Alone

Chapter Fourteen: Powers of Life

The darkness engulfed her, silence deafened her and fear took away her emotions. If Katsu was telling her the truth, then all she was, was a tool. She wanted to claim her own destiny, but she felt trapped in Master Tadashi’s plans. Still, she didn’t know what kind of powers she possessed. She couldn’t tell what she feared more; the unknown of her own identity or the plans Master Tadashi had for her. She eased herself into bed hoping her dreams would calm her pain. Closing her eyes, she tried to fall asleep, but it evaded her. She continued to think of all Katsu had told her. Then her mind jumped to thoughts of escaping, but she forced herself to erase such ideas. She couldn't bring herself to leave Raiden in a dungeon and roam free. With this as her final thought, she finally fell into a world of her own making.

* * *

Her dreams came to an end as the sun seeped into her room. Unwillingly, she opened her eyes. All she wanted was for this nightmare to end, but her dreams could only save her for a short while. She sighed in desperation. Her world had changed far too much. Slowly she got out of bed, every muscle in her body rebelling, but she managed. She changed into her kimono with light pink and white flowers, braiding her hair, and exhaling slowly as she prepared herself for the day ahead. She gently sat back down on her bed, bowing her head and allowing her thoughts to run wild.

Time passed and she grew tired of worrying about what had not yet happened. She wanted to take things into her own hands, but this unknown power she didn’t know how to control. If only she could understand what kind of powers dwelled inside her, then she could overcome everything. Suddenly pushing herself to her feet, she strolled toward the door, looking around briefly to see if the hallway was clear. She wanted nothing more than to wander around freely.

Finally, she had something to smile about, as she wandered to the garden and lay down by the pond, dipping her fingers into the water. At last, she could breathe and relax and felt a tingle of happiness run through her body.

Then suddenly her eyes widened at the sight of blue sparks flying from her fingertips. She caught her breath at the sight, quickly pulling her fingers from the water. Unexpectedly, an iris sprouted from the water. She stared in amazement. “This must be the power Katsu spoke of,” she thought to herself.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her mind, trying to remember what she felt before the iris bloomed. Breathing slowly, she relaxed, trying to feel the peace of mind she had for that moment. Slowly the feeling returned to her. Her fingertips tingled and blue sparks flew from them, igniting the water with blue fire. She gasped in amazement as irises began to bloom from the depth of the pond. Drawing herself back, she peered at the wonder of her power. This was far beyond what she had ever imagined her powers to be.

A crash woke her from her thoughts and she glanced over to the door to see Katsu gawking at her. “Ayame, what have you done?!” His panic clearly showed as he tried to keep his voice low.

“What?” she questioned, although she knew exactly what he was talking about.

“I thought we had made a deal that we would continue with our usual lives?”

“I know, but all I wanted was to have some time to myself, and then this happened.”

“This was all an accident?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Well, the first one was. But then I wanted to see if I could do it again, and then this happened.” She pointed to the pond of irises.

“Ayame, we have to get you back to your room before anyone else sees you like this.” He moved toward her, gently taking her arm, and lifting her up from the ground. She followed behind him without a word. He was somehow changing, but she didn’t understand how.

They made it just past her doorway before she collapsed. “Ayame! Ayame!” Katsu called, trying to wake her.

Her eyes fluttered open. “What happened?”

“Your powers must have exhausted you.” He lifted her into his arms, carrying her to her bed. He carefully lowered her down. “Your body is still too weak from all that has happened to be able to handle this new power.” He shook his head slowly with a small smile on his lips.

“What am I going to do?”

“Nothing for the moment. Just try to restrain yourself from using your powers anymore.” He covered her up. His eyes lingered for a moment on her lips, but he pulled away before he acted without thought. He glanced back one more time to see her and then continued on his way.

She lay in the darkness of her room. No light shone in this area, but part of her enjoyed it. Silence hummed in the background of her thoughts. She was now convinced of her powers, but as to the purpose Master Tadashi had in mind, it was still unclear. Part of her wanted to leap from the bed and search for answers, but fear held a tight grip on her.

* * *

She took her steps with ease, trying to creep around the halls without making a sound, breathing slowly to calm her heart. This time she would make it out past the walls of the mansion. This time she would go far into the woods, far enough to try and train herself. She had tried a few times in the past weeks, but a guard had always seen her. They never asked what she was doing, only watched her carefully, making it impossible to escape. Today was different. The guards were occupied, allowing her to move swiftly through this maze of a mansion. She smiled to herself, enjoying the thrill of this game. Maybe Katsu’s sense of humour had begun to rub off on her.

In the past few weeks, her mindset had changed. She had managed to conquer her fears. She knew she had been running from everything, and now, with the possibility of her own hidden powers, she believed she had the strength to make her own destiny. Finally, she felt in control of her life. There was one thing nagging her subconsciously, and it was doing the opposite of what Katsu had told her to do. But in time she felt he would understand. The only thing that would make this harder were if she ran into him as she tried to escape.

Saying a silent prayer, she slid the door quietly across as she peered out, checking for anyone who may spot her. To her surprise and delight, the backyard was empty, just the rustle of leaves in the trees interrupted the silence. Quickly pushing herself from the mansion, she raced to the wall, hoisted herself over, and ran until her legs began to shake. Adrenaline pulsed through her, fear and excitement kept her heart racing. Finally, she looked back over her shoulder, trying to see any sign of the mansion or guards, but there was nothing. She began to breathe more easily. She knew she would go back there, but for now, she was completely free.

