Night Sight

Chapter One: Wrong Impression

Hi, my name is Kira , and I am a junior in high school, ever since I can remember I have been able to see mythical creatures I call demons. When I was younger I would constantly get bullied by my classmates because I could see things they couldn’t so they thought I was insane. I am now 17 years old and I can still see the demons, but I have taught myself to ignore all their childish behavior and act like I cannot see them. It has been easy so far and I have been leading a somewhat normal life. Its 2 months until my 18th birthday and I have begun to notice that bigger more dangerous demons have been appearing. I just keep trying to push everything aside and carry on with my normal routine. Over the years I have actually been able to make me some good friends one of them being Liz. Liz is a happy go lucky girl who has a curvy figure that always catches the eyes of guys whenever we go out. That combined with her brown hair that perfectly framed her face and her light green eyes she reminded me of a little doll. She was very popular amongst the students but she didn’t take notice, I met her my last year of middle school she was a new transfer student. At first, I tried to avoid her because I didn’t want her to start bullying me too but when the other students told her I was crazy and talk to myself Liz just waved them off and accepted me right off the bat. She became my best friend and we are always together rarely apart. Liz walked over to me with her normal smile and waved at me, “Hey Kira, what have you been up to did you have a good summer break?” I smiled at her “Yea it was okay I just studied the whole time.” She looked at me as she began to pout lightly pushing me on the shoulder “You didn’t text me the whole time I thought you were mad at me!” “No not at all I just was busy doing things.” I laugh and pull her into a hug and she squeaked. “Have you seen Char yet I know he told me he would be late but the bell will ring any minute!” Liz smiled and shoved my shoulder again and sighed “Kira have you not figured it out yet that Char is head over heels for you?” I blushed and looked at her “I know he likes me but he knows that he is like the big brother I never had , I can’t see him more than that.” No sooner did I get the words out a set of muscular arms wrap around my waist and pull me into a rock-hard chest “Are you girls talking about me again?” I look up and grin broadly at Char his dark blue eyes settling on my face as his blond hair falls perfectly to his neck. “No, we were just complaining on how late you are and how it’s rude to make us wait on you.” I stick my tongue out at him earning myself one of his signature grins. Don’t get me wrong Char is drop dead handsome, he towers over six feet and has a perfectly sculpted body armed with muscles covering every inch. I met Char a year after Liz and we became friends very quickly, he is one of those people who can make a whole room relax with just his presence. I knew shortly after we met that Char began to like me more than friends and secretly we had shared a wonderfully breathtaking kiss but that was all. I couldn’t see him more than a really good friend and besides Liz had a really big crush on him and I could not bring myself to tear my friendship apart over something so silly. Char held onto my waist a bit longer than necessary before I wriggled out of his reach and grabbed Liz by the arm, “Come on you two if we don’t hurry we are going to be late the first day of classes.” They both smiled at me as we began to walk towards the building me holding onto both of their arms “So I heard your dad is finally coming back from traveling.” “Yea finally it has been six months since I have last seen him and he says he has something to give me.” We continue to chatter away until some girls at the other end of the school yard screamed and begin to swarm like a pack of pissed off hornets. I looked at my two companions questioningly before we walked over to see what all the commotion was about. There standing in the center of the mob was Gray, he was leaning against his motorcycle with a cigarette hanging between his lips. Brittney one of the most popular girls in school walked up to him and latched onto his arm, “Hey Gray, will you take me for a ride after school?” I knew when she said “ride” she didn’t only mean it in one since. I felt a twang of jealousy settle in the pit of my stomach as I looked on. Gray looked down at her lazily not even batting an eye and jerked his arm away from her grip. “Sorry, but I don’t ride with anyone on my bike.” The look on Britney’s face was priceless she was nowhere near being used to rejection and it was plainly clear she was accustomed to getting her way. Gray began walking towards the building with the whole swarm of girl in close pursuit. He walked right past me and I would have sworn he glanced in my direction, but without a second thought my friends and I turned and made our way to our first class of the morning. Liz, Char, and I parted ways when we entered the building promising to meet up and share our mornings with each other at lunch. I hoped that this year Gray and I would not be in the same homeroom, but when I reached my classroom door it was a wall of girls. I began trying to politely pass through but none of them were listening so I ended up having to literally crawl army style through them to gain entrance to the room. As soon as I was through I stood up to assess the situation that’s when I realized luck was not on my side because there in the corner of the room Gray was perched on the window seal. I had the demons luck because not only was he in my class but he sat in the seat right next to me. The stares of jealous girl’s bore into my back; I sighed and mumbled to myself. Ignoring The fiery gazes of Gray’s Obsessed hoard I began to draw doodles on my notebook. Class was in full swing while I still drew designs on my notebook when a cry for help pierced my mind and tore me away from my doodles. I jumped up and looked around for the source of the plea when I looked out the window I noticed a Kitsune stuck in the fence. I stand quickly pushed my chair back catching the attention of my teacher “Miss Cress is there something wrong?” I blush when I realize the whole class is staring at me “ I-I need to use the restroom sorry.”  