Chapter Eight: The Dangerous Boy

Monday. The first day of the week.

Warm rays of sunlight peeked out from behind the mountains, bathing Funbari with golden light. The bright blue sky had white fluffy clouds scattered across its surface. Dozens of birds trilled while resting on branches of green-leaved trees. The temperature was more favorable than the weekend, despite the weather forecast.

To most, it's the perfect morning.

And I dreaded every second that passed.

Every action meant I was one step closer to dealing with what would greet me at school. My apprehension only worsened as I stepped out the door. The unpleasant sensation of the obscure spirit watching me from somewhere nearby, coming back full force.

Thoughts of Aikawa, Umemiya, Yoh, Manta, and the unknown presence have plagued my mind since Saturday night.

It's unnerving that a spirit's been haunting me. The distressing discovery has left me with more questions than answers. Regardless, I'd already reasoned that it's best not to ask for an explanation. I just needed to focus on how to deal with it. It's not wise to leave it be and allow it to continue hovering around me. However, it's also important to not draw attention to the situation with my precarious circumstances.

Then there's the problem of Umemiya. Gone are the days I could wander aimlessly around the city. He has a legitimate reason to pursue me with even more vigor now that I've attacked him. My only remedy is to live confined to home and school. Although, with my horrible luck, he'll still find me.

My cousin and Yoh were also becoming harder to deal with. Everywhere I turn, they're always there even though I try my hardest to avoid them. And Yoh's growing too comfortable talking to me when we meet. Manta must have told him we're related... The very thought of it makes me uneasy. It wasn't something I wanted to become public knowledge, especially with my cousin's new budding friendship with the shaman boy. I didn't want my name to be brought up in any conversations involving them, given their ability to see spirits. They've become akin to pariahs, and I know what'd happen if my mother found out.

Worst of all, though, is Aikawa. His newfound ability to see ghosts was an unpleasant surprise I hadn't expected. I'd have difficulty avoiding him since he sits next to me during class. Not to mention everyone will point the finger at me when they see he's beaten and bruised. They already blamed me for Umemiya hurting my cousin. I can only imagine what his fan club and friends will do to me.

While waiting for the light to change, I sighed, shoulders slumping. "I'm screwed."

No matter what I do, the situation keeps escalating and spiraling out of my control... Maybe I should skip school. My mother's wrath couldn't be worse than this, right?

The pedestrian crossing sign started beeping, pulling me from my thoughts. I sighed again, stepping forward with the other people next to me.

Although I want to avoid everyone at school, keeping things quiet at home is more important.

Why?

The heart-wrenching torment and anguish expressed within the simple word made me pause halfway across the street. I gripped my chest and glanced around, searching for the child who'd spoken, but found no one.

Why is everyone dead?

The moment he posed the distressing question, I froze with a sharp breath as sweat gathered on my brow. An all too familiar pulling sensation had inundated my senses, someone calling out to me nearby. However, this time was different. It was more powerful, resonating within my very soul and causing me to feel their pain, leaving me trapped in its inescapable grasp.

Why do you kill everyone?

I looked toward the crosswalk opposite mine, perceiving he was there.

A teenage boy with purple hair caught my attention, his aura the same as other shamans I've met. He was standing in the center of the street, gazing in my direction, brows furrowed in confusion while staring at me. His striking gold eyes drew me in the most. There was something indescribable and dangerous lurking within them.

Why are people so rotten?

His lips never moved, but I knew he'd been the one to speak despite the voice within his soul differing with his age.

I stood there, taking in his appearance as a gentle wind caressed his thick cropped bangs and the spike of hair pointing up at the back of his head.

He was an attractive boy for his age, albeit a few inches shorter than me. The black shorts, green tie hanging from the white collar of his pristine button-up shirt, and gold suit-jacket revealed the school he attended. It was a rival school of our junior-high division.

