unsure if this is the right thing to do. They know Elijah is going through a whirlwind of emotions, but...they also know that he needs someone to turn to.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Arthur gives the door two gentle knocks, calling to his son in a gentle tone. "Elijah...son...?"
No response...
Luna wants to say something, but she feels a lump in her throat that stops her. "...We know you must feel...so much," Arthur went on. "But you don't have to be alone..."
Still no response...instead, they hear the door unlock. Arthur sighed in relief, knowing that Elijah was willing to at least hear what his parents had to say. Luna wants to go inside, but she believes that she's the last person her son wants to see right now. So she silently opted to wait outside as her husband stepped inside.
Elijah is staring at his dead phone as he sits crisscross on the bed, the boy bearing a longing gleam in his eyes. Arthur stands close, not close to where he towered over his son, but not too far to diminish the closeness.
"...I need to know that they're okay," Arthur says nothing as he lets his son go on. "Tsukune, Moka, Yukari, Ruby, Mizore, Gin...Kurumu. I just need to know that they're alright. And I can't do that if I'm here..." He looks at his father, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to hurt you guys. I...I just... I don't know what to make of all of this."
"..."
"...I know why you guys lied, I understand, I really do. But it still...hurt. You guys know how much I've been called a freak for most of my life, sometimes I even believed it myself. I could've done so much for the people I care about, maybe if I was... I don't know, anything."
"...That's what I always admired about you, son," Arthur said with a faint smile. "No matter what came your way, no matter how many times you fell to the ground...you got back up every single time. Just like I taught you, and I couldn't be any more proud." He rests a hand on Elijah's shoulder. "I may not entirely understand this side of you, but I know for a fact that you will be a greater man than I could've ever imagined. This...power, whether you like it or not, it's yours now. And I know you'll be great."
"..." Elijah looks away as he takes in his father's words. He knows his dad's never really shown any understanding of this side of him, but the fact that he's here...saying that he's proud, he can't help but feel like an entire weight has been lifted off of his shoulders.
"...I was saving this for your birthday, but," Arthur reaches into his coat, removing a plastic case from his pocket. "here. I know how much you love them, and they recently came out with this."
Elijah takes the case into his hands. Across the plastic square case were the words, 'Skillet: Dominion: Day of Destiny.' A sudden wave of nostalgia washes over Elijah's mind, he remembers how he would show Kurumu his favorite songs from his favorite band. Usually, he would know when they would release new albums but he hasn't checked in such a long time. So to see an entire new album from them not only excited the boy, but it also made him a little sad.
"...When did this come out?"
"A little over a month ago. Your mother and I were going to give you this for your seventeenth birthday, along with this," Arthur hands Elijah a round plastic device laid with a variety of buttons. A portable CD player. "I know you have your phone and all, but now you can listen to your music without any interruptions."
"...Dad, I-"
He shakes his head. "Go on, you can listen. Your mother and I will give you all the time you need." Arthur stands and goes to leave the room but looks back and smiles at his son one last time. "I love you, son."
"..." Elijah tries to smile back, he's still sad, but he returns his father's gesture regardless. "I love you too, Dad."
Elijah
Dad leaves the room, allowing me to be alone once again. I flip the album in my hand and silently read off the songs listed on the back of the case. Surviving the Game, Standing in the Storm, Dominion, Valley of Death, Beyond Incredible, Destiny. Wait, Destiny? That word has been ringing through my head ever since Fuhai showed me...everything. What's happening to me is...destiny.
I've never really bought into the idea of destiny, mostly because of...a certain someone's ordeal with that kind of thing. I sometimes think of destiny as some kind of fancy way of saying that a path was chosen for you instead of making it yourself. I was always taught that my own story is written by my own hands, and never should it be told by someone else. If then, my story is what they want rather than my own wants.
...I wonder what they say about it.
I open the plastic case and the portable CD player, I place the disc inside and press the power button. The small device makes a faint whirring noise as the CD spins inside, I click the skip button to the specific song I want to listen to. After I press the button five times, I hear the familiar sound of John Cooper's voice coming out of the speakers.
Is there a place where I
Could leave the world behind
And say goodbye to every painful memory
Where darkness ain't my destiny?
Soon after John's chorus, the co-lead vocalist and drummer, Jen Ledger comes in with the line...
This is my destiny!