I ran out of class getting a look of confusion from my teacher and the other students. I then bolted for the doors that lead to the practice fields straight to the fence lining where the helpless creature squirmed.  Kitsune or fox demons are trickster demons as well as guardians. My mom wrote in her journal that she left me that a Kitsune can become you guardian for life advising you through hard decisions or watching you from afar. I knelt down near the small nine tailed creature, “Shhhh it’s alright I won’t hurt you I’m just going to help you get loose.” I began to lightly push its little furry head back through the fence freeing the trembling ball of fur. Out of all the demons I see the Kitsune is one that I actually enjoy they are so beautiful and have the ability to take on a human form. When I was growing up there was a Kitsune that lived at the shrine near my house that used to play with me and keep me company. The Kitsune I held in my hand looked up at me with beautiful amber eyes before opening its slender maw “Thank you for freeing me I was scared I would be stuck there forever!” I sat her down and smiled “Just try not to get your head caught again I may not be around to help next time.” Kitsune bowed then darted off into the bushes, I stood up and dusted off the dirt that clung to my knee. I felt as if someone was watching me but when I looked around I didn’t see anyone, I sighed and walked back to class.  The rest of the homeroom went on while I didn’t really pay attention, I was focused on a group of trees right outside the window. My cell buzzed in my pocket letting me know I received a text and when I slid the screen open I couldn’t help but smile. The message was from my dad letting me know he would be waiting for me at home and that my surprise would be waiting there for me as well. I quickly sent him a text back then returned my phone to my bag and began to gather my things before the bell rang out calling for dismissal. The rest of my classes were boring and I honestly couldn’t remember what was even going on so by the time I reached my lunch table I was ready for the day to end. Char and Liz sat there chattering away about their day while I just absent mindedly played with my bottle of orange juice. Char reached out and threw his arm over my shoulder and grinned, “come on Scar smile for me stop looking so depressed.” Scar was the nickname Char called me shortening my middle name Scarlett; I smiled and lightly kissed him on the cheek. He grinned even more and nudged me and pulled me closer “So what’s up I can tell when something is bothering you, go ahead and let us here about it.” I sighed and looked over to the front of the cafeteria, both Liz and Char already know about my ability to see demons and have always been there for me even though they themselves could not see them. “It’s just they are getting more frequent and now it has gotten to the point where I can telepathically communicate with them I am beginning to get worried something big is about to happen.” Liz thoughtfully drank her water before looking at me she opened her mouth and thought carefully about what to say “Does the journal your mom left you say anything about it? I mean there must be something in there that would help you through this.” I shook my head before laying my forehead on the cold table, “All that she said about any event is that it will get stronger when I turn 18 and honestly with my birthday approaching fast it has begun to get chaotic.” I decided to change the topic to something more happy to try and get my mind off things “So my dad texted me in first period and told me he is waiting at home for me I can’t wait to see him it has been a while.” Liz smiled and reached out placing her hand over mine “That’s great it will be good to be able to hang out with him. Did he say anything about how long he will be staying this time?” “No nothing about it, but I have a feeling it won’t be that long you know how he is he doesn’t like being in one place for a long period of time.” For the rest of lunch we just chattered about nothing in particular until the bell rang announcing to us that it was time for our next and final class. I got up hugged Char and Liz and told them I would see them after school before I headed down the hall to my last class Biology my favorite. As I walked in I noticed that most of the seats were already claimed so I went to the back of the room to the only remaining open table and sat down near the window. I was glancing over the text book when I noticed the room had begun to get louder, girls were squealing and whispering amongst their selves. I noticed a shadow forming over my head and locked eyes with Gray who smiled warmly down at me before saying in his voice as sweet as honey that has been warmed by the sun “Is this seat taken?” Unable to get myself to form words I shook my head no and motioned for him to set if he wanted. I couldn’t help but hear all the girls grumble their complaints about what is transpiring and before long a group of girls surrounded the desk with Brittney at the lead. “Hey Kira how about you take my seat and switch with me?” I didn’t say anything just looked down at my text book and I could swear I was beginning to see smoke coming out of her nose. She clicked her tongue at me and growled “Hey b***h I am talking to you!” She went to grab for my arm but stopped midway as a hand closed around her wrist. Gray squeezed her wrist tightly while fixing her with his ice cold glare “will you just shut the hell up and go set down she doesn’t have to switch with you even if she did I would not set next to you take the hint and f**k off!” Brittney looked like she was about to make a comment but thought better of it and walked away glaring at me as she went back to her seat. I looked over at Gray and was shocked to see he was staring at me as well, I cleared my throat and sighed “maybe that was not the best idea I can go set somewhere else so it won’t cause any problems.” He looked down at me and ran his fingers through his hair; I couldn’t help but wish I were his fingers. He noticed me looking and smiled a crooked smile laughing. “Its fine you can stay here besides I think having you as a