Calming her senses, she focused on trying to remember the feeling she had only a short while ago. The feeling of life when the irises sprang out of the pond, flourishing. Closing her eyes and settling her heart, she could feel the tingle at her fingertips. Her thoughts quieted in her mind as she focused. The more she focused, the more power she felt well up inside her. Her eighteenth birthday was fast approaching and, if Katsu was right, her powers would fully bloom. She knew if she had any chance of standing against Master Tadashi she would have to train with the little she had now before she becomes overwhelmed.

She opened her eyes and watched as her fingertips began to shine with the same blue sparks. But this time the light grew brighter, reaching out farther than the few feet it had the time before. Instead, from every direction, as far as the eye could see shone with the same low blue light. Within moments the trees began to grow higher, the greenery flourished, becoming greener, flowers of every type sprouted, and animals came slowly out of hiding to greet her. She stood in the midst of her own creation. Her eyes grew wide with disbelief, but she knew she had done it all. Creatures soon crowded around her, their eyes shone with gratitude. The creatures somehow knew she was worthy of trust.

Their ears suddenly perked up, all their eyes shifting toward the mansion. A few bit onto her clothes gently pulling her away, but she eased herself from their grasp. “I have to go back there,” she whispered. Their eyes saddened, but they released her knowingly. “One of these days I may call you guys to come to help me. Will you come?” She looked all around her, hundreds of different breeds of birds perched on branches looking down at her. All the while, deer, snow monkeys, bears, wildcats, rabbits, and many other animals stared at her from the ground. She smiled, knowing they would come with a single call. She had the overwhelming feeling that she would one day truly need their assistance.

A rustling in nearby brush drew her attention, but the animals remained calm. Stepping out from the brush came a tall, dark man scarred from many years of fighting. She slowly moved away but was stopped by a bear. “Don’t be afraid.” The man spoke softly in a low voice.

“Who are you?”

“I am Tsubasa. You must be Ayame.”

“How do you know my name?” She should fear him for knowing who she was, but she felt calm, almost relaxed.

“I have known about you for a long time. My wife said you would come one day.”

“Your wife? Who is your wife?”

“She is no more. She died years ago.” He responded, knowingly dodging her question.

Her mind was whirling. She had a feeling she knew him or somehow knew of him. “That doesn’t answer my question though.”

“She was a fortune teller, my dear. I would have died with her if she had not foretold I would be needed.” He sighed longingly. “I suppose the time has finally come.”

“I still don’t understand.” Her mind was spinning. “What do I need you for?”

“There is a coming battle you can’t fight on your own.”

“What battle?”

“Between you and the master of that mansion.” He pointed toward Master Tadashi’s home.

“I don’t want to fight anyone. I just want to get Raiden out and leave.”

“Raiden…” His voice trailed off. He leaned against a tree trunk, taking a few deep breaths before speaking again. “He’s alive? I can’t believe it. What of Daichi?”

“How do you know Daichi?”

“I haven’t seen them in years,” he whispered.

“I don’t understand what’s going on, sir.” She stared at him, trying hard to read his expression, but was out of luck.

“They are my sons. Tell me, is Daichi there as well?”

“You’re sons?! That would make you Raiden’s... father?” He nodded. “I thought you were dead. I mean, Raiden thinks that as well.”

“No, I stayed alive to help when I was supposed to. Please tell me what of Daichi?”

“I don’t know. They were separated years ago at a monastery, but I was told he escaped a few years after Raiden was taken here.” She was beginning to feel lightheaded. She needed to tell Raiden as soon as possible. However, she hadn't been allowed to see him since the day Katsu backed out of the deal.

“I see.” His face fell at the thought of only knowing where one of his sons was.

“I wish I could tell you where he is.”

“I do too, but right now we have to get Raiden out and stop Master Tadashi's plan.” Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of finally freeing Raiden from the dungeon. “Are you ready to go?”

She simply stared at him. The realization of a fight ahead worried her. She knew she was not ready to use her powers at will. “I can’t control my powers.”

“That’s alright, leave it to me.” He smiled. “We will attack in the night.”

“Why at night?”

“Because I’m a Rokuro-kubi. I feed on dreams.”

“How is that going to help us?”

“Easy. I can leave my victims paralyzed for a while. We are going to have to move quickly. I will go into the mansion first and take down those I deem too dangerous for you to come into contact with.”

"Are we attacking tonight?"

"I wish we could, but considering your state of mind, we cannot. We need you at full power, or at least as close as we can get to it."

"My state of mind?"

"Yes, you currently believe you are incapable of winning a battle. We must change that or we will all perish."

"Is it such a horrible thing to want to be peaceful?" She sat down on the roots of a tree and looked up at him.

"No, but there are times when we need to pick up a sword and fight for that peace."

"I don't understand. You're a demon. Why would you want to have peace?"

"Even demons want a time of rest." He seemed to grow weary and lowered himself slowly onto the ground, leaning his back against a tree across from her.

"But I was always told demons are monsters who only create destruction."

"There are demons like that out there. Because of them, the rest of us are given a bad reputation." He smiled slightly, his blue eyes shining in the sunlight.

"I'm sorry."

“For what? You didn't know what to think."

"I know, but still I shouldn’t judge others, whether human or demon,” she responded, feeling guilty.

"I wish we could speak longer, but it sounds as though they are missing you. It's time you got going." He stood to his feet, walking over and lowering his hand to help her up.

“Thank you," she said, taking his hand. "One more thing before I leave. Do you want me to go back to the mansion until you come, or should I stay here?”

“It would be safer for you here, but today you should go back and gather your things. Then come tomorrow. You will not return there until there is no moon in the night sky.”

“I don’t know if I can get out a second time.”

“If something happens and you can’t, just whistle.”

“Whistle?”

“Yes, whistle. If you do, then one of these animals will come to your aid.”

“Um… okay?”

“Trust me.” He walked toward her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.