Someone collided with my shoulder as they walked past. Reality struck, the trance broken. Fear shot through me as thoughts of what would happen if I lingered flooded my mind. I quickly headed toward school to escape without another glance in the boy's direction.

I don't need another shaman on my hands. One was enough.

The five-minute bell chimed when I stepped into the classroom, my heart hammering inside my chest. Aikawa was already at his desk, bent forward with his head nestled into his arms. His friend sat sideways in his chair, eyeing him with a worried frown.

"What happened to you?" he asked.

Aikawa grunted without raising his head.

Nervous, I silently walked forward and sat down next to him with as little noise as possible. Black, blue, and green bruises covered the skin on his arms and hands where Umemiya had hit him. Thankfully, I couldn't see the rest of his body.

"Hey," his friend said, concern for him growing.

He sighed, lifting his head with visible effort. "What?"

I winced, studying his broken lip and the massive bruise on his cheek. Prominent black circles were under his eyes, his gaze full of exhaustion. He hadn't been sleeping. I wasn't sure whether it was from excruciating pain or his new ability to see ghosts, perhaps both.

Weighed down by guilt, I looked away from him and clenched my hands into tight fists.

Why didn't he just listen to me? This wouldn't've happened if he'd done as I told him.

"You're hideous! Have you gone to see a doctor?"

Aikawa lowered his head back into his arms. "Shut up!"

"What happened?" his friend persisted. "You look like you've been in some big fight! You didn't somehow get in trouble with Umemiya's gang, did you?"

"It's nothing."

"Nothing?" he replied skeptically. A few moments later, he threw an accusing look my way. "Chibana had something to do with it, didn't she?"

Aikawa paused, then raised his head, eyes wide. "What?"

"Wakana saw her leaving the cemetery Saturday night." His friend glared at me. "Did you send Umemiya after him too, Chibana? Wanted to teach him a lesson for teasing you the other day?"

I didn't respond, peering at my desk with a frown. No matter what I said to defend myself, no one would believe me. I don't know what I'd say even if I tried. What happened to Aikawa the other night was my fault. I should have dealt with Umemiya before he was hurt.

"It was nothing like that!" Aikawa bellowed, shooting to his feet and slamming his hands onto his desk.

I stared at him, eyes wide in awe, amazed he'd defend me after all that'd transpired. Everyone in the room fell silent, watching the exchange.

"She did nothing wrong! She tried to protect me!"

His friend frowned at him, unconvinced.

The response made Aikawa's glare worsen, his anger flaring. He opened his mouth to say something else, but the bell ringing cut the conversation short as our teacher walked into the room. Thankful for the start of school, I pulled out my things and began disregarding everyone around me and engrossing myself in my studies.

Lunch arrived a few hours later. I stood, bento in hand, and walked away, intending to search for a temporary hiding place. My old one wasn't good enough since Manta had found me.

"Itsu—"

"Himiko," Aikawa said, cutting his friend off and using my first name.

Bewildered by his informality, I paused and looked back at him. "Y-yes?"

He was still sitting at his desk, arms crossed and brow furrowed with irritation. His hostile demeanor continued, unchanged since this morning. The boy in front of him blinked, perplexed.

"I want to talk to you."

"Itsuki?"

Aikawa stood, ignoring his friend a second time, eyes focused on me.

"What?" I replied, feeling wary.

Whatever he wants to talk to me about can't be good.

"Come on," he said, grabbing my wrist.

"H-hey!" I said as he dragged me forward. "Don't I have a choice?"

He stopped, glancing at me from over his shoulder. "I can carry you if you want."

"W-what?!" I asked with a blush, scandalized by the mere suggestion. "No way!"

"Then you better come with me," he replied, amused.

I couldn't stop the huff that escaped my lips as he walked onward with me in tow.

Today's turning out to be one hell of a day...

Aikawa led me into the hallway, not releasing his hold on my wrist. People gathered in the wide corridor, talking with their friends as they headed to their usual lunch spots. One of them was a boy from the soccer team.

