《Fantazia and the Two Graves》


 Prologue

    Out in the distant field, all that could be heard was fists connecting to some surface, two men were attempting to fight but one kept getting his ass beat by the older man with black and purple hair that was wearing an eye-patch over his right eye.


    "Just give it up already Gekido." The man''s voice was deep and full of strength. His yellow eye glared darkly at the younger man. A group of other men watched the fight and did nothing seeing as it was a fight amongst brothers.


    "Never!" The younger man''s voice was full of rage and hatred.


    "Why should I give up to someone who doesn''t deserve to be king!" He summoned a sword from thin air that had red runes swirling around it and swung heavily at his older brother. The sword didn''t connect, and the younger one was soon sent flying with a fist to the side of his face. The older man glared even more as a dark aura flared around him while watched his younger brother get flung a good distance across the field out of his sight.


    "Pest" was the last thing he uttered under his breath as he awaited his brothers return. Gekido opened his eyes and glared up at the sky for a moment before getting up with a growl.


    "I''m going to kill him one day" he muttered under his breath but stopped as he caught sight of a group of women approaching them. His face was scratched a bit and his clothes were tattered and torn from his fight, but he stood up ready to defend himself and his brother if he needed to. His red hair blew in the light breeze as he returned to his brothers¡¯ and the others¡¯ side.


    Unbeknownst to the fighting men, a hooded figure sat on its haunches high up on a tree branch approximately 50 yards away. It was sorely unimpressed by the display of the younger guy repeatedly coming back for more pummeling.


    These are some of the men we were supposed to find? It thought with a scoff as one blue eye peered out from underneath the hood to look back as if waiting on something or someone. The blue-eyed figure had been waiting and hiding on that tree branch for almost 20 minutes once it sensed the fighting men. Suddenly the men stopped and the older of the two glared warily at the approach of two women. The figure smiled and jumped out of the tree facing the men once the two women stopped right by her hiding spot.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "Good job finding our targets...Yukina" one of the girls said and suddenly changed appearance as they dropped their disguise revealing a tall, malicious looking man with an evil grin. A gust of wind breezed by, revealing the icy blue eyes and long white hair of the woman in the tree that he called Yukina.


    The older looking male glared as the only white-haired male of the group unsheathed a katana, a black and red-haired male unsheathed a giant broadsword, a blue and red-haired male unsheathed some daggers, and the older of the men pulled a giant black and red blade out of thin air.


    "Ragnarok" The man breathed as his yellow eye started to glow and slit.


    "Do not let the beast take control Yami" The white-haired male voiced out as they all got into different stances eyes glaring at the man now pronounced Ragnarok. His hair was black as night and his eyes were a glowing orange, fangs protruded from his upper mouth.


    "Aww, such a sweet reunion already" His voice was laced with the intent to kill.


    Ragnarok grinned even wider as he gave a pointed look to the young orange and black spiky-haired woman with eyes as orange as his, but the whites of her eyes were black instead of white. She was one of Ragnarok''s demon spawn. She gave out an evil, trilling laugh at his look and disappeared behind the group of men faster than the blink of an eye. A trail of black blood circled the men and dripped from the demons'' black claws. The blue, and red-haired man tried to rush towards her with his daggers at the ready but was forced back by an invisible force shield emanating from the blood circle.


    "Resistance will be futile this time boys!" Ragnarok shouted out.


    "I have dealt with you menaces long enough and I will no longer tolerate you being in the way of my plan to take over this world. With my adorable young one and little Yukina here, I can finally get rid of you once and for all! Say hello to Yukina''s old homeland...NOW YUKINA!"


    The oldest of the men gritted his teeth in frustration as he watched the white-haired young woman''s eyes flash and she sent a wave of ice spikes that struck themselves into the blood circle. Nothing happened for a moment, but then the blood mixed with the ice to cover the ground underneath their feet. The earth shattered and sent the guys careening down a black hole made from blood and ice to another world that they knew nothing about, except that the young white-haired woman with the power to freeze anything was from there.


    Two years passed by, and the boys grew stronger and became familiar with the world they were in, which they now knew to be called Fantazia. For two years they tried to find a way back to their world to defeat Ragnarok with limited success. Little did they know that their worlds were about to be turned upside down once again. It is here that their adventure starts.

 Chapter 1

    Yami sighed as he sat against a worn cherry blossom tree his left eye looking at the sky, "Master Kirai any news or are we still waiting on Fox?¡± Yami bore a black jacket with belts all around his waist, loose pants, and black steel toed boots. His hair was a mangled mess from not cutting it for so long. The white-haired male named Kirai sighed as he looked in the same direction.


    "Not yet young wolf." This was a pet name given to Yami by his master. Yami flexed his bandaged right hand and sighed once again as a blue streak came dashing towards them.


    "Nothing to report brother it looks clear with no demons or otherwise to be seen." The blue streak turned out to be a fox that transformed itself into a man named Assarishita. This did not surprise the two as a brownish red and white-haired male trailed right behind Assa.


    "I can confirm brother."


    Yami nodded as he looked up to the man "Thank you Ishi." Ishi nodded in confirmation.


    Gekido grunted as he woke up "You guys are too loud," he grunted again as he ran a hand through his wild red hair. His eyes were equally as wild looking. He had been sleeping in a tree branch above Yami.


    Another man named Rex chuckled as he scratched his head and told Gekido that he was always grumpy when he woke up. Everyone except Yami laughed, and yet another man named Sukai grinned at Rex¡¯s comment before they all got up and started to head in a new direction. They did not get very far before stopping once seeing a large group of about 8 women heading in their direction.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    "She''s staring into space again..." "Maybe she''s hungry...I know! She likes Dango! I''ll make some right now and stuff her face!


    Sounds of a scuffle and a body being slammed down ensued.


    "Don''t you dare Amai! Haven''t you learned by now that it''s rude to shove food down people''s throats?? Besides, the quicker she comes around, the quicker we can get this journey over with."


    "But Haruki you''re so mean!"


    Another voice chimes in. "Quiet both of you! She''ll hear you!"


    Arctic blue eyes shut slowly as a sigh exited from the daydreaming woman''s mouth. Chizue was right, she could still hear everything that was being said, even if she appeared to be in her thoughts. There was indeed a lot on her mind since a lot had been thrown on her plate in the last few months. Hell, even since she was little, life had decided that it wanted to shove itself onto her too quickly. This new predicament had to be the icing on the cake, however. She only hoped that deity was right as a vein popped out of her head at the continued sounds of hushed arguing. Her eyes popped open as she stood from the big rock wall she had been leaning against and effectively stopped all noise as she took in the other 7 women she was traveling with. By their effective nicknames they came up with over the last two months they made up a pretty odd group. She glanced over each one respectively; the green-haired Miss Chizu, the pink-haired strawberry vampire, the blonde-haired bloody angel, the brown-haired Kitty, the red-headed Psycho, the orange-haired Spunky Sprite, the blue-haired Pigtail Mermaid, and herself, the Dragon.


    "Tch" she smirked and walked ahead of the group as they got the hint that they should go along with her. They all got along for the most part and had gotten accustomed to each other''s quirks over the last month, but there were still some things that were best left in the dark for now. She was an introvert by nature and did not trust quite that easily, so while she considered most of them acquaintances, very few were considered friends to her yet.


    As they continued walking for a few miles the arctic blue-eyed woman''s fingers started fiddling with the snowflake pendant in her pocket. It was an unforgettable reminder of why they were on this journey in the first place. Suddenly, Kitty''s hair turned blue with cat ears and she shapeshifted into a black leopard and growled lowly. Sensing the distress, the women braced themselves as they came upon a group of men in the meadow they were crossing. They all looked lackadaisical until they became aware of their presence. Their leader, at least she thought he was their leader, the long-haired one, got up from a cherry blossom tree he was sitting under and scrutinized them with one hand hovering over his weapon. The girls stopped about 10 feet away from the men.


    Before either group could do or say anything a light flashed between them and a floating woman with purple hair fading into blonde wearing a black and white flowing dress appeared before them.


    One thought was common throughout everyone''s minds. Tsuki


    "Finally, you all become one," Tsuki said. "You all have been brought together for one purpose. To defeat Ragnarok. It will take every one of you and your strengths to find the answer to bring him to his end. Work together to find the answer. If you should fail...all worlds will despair." She faded away after her ominous speech.


    Everyone around were dumbfounded for a minute, trying to process what just happened and stared at each other with varied expressions. It did not look like either group would make a move until Amai suddenly ran up to the black and red ponytailed guy and promptly popped a piece of pre-made spicy chicken in his mouth. He stared at her wide-eyed with his cheeks puffed out from the chicken and everyone else sweat dropped.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Well, that''s one way to break the ice..." The Spunky Sprite said as she laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her neck.


    A black shroud of feathers rained down beside of Yami. "It would seem that I came back at an interesting time," a voice said as the feathers evaporated and a figure clothed in black, with black and white hair, looked around at his comrades.


    Zetsumei''s mouth was still full of spicy chicken so he chewed the best he could and swallowed before coughing. "Unexpected is more like," he managed to choke out.


    The red and blue-haired man started laughing spritely as he looked on with ocean blue eyes and smiled. "This is going to be even more interesting!" His laughter was healthy and warming. Kirai chuckled as he observed the show with his white eyes and couldn''t help but laugh at Zetsumei along with most of the others.


    Rex chuckled as his black hair blew in the wind, and adjusted his headband wrapped around his head. His crimson irises rested themselves onto a golden-eyed, green-haired woman. Sukai was hovering and laughing in the air. his golden and blue locks were like lightning and water. Ishi bowed to the women in front of him. His brown and white hair was odd for someone like him.


    "A pleasure" he said with his deep and masculine voice.


    Yami looked up from the display to take in the ladies once again with his uncovered eye. He nodded to them as a spike of his old rage suddenly ran through him. His bandaged fist clenched in rage, but he soon calmed himself and took his hand off his blade that was sheathed on his back.


    "Seems the gods have a voice after all" He looked at the winged man for a minute and back to the women.


    "I''m Yami Kaminari," he introduced himself and bowed slowly while Gekido looked at the sight and snorted as he went to sit in the cherry blossom tree. "and that is my idiot younger brother Gekido.¡± Yami continued with an unimpressed look at his brother. ¡°The spritely blue-haired one is my other brother, Assarishita," He finished off as he pointed to the man in question.


    A white-haired, white-eyed man stepped forward before simply saying, "I am Kirai."


    The black and red-haired guy coughed again trying to get all the chicken out of his throat. "I¡¯m Zetsumei but call me Zetsu for short," he said in a cheerful tone despite almost being chocked to death.


    "The name is Sukai. Pleasure to meet you," The one hovering in the air with blue and blonde hair bowed. The introductions continued with the black and white-haired male who bowed and introduced himself as Rindo Ragakurei, a red and turquoise haired male named Kasai and the onyx haired male with red eyes named Rex Okami.


    Amai had returned to the girls'' side after popping the chicken in Zetsumei¡¯s mouth and joined in with the guy''s laughter and listened to their introductions.


    "I''m Amai!" The long pink haired lady with baby blue eyes announced with a sweet voice and a small blush as she mostly directed the introduction to Zetsumei, who was currently picking his teeth with the chicken bone.


    "I''m Haruki Yamazaki, this idiot''s older sister." The short, spiky blonde-haired woman with blood-red eyes said with a slightly exasperated air about her as she crossed her arms and bumped her shoulder into Amai''s, causing her to puff her cheeks out angrily.