I always found it amazing that she was the drummer as well as the co-lead vocalist. John's singing is amazing, don't get me wrong, but the stamina and lung capacity Jen must have to pull off such an amazing feat will always be cool. The moment I told Kurumu that she couldn't believe it herself, I remember how she tried to imitate her drumming while also singing 'Hero' at the top of her lungs. She couldn't even make it to the chorus. Kurumu can sing, but not like a rockstar. I laugh at the thought.
Is this the life that you want?
I don't ever wanna feel this way
'Cause this is the life that you got
And no one else can ever take your place
I can't (I can't), I won't (I won't)
Go down this road
It leaves me lost (I'm lost) alone (alone)
How did I get so far from home?
I think as the song goes on. What would happen if I were to run away from this? Merlin said himself that he was tempted by the darker side of his power many times, what exactly did he mean by that? If I'm not properly trained, what will happen to me? I remember how I...accidentally hurt people, my parents no less. If I did that just by getting upset... I don't want to imagine what I'd do if I got...furious.
Is there a place where I
Could leave the world behind
And say goodbye to every painful memory
Where darkness ain't my destiny?
I'm running towards the light
I'm free of all the rage I thought would never leave
This darkness ain't my destiny
No, I make my destiny
No, I make my destiny
What was that saying from my first vision of Merlin? He said... 'Go forth and shape your destiny.' Merlin didn't exactly specify what I was required to do, he had faith that I would create my own destiny, that my story should be written by me and myself alone.
Is this the life that you made?
It's gettin' hard to tell who I am
It's time, it's your life to change
Even if you don't think you can
I can't (I can't), I won't (I won't)
Just lose my soul
I've got so far (so far) to go (to go)
Just show me how to get back home.
...Kurumu, what would you do if you were in my shoes? What about you, Tsukune? What would any of you guys do? I'm sure Yukari would know a thing or two about all of this, she'd probably handle this whole thing better than I am. I saved them, Tsukune and I were practically unstoppable when we faced Kuyo in that state. If we were trained properly, we could stop anyone who dared try to hurt our friends.
Is there a place where I
Could leave the world behind
And say goodbye to every painful memory
Where darkness ain't my destiny?
I'm running towards the light
I'm free of all the rage I thought would never leave
This darkness ain't my destiny
No, I make my destiny
No, I make my destiny
I look at my right arm, to the mark inked into my limb. If my power has been held back for most of my life... I take a deep breath and think back to whenever I would use my Tarot Cards. That feeling... I close my eyes and think of my Sparks spell, letting the energy flow through me and to the end of my hands. I open my eyes and they widen at the sight of...
"Holy shit..." My hands are buzzing with electricity.
If this really is what destiny had in store for me, I'm going to do everything in my newfound power to make sure it doesn't go to waste. I don't entirely agree with Merlin's choice, I'm honestly the last person in this world who should be trusted with this gift. But I'm going to do my best regardless. As this song says...
...This is my destiny...
The song finally ends and I turn off the CD player. With determination stirring in my heart, I leave the room and make my way back to the courtyard. It looks like most of the guards have been sent back to their post and the only people remaining in the courtyard are my parents and Fuhai. I looked at my mother first, she could barely look me in the eye.
"...Elijah, I'm-"
I cut her off and embraced her in a warm hug. "I'm so sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to hurt you guys. I still have no idea what's going on with me and I was just so hurt that-"
"Shh..." Mom gently rubs the back of my head, all my rising worries seem to melt away. "It's okay. I'm sorry that I never told you. You deserved to know what you truly are."
"I'm glad you didn't," I pull away, smiling at my mother and father. "I don't think I would want to change a thing. I may not know who I am right now, But..." I turn to Fuhai who's been staring at me the entire time I've come back. "...I'm sorry for my earlier behavior. Please, teach me."
"...You wish for me to teach you in the ways of magic?"
"Yes," I say firmly. "I'm willing to learn, I...I need your help."
"Very well, but I must warn you, young Everett," An overwhelming wave of energy begins to radiate from Fuhai. "I am very short-tempered, most have turned away from my teachings before we could even begin! So you better prepare yourself, Elijah Everett! This will be the most rigorous training you could possibly go through!"
"..." Just hold on, guys. I'll be back as soon as I can. I smirk. "Bring it on, old man."