Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction / Yami No Matsuei Fan Fiction ❯ Rose on the Grave ❯ Chapter One: Another day in Hell ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter One

 

Ever had one of those feelings that things were going to take a turn for the worse on days like these? Like waiting for a disaster to happened but not really taking into consideration and avoid said catastrophe at all costs should the odd overbalance and cause a certain terrible event to occur?

A blind man could have seen it coming and taken cover but no, not me and I'm psychic for crying out loud! Talk about of all the rotten luck.

 

Funny isn't it, well let me tell you, don't you just hate even when they're not Mondays, considering they're the worse out of the bunch? I didn't mind Mondays as much but prefer Wednesday and Fridays over any other but Tuesday and Thursday were a different story and like I said didn't see this coming at all when one of the `T's came around. It seems like a regular Tuesday or so I thought. Oh how wrong I was there…

 

The day had started decidedly not good. My alarm didn't go off, forgetting to set it the night before when I hit the bar so late last night and having one too many martinis and heading back at two in the morning and waking up with the biggest hangover in the history of mankind and realizing I had only an hour to head for the ministry and less than thirty to get ready.

I jump out of bed and my body wrapped with the sheets and toppled over the side. Falling pretty hard might I add, my chin making firm contact, my teeth rattle inside my skull and my knee taking a bang and skinning it in the process. Nothing like a little pain to get you up that's for certain.

 

Rubbing my sore and probably bruised jaw and swearing through a whole vocabulary that would have a sailor blush, untangling myself and rush to the bathroom, needing to freshen up. The water was ice cold and finished in five minutes and hurrying back into the room to dress. I was going through my whole wardrobe and practically turning my bedroom into a disaster zone, pulling clothes from the drawers and changing with lightning speed and heading for the front door and running out of there and well let's get to where I tell you how everything seems to head straight for hell around the late afternoon.

 

It was at around twelve fifty-eight, two minutes to one and three before I was to get to the large white building about a good jog from where I was and use the elevator which to my misfortune when I got there was `Out of Order'.

 

Damn it! How screwed can you get? The way things are turning out, I apparently have to say very much so and will keep on if I didn't get myself to that meeting. I didn't have time to waste dilly-dallying and had to use the stairs, which took twice as long, heading to the end of the hall to the emergency stairway and running to the second floor. Did I mention I was wearing heels and were a pain going up in, especially when trying not to slip and break/twist/sprain whichever ones possible and have to limp all the way there?

 

I almost had a nervous breakdown with this morning fiasco having nearly bumped into one of my co-workers who flipped the bird on me, shouting to watch where I was going next time! Terazuma having another of his `B.F' in which I like to personally call his `Bitch Fits'. He has some serious problems and I would have return with a sensible comeback, `Well same to you pal!' but was kinda cutting it close and had a load waiting at my desk, needing my attention before I get a mountain the size of Everest and wouldn't probably be finish until the late evening. Or the next century if I didn't get there.

 

We get that a lot around here so was a total drag haggling and handling the reports send our way and typing what needs to be documented and handed to the ministry but it's part of the job until something comes up and require my assistance on a mission with me and my partner in our sector, then yeah I'm stuck with this kind of deal. You'll find that not everything is easy going up in Purgatory.

 

Paperwork couldn't have gotten any more boring, reading and stating what was obviously there and what needed to be done and knowing my partner had went through and did half and left the rest that needed my own statements over some of our more recent cases accounted for. Grabbing a pen and writing down, quoting what happened in full detail and was like that up to when lunch came and an hour later, I was to report to the summon department after I came back from break and this is where I left off.

 

Another day in Hell, that's what I like to call it.

 

I stopped to catch my breath and tugging at the bottom of my skirt and combing my hair with my fingers smoothly back to keep from looking like I just ran a marathon to get here. One word of advice: Never go running in pumps, they're a pain in the ass I'll give you that much.

 

I manage to grab some coffee on my way in and adding the milk and sugar before entering the briefing room and everyone else was already there when I got there.

I could tolerate that I was late by a few minutes but at least I got here in the nick of time! The chief saw me coming in and smiled as I took my seat next to my partner.

 

“Glad to see you made it Ms. Kanzaki. Was beginning to worry you might not show up.” Konoe, chief of this sector and head of the Shokan Division of EnmaCho, was sitting at one end of the table, Watari on his left and Tatsumi on the right. Hisoka sat beside Watari, my partner and I at the opposite. Only one chair remained open and we all knew who was missing and had to wait before we could start.

 

Typical how this day been going and have to wait for Tsuzuki to get his ass here or so help me before I decided to haul it for him. But I can't complain now that I know I'm not the one running in late, last one in is usually the one yelled at by the chief and pretty much everyone else and easing back in my chair, I took a sip of my drink and almost burn the roof of my mouth. My tongue was on fire as it made its way down, spreading heat and making my eyes water from the bitter taste.

 

Oh that's hot! I let it cool before trying again only this time it went through the wrong pipe and spat the coffee back up and into the cup. It slosh and spill out and the scorching sting of the scalding liquid hitting the back of my hand.

Blisters already forming and appearing in a matter of minutes, knowing was probably going to leave a nasty burn before it would disappear slowly with the passing minute and the skin becomes normal once again. At least those would go away, unlike the ones that got on my shirt that happened to been a white blouse and everyone could see the brown stain marks on the front of my chest if they were looking.

 

Great, just great. I looked inside the Styrofoam cup and frown and feeling less thirsty put it down and pushing as much distance far from me as possible at arm's reach.

 

Yep, things couldn't possible get any worse. Nope, not while sitting here, drumming my fingers on the table and glancing at the clock ticking on the wall every now and then and when was one twelve last I check as the hand moved and the door open and Tsuzuki steps in. I saw cradled in the crook of his arm was a large box and knowing him had to be some sweet he hope to snack on during the conference. If there was one thing we could easily understand it was Tsuzuki had a thing for sugary confections. Hopefully this wasn't one of his own cooked dishes he created.

 

Tatsumi, Watari, Hisoka and practically everybody in the Shokan Division once gave me an important word of caution, this one number vital information that was necessary to remember always for your life depend on it:

 

Never eat anything Tsuzuki cooks.

 

I disregard the warning and try some of his homemade apple pie but one bite prove me wrong and I regret not listening to them when I should have. I had ran out of there and searching for the closest facilities in the building and empty the content my stomach harbored in the bathroom, not to mention wash my mouth at least three times with soap before the awful taste was gone. It still makes me want to hurl whenever I see him with one of his own creations and knowing it may seem ok on the outside I couldn't possible handle another after what happened, neither could the toilet I think.

 

Unless under plenty of death and have to face, going through a room filled with

A) deadly venomous vipers that are lethal to mankind, B) carnivorous man-eating sharks or C) blood-thirsty cannibals. To tell the truth, I think I have better chances with all the above than have another shot with Tsuzuki's dishes.

That could seriously kill someone if they're not too careful, worse than poison with whatever he baked in those concoctions of his! Ok so I'm probably overreacting and it's not that toxic but who knows what he put in them. Just the thought was already making me queasy and swallow the bile that was in my mouth and down my throat. Blech, that's a first and trying to keep it under should I need to excuse myself and rush to the nearest restroom.