    "Chikako Chizue," the long green-haired woman with golden-brown eyes said in a simple, mature voice as she looked quizzically back into Rex''s red eyes.


    After these introductions, the orange-haired, purple-eyed woman ran up between the still shapeshifted brown-haired woman with electric blue eyes, and the blue pigtailed lady with ocean blue eyes and threw her arms around their shoulders.


    "What''s up, guys! I''m Sora Kokutori and this is Shizue Amaya, (she nodded towards the blue-haired woman) and this girl here is Kiyoshi Amarante. Don''t worry she''s not always a scary cat! Just wait till she gets to know ya!" Sora winked while Kiyoshi growled embarrassedly and Shizue just nodded nervously.


    Turquoise eyes were boring into Gekido''s soul as the owner flipped her red hair and grinned seductively. "Saiko Akane. It is a... pleasure...to make your acquaintance" She purred and licked her lips as she bowed enough to show off ample breasts.


    Arctic blue eyes took in the scene before her as she waited patiently for the other girls to introduce themselves. She took a couple of steps forward and bowed traditionally before Yami, black hair falling forward over her shoulders. "My name is Kajima Sapporo. You''ve already been introduced to the others." She stood up and held out her hand in invitation. "It will be interesting working with you."


    Yami nodded shaking Kajima''s hand "Likewise," he said mysteriously and turned to Assa.


    ¡°Did you find any place to stay Fox," he voiced and sighed with relief when Assa nodded in confirmation.


    "Yup just 30 miles up ahead," Assarishita pointed in the direction that he mentioned and shot Sora a smile. There was something about the energy she gave off that made him want to smile at her.


    Gekido blushed when he saw the cleavage Saiko was showing off as she introduced herself. Yami coughed as he started to walk the way that was pointed out towards civilization.


    "Well let''s be on our way then everyone," he said with a commanding voice before muttering lowly to himself.


    "I will kill you Uncle, one way or the other." He clenched his bandaged hand again and Kirai gave his pupil a worried look. He knew the beast inside of Yami may come out to play sooner or later.


    About 20 minutes into the journey Assa spoke up "So what brings you all into this journey? How does Ragnarok come into play for you girls?" his voice was full of curiosity as he asked the question.


    Yami grunted and just listened with one ear perked up and continued walking faster than everyone else. He was tired and needed some rest. A black ring was forming under his only visible eye from lack of sleep.


    "This is the meadow of Two Graves, are you nuts?" Saiko asked. She was the only one walking amongst the guys, namely Gekido. The other women didn''t feel confident enough to walk amongst the men yet and were off to the side.


    Kajima looked around the meadow warily. Her hand never left the handle of her katana, and she felt a cold chill close in around her mind. There were too many memories in this dark place. She sped up her pace to walk next to Yami. "Saiko is right. The hills have eyes, and this meadow has ears. I don¡¯t know how much you guys know about this place, but it is best that we get out of here as quickly as possible. We will explain as much as we can allow once we find a warm safe shelter."


    Towards the back of the group, Haruki was walking next to a still transformed Kiyoshi, and her sister, who was riding on Kiyoshi''s back. Amai was being unnaturally quiet, but Haruki supposed it was the evil feeling of the meadow getting to her as well. She glanced up to the twilight sky. Shit. It''s getting dark. We need to hurry. Haruki thought as she voiced their need for even greater hurry aloud. Amai shot her a worried glance and was the only one who seemed to agree with her. The boys shot them a quizzical look but shrugged it off as they continued into the darkening horizon.


    As the darkness descended a lone figure could be seen in the distance, standing as still as the stone monuments it stood between.

 Chapter 2

    Their journey continued mostly uninterrupted for a half hour before Yami felt three spirits off to the side and his one eye widened.


    "Assa, Gekido, the hill...look" his voice wavered. His two younger brothers knew their brother was never scared or nervous very often and looked at the hill he was pointing at before they went wide eyed and tears started to spill down their faces as they both spoke at once.


    "It can''t be¡­"


    Yami''s composure shook and he clenched his fists tightly as the taller spirit looked down at them with glowing orange eyes that looked like Raiden, the one that had sent them to this world, a smaller spirit clung to his arm and the other was staring at Yami and his brothers. Kirai and the other men in the group were confused as the trio of brothers walked forward towards the spirits, the older woman of the two smiled. She had purple hair and yellow eyes.  She gently touched each of their cheeks while the younger one wrapped her arms around Yami. He froze but hugged back only for his arms to go through her. He finally broke into tears as he looked at all three of them and the man began speaking.


    "My sons your finally home," the spirit said with a smile as the older woman hugged them. "We can finally rest in peace knowing that you are all safe."


    The youngest spirit softly kissed Yami''s lips "I can rest knowing that you are fine my love, find happiness again, all this rage doesn''t suit you," she said with a smile before slowly fading away with the other two spirits.  All three brothers tried to reach for them, not wanting them to leave, but they were already long gone.


    Gekido clenched his teeth before suddenly realizing that they were being watched by a hooded stranger and mentioned the shadowy figure to the rest of them as he glared at the stranger.


    Yami punched the ground as he gritted his teeth, then slowly raised up next to Assa and glared at the figure.


    "Who are you?" His voice was dark and dangerous. Kirai''s eyes widened as he saw Yami¡¯s left eye glowing and become slitted. The other men knew what that meant. "He''s pissed," they all thought in unison.


    A dark aura enveloped Yami as his hair flung around him. He clutched his giant blade in one hand as the whites of his visible eye turned black. Assa stood next to his elder brother as he let electricity and wind swirl around him as fox tails flung from his tail bone and ears erupted from the top of his head causing his human ears to disappear. Gekido growled while an intriguing mark appeared on one half of his face and trailed down past his neck. The whites of his eyes turned black as well, and his canines became fangs. Black flames started blazing from his fists. The brothers were not to be trifled with when they were on the same page. All three of them thought in unison, "We are home."


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Haruki grumbled when the men came to a sudden stop. They had been making decent progress after all. She and Amai were running out of time. Amai could feel her blood rushing in her veins as she looked wildly around at the events unfolding. This was their chance. She jumped off Kiyoshi''s back as quickly as possible and grabbed Haruki''s wrist.


    "Time to go!" She breathed and Haruki needed no further prodding as they ran ahead of the group faster than any normal human could run. A trail of sparks followed them.


    No one noticed their disappearance since everyone was too focused on Yami, Assarishita, and Gekido. The sudden appearance and disappearance of what appeared to be the brothers'' dead family and a possible dead girlfriend wasn''t something that could go ignored either. Chikako grabbed Shizue and ran and hid behind Kiyoshi''s haunches once the brothers started transforming. Kiyoshi''s hair was standing on end and her fangs were bared as she growled at the shadowy figure that was still standing still, watching them. Saiko could care less about the mysterious person and more about what the hell Gekido WAS. She thought she had found a delectable piece of man meat to feast on, but now she wasn''t so sure.


    Why does everyone in my life have to be someone they''re not? She thought as she felt her heart deflating even more to a shriveled-up organ, even as she tried to focus on the main problem.


    Sora could feel the energy coursing through her whole body. She never thought she could feel more alive than she did now as she observed the events unfolding before her. She wanted to fight. She wanted to fly. She wanted to run her fingers through Assarishita''s 8 tails. She wasn''t one to be prejudiced about who or what someone might be since she wasn''t really one to talk. A small orb of wind appeared in her outstretched palm as she spread her legs in a fighting stance and looked along with everyone else at the watching figure.


    That sense of foreboding was back, but this time it came with a hint of familiarity. Kajima would have to question what happened with the three men, but right now she did not let her fear show as she drew her bow from her back and walked right up next to Yami, who only spared her one glance, and readied an arrow.


    "Who are you, and what do you want with us?" She commanded in a strong, steady voice, even while her heart raced in her chest. Could it be...?


    That black-haired woman was familiar. Had she met her before? No, she couldn''t have. She grew up in a different world from this, being honed to become stronger. There was no way she could know anyone from this world; much less care about why her icy heart suddenly beat faster. She was only here for one purpose, and her time was running about before He would start wondering where she was and punish her. With her first movements since she got there, she stiffly raised her arms up and placed her palms against the sides of the monuments she was standing between. She watched as the group moved into battle positions and activated her powers. Her palms glowed blue as her magic infused itself with the stones. Strange patterns glowed on them lighting up the night sky and shot two beams of ice up into the sky. Three more to go in this world. She had no business with the others just yet, so, job done she looked back into the arctic blue eyes of the black-haired woman who had just shot an arrow in her direction. A gust of wind flew by and knocked her hood off revealing long white hair and icy blue eyes. Those eyes never left the shocked look of recognition in the other woman''s as she vanished with the arrow just before it hit.


    Yami''s eye widened at the woman that disappeared, Gekido panted as he went back to being normal as he could be, and Assa stayed in his form making sure no one else was around.


    "Everything¡¯s clear brother," Assa said, getting a nod from Yami as Yami lowered his aura and clenched his right hand yet again.


    "We need to get to town quickly. That girl is under HIS control!" Yami''s voice was filled with sympathy and venom, sympathy for the girl and venom for his uncle.


    Assa nodded with a worried look on his face as he looked at his brother''s right arm. It was cursed. Gekido sighed and walked over to Saiko with a look of shame on his face and didn¡¯t look her in the eye.


    "Are you ok?¡± He asked. Saiko said nothing.


    Yami motioned the rest of the crew on as they continued to a big town. Assa sniffed the air. "Seems like Haruki and Amai are here already." Yami nodded as he kept walking and closed his eyes while taking in the sounds and scents of the busy streets and smiled to himself in nostalgia.  The smile faltered as he came upon an empty mansion only to be stopped by an elderly couple


    "Don''t enter it''s cursed!" They warned and Yami turned around upon hearing the familiar voices. His eyes widened.


    "Grandma and Grandpa!?" Yami''s voice shook as he fell to his knees.


    The older couple looked at the group and the elderly lady covered her mouth as she hugged Yami. "My grandson''s!" Ishi walked up to them still a little shy as he was only a half-brother to Yami and the other two. "Hello grandmother." Assa and Gekido grinned at him and went to hug the elderly woman as well.


    Gekido stood back next to Saiko once all the hugging was done and glanced at her. He was still worried about her, and she had yet to say anything to him. Yami stood up looking at the house, holding his right arm, then back to his grandmother.


    "Did you see a blonde-haired girl and pink haired girl come by?" He saw his grandmother nod and point at the family inn. Yami nodded and smiled.


    "I''ll come back when everyone has settled into the inn," he thought to himself as he motioned everyone to the Inn.


    "I''m sure you all have questions about us, so I''ll explain in the inn," he said out loud to everyone. Kirai was as curious as the rest of the men and women coming along. Rex only shrugged along with Zetsu, Kasai, Sukai and the rest.


    "Yes, we need some answers pup!" Kirai barked and growled. He was three years older than Yami and was his trainer. Despite this he still did not know the full story, or the origins of how the brothers came to be as they are today.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Silence ensued for most of the rest of the ragtag group''s journey. Other than a mention that Haruki and Amai were nowhere to be seen, and a disgruntled reply that they always disappear when nighttime comes and show back up during the day, most everyone was in their thoughts. Saiko had yet to reply to Gekido''s worrying question of whether she was okay or not, simply because she didn''t know if she was. That didn''t stop her from walking along beside him still, and it seemed to appease him if just a little. Kajima didn''t know how to feel. Her stomach was tied in knots and she felt like she wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. This was the first she''d seen of HER in over two years and the girl didn''t seem to recognize her at all.


