The back of the temple led Kazumi to a flower garden, a wonderful place to enjoy the sounds and scents of nature. However, it wasn't the beautiful garden that held her attention. Sitting on the wooden steps with her feet resting on the green grass, she kept her gaze fixed on Hiei. He watched Genkai questioning her and in turn, she watched him back. Somehow, she no longer felt fear, but anger. Kazumi glared at him as if she regretted not having enough strength to jump on his neck and strangle him.
Genkai asked Kazumi trivial questions about her life: where she lived, what she did, where she went in the morning, and other details that seemed unimportant to Kazumi. Meanwhile, Yukina seized the moment to treat Kazumi's wounds, applying bandages and adhesive plaster. She felt the wound sting when the koorime gently dabbed an antiseptic-soaked cotton pad over the cut on her chin.
— So, tell me exactly what you saw today that was strange — Genkai asked, holding Kazumi's wrist where a bite mark remained — How did you get this injury?
— I was walking when I fell down a ravine and ended up in some kind of creepy forest. A vampire attacked me.
— A vampire?
— I don't know the name of that thing . I called it that because it sucked my blood.
Genkai scrutinized her carefully, but Kazumi didn't mind. She knew every one of her expressions, movements, hesitations, and tone of voice were being studied. She had the impression that Genkai was acting as if she was using a lie detector. Based on Genkai's demeanor, Kazumi knew that the old lady was definitely up to something suspicious, though she had no clue what it might be and, at that moment, Kazumi didn't want any more explanations. She just wanted to wrap things up and leave as soon as possible.
— You mean do you believe in monsters? Vampires and werewolves? — Genkai's voice sounded mocking, and Kazumi felt entitled not to respond to the provocation. She sighed in boredom and rolled her eyes, signaling Genkai to continue — I guess you've earned a lot of bruises playing this game, haven't you? But what about this one? It doesn't seem like the kind of mark left by a fall.
Genkai examined her arm where purplish bruises, vaguely resembling the shape of two fingers, marked her skin. The way Genkai scrutinized her gave Kazumi the strange impression that the old woman already knew their origin. So, Kazumi pulled away from Genkai's touch and sidestepped the questioning, avoiding direct eye contact.
— Do you have any more questions or can I go now?
Genkai smiled. Kazumi's elusive attitude only confirmed her suspicions.
— Not yet. I want to know if you've been to that forest before or if this was your first time.
— It was the first time.
— What else did you see while you were there?
— A group of people. I heard a metallic noise and the vampire dropped dead beside me.
— And then what?
— I don't remember anything else. When I woke up I had already been kidnapped by him — Kazumi nodded towards Hiei, her voice restrained with a mix of sorrow and anger.
Genkai laughed, which only fueled her anger.
— Your anger won't accomplish anything, foolish girl. He's merely fulfilling his duty.
— Duty? Unless he's Yakuza, I highly doubt anyone's duty involves kidnapping people!
Hiei showed no reaction, remaining indifferent to the accusation.
— Don't be so dramatic. No one is kidnapping you. And don't think we wanted you here. We're simply doing what needs to be done.
— Damn it! If you don't want me here, just let me go!
Kazumi stood up abruptly, walking away from Yukina and Genkai. Genkai huffed, showing for the first time that day signs of exhaustion befitting her age. Then, she turned her back on Kazumi and walked towards Hiei.
— So? Is she telling the truth? — he asked.
— Yes. She's just a regular human. There's nothing to worry about. She has no knowledge of Makai or youkai existence. And she doesn't exhibit any hidden reiki either. She's not deceiving you.
— Why doesn't the Jagan work on her, then?
— It's something quite rare, but it happens. Some people are born with a sort of gift, an inherent strength in their mind. It's like it's inaccessible, protected by a dome. It's not just the Jagan that doesn't work. Earlier, I tried to establish a mental connection with her, but I couldn't either. It's simply inaccessible.
— So, how do I make her forget about Makai?
— I don't think that's possible. Her mind is immune to any external interference.
Hiei seemed momentarily disturbed, as if he didn't believe it.
— If there's nothing to be done, I won't waste any more time with her. I'll let her go.
Kazumi almost smiled, feeling hopeful.
— Well, actually, there is one more thing you can do — Genkai pondered — Talk to Koenma. If any human has knowledge of Makai , he needs to know. Besides, I'm sure he'll be very interested to hear that you've found a blocker.
xxxx
— What did you call me? — Kazumi asked Genkai.
— Blocker. It means your ability is quite valuable, believe it or not.
— And why would Koenma need it? — Hiei questioned, curious.
— He'll explain that to you. Now, I have other things to attend to. If you'll excuse me...
— Koenma won't be available right now — Hiei interrupted Genkai — And she can't be left unattended. Could you…
— Oh, no way! — Genkai retorted sharply before he could finish his question — Can't an old woman even spend her last few months in peace? This is your problem, Hiei. You found her, so she's your responsibility. I'm not going to babysit her for you. The most I can do is send a message to Koenma saying it's urgent.
