"What is going on?! I can't believe they would kick out guests just like that how unprofessional!" Shinobu kicked the pebbles in front of her what Eiko was going through now was unfair this was a time period where she needed her friends and family the most. It pains Shinobu that people could be so heartless.
The sky was turning a darker shade of grey. Leaves from the ground started flying towards the direction of the chilly wind. A sign they had to start quickening their pace down the mountain, this made Shinobu's heart drop she wasn't sure if her legs could handle the uneven path and slippery slopes.
"We need to hurry the storm is coming. In this kind of situation you wouldn't want to be stuck up here." Douma waited for Shinobu to catch up with him purple eyes meeting his kaleidoscopic gaze. This must've been a traumatizing experience for Shinobu, being a visitor you would expect proper treatment from your hosts, instead she had to fend for herself.
"Don't get offended if I say this but is there something you're hiding from me Douma?" That was a sudden question. While it's true he isn't telling her what she's supposed to know the purple-haired girl probably wouldn't believe him, outsiders saw him as a normal human-being from his appearance. There was nothing to explain to her.
"I know you're hiding something it's not funny what did you do to make everyone hate you?" For some odd reason those words struck him, Shinobu could see it in his eyes. There was no use trying to hide anything from her she saw right through him.
Douma wasn't sure if he should tell her right away. This could result in her laughing at him like it was some kind of joke or worse, connecting the dots together both the storm and his status as this well-known shrine leader she'd be terrified of him. If that happens there's goes his remaining friend.
"Hello are you there? I came all the way to this place just to see my friends and now I get kicked out of places just because of someone who won't tell me-
Screams filled the air as Shinobu fell from the side of the mountain. Pieces of the debris she stepped on passed by her causing every muscle and nerve in her limbs to go numb. She wanted to close her eyes but she was too scared to do anything the ground was meters below her the thought of it squeezed her lungs until she started hyperventilating.
Help someone please! A million thoughts raced through her mind she wanted this nightmare to end. Convincing herself this was a dream turned her blood cold this was reality and there was nothing she could do in this state.
Suddenly she felt a pair of arms wrapped around her. The purple-haired girl opened her eyes and saw the familiar rainbow hues.
"Douma?" In his grasp she wasn't metres from the ground anymore, looking around in confusion Shinobu noticed a pair of bright wings. Her first thought at that very moment was a hallucination maybe she was seeing things but the warmth from his body made her think otherwise.
The rainbow-eyed being smiled at her and dove towards the mountain. Tugging on his kimono, Shinobu started breathing fast she was at the verge of fainting. "W-w-what are you?" She cried this couldn't be real humans can't fly, but it most definitely was her hand was holding on to an actual piece of clothing.
Placing her down gently, Douma stepped back and waited for her to calm down. Shinobu was still shaking in fear from what happened there was too much to process at once. Is he even human? What have I gotten myself into I need to get out of here.
"You're safe with me."
Shinobu glanced at the blonde his wings weren't there anymore. What if she was just imagining things it must've been a parachute. But there was nothing on the ground.
"Douma... who are you wait no, what are you?" Even words couldn't put how dumbfounded Shinobu was by her savior. Was he an angel or some sort of saint? But he looked like an ordinary human there was nothing peculiar about him. What would an ethereal being be doing here? Is something going to happen none of this was making any sense.
"I'm Paradise Shrine's leader, the blessing to the Hasu Mountains who came all the way from a world vastly different from yours. If you prove yourself righteous you might just have a chance of seeing it starting with the garden." This sounded very diplomatic Shinobu couldn't tell if Douma was being serious or not.
"And yes I'm being serious you've already seen my true identity."
"What?! How did you know- Shinobu placed her palm on her forehead. "Never mind I guess I shouldn't underestimate you but still why would an angel be roaming around the face of the Earth you're making me worried right now! Come on you're my uh strange friend I'd say? Don't take it too personally I just don't know how to react to this am I the only person who's seen you like this ya know the wings and-
Stepping over the grass clumsily, the world started spinning in the purple-haired girl's vision she was feeling very dizzy. Douma rushed to her aid holding her by the arm if a sentimental being witnesses even the tiniest detail of the identity of beings from his world, they faint on the spot, for Shinobu's case she just happened to be one of the few who managed to stay conscious long enough.