    The sounds of a bustling city street broke her from her reverie, and she looked up to see that Yami was addressing an old couple in front of a slightly broken-down mansion. She heard mention that it was cursed and then more family reunions broke out at the realization that this was Yami''s and his brothers'' grandparents.


    "Of course, they''d be rich," she said bluntly, causing some of the girls to sweat drop. She was in no mood to be tact after what just transpired.


    After the introductions and confirmation that Haruki and Amai had already gotten themselves a room here for the night, the group continued to the inn with hopes that some of this would be explained, and possibly a plan put into place. Once they arrived, they were surprised to find that the Yamazaki sisters had already paid for all their rooms and even included a bathhouse visit for their stay. The bellhop told them that it was as an apology for disappearing so abruptly and that they would meet up with them in the morning. Not going to argue with that logic the tired travelers each took their own key and went up to find their respective rooms. They found that all the girl''s rooms were on the right and the boy''s rooms were on the left side of the same hallway. After all their belongings were put away, they met up in the hallway and most of them decided that it would be better to get the big stories out of the way in the morning when everyone was together. Shizue, Chikako, and Kiyoshi decided to go ahead and turn in for the night, too exhausted to eat. A few of the guys turned in for the night as well.


    Saiko announced that she was going to make full use of the hot spring before anyone else did and clodded off with her real reason for doing so hoping to clear her head. She didn''t notice that Gekido nodded his head once in resolution and decided to follow her. Kajima quietly announced that she was going to grab a bite to eat before bed and went to go find the dining area. The remaining men that were left were debating what they wanted to do, leaving Sora to shrug and decide to go take a walk since she was still buzzing with that strange energy from before.


    As everyone went about their own way Saiko purred a little in happiness as she finally removed the bathrobe she had changed into and sunk down into the hot steamy water. It was a unisex bath much to her chagrin, but she decided that it was steamy enough to not reveal too much. After a few moments of relaxing and when she was just starting to mull over her thoughts a frown marred her expression. Someone had decided to follow her and enter the bath on the opposite side. She opened her eyes and saw that it was Gekido. Possibly the last person she wanted to see right now. He gave her a sheepish smile and she sighed.


    May as well take advantage of this situation, she thought. Too relaxed from the heat of the water to get too angry she just decided to put him on edge a bit.


    "So... Gekido. I would be fully willing to jump your bones right now and have my way with you if I hadn''t seen you change into something else earlier. As it is, I''m now just left wondering what the hell you are," she didn''t blink as she said this while looking straight at the male across from her.


    "Assuming you followed me for a reason why don''t you be a nice gentleman and explain yourself first. If I feel willing enough, I might just be in the mood to bite back. In more ways than one...," Saiko finished with a toothy grin and silently invited him to tell her a little bit of who he was. She didn''t show her nervousness in hopes that she could finally trust someone fully.


    Yami looked at the other men as he walked off.


    "I need to go take care of something," he waved as he exited the building.


    Assa frowned as Kirai walked off to find a place to meditate seeing as everything was unfolding so quickly. Zetsu went to go find something to eat after the journey. He was starving after having spicy chicken shoved in his mouth, and Sukai went to the roof sighing as he looked at the moon.


    "So much is happening right now mother,¡± he smiled as he finally relaxed a little while gazing at the familiar moon.


    Kasai went to the pool after he changed into swim trunks. His tattoos were now visible on his body. Ishi went out on a walk to clear his head. Seeing his blood father had made him think hard on what was going to happen later. Rex went to the back of the inn to train as he unsheathed his katana and began doing swings and strikes. Rindo watched all of them. He sighed after seeing so much happen and looked to the heavens.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Father what do I do now," he asked as he clenched his fists, knowing he had his own demons to face as well.


    As all the men went their separate ways for the night Yami passed Kajima not saying a word as he removed his jacket and bandages covering his back as well as the ones that went to his right arm. He tossed the jacket on the counter.


    "Make sure it gets washed please," he told the man at the counter.


    "Yes, my Lord," the man said before running off.  He didn¡¯t see Yami sigh and glare and clench his fists as he turned around and walked faster to get away from people and think. He walked straight towards the mansion not knowing he was now being followed by the raven-haired woman he had met just a day ago.


    "I''m not rich we only wanted to live normally like everyone else," Yami thought to himself remembering what Kajima had said earlier.


    Assa went out for a run and could feel the wind pick up around him. He observed his surroundings and grinned as he ran off the thoughts of today that were getting to him


    "What was she doing with those pillars I wonder. I have a bad feeling about this especially since Yami''s dragon side is finally surfacing," he thought to himself as he ran past Sora unknowingly. He was that lost in his thoughts as usual as he ran into the forest where he felt safe and comfortable.


    Gekido flinched at Saiko¡¯s words and sadly smiled as he looked down at his reflection in the water.


    "I''m a monster that shouldn''t even exist," he said. Scars littered his body, telling a story that couldn¡¯t be told with words.


    "I''m the son of a strong couple. Those spirits that you saw earlier, but I was cursed by the man we are after, so I can''t control my rage quite well," He looked into her blue orbs with his red ones, as he sunk into the spring with a sigh and a frown.


    "It wasn¡¯t my choice to be cursed like this. Fire is my element to use, yes, but becoming a demon wasn¡¯t on the agenda, nor do I enjoy fighting my brother, Yami," his voice was full of sadness and he shook his head as he turned away. He was remembering the day that all four of them were separated and couldn''t remember one another.


    "It''s a nightmare to me even to this day Saiko."


    A vein popped in Saiko''s forehead while she gritted her teeth, trying to keep her temper down. Unsuccessful to a degree she waded over to where Gekido sat making sure to keep her private bits submerged under the water and promptly sent a fist onto his head causing him to slide down into the water even further.


    "Baka!" she shouted, "If there is one thing that gets under my skin it is for someone to say they shouldn''t exist in this world!" She sat in front of him and just took in his appearance as he rubbed the knot on his head. Seeing him relaxed her a little bit and her next words were a little softer.


    "You''re not the only one who has been cursed by that bastard. I believe every single one of us here tonight has been in some way." She closed her eyes as a momentary vision of a dark bloody corridor with barred doors and screams of anger entered her mind.


    "I have a past I''m not proud of either, and there''s a reason people call me Psycho Saiko." She smiled and opened her eyes trying to lighten the mood.


    "Besides, this wouldn''t be the first time I''ve had sex with a demon."


    She cackled as Gekido''s face turned blood red and he stammered out words that didn''t make sense. Still chuckling, she turned and waded back to her side of the hot spring where he couldn''t make out her features through the steam and lifted herself out, dried off, and replaced her robe. She walked over to Gekido as she tied her sash and placed a warm hand over the spot, she had hit him and healed it instantly before giving him the first genuine smile she had given anyone.


    "Thank you," she said in an uncharacteristic way.


    "You''re the first person to be this honest with me. Tonight, is not the night for me to tell you about my past because there are some things that I don''t want to be overheard by others just yet, but I promise you when the time is right I will tell you." She then walked out of the bathhouse to change and head up to her bedroom.


    While they were conversing, in another part of the inn Kajima sat eating her Dango sticks absentmindedly until she heard Yami tell the man behind the counter who had fed her to wash his jacket and bandages. She had noticed him holding his right hand a time or two and was curious if he was hurt there, or if it had something to do with his transformation earlier. This is the first time she had really thought about it and her natural curiosity got the best of her as she quietly followed him out of the inn and in the direction of the mansion they were at earlier. She wanted answers as much as any of them, but there was something about Yami that she couldn''t put her finger on. It wasn''t easy for her to trust people, so she rationalized that it was her duty to follow him and make sure he wasn''t on some separate agenda from the rest of them.


    What is he doing? she thought as she slipped into the dark cover of the trees across from where he was walking up the steps of the mansion. She decided to wait and see what happened. Her palm rested on the sheath of her katana.


    Further, in the woods from where Kajima hid, Sora was catching up to Assa. He had breezed by her so fast earlier it momentarily stunned her. She had yet to meet anyone else who could run faster than her, much less keep up with her until now. That buzzing energy she was trying to get rid of only sparked as he ran by and she started running after him. She had to know what caused him to change earlier and maybe once she knew it would calm this raging energy inside of her where she could get some sleep. She called out to him breathlessly once she caught up to him, causing him to slow his pace and look behind himself to her in silent surprise.


    Sora stopped and only panted a little as she finally spoke.


    "How can you run so fast? I mean not that it''s a bad thing, but I''ve never met anyone who can run like me, but I mean I do have a natural affinity to the wind, which is to say, do you too? Nah, you can''t have, I did see you sprout ears and some tails earlier...are you a fox demon? Even so, how do you still run so fast? Can I see your ears again?" She stopped midsentence once she realized that Assarishita was laughing. At her. He was laughing at her. She puffed out her cheeks in anger.


    "What''s so funny huh??" She asked standing on tiptoes to make herself appear taller and wagging her finger at him.


    Yami''s eyes saddened as he looked at the burned halls and torn walls of the mansion. He let his bandages fall freely as scars on his back and a purple and black dragon tattoo running down his right arm became visible.


    "This curse is what killed my family," he said aloud to no one as tears streamed down his face. He took the eye-patch off his right eye revealing a bright orange iris. Tears continued to fall as he looked at the picture of his father with orange eyes and his mother with bright yellow eyes.


    "Mother...father, what am I to do," he questioned himself as he fell to his knees and grit his teeth.


    "I hate hiding myself from people, but they fear me," he punched the floor softly as wolf ears and a tail suddenly popped out of his head and tailbone.


    "Why hide what I am to people and the company I keep," Yami¡¯s voice saddened. "We never put ourselves above others and we were always treated like commoners ourselves," He let out a howl of pain as he cried harder while sitting next to the picture.


    "I''m not the only one like this holding in pain, there is a beautiful raven haired woman I¡¯m traveling with who seems to hold in pain of her own," he sat back against the picture as he cried whole heartedly for the first time in years.


    Kirai sighed. The full moon was out, and he couldn¡¯t sleep so he sat in the inn¡¯s study hall.


    "Odd for an inn to have a study hall library in this place" he thought to himself as he came across a copy of lost wolves and his eyes widened. He grabbed his reading glasses to read not noticing that the girl who could morph was in the room as well. He was too caught up in the book that was full of information on wolves.


    Assa just laughed as his ears and tails emerged once more.


    "Calm down now. Yes, I have an affinity for wind and lightning which gives me double speed," he chuckled as he jumped up and sat on a tree limb.


    "As for your next question no, I am not a demon. I am a fox sprite," he smiled as he wrapped his tails around himself.


    "My mother was part fox and wolf, so I got the fox side," he looked to the sky and back to Sora as he smiled wider.


    "If that clarifies anything enough for you to be satisfied and calm down now," he finished energetically.


    Gekido blushed and smiled as he got to understand Saiko a bit better. He watched her go and sat for a moment longer before getting up and getting dressed. Satisfied, he went to his room to get some much-needed rest.


    Zetsu was walking around the dark hallways. He couldn''t sleep. He was an insomniac simply because there was something that made him afraid to sleep. The other him would come out. He was very violent and never able to control himself in that other form. He passed by the last two rooms on the right and assumed they were Amai and Haruki''s. For lack of anything else to do he went to get some spicy chicken and curry.