"Hey, Ai—" he said, greeting my unlikely companion before his voice trailed off, recognizing me.

The boys with him froze, gawking at us as we passed.

I fought off a frown.

Great. News of us being together is going to spread like wildfire. I should have skipped class today.

Tired, I ignored the multitude of stares we received as we walked through the building.

We walked through a deserted hallway, leftover dusty desks and chairs stacked along its edges. A hidden staircase, blocked off by a steel barricade, was at the end.

"Hey," I said, peering at him with suspicion.

"What?"

"Where are you taking me?"

"The roof," came his nonchalant reply.

I blinked at him, trying to absorb his words. "What?"

Surely, I didn't hear him right.

"It's fine," he replied, brushing off my concern as he climbed over the barricade. "I've been up there plenty of times."

"What?!" I exclaimed, disbelief in my voice.

He covered my mouth, alarmed, scrutinizing the hall behind me. "Shush! Do you want us to get caught?"

"We're not supposed to go there!" I said through his hand.

Not to mention it's haunted. The girl who jumped off the roof is hanging around. I've seen her.

He blinked, surprised. "For someone who's always running into trouble, you sure worry about the rules."

And for someone who's the class president, you don't worry enough! Aren't you supposed to be enforcing the rules, not breaking them?!

He removed his hand from my lips.

"Come on," he said, coaxing me toward the stairs with a gentle tug on my wrist.

I stared at him, then sighed, giving in to his request. Aikawa smirked, knowing he'd won. I climbed over the barricade, then let him lead me up the staircase. When we reached the door at the top, he fumbled with the handle until it turned and threw it open.

The roof beyond it was empty. Several pairs of lacey underwear lying on the ground indicated people were using the area for questionable things. Old benches were scattered across its surface, where students once sat during their class breaks.

He pulled me toward the closest bench and sat down. A frown appeared on his lips soon after.

I couldn't blame him. The ghost girl was floating above us, a dark, ominous aura surrounding her like she wanted to put a curse on us.

"Do anything indecent, and I'll haunt both of you for the rest of your days!" she shrieked. "Don't you have respect for the dead?"

Aikawa broke into a cold sweat, his hold on my wrist tightening. I pretended like she didn't exist, keeping my expression neutral.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

I want to leave as soon as possible. The vibes this spirit is putting off are creeping me out.

He gave a weak smile. "You don't beat around the bush, do you?"

"I'm not one to make small talk."

It's not like most people want to talk to me, anyway. You're the only one strange enough to seek me out whenever I'm nearby.

"Can you see them?" he asked, pointing at the threatening girl next to us.

Eyes widening, my heart started racing.

His straightforward question took me off guard.

I had a feeling our conversation wouldn't be pleasant, but I didn't expect him to ask me if I could see ghosts.

"Wait…" she said, anger shifting to surprise. "You can see me?"

"See what?" I said, regaining my composure and feigning ignorance.

"Spirits. Ghosts. Specters. Apparitions. Take your pick on what you want to call them."

"No."

He stared straight into my eyes, gaze piercing through me. "You're lying."

"I am not," I replied defensively, breaking his hold on my wrist.

"Then why are you acting like this?"

I frowned. "Like what?"

"You're tense."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said with a scoff.

He studied me, skeptical. "Then explain why one protected us. Why did he save you in the cemetery?"

Wait. He can see it? Then, why can't I?

"HEY!" the girl shouted to get our attention.

I jumped in surprise, not expecting it. Aikawa noticed, smirking in triumph.

I bristled. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't lie," he said, his frustration becoming apparent.

"What are you, a regular mindreader?" I replied, snapping at him.

"What are you trying to hide?"

"What are you trying to prove?!"

"You were there. You saw what happened!"

"I CAN'T SEE THEM!"

We glared at each other, neither budging an inch.