From his pocket, Douma took out a golden staff and raised it above him. Shinobu was slowly falling in and out of consciousness. Before the purple-haired girl gave in to the darkness Douma casted a spell that spiraled out of the staff and into the air. The embedded gem in the middle of the staff's higher compartment sparkled once.
Douma watched as Shinobu opened her eyes and got up she wasn't feeling tired or frightened anymore. Looking at the blonde she gave him a "What just happened?" look, to which he chuckled making her more confused than ever.
"If you see my forms and enigmatic abilities you won't faint anymore. Consider yourself lucky my dear friend." When that smile returned again Shinobu looked away in annoyance. Regardless she was still grateful for his help. With his kind heart anyone would see him as the blessing that he is.
"That staff can I see it again?"
"Oh that was just a prop." Walking away Douma focused on finding the way back leaving an irritated Shinobu behind.
"Which means you could've just used some magic of yours instead of baiting me like that? Quit trying to show off!" Catching up with him Shinobu decided to push the matter aside and find the way down the mountain with her friend he was the only one she could rely on around here.
Wow she sure is feisty. Despite her naggings Douma was glad to have her around, he would've been alone at the shrine with no one to talk to. At least there was someone who understood and appreciated him.
At the corner of his vision he could see Shinobu's footsteps in sync with his, shoes right beside each other every step they took.
"Douma you still didn't answer my question," Right there was something else bugging her which he didn't clarify yet.
"Is it about those people? Well you see I turned the weather cold for a short period of time because of the scorching heat," Douma replied looking at the huge tree straight ahead. "But for some reason the storm just won't disappear no matter what I do it vanishes temporarily and then returns. If I resort to getting rid of it permanently with a dimensional vortex for example, the human world will be at stake."
Hearing the last sentence made the hair at the back of her neck stand. Was it that serious? Douma despite having all the powers that everybody dreams of couldn't deflect the storm? If so how were they going to resolve this climatic problem it could go on for years to come soon the whole world might go back to the Ice Age. There has to be a way.
"Douma I'm sure there's something else you can do."
"I'm trying every time I use my powers the Winter Storm gets stronger that's why I stopped healing people, Eiko being an exception. As much as I want to sending an avalanche those monsters' way is only going to make the situation worse than it already is."
Shinobu looked at Douma in pity. How could people be so ignorant their leader was doing all he can to stop this storm they created; it was the truth they demanded he change the weather. These individuals should be accountable for what they did including the awful services she's been getting in the Hasu Mountains lately. Douma willing to save Eiko despite what's happened should be an eye-opener for people.
"We'll find a way." As much as she didn't want to say it given how unbearable Douma was at times, he needed some encouragement. Besides, Douma was the only one who could stop this disaster if he goes against humanity because of her nitpicking she'd be no different from those people. If only Shinobu had abilities like him, she could only dream.
"Watch your step." Both Douma and Shinobu stopped in their tracks. Blue, green and pink lotuses were covering the ground marked with a strange dark substance spreading across their petals. If Douma hadn't told her on time her shoes would've been stained with that disgusting goo.
Parked beside the trail was a grey truck with a logo imprinted on the door. The truck's carrier had a large speaker attached to some wires and machines. Douma widened his eyes when he noticed the speaker, he had been trying to find the source of that sound he heard. Now it was right here in such a nightmarish scene.
Picking up one of the lotuses, Douma took a closer look at the dark substance. It was sticky and the lotus petals were withering. From its appearance, Douma knew what caused this, those monsters the pond beside the large tree was an obvious hint.
Which brought his attention to the truck. Of all places what was it doing here, especially in the Hasu Mountains? First of all, these lotuses are a rare species whoever tries to sneak into these grounds just to steal them was making a huge mistake. The truck should answer all his questions the person behind this wasn't getting away.
"Douma is everything alright?"
The young founder inspected the logo on the truck, it didn't give him much information but at least he'd be able to recognize the organization. Now he just needed to find something that contains the name of the organization and more details about it.
Upon noticing several documents on the driver's seat, Douma reached out towards the truck's door and used his strength to force it open. He then grabbed one of the documents on the seat. Taking one last look to his side, the rainbow-eyed closed the door quietly and read the contents.
