Yami no Hikari: Anrakki Rabaa

Fragment XII

Extricating Deception

(Only the lies tell you everything.)

“Seems to be broken, according to the x-ray… Fortunately, it’s not severe.”

Suzuhara Mitsuki, the school nurse, was the one who was speaking, examining the body part in question as the girl she was talking to was wincing; perhaps, even close to releasing a pained whimper.

As soon as she woke up, Azami went to the nurse’s office for that, due to last night’s events, there had been something wrong with her arm…

“Are you sure, Suzuhara-sensei?” Azami forced herself to speak to her, having not been able to do that before due to the arm hurting like Hell. “There’s no way it could be fractured… I only had minor injuries in soccer practice yesterday, nothing else!”

“Azami-chan, as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news, this is as real as it gets.” Mitsuki sighed, understanding and kindness in her voice and actions. With careful care, she had put the girl’s arm in a cast, proceeding to sling it into a splint. “Then, if it had nothing to do with soccer yesterday, what was it? It’s not like you’ve fallen out of a tree or anything else that made you like this, right?”

“…?!” When hearing this, that feeling came back—

- - -

The memory was still a blur, but…

Seeing some movement of sort into the darkness, the unknown objects had struck their target.

And when it did, Azami felt like she was taking a long fall…

A very long dive down…

She could’ve sworn she felt, and heard, herself scream as her body was throbbing with aches—

- - -

“…chan! Azami-chan!” Mitsuki’s voice sounded far away. “Are you okay? Snap out of it!”

The girl being called gasped, feeling that eerie sensation dissipated, settling from her dream. She broke out into a cold sweat from that, feeling the perspiration slide down her skin.

“Are you all right?! What happened?! All of a sudden, you went delusional!” The nurse’s voice held an appalling fear and concern flashed onto her face.

“It’s nothing, Suzuhara-sensei.” Azami retorted in a brisk, sure voice. Hopping off of the bed in the office, she went out of the door without giving so much of a word to Mitsuki on what just happened or why she acted in such a way.

Either way, I still don’t know myself. And considering that the color of my body is back to normal once more…

I’ve to be careful of any sudden changes.

Biting her lip, Azami went off to the gym for soccer.

- - -

“So, what’s this all about?” Aiko asked calmly, coldly, as she glared down at Hitomi in the hallways. As they walked, Hitomi’s usually high ponytail swished with her walking speed while Aiko’s low ponytail was swaying to and fro at a leisurely pace.

“What do you mean, Aiko-sama?” Hitomi riposted her with a smile, seething sarcasm into the honorific. “After all, I don’t think I’m the one who caused you to have something shoved up your ass; at least, not today.”

Disregarding the last sentence, she pressed on, “I mean with you and Keiya-sempai. You guys seem to be close now.”

She shrugged. “What does it matter to you? It’s none of your business, isn’t it?”

“So what?! Why are you close to him now?! I’ve always seen you guys fight and—” She was flailing her hands in frustration, close to screaming in protest.

“…Oh, I get it.” A smirk came upon the Kendoka’s face. “You’re jealous.”

“What—” She stopped as Hitomi came up into her full height and stared at Aiko sharply into her eyes, despite the obvious height disadvantage.

“You’re just jealous that I’m close to him. Though I don’t feel anything that strong for him, I just love seeing you like this because that means I’ve won over you in something. And pfeh, I hate to break it to you, but darling, sex appeal won’t get you very far.”

Blue eyes went wide as dinner plates when hearing this; however, they snapped back into a cold glare.

“I am not jealous! And is that so?!” The younger girl argued back, trying to find a good reason into this. “What about you, Hitomi-sempai? You may be older than me, but you look like a middle school kid. There’s no way you’ll get guys like that! That is, if your unladylike personality doesn’t scare them off first!”

Hitomi saw red at that remark.

“What did you say?!” She lashed out, ready to get at her at any given moment.

Now to be the one smirking victoriously, Aiko sneered, “Poor wittle Hitomi.”

“Well, old woman,” Hitomi stated (getting a jolt out of her) as she looked at her chest. “You may have a bigger bust than me, but they’re started to sag.”

Walking away, as if she had her fulfillment and triumph (especially when she said this out loud to the public), Hitomi was all smiles.

However, Aiko didn’t give up without a fight (all the while, she was mortified and infuriated of the whole thing, gaping at the other girl for being a smartass) for that she screamed for the whole hall to hear, “Hey everybody! Hitomi-chan is FLAT!”

“…?!” Oh, that was the last straw. Turning around, her eyes burned holes through her rival’s body.

“Why you—! Getting out her bokken, she began to chase Aiko, who was running away and cackling.

