Finding Fire

Kotaro sat beside Zuel, waiting patiently for her to wake up. Akiyo had went to the kitchen to make some tea. Whatever had interfered with Zuel’s magic had to make her weak for her to stay asleep this long. He hated it when something or someone hurt her. He had always been very protective of her since he came to Kazeshi when he was twelve. She was quiet and kept to herself. No one ever bothered her. She had always looked tired and stressed. One day, when he went in for his first test, he had heard someone talking about her. That was when he learned that she had been the only survivor of a major outbreak of a virus that had scattered throughout the chambers. She was somehow immune to the virus and had only suffered a slight cold.

“You know, she is a very strong woman. She will get through this.” Akiyo said, returning with two cups of steaming tea.

“I know. I just hate seeing her like this.” Kotaro said, taking one of the cups. “Thanks.”

“She has always been one of the strongest subjects here. I admire her a lot. She has been put through hell twice and nearly died three or four times. Takamiya doesn’t take it easy on Zuel. Vector despises the her.” Akiyo said.

“Vector has a problem with anyone who gets more attention from Takamiya than he does. He just an idiotic, egotistical a*****e who wants nothing more than to have Takamiya all to himself. Dumb lapdog.” Kotaro said.

“He wasn’t all that nice to her when he first learned that Takamiya wanted to use Zuel to figure out if a new test would work. That was when he had snuck into the girls locker room after all the other girls left and did what he did to her.” Akiyo said, sitting beside Kotaro.

“What did he do?” Kotaro asked.

Akiyo looked up at him. “You don’t know?”

He shook his head. “Nope. Zuel never said anything about him other than how sorry he was.”

“He raped her.”

Kotaro froze. Was what he was hearing true? Would Vector really steep that low? When Kotaro didn’t respond, Akiyo kept talking.

“He had also left scars on her body and hurt her pretty badly. It was amazing that she even lived. She came running to me after it happened and begged me not to tell Takamiya. She wasn’t afraid of Vector but she didn’t want Takamiya thinking anything. After I helped her, she wouldn’t let me leave for a few days afterword. Takamiya had asked what was going on and I told her that I was using Zuel as an assistant for some of the tests. I was also trying out some new medicine on her, which I did, with her consent of course. Takamiya left it alone after that.”

“Wow. I had no idea.” Kotaro said, looking back at Zuel. “She’s been through a lot since coming here hasn’t she?”

Akiyo nodded. “Indeed. She has been beaten, scarred, raped, stabbed, shot, and just about anything else. It’s a wonder that she can even continue living like she does.”

Kotaro just nodded. He was amazed, pissed, sad, and above all, felt bad for her. He wished that he could turn back time and take all of that away but knew that he couldn’t. The least he could do now was stay with her when she needed him and when she didn’t. He knew that Akiyo and Zuel were close friends but kind of felt a bit of jealousy at how much she relied on him. Kotaro knew that Akiyo would never do anything to purposely harm Zuel, if anything, try to avoid it all costs unless it was an absolute last possibility. Zuel shifted on the couch and opened her eyes, seeing Kotaro and Akiyo.

“Zuel!” Kotaro said, setting his tea down.

“Hi Kotaro-kun. Hi Akiyo.” She smiled.

Kotaro and Akiyo both felt a pit of sorrow in their stomachs at the innocence in her smile. She tried to sit up and found it a bit hard. Her whole body hurt from the strain of Dijuno’s magic on hers and from the strain of staying in the energy world so long. Kotaro helped her sit up, hoping that she was okay. A quiet knock at the door suggested that they had a visitor.

“Come in.” Zuel said.

Uno Hound walked in, the youngest of any of the subjects. She had only been at Kazeshi for two years now, just turning seven. Her shoulder length hair was black and she had two horns sticking out the sides of her head. Her red eyes had worry clear as day in them. She always liked hanging out with Zuel and only talked to her.

“Zuel!” She said, running inside and hugging Zuel.

“Easy Kiddo. You’re going to break me.” Zuel said, hugging her back.

“Sorry.” Uno said, letting go.