Panicking, Shinobu called out to him a few times. "Hurry what if the driver comes back!" She cried, "Put the document back once you're done reading it or we'll get into serious trouble!"
"Hmmm, Cryptic Sanctuary, there's no address here just a report about the lotuses. My instinct tells me it's somewhere in Tokyo or slightly further down since driving all the way here must've taken a while." Putting the document back, Douma glanced at the kitsune statue beside the tree. An idea sparked in his mind.
"Alright so where are we going now?" Shinobu looked at him sharply she just realized they had no plan after the visit to the clinic. Which meant now there was a reason for them to leave but does that mean she's coming along with him? That was something she didn't know how to feel about.
"To Tokyo and you're coming with me!" The blonde made it sound like it was some kind of fun adventure. Shinobu rolled her eyes she wasn't buying it there was a lot of work to do now and this was supposed to be a vacation.
"Yeah I'm not sure about that." Shinobu responded unsurely.
"I'm just kidding Shinobu this could be dangerous. Stay here with Reiji and the others. This is something I have to do by myself."
"By yourself? Douma you can't do this alone, you said it yourself it's too dangerous."
"It's alright this mission can be done in just a day or less!"
"But-"
"Hm?" Douma thought about what Shinobu said while it's true he had all the equipment there's no guarantee the obstacles could be dealt with at once. He needed time to think of a plan for this there were too many events unfolding.
"I'm coming with you." Shinobu said out of the blue.
"What?!" Douma looked at her confused. Is she serious?
"Yeah I'm not letting you go through all that trouble alone. No matter how tough someone is they'll eventually reach their breaking point if things don't turn out the way they want them to."
I was just thinking about it she's right I need a team for this mission. I can kick some butt while she finds the last piece of the puzzle maybe? That would work. Douma smiled at Shinobu he was looking forward to working with a human.
"I appreciate your concern Shinobu. Alright then let's go!"
"Like right now? Um OK..."
"Before we make a move from here, I'm gonna have to deploy my subordinate." Walking up to the kitsune statue, Douma placed his palm on the kitsune's head summoning a shimmer of light. Shinobu watched as the statue stood up and acknowledged Douma's presence.
"Lord Douma how may I help you today?" The kitsune statue said in a very polite manner.
"Take care of these lotuses, a few of them have been infected by a strange substance and I have a feeling that truck is behind it. I'm sure you know what to do."
"This area will be under my watch, the lotuses will be protected Lord Douma." Bowing, the kitsune statue remained in its position as both Douma and Shinobu left the area and walked down the trail getting closer to the bottom of the mountain.
"So we're heading to Tokyo now? How long is the journey?"
"About five hours."
"Are you kidding me?! Can we take a break or something my legs are starting to ache and I haven't eaten anything!"
---
The last leaf on the tree fell into the river. Sitting on a bench, Mr Hanekame watched the flowing river carrying the scattered leaves downstream.
At the corner of his eye, Mr Hanekame saw someone approaching from the trees and bushes behind him. The old man wasn't expecting anyone to show up here at this hour. Maybe the villagers were getting bored from staying at home during these harsh weather events, they wanted to go out and appreciate the scenic view too.
Mr Hanekame was about to relax himself and embrace the peaceful silence when he felt something cold dotting at him from behind.
"Where's the replacement?" A threatening voice said. Mr Hanekame recognized this person, his fingers trembled when he turned around to see who was standing behind him. The item that was very close to him didn't move from its position.
"Kaisuke, how many times do I have to tell you this? Just own up to your mistake. How long are you going to keep hiding?" Mr Hanekame stumbled back, watching the man's eyes turn to slits when the old man reminded him about that incident. The very same incident that left the man feeling bitter about the only option he had to put an end to the consequences he was facing.
"I told the young founder to make a replacement before they get here. So I don't have to surrender the gift I got for my wife. She'd be very disappointed, this is the only way I can sustain our marriage." From Kaisuke's messy hair, sleep-deprived eyes, and hoarse voice, Mr Hanekame could tell that his man has lost himself in a fit of anger and helplessness over something he could've easily avoided.
"So I'll ask you this one more time... where's the replacement? I can't let my wife know about this or she'll be devastated. The gift means a lot to her. Don't you get it? The young founder can help us with just about anything! Why should I have to go through the trouble of multiple trials when I can just prevent it with his help?"
