Chapter 6 - About Sprirt Wars and of a Night Wanderer
Submitted March 14, 2006 Updated August 25, 2006 Status Incomplete | When Shinji Kuromia gets out of the hospital 5 years late, he enrolls at an all grade university called, Spirit Book University. It is said that there were Six powerful books that are born at random. But not one book: The Red Book.
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Chapter 6 - About Sprirt Wars and of a Night Wanderer
Chapter 6 - About Sprirt Wars and of a Night Wanderer
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Chapter Five: About Spirit Wars, and of a Night Wanderer
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<b><i><u>Chapter Five: About Spirit Wars, and of a Night Wanderer</u></i></b>
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<b><i><u></u></i></b>
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There was a knock at the front door. Shinji slowly opened his eyes. Everything was spinning and his head a pounding a nail in his temples. A second knock was heard. Shinji pulled away from the sheets he was wrapped and tried to get out of the bed. But Mr. Kuromia held him tight to his chest and his hips gave a thrust. Shinji's mouth let out a gasp and his cheeks went pink.
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“Papa, that's enough. I'm tired. Hanasei…” Shinji pulled his father's hands apart but they quickly took hold again.
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“Papa—!”
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Mr. Kuromia had given another thrust.
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“Stay here.” Mr. Kuromia mumbled.
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“But; the door…. Ah!” Shinji covered his mouth this time; his father continued thrusting.
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“Stay.” Then, Mr. Kuromia fell back asleep.
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“Fine.” `It's probably Ice, Yamina, or Kagura bringing my Homework. If it is, they should just leave it by the door.'
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“This is where he lives, right?”
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“Yes, I'm sure. I came over before to cook Shinji breakfast.”
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“Can't we just bust the door down?”
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“NO!”
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Sure enough, Yamina, Kagura and Ice were standing outside the front door. Yamina was holding a small stack of books in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. The paper had the class homework written upon it. Ice was against the door, listening with her cat ear; it can hear well.
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“I don't hear anything.” She said, backing away from the door.
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“Let me try; I have better hearing than you two.” Kagura stowed her book away behind her outer clothing and took a listen. But she backed away quickly, blushing deep.
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“Is something the matter?” Yamina asked.
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“What—! Oh! It's nothing… really!” Kagura laughed nervously. `All I heard was movement in a bed and it sounded like it was coming from Kuromia-san's room…”
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“Well, if no one isn't going to answer,” Yamina said. “I'll leave his homework in the mailbox. He has the books right?” Yamina lifted up the top of the mailbox and placed the paper inside, closing it afterwards.
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“Let's go.” Yamina grabbed Kagura's arm and started to drag her. But Kagura resisted. “What's the matter?”
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“Nothing.” She then followed Yamina latched to her arm.
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Ice stared at the top window with worried eyes. “Wait up guys!” She then turned around and ran after the other two.
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<i>Escape from the world of the nonexistent. Living in the world where those do exist. You do not belong. The Life Takers will come after you. Some are closer than you think…</i>
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Shinji pulled on a T-shirt and a pair of loose pants and went down stairs. He went into the kitchen where the afternoon sunlight was drifting away through the satin curtains. He stared into the city, wondering….
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Shinji's eyes pulled away and went to the stove where a pot of noodles had started cooking. But he still wondered. He wondered whether he should be alive. He wondered, “Why was I the one to have the Red Book? I'm nothing special.” He thought that often. Why was he the one to have this book? Was he destined to? Or maybe it was a mistake by God's choice. Shinji was all the more confused.
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The noodles finished cooking and Shinji took if off the stove and transferred the noodles into a bowl, which he had set on the table. He took the pot to the sink and started to pour the excess broth out.
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Shinji started to wonder again and lost his grip in the process. The pot slipped from his lacking grip and fell into the sink, burning his hand on the way down.
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“ITAI!!!!!” Shinji quickly started to run the water cold and placed his hand beneath it, cooling it off.
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“Hot, hot, hot!” Shinji murmured. Tears peeked out of his eyes. `Just my luck….'
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The next day, Shinji ran to SBU with Haji and his gang on his heels.
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“Leave me alone!!!” Shinji shouted behind him. “Taskete!!!!!!”
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“Learn to fight Kuromia!” Haji shouted. “You'll never survive the war like this!”
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“War? Ah!!” Shinji fell to the ground, dirt flying.
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Haji and his gang took this chance and surrounded Shinji.