 

But when I caught whiffs of the familiar scent and recognizing the freshly baked cinnamon with melted vanilla icing, all nice and gooey, ready to have your teeth sink in and made you want to drool at the delicious aroma. I was positive that those were the Cinnabons. I could already imagine tasting one of those sweet delicacies such as the Cinnabon Classic or CinnabonStix but my favorite had to be the Caramel Pecanbon, covered in caramel and pecans of course no duh! Judging from the size of the box, he must've gotten the CinnaPacks and there would be plenty he bought for himself or so he thought when he arrived and now the center of attention with everyone staring.

 

“Um, hi everybody!” Tsuzuki said, noticing how most of us were giving him the look that says, `you are so late!' and `You just cut your paycheck in half.' and should I continue? There's no need to hear the rest as you can guess what half of us were thinking by the time the violet-eyed Shinigami made his presence known.

 

The Chief wasn't all too pleased and demanding to know what his latest excuse this time, having it up to here with Tsuzuki's constant tardiness and terrible reason for not being on time when everyone had. We could tell he was ready to explode like a impending volcano ready to erupt, his face red and eyebrow twitching uncontrollable and those with enough sense knew better to not get caught in the gunfire between those two, especially on a scale of one to ten how easily Tsuzuki can piss the chief and seeing it was going beyond that and hell might break loose any second. We were the only ones to witness this and wondering what Tsuzuki plan to get out of this jam he caused himself in and how long it will take till the chief explode.

 

“Well, it's a funny story and I'm sure you're going to laugh when you hear this, you see on my way here I got caught news where this shop had been set up recently in the area and being curious went to check it out, turning to be a new Cinnabon shop and…”

 

Tsuzuki smiled nervously and rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, definitely not good signs as he was trying to come up with one where he wouldn't get his ass chew up and spit out, blabbing on and on before Konoe had enough and started yelling at him for no more lame excuses and lecturing on how he always manage to, this more stupid than the others we've already heard, all having to do with standing in line to get his desired treats and reminding him he's a Shinigami and his duties and job were to be above this, etc.

 

This could take a while and I was thinking this had to be the three hundred and seventy excuse this month, when will he ever learn? I place my hand on my forehead, rubbing my throbbing temple and the onslaught of another headache coming and wishing I had brought some aspirin or Tylenol for these meetings. I sigh, at least this was better than the one having to do with that raspberry cheesecake down in—

 

My stomach growls, interrupting my earlier train of thought and realized that maybe it wasn't such a smart idea to skipped out on lunch and go to the training room during break. I didn't eat breakfast and having nothing other than some coffee which wasn't much to help settle the feeling of hunger inside. Clutching my empty gut, trying to shush it and thought if I don't eat something soon, I might just keel over. I tried to put it far from my mind as possible, grateful everyone was distracted at the moment but apparently I overestimate as someone had been watching me since I got in. That someone happened to been sitting next to me the whole time.

 

“Hitomi, you should have gotten something to eat before heading off to do your workout. You're going to collapse one of these days and coffee isn't a suitable substitute.” I spun and saw my partner having read my mind, well not like Hisoka could but he was able to look at the expression on my face and saw me holding my stomach. He lean in to speak to me but doubt anyone would notice as everyone in the room was putting most of their attention on the Chief barking down on Tsuzuki and Tsuzuki cowering away from his wrath.

 

I didn't say anything and he knew something was wrong when I didn't reply and lower my gaze, not wanting to look him in the eyes to know and a shadow of concern coming over his face, “You all right, you look like…?”

 

Before he got to what he was about to say I narrow my eyes and gave him a skeptical look that could have made Hell freeze over for asking the obvious.

 

Does it look like I'm ok?! I was getting irritated with each passing second and wanted to shout for everyone present to know how shitty this has been but not wanting to be stared at with my sudden outburst and kept my mouth shut and ignored the way he stared intently at me after I turn, pretending not to care. I was hungry, aggravated and to the point of being extremely bitchy at any given moment and didn't like how he was getting in my face and refrain from snapping at him.

 

He was unfazed by my glare, shaking his head and muttering under his breath, “Here this should help.” and slides something wrapped in a paper napkin to me, “It's not much but it was the only thing I could get before I was called up and hand this to you just when you left.”

 

Since nobody was watching when I opened it and found a bagel sitting there with cream cheese. Feeling guilty for my attitude earlier as I glance his way and mouth, `Thanks you're a lifesaver' and he mouths back, `anytime'. Even in all my bitchiness, he manages to pull through especially in my dire needs and hunger getting the best of me, I ripped a piece and chewing and swallow then taking another bite and plan to save the rest for later when the meeting was finished.

 

Just as I was about to put it away, his hand took hold of mine and seeing him give the look while grasping it in a vise like steel grip to get his point through, “I'm not letting you off the hook like last time, not until you eat every scrap of it.”

 

Since when did he become a mother hen all of a sudden? Beside the fact how starved I was and barely having any strength left to argue with him on the matter. I rolled my eyes and look at him saying, “Okay fine, I get it, you win I'll eat so can you let go now?” Sometimes it gets degrading on my nerves and hate when he does this to me, as if speaking to a child whose in their terrible two stage but I knew deep down he only cared for my sake and let it slide before everyone was settled. But then again, after what almost happened I would be worried too if I was in his shoes over my own partner.

 

See when I first found out I was dead, I couldn't see past that and let go of my remorse and release the burden of my former life off my shoulders. I was in the depression stage most have gone through during in the period of their own unexpected deaths and unable to get over what happened, believing to be some bad dream or whatever. But I had to face reality and realized I was no longer of the living. Nothing mattered but knew I couldn't stay like this and the ministry had given me a one-week period to settle in and adjust to my new lifestyle, almost like a small break before the real work begins when I start training.

 

I spend most of my time in the library, surrounded by books, fiction, non-fiction, catalyzed in order by centuries from the ancient periods of the Renaissance, the Golden Age, the Dark Ages, the Ottoman Empire to the modern advances of this era, finding anything to read that suit my need to escape for a moment's time and be lost in a different chapter of a different age. I had about all eternity to do it but hey, either I was overcome by boredom or curiosity; I came across a work of Shakespeare's, `Hamlet'. I found the story fascinating and couldn't put it down as one of his characters portray in Act three, scene one with each line spoken in words more true than anything I ever heard.

 

To die - to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wished.  To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause - there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life…

 

The main character, Hamlet was in grief over the murder of his father by his own brother-Hamlet's uncle and new stepfather, shudder at the thoughts. Ok so either Shakespeare had a weird sense of humor or incest was a real big thing in Europe at the time, not sure as I try not to imagine what had been going inside his mind when he wrote this. So back to him wanting to exact revenge and losing grip on his sanity, spiraling into madness and those that he held close, friends and kin following him to an early grave and reverting to suicide as the last resort at the end, thus finishing tragedy as any tragedy would seem fitting to have the main character die.