“It’s okay.” Zuel smiled, moving over so Uno could get on the couch with her.

Kotaro got up and shut the door. “How did you know Zuel was here?”

“Takamiya told us. She said not to bother you, but I had to see if you were okay.” Uno said, smiling.

“I’m fine. I’m just a bit sore from falling out of one of the trees in the arena.” Zuel said, trying to reassure Uno.

“Actually, your shoulder was out of socket so I had to pop it back in. So that might cause you to delay some of your tests. I’ll talk to Takamiya about it.” Akiyo said, sipping his tea.

“When did you put it back in socket?” Zuel asked.

“A few minutes before you woke up.” He answered simply.

“I didn’t feel anything.”

“Of course not. You were asleep.” He shrugged.

“Well, I guess I should go and let everyone know you are okay. I’ll stop by later with Zora and Vincent. I think they were wanting to check on you too.” Uno said, standing up.

“Are you sure?” Zuel asked. “I don’t mind you staying if you want to.”

“I’m sure.” She said, giving Zuel another hug, being careful this time. “See you later.”

She waved as she went out the door. Zuel waved back and waited for her to leave before sighing in frustration.

“What’s wrong?” Kotaro asked.

“I hate it when everyone worries. It gets on my nerves and then everyone is asking me for a week afterword if I’m okay. I hate it.” Zuel sighed.

Kotaro laughed. “It’s okay. Most people don’t even talk to you so I guess, in a way, they have the right to ask.”

“Thanks.” Zuel said, moving the blanket and standing up.

She got dizzy and almost fell. Kotaro caught her, helping her to stand straight. She blushed. She didn’t want help standing up. If she couldn’t even stand, how was she suppose to help Dijuno? He was counting on her and she was letting a little bit of over spent energy get to her. She wouldn’t allow it. She shrugged off Kotaro’s hands and waited until she caught her balance before trying to walk. Once she was sure she could make it, she walked to her room, pulling open her closet. She was trying to find the box that Takamiya gave her. In the box was some stuff that her mother left her. Takamiya hadn’t looked in the box therefore had no idea what was in it.

Dijuno made Zuel think. He had said that her mother was dead. Maybe something in the box would help her figure out what to do. Kotaro walked in, followed by Akiyo. They stood in the doorway, watching as she tossed clothes and shoes and other boxes out of the closet. Her room as soon a mess. She was going to hate cleaning it later but none of that mattered right now. She finally found the box, black leather with dark purple bindings. She went and sat on the bed, opening the box.

“What’s that?” Kotaro asked.

“A box that my mother left me.” Zuel answered simply.

“Really? That’s cool.” He said, walking over and joining her on the bed.

“Zuel, if you are feeling better, I need to go and talk to Takamiya.” Akiyo said. “If you still need me, then I’ll stay.”

“No, if you need to talk to Takamiya, then go ahead. I’ll stop by later so you can tell me what you needed to talk to me about.” Zuel smiled at him, reassuring him.

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you later then.” He said, then turned to Kotaro. “Don’t leave her alone. I’ll let Takamiya know that you are to take care of her until further notice.”

Kotaro nodded. “Thank you Akiyo.”

Akiyo just nodded and left. Zuel was too induced in looking through the box to even notice that Akiyo was leaving. She had to find something to help her find the other six. Her mother had to know something right? After all, Takamiya had said that Zuel’s mother wasn’t human. Zuel didn’t know if it was true or not, but she wasn’t going to take her chances. If it was true, then her mother had to be the one to give her the Dark Energies. She finally found a small book. The leather book looked a bit worn and the binding was falling off. It had to be a diary of some sort to have a lock on it. Zuel carefully opened the book and began reading.

December 22, 2009, 3:42 p.m., Jinko Station.

There he is again. He’s been following me for the past few days. I can’t figure out what he wants just by watching him as closely as he watches me. An upfront confrontation must be made. While I fear for my life, I find it hard to avoid the man. He is quite handsome. We board the train. Now’s my chance! I have to get close enough to talk to him without anyone hearing. It’s critical to our mission. But what am I going to say so he doesn’t suspect that I know? There’s no way to avoid the subject of the Energies so maybe I should corner him and demand the information. Then again, what if he’s wired? Or worse, what if he knows what I am? This has so many obstacles and dangers that I almost don’t want to go through with it.