The katana in Kaisuke's hand was pointing directly at Mr Hanekame. Holding onto his walking stick for support, the old man watched Kori widen his eyes in disbelief when he decided not to answer these questions posed at him.
And then Mr Hanekame spoke, "Paradise Shrine's leader doesn't abuse his powers. They can make miracles happen but not in a field of ignorance." Resting his hands on his walking stop, Mr Hanekame waited for Kaisuke's dreadful response to the truth.
"Tell your shrine leader that this is urgent. Don't just look at the situation, think of the repercussions it'll have on the shrine. People will stop going there if he remains unhelpful to those of us who needs his powers! It isn't fair! He's supposed to protect all of us!"
"I'm simply stating the truth, it seems you hate hearing the truth because you keep trying to escape from it. Mizuno was never going to be happy with your decision and the presence of the stolen gift in your hands. She doesn't know this because the truth has yet to reach her, and it will eventually because those cops are still out there looking for you. They won't stop until they knock on your door. Mizuno will answer it and she will be very disappointed in you Kaisuke."
Clenching his fists, Kaisuke grit his teeth and slammed the katana on the ground. The gift can't be taken away from Mizuno's hands. He won't allow that to happen.
"Kaisuke, I run an agricultural business. You can shed a bucket of tears the same weight as a bag of rice but it won't change the repercussions. Of all things you decided to steal someone else's mug when you could've just bought one, the same mug if you're eager to get that specific design for Mizuno. What's so difficult about doing that? I don't understand the thought process behind this." Mr Hanekame gazed at the sword plunged into the soil of the forest.
The veins of Kaisuke's forehead started popping out. Was this old man trying to test his patience? Kaisuke had no time to answer any questions, he needed a replacement for that mug.
"This is the happiest Mizuno's been during these recent months. She's always wanted that mug and now she finally gets to admire it anytime. I can't lose that limited edition mug, it's not in stores anymore. Mizuno deserves everything she can ask for, that's my job. A pretty and stunning woman like her deserves all that she can get."
Mr Hanekame watched Kaisuke pull out his sword from the ground. "This is my dad's sacred sword, I will always cherish this sword with dignity and honor. Mizuno is a woman whose trust and appreciation I earned by heart has made me the man I am today. Someone who will always keep her smiling."
Brushing off the specks of soil on his kimono, Kaisuke lifted up his sword and stared at it intently.
"Douma is a generous leader. He does his best to help everybody. However, requesting for a way to escape from your atrocities is absolutely ridiculous when you know he's not the kind to approve of such things. I don't want to delve deeper into what you could possibly do with that sword. My advice is not to repeat somebody else's mistakes." Mr Hanekame said firmly.
Kaisuke glared at Mr Hanekame, a glint of anger flashed in his eyes. What a disheartening response to hear, and to think he could rely on this shrine when it couldn't give him a solution to his problems.
"That's enough yapping old man. Mizuno's gift isn't going anywhere. What kind of shrine leader doesn't-"
Widening his eyes in shock, Kaisuke watched Mr Hanekame kick his sword across the forest floor. The weapon landed on the grass, away from Kaisuke's reach.
"Don't point that weapon at me. Your father wouldn't have wanted that. In fact, the sword is better off on the grass than in your hands. If you were really meant to use this sword for good, it would've stayed in your grip, but it didn't. Even your own weapon isn't on your side. Consider this a warning, Kaisuke."
Rushing over to his sword, Kaisuke stared at the ground in disbelief. His own sword slipped out of his grasp. There wasn't much time left, he had to make a decision.
"It's never too late to change the outcome."
Kaisuke grinned at Mr Hanekame after hearing what the old man told him. "Since I'm not getting the help that I need, I'll find it someplace else." Picking up the sword, Kaisuke walked away and disappeared in the trees.
With that, Mr Hanekame took one last glance in the direction Kaisuke went, thinking about their conversation. Kaisuke was driven by his own fear. There's no helping him now, unless he decides to help himself and change the outcome of the problem he started in the first place.
There wasn't any leaves in the river anymore. Mr Hanekame sat on the bench and continued admiring the scenery in silence.