Genkai turned away, heading back into the house. Yukina gave a timid smile, seeming to regret the outcome of the situation, then bid them a brief farewell. "Take care," she said before leaving as well. Alone, Hiei and Kazumi exchanged tense and uncomfortable glances, but it was Kazumi who took the initiative to speak first.
— Listen, I don't know who Koenma is or who you guys are, and I know nothing about this nonsense 'blocker' thing, but I'm not going anywhere with you anymore, understand?
— That's not your choice — he replied simply.
Kazumi grew furious. She thought about the job she couldn't afford to lose and felt despair setting in. She had to get out of there as soon as possible.
— I need to go back, and I need you to leave me alone. I promise I won't tell anyone about you, or that weird super-secret place. Just leave me alone!
— And what do you intend to say when someone asks you where you got that? — he pointed to the bandage on her wrist, which was covering the bite mark left by the youkai's fangs — You'll have a scar for the rest of your life.
Kazumi thought for a moment.
— I can hide it. And even if they asked, what would I gain by telling someone a vampire-monster bit me? No one would believe me! They'd think I'm crazy. And anyway, what's wrong with knowing about that place? Why do you care so much?
— Actually, I don't care — he gave a cynical smirk — Not about that.
— Then what do you care about? Why don't you let me go?
Hiei didn't answer. He didn't want to admit that the fact this weak human was simply immune to the Jagan bothered and intrigued him. It had never happened before and inevitably hurt his ego more than he'd like. He needed to take her to Koenma to prove that it was a mistake or just a trick, and that Genkai was wrong. This ordinary girl couldn't possibly have any rare or valuable ability.
He threatened to move towards her, and Kazumi reacted by stepping back further.
— What are you going to do? — she asked.
— Take you back to where you live. Or do you prefer to find your own way?
His ironic tone didn't go unnoticed. Kazumi wanted to swear at him, but looking around she realized she had no chance of getting home without his help. She had no idea where she was, and the mountain seemed quite far from the city. It would take the whole day traveling back on foot.
— I was heading to the city — she replied resignedly — If you're going to leave me somewhere, let it be there. Near the center, close to...
Hiei didn't let her finish speaking. He promptly scooped her into his arms, as he had done before, and with superhuman speed, he leaped off the mountain.
Hiei made no effort to make the journey remotely comfortable for Kazumi. Secretly, he enjoyed seeing her tremble and scream as they free fell and covered long distances to the ground. As if seeking revenge for not being able to access her memories, he took advantage to terrify her with the most abrupt movements he could manage.
The strategy worked. When they arrived their destination, Kazumi's face had turned green. Her legs were weak, and she had to lean against the nearest wall before collapsing. Her stomach churned, and her eyes couldn't focus on a single point. It took some time for her to regain her strength and start feeling slightly better.
— How... How do you do that? It's not normal... it can't be…
— Will you also be able to keep quiet about this?
Ignoring the provocation, Kazumi looked away. Then she hurried along the sidewalk, heading towards the Kaffeine Klub, the neighborhood's most famous coffee shop. She was about to enter when Hiei intercepted her, blocking the door with his arm to make her stop.
— Not even a single word about what you saw, don't forget it. I'll be watching — he threatened, then stepped aside to let her pass.
Kazumi huffed, choosing not to respond as she entered the establishmen. She stumbled over to the counter where Sonya was preparing a macchiato. When her supervisor turned around, Kazumi received a stern look that said it all.
— Sonya, please let me explain…
— No — Sonya replied, adding napkins to a customer's tray — Not this time, Kazumi.
— Please! You have no idea what happened to me today. I swear there's an explanation for why I didn't come to work.
— It's late. You've been warned. You know I can't do anything more.
— Sonya, look at me! — Kazumi raised her voice, forcing Sonya to take her eyes off the stack of discarded orders and look directly at her.
It was then that Sonya noticed Kazumi was injured and visibly shaken.
— What happened to your arm?!
— I got hurt because...— Kazumi swallowed hard, wondering if Hiei could hear her from outside. She wasn't sure if he could hear at that distance, but she couldn't risk telling the truth — I was mugged. That's what I'm trying to tell you! I couldn't come in today because I had to spend the morning at the police station.
— But are you okay?
Sonya seemed genuinely concerned and distressed. Despite everything, Sonya had always empathized with Kazumi, doing her best to help her improve her unfortunate life situation.
— Yes. I'm fine now. But do you understand that I didn't do it on purpose?
Sonya sighed.
— I know you didn't, you fool. I know that none of the thirteen times were on purpose, but there's nothing I can do about it. You were unlucky. Nakamura came here today.
Nakamura was the manager of the establishment. Most of the time, he wasn't present in the cafeteria to supervise the staff as required, which meant Sonya had to double her workload, managing her own tasks and acting as manager when necessary. However, on certain days, Nakamura took pleasure in conducting surprise inspections, aiming to assert his authority and remind the staff of his leadership. These inspections frequently led to the dismissal of waitstaff for any trivial reasons. Looking into Sonya's eyes, Kazumi quickly realized that this time, she was the one who had been fired.