The pain and suffering of Hamlet's deprived and tortured being and understand all too well the emotions that thrived in his spirit. But if I did try something like that to end my life right then by starving to death or refusing to move on, I highly doubt the ministry would be please and might decide on revoking my position and send me packing to hell. The thought seem to shake me out of my funk and got on with what I had assigned for me to get into high gear with my afterlife as a Guardian of Death.

But I suppose it's that or becoming a zombie, take for example Watson, the Count's butler in the Hall of Candles assigned as his servant for all eternity. I thought seeing an actual dead reanimated corpse was going to be kinda freaky and not to mention a little scary after imagining from all those stories and Hollywood films told of people rising from the grave, totally creepy yet a true fact. I asked Tsuzuki once and he confirmed that it was possible for that to happened, so that was one mystery solved but never wanting to face in this lifetime so to speak.

 

But to my surprise, it turn out to be a short midget with one eyeball missing, a set of crooked teeth and wearing a pink apron over a butler uniform which looked more like a penguin's tux, serving tea and snacks and found it highly amusing especially with the Count whose entire body is invisible on account you could only see his mask and gloves to know he's there and obsess with Tsuzuki and claiming to make him repay those favor he owes with his body. You have to admit they are a odd pair that seem to get along very well, like Tsuzuki and Hisoka and some others I'll probably mention and the Count certainly knows how to make a party lively.

 

I will never forget this one time he invited us to watch the cherry blossoms bloom and have tea while he went in pursue for his `beloved' Tsuzuki. Tsuzuki having taken safety measures and run up to the nearest tree and not coming down until we had to drag him by the ankles to get him. Wishing I had a camcorder to capture the priceless moment and perhaps use as blackmail material, whatever came first. Tsuzuki yelling at the top of his lungs for someone to save him and his `precious virtue', holding on for dear life at the top and forgetting he was afraid of heights in trees. Like I said was hilarious and to resist laughing and blowing air through my nostrils and trying to compose my control before anyone notice the fit of giggles I was giving.

 

So anyways back to business, well can't do that as the chief decided to go after Tsuzuki with a paper fan that I had no idea where he got it from and started chasing him around the room, badgering and whacking nonstop and Tsuzuki trying to escape the deadly blows of the Chief's paper fan. Shaking our heads at how Tsuzuki was taking this, though it was his fault for coming in late when he should have been here instead of picking up a snack, you had to feel sorry at least but everyone found it entertaining and enjoy the show except for three, myself included.

 

Hisoka was probably thinking for someone like Tsuzuki, nearing his hundred and one birthday and still act as a kid, craving sweets and always getting himself into all kinds of trouble. Yeah his age, sure that will be the day. Maturity, sometimes and sometimes not, but never fully could never hit this guy and probably won't just as Watari would likely create a sex-changing potion for I have no clue as to why he would want to in the first place.

Personally, I believe that Hisoka was jealous though he would deny it, saying he would never be over that dumb, idiot baka, the list is endless and could take up a whole book if was written down. Hisoka's words not mine. Sometime I find Tsuzuki lovable and fun to hang out with in company and seem to rub off easily when he doesn't get too overexcited or jumpy. I blame it all on those sweets he eats and maybe getting a high sugar rush and acting like a kid with what he does at times. Hisoka acted more mature and I think that's how it balances out between them and seem to have chemistry going on without really taking any notice of it.

 

Even when he hit him over the head, which was five times a days, calls him `idiot' at least seven for every minute pass and doesn't listen to what he says when he already knows what they're suppose to do and doesn't heed what Tsuzuki's talking about half the time. But if you knew them as long as I have, this was his way of trying to loosen up and Tsuzuki amused, enjoys teasing and watching Hisoka blush at any chance he got. I figure there was more going on but those two didn't want to admit it and might need a push or shove, a good nudge in the right direction if they don't before the next millennium comes around and decided to give a helping hand to get things rolling. Everyone knew except those two and didn't have to take rocket science to figure they had a crush on each other and obvious over it by their own personal denial over the other. Enma, how blind can they get.

 

Tatsumi, one word, money. Time is money and wasting it was not good in his book and since our paychecks are on the line and for the success of this mission, fail and we would be all screwed considering from Tsuzuki's experience. So never try and do anything to get on his worst side or kiss our chances of a bonus goodbye if we didn't get started.

As for myself, I went to finish off the rest of my bagel until there was nothing left but the crumbs themselves and finally with my fill and crumbling my napkins in hand and turn around and notice my partner staring again, “What do I have something on my face?”

 

He nods and started pointing, “You have some cream on your lips. Right here.” He tapped his own to show where exact and I fumble, using my napkin to clean them off.

 

“Well did I get it?” He shook his head and went to wipe them again and waiting for him to answer to make sure and again no reply, “Hey is it gone now? Come on is it or isn't it? Hey what are you—”

 

Right as I was saying that, he lean in, his hand reach out and felt his fingers lightly touch the corner of my lips and gently brushing against it, a smudge of cream on the tip of his thumb and putting it towards his mouth and licking it off and turns to me, smiling at my paralyzed state.

 

“Got it.” I sat there gawking at him and took several seconds to register in my head what occurred, what he did. Did something knock him over the head or he decided to do that just to scare me out of my wits today? This was so unlike him and I knew there had to be some explanation behind this rash twist. Okay maybe there wasn't and whatever the reason may be, at least it wasn't like he had any napkins to use, sure he could have asked to borrow some from me and what if instead of using his fingers, he might have used his tongue and—

 

Oh Enma, did I just think that? Suddenly feeling the heat rushing in my face, I look away, though it didn't work as the image was already forming and he was just sitting there not too far from me. His posture, much relax in his seat, reclining back but somehow alert and aware yet in a calm sense to what was going on. His hand under his chin and those slim artistic fingers that had touch my face not too long ago on his cheek, the other raking through his hair and pushing his long bangs aside, watching it fall into his eyes every now and again and suppressing the urge to run my fingers through them, to feel how soft it was. He turn sideways and saw many emotions reflecting in his eyes them before turning back to where everyone else was. Tired, bored, curious, his thoughts probably far from here in this room with everyone and I wondered what he was thinking about at the moment.

 

Was it about this mission we have yet to acquire, why we were here in the first place? So many things I questioned, longing to know what he was thinking truly. We both had changed a lot, in matter speaking after we last met but since I got here which was what, ten years ago, a lot can take a strange turn for many a person's life?

 

It seem so long ago but I will never forget how I came to be here and why. It was all because of one man, a man who destroyed my life, who took it away from me so slowly and the one who will pay dearly for it when I do find him…

 

I close my eyes and recall the events all leading to this, knowing it will forever be in my mind how I ended up here in the first place. I remembered it with crystal clarity, all starting from where we met, right after my last year in high school…

 

School was finally over and I had finally graduated at last. When our class was announced graduates of this year, we hooted and cheered and tossed up our hats in the air high that day, diplomas in hand and our doors for our future wide open. Mom got some great photos of me, Yukari and I together and finally a group shot of everyone in the picture with my whole family that were happy for my graduation.