"U-um..." the girl said, nervous.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

Continuing this argument is pointless. We're at an impasse. I can't convince Aikawa he's wrong, and he can't get me to admit that I can see spirits.

"I'm going to give you some words of advice," I said, gazing into his eyes. His brow furrowed in confusion, but he didn't interrupt as I continued to speak. "Stop trying to prove that ghosts are real. It won't go well for you."

"Is that a threat?" he asked, frowning.

"It's a promise. Remember what happened to Oyamada?"

"Is that why you're pretending you can't?"

A frustrated sigh escaped my lips.

He's as stubborn as a mule.

"Why does it matter?" I said, exasperated.

He hesitated, rubbing his neck and looking down with a blush. "I want to learn more about you and why I can see them."

My eyes widened. Warmth entered my chest from Aikawa's words, soon followed by pain. A myriad of emotions were flowing through me: happiness, surprise, confusion, but also sadness and loneliness as his words sunk in.

His wish isn't something I can give. I distance myself from everyone because of my ability to see spirits. Now his newfound ability gives me no option but to cut ties with him. His latent power wouldn't have awakened if we'd never met. If I stayed by his side, it'd cause more trouble for us both.

I must close my heart to protect him.

"I'm sorry. I can't let you." His head snapped up, mouth opening to reply. I spoke before he could. "However, Oyamada and his friend might be able to help you. They were there too, weren't they?"

Despite me believing it's a bad idea to associate with a shaman, Yoh's the only person he can speak to about the situation.

"How can they help?" he asked, frowning once again.

"His friend's a shaman—a person who connects this world with the next. I'd think that'd make him qualified, wouldn't you?"

"What about you?"

"I assure you I'm not involved in that kind of stuff."

My mother and her husband will already have a fit if they realize I can see spirits let alone me becoming a shaman. That's not a scenario I want to contemplate.

"That's not what I meant. Why won't you let me know more about you?"

"It's better for us both if we keep our distance."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"Trust me. It's safer that way." He looked like he wanted to argue, but I spoke again. "I won't change my mind, so don't waste your breath."

My fierce, determined gaze made him fall silent.

"Lunch will end soon, so I'll leave you to talk to them if you're going to."

He didn't stop me as I walked away.

Goodbye, Aikawa. Thank you for at least wanting to be my friend.

He didn't speak to me for the rest of the day. Aikawa acted as if he might say something several times, but I pretended he didn't exist until he gave up. My cold, indifferent behavior toward him became the final nail in the coffin and solidified our now estranged relationship.

His behavior didn't go unnoticed by his friend. After school, he shot a dirty look in my direction and pulled Aikawa aside to talk with him. I gathered my things and fled to avoid a confrontation. Once I reached the hallway of the first floor, I froze. Aikawa's fan club was standing nearby, outrage written on their faces.

They spotted me at the same time I noticed them.

"Chibana!"

I ran in the opposite direction.

"What?!" they shouted.

"She's running! After her!"

Damn it! My day just keeps getting worse!

I ran through the school, dodging groups of stragglers still in the halls. Halfway down the next corridor, a window was wide open to let fresh air into the building. Determined to escape, I stopped in front of it and put my foot on the window frame to jump through it.

"Oh!" male voices from below exclaimed in amazement.

I landed in a crouched position, then stood, shifting my gaze behind me.

Three boys were sitting underneath the open window. Stupid grins spread across their faces as blood came from their noses. My face reddened, knowing they'd seen underneath my skirt.

"Perverts!" I bellowed.

One of the girls chasing after me followed my lead. "You're not getting away from us!"

I ran.

Our game of cat and mouse lasted a minimum of thirty minutes. I found a spot deep underneath the outside bleachers to hide, hoping no one would look for me. And it was a success. Relieved, I stayed hidden and pulled out my books to study.

A few hours passed while I waited for cram school. The blue sky changed to deep orange, darkening until it was hard to read with the slivers of light passing through the seats. I stuffed everything inside my bag and ventured out from underneath the bleachers, making sure the coast was clear.