“I am not giving Keiya-sempi up to you, ohohohoho!” She declared as she continued to make way. “This means war, Hitomi!”

“How many times do I have to tell you?!” The other barked as she kept narrowly missing her with the vicious slashes of her bokken. Or if she did land a hit, sometimes Aiko deflected it with her bamboo naginata. “There’s nothing going on between me and Taiko-san, Aiko, and that’s final!”

“Really? We’ll see about that!”

She’s wrong. Hitomi made this into a mantra over and over into her mind, focusing to hit Aiko, still. There’s nothing going on between Taiko-san and I. Sure, it seems that we’ve become closer than before these past couple of days, but…

I don’t like him like that. I… There’s already someone in my heart.

However, he hasn’t been back home up to now.

Why? Do you really hate me that much?

Or is there some other possible reason that I refuse to accept?

Besides, even if Taiko-san does like me like that… No, that’s not even possible. Because…

He just seems to be the type who has a soft spot for girls. And moreover, no matter however perverted he is or how much of a skirt chaser he can be, he’s… Very kind.

But isn’t he like that to every girl he meets, though? I mean, to everyone, sure, but he seems to have more of a softer spot for the opposite gender. And I’m just one to be body guarded by him because my brother, the commander, enforced the order. Besides, I…

I…

Without even thinking of what she was doing, she finally landed a hit on Aiko, on her back. Though the clash seemed to have more strength behind it than she intended for that the moment the wooden katana touched her, Aiko was sent flying into a wall, face first.

And though she was bitching and being crabby on her injuries, the samurai girl paid no heed to her rival as she just walked pass by her. And Aiko fumed at this, thinking Hitomi did that on purpose; the hitting AND making it look like she didn’t know what happened.

I’m not good enough. She settled in her head, gripping onto the bokken hilt tightly at the thought as she was on her way to the Kendo dojo.

It always looks like I’m not good enough for anybody. However, moreover… I’m not good enough for any guy in this damned academy! No matter how much I love myself as a tomboy, there’s no way I would be accepted. I know I don’t need a guy to be happy, but…

She slid the door open, settling herself besides the Kendo captain, whom she knew very well due to some reasons.

Cherry red hair in a tight braid, silver eyes (the right one in a monocle) glanced at the girl next to him. The male was about twenty-one, 6’1” in height. He wore both a white haori and hakama, but there were fire designs in reds, oranges, yellows, and gold that were all over the robe.

“Anything wrong, Hitomi?” His voice was cool, collected. It’s not that he was cold, Hitomi knew, but that’s the way he is.

“Mm, no, Yuukan-sempai. And if there was something wrong, you know I would tell you, right?”

“…” He nodded in reply of this. This would’ve been taken as a snide comment if the context were taken out of place, but that was not what she implied for it to be, so he understood.

“By the way… How are you and Kiya-oneesama doing?”

“We’re doing well, especially ever since she moved into my place. A little rough due to the fact we’re still in school, but it’s been fun.”

“Ah. It’s nice to hear that you two are getting along. And hey… Did you propose to her yet?” She grinned, nudging Yuukan in the rib playfully.

Going as red as his hair, he gave her a mocking fierce look, knowing she was playing around. Of course, he knew she was also serious when she asked that question.

“Not yet. I do plan on doing so soon, but not yet.”

“I see… Well, I’m pretty sure she’ll be really happy; of course, knowing her.” The two of them shared a brief, soft smile to each other on that notion.

Hearing the door slide open, the two looked over to see that Kararu-sensei made her presence.

“Good afternoon.” She announced herself, dusting off her kimono. “Let’s begin, shall we?”

I don’t need a guy to be happy, but… Hitomi stood up, licking her lips as she took an aggressive position, poised to strike when the first move will be made.

If I change myself to give into the expectations of others that I’ve put up with for as long as I can remember (even up to now), then, that person wouldn’t love me for who I am, huh?

No, stop thinking that way! She shook her head furiously at this, clenching both hands onto the bokken.

Please… Nobody touch my heart.

Please, don’t touch it.

Please, don’t notice it.

If nobody knew my heart, that’s okay.

“Hideki, you’re up.” Yuukan called to the younger boy, who got up and had his own weapon on the ready. “You’ll be fighting against Hitomi for now.”

Hideki looked to the girl in front of him. Though she did not show it, he can feel something unsettling from her.

“Hitomi…” Her name was spoken under his breath, just only for him to hear. And though she always kept getting up, no matter how many things were there to bring her down, he just felt troubled for her.

I’ve decided not to look back. That’s why I’m going to throw everything away.

The girl drew a breath, on the ready. Lost in thoughts and her heartbeat resonating in her ears, she was trying to control the adrenaline that now coursed through her veins.

