Chapter 17
Official Part 1

    The tournament goes into turmoil, as Gina’s behavior transforms into an eerie manner, and gains abilities which nearly kill her fellow classmates. Luckily, with the help of Mew, Noah was able to navigate through the warren of darkness and stop Gina, saving the others from a terrible fate. With the winners selected, they now turn their attention to the injured; with Ayame and Sango undergoing blood transfusion, while the others rest their weary heads. Now a new but familiar face joins the group, Chiyoku, headmaster Noah’s daughter and childhood friend to Miwa, arrives inexplicably before them. But one thing remains on the headmasters’ minds, between Gina, Ren, and Norimichi, who should be allowed to accompany Kushiro on his quest to search for the remaining Chaos Artifacts?

Chiyoku: Daddy!
Kazumi: Headmaster Noah has a daughter?
Noah: Chiyoku. What are you doing here?
Chiyoku: I got lonely and bored, so I came here to see you.
Noah: Chiyoku, it’s dangerous out there. You could have gotten hurt, or worse.
Chiyoku: Uh…sorry daddy.
Noah:…[sighs] Well as long as you’re here, you can stay.
Chiyoku: Yay!
Miwa: Uh….Chiyoku.
Chiyoku: Hmm?
Miwa: It’s me…Miwa.
Chiyoku: [gasps]….[whimpers]
Miwa: Chiyoku?
Chiyoku:…Miwa!!

    Chiyoku jumps from her father’s lap, and buries her face in Miwa’s chest, as tears soak through her kimono. Miwa comforts her with a friendly embrace, letting her release her tears of joy.

Chiyoku: [sniffles] Miwa, is that really you?
Miwa: Yeah, it’s me.
Chiyoku:….The picture!
Miwa: Uh.
Chiyoku: You still have it right?! It was a symbol of our friendship!
Miwa: What had happened was…
Chiyoku:…Oh, don’t say a word! I understand!
Miwa: You do?
Chiyoku: You don’t have to go into detail…I’m just glad you’re alive.
Satoshi: You two know each other?
Miwa: Yeah, she’s a childhood friend of mine.
Chiyoku: We use to draw in my room all the time. [giggles]
Ms. Ebisawa: Then maybe you two can finally spend some time together, while the others rest.
Miwa: Oh, we’re sorry.
Ms. Ebisawa: It’s okay. You can come visit them tomorrow if you like.
Hitoshi: Great, we should do the same. I’m sore all over.
Ryota: Yeah, see you guys tomorrow.
Suzuki: Oh yeah, when are we going to graduate?!
Noah: Prepare for graduation tomorrow future shinigami. For now, enjoy yourselves and get a goodnight‘s rest.
Chiyoku: Graduating?

    Everyone soon leaves and prays for a speedy recovery for the others, as Miwa takes Chiyoku with her to their dorm room. There outside the girls’ dorm, Otis tries to repair Meow’s broken eyes from the tournament. Thankfully, Otis was able to buffer the surface of his eyes back into their beautiful, lustful, golden metal, but with no eyes, he was unable to see

Mew: Are you done yet?
Otis: Not yet Mew, the art of melding is a time consuming process.
Meow: Are you through melding?
Otis: [pops open a magic marker] Yep, and now for your eyes.
Kushiro: Meow, feeling better?
Meow: I’ll let you know when I get my sight back!
Suzuki: Grumpy kitty.
Mew: Same thing I said.
Meow: Just give me some eyes, please?!
Otis: Okay man, just sit tight.

    Otis begins drawing Meow his eyes, but after a few scribbles and attempts, his eyes continue to turn out as drawings of a three year old.

Meow: How do I look?
Chiyoku: Not too good. [opens a mirror]
Meow: Can you draw?!
Otis: Well I am not a Leonardo.
Chiyoku: Maybe I can help.

    Chiyoku then pulls from her kimono her personal painting kit, and uses the black paint to create Meow his eyes. But Chiyoku added more than just a set of eyes, painting sparkles painted over his eyes as they glimmer brightly in the night.

Chiyoku: There, now you look cute.
Meow: Cute?! I am a boy! I deserve manly eyes!
Otis: Just be glad you can see out those man. By the way, that’s some fancy paint you got there.
Chiyoku: Oh it’s just ordinary paint.
Otis: Now who is this young lady?
Chiyoku: Otis it’s me, Chiyoku! You use to watch me when I was little!
Otis: My, have the years flown! Well, you guys hurry along now, so much work to do. [leaves]
Chiyoku: Nice talking to you Otis!
Mew: Guess that’s our cue to split. See ya. [disappears]
Meow: I actually look good? [disappears]
Kushiro: Now to wait until you girls get through with your bath.

    Kushiro proceeds to the door, but Chiyoku misinterprets his actions and strangles him by the neck.

Chiyoku: No you don’t!! This is the girls’ dorm perv!!
Kushiro: [gags] I-sleep-here!
Miwa: As much as I like to see Kushiro suffer, he actually lives here.
Chiyoku: Huh?! What, he’s homosexual?!
Kushiro: There were no more rooms….available….[turns blue].
Kazumi: Uh, you might want to let him go?
Chiyoku: Oh. [lets go]
Kushiro: [raspy voice] My throat. [gasps for air]
Miwa: You will live. Wait an hour before you enter the bathhouse or we‘ll allow Chiyoku to continue what she was doing.