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“Don't tell me you didn't know about the war.” Haji asked smirking. “Guys! He didn't know about Spirit War XIII!!” Haji and his gang started to laugh.
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“Can he be any denser?” one the gang members asked.
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“Dunno! Maybe!” another said and the others roared with laughter.
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Haji picked Shinji up his hair and lifted him up to his face. “You honestly don't know?” Shinji shook his head. “How sad. You need to be updated. Every family generation has to fight in Spirit War, 50% survive, guys and gals.”
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Haji threw Shinji away from him. Shinji slid across the ground dirt racing him until he came to a halt.
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“See you later! <i>Chibi </i><i>Setsu-Dan!”</i>
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A small blade of air came at Shinji and made a cut on his cheek. Shinji stared after Haji. “Spirit War? Nani…?”
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“… and that's the end of today's lesson. Are there any questions?”
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Shinji raised his hand.
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“Yes, Kuromia?”
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Shinji stood up in his seat. He looked around the room; everyone was staring at him.
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“Ano… can you tell me about the Spirit Wars?” Shinji went red of embarrassment. “We do have some extra time.”
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Ms. Shumine looked around the room, looking at the curious faces. She gulped down some moisture and went to her desk and sat down. She sighed.
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“Sit, Kuromia.” She commanded, gesturing him.
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“Yes, ma'am.” Shinji sat back in his seat.
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Ms. Shumine looked around again and sighed. She placed her face in her hands and sat there for a minute. She looked up from her hands and took a deep breath.
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“Youth has their limits of curiosity. But none, as of yet, has asked me this. That is, until this day.” She got up and went to the whiteboard and flipped it around revealing a blank side. She took a red marker and wrote upon the board. When she was done, the board read, “Spirit War XII”
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“When I was 23 years old, Spirit War XII started. It lasted for only a month for it is supposed to. After that month was up, the determined spirits were distinguished from the weak ones. I never participated in the war because I was, and still is, a teacher here. So I didn't have to. Or rather, I had no choice.
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“But, my boyfriend had to be in that war. Thus, he went. After the war ended, I never saw him. Not once, not even today. Only after a week, I found out he was dead, along with thousands of others. When I found out, I felt like killing myself so I can be with him. That is how much I loved him.
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“This is all I'll tell you, my students. But I'll add one more thing. Spirit War XIII is coming. It'll be around the corner before you'll know it. The War is always starts on the same day; December 1<sup>st</sup> every 16 years. Say your farewell in November to those close to you, for November is when you depart to the War ground.”
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The bell rang throughout the whole school but no one in Ms. Shumine moved.
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“Class is dismissed, go home.” Ms. Shumine took he glassed off and rubbed her eyes from her tears.
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Shinji gathered his papers on his desk, and headed to the door. As Shinji left, he stared at his teacher. `Maybe I shouldn't have asked.' “Ano… Shumine sensei?” he went over to her.
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She looked up with red eyes at Shinji.
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“What is it?” she asked. “Go home, your father's going to worry.”
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“I… I wanted to say sorry. It was optional for you to answer my question.” He then ran off, going where his feet carried him.
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Outside is where Shinji stopped, next to the scattered forest. A gust of wind blew and some of his papers hitched a ride with it.
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“Nani?! Hey, get back here!!” Shinji shouted following the papers with the wind.
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The wind carried the papers into the forest and kept them high. Shinji leapt after them, but the wind carried them up and down, as if teasing him. Shinji didn't know how long, but he was chasing these papers until night had started. He was right underneath the paper when a leapt and he finally caught them.
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“Got you!” Shinji quickly put the papers away in his side bag and looked around. Everywhere he looked it was all trees. There wasn't a single building in sight nor were there any lights. He looked around again, but got the same results.
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“<i>Everywhere you see is nothing but forest.”</i> Someone said in a male angelic voice. “<i>You are trapped under the deep blue sky which I appear…”</i>
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<i>“Escape from the world of the nonexistent. Living in the world where those do exist. You do not belong. The Life Takers will come after you. Some are closer than you think…”</i>
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Shinji fell silent. His breath came in slow heaves. His eyes shifted, combing through the darkness. Who was that?
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A rustling noise caught Shinji's ears. But before he could turn around, a hand covered his mouth and another was holding him against someone.
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“Who dares to come into my realm of Night?” The same voice said, sounding not so angelic anymore.
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Shinji didn't move nor did he try to say anything. Inside, he was shaking in fear. On the outside, he turned into ice. He stood they frozen at this encounter. Who was this person? What did he want?