 

Yukari and I were psyche since that meant no more hitting the books or boring lectures from our teachers and on a well deserved vacation from all that. Sure we were going to miss all our friends and knew we probably see some over the break and then head off to college later when we ready. But we wanted to spend as much time we could and hang out like the mall, beach, wherever he wanted just to relax and enjoy our time.

 

We kept in touch with Amano through e-mails and chat whenever possible to see how Europe was and life there, school, people, etc. In his last e-mail said he was probably going to visit for break and Yukari was excited. She still had her crush on him but I got over him and had a love waiting for me far away, just beyond where one could see in the universe.

 

Van, it's been nearly three years and I hope to one day see you again, just to be by your side and…

 

“Hey Hitomi, hello. Earth to Hitomi, anyone in there…” A hand had been waved in my face and turn to find Yukari who interrupt my daydream of the good days and hoping to see my beloved king again. Maybe he would come soon and we could be together, but I knew I couldn't put my hopes too high, after all he had Fanelia to rebuilt and it could take another few years before its back to her former glory but I could wait. I just wish I could be on Gaea right now instead of here.

 

Life kinda got dull when I got back, I quit doing tarot cards though many asked why and I told them that the future should always be what they decided and let them see how its run their own way and shouldn't really spoil it for themselves. I didn't really want to tell them the real reason why and that sometimes I had too many bad memories over some like back in Palas with the wedding for Millerna and Dryden and almost caused the complete destruction.

 

I sighed again, I was probably doing this every once in a while but Yukari was too busy telling me how excite she was and what she plan to do for the summer and for what university she was attending in the fall. I listened, well not really as I still had my mind on other things.

 

“So Hitomi what are you planning to do now that we got that out of the way? Any particular college you're interest in?” I shrugged, not sure what I was going to do for my future, mostly having been on the track team and Van on my mind was all I ever thought about and now that school was behind us, what would I do. Would I wait for Van but not once did I have an idea if he would ever come and take me to Gaea? I wasn't really certain what would happen but hoped it would soon so we could be together once again.

 

Yukari look at her watch, checking the time and suddenly shrieked, “Oh my god! Is that the time?! It's already 3:26! Come on we got to hurry if we want to catch the 3:30 train, let's get moving before we miss our ride and have to wait another thirty minutes!” And the two of us running to the station and people getting in the way, Yukari was ahead without realizing I was lagging behind trying to get pass everyone and bumped into someone, forcing their suitcase to fall to the ground, the latches snapping automatically and the case sprung open and papers scatter by our feet.

 

“OH I'm so sorry!” I went to helped gather up all those papers that threaten to fly off as I quickly picked each and every one and putting to a messy pile. It wasn't until I heard the stranger I knock into speak that I stop what I was doing and paused with the stack in hand.

 

“It's all right, I wasn't watching where I was going either so I take part of the blame.” That voice sounded so full of subtle elemental music that made me look up and almost forgot to breath when I found the man standing before me extending his hand and took it, not taking my eyes off him the whole time.

 

He was gorgeous with silvery-white hair and long bangs hanging over half his face, giving him an alluring appearance and sexy appeal and his eyes were the same metallic gray behind his glasses. He was wearing a white business suit with a gray dress shirt and black tie, white shoes and a trenchcoat, giving me the impression he was a doctor of some practice though there weren't any medical facilities around this area. Maybe he was on break or he lived in this part of the city? The only other color I notice were those blood-red earrings he wore pierced on both ears.

 

He could have passed himself off as an angel but there was something about him I couldn't place my finger on yet behind his façade and felt odd about it. Something was not right and believe me I've seen many before like with that Dilandau character and he could have seem like an innocent schoolboy who got near one too many matches in his life.

 

The way he was staring made me suddenly uneasy and I could almost feel him searching the depths of my soul. Alarm bells were ringing in my head. Something was off with this guy and I didn't want to stay to find out. I put the paper back in and shut the briefcase and hand it to him and apologizing once again and avert my eyes to the ground, hoping he wouldn't notice and pretend not to at all. I still had the feeling he was watching and felt him reach under my chin and tilt it up to stare at his face once more and gave me this smile. No I wouldn't actually consider it one, not the way that it seems so void of emotion and was putting it on for the moment to catch me off guard.

It wasn't until he touched my face I couldn't help but shudder for his hand, cold as ice, was caressing my cheek while looking deeply into my eyes. If anyone had been watching, they would have thought we were going to kiss the way his face edge towards mine and thought I might puke and had to swallow the bile down to keep from surfacing. He reach out and twirled a lock of my hair with his finger and pulls it behind my ear, not breaking contact between us.

 

“Your eyes are like precious emeralds, glittering from the depths of a great desert…such beautiful eyes I have ever seen, such wondrous sparkling jewels that not many would possess but find rare in only few certain characters to behold and treasure. And bless with such a gift. Yes they certainly are. Oh do forgive me for being so rude, where are my manners to forget to introduce myself, I'm Dr. Kazutaka Muraki, pleasure to make your acquaintance and yours is?” Something was happening and I sense it yet I couldn't even think straight. His voice, the way it seem to take hold of me and put me under some sort of trance and was ready to tell him my name and—

 

“HITOMI!” Yukari cried out, breaking through the barrier of my conscious and turn to see she was rushing over, waving her arm high over the many heads to grab my attention, “Hey Hitomi the train's here, come on!” I was never more relieved or thankful of the sudden disruption she had did without knowing while the man, Muraki though wasn't but he look to me, his smile plaster on his face and I was starting to think it wasn't good the way he was grinning at me and got a bad feeling from it.

 

“So that's your name, I'm very please to know this, yes very. I don't believe this was coincidence that you and I met today. Fate perhaps but I'll look forward to seeing you again in the future Hitomi.” He takes one of my hands and lays a kiss on it, “ Until then, adieu.”

 

And he walks away into the crowd and disappears from sight while I stood there and Yukari ran over and grabs me by the arm and practically drags me before we missed our ride on the train, my mind still a little numb over what happened. Once we found some seats and sat down and let the metro take us to our destination, she finally asked, “So who was that guy you were talking to?”

 

I was slowly coming out of it and answered, feeling light-headed and replaying the scene and trying to understand what the heck went on myself. “He says his name is Kazutaka Muraki and that he's a doctor but there's aren't any hospitals around here...” Yukari took this in and wanting to know more what else we said and told her only half the truth and didn't want to say anymore and tried to shake it off now that we were far away from the station he was at.

 

“I never saw him before and oh what a hunk, you said he's a doctor, well he can check me up anytime!” We joked about it throughout the drive but I had this creepy sensation that it wasn't going to be the last I ever see of him and knew that a terrible premonition was already foreboding and I swore to myself to avoid him at all cost. For all I knew, he could be a rapist or a murderer or maybe even both, sounds paranoid but somehow I was thinking there must have been something beyond that even and had goosebumps running up and down my arms.

It wasn't going to be long before we cross path again, only it would be because of him that we would.

 

It was sometime around midnight when I couldn't sleep for some reason, tossing and turning but never stay still and close my eyes for more than a few minutes then wake up again alert and staring at the ceiling for what seem the millionth time since I went to bed restless. Something was calling my name, carried out on the wind through my window and whispered right in my ear.