partner would be interesting.” I blush and look down at my book trying to keep from glancing over at him. Class started soon after that, but no matter how hard I tried to stay focused on what the teacher was saying I found myself stealing glances at Gray through my curtain of hair. He leaned back on the legs of his chair while balancing his book on his lap. His head rested on one of his fists while he looked at the book with a board expression locked on his face. The whole class I found myself having to tear my eyes away from him on several occasions until I heard the bell ring snapping me back to reality. I grabbed my books shoved them into my bag a quickly made my way out of the room and into the hallway towards the front of the building. As I was walking I began to get the feeling that I was being followed. I glanced back and saw the group of girls from class closing in on me. I quickened my pace and broke into a full run once I hit the front door. I continued to run until I reached the lawn my lungs were on fire and my vision was swimming, but I felt if I stopped something bad was going too happened. I ran a bit further until I reached the tree Char, Liz and I meet under every day. I took a deep breath and leaned against the tree trying to steady my rapidly beating heart. Reaching into my pocket I pulled my cell phone out sending a quick text to Char and Liz explaining that I was going to go ahead and head home on my own and that they should do the same. I adjusted my bag strap on my shoulder and headed for the park that I cut through to get to my house. I walked past the fountain in the center of the walkway and smile as I see a family of ducks swimming happily in the cool water; the ducklings were dipping their little heads under chasing the baby minnows that darted quickly away from their grasp. I slowly approached and reached into my bag and pulled out a few crackers I had left from lunch. I broke the crackers up and tossed the pieces into the water for the ducks and they hungrily devoured them. My cell phone began to ring as I toss the last bit of crackers into the water before sliding the phone to answer it. “Hey dad I’m in the park and will be home in about ten minutes would you like me to pick up anything for dinner so we won’t have to cook?” “No honey I already made something for dinner just hurry home so I can hug my little princess!” I grin and begin walking as I talk on the phone “so what is this big surprise you have for me?” “You will just have to be patient and find out honey because I’m not giving you any hints at all.” I puff out my cheeks and sigh “Okay, okay well I’ll be there soon I’m gonna let you go I will be home as fast as I can I love you daddy.” “I love you too honey, see you when you get here.” We hung up and I continued my walk through the park taking in the view of the beautiful trees and flowers arraigned elegantly to make it look like you are walking into an enchanted forest. I love coming to the park it holds a lot of good memories for me, my mom used to bring me to this park all the time when she was alive. She would pick me up from school and we would spend hours just setting here listening to the birds singing their songs. She would tell me that even if some of the creatures I see may be scary there are some that are very beautiful. She led me to a wild flower field that was hidden in the trees and to my amazement not only was it full of flowers but of fairies. They were gliding around on beautiful wings that looked like liquid gold caring for the flowers. My mother told me that the fairies were the caretakers of the park along with a group of elves that have lived here for centuries only people with the “Gift” as she called it could find their way to this special garden. Shortly after my mom showed me the garden the accident happened. My mom was heading home from a healer picking up medication for me, I was in bed with a fever and my mother went to a special friend who makes potions to help with the sickness that hits people with the sight. On her way home a drunk driver ran a red light while my mom was crossing a cross walk and hit her speeding off without even stopping. I didn’t know what happened until a week after due to the sickness causing me to be unconscious for a week. My father finally told me and I broke down in tears it felt like a part of me had died with my mother and since then I have not been back to that secret garden with the fairies. The memories of my mom no longer bring hurt when I recall them, now I can actually smile happily because I know the memories will always remind me how wonderful a person she was. I walked along the path running my fingers through my hair as I recall even more fond memories of my mother. I reach up and pull on the chain around my neck that held my mother’s locket, inside is the last picture my mom and I took together surrounded by the beautiful wild flowers. Tears begin to prickle my eyes as I look at my beautiful mom and me smiling happily. I wipe my eyes as I come up to my driveway not wanting my dad to see me crying, I lightly open the door slipping my shoes off. “Hey dad I’m home.” He came around the corner of the kitchen and scooped me into a hug spinning me around the room before placing me back on my feet near the couch. “Hey princess how have you been I missed you so much  you grow more beautiful every day just like you mom.” I smile setting down on the couch as I place my hand over his “I’ve missed you, so how was your trip to Brazil?” He pressed his lips together as if trying to keep from saying something before replying “It was great honey very beautiful.” “Daddy what are you not telling me? I know there is something you want to say so please just say it.” He takes my hand and squeezes it tightly before sighing “Well honey you see I got offered a job my company wants me to go to the rainforest and help publish a book on the wildlife located there.” I look at him shocked before smiling like a Cheshire cat “Dad that is great you have always wanted to do this congratulation!” “Thank you honey, but there is a downside to it I will be gone for 4 years with this.” I swallow hard and clinch my hand closed that is resting on my leg, I know my dad wants to really do this it’s his dream. I look up and him