— What did he say?
— What do you think? He was furious about your absence. He checked your record and when he saw the number of delays, he fired you. He called you irresponsible and…
— And...? What else?
— Never mind, it's not worth repeating that word. I tried to argue, tried to calm him down, but then he turned on me.
— No kidding! Did he want to fire you too?
— Almost. He said if I wanted to stand by your side, then I should hit the road with you.
— What a jerk! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble.
— It's okay, but you need to understand there's no turning back now. No matter what good explanation you have, you're really fired this time. You need to sign the papers — Sonya handed her an envelope with the dismissal letter and the remaining salary.
Kazumi sat down to open it, allowing her former supervisor to deliver the order she had been preparing to the customer. Tears welled up in Kazumi eyes as she counted each coin to make sure nothing was missing. The halved salary was meager, but she couldn't afford to lose a single cent.
— Everything is going to be okay, Kazumi — Sonya said as she returned to the counter.
— No. I can't be without a job. I have to take care of Noembi.
— I know, I know. I'll try to help you find something else. I think my cousin was looking for a babysitter to take care of the kids while she works. I'll check with her and let you know. But you need to calm down, okay?
Kazumi nodded silently, holding back tears. Sonya then placed a cappuccino in front of her.
— It's on the house — she said, winking at Kazumi before leaving her alone.
Kazumi glanced around the bustling café. It was busy, with customers constantly coming in, and the staff working tirelessly to keep everything in perfect order. Despite the owner and manager paying little attention to the place, it ran smoothly. That was all thanks to Sonya, of course. She was the heart of the business.
Kazumi knew she would miss it. She loved the aroma of coffee in the mornings, serving customers with a smile, preparing iced teas, and carefully topping hot chocolates with whipped cream. It was the best job she'd ever had, and she doubted she could find a better one.
She quickly finished her cappuccino and hurried away without looking back. If she thought too much, she might end up crying in the middle of the street, which would be embarrassing. She needed to get home as soon as possible. In her room, she could break down without anyone disturbing her.
When she left Kaffeine Klub, Kazumi didn't see Hiei and assumed he had finally left her alone. Thankful to the universe, she walked to the nearest bus stop and headed towards the highway. Getting off at the closest stop to her home, she completed the journey on foot. A wave of relief washed over her as she spotted her house, unable to bear walking any longer with all those injuries.
However, her relief vanished when she spotted Hiei, right in front of the entrance door. Her heart pounded heavily, and she quickened her pace towards him.
— What do you think you're doing here? How did you know where I live?! Did you follow me?!
— Obviously I did.
— Go away! You can't stay in my house.
Kazumi pushed him from behind, trying to push him away from the property, but Hiei didn't budge an inch. Standing in the same place, he shook her off.
— I've already said I'll keep an eye on you.
— And I've already understood, but you can't come into my house! I don't even know you!
— And who said I want to come in? I'm just going to lurk around.
Kazumi huffed, rubbing her face.
— Fine. Do as you wish, but disappear from here! — She whispered, checking if there was any movement inside the house — I don't want to see you around!
— Why not? — this time, it was Hiei who looked suspiciously at the house — What are you afraid of?
Kazumi widened her eyes. She needed to throw him off. She didn't want him to know the truth, partly out of shame but also because she feared the consequences. Kazumi was strictly forbidden from bringing anyone home, especially a man. The slap she had received on her face when Sonya visited her unexpectedly to deliver the coat she had forgotten at work had left a terrible mark, not just physically but psychologically as well. Most of the time, Kazumi was beaten without even knowing the reason. If Ichiro saw her talking to Hiei, he would surely beat her up.
Kazumi thought she heard a noise coming from inside the house and became even more desperate.
— Just make sure you disappear! — she replied, hastily leaving him outside alone.
Carefully, she took off her shoes upon entering and closed the front door quietly. The TV murmured in the living room, drawing her attention as she headed towards her father, anticipating his inevitable remarks about her job loss. To her relief, however, that confrontation would be delayed. Ichiro lay sprawled on the sofa, deeply asleep and judging by the numerous empty beer bottles scattered around, he wouldn't be waking anytime soon.
Kazumi relaxed.
She ascended the wooden stairs cautiously and locked herself in her room, not intending to emerge until the next morning. All she desired was to lie down and pretend that day had never happened, to convince herself it had all been a nightmare.
Exhausted, she turned off the lights and approached the open window, the sole source of remaining she drew the curtains shut, she was startled by a sight outside: Hiei was resting on a branch of one of the trees facing the house. Unconcerned, he took a while to notice her watching him. Their eyes met briefly before Kazumi swiftly finished closing the blinds, cutting off that visual contact, thoroughly incensed.
She considered all the surveillance excessive. Absurd, actually. But at least Ichiro wouldn't spot him up there. Determined to confront her stalker the following day, Kazumi retired to bed. She lay down and squeezed her eyes shut, wishing simply to fall asleep and forget everything. Even her own existence.