“Three…” Karura’s voice was making a countdown.

That’s why…

“Two…”

I outright refuse to say…

“One…”

Don’t you even dare to let the words leave your mouth.

“HAJIME!”

At this, Hitomi took initiative, lifting her bokken sideways and swinging a hit. And Hideki blocked it instinctively, sensing her tension head on.

Don’t you ever say…

“I’m lonely.”

- - -

“So… There it is…” Naoki examined his shirtless self in the mirror, unable to believe it, as he did see a scar right over his heart.

From what can I make out of it, it’s a stab wound. He noted, frowning at this. But I wonder where it came from. I don’t remember getting involved in a brawl or anything, so why…

“So, let me get this straight.” Keiya was on Naoki’s bed, sitting on it. “You… Recalled your past? Or, at least, that’s what you think you were seeing?”

“Yeah, but it’s strange. I don’t recall such. It’s true that I’ve been a shinobi for as long as I can remember…” He started to pull down a shirt on himself. “This is just an out of the ordinary thing, first time that I’ve ever experienced it. And I don’t even have a clue where this scar came from.”

“Ah, I see. And…You say you saw an angel? A real angel, one that resides in Heaven?”

“…Hard to believe, but yes, I’m most certain that I saw one. But her wings…”

“Hm?”

“The angel looked alone. Her eyes, her expression on both the face and body… She looked like she was suffering. Her wings… The white feathers were beautiful, but they were marked with red, red like blood.”

As Naoki described to the other what the spiritual being looked like, there was a sharp pain that suddenly lurched in Keiya’s heart—

- - -

A feminine figure stood in front of him. Wavy, ankle-length electric blue hair flowed down as she wore that white camisole dress, both of her hands clasped together behind her back. Her white wings, many feathers tainted with red, were spread out and they held a luster.

She turned around to face him, crimson eyes with warmth and melancholy, a bright smile on her face as tears fell down her cheeks.

“You still love me with all of your heart, don’t you, Keiya-kun? Even though I’m like… This?”

- - -

Was that who Naoki was talking about? Keiya came back to the present, feeling perspiration from that little flashback.

“Keiya-sempai?” Naoki sounded alarmed as he went to check up on him. “You all right? It looked like you saw a ghost!”

“The angel you told me about moments ago… Just now…” He shuddered, a chill going down his spine.

“What happened? Did you…”

“Yeah, I had a recollection of her. I don’t know how or why, but… I just did! And it sounded like she knew me in an intimate way. But the problem is I don’t recall having met such a person!”

“Wait, you mean to say that the angel was your lover or something?!” The shinobi freaked out at this.

“That’s what I don’t know! I don’t retain information of her, but she expressed her feelings for me personally, which means she was referring to me as her lover! But the thing is, how can that be?!” He stressed at this, going crazy with such misunderstanding.

“Why don’t we… Go up to the rooftop tonight?” Naoki suggested, spinning a kunai on his forefinger. “I’m pretty sure that the angel will be there again. And besides, I’ve a bad feeling Azami experienced something similar last night.”

“All right, we’ll go and… Hm? What makes you say that? You know, on Sakurai-san.”

“Well, it’s just that… Her arm’s in a cast. It’s unusual since she only had minor injuries from soccer practice, nothing else.”

“…You really are a stalker, aren’t you?” Keiya asked in a joking manner, though his face contrasted to that with a rigid expression; nonetheless, it was a joke.

“No, I’m not! She met me right after she was done getting ready for the big game. She only had scrapes all over.”

“Unless she fell off her bed or something…”

“Nah, she wouldn’t, especially since her bed is peach fuzz now.”

“Damn that peach fanatic…”

“Hahaha. I asked her earlier what happened and she couldn’t really say. And she told me that she fell unconscious when recalling something, the same as what happened to me last night. Well, all right, looks like we’re going up there.”

“Okay, call the dorm phone when you’re ready to go.” Keiya got up, dusted himself off, and was on his way to go out of the room.

“Keiya-sempai?” He stopped in front of the door, turning to face Naoki.

“Hm? What’s up?”

“Well…” He fidgeted, unsure of what to say. With a deep breath, he showed sternness and, yet, a mix of slyness and hope was into his smile. “Don’t argue with Hitomi-sama all of the time, okay? I saw how you two got along today, so… It was nice to see you guys like that.”

“…” The older boy quickly diverted his attention to the door, his face burning, but still listened in to what the other has to say.

“I’m pretty sure that you won’t make Hitomi-sama cry, right? Sure, you always made her pissed off at every opportunity, but making her cry… Making her cry is the one thing I’ll never forgive you for. I would say the same for Azami, but I know that I’ll always protect her, and you know that just as well. But you, don’t you dare make Hitomi-sama cry. Do you understand?” His tone was sharp and grim this time, his smile leaving his face.