The soccer team was on the field, focused on practicing for their upcoming match. Thankfully, Aikawa wasn't with them despite being the captain of their team. The coach must have told him he couldn't participate until he recovered. They'd need their star player in tip-top shape when they faced their biggest rivals in a couple of weeks.

I walked forward, trying to reach my locker. Tired from the day's events. At the corner of the grassy field, my bag ripped open, all its contents falling onto the ground. I looked at the sky, exasperated.

"Really?" I asked myself.

I knew it would rip at the most inconvenient time. I should've asked my mother to buy me another one.

Frustrated, I bent down to pick everything up. Once I'd gathered it all into my arms, I stood. I took one step forward, then paused. The pulling feeling from the morning returned, assaulting my senses. The new shaman boy was somewhere nearby. I knew it deep within my heart.

Unable to move, I remained frozen in place, wanting to run but being forced to stay.

When the boy walked around the corner of the school building, panic consumed me. His cold gold eyes scanned the area until they stopped, landing on me. Our eyes met, his widening as they took in my form. Like before, I felt an intense connection linking us together that I couldn't begin to understand. Along with it came a mixture of familiarity that hit me like a ton of bricks, tugging painfully at my heart.

I fought against it, shaking my head to reel myself back into reality.

No. I can't allow myself to have another flashback, not now.

A hostile glare appeared on his features, the dangerous look hidden deep within his eyes increasing ten-fold. My body instinctively became tense, a shiver going down my spine.

What kind of precarious situation have I landed myself into this time?

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"W-what?" I asked, ready to run at a moment's notice.

"Do not make me repeat myself."

"I don't know if it's wise to tell you."

Appearing to be losing his patience, he pulled out a metal object that pieced itself together and formed a guandao.

"Who are you?" he repeated, his glower worsening as he pointed the blade at me.

Who the hell is this kid?! It's not normal to carry weapons like that around! It's longer than he is tall!

A giant ancient warrior spirit with glowing red eyes materialized behind him, adding to the boy's already intimidating appearance. Over his white long-sleeve top, green and purple armor with gold trimming protected his upper body. The metal helmet he wore concealed the upper half of his chiseled face with darkness. On his shoulders was a frayed blood-red cape that boosted his threatening persona.

"All right!" I shouted against my better judgment, nervous about what either might try to do to me. "All right! My name's Himiko Chibana! Now put that weapon away before you hurt someone. You don't have to attack me!"

His eyes slowly widened as he lowered his weapon, shock evident on his face. "Himiko... Chibana? You're Himiko?"

He peered at me with something resembling recognition, a look in his eyes I couldn't describe.

"Y-yes," I said, confused by his reaction and wary. "Have we met before?"

I'm pretty sure I'd remember meeting a boy like him.

"No," he admitted. "I—"

Something hit the back of my head. I stumbled forward, pain engulfing my senses, and nearly fell to the grass.

"Ow," I muttered, gingerly touching the back of my head.

I looked around for the offending object that hit me until my eyes landed on a black and white soccer ball.

"Sorry," Aikawa's friend said from nearby, sounding unapologetic. "Somehow, we lost control of the ball."

Anger flaring, a pretend angelic smile came to my lips. "I see."

It didn't take a genius to realize they'd kicked it at me on purpose. I turned toward him, gazing into his remorseless brown eyes.

"I understand."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I approached the ball. I brought my foot backward, still looking straight at him, then swung it forward and kicked the ball, the smile on my face turning into a dark scowl. It went straight into his face, causing him to fly back.

"THERE'S YOUR BALL BACK!" I roared. "ASSHOLES!"

The rest of his team screamed in alarm as he crashed to the ground and rushed toward him.

"To hell with this!" I shouted with fury. "I've had it!"

I marched away, leaving them and the shocked shaman boy behind.