Zuel flipped the page, wanting to read more. Kotaro had leaned over to see and was trying to make sense of what each entry meant. Zuel herself was a bit confused. Her mother knew of the Energies, but how much did she know and who was the man following her? The next entry was just as confusing.

December 23, 2009. 6:00 A.M., Shinzo’s coffee shop.

I see him again. He’s watching me from behind a newspaper. How long does he think that he can watch me. I noticed cameras put in my apartment last night. I went on about my daily routine, trying not to seem apprehensive. I made it through the night and left early this morning. I ordered my usual coffee and sat at the table in the back. No one bothered me. He just sat there watching me. I wish I knew his name. I had missed my chance to talk to him last night. I had cursed myself for it and decided that I would try cornering him. It was easier. I reached into the energy world and found out that he didn’t wear a wire but was a highly skilled fighter. No matter. He’s no match for my katana. I drink my coffee slowly, looking around but keeping him in my peripheral. He gets up and walks over, stopping in front of me. I ask if I can help him and he asks my name. I tell him it’s Sealra Elih, which it is. He nods and hands me a card. His name is on it. Zero Katsakine. A handsome name for a handsome man. He offers to buy me lunch later but I decline. I have some stuff to take care of.

Zuel stopped for a moment. Her mother, Sealra, was one of the Energies and her father, Zero, was watching everything she was doing. This still made no sense to Zuel. She sighed and leaned on Kotaro. He blushed lightly.

“This makes no sense Kotaro-kun.” She said.

“What doesn’t?” He asked.

“Mom was one of the Energies and Dad was chasing after her for something. None of her diary entries make any sense and none of them say why he was chasing her.” Zuel explained, flipping through some of the pages, stopping at a random one. She began reading.

October 4, 2010. 2:23 A.M., My house.

I felt the baby kick again while I was in the bathroom, puking up everything I had ate the night before. I can’t wait to have our beautiful baby girl. She’s going to be the most beautiful thing in the world. Zero has already said that he’s going to spoil her. I decided (without Zero’s knowledge) that I am going to teach her how to fight. It’s always important to know how to defend yourself in this world. I can feel the Dark Energies draining from my body and into hers. It’s a good thing. Once she inherits all of it, she will be born. Zero knows about the Dark Energies and is devising a plan to protect her from anyone who may be after the Energies. We have contacted the other seven Energies and are currently working with them. Turns out that each Energies is having a child (or already have a young child). Zero’s going to be a great father and I have a feeling I’m going to be a great mother.

“So, I really did get it from her.” Zuel said, completely forgetting that Kotaro was in the room.

“You really did get what from who?” He asked.

“What?” She asked, unaware of what exactly it was that he had asked.

“You said that you really did get something from someone. What are you talking about?” He clarified.

Should I tell Kotaro-kun about Dijuno and what he said? Wait, now that I think about it, didn’t Kotaro have the kanji for Fire on his body somewhere? I remember seeing it, but where? Zuel thought, trying her hardest to remember. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Zuel. You’re hiding something aren’t you. Tell me.” He said.

S**t! Where is the damn marking. Then something clicked. His right shoulder! I had thought that it was a tattoo and didn’t ask about it. Now I know. He’s the Fire!

“Let me see your right shoulder.” Zuel demanded.

“My… right shoulder?” Kotaro asked, confused. “For what?”

“I need to see something.” She said, offering no explanation.

“No, not until you tell me what’s going on.” He said, scooting away from her.

“I can’t unless I know for sure that you are one of them.” She said.

“One of who?” Kotaro pressed. “What the hell has gotten into you?!”

Zuel was tired of waiting. She pounced on him, using her body to hold him down. She knew he wouldn’t move as long as she sat on him. She ripped his shirt off and looked at his right shoulder.

“You are one! Fire!” She said, happily.

“What the hell are you talking about Zuel?” He asked, his cheeks slightly red.