and give him my most convincing smile I can muster as I squeeze his hand “When do you leave for your trip?” His eyes grow big as he looks at me shocked “You are okay with me going are you sure?” “Yes I’m sure daddy and don’t worry I’ll be fine.” I stand up and give him a hug “Even if I am here alone I will be okay.” He pulls be back and smiles “Who says you will be alone princess.” I look up at him “what do you mean by that?” He smiles even bigger and pushes me back on the couch “I will be right back just stay setting here and close your eyes.” I do as he says while I hear him leave the room and walk into the kitchen. I heard him shuffling around before entering back into the living room and setting right next to me. “Now I know this won’t make up for me being gone but I hope it will help you cope with not having anyone else here with you.” He places something warm in my lap and instructs me to open my eyes. I slowly open them and look down, setting in my lap is a white ball of fur its big eyes met mine and my heart melted at once. “While I was in the east I went and stayed with this tribe of people who raise wolves for protection, companions and hunting. I became good friends with the chief and he gave me this pup to bring home I hope he will keep you company while I am away.” I gently took the pup into my arms and squeezed it against my chest burying my face in its soft fur and in response he placed his cold nose against my cheek. “He is perfect dad thank you so much I will take good care of him I promise!” He patted me on the head and smiled “I leave in a few days I know it’s so soon but there is so much work to do before going into the rainforest.” I smile at him placing the pup on the couch before hugging my dad tightly.  “I’ll be okay dad go and follow your dream.” He smiled and placed his forehead against mine before kissing my cheek “My little girl is growing up to be so strong, okay enough talk lets go eat before dinner gets cold.” I smile and place the pup on the floor and follow my dad into the kitchen where there was steak and baked potatoes on the table my favorite meal. My dad and I took our seats and chatted happily while enjoying our dinner, after talking for a while I went upstairs with my pup to do my homework. As I sat on my bed working through the math problems assigned for tonight’s homework my pup sat on the floor growling at one of my old shoes before taking it into his mouth and slinging it across the floor. I closed my book smiling and slid into the floor with him while he played thinking of the day’s events making a mental note to talk to Liz and Char tomorrow about tonight’s events and get toys for the pup so he won’t chew my stuff up. I walked over and scooped the pup up and walked downstairs slipping a harness and leash onto him as I walked. “Hey dad I’ll be back in a little bit I’m gonna take the pup out for a walk in the park.” “Okay just be careful Kira it will be getting dark soon.” I told him I would and walked out the door and towards the park, the pup bounced around chasing a bug through the grass on the sidewalk I can’t help but laugh at his attempt to catch the bug. I continue to walk through the park with my ball of fur in tow we didn’t walk much further when the pup started growling and his hackles on the back of his neck rose up. I looked in the direction he was looking and there stood a Jikininki also known as Wendigo. Jikininki’s are the spirits of greedy, selfish or impious people who are cursed after they die to seek out and eat corpses. They are mainly active at night like scavengers they look for newly dead bodies and food offering left for the dead at grave sites. This jikininki was crouched over the mutilated body of a dead animal and was tearing bits of flesh off, I could hear the tearing sound and the crunching of bones as it gorged itself on the bloody body. I have not seen a Jikininki in years especially around this area where the Fae folk live and this one is huge. I begin to back away slowly trying not draw its attention though Jikininki prefer dead flesh they have been known to attack living people and kill them dragging their bodies back to their layers until they are nice and grotesque before eating them. As I continued my slow escape I noticed that the Jikininki in front of me was not the only one there was also one on the other side of the fountain eating on something with feathers and I prayed it was not one of those adorable ducklings I fed earlier. It was very strange to see two Jikininki in the same area considering they are usually very solitary this is not a good sign. As soon as I felt I was a good enough distance away I picked up the pup and ran for my house too scared to look back and see if I was being followed. Once I did reach the house I was completely out of breath and sat down on the steps even if the Jikininki followed me here they could not get anywhere near the house because my mother put wards up to protect us from anything evil approaching and over the years I have been enhancing the wards myself to make them even stronger. As I sat there resting I heard a gut wrenching sound of something being torn apart, I glanced down the street and to my horror three Jikininki were barreling towards me carrying scraps of meat and bone in their boney fingers dripping blood from their maw. I stood up quickly and ran to the door yanking it open with such force I thought I may jerk it off the hinges and ran inside yelling for my dad. He came running into the room asking me what was wrong pulling me against him as I tried to calm down enough to tell him what was happening. “Outside… There is a group of Jikininki….. Outside the house… Need moms Journal…. Re-enhance wards so they can’t break through.” I weezed for air as my dad sat me on the couch and ran up to my room snatching the book off the nightstand and running back to me. He pushed the leather bound book into my hand and I frantically began flipping the pages of the book looking for the right page. Finding it I skim over my mother’s handwriting until I come across the chant. I begin chanting low in a hum of chords as I build up speed with my chanting eventually closing my eyes “Suso teisuso firo rashaktei rashaktei dorn mekisusorashak tei dioefarh firo firo meki farh suso tei