    Sukai sat up on the roof still talking to the moon. His green eyes lit up as he spoke. He was the son of the moon goddess, Kaguya after all.


    "Seems this is getting interesting mom, I¡¯ve been doing fine and yes I¡¯m eating," he blushed and smiled that cheerful smile of his. The children of the moon goddess were always so cheerful and full of spirit.


    Kasai jumped in the pool to cool off as he sighed and closed his ice blue eyes. His red and turquoise hair flowed gently in the water. It wasn¡¯t everyday that he got to relax like this. He had worked hard every day of his life since he was old enough to hold a weapon.


    "The water feels nice," he said to no one.


    Rindo walked out into the streets getting a feel for the cheerful and happy town that knew peace more than any other part of the world he had come to see.


    "So peaceful. I wonder why but the mansion is the only thing I sense that feels touched by the malice of evil," he walked past knowing that his friend Yami had entered to comfort himself. He also sensed Kajima in the tree with her hand on her katana, but he knew not to interfere for he knew the fate of this company. He sighed as he opened his wings and flew off to a tower he knew too well.


    Rex grumbled as he went to the hot spring to clean up after training. He looked at his hands. They still had the scent of blood on them. He remembered that time he had murdered the one person he loved more than anything. Removing his robe, he slowly stepped in and sat at the far end away from the entrance.


    Ishi closed his blue eyes as he finally came back from his walk and trail of thoughts finally resting for the night. He was hoping to find a way to free the girl from earlier from Raiden¡¯s control.


    "How dare he use fathers name," he growled as he looked and spoke to no one in particular "mother give me your strength through these coming events" were his final words as he finally closed his eyes and drifted to slumber.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Pain. Excruciating, mind dulling pain. This is all Kajima could feel as she doubled over on the tree branch gasping at the sudden onslaught of feeling. Her own and the man''s pain she could feel through the window she was watching him through. She¡¯d had enough. She lifted herself up with her katana and leaned against the tree for a moment to catch her breath and pulled her sleeve up to look at her own crimson and black dragon tattoo. There was nothing to worry about with this man. He had been affected in possibly similar ways as her by the man they were all out to destroy. Yami simply wanted some time to himself to grieve in his own way and here she was invading on that. Guilt washed through her as she jumped down from the tree branch and walked back to the inn. She really needed to learn how to trust people more but after her own family...no. She wouldn''t think about that. She had to keep her mind on her goal. It wouldn''t hurt to try to make friends with the company she was keeping either... Resolved, Kajima headed up to her room for some much-needed sleep eye.


    Kiyoshi sat as still as she could in the corner of the library as she watched the white-haired, white-eyed man engross himself into some book that had caught his eye. She had gotten up and headed in here after an unsuccessful attempt at sleeping. There was too much that had happened that day. He probably didn''t realize that she was part of the traveling group for part of the day since she had been in her cat form up until she got to her room. She was shy and nervous around new people and couldn''t help the transformation most of the time because of it. Kirai...that was his name she remembered while thinking of how fearless he was in the face of danger. She blushed a little thinking about the ears and tail that he had sprouted earlier. Not wanting to be caught staring, or caught in general, she slipped as quietly as she could out of the library and sprinted to her bedroom. Hopefully tomorrow she would have the courage to show her true form.


    Sora couldn''t help herself. His laugh was infectious, and her anger melted away to nothing.


    "I am calm this is just how I get when I''m excited sometimes. People call me Spunky Sprite cause I''m so outgoing'' and yeah I can have a bit of an accent at times, but that''s so cool that you''re a fox sprite!" Not shy one bit she hopped up and sat next to Assa with one leg swinging from the branch.


    "I can''t transform like that since I''m born from plain human beings, but I guess I can''t really call em'' plain since they both had powers. Me ma had wind powers as well, so I got all of mine from her, but I don''t know what me pa had as he passed away before I was really old enough to remember him...wish I knew if I had some other powers but it don''t look like it yet!" She laughed with a big grin on her face. Not much bothered her and she didn''t care if someone was stronger than her, she was happy the way she was even if some people made fun of her for it. Sora really wanted to stroke one of his tails since it was right there in front of her, but she resisted the temptation and swung upside down and off the tree branch.


    "Well come on! We got a big day tomorrow and we should try to get some sleep." She walked off without waiting to see if he would follow.


    Unbeknownst to Sukai he had his own guardian angel looking over him. Haruki sighed. She wasn''t really watching over him per se she just wanted to get past him to the window he was blocking. White wings fluttered in the wind as her blue eyes and long flowing blonde hair shifted as she looked back in the distance. Her sister was still out there and wouldn''t be back until close to daybreak. She looked back at Sukai. He looked happy, and peaceful sitting there, but she herself couldn''t really find anything to be peaceful about in these troubled times. Haruki sighed quietly again. She hated how she was at night, and it looked like she was going to have to sneak through the front door and hope the bellhop didn''t charge her double for a room she already had...


    Shizue and Chikako were the only ones who did not leave their rooms that night. Neither one of them was quick to sleep, however. Shizue looked out of her window watching Kasai float in the water. As much as Shizue loved water she just didn''t feel it tonight. Too much was running through her mind about the day and the past few months that it was a wonder she dozed off there at the window not knowing that Kasai had noticed her.


    Chikako lay in bed staring at the ceiling thinking just like everyone else. Her mind was plagued by her own dark past and a single tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of a man she once knew with hazel eyes and chocolate brown hair.


    Far away in a tall dark tower, Tsuki lay alone in her own bed. She sighed as she rolled over on her side and pondered over her words to the group earlier. She hated having this position and wished she could be part of the journey instead of cursed to be alone as a deity. One of those men was handsome too. He seemed familiar though¡­ She thought.


    In another world, Yukina had checked in her mission for the day and now lay in her room one hand extended above her and twirling an arrow in her hand. Her head was pounding with the effort of trying to remember what was so important about that raven-haired woman. "Hmm." She mumbled. "Why does she plague me so...?"


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Assa smiled as he watched Sora run off to the inn, but he couldn''t sleep.  He glared into the night as he blocked all the roads with vines and thorns to keep threats out of the village. A low growl emitted from his lips.


    "We will kill you uncle" he muttered.


    Yami let out a loud howl that turned into a roar and stood up as pain shot through his arm and back. He remembered how much the dragon tattoo was part of his family but the scars on his back burned from the slavery he was put into. He slammed his fist into the floor as he just stayed in the mansion all night looking in the mirror. At one point he decided it was time to cut the long hair off and used his sword to shorten the back into spiky points that almost looked like a chicken¡¯s butt. His bangs drifted to the right covering his eye. He did away with the eye-patch and bandages and gritted his teeth.


    "No more hiding," his voice was full of confidence even though pain shot through his back again causing him to howl again.


    Kasai had finally decided to get out of the pool and dry off. He went to his room and got in his pajama bottoms for the night. The night air felt nice on his skin, so he left his top off. Sleep finally succumbed him and he had peaceful dreams.


    Sukai sighed and waved goodnight to the moon as he finally went to his room. He clenched his fists as he felt a dark feeling come over him. He shook it off as he locked his doors and windows, keeping it as dark as he could. A secret he feared would be leaked would be what caused him to leave.


    Zetsu finally sighed as he got up from picking chicken out of his teeth and drinking a glass of water. He began heading to his room but dreaded trying to sleep. He locked his door and windows once he got to his room and closed the curtains as he conjured chains around himself in the bed and he finally fell into a fitful sleep.


    Kirai chuckled as he saw the cat girl try to sneak past him. He had caught her scent at the last moment and looked up to see Kiyoshi leaving earlier in the library. He got up and put the book back where he got it and headed to his room. The recent events had tuckered him out and he succumbed to sleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. The moon shone through his window, illuminating his ears twitching and tail swaying to each sound he heard.

 Chapter 3

    Sometime midmorning Amai came wandering out of her bedroom yawning widely. She mumbled sleepily as she padded down the hallway and tried to rub the sleep out of her eyes. Sleep never came easy to her and she never remembered what she did during the night. Haruki was the only one who knew.


    It is cold in this hallway¡­ Amai thought and then stopped abruptly. She looked down. A squeak emitted from her mouth as she turned and dashed back into her room. She came back out a few minutes later with a sigh of relief. Thank goodness no one had been in the hallway because she had forgotten to put any clothes on. With that out of the way, it dawned on her that she was ravenous and heavenly smells were emanating from the kitchen downstairs. Now fully awake, Amai happily skipped down the steps to the kitchen and saw only one other person in there already eating something. It was Zetsumei, the boy she had popped a piece of chicken into his mouth the day before. With a small blush and becoming more reserved, she went ahead and ordered her breakfast. Pancakes with delicious strawberries placed on top.


    The others must still be asleep, she thought as she decided to be brave and sit across from Zetsumei.


    "Um good morning!" she said.


    Most of the others had already gathered in the library seating area. Some had already eaten while others were still nodding off. Chikako was quietly speaking with the librarian and nodded before walking back to the others.


    "She has promised us a few hours of no interruptions," she said as she took a seat near where Rex was sitting with his arms crossed.


    "Good, that should be plenty of time to say what needs to be said," Shizue spoke up for the first time since meeting the guys. She was sitting on the other side of Chikako. Amai, Haruki, and Kajima were the only ones who had not arrived yet of the women. Zetsumei and Kirai were the only two men who hadn''t shown up yet. A few moments later Kirai walked in and apologized for being late. Kiyoshi blushed upon seeing him and went even redder when he plopped down in the seat next to her and gave her a wolfish grin. She had retained her human form this morning and hid her face behind her long brown hair. So, he had noticed her last night then...


    Some sat quietly while others chattered idly amongst themselves until Kajima walked in with Haruki. Kajima had taken her time to grab a cup of strong coffee this morning when Haruki had come grumbling to herself and promptly downed a whole cup in one gulp only wincing slightly. Coffee wasn''t her favorite, but it would have to do after last night.


    "Morning''," she said sleepily and flopped one arm in greeting. Kajima only blinked once at the display before getting her another sip of the strong brew.


    "Good morning. I take it that everyone is gathering in the library to speak about this ordeal in greater detail. Shall we go?"


    Haruki grunted in displeasure but nodded nonetheless and followed her to the library. Upon arriving Haruki noticed that her sister had yet to arrive and muttered an expletive. She excused herself to go find her while Kajima went to sit in one of the only remaining chairs available close to Yami. Kajima glanced sideways to the man in question and observed that he seemed to be in a calmer mood this morning, and did he cut his hair?


    Back in the kitchen, Amai was getting along quite swimmingly with Zetsumei and having a decent conversation about food before Haruki came storming in and grabbing her by the ear.


    "You''re late! Don''t you know everyone else is already gathered in the library? Well, except for him..." she added as an afterthought as she noticed Zetsu for the first time.


    "I''m sorry you know I get hungry easily!!" Amai whined as she allowed herself to be pulled by the ear and looked forlornly back at Zetsumei. She was enjoying herself too... Zetsumei shot her an apologetic look and followed the girls into the library. Everyone was finally settled in. Chikako stood and spoke up first.


    "Now that we are all gathered here, I propose we let the boys go first. After yesterday''s display it is clear that most of you," she looked pointedly at Yami, Assarishita, and Gekido "are closely tied to Ragnarok and it would make things clear as to why each one of us has been cursed in one way fashion or form from him. We may take turns telling our story and leaving nothing out." Clearly finished, she sat back down.


    Before anyone could start Kajima stood up slowly and looked around at each one of their faces.