“You are the Fire Energies.” She smiled.

“What?” He asked, more confused.

“You know of the eight Energies right?” He nodded. “Well, there are eight people who guard each Energies. I am Dark. You are Fire. And Dijuno is Moon.”

“You aren’t making any sense. How hard did you fall from that tree?” He asked, still laying under her.

She leaned down, her chest pressed against his. “You are the Fire Energies guardian. Dijuno said we could contact him by holding hands and going into the energy world. I’ll let him explain the whole situation. It’s too complicated if I try.”

Zuel grabbed both of his hands, not moving from on top of him and they shifted into the energy world. Everything was spinning masses of color and the scenery shifted a few times before settling on a lovely pasture.

Nice to see you again Dark. And I see you have found one. Dijuno said, sitting beside them.

Hi Dijuno. This is Kotaro-kun, my best friend. He is the Fire Energies guardian. I couldn’t quite figure out how to explain the situation to him so I figured, since I had to contact you anyway, I would just let you explain. Zuel said, getting off of Kotaro.

He sat up and looked around. Where are we?

The energy world. Dijuno said simply. Nice to have you with us Fire. As Dark has probably already told you, I am Moon. I guard the Moon Energies. For the time being I am trapped here in the energy world. My earthly body was buried alive so I shifted here to keep from dying. I have to have the help of the other seven Energies in order to be brought back and in order to defeat them.

Defeat who? Kotaro asked.

There is an organization that is out to destroy all demons, former human or not, and we must stop them. With the power of all eight Energies, Sun, Moon, Dark, Light, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, we will succeed. We have two of the four most powerful Energies, Dark and Moon. Please tell me you actually understand what’s going on. Dijuno said, hoping that Kotaro would agree to help.

Yes, I understand. I just have one question. Kotaro said, nodding.

What’s that? Dijuno asked.

Will any of this put Zuel’s life in immediate danger?

Dijuno looked at Kotaro for a moment. It was an odd question to him. He hadn’t thought about how the others may feel about each other. It was clear that Kotaro had feelings for Zuel, although she was too air headed to realize it. He smiled.

At times, yes. But I feel as if you can protect her Kotaro Silver. And if anyting did happen to her, you wouldn’t be the only one who wanted to murder the poor b*****d who did something to her. Like Vector. Dijuno said.

How did you know about Vector?! Zuel asked, turning on Dijuno.

Your mother asked me personally to keep watch over you. She wanted to make sure that her baby girl could do well in this cruel world. I agreed because your mother was a really great friend of mine. So was your father. Dijuno said.

My mom and dad? You knew them! Why didn’t you tell me?! Zuel asked.

I couldn’t figure out how. I knew you were really emotional when it came to the topic of your past so I tried to avoid it when we first spoke. I was going to try and avoid it this time, but Fire made me think. It wasn’t a good idea to hide it any longer. I’m sorry Zuel. Dijuno said, crouching into a royal bow.

Zuel stood there, staring at him for a moment. She felt kind of bad for yelling at him but he should have told her right? She smiled and walked over to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him up.

It’s okay. Just don’t hide things from me. I hate it. Ask Kotaro-kun. Zuel said, hugging him.

Dijuno didn’t know how to respond. He had never really had a loving family. He looked at Kotaro but only got a slight nod. He wrapped his arms around her carefully.

I do have one other piece of information that you might like to have Zuel. Dijuno said, after she let go. There are two other female Energies and three male Energies.

Cool! We will find them Dijuno. And from now on, call us by our names. I don’t like being called Dark. It’s creepy. Zuel said, smiling.

We should probably get back soon. You know Takamiya will probably stop by and want to speak with you. Kotaro said.

Yes, you should go. You know how much strain it puts on your body to be here too long. I’ll speak with you again sometime. Dijuno said, bowing and disappearing.

Kotaro and Zuel shifted back into the earthly plain. Zuel was still sitting on top of Kotaro. She blushed and got off, realizing what she had done. She couldn’t believe that she actually tackled him just to see if he was one of the Energies. She gathered up everything she had gotten out of the box and put it away.