 

Hitomi…Hitomi…come…come to me…

 

Next thing I know I'm getting out of bed and went to grab a pair of shorts and my sneakers, putting them on and making my way out of the house and no one even stopped me and walking down the block, having no idea where I was going but wherever that voice was calling from. It was as if I was no longer capable of controlling myself but follow whoever it was forcing me to undergo this bizarre and terrifying spell.

 

Yes, come to me…follow the sound of my voice…follow my command…

 

There was nothing stopping me as the moon lighting my way and had seen it glowing red, like the color of spilled blood in the sky, so dark and foreboding, as if telling me that something terrible was going to happen but I couldn't stop it.

 

I kept heading down a long path and before long I reach some steps and running up to go where my unknown destination was.

 

Come my beautiful Hitomi…yes, come to me my precious eyes…

 

Soon I reach the top and saw myself standing on unknown territory. No one around and all I saw was a stone path and then a large tree and notice to be a cherry tree, it's blossoms the same color as the moon and a gentle breeze played with my hair and clothes. Suddenly I felt something touch me like ice on my bare skin and crawling over like spider, that's what I thought.

 

Warm breath tickled my throat moving up to my face and whispered inside the shell of my ear, the same voice who called me, the one who possessed me somehow, “I see you arrived, that is good, I do not like to be kept waiting…” My chin is grab by a strong grip and turns my head and I find myself staring into the familiar handsome visage of Muraki, the same man from the station.

 

But there was something demonic I now realized behind that face. He was the one controlling me all along and pulling the string this whole time, drawing me to this place. The wind pick up and I saw his other eye, it was silver with tints of blue but didn't look normal and both his pupils didn't though knew one had been real and the other was a fake, a glass eyes with no way to show the man behind it but still held the presence of a dark aura around him.

 

It was like gazing into the eyes of the devil, a true monster spawned from hell to consume my soul. I couldn't think, my conscious lying dormant for the time being but to do as he wanted, to compel to his every whim and desire though against my own will which I struggled to gain control of.

 

The cruel demon with the cold smile that's what he was…this spirit filled with sinister intentions, such sick twisted expectation and I laid helpless to do anything to stop this…

 

Screaming would do me no good as it seem my vocal cords were frozen and I wanted to run as far away from here, from him but my body was no longer my own and under his will and knowing there was something inside his evil twisted mind that he would force me to do and wish it not to happened as I lost everything and fall into a whirling array of darkness and despair, my life being surrendered to this monster. His voice calling out, saying things I couldn't understand as I didn't want to feel anymore but all I knew was he kept speaking my name and how lovely it was, how beautiful and soft my flesh was as I did what he wanted, lying there and taking what he has given me, though a part of me cry at this outrage and struggle but he overpower me in the end…

 

“My lovely Hitomi, you belong to me now…” And chuckles while I disappeared inside myself and lost all feelings to this world, my face blank and emotionless like a pretty doll with no soul behind those glassy green eyes just as he plan from the start and a silent tear cascade down my cheek and he made to brush it away, licking it clean off my face as he pulls back and gaze at me with an evil smirk and—

 

A sudden blaring noise cause me to wake up and jump with a start and saw I was in my room, lying in bed and trying to figure out what just happened. I made to silence it then rubbing my forehead, saying out loud to myself, “Was it all just a dream?” I thought to be a vision and it seem so real but I couldn't remember anything of what I had been dreaming.

 

I only wish I had realize that it was already far too late and days passed and something became wrong with me, it came slowly and unexpected, barely noticeable before I started having constant fevers, feeling weak and sometimes passing out for unknown reasons and not having enough energy when I've been keeping myself fit during all my time in school on the track team. It kept getting worse and worse, every bone in my body throbbed in pain and I felt like I was being eaten inside and it wasn't long before I had to be admission to the hospital for observation while I suffered under this infernal illness.

 

I had hope they might have the answer and get rid of whatever it was yet it wasn't going to be likely possible for me and all I could think was it had something to do with that dream but could make no connection and couldn't prove it and would think I was being delusional. I let the physicians do the examination and pray that the results didn't turn terrible.

 

They were baffled when at first there didn't seem anything wrong but a few other were tested and shown differently and then had to overlook it twice with my previous health records and now just to see if they were reading the charts correctly. I never thought being here would have been a pain in the ass when all they did was kept checking and I didn't get better, even after all the medication they gave me could have open my own drugstore or whatever.

 

Yukari came when I was admitted on my first week, bored out of my mine and brought all kinds of stuff with her to keep me sane without going mental in there. A few of my favorite Shojo mangas, my CD player and a case with CDs, a notebook to write down my inner thoughts so I could express how dull it was here and wanted to get the heck out of here, hospital tend to do that a lot to people who don't like staying in a room cut off from the outside world. She even brought Amano to keep me company and we talk and try to keep off the subject about me and only time they ever ask was when I ever going to get out of here.

 

“Soon I hope.” Was my usual reply but it never came as days turn into weeks and my health kept on deteriorating and sometimes I can barely move a muscle, less without feeling pain shot throughout my entire system and the doctors having to feed me through the tubes to support my life. I thought I was going to become some sort of vegetable if I didn't try and do something. The only thing I was capable of was breathing and it hurt too like every breath would puncture my lungs with thousands of tiny needles and expect to be coughing blood anytime if it did.

 

I craved death to escape this torture I had to endure unwilling and wonder what will happen when I can't last much longer and breathe my last breath? Would I see my grandmother again? Would I find out if there really were an afterlife like all the stories have been said and go to a heaven?

 

Mom, dad, Mamoru, Yukari and Amano would certainly missed me. And what about those on Gaea, they won't know what's happening while I'm here and Van, what would he do if he finds out, that I'm dying and can't be with him now or ever.

 

Van I'm so sorry, I had gone through many things in my life, even a war that almost destroy a planet and was giving in so fast when all I wanted was to see my love again yet wouldn't have the chance. I tried to stay alive, maybe hoping the disease would die if I keep fighting it. But the pain grew worse almost as if it knew what I was trying to do and taking it sweet precious time so that I may continue to live through this torture it was giving me.

 

It had been nearly two months but felt like two years I spent in this hospital and not getting anywhere close to being cure, my existence on this bed, lying here in an comatose state, coming in and out every once in a while to see visitors or the nurses and doctors coming to check on me or change my medications or whatnot.

 

It wasn't long before I saw HIM again.

 

It was around maybe the same exact time like that night and I was asleep, the only thing I can do as I was too weak to even notice or hear him come in but then felt his cold touch on my skin and open my eyes, the lids weighing like a ton each but manage to find the doctor I met from the station, the one from my dream that kept haunting me time to time but barely remember it when I was awake and was standing there staring at me.

 

Again I see he has that chilling grin like the one I saw before and he pressed his hand over my eyes and was overcome by a powerful heat and light flashing in front of them. Memories come flooding into my mind, memories of had really happened, that it had been all too real, feeling the pain tenfold from before and I open my mouth to relent a scream but my voice was cut short while everything was so bright and though I would never be see again and became blind. His hand pulled away and I was only able to see faint blurs and fuzzy images in my visions and he was still there, just watching me.