    "I would like to add," she spoke up in a reserved voice "that nothing that is said today leaves this room. There are eyes and ears outside of this inn and city that could pick up something and take it to the wrong hands. We all have something in common. Which is clearly why we are here like this now. There is much and more that we do not know even about our closest allies. Please be aware that what is said in this room could make or break relations between one another. On that note, please begin." Kajima sat down cross-legged on the floor with her back resting against her chair. It was time to begin.


    Yami coughed and sighed as he stood up. He had fresh scars on his cheeks; one in the shape of a cross on his left and one line on the other from last night¡¯s events. Bright glowing yellow and orange eyes looked at everyone. He was wearing a vest with a hood that was red and black today. He had braces on both arms and his purple and black dragon tattoo was visible.


    "I guess we should start but first and foremost that monsters name is not Ragnarok. His name is Raiden, and he is my uncle." He could hear the gasps and looks of shock from all the women in the room and some glares from the men.


    "I didn''t want to say because it was my problem," he informed the other men in the room as Ishi patted him on the shoulder and sat back down.


    "The only one unfazed by this curse is Ishi since he is protected by a power unlike the three of us," He winced a bit as his scars were still sore from last night and he was probably the most tired in the group from being out so late.


    "We were born and raised in this world, but all four of us were separated at a young age," he spoke with remorse as he looked at his younger brothers and half-brother.


    "As for how this all started¡­it was here in this town. Our mother and father were murdered by that monster!" He gritted his teeth and once again clenched his arm to keep himself in check.


    "After that he sent us to another world, and we found that we were separated." A few tears fell from his face as he looked away from everyone to the window.


    Assa sighed as he felt entrusted to go next.


    "I grew up in the woods alone and fended for myself but it''s harder for Yami to open up. I was the first to meet up with him and he''d been through a lot, I was born with fox powers and magic. Our mother was part wolf and fox so that¡¯s why I''m able to transform. Our father, the real Ragnarok, was the most powerful dragon in the world until our uncle murdered them in their sleep," his voice was full of sadness and rage as he clenched his jaw. He had finished Yami''s words and his own


    "Not much else to say about me but that," he finished off.


    Gekido grunted as he stood up.


    "I met up after that, but I¡¯d changed from the curse that was put on me. I was born with dragon''s fire, but I¡¯m cursed to be a demon until it''s broken. Raiden wanted to shame the Kaminari name and make me feel I didn''t belong and to kill Yami at any chance I could get with his curse on me." He clenched his fists tightly as he looked at everyone. There was a black mark etched into the side of his face that was usually covered up. He did it for Saiko to show her he was being true to himself and blushed slightly as he sat back down and glanced at her.


    Ishi was the next to stand.


    ¡°The reason I¡¯m protected from this curse is because of my own mother, Hydalen. She granted me the immunity to dark curses and anything evil," His long brown and white hair covered his eyes as he looked around the room.


    "I was the last to meet up, but I was so bent on finding Raiden and destroying him myself to help my family. It is unfortunately not my ability to do so since he broke through my shield easily. But I will free that girl from her mind control if it¡¯s the last thing I do," he finished as he gave Kajima a look of conviction and sat down.


    Rex stood up with his arms crossed.


    "I just followed Yami. We became good friends so there¡¯s not much to say about me," he sat back down and looked at the ground. He didn¡¯t want to say anything about anymore of his past.


    Kasai stood up and looked around the room.


    "It¡¯s the same for me. I became close friends with Yami and his brothers and ended up getting tagged along in this. Half the time I¡¯m not even sure what is happening." he sat back down and closed his eyes.


    Kirai stood up next.


    "Well as you all probably gather by now, I followed as well. Only difference is that I became Yami''s mentor for calming his inner beast. I didn''t know he was part dragon, only the wolf side of his is what I¡¯ve ever seen. I am a wolf shapeshifter myself," he said as he sat down and looked around "I''ve learned a lot from being with this group and Yami would never lead us into danger and be hot headed" he then looked at Kiyoshi and winked.


    Zetsu stood up. He had chain marks on his arms that looked painful but still bowed to everyone.


    ¡°I travel as well, but I¡¯m friends with Gekido here. I can conjure weapons and spells at my free will, but I was raised in a place different than this. I do like to eat but I myself was unaware of this whole situation," he said as he sat down. There was not much to say since he was usually the quiet one of the group.


    Sukai stood up after sipping his coffee. A tattoo of a full moon embraced in rain and the clouds was visible on his right shoulder.


    "I am a master of wind and water, and I am the son of the moon goddess Kaguya. No, I am not royalty, just good friends with this company. I joined of my own free will and I like to have time to myself sometimes,¡± the cheerful side was gone from last night. It was like he¡¯d changed overnight. Everyone looked at him but brushed it off momentarily.


    "His dark side is coming out." Yami thought.


    Rindo stood up with a bow.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "The name is Rindo Ragakurei. I¡¯m a fighter like these guys but I usually can''t interfere due to my obligations to my father sadly. You''ll find out more about me later" he said as he sat down.


    There was a momentary pause as the girls, and even the guys processed what had just been said. Despite saying to reveal everything it was only understandable that some things just couldn''t be voiced to total strangers.


    Kajima raised herself from the floor and sighed. More questions had been raised with every answer, but she resigned herself to sticking with the plan and prepared herself to say what she had always kept to herself until now.


    "I suppose I should start from the beginning if any of this is to make sense," she began and closed her eyes as she spoke aloud the memories of her mind.


    "It all started when I was at a young age. I had a younger sister that I loved very much even though we didn''t see eye to eye on things all the time. She was more outgoing, and I was quieter and reserved. Still am I suppose. Things seemed pretty normal for a few years until I started realizing that I had powers around the age of 10 or 11. My parents saw this and were proud to have someone like me in the family. My potential was recognized, and I was put to work immediately after school hours. I was skeptical about it all, at first. Then the deity named Tsuki that we all saw yesterday appeared before me one day. Said it was my destiny to become a ninja assassin with the fire powers that I wield as it would help me in the future that was to come. I tried my best to act normal around my family, especially my sister who was already upset with me for having powers in the first place," Kajima paused and took a deep breath to keep the pool of tears forming in her eyes from falling.


    "Tragedy struck not long after I found out all of this. Our house caught on fire suddenly one day and killed both of my parents. My sister was nowhere to be found, so I looked around frantically to try and find her. No such luck. It''s like she had just disappeared into thin air. That same day this tattoo formed on my arm and since then I''ve been able to transform into a dragon. I traveled alone after that and continued to train for ten years, never letting anyone get close. I never knew what happened that day, and I had lost hope in finding my sister. Until I ended up meeting and traveling with the rest of these girls here, I thought I was the only one who had it bad, and then the stories all seemed too similar. It was around that time that I heard about Ragnarok, or Raiden. Then...yesterday...everything became a little clearer..." She paused for a minute trying to absorb everything and then opened her eyes slowly.


    "That girl that we all saw yesterday that did something to those pillars...that was Yukina. My sister."


    There was a pregnant pause as everyone looked at her in surprise, and a little sadness at her story. Chikako was the one to break it as she stood up suddenly and walked over to one of the windows littering the room. Her gaze never left the scenery outside as she spoke up.


    "I was the first one to meet and travel with Kajima. My past is a clich¨¦ I suppose as I grew up in a rich family who wanted me to take over the business when I was old enough. I refused repeatedly and got my way for the most part. Went to a normal high school and college. It was there that I met Reid Osaka. We fell in love and he proposed to me after graduation. I was so ecstatic that I could not wait to inform my parents of my engagement and brought him along with me to meet them. My parents were...less than pleased to say the least. They told me I was to marry someone of my own stature. Reid had cared enough to let me go, but I despaired. It was then that I realized that I had earth powers, and being the first time to realize this along with being in the state of mind I was I could not control my powers," Chikako hugged herself with her arms and grit her teeth.


    "I ended up killing Reid with those powers. To this day I still despise myself and will always be heartbroken. I ran. I ran and didn''t look back to see what my parents thought of me. I found a job as a model to try to take my mind off things with little success. Then one-night Tsuki paid a visit to my dreams and cryptically told me that I would find my true purpose and myself again soon. It was only a few days later that I had stopped at a teashop to grab a bite to eat and sat in the only seat available next to Kajima. We chatted a bit and being tired of my mundane existence every day I joined up with her on a whim. So... here I am." She finished with a small shrug but did not look away from the window.


    All eyes bore into her with one pair more intense than the rest. Shizue ran up to Chikako and gave her a hug from behind. She was the closest to her out of everyone and Chikako was like a mother to her. She turned and entwined her fingers together as she looked at the ground and started speaking.


    "I was the third to join. I never knew my real parents and was orphaned at a very young age. This orphanage was isolated from everything else by the sea. The other kids in that place did not like me very much and would make fun of me and beat me. The warden did not help either since she didn''t like kids. It was a relief when some of the kids got adopted, but it only made it worse with the ones who were left. I was small for my age, and shy so the bigger kids liked to pick on me by throwing me into the sea and seeing how long I lasted. After a few times of this, I realized that I could speak to the sea animals and I could breathe underwater. Tsuki also paid me a visit saying that I had much more potential than being stuck in that place. I kept it to myself until it got so bad one day with the kids kicking me and pulling my hair and jeering at me...I''d had enough and wanted to escape that place. With my newly discovered power, I sent the water crashing down onto them effectively scaring them and swam as fast as I could across the sea with some help from my sea friends. I finally reached dry land and was too exhausted to get up for a while and Kajima and Chikako came across me and things went from there...and yeah," Shizue twiddled her thumbs together nervously as she finished her tale. Chikako placed a hand on her right shoulder and nodded once letting her know that it was alright.


    Saiko knew it was her turn since she had been the fourth to join on this escapade. Feeling nervous but trying not to let it show she turned to look straight into Gekido''s eyes for leverage as she started her tale.


    "Well, I hate to bring the mood down even further but seeing as I have no choice I might as well just get it over with. I''ve always been different, even growing up. I liked to get in trouble, skipped school, got in fights, just had a lot of crazy shit going on. Anyway, my parents were afraid of me. They thought I was crazy and didn''t want to deal with me, so I got stuck in an insane asylum once I dropped out of high school. I''ve got psychotic powers see. I can bend time, read minds if I so wish, that kind of stuff. Well having these powers combined with my attitude is what got me thrown in there in the first place. My own personal hell is what I call it," Her eyes never wavered from Gekido''s as she said her next line. "That is where I had a personal encounter with Ragnarok...Raiden as y''all call him." A collective gasp reverberated through the room as Gekido''s eyes hardened, but never left hers.


    "At that point in time, I didn''t know who he was or nothing. I just thought he was another crazy fucked up psycho just like the rest of us. Except he was the head of the place, or so I thought. I noticed that he would ask for one of the female inmates every now and then and they''d be gone for a while but always come back looking worse for wear. Anyway, all I heard all day and all night in that place were the moans and screams of the other inmates and it was all I could do to shut it out as I sat behind those bars of my dingy little cell. My only reprieve was that I''d get a visit from Tsuki every now and then. She''d sit and talk with me and she helped me realize that I''m not crazy like everyone else in that place. That''s the only way I kept my sanity. She mentioned that in my darkest hour I would find the light. I still don''t really know what that means but she stopped visiting altogether and over the next couple of days I noticed my food had been drugged. Powerless to do anything because of the drugs coursing through my veins I was dragged along like a lifeless doll one day when it was obviously my turn to be summoned to see the ''warden''. I was strapped down to what looked to be an examining table and the guards who dragged me in there finished their jobs and left with malicious laughs. Not understanding what was going on and unable to use my powers I looked on helplessly as the next events unfolded. I won''t go into detail because this is something none of y''all need to know details on but...long story short the bastard said a few words and raped me."