farh firosuso firo dorn rashakrein firorashak suso rashak firo rashakdornfarh. Firo dioefarh tei farh firorashakrashak firotei suso tei firo rashak dd tei rashaktei farh dioedonju tei rashakteirashak suso tei susoteirashak rashak farh teirashak farh rashaktei firorashaktei rashakfirotei farh rashak dd teirashak rashaktei farhsuso firosusotei susorein farhsuso farhtei firo farhsuso donjutei tei rashakrein farhrashak farhmekitei farhrashak!” I continued to chant until I felt I was going to pass out as my body began to hum from the words that escape my lips. Over and over I repeat the chanting until I feel an invisible barrier outside beginning to solidify and become even more sturdy. I collapse on my hands and knees panting and fighting for breath as my dad leans down and rubs my back gently. He helps me stand and guides me to the couch handing me a cup of coco before he sat down next to me. He sat there quietly waiting for me to compose myself. “I’m sorry that took more energy than I thought it would, I haven’t used a protective ward in ages and it’s taken its toll on me,” My dad looked over at me and sighed “So what exactly happened out there honey all I remember is you going for a walk then you storm in here like all hell had broken loose and was on your heals.” “While walking through the park something set the pup off I didn’t see it at first but it was a Jikininki and it wasn’t just one there were two from what I saw but then another showed up and all three began attacking the house.” “I know you can’t see them but there is no way I was going to let them anywhere near here they are monsters and I had to protect the house and you.” He placed and hand on my shoulder moving closer to me, “Are you sure you will be okay if I accept this job I can just tell them something has come up and I can’t do it.” “No dad I’m sure take the job and enjoy every minute of it okay.” I give him a smile and kiss him on the cheek before heading upstairs to take a bath, once I close the bathroom door I slide to the floor and let the weight of what just really happened slide over me. I am physically shaking and force myself into the shower letting the hot water untangle the knots that had formed on my spine while I think back to the park incident. After my shower I was so exhausted I decided to just head strait to bed to prepare for the opening school ceremony in the morning. I woke up with a start at 3 am feeling as if someone was in my room looking at me, I looked around and could swear I saw someone perched on the tree branch right outside my window. I leaned over and flipped my nightstand lamp on quickly to illuminate the room but whatever I thought I saw was gone as if it vanished into thin air. I had a very hard time falling back to sleep after that but woke up to the blaring of my alarm clock, I groaned and hit the snooze button sliding out of bed and heading straight to the bathroom to splash water on my face. I brushed my teeth throwing my hair into a messy bun then walked back into my room grabbing my uniform from the back of my closet door. Yesterday was the first day back at school but today is really the First day, our schools is weird always starting on Thursday but the official first day is the day after. Whoever attends the Thursday classes though will get 20 extra points on their final at the end of the year so its not that bad. After I was dressed and ready to go I went downstairs and grabbed a pop tart out of the pantry and headed for the front door. “Hey dad can you take the pup out this morning I really need to get going so I don’t miss the opening ceremony today?” “Yeah that’s fine just being careful out there and don’t be that late coming home incase those Jiki things are hanging around okay?” I smile and walk out the door headed into the park shooting my friends a text while I walk, when I came to the fountain I saw the family of ducks again playing happily in the water and sent a thankful prayer out that they didn’t get eaten yesterday. Right next to the fountain is the oldest tree in the park scientists have dated it to be at least 200 years old but the tree alone is not what caught my attention this morning. Underneath the tree in its protective shade lay a guys sleeping peacefully I could not tell who it was from where I stood but I could see he had a uniform on from my school. I moved in to investigate and to my surprise it was Gray, he lay there with his head supported by his bad and his arm draped over his eyes. It was devilishly cruel how damn good he looked and I could not help but stare at him. I stood there gawking at him for a few moments before quietly turning to leave but just at that second my damn phone decides to start ringing, I grabbed it trying to get it to shut up but to my horror it was too late. A sleepy voice behind froze me in place “what is that sound damn can’t I have one quiet day for once.” I turn around and blush deeply before lowering my head “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you up this stupid phone has a mind of its own.” I look up and to my surprise Gray was staring straight at me smiling “Well well well if it isn’t Kira Cress from Biology.” Hearing him say my name my heart feels like it is going to pound out of my chest, I had to force myself to breath as I looked at him. He raised his head and inhaled and I swear I noticed his eyes go a shade darker “Why do you smell like you have been sleeping in a wolves den?” I blush and look at my feet embarrassed, “I-it must be the wolf pup my dad brought home for me you must have a really good since of smell he was laying on my jacket before I left but I sprayed my perfume over it,” He just grunts at me and stand up “yea whatever I don’t care anyway see you.” He got up and walked away and I could not help but watch him go man that is one handsome man even from the back. I glanced down at the time and moaned “damn it at this rate I’m going to be so late!” I ran the rest of the way to school arriving short of breath and trying to gulp as much air I can suck into my lungs. I walked over to the gym doors and was about to enter when a familiar set of arms snaked their way around my waist and warm breath tickled my neck “where the hell have you been Scar the ceremony is over Liz and I have been looking