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“Answer me!!” The man turned Shinji around and grasped his neck. The man had blonde hair and a blue headband that was covering his eyes. He also had a blue cape draped over his shoulders. On his face was a dirty bandage on his left cheek and a bruise along his jaw bone on the same side. He looked like a wanderer.
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“Ha…Hanasei… can't breath!”
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“Then answer me!” the man squeezed harder.
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Shinji gave a gasp. “Shinji…! Shinji ---gah! ---Kuromia!”
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“Kuromia?!” the man let go of Shinji. “Onii-chan?” the man lifted his headband up off of his golden eyes.
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“`Onii-chan?'” Shinji looked up and their eyes met. “…Onii-san?”
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Silver met gold. And gold met silver. Before Shinji knew it, he was hugging the man who now is Lysumo Tori Kuromia.
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<i></i>
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<i>The bird can't fly without its feathers. A feather is worthless without the bird. Together, they are equal in harmony.</i>
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<i></i>
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“Is Father worried about me, Nii-chan?”
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“Ore wa shinai…” Shinji answered. “I really don't know.” Shinji buried his face into Lysumo's chest. He felt warmer inside his heart. And his heart felt like it regained part of itself. Yet, it still isn't whole.
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“Come home.” Shinji said into Lysumo's chest. He then looked up. “Onegai… come home….”
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Lysumo looked away from Shinji and pulled him away. “I'm not going home.” He said walking off.
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“Matte! Why not?” Shinji ran after him and grabbed his arm. “Nande? There has to be a reason.”
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“There's a reason and it's none of your business!” Lysumo yelled. He yanked his arm out of Shinji's grasp and Shinji fell to the ground on his stomach.
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“Ikennai de!” Shinji shouted after Lysumo. “Aishooteru!!”
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Lysumo stopped. He then looked back and saw Shinji sitting up with his head down.
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“What did you just say?”
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“Aishooteru: I love you…. Please don't go away…” Lysumo heard sniffling and large exhales coming from Shinji. Lysumo sighed and went over to Shinji and knelt next to him.
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“Nakanaide.” Lysumo said lifting Shinji's head up and wiping his tears away. “Aishooteruda, Shinji.”
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Lysumo stood Shinji up and held him. Shinji pulled away just a bit and looked at Lysumo. Shinji stood on his tiptoes and Lysumo bent forward. Both of them blushed pink and their lips met each other with their eyes closed.
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Chapter Five: About Spirit Wars, and of a Night Wanderer
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<b><i><u>Chapter Five: About Spirit Wars, and of a Night Wanderer</u></i></b>
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<b><i><u></u></i></b>
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There was a knock at the front door. Shinji slowly opened his eyes. Everything was spinning and his head a pounding a nail in his temples. A second knock was heard. Shinji pulled away from the sheets he was wrapped and tried to get out of the bed. But Mr. Kuromia held him tight to his chest and his hips gave a thrust. Shinji's mouth let out a gasp and his cheeks went pink.
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“Papa, that's enough. I'm tired. Hanasei…” Shinji pulled his father's hands apart but they quickly took hold again.
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“Papa—!”
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Mr. Kuromia had given another thrust.
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“Stay here.” Mr. Kuromia mumbled.
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“But; the door…. Ah!” Shinji covered his mouth this time; his father continued thrusting.
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“Stay.” Then, Mr. Kuromia fell back asleep.
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“Fine.” `It's probably Ice, Yamina, or Kagura bringing my Homework. If it is, they should just leave it by the door.'
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“This is where he lives, right?”
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“Yes, I'm sure. I came over before to cook Shinji breakfast.”
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“Can't we just bust the door down?”
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“NO!”
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Sure enough, Yamina, Kagura and Ice were standing outside the front door. Yamina was holding a small stack of books in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. The paper had the class homework written upon it. Ice was against the door, listening with her cat ear; it can hear well.
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“I don't hear anything.” She said, backing away from the door.
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“Let me try; I have better hearing than you two.” Kagura stowed her book away behind her outer clothing and took a listen. But she backed away quickly, blushing deep.
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“Is something the matter?” Yamina asked.
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“What—! Oh! It's nothing… really!” Kagura laughed nervously. `All I heard was movement in a bed and it sounded like it was coming from Kuromia-san's room…”
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“Well, if no one isn't going to answer,” Yamina said. “I'll leave his homework in the mailbox. He has the books right?” Yamina lifted up the top of the mailbox and placed the paper inside, closing it afterwards.