    Gekido''s eyes became hard as steel and she glanced away momentarily at the sound of disgusted gasps from the girls and noticed that all the guys had murderous looks on their faces. She looked back into Gekido''s eyes with a sad smile.


    "My darkest hour indeed...and the first time I ever cried. I now knew what he had done to the other females in that place and I didn''t wish it on any one of them. I understood then why they were so broken. Even in their hopeless minds a shred of humanity still existed. Instead of letting it break me I found the resolve to break out of that place and straightened myself up to go searching for that bastard and kill him. It was during this time that I ran into those three." she pointed to Kajima, Shizue, and Chikako in question, "and found that we had a similar goal."


    Moods were reeling after Saiko concluded her dark story. Every single person in that room had even more reason to end Raiden once and for all. They all decided to take a short break to recollect themselves before resuming with the remaining girls'' reasons for being here. Sora decided to try and lighten the mood.


    "Erm well, I certainly don''t have a story that dark. In fact, I feel like I''d be borin'' after y''alls tales of derring-do. I guess I kind of just joined up cause I wanted to. Gave me somethin'' to do. I was your typical smart, sporty high school girl I reckon. Helped classmates with their homework, outran everyone in the triathlon, I was popular there since everyone thought I was so cool with the way I dressed and was cheerful with everyone. The only thing unusual about me is that I never had any real friends or boyfriends and realized I could control the wind. That''s why I always outran everyone! I met Tsuki once after I got a job as a fashion designer. She popped by my workplace and asked about dresses to my boss and shot me a look and a smile before she left. Never said nothin''. It was later that day as I was headin'' to my flat that I bumped into the girls and y''all know the rest!"


    A couple of the listeners had leaned in to hear her tale since she spoke so fast it was hard to catch everything if one did not pay attention closely. Assa just burst out laughing for the second time in two days. This girl was something else. It served the purpose of lightening the mood however, as everyone visibly relaxed. Kiyoshi spoke up for the first time since encountering the men, now confident enough to tell her tale. She spoke in a shy, quiet voice.


    "I suppose it''s time that I introduced myself formally, as a proper human and not the cat you all saw me as yesterday. I am Kiyoshi Amarante. I''m a shapeshifter. Some people call me a Neko since I tend to take on the appearance of cats more than anything. I grew up an only child and was isolated from society most of my life growing up. I never played with anyone at school when I did go and was made fun of. Most people did not take kindly to shapeshifters back then. I''d usually just sit alone in a hoodie and read a book. I tended to attract cats wherever I went and one day a little girl about my age came to play with me and the cats. I was so happy that I couldn''t control my ears or tail popping out at the time because my emotions can cause them to appear at unwanted times. The girl saw this and ran away from me scared. That had been the last straw. Anyway, as I got older my hair started turning blue whenever I would change. It also signified that I was growing more confident. I took a job as a maid but was always lacking something in my life. Tsuki came by one day but didn''t order anything. She just told me that what I was missing would be found and left. I thought it was strange, but I ended up meeting and joining the girls after work the next day." She cleared her throat, signifying that she was done talking. Kirai couldn''t get over how sweet her voice sounded when she spoke.


    Haruki huffed and stood up with a flourish. Amai stood up with her.


    "Save the best for last eh?" She said as she looked around at everyone with her red eyes and blew a stray hair out of her face.


    "You all, especially the rest of you women, are probably wondering by now why my sister and I disappear at the first sign of darkness. Well I wouldn''t call it ''being cursed'' by Raiden or anything because we''ve been around probably a lot longer than him." Amai sweat dropped as she sensed her sister''s flair for the dramatics getting the best of her. Haruki slammed one of her feet down on a chair and leaned forward.


    "Here''s the deal. I''ve heard all your sob stories and I have to say...this takes the cake of anything I''ve heard in all my 2400 years. Yes, 2400 years old. You see, I disappear at night because I despise what I am at that time. I''m part vampire, part deity. Amai here is part vampire by night, and a gluttonous human being by the day."


    "Hey!" Amai protested. Haruki continued.


    "Amai doesn''t remember what she does during the night, so I have to be there to remind her and she''s the one who dragged me into this whole mess with her natural curiosity and lack of anything better to do. You have intrigued me though, which is hard to do, so I''ve decided to stick around." She sat down. Everyone else just sweat dropped.


    Yami''s eyes darkened as he remembered his uncle raping his mother and his lover as he slit their throats while they were sleeping. He clutched his fists harder as black nails started to dig into his palms. He had even more reason to kill the monster of a family member he had.


    "I''m glad you all shared with us I''m sorry I couldn''t share more but if I did this inn would be nothing right now," his voice had deepened, and the whites of his eyes were turning black. His breath was catching so he sat down to breath.


    "We''ll be here a few more days supply gathering and recovering,¡± Yami said.

 Chapter 4

    Everyone was taking a moment to process everything in their minds that had been said in that library. Assa looked on at Sora and couldn''t help but connect with the woman''s energy. He gave her a grin before hearing his elder brother say that he was worried.


    "His old injuries," he thought as he glanced up at his brother and nodded before getting up and walking out. He hated seeing anyone hurt, especially family, sure he could heal people, but his brothers¡¯ wounds seemed to never heal because of the curse.


    Gekido had blood dripping down his hands since he had clenched his fists too tight from hearing Saiko''s story. He couldn''t help but want to tear into the man he once called uncle''s throat as he let a low growl escape his lips.


    Kirai softly put a hand on Kiyoshi''s leg with sympathetic look on his face.


    "You¡¯re not the only one," he thought as he turned to walk off. He needed to take in what all was said as his big white wolf tail trailed out from his tailbone and his ears popped out while he was deep in thought.


    Zetsu jumped up and sighed


    "Well I¡¯m going back to breakfast since I didn''t get to finish it," he glanced at Haruki as his eyes shifted purple and back to green. He headed back to the dining hall to get food again, his stomach was growling at him profusely.


    Sukai sighed and dusted his pants off as he walked out while cracking his neck.


    "If anyone needs me, I¡¯ll be looking for new clothes," His vibrant blue eyes looked darker than normal as he walked out of the inn and to the nearest clothing shop.


    Kasai stretched as he yawned.


    "I¡¯m going to swim, take it easy," he then went to his room to get another pair of trunks before he jumped into the pool to cool himself off and think.


    ¡°So much has happened, and I feel bad for so many of the women," he thought as he floated on his back.


    Rex grunted as his eyes hardened. He looked at his hands as a stray tear fell from his face. He brushed it away impatiently and got up hastily.


    "I need to train," he grabbed his katana and went outside the window that Chikako was standing at and just trained doing reps with his sword.


    Ishi went back to his room thinking of a way to get rid of the control on Yukina.


    "She was very beautiful," he thought and blushed as he shook his head. He laid back on his bed contemplating more on the matter.


    Rindo was intrigued by Tsuki to say the least. He sensed a presence in the tower he was so fond of going to, said his farewells, and flew off into the direction of the tower. He pondered on who could be in his spot. His eyes were stern, but the presence felt familiar.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Most of the women dispersed to go do their own thing for a while after the guys left. Soon it was just Kajima and Yami remaining. Kajima scrutinized Yami closely. He was still staring at the floor, and she could sense the intent to kill in his aura. Honestly, after all of this, she didn''t think there was one of them that did not want to destroy Raiden once and for all. She could also tell that he was hurting mentally, but also physically. Not knowing how to heal wounds, she tried to clear the awkwardness in the air by speaking to him personally for the first time.


    "I''m sorry about your uncle...none of us bear any ill will towards you for his actions if that is something that bothers you. I''m sorry about my sister earlier. It''s the first time I''ve seen her in so long ... I am curious though...Did you...get that tattoo like I did?" Kajima looked down at her own arm and ran her hand along the crimson ink. She looked back up to see Yami watching her with an unreadable look in his eyes. Something else came to mind before he could answer. "Also, it does not take a week to gather supplies...a day at best...why in no rush to leave with such a strong urge to get rid of your uncle once and for all?"


    Amai had wanted to rejoin Zetsumei in the kitchen but after everything that had been said she did not have the courage to face him for fear of what he thought of her now that he knew she was part vampire. Hesitating momentarily in front of the kitchen door, she shook her head and slowly walked on up to her bedroom. She figured she may as well try to get some sleep.


    Sora decided to go window shopping and see how the clothes here compared to her own designs. She was curious as to where Assa went but thought it best to leave him be for now. Their earlier talk had left even her feeling less spirited than she normally was.


    Saiko was heading up to the roof to get some fresh air after her confession. She was a little afraid of what people would think, but before she could set foot on the final staircase, she was stopped by someone shouting her name and a hand wrapping around her wrist. Surprise lit up her eyes as she spun around to see Gekido panting in his hurry to catch up to her. He looked slightly panicked and it took him a moment to catch his breath before he opened his mouth to speak.


    Rex was the only one to not reveal much about his past. Chikako mused over this as she left the window that he was training in front of and decided to take a walk in the streets. There was something about his gaze earlier that Chikako couldn''t stop thinking about. It was almost like he understood what she was going through more than the others...


    Shizue wanted to take a swim so badly after all that, but Kasai had already claimed the pool. Again. Too shy to join anyone else in swimming, she settled for sunbathing herself next to the pool and sniffed the chlorine scented air. Change was coming. There was a palpable excitement in the air that she could smell in the water. What it was she did not know... She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn''t notice someone splashing water on her until it was too late.


    Haruki was too tired from the excitement to do anything except go back to bed for a few hours and Kiyoshi was still blushing from the lingering feeling of Kirai''s hand on her knee. It was the first time anyone had touched her in such a gentle way. She had wandered into the back alley behind the inn for some quality time with the local cats. She was popped from her reverie all too soon as her oversensitive nose wrinkled in disgust. Someone had not emptied the trash in over a week...


    Someone was coming. She could sense it in her bones. It was familiar...like an old song she''d never heard before, but a tune she had heard her whole life. Tsuki glided to her window, hardly daring to believe that it was who she thought. The flapping of wings could be heard and suddenly he was there hunched on the windowsill and staring at her as if he too could not believe this was real. "Rindo...," she breathed.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Yami sighed as he touched his arm.


    "No, I was born with this mark," he smiled sadly


    "My curse is to never be able to heal until my uncle is dead," he looked at the ceiling while touching the cross shaped scar on his left cheek.


    "Also, there is a festival starting in a few days and I can¡¯t miss it since I am to be a part of it. It involves the founding of this village by my family," He smiled as a bit of happiness shone in his eyes and he walked over and helped Kajima up. His hands were rough but firm. His figure was built, and dark skinned. Unlike his brothers he had the build of a warrior and calmness like the wind on a warm spring day.


    "If you would like to stay and watch it, my vengeance will come," He blushed and looked away at what he just said.


    "Plus, I have a few things to do as well in town and it gives me time to get back to how I was," He looked into her ice blue eyes with his yellow and orange ones as another blush bloomed on his face. He had never spoken to anyone as much as he did right now.