everywhere for you!” “Sorry Char I had a rough night and was so tired.” His face took on a protective sheen “Tell me what happened did someone hurt you?” “No that’s not it I was in the park last night and was chased by a group of Jikininki it is so weird them being in a group but I had to act fast and used a lot of energy.” He hugged me tightly and squeezed why didn’t you call me you goofball I would have ran right over all night in shining armor like.” “That is exactly why I didn’t call I didn’t want you out there with them and you getting hurt and besides I wasn’t alone Daddy is back home for a little bit but leaves tomorrow night he will be gone for years this time.”Char changes his grip on me and hugs me against his chest “You know I’m always here for you right Scar morning day and night no matter when right?” “Yea I know that… Oh guess what he brought me home a pet!”He looked at me and groaned “Don’t tell me its another goldfish they die so fast then you get all depressed and mope around.” I playfully punch his shoulder and stick my tongue out at him “No it’s a wolf pup not a goldfish I think he is a few months old but he is so cute!” I go pull away from Char but he stops me from moving “Kira you are like a little sister to me I know when you are lying to me why are you trying to be so brave about this when I can tell it’s tough on you knowing your dad is leaving yet again.” I couldn’t keep the tears from falling and I was trying to speak through my hiccups “ I-I know but I feel if I were to be selfish I would lose him forever like I lost mom!” I’m in a full blown crying fit now and Char held me tightly against his chest letting me use his broad shoulder to cry into. Char decided that this called for ditching school all together and going to get an ice cream and now we sat side by side down on the dock at the lake listening to the water lap at the lake shore.” I know it’s hard Kira but maybe you should think about talking to your dad a bit more about this.” “I don’t want him to give his dream up because of me and besides I have you, Liz and my pup so I won’t be all by myself I’ll be fine I promise.”  He finally gave in after a full 30 minutes of arguing with me and he eventually walked me to the front of the park just as the sun was beginning to set. He smiled and gently caressed my cheek kissing my forehead before sighing “You should get going before it fully is dark  don’t want something in the shadows grabbing you so go straight home not stopping you got it?” I nod and head into the park waving over my shoulder at my best friend, I didn’t get far until I was nearly completely in the dark. The lights in the park began to flicker to life one by one and the stars began to peek down from the midnight blue sky. I walked to the fountain and sat on the side of it glancing up at the starry sky “the stars are so beautiful this time of year.” A cold chill crept its way up my spine as I herd something shuffle on my left, I slowly stood up slowly walking over to investigate. In the shadows right near the fountain I saw someone setting down panting as if they had just been running for their life I moved closer “H-hey are you alright?’’ A set of blood red eyes gazed back at me and I felt my blood turn to ice in my veins, there in front of me setting as still as a statue except for his ragged breathing sat Gray. His eyes that are usually the color or the beautiful sky as red as fresh blood dripping from an open wound, He glanced over at me and I could swear I saw shock and fear cross his features. “S-Stay away from me I don’t need your help!” I went to reach for him but he quickly stood up and walked to his motorcycle that was parked a few feet away got on and disappeared into the night like a shadow. I shook off the whole event and headed home without making any stops “Hey dad I’m home I will be in my room if you need me.” That night I didn’t feel like eating so I went straight up to my room and grabbed my sketchbook off my desk. I had the urge to draw all night and my inspiration was Gray I drew him sleeping under the tree and then again as I saw him in the park, I finally finished drawing and fell onto my bed looking at my handiwork. I glanced over at my clock to see it was already 12 am I had been engrossed in drawing for 5 straight hours I didn’t even notice the time slipping by. I groaned and straightened my aching muscles before standing and walking downstairs to grab something to snack on with my pup right on my heels. While I grabbed myself a bowl of cereal I put a scoop of food into the pups dish and smiled fondly as he gobbled the food up in a few bites. I munched on my food and couldn’t help but think about Gray what was he doing in the park like that and why the hell do I care so much. I finish my food and went back upstairs to go to sleep hoping I may find answers somewhere along the way. That night my dreams were full of Gray and his lips covering mine. The dream was so vivid when I woke up I swear I could still feel the warmth of his lips atop mine, I sat up in bed running my fingers lightly over my lips as I try and recall the dream before it fades out of existence. I hurried downstairs and passed my dad on the way “I’ll see you later tonight daddy I’m going skating with Char and Liz after school.” “Okay sweetheart just be safe and call me when you are heading home.” I kissed his cheek and nodded that I would before running across the street into the park for some reason walking through the park seemed to calm me down and I enjoyed the sights and sounds. I was coming up on the fountain and yet again I saw a familiar figure lying under the tree, he was looking up at the sky his shirt rolling up exposing a view of a gorgeous chest. I cautiously walked over to him and cleared my throat trying to get his attention. He acted as if he didn’t see me at first but I was very determined that day to talk to him and damn it I would. I gathered up all the courage I could and walked over taking a seat right next to him in the grass. My heart was beating a mile a minute and I felt if I didn’t say anything at this moment I would never get a chance again so I took a deep breath and turned towards him. “H-Hey Gray can I ask you something?” He let out a mumble and turned towards me propping himself up on