 

“Such a sad way to go don't you think, I would have let you live at least another two- three years like my last one but I thought you wouldn't like that so I made the process faster. This will be over soon…” The pain was worst than before, it was like there was fire coursing through my blood and burning everything within its' path, choking the very life out of me, my chest felt tight, making it hard for me to take air into my lungs, struggling for breath and my heart stopping short of a second and laying there limp and lifeless, the life meter going still and in a straight line, no heartbeats.

 

The rest had became dark but my eyes had been open the whole time, watching blankly as he leans over and place a soft kiss over both of them then pulls my lids down almost as if I had died in my sleep peacefully.

 

“And those beautiful eyes never to be gaze upon by the living, goodbye Hitomi, tis I sad farewell but life is only the beginning and you will understand, perhaps or perhaps not, that's not for me to decide…”

 

Death it seem had at last come for me, but I was unsure what awaited me, would I be in heaven or a black empty void filed with nothingness for all eternity? Or maybe I wasn't dead and uncertain after the last time being lost in a coma state, waiting for the Grim Reaper to take me away. I didn't know what I expect but when I woke up to see what lay before me, dead or not, it was due to the scent of cherry blossoms and finding myself in a white room, like the hospital's only it felt a lot different than the one I was in before.

 

That's weird, they didn't have any cherry trees growing around the vicinity but maybe I'm not there anymore. I was suddenly confused, pondering what must've happened and how I got here and then started to remember everything and realization hit in.

 

Muraki, I don't know or had any idea how he done it but somehow he killed me as if with his own bare hands. Not that anyone would believe him as the culprit for my death as there had been no witnesses and no evidence to point to him but I wanted to choke the sadistic bastard for what he did, erasing my memories and putting me through that relentless torment, the pain he caused to feel day in and day out and after he came into my room that last night and did the deed.

 

So had it finally been over, what now? There was light coming from an open window and walk over, finding it wonderful to move again. It was like I had my old body back to what it was and so vigorous than I ever imagine but still feeling out of it from my experience of being dead for what seem like twenty four hours. Or was I? I took the time to take in my new surrounding starting with the outside world, becoming distract and keeping my mind far off the matter for now.

 

The view was absolutely breathtaking, the bright blue sky and saw some kind of walkway below with cherry trees all align on the side of the stone pavement, pink petals fluttering in the wind and a large white building sitting over not too far from here with tiny steps leading up. It almost reminded me of the Parliament building back in the city but what was it for exactly?

 

I saw a bird land on the sill, its wings pure white like fresh fallen snow. There may not be any angels around that I saw but it seem to give me some comfort as I reach out to touch its small head and heard it coo when I stroke its beautiful looking feather down its back.

 

“This must be heaven then huh?” I didn't expect anyone to answer me but someone did and knew I wasn't alone anymore.

 

“Not hardly, but it isn't hell either.” Startled by the voice and scaring off the bird as it flew away, I turn and I saw a dark-haired man that I hadn't seen before, standing in the shadow of the room and step out to reveal himself. He was wearing a navy suit and gray trenchcoat and a boy probably a year or two younger than me with his arms crossed and a scowl written on his face, sandy blond hair falling into his bright green eyes.

 

“Welcome to the Enma-Cho, the Judgment Bureau, Hitomi Kanzaki.” The man with vibrant violet eyes staring steadily at me the whole time and I didn't know what to say, wondering had I ended up in some loony bin. I must be losing my mind or I might already have and now…

 

He was walking over and I back away as he approached and look to the pair and had to find out what was going on here, was I really dead or had I gone crazy?

 

“Who are you?” What were these people planning to do with me? Lock me in some padded cell, strapped in a straight jacket? Would they be no worse than what Muraki did to me? I had been certain I was dead but how could I still be breathing and feel so different at the same time. But they didn't look like doctors or any orderlies, not the way they were dressed. None of this made any sense and I thought I should go and find someone who could give me some straight answers.

 

I had nothing to defend myself if possible, nothing to throw and get out of here. I chose my second option and went to make a run for it, heading for the door but someone grab my arm and I turn to find it was the boy. He had been in the far corner of the room, leaning against the wall and now here he was, grasping me in such a vise grip that felt like steel and couldn't pry away. That one contact and my mind overflowing with blur visions and different voices, cold ones talking out as they revolved around me like a unforeseeable whirlwind, making me dizzy until it came to a complete stop and saw clearly what I seen to my absolute horror the events of his former life as I watch the scene unfold before my eyes.

 

A little boy locked in some dark room, a tiny cell where barely any light filter through the small window above his head, huddled in the corner, so sad and alone listening to those different voices and cruel unkind words said, hearing every word spoken and repeating inside his head...

 

“What a frightening child…He's kind of scary…you monster…He's not my child!”

 

The room change and it became night and was standing outside, the wind blowing while the moon illuminate red in the sky and notice the figure standing in the shadows under the cherry tree and watch as he slice the person in his arms, blood splattering his coat and turn around to stare with such murderous intentions in his cold steel eyes…

 

Staring in the eyes of Muraki! Muraki walking towards him and he suddenly running for his life, trying to escape but he caught him and held him down.

 

“You should not have seen it but that can be fixed.” He said in a cold voice and the boy's eyes widen as he felt his hand placed over his eyes then blacked out…

 

A hospital surrounding a sickly pale young man laying in a bed, similar to the state I was in, unable to move without his body to feel the pain, the fever getting worse and worse and thinking only of dying.

 

Why, why did this have to happen to me, why!

 

He was just waiting to die but death was taking its cruel time on him, he had no more tears left to shed for the bitterness fate had left him to suffered and all he had to do was wait until the time was right to end it…

 

I seen enough and pull my arm away as he let go and saw he was looking to me with something other than what most would behind those green orbs and the visions making it all clear just as the emotions that were written plainly on his face as we stared at one another.

 

Pain, suffering, sadness…

 

…Understanding?

 

“Y-you're were given the same curse, the one that he set on the both of us. Yours was a lot quicker but still all the more painful to make up for the short time you lived.” I was stunned by what he just said.

 

He knew the doctor, of course I seen it in the vision, wait a curse, I remember that he did made mention but what did this have to do with it? Everything spinning circles with no end and wanted someone to give me a reasonable explanation on why I was here in the first place.

 

“I don't get what you are talking about but somehow I'll get to the bottom of this if somebody starts telling me what the heck is going on?”

 

“Well someone is certainly wanting to get to the point after being here for at least five hours.” I spun around at the sound of another voice and saw three men entering the room and standing side by side, the man in the middle smaller than the other two. On the left was one with long wavy orange-blonde hair and amber eyes, wearing glasses and a lab coat, a scientist I had to guess with a miniature owl sitting on his shoulder, almost reminding me of how Allen's had back on Gaea.

 

The one right of him was a man with brown hair, azure eyes and in a brown business suit carrying a clipboard and a folder in the crook of one arm while adjusting his square spectacles, “Well you seem to be faring better than expected and not many would after they find themselves in purgatory.”