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“Let's go.” Yamina grabbed Kagura's arm and started to drag her. But Kagura resisted. “What's the matter?”
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“Nothing.” She then followed Yamina latched to her arm.
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Ice stared at the top window with worried eyes. “Wait up guys!” She then turned around and ran after the other two.
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<i>Escape from the world of the nonexistent. Living in the world where those do exist. You do not belong. The Life Takers will come after you. Some are closer than you think…</i>
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Shinji pulled on a T-shirt and a pair of loose pants and went down stairs. He went into the kitchen where the afternoon sunlight was drifting away through the satin curtains. He stared into the city, wondering….
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Shinji's eyes pulled away and went to the stove where a pot of noodles had started cooking. But he still wondered. He wondered whether he should be alive. He wondered, “Why was I the one to have the Red Book? I'm nothing special.” He thought that often. Why was he the one to have this book? Was he destined to? Or maybe it was a mistake by God's choice. Shinji was all the more confused.
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The noodles finished cooking and Shinji took if off the stove and transferred the noodles into a bowl, which he had set on the table. He took the pot to the sink and started to pour the excess broth out.
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Shinji started to wonder again and lost his grip in the process. The pot slipped from his lacking grip and fell into the sink, burning his hand on the way down.
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“ITAI!!!!!” Shinji quickly started to run the water cold and placed his hand beneath it, cooling it off.
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“Hot, hot, hot!” Shinji murmured. Tears peeked out of his eyes. `Just my luck….'
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
The next day, Shinji ran to SBU with Haji and his gang on his heels.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Leave me alone!!!” Shinji shouted behind him. “Taskete!!!!!!”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Learn to fight Kuromia!” Haji shouted. “You'll never survive the war like this!”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“War? Ah!!” Shinji fell to the ground, dirt flying.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Haji and his gang took this chance and surrounded Shinji.
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Don't tell me you didn't know about the war.” Haji asked smirking. “Guys! He didn't know about Spirit War XIII!!” Haji and his gang started to laugh.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Can he be any denser?” one the gang members asked.
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Dunno! Maybe!” another said and the others roared with laughter.
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Haji picked Shinji up his hair and lifted him up to his face. “You honestly don't know?” Shinji shook his head. “How sad. You need to be updated. Every family generation has to fight in Spirit War, 50% survive, guys and gals.”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Haji threw Shinji away from him. Shinji slid across the ground dirt racing him until he came to a halt.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“See you later! <i>Chibi </i><i>Setsu-Dan!”</i>
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
A small blade of air came at Shinji and made a cut on his cheek. Shinji stared after Haji. “Spirit War? Nani…?”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“… and that's the end of today's lesson. Are there any questions?”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji raised his hand.
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Yes, Kuromia?”
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji stood up in his seat. He looked around the room; everyone was staring at him.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Ano… can you tell me about the Spirit Wars?” Shinji went red of embarrassment. “We do have some extra time.”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Ms. Shumine looked around the room, looking at the curious faces. She gulped down some moisture and went to her desk and sat down. She sighed.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Sit, Kuromia.” She commanded, gesturing him.