“!” Keiya looked to the white haired boy and saw his face was betraying nothing to what he said.

Wide-eyed, and maybe a little intimidated by this, the soldier finally made his statement heard:

“All right… I understand, Naoki. No worries, I won’t…” Turning to the door again, he went out into the dorm hallway.

I wonder what that was all about. Keiya was flustered on the whole discussion, Naoki’s words echoing into his mind. Yuume-chan, cry?

What did he mean? Is there something about Yuume-chan that he knows about?

Or… Is it something else? Maybe it’s because I haven’t made her cry yet, eh?

Hah, with her being the way she is, she doesn’t seem the type to cry at all.

Opening his dorm room door, he saw that, once again, Hitomi was not around.

Ah, right. She has Kenjutsu, right? So, hopefully, she won’t take long.

- - -

When nightfall came to the academy, Keiya went out to meet Naoki (now in his shinobi clothes, minus the cloak) in front of the dorm building.

“Yuume-chan’s missing again.” Keiya’s voice filled with anxiety. “This is the second time.”

“Azami’s missing too.” There was a scowl on Naoki’s face as the two ran up the stairwell in the dorms, leading up the roof. “She looked like she wanted to tell me something, but she ran away before she could get it out. And moreover, her right arm didn’t look right.”

“What, did she injure her right arm too?”

“It didn’t look like it, but it looked peculiar. Almost as if… It was erased.”

“Say what?!”

“I know it sounds weird, but it looked like it!”

Kicking the door open, they frantically searched around the crown, trying to locate the two.

“Azami!” Keiya heard Naoki yell out. As he turned around, he saw Azami sitting at the edge of the roof, swinging her feet to and fro.

“Naoki…” Azami’s voice faintly called his name, uncertainty in the form of a grimace.

“What happened? Are you all right? And where’s Hitomi-sama?” He threw one question after another. Of course, she didn’t answer them in order.

“I don’t know where Hitomi-chan is. Yes, I’m all right. And… And…” Though she answered in her clear-cut manner, she was restless, biting her bottom lip as her body began to shake.

“Azami…?” Naoki held her left hand, the one in the cast. Keiya coming over there too, indeed, he noticed that Azami’s right hand…

It was only visible up to the knuckles. Grey eyes widened as he saw that her fingers were missing. Naoki was right, her hand looked as if it was wiped away.

Sakurai-san? Although he didn’t want to come clean of it, he was feeling scared for Azami.

“I need to tell this to you.” Azami took a deep breath, voice trembling. “Since Hitomi-chan isn’t around, only you and Keiya-san will hear this. The truth is…”

They both waited, bracing themselves for the news.

“The truth is, I… Due to what I recalled last night and this morning, I think I understand why I still exist. Even though I didn’t regain all of my memories, as the memories black out when it reaches to a certain time period… I’m pretty sure that the reason why that is…

“The only conclusion I can bring up is that… I’ve been bound here by a wish. It is my wish… But, at the same time, it’s… It’s Naoki’s wish too.”

Blood draining out of his face, Naoki felt dread all over his body.

“What… Are you talking about?” He managed to speak, despite his throat being dry.

“You’re being vague, Azami.” Keiya spoke calmly, keeping his feelings inside. “What do you mean?”

“…” She stayed silent, bowing her head and letting her hair fall into her face, as if refusing to say anymore.

As the two of them were about to prod answers out of her, a flapping sound was heard nearby.

“I believe that now is the time to say what needs to be said.” The slight breeze in the dusk carried this grief-stricken voice.

Naoki and Keiya looked up in the sky to see the angel there, her face holding an expression of deep seated pain.

“Do you know something of this, Aoi?” Naoki spat venomously to her, quite angry right now, and feeling useless for having questions unanswered. As he didn’t know her name, he decided to call her that due to her hair color.

That angel… Keiya thought in awe, drawn to her. But he felt pain shoot up in his body as he gazed at her, looking back at the time she entered his mind.

“I do… But it’s best that Azami tells you.” Floating down, the angel wrapped her arms around Azami’s shoulders, as if to comfort and encourage her. “If you’ve managed to recall the most you have of your precious memories… Then, tell them.”

“…” She didn’t move, but the bi-colored eyed girl look to the two boys, a pained and fearful look on her.

“I don’t know exactly what’s going on, especially since the memories don’t exactly click whatsoever, but… I’m not who you think I am.” Azami let out the words slowly, both hands clenching into tight fists.

“I’m not real.”

“?!” Naoki felt as if he was going to die at the spot whereas Keiya paled, eyes widened in disbelief.

This means… Azami might be…

Is she an illusion?!