 

“Pur-purgatory?” I said astounded though shouldn't really be surprised at all but still. The man in the middle between the two tall guys, wearing a pinstripe suit with graying brown hair and seem much older than them step forward and lifting his hand in gesture when he spoke, “Relax I know this is all new to you and we like to make you an offer but I think you should perhaps sit down and listen.”

 

I didn't move, not taking any chances, wanting to listen to what he had to say and the man sighed, knowing it was going to be difficult explaining the situation to me, “Very well. It seem our files say you weren't suppose to go just yet but apparently you have, like Mr. Kurosaki here.” He pointed to the youth standing by my side, “You were a victim of Doctor Muraki Kazutaka, murdered though there would be no such tangible proof but still and died with an incurable sickness, all thanks to the curse he set on you. So our department was called up to retrieve you and bring you here and the ministry has been discussing on what to do with you …”

 

I didn't know but something about everyone looking at me kind of made me uncomfortable, possible not liking where this might be going if these guys might be a little screwy in the head or who knows what, “As we said, we look up on your data and our records states you're a psychic am I correct?”

 

I nodded, “Yeah I am or was at least, I kinda gave it up, tarot reading I mean but I still have visions and such…” It's hard to think if your alive when you've been announced dead and standing in a room with some people whom also claim to be.

 

“The King of Hades think you might be of some use and we are always in need of someone that has spiritual powers and do have an opening for someone with your talents as it happens that one of our Shinigami needs a partner and did make a request for you though would need some practice before you're ready to do your first assignment in the field.”

 

“A Shinigami? What's that?” I was thinking who would want me to be their partner, I didn't think I was going to be assigned one when I haven't really consider whether I should take up their offer or not.

 

“A Shinigami is a special agent of the summons department, also know as a Guardian of the Death that works in different sectors all around Japan.”

 

“So almost like being the Grim Reaper only there's more than one and a lot to this position am I right?” The man chuckled, “You could say that's but pretty much accurate to the point the way you look at it. A Shinigami is chosen from among people who were still attached to the world when they died. The Ministry tests those individuals and the ones who become Shinigami get new bodies and new lives and they may move from the world of the living and the afterlife, they exist somewhere between life and death, you getting this?” I was, it made sense somehow and believed every word and none of it a total figment of lies and in my view was exactly what I've been put through.

 

He continue, “We specialize in cases, like when a person doesn't die even though his or her time has come in one of the many sectors around here. The Ministry of Hades forwards those to the summon department, that's me and to send forth the agents to collect those souls and bring them up here to await their hearing and as I said a Shinigami's job is to round up peoples' souls that sometimes don't automatically cross over or if someone dies with mysterious causes like yours had and to investigate unsolved matters from other sectors. Without these Shinigamis, the Ministry can't operate and trials would back up until the whole system collapsed and…”

 

“Ok that's enough Chief I think she already gets it,” The man in the brown suit step forward, clipboard in his hand and I had the sudden feeling that he must have been a businessman, no somehow a accountant with what I'm guessing before he died.

 

“Please forgive him, Chief Konoe tends to go overboard when we find someone with your capabilities and going into full details before you have a chance to get started. If you do have any questions you can always come to me and I'll personally answer any while giving you the full orientation when we begin your training after you get adjust to your accommodations.” He clears his throat and looks to me, bowing slightly as he introduce himself, “My name is Seiichiro Tatsumi and I am much in charge of the budget in the Summons Section of the Ministry of Hades.”

 

He gave me this stare that says I-Control-the-money-here-so-don't-try-anything-funny-or-else. Yep I had been right, he was and still is in a way, an accountant-secretary in this division.

I made a mental note not to get on his bad side otherwise he could become my worse enemy somehow by axing my checks if I was going to get any by taking this as my career job. He point to the one wearing the white lab coat who I notice before next to the chief and Tatsumi.

 

“This is Yutaka Watari, he works in research and development. He's also in charge of computer maintenance & repair and works in Sector six, Kinki. Any technical difficulties or problems, he's you're man, just watch out for some of his research, they tend to be a little dangerous and explosive.” Watari smiled and gives me a wink, not paying any attention to what Tatsumi said last, “Charmed I'm sure, anytime you want to help in the lab, my doors are always open to you.” He speaks in a Southern accent and then pointed to the small owl on his shoulder, “And this is 003, my closest companion.” He strokes its chest and heard a weird whirring sound coming from the owl, almost like it was a machine filled with gadgets or whatnot. And did that owl just say, `You're the best Watari!' or was it my imagination?

 

“Hey I thought I was your best friend!” I heard someone whining and look behind to find the man giving him the you-just-kick-me-where-it-hurts puppy dog look. It was cute and funny how a grown man could do that and even Watari thoughts so as he was laughing and waving his hand to him, “Of course you are Tsuzuki but you know how I am with my mechanical creations, these little guys are my life. Isn't that right 003?” The bird hoot and clapping its wings as if in approval so I guess I was once again right about it being a machine or mechanical bird or whatever.

 

Tatsumi resumed as if he was use to these kind of interruptions from those two, “The one standing there, making the sad yet pathetic puppy dog eyes is Asato Tsuzuki, one of the Shinigami that we've mention earlier and works in sector two, Kyushu and you already met his partner, Hisoka Kurosaki.” Tsuzuki, getting over his little moment and waving enthusiastically while Hisoka mutter a hello and that was pretty much that. Those two were certainly not quite what I expect, Tsuzuki with so much vigor energy and a bubbly personality and Hisoka, well he was so cool and aloof and didn't have the same perkiness like his comrade. Two polar opposite working as a pair of Shinigami, this was very strange, even for me.

 

“And don't forget about us!” A pair of identical-looking `chickens' pop into the room right before me and jump back, surprised to see how they got here and unexpected like that. They were dressed in similar outfits, yellow scarves and white sashes around their middle, one wore an orange robe with a red cap encircle with a gold circlet on his head, the other wearing a light green robe and blue cap, both were floating about in mid air, hovering around me.

 

“Oh that's right, these are the GuShoShin brothers, they categorized all the deeds, data, you name it with a person who passed on and hands to us to look up all the unaccounted for with mysterious cases to check out. They work in the library in the Eastern Annex in the Bureau. You'll find out where it is when you get the tours after things have been arranged.”

 

“Pleasure to meet you I'm sure.” They said and I look to everyone who was here in the room, waiting for me to speak. I took a deep breath and after some serious thinking and consideration, “This is all very thoughtful, I mean this idea of having me become a Shinigami and all but do you think I would be really be up to this. I mean I like to help and it does sound interesting.” I look down to my hands, thinking back on everything, how I wanted to do so many things before but can't but now had a different path to choose from either heading onward into the afterlife or doing something meaningful now with this given opportunity. Beside, what else did I have to lose?

 

“I'll give it a shot so yes I accept—” The moment those words left my mouth, something lunged at me and I realized was Tsuzuki, squeezing the life right out of me and notice he had little puppy ears on his head and a tail wagging joyously while holding on.