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Yes, ma'am.” Shinji sat back in his seat.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Ms. Shumine looked around again and sighed. She placed her face in her hands and sat there for a minute. She looked up from her hands and took a deep breath.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Youth has their limits of curiosity. But none, as of yet, has asked me this. That is, until this day.” She got up and went to the whiteboard and flipped it around revealing a blank side. She took a red marker and wrote upon the board. When she was done, the board read, “Spirit War XII”
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“When I was 23 years old, Spirit War XII started. It lasted for only a month for it is supposed to. After that month was up, the determined spirits were distinguished from the weak ones. I never participated in the war because I was, and still is, a teacher here. So I didn't have to. Or rather, I had no choice.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“But, my boyfriend had to be in that war. Thus, he went. After the war ended, I never saw him. Not once, not even today. Only after a week, I found out he was dead, along with thousands of others. When I found out, I felt like killing myself so I can be with him. That is how much I loved him.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“This is all I'll tell you, my students. But I'll add one more thing. Spirit War XIII is coming. It'll be around the corner before you'll know it. The War is always starts on the same day; December 1<sup>st</sup> every 16 years. Say your farewell in November to those close to you, for November is when you depart to the War ground.”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
The bell rang throughout the whole school but no one in Ms. Shumine moved.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Class is dismissed, go home.” Ms. Shumine took he glassed off and rubbed her eyes from her tears.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji gathered his papers on his desk, and headed to the door. As Shinji left, he stared at his teacher. `Maybe I shouldn't have asked.' “Ano… Shumine sensei?” he went over to her.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
She looked up with red eyes at Shinji.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“What is it?” she asked. “Go home, your father's going to worry.”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“I… I wanted to say sorry. It was optional for you to answer my question.” He then ran off, going where his feet carried him.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Outside is where Shinji stopped, next to the scattered forest. A gust of wind blew and some of his papers hitched a ride with it.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Nani?! Hey, get back here!!” Shinji shouted following the papers with the wind.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
The wind carried the papers into the forest and kept them high. Shinji leapt after them, but the wind carried them up and down, as if teasing him. Shinji didn't know how long, but he was chasing these papers until night had started. He was right underneath the paper when a leapt and he finally caught them.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Got you!” Shinji quickly put the papers away in his side bag and looked around. Everywhere he looked it was all trees. There wasn't a single building in sight nor were there any lights. He looked around again, but got the same results.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“<i>Everywhere you see is nothing but forest.”</i> Someone said in a male angelic voice. “<i>You are trapped under the deep blue sky which I appear…”</i>
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
<i>“Escape from the world of the nonexistent. Living in the world where those do exist. You do not belong. The Life Takers will come after you. Some are closer than you think…”</i>
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji fell silent. His breath came in slow heaves. His eyes shifted, combing through the darkness. Who was that?
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
A rustling noise caught Shinji's ears. But before he could turn around, a hand covered his mouth and another was holding him against someone.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Who dares to come into my realm of Night?” The same voice said, sounding not so angelic anymore.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji didn't move nor did he try to say anything. Inside, he was shaking in fear. On the outside, he turned into ice. He stood they frozen at this encounter. Who was this person? What did he want?
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Answer me!!” The man turned Shinji around and grasped his neck. The man had blonde hair and a blue headband that was covering his eyes. He also had a blue cape draped over his shoulders. On his face was a dirty bandage on his left cheek and a bruise along his jaw bone on the same side. He looked like a wanderer.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Ha…Hanasei… can't breath!”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Then answer me!” the man squeezed harder.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Shinji gave a gasp. “Shinji…! Shinji ---gah! ---Kuromia!”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Kuromia?!” the man let go of Shinji. “Onii-chan?” the man lifted his headband up off of his golden eyes.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“`Onii-chan?'” Shinji looked up and their eyes met. “…Onii-san?”
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Silver met gold. And gold met silver. Before Shinji knew it, he was hugging the man who now is Lysumo Tori Kuromia.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
<i></i>
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
<i>The bird can't fly without its feathers. A feather is worthless without the bird. Together, they are equal in harmony.</i>
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
<i></i>
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Is Father worried about me, Nii-chan?”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Ore wa shinai…” Shinji answered. “I really don't know.” Shinji buried his face into Lysumo's chest. He felt warmer inside his heart. And his heart felt like it regained part of itself. Yet, it still isn't whole.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Come home.” Shinji said into Lysumo's chest. He then looked up. “Onegai… come home….”
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Lysumo looked away from Shinji and pulled him away. “I'm not going home.” He said walking off.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Matte! Why not?” Shinji ran after him and grabbed his arm. “Nande? There has to be a reason.”
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“There's a reason and it's none of your business!” Lysumo yelled. He yanked his arm out of Shinji's grasp and Shinji fell to the ground on his stomach.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Ikennai de!” Shinji shouted after Lysumo. “Aishooteru!!”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Lysumo stopped. He then looked back and saw Shinji sitting up with his head down.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“What did you just say?”
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Aishooteru: I love you…. Please don't go away…” Lysumo heard sniffling and large exhales coming from Shinji. Lysumo sighed and went over to Shinji and knelt next to him.
</p></div>
<p><div name="Normal" align="left" style=" padding: 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm 0.00mm; ">
<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
“Nakanaide.” Lysumo said lifting Shinji's head up and wiping his tears away. “Aishooteruda, Shinji.”
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 3.12mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
Lysumo stood Shinji up and held him. Shinji pulled away just a bit and looked at Lysumo. Shinji stood on his tiptoes and Lysumo bent forward. Both of them blushed pink and their lips met each other with their eyes closed.
</p></div>
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<p style="text-indent: 0.00mm; text-align: left; line-height: 4.166667mm; color: Black; background-color: White; ">
</p></div>
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