    Assa sighed as he walked the streets. His ears and tails were showing, and everyone was waving and bowing to him happily. He waved and bowed back respectfully. He was now wearing a kimono and dress pants in honor of the festival coming up. Assa had a giant blue fox tattoo that covered his back that was visible from the back of his neck. His blue eyes were scanning the environment as he went through the town. The sounds and smells alerted his senses as he weaved in and out of people¡¯s way to let them get things ready for the festival.Stolen story; please report.


    "Almost that time again," he said to no one as he smiled brightly.


    Gekido panted as he looked into Saiko¡¯s eyes and gently held her by her wrist. He pulled her into and embrace as he slowly started to regain his composure. He was a well-built man even with his clothing on. His muscles could be felt easily with how light they were.


    "Mind if I come get some air with you?" He said with a smile and a calm soothing composure.


    "You look like you shouldn''t be alone right now anyway, and I''d love to give you some company," he blushed as he walked to the roof with her. Has he finally found his happiness?


    "I hope I have," he thought to himself.


    Kasai grinned at a now wet Shizue that he had just splashed water on.


    "You afraid of sharing the pool or something,¡± he asked with his voice full of energy. He swam in place and brushed away some of his hair that was matting his face. His grin never faltered at seeing the shocked look on her face and he had to laugh. He got out to sit in a chair made of water. He had a tattoo of a shark on his left forearm that was in plain sight as he smiled lightly at her.


    "I don''t bite ya know?" he said with a chipper tone.


    Rex panted as he looked down sadly.


    "It''s not your fault" he heard a voice echo over and over in his head as he saw an image of a woman lying dead in his arms. He gritted his teeth and hissed in pain as he turned the blade on his forearm. A moment later he let out a growl of anger and sadness at realizing what he had done.


    "I''m no use to anyone¡­ it''s my fault your gone Rin," he voices to no one sadly. His eyes were full of tears and anger. Tears for murdering the love of his life by accident, and anger for him still living for her wish to be happy.


    "I''m a monster," his voice became soft as he sheathed his katana and walked into the public streets. He moved in and out of crowds; his arm was still bleeding, but he didn¡¯t care as he walked without a destination in mind. His head was starting to get dizzy.


    Rindo sat perched on the ledge of the tower windowsill. His black and white hair was covering his golden yellow eyes.


    "Tsuki..." he breathed out. He couldn''t believe she was in this world with him. Rindo looked to the sky and grit his teeth as he got into his own mind for a moment.


    "What is your plan for me now father?" he thought to himself as he looked back to Tsuki. His eyes began to glow brightly. He hopped down from the windowsill and slowly walked towards her.


    Sukai looked around finding clothes that were like his but of darker color. He decided to buy them along with some bright ones involving black and blue with a hint of white, and a moon on the back. Red and whites blended in with the sun on the opposite side.  He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair and decided to stick it up in a ponytail. This revealed his blue orbs more, but it also caused him to get more looks from the girls. He shook his head and bowed, thanking the cashier for the clothes as he walked back to the inn.


    "Every time I put my hair up women swoon, I can''t stand it" he thought as he moved quickly through town.


    Zetsumei was put out. He couldn''t even eat. He had gone to his room and growled as his eyes turned purple. He felt the air leave his lungs as his room got cold.


    "No not now," he voiced to no one as he locked his door. The sounds of chains could be heard rattling as he bolted himself to the bed again, the room was darker than shadow as he had shut the curtains the night prior.


    "No one can know about me like this right now," he whispered, and his voice sounded dark and cold as death.


    Meanwhile, Ishi was walking the streets and formulating plans. After a while of this he headed back to his inn room.


    ¡°I almost have it figured out," he voiced to himself as he sat there pondering. If he thought any harder his head would explode, but he was never one to give up or quit since he is the Warrior of Light and he will find a solution.


    Kirai had been walking the streets after his meditation when he saw a bunch of cats gathered around in one of the back alley¡¯s and went to see what was going on when he saw Kiyoshi.


    "Seems you found some friends," he said with a bright smile as he sat a few feet from her and began petting one of the cats. It gave him a purr of acceptance.


    "Seems we''re alike you and I" he said with a sad smile after a moment which got him a curious gaze from her.


    "I was picked on like you and was feared because I¡¯m a shapeshifter, so I came to the wilds of the woods and grew up with wolves, I really didn''t want to say too much in the room so I thought I¡¯d open up a bit to you," he said as he gave her a bright smile.


    Kajima was intrigued, to say the least. By more than one thing that is. She was starting to find out that there was more than meets the eye to Yami Kaminari.


    "A festival...I haven''t been to one of those since I was little. I suppose I can stay for a few days to see what your hometown is like." She rose from her chair slowly and looked deeply into Yami''s eyes for the first time.


    "We will end this curse once and for all. For all of us. That''s a promise." She gave him a rare genuine smile and made her way out to the bustling city streets. Signs of people getting ready for the festival were now visible wherever she looked. With a small sigh, she started heading for where she thought the bank would be. Her parents had left her a small fortune that she hardly ever touched. Now seemed as good a time as ever. She did have a kimono to hunt for after all.


    Sora had found her kimono already once hearing about the upcoming festival. To say that she was excited was putting it lightly. These sorts of things always made her giddy. She always had a lot of guys clamoring for her to be their date for the events when she was in high school. There was always one lucky guy that she would choose every year but so far, no man had caught her interest enough to go beyond a few simple days of hanging out and enjoying the fun. Sora noticed that even now, in a strange town there were a few men eyeing her as if they wanted to ask her out. Some of them were not half bad looking and she sized up everyone she met. A festival wasn''t as fun without some company after all. The question was who was the lucky guy she would pick this time? A flash of a tail caught her attention and suddenly no one else was there. She made a beeline for the fox sprite, her kimono bag swinging in her hand. She had found her culprit.


    "Assa!" She called not noticing the abbreviation of his name. He turned and waved once he caught sight of her, his eyes lit up happily. She caught up to him and gave him a once over.


    "Hey, nice clothes! Way to start fresh with this festival huh. So, I was wondering if you would be my escort for the duration of the event?" Sora was not known to be very shy at all, and she effectively shut down the hopes of several bystanders with that one sentence.


    Saiko looked out on the preparations taking place below as she stood next to Gekido with a small smile on her face. He had eased her mind of worry with just a look and a few words and had accompanied her to the roof. Not a whole lot had been said between them except some words of understanding on both parts, and a brief mention of joining the festival together. Saiko thought she couldn''t be happier as she stood there with Gekido in comfortable silence. He looked at her in slight alarm as something dawned on her while watching the townspeople and let out a shriek.


    "I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!" she promptly dashed off the roof and Gekido watched her exit the building and run into the streets knocking a few people down in her haste. He couldn''t help but laugh.


    Sea-blue orbs widened in shock at the sudden shower and could only stare at Kasai as he sat next to her, asking if she was afraid of water and saying he didn''t bite. She could almost beg to differ as she warily took in his shark tattoo. Flashbacks of being almost drowned by other kids her age flew through her mind temporarily until she realized that this feeling bubbling up inside of her was different. It was not fear. It was something else...almost...fun. He was playing with her, she realized. A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she finally spoke.


    "No, I love the water. I just don''t really hang around people much especially after the orphanage...I didn''t want to intrude." Kasai gave her a look of understanding before a mischievous look appeared in his eye and that feeling of fun bubbled over as she laughed for the first time. Kasai had picked her up with ease and threw her over his shoulder as he waded back into the pool.


    Chikako rummaged through her belongings and pulled out a piece of forest green fabric. She slowly sunk back onto her bed as she ran her fingers over the silky material. Being a model, she had access to all sorts of different clothes. She had woken up earlier to the sound of her cleaning maid knocking on the door. She had been a bit of a talker, even though she barely said anything herself. When the maid had mentioned the upcoming festival and asked her if she would be going Chikako had told her she would think about it. Even though she had no one to go with she figured she could at least make an appearance for one night.


    "Pleassseee??? I really want to go! I''ll figure out how to work it out during the night!" Amai was currently begging her sister Haruki to go with her to the festivities. Haruki was stubbornly refusing.


    "There is too much that could go wrong! Most of the people out there are not aware that some of us have powers or are halflings! It''s not safe, especially for you since you would be in your vampire form during the night." Amai continued to pout even though she knew that her sister made some good points. Still, how often did they get to stop and have fun...? An idea started to form in her head.


    Kiyoshi couldn''t believe her luck. Here she was, sitting in a dark alley with half a dozen cats and the only other person she had met that was also a shapeshifter. Kirai had settled down and was now sitting comfortably with her and feeding scraps to the kittens. What was odd is that she felt relaxed around him even though he practically screamed stranger danger. Hot stranger danger for that matter...Kiyoshi decided then and there that she was done being an outcast and wanted to get to know this man better. Perhaps spending time with him at the upcoming festival was a good place to start...if he wanted to that is.


    Tsuki wasted no time wrapping Rindo into an embrace. "It has been too long! How did you find me?" She asked as he returned her hug a little tightly. She had feared the worst as flashbacks of her distant past came flooding back to her. "How are you...alive?"


    Footsteps echoed down a long cold and dark hallway. She could hear them coming and rolled her eyes. Great, she had to deal with her again. Her door opened with a bang and the orange and black-haired demon girl that she despised told her cockily that Raiden had a job for her to do.

 Chapter 5

    A day later Yami smiled lightly as he walked out into the street towards the kimono store. He was bowing and greeting everyone until he entered the shop. The owner bowed to him.


    "My lord it''s good to see you home!" he greeted as Yami waved at him.


    "It''s good to be home for a while," he said as the owner nodded and smiled.


    "How may I serve you today" he asked as a handful of coins was dropped onto his desk.


    "Can you make two kimonos, one for me and a lady friend of mine?" He smiled as the owner nodded. Yami described Kajima''s size and measurements and the color and design hoping she would like it. He then described how he wanted black with a purple dragon and wolf on his and bowed once finished before going on with his daily business for the day. The owner also said he would do some extra trimming for free.


    "Also if she comes to purchase a kimono ask her if she wants to try the one you make for her since I told you details of a bit of how she dresses and colors," He smiled as he remembered saying that to the owner. He was getting excited for the festival even though his role was important in the festivities as well, since he is the lord of the town but also a protector of this world unbeknownst to the group of men and women he traveled with except his brothers.


    Assa smiled as he played with the children and heard Sora''s proposal and blushed a bit.


    "Of course, I''d love to go with you," He tossed candy to the children and smiled as they bowed and hugged him and his tails.


    "Thank you, big brother Assa!" the kids chimed up at him as his ears twitched and his tails swayed softly brushing Sora''s arm slightly.


    "You¡¯re very welcome children, now go to your mothers and stay safe in the streets," His voice was full of warmth and strength as he walked through the streets and pulled a fox mask from his sleeves.


    Gekido chuckled as he followed Saiko from the inn and into the kimono shop. The owner bowed to him as they entered.


    "Lord Gekido how may I help you?" Gekido smiled and told the owner to drop the formalities as he pointed to Saiko walking next to her


    "Just here with her so she can pick a kimono out for the festival," he smiled as he already had a red kimono with the kanji symbol for Strength in his hands. He looked at Saiko.


    "Pick out what you''d like, and I¡¯ll pay for it. My treat," He smiled at her a grand smile that he never would share with others.


    Kasai grinned as he dunked Shizue and laughed as he swam away quickly with a grin on his face.


    "The water has always been a haven for me. It calms my mind when I get to thinking of the dark times I went through," he said as he looked up at the sky.