his elbow glaring at me “what do you want to ask me I’ll give you 3 questions and that’s it so make it fast.” I looked at him and blushed trying to think of the best questions to ask so I decided to start out with an easy one. “Um so what was wrong with you in the park last night you looked different I was a bit worried something happened to you.” He looked at me then there was complete silence between us for a few long agenizing minutes until he finally answered “ I was just riding around and something got in my eyes it’s no big deal and honestly not any of you business.” I let out the breath I didn’t even notice I was holding and rolled my eyes why the hell am I so damn interested in this guy he is more prickly than a porcupine. I try and play it cool and move on to my next question “So are you always this rudely charming or is it just with me?” That question brought one of his breathing crooked smiles as he looked me over practically undressing me slowly with his eyes before letting his eyes finally fall onto my lips. “Oh kitten, I can be much worse but with you I find your reactions and expressions so intriguing I can’t bring myself to stop pulling reactions from your pretty little self.” I blush deeply not knowing what to say after his comment, I stayed quiet for what seemed like forever before Gray grinned leaned over towards me and stopped just short of my neck. I could feel his warm breath on my neck as he chuckled and whispered in my ear “Now kitten that was your second question might want to save the last one for a rainy day instead of throwing it away so suddenly.” Before he pulled away from me I felt him trace my neck with his nose leaving a stream of fire in its path. Once he made it to my collar bone he pressed his warm lips against my skin bringing a complete end to my train of thought. He knew the effect he had on me and he loved teasing me like this what an ass. I sat there not able to comprehend what was happening all I could seem to focus on was Gray had kissed my neck. He pulled back and looked into my eyes locking me in place I could not do anything it was as if his eyes themselves were pulling me towards him and to my complete horror I was leaning into him getting closer by each second. I was so close to his lips when he grinned and quickly stood up leaving me there in the grass looking like a swooning fan girl.  I blinked several times trying to regain my bearings cursing myself for letting someone like Gray do this to me; I let out a growl and made my way to school not even paying attention to anyone on my way. All my classes I went through like I was on auto pilot until I reached Biology, I walked into the room ignoring the whispers and glares from the other girls in the class and went straight for my seat. Mrs. Evergreen made her way into the classroom just as the final bell rang, “Okay call everyone take your seats we have a lot to cover, we will be covering the scientific method and what its purpose is.” She walked over to her desk picking up sheets of paper that contained the instructions and began walking down the aisles handing each one of us a sheet. “The papers I am handing all of you contain the information and it’s a project so you will have a partner on your papers there is a number written in the corner the person with the same number will be your partner for this project and I expect no arguing.” I glanced at my sheet of paper hoping I would get the same number as Char but I had a gut feeling my luck would have other plans for me and boy was I right. On my sheet of paper I had the number six in the corner and I happened to glance at Gray’s paper and demon’s luck he had six as well I hid my face in my arms and cursed whoever was in charge my luck. I turned and gave Char a smile and sent him a text saying I had number 6 and that I guess we would not be partners. He looked at me and frowned and texted back “I’m sorry Scar I have number eight wish we could be working on this together it kind of sucks do you know who has six as well ?” I look up at him and nod as I type my reply “yea and I must be cursed because my partner is Gray who did you get?” I saw his facial expression change to one of frustration as he typed back “what the hell that pisses me off see if you can switch with someone and I got Luke as my partner.” “I wish I could change partners Char but at the top of the paper it says it’s not allowed to switch sadly I really wish you were my partner.” He looked up at me and grumbled before sending one last text “well hang in there Scar if he tired anything funny I’ll kick is ass.” That brings a smile to my lips, Char is like the big brother I never had and I love him just like he was my real family. I put my cell away and began to read over the paper as Mrs. Evergreen walked back to the front of the room. “Alright class find your partners and start planning how you will accomplish the assignment and you cannot change partners I know what student got what number so don’t even try it.”All the girls and class rushed over to Gray groaning and mumbling about how it wasn’t fair they weren’t his partner, he just grinned and reached over putting his arm around my shoulder. “I’m sorry girls but this little kitten is my partner so please can you go back to your seat so my partner and I can get to work.” They all glared at me as they dispersed like a group of fish that a shark is plunging through, Char on the other hand looked like he wanted to stomp up to use and rip Gray’s arm out of his socket and shove it down his throat for touching me. Gray on the other hand looked as comfortable as a lion lounging on a rock in the sun and when I stole a glance at him he just looked down at me and winked. I brushed his arm off me and began to look out the window “hey kitten how should we work on this should I come over to your house tonight?” I didn’t hear a word he said because something outside had my attention down below in the broad daylight was a Jikininki walking around in the school courtyard. I could feel the blood drain from my face in horror never have I herd of a Jikininki coming out in broad daylight what the hell is going on here! “Hey kitten I’m talking to you!!” I felt something tug on a strand of my hair I sucked in a breath and jump before turning and looking