 

“That's wonderful, this is going to be so much fun! Isn't this great Soka, huh huh!” He look to his partner who tried to get him off and drag him by the collar of his coat to the floor, “Down boy, down! No humping her, geez! Control yourself or I'll have you neutered!”

 

Tsuzuki `eep!' and quickly went behind me and cowering by my legs and peeping from the side while Hisoka shook his head and said, `Baka', not wanting to waste anymore time with the idiot. Tatsumi and the Chief seem to be getting a kick out of this.

 

“This calls for a celebration!” And Watari ran out of the room, promising to get some champagne to commemorate this moment of my new promising career.

 

Hisoka tapped me on the shoulder and I turn to him after he finished dealing with his partner not sitting in the other corner of the room, rubbing his sore head with about five bumps covering it.

 

“Whatever you do, don't take anything Watari offers, he might spike it with one of his potions and he's been trying for weeks to create a gender-changing concoction and I don't think you want to see yourself sprouting something downstairs if you catch my drift.” I did and try not to imagine and keep myself distracted and listen to what Tatsumi was saying, considering about my position.

 

“Now we'll just get your registrations filled out and the orientation will start in a few days after you get plenty of rest and settled in.” Tatsumi removed from his clipboard and left a pair of keys along with a manila envelope on the table.

 

“Your ID, new address, apartment number and keys, checking and banking account, credit cards and other necessaries are inside and anything else you require. Have any questions, like I said before bring them up to me.” It was almost as if he knew I was going to accept and had everything ready for me and all I had to do was give the word. Talk about a weird system. They would leave me for now to take all this in, which I was grateful and thought would need to get the information settled in and read up on the rules and regulation if I was going to prepare myself for the new life ahead as a guardian of death.

 

“Ah almost forget!” Chief Konoe as he smacks down his fist in the palm of his other hand and turn to me with a grin, “We should let you meet your new partner. I know it's sudden but I think you two would get along just fine, allow me to get him.”

 

He went and stuck his head through the opened door to talk to someone standing outside who I couldn't see and was probably next to the wall where the Chief was looking in the direction to, “You can come in now.” He steps aside and someone walk in the room. Someone I almost barely recognize. I thought I was dreaming but then I realized that he was here, right in front of me.

 

Folken Lacour de Fanel.

 

Folken who I never expected to see him again after three years since his death. But I hadn't figure he ended up working as a Shinigami and wanted me as his partner, who would have guessed I would be paired off with the former Strategos and Van's older brother in the afterlife.

 

He wore an ebony black suit, similar to what Tsuzuki had with a white dress shirt and a trenchcoat in one arm. His hair was longer than I remember and in a loose ponytail and light blue-green bangs falling freely around his face and over his dark visor when he removes them and put them in his front pocket to reveal those carmine color eyes, those garnet orbs that seem to lift my spirits a bit by his mere presence. The gold hoops glint in the faint light while I stared shock and disbelief written all over my face and couldn't tear my eyes off the man, not wanting to see this as a dream if I dare blink.

 

Everyone decided to give us a moment of privacy and closing the door behind so we could talk in our company and not anyone else's. I stood where I was, still not over the shock of seeing him alive and looking pretty good, wait I take it back, he was drop-dead gorgeous not that he wasn't when we met but still, he seems to be better than after what happened back on Gaea.

He drape the coat on the back of one of the chairs and walks over towards me and I noticed that his right arm was no longer a mechanical prosthesis and was now made entirely of flesh and bone altogether and holds it up towards his lips.

 

“It's good to see you again, Hitomi.” I was at a lost for words and unable to speak before I brought myself to touch his face and feel how warm and soft it was. It seem too much for this to be real but here was Folken standing before me as living proof. Well not living but something far from it that I know that everything here was really true.

 

I shook my head. “This…is impossible.” I know it sound pretty stupid to state the obvious but I couldn't help that the words escape my mouth before I had a chance to reconsider them. “Folken? Is it really you?” He nodded, understanding how I was taking all this in and confirming that it was indeed him and I smiled.

 

Before I even know what I was doing I rush over to him and threw my arms around him. He held me, stroking my hair, my back as he embraced me. I didn't know I was crying at the time before tears were staining the front of his shirt and he didn't mind. We were like that for what almost seem like an eternity and knowing that things would be all right…

 

Never in my wildest dreams, did I see this coming. I heard Folken speaking and as I look up to heard what he was saying, his voice changed and—

 

“Hitomi-chan! HELP SAVE ME!” I was snapped out of my reminisce and before I had a chance to avoid being pounced on by Tsuzuki with his doggy-like ears on his head, furry paws and a fluffy tail sticking out and knocking me to the floor. I grab the closest thing nearby with all of us shouting simulated at once, “HEY! WHAT THE! EEP!” But end up pulling it with me and find myself mash between Tsuzuki and Folken who I had unfortunately in the frenzy when I tried to maneuver around and instead landed my face in his lap.

 

Yep you heard me correct, HIS LAP as in I face planted right into Folken's.

 

I've never been more embarrassed in all my life and neither was Folken when I look up to see his cheeks sporting the same color like mine were and everyone had taken into consideration the gravity of the situation, standing around staring like a bunch of idiots, knowing this was going to be in everyone's mind. I must now resemble a bright red cherry right there with my face reddening up and if word got outside these walls that would seriously make my day somehow.

 

Was there a memo I forgot to watch out for so I could have been better prepare for this sort of thing happening? Why doesn't a great big hole open up and swallow me just now and save us the trouble and embarrassment of waiting? Right now, I had a little memo coming up in my head with what I had to say about what was my agenda for this upcoming week, minus the work and this mission and any others I had coming up, deciding between this coming Friday and Saturday, scheduling a very important business I had to attend.

 

Note to self: killTsuzuki and locate a spot to bury him where no one may find his remains after.

 

Oh how I was going to enjoy that, perhaps squeeze in some torture session just to relief some anger issues. I got up, giving Folken a hand and putting my chair in the upright position as we both sat down, averting my eyes and trying not to look at each other as we were probably thinking along the same lines of getting the heck outta here pronto. The sooner, the better to forget this ever happened…

 

The chief was the one who seem to draw our attention, calling as to why we were here and setting aside the `incident' and getting back on the track of what was important: our mission.

 

“All right now that everyone's here,” He look frostily at Tsuzuki who was now standing up and walking to the other side where his chair was beside Hisoka, “we can get down to business.”

 

Tsuzuki taking his seat and seeing was the center of attention again and tried to hide under the table from everyone, Hisoka muttered, “Idiot.” that didn't go unnoticed as we heard it but the meeting started and I couldn't help but sometimes glance from the corner of my eyes and find Folken looking at me from the side and trying to keep from going red all over again, turn away and listen in on what the chief said, the importance of our mission and what we were assigned which both members of our party would work together and be ready to head towards our destination in two days.

 

My face still portray some color and never want to ever discuss this with anyone here unless they wish to face the wrath of Kurikara RyuOh if they dare bring this up ever in my presence again. I think they would get the message through easily and went through the business of our mission.

 

And it seem like such a perfectly normal afternoon, Emma had I been proven wrong…

 

I seriously hate Tuesdays now thanks to Tsuzuki.