    "I was picked on as a child myself, but I found out I was the son of a water goddess; and to my surprise water is my grand affinity," He smiled as he looked down at Shizue. He hadn¡¯t wanted to share much in the library, but to this woman he could tell anything.


    Rex was back upstairs and freaking some of the maids out with all the blood he got on the floor. He slammed his fist accidentally into Chikako''s door as he stumbled from the blood loss.


    "I''m so stupid!" he roared out to no one; huffing the whole time. He had slashed a pretty good gash into his arm and was sweating a bit as he sat against the wall across from Chikako''s room.


    "It''s my own fault...I¡¯m sorry Rin," he said as he almost blacked out before he saw a green haired beauty run towards him.


    Zetsu panted as he got up his eyes were still purple, but he still felt like himself. He took a deep breath to calm down and couldn¡¯t help overhearing that Amai wanted to go to the festival coming up soon. He smiled and undid his chains before leaving his room and knocking on the pink haired half-vampire¡¯s door. He was hoping to maybe get to know her better, and he wasn''t afraid of what she was. He was more afraid of what he was and was hoping she wouldn''t fear him.


    Kirai smiled as he looked into Kiyoshi¡¯s eyes.


    "I was wondering if you''d like to go to this festival with me," he smiled as he petted another cat getting a purr of acceptance from it and hearing a bit of a mew from her as he chuckled, he could be blunt sometimes and he blushed looking away for a minute thinking he pushed too far asking that.


    Rindo looked down at Tsuki with golden eyes they were not the emerald they were when they met, and his hair was black and white now as well instead of its normal brown and blue.


    "It''s been a while Tsuki, and I survived because of my father," he closed his eyes as he saw that she was relieved he was ok, and he smiled.


    "But I¡¯m glad you¡¯re safe as well Tsuki," he looked towards the village.


    "We should go to the festival I heard it''s nice every year," he said out of nowhere as he blushed.


    While everyone was going about the preparations for the next few days, Ishi departed the group unknowingly and was already far away from the village to keep it safe. He had to free Yukina without the others knowing, and he would set a trap of his own. He couldn¡¯t let the enemy know that he will be willingly captured.  What could they do? He was tortured and tormented before, and nothing can break an already broken person since he is kind of dull in the group and doesn''t like to talk much since he felt out of place. Sensing Yukina''s aura he nodded as he sat against a brick wall and closed his eyes, feeling the ice-cold aura approach closer he thought back.


    "I''d have to go white or black mage to free her of control and get her memories regained." he nodded to himself.


    ______________________________________________________________________________


    Excitement was buzzing through the air. Tanabata, or the star festival, was starting in two days'' time. This festival is observed on July 7 and can run on for a couple of days. As the date approaches, long, narrow strips of colorful paper known as tanzaku, vibrant ornaments, and other decorations are hung from bamboo branches, enlivening the decor of homes as well as brightening shopping arcades, train stations, and other public spaces throughout Yami''s town. Before they are hung, tanzaku are inscribed with a wish, such as a child¡¯s dream of becoming a famous magician or a parent¡¯s hope for career success.


    Children were running rampant through the streets and laughing while decorations were being placed. This put a smile on most townsfolk''s faces. The smell of somen wafted through the air and Kajima took a moment to appreciate the noodles'' steamy smell before entering the final dress shop in the town. An old man greeted her warmly from behind the counter. She nodded in reply before heading to the small section of kimonos that were left. Most of the town had already found their outfits for the festival. Kajima was starting to get a little discouraged as she looked through the rack. Not even one of the kimonos left in stock had caught her eye. The old man smiled secretly and walked up to her during her second perusal.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Excuse me miss, but if I may I have a kimono that was specially made earlier this morning that looks like it might be your size. Would you like to have a look at it?" Kajima blushed and said she didn''t want to impose, but the old man only scoffed and turned to shuffle through a door that led to the back. She stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do with herself for a moment until he backed out of the door with some silky fabric laying over his arms. Kajima''s mouth popped open with a delighted gasp. This kimono was breathtaking. It was black with silver and crimson dragons entwining each other along the train, and cherry blossoms were scattered amongst them. The obi was crimson with black and gold flame patterns scattered throughout to accent the dragons. It was a warrior''s kimono but made to fit any occasion in a pinch.


    "It''s beautiful...you said it was just made today? How much...?" The old man chuckled at her stuttering.


    "Why it''s free of charge my dear. My lord, Yami visited me earlier this morning to have it made just for you. Kajima''s mouth popped open once again.


    She had her dress. She had her date. There was nothing left for Sora to do for the festival but wait for it to arrive. She was currently sitting on a bench in a small park and eating tonkatsu smothered in a curry sauce with shredded cabbage, rice, and a bowl of miso soup. There was a storyteller just within hearing range from where she sat that was weaving his tale of the festival to a group of young children and she listened to it while she ate. According to the folktale, Orihime, a gifted weaver, and Hikoboshi, a hard-working cow herder, began to neglect their duties upon being wed. The couple incurred the wrath of the bride¡¯s father Tentei, the emperor of heaven, and were exiled to separate ends of the Milky Way. They are granted a meeting each July 7 so long as they both diligently fulfill their celestial obligations during the other days of the year. So, the festival was about hopes, dreams, and love. Sora couldn''t help but start to wonder what wish she would write on one of the tanzaku. Her arm tingled with the memory of Assa''s tails brushing against it. She was too busy musing over her recent predicament to hear the second tale the storyteller was now weaving about a second festival that the whole of Fantazia celebrated.


    Saiko had been pleasantly surprised when Gekido decided to accompany her to one of the dress shops and bought her the kimono of her choosing. The furious blush on his face when she had tried it on in the dressing room and had him scrutinize it had been worth it. Saiko chuckled at the memory as she carried her new package in her arms back to the inn. It was a short kimono. Her obi was solid gold and her dress was purple with golden stripes and checkers with big pink flowers adorning the cloth. A hint of red could be seen from her nagajuban. All she had left to decide now was decide how she wanted her hair to be. This excited her more than anything since it will be the first time that she ever had a reason to worry about her appearance.


    Shizue was slowly coming out of her shell. She had swum and frolicked about with Kasai for a good hour and found out more about the man. Happiness was flowing through her now that she had someone she could relate to and was brave enough to float through the crowded town with him now as he showed her key points of interest. Kasai was taking her to one of the nearby clothing shops since he had all but asked her to come with him to the upcoming festivals earlier in the pool. This would be a new experience for her since she had grown up wearing tatty second-hand clothes and peered a little sadly down at her only faded black dress. It was the only clothing item she owned that she liked but she didn''t want to ask anyone else for clothes. She had not ever had a job before and had no way of buying her own essentials. They entered the shop and Kasai nudged her to find one that she liked. Inexperienced in the art of shopping she fumbled around the clothing aisles a bit until he chuckled and directed her to the kimono section after realizing this was probably her first-time clothes shopping. Kasai made a mental note to get her size and buy her a few outfits later as he helped her with the specifics of sizes and whatnot until she found one that made her squeak cutely. It was a traditional furisode with long wavy tamoto and a flowing obi. Navy and sea blue were the only colors that adorned it, but little droplets of water shone throughout. They both left the shop together, pleased with their purchase, and excited for the upcoming days.


    An image of a brown-haired young man ran through Chikako''s mind as she slammed her door open after hearing a thud upon it, saw what was going on, and flew towards Rex. She wasted no time tearing off a piece of her sleeve with uncanny strength and hurriedly wrapped it around the deep gash in Rex''s bleeding arm.


    "Don''t fall asleep!" She warned him as she lifted him up, pulled his good arm around her shoulders and flung an arm around his waist to drag him down to the nursing station. She quickly relayed what she had observed to the frazzled nurse and handed him over to her to take care of him before slouching down in a nearby chair with a huff. She didn''t know Rex very well yet, but she knew enough about what he had said about his past to have an idea of what he may have done. It was still a stupid thing to do and she would give him an earful once he had healed up enough. There had been too much death already, and she wasn''t about to see someone else die on her watch. She settled in to wait on a report and keep him company. Lord knows he needed it right now.


    Haruki opened the door to find Zetsumei standing there.


    "What do you want?" She rudely asked, placing one hand on her hip. Amai rolled her eyes and told him to ignore her and come on in as she gently removed her sister from the doorway. Zetsumei scratched the back of his head with an awkward chuckle and headed on in, closing the door behind him. He mentioned that he couldn''t help but overhear them talking about the festival and assured Haruki that he didn''t mind getting to know Amai''s vampire side if he had permission to take her to the festival with him and keep an eye on her that way. Amai''s eyes had lit up at this suggestion but Haruki was still skeptical about the whole thing.


    "I''m not comfortable with any of what just came out of your mouth. Amai alone with someone of the male species just screams bad news no matter which form she''s in. Long story so don¡¯t ask. I''m also obligated to be near wherever she''s at for several reasons and I don''t do crowds." Amai and Zetsumei gave her identical pouts. He pondered for a bit until an idea came to him.


    "Perhaps I could tempt you with some bribery then. What if...I bully Sukai into going with you and we all kind of do a double date thing so you can still keep an eye on Amai and he has to buy you everything you want during the course of the event, including but not limited to any food, souvenirs, and even clothing items if needed?" Haruki stared. Amai stared. Zetsumei shrugged nervously.


    "Well then. You got guts to do something like that I''ll give that to you at least," Haruki finally said as she crossed her arms and looked at her sister for a moment.


    "Fine. Sukai''s not an eyesore at least so I''ll agree just this once. If you can get him to agree that is." Zetsumei didn''t have time to reply before Amai squealed happily and knocked him over with her tight hug.


    Kiyoshi was dancing around her inn room giddily. She had a date for the upcoming festival and a dress to wear to it. She couldn''t believe her luck. No one had been interested in even getting close to her before and now here she was feeling like the luckiest girl in the world with a hot guy wanting to take her out. She had blushed and nodded shyly when Kirai had asked her to go with him in the alley earlier. She didn''t think anyone could have smiled bigger than he did at that time. Kirai had offered to help her find an outfit for the event but she had refused saying she wanted to surprise him. Kiyoshi glanced at the ruby and gold kimono with a crane in flight adorning the tamoto hanging on her door and squealed happily. She couldn''t wait to see Kirai''s reaction to her all dressed up in a couple of days.


    Tsuki had chatted with Rindo for a while before they had to part ways. She had agreed to go to the festival with him for one reason. It was only when she was around him that she could be human enough to be around other people without scaring them off. A short, simple black kimono with white trimmings and a few colorful designs going across it already covered her body snugly. She had the power to change her own clothes into whatever she fancied so she had no need to buy any. Her heart pounded with excitement and happiness to finally be with Rindo again.


    Yukina sighed as she thought back over the task Raiden had laid out for her as she paid for a room and walked upstairs. She had been ordered to disguise herself to blend in at the upcoming festival in a couple of days and ''get close'' to any one of the members she had encountered the other day of her choosing. She was then to dispose of them by any means necessary. This would make things easier for him he had said. The icy hearted woman frowned as she placed an illusion over herself. Her hair remained the same color, but she made it longer and straighter and her eyes went from icy blue to sapphire. Her full hourglass figure also became taller and leaner. She appeared to be a few years older than she was. With that done she walked out into the crowded streets and put a fake smile on her face to keep up appearances. Yukina didn''t run into any of the people she was supposed to meet but she did stop and find herself a plain white kimono with a solid, light pink obi. She debated on a fancier looking one with snowflakes falling all around it but decided against it since it might give her away. She was ready to start her mission.