at Gray who still held my hair between his fingers. I glanced over at him like a deer caught in headlights and he just frowns at me “Kira what is it what’s wrong?” I could hear what sounded like worry woven into his words “N-nothing I-I just don’t feel well I think I should go home.” I quickly gather my books and bolt out of class before anyone can stop me. I don’t stop to catch my breath until I am out near the outdoor lunch tables, I hear a guttural crunch followed by a gurgled growl on my right as I glance over and lock eyes with the Jikininki. Its tongue lolled out of its mouth as a rotten odor floated towards me on the wind making me want to gag. I could swear the gurgling sounds it was making were actual laughs , but how could that be possible they could not speak could they? As if reading my thoughts the Jikininki’s Maw opened wide and It gurgled again before I heard it actually form words “Oh yessss little morsel we can actually speak your tongue hehe and may I say we have been waiting for you for centuries you will make a lovely meal and I shall live forever!!” it lunged at me with its claws outstretched towards my face, I dodge just in the nick of time for he barely missed me by a hair. The momentum from my movement made me fall to my knees I quickly got back to my feet and began to run as fast as I could to the only place I knew the monster couldn’t set foot the shrine. I burst through the shrine gates quickly running up the stairs that lead to the main part of the temple. I was out of breath when I finally reached the Kitsune temple and collapsed trying to catch my breath. I couldn’t believe what was happening how could this be I have never once heard anything about  them being able to actually speak our language they ran on the basic primal instinct of human beings the need to eat so how? I had so many questions running through my head and I didn’t know how to answer any of them. If only mom were here she would know what to do. I rested my eyes as I leaned against a small fountain in the center of the temple as I let the events swirl through my thoughts. “What did it mean when it would live forever if it ate me jinkininki eat people occasionally but never became immortal from it so I wonder what it meant?” I didn’t realize I was speaking out loud until I heard someone clear their throat “excuse me miss I don’t mean to interrupt but is something bothering you do you need some guidance?” I look up to find an older woman looking down at me with milk chocolate eyes she smiled at me and reached out her hand. I smiled back and stood up “I’m sorry to just barge in I was just running and ended up here” “My dear it is quite all right sometimes we are led where we need to go without realizing it.” She patted my hand and oddly I was finally able to relax I looked her over once more and sucked in a breath I can’t believe I didn’t recognize her before “Oh my god Keyome is it really you, you probably don’t remember me but my mother and I used to come here all the time when I was a little girl.”Keyome turned to me and smiled a beaming smile “ Honey there is no way a Kitsune can forget the offspring of her best friend.” Shocked at her words I look up at her once more but this time she looks completely different now she is wearing s red and gold kimono her slivery hair flowing out behind her like it had life of its own. Her eyes still the chocolate brown but she looked years younger and had a set of soft dog like ears on the top of her head her long nine tails curled around her frame gently as she smiled at me. She was so beautiful like a Japanese priestess came to life off of one of those old paintings. She reached and placed a hand under my arm and helped me stand and face her “now tell me what had you so upset little one.” I began to tell her about the jikininki that attacked the house last night and then about the one who was in the school yard in the middle of daylight and it actually spoke. I watched as she took all the information I gave her in but I watched her flatten back on the top of her head and her tails wrapped around my waist protectively as I told her what the last one had said to me. “Are you certain it said that you didn’t mistake his words Kira?” she was looking at me intently waiting for my answer “yes I am cretin he said that Keyome what did he mean by what he said do you know?” she sighed and took my hand in hers patting it lightly “I wish it wasn’t me having to tell you all this it is your mothers job but since she is not here to tell you I will honor my promise to her and tell you myself.” She walked us into one of the living quarters in the temple and set us down at a table “My dear first you must understand not all of use demons are bad some of us want to live peaceful lives with humans , but then there are others who want to destroy the fragile lives of mankind. You see my dear your mother is from a line of very powerful magic it is passed down through the bloodline and there is a legend that tells of one such of your family whose blood will make whoever consumes it immortal, Kira you are the last and only survivor of your bloodline many demons will be after you because of this.” All I could do was stare back at Keyome in shock “I-I can’t believe this so I’m in danger of being eaten by these demons because my blood will make them live forever?” she slowly nodded “Dear you are very special and your powers are only now coming to the surface you are more powerful than you think just trust your instincts you will be fine.” Keyome was so kind she reminded me so much of my mother I felt a slight pain in my chest wishing my mom was here because I really needed her right now. “Keyome is there anything I can do to protect myself from the other demons until I can awaken my full abilities.” She smiled and reached into her robe “Just wear this and no harm will come to you I can promise you that young one.” She handed me a necklace that had an amber oval on a chain it was beautiful and I could feel the power rolling off of it. “what is this exactly?” She smiled at me and leaned over kissing my forehead “ My sweet sweet child that there necklace is my very soul should you ever need protection I will be there to keep you safe from harm as I promised your mother all those moons ago.”