    Miwa then tramples over Kushiro, crushing his face into the dirt as the others followed. While the girls gather their things for the bathhouse, Ume does the same, washing Hamaru’s hair as he sits embarrassed in front of Yukio and Kunoichi.

Ume: Wow brother, you sure are living large; fancy bathhouse with a wildlife atmosphere, expensive food, not to mention all those swords in your closet.
Yukio: Yeah, I’m quite the avid collector.
Hamaru: Mom, I can bathe myself!
Ume: Oh come on Hamaru, it brings back old memories when you were just a baby. Plus you never wash behind your ears good enough.
Hamaru: [blushes] Mom!
Yukio: You’re really quiet over there Kunoichi.
Kunoichi: [blushes] I’m just not use to bathing with others.
Yukio: [chuckles] I’ve been through that. Darn them and those towel whips.
Ume: Don’t worry Kunoichi, my brother may be a pervert, but he knows what will happen if he tries that mess around me.
Kunoichi: What?!
Yukio: Ume, you‘re making me sound like a bad guy!
Ume: [giggles]
Kunoichi: I mean, you’re not worried that Kushiro is going on an adventure? Away from us again?
Ume: Trust me, I’m just as worried as you are. My son in the outskirts from safety and civilization, fighting demons in peril lands.
Kunoichi: That goddess is using him, I’m sure of it.
Yukio: Now Kunoichi, you don’t have to worry about anything. Chieko knows what she’s doing.
Kunoichi: Still, your nephew is in danger.
Yukio: He’s not in danger, I will be there to look after him and the other students.
Kunoichi: Promise?
Hamaru: Don’t worry Kunoichi, uncle Yukio is great with swords.
Yukio: Thanks Hamaru, at least one of my nephews gives me respect.
Ume: By the way brother, I was wondering if you can get me back home tomorrow morning.
Yukio: What for?! Stay here, enjoy yourself!
Ume: I have houses to sell dummy.
Yukio: I didn’t know you were a real estate agent.

    With that remark, Ume flings a bar of soap at Yukio, knocking him out as he falls over into the steamy, boiling water.

Kunoichi: I think he’s.
Ume: He’ll be okay, the perv is just faking it.
Kunoichi: [blushes bright red] Uhhhhhhhh…..oh look at the time! Got to get my beauty sleep! Early to bed and all that stuff, goodnight!

    Kunoichi runs to one of the guest’s room and shuts the door behind her. Standing ever so still and quiet, so many thoughts run through her mind. Now that the love of her life is dead, how will their relationship continue? Also, the promise that Kushiro made to Chieko puzzled her on how long would it take, and would he even survive. She then clears her mind from the stressful questions, as she picks up the necklace, placed on top of her gown, and holds it close to her heart. Fortune on having someone to care this much for her. Meanwhile, the girls enjoy a nice, hot, relaxing bath, as Chiyoku continues to spend her time with Miwa.

Chiyoku: Oh Miwa, it’s so nice to see you again!
Suzuki: How long has it been?
Chiyoku: It’s been years! When I heard about the orphanage blowing up, I was so upset!
Miwa: I’m sorry if I worried you.
Chiyoku: It’s okay! Because now I know you’re alive and that’s all that matters!
Kazumi: What’s this about an orphanage?
Miwa: I use to be an orphan.
Momoko: Wow, that must’ve been tough.
Kazumi: What happened at that time?….Miwa?

    Kazumi’s question then sparks the horrific memories of Miwa’s past, as she grips her head and shivers in fear. Her body soon becomes numb, and her body begins to sink into the water. The girls try to keep her from drowning, while Kazumi runs out to find Hitomi and retrieves her. Hitomi pulls Miwa out of the water, and directs the others to continue their bath as she takes Miwa to her room. Hitomi guides Miwa to her bed as she curls up into a ball, still crying from the pain stabbing her heart.

Hitomi: Miwa, what’s wrong with you? The girls had to keep you from drowning.
Miwa: [cries]….Make it….stop.
Hitomi: Did they say something to you dear?
Miwa: No….it’s not them.
Hitomi: What happened Miwa? You usually have others cowering like that.
Miwa: [sniffles] I don’t want to talk about it.
Hitomi: I understand. If you need to talk, you can always come to me.
Miwa: Thank you…I want to be alone now.
Hitomi: Sure thing sweetie. Take it easy. [leaves]
Miwa:….These memories…why won’t they leave?
Suzuki: [opens the door] Miwa?
Miwa: Suzuki.
Chiyoku: Miwa? Are you okay?
Miwa: No.
Chiyoku: Don’t worry, a goodnight’s rest is all you need…uhhh, you wouldn’t mind if I borrow something to wear do ya?
Suzuki: Don’t worry, I’m sure I can get you something, and in the mean time, you can sleep in Ayame’s bed.
Chiyoku: Thanks! Goodnight Miwa.
Miwa: Thanks, I’ll need it.

    Soon the Reikai World falls into a deep, peaceful sleep, but in the infirmary, Soya struggles in her sleep. Twisting and groaning, while sweating from her stressful dream of her sister’s death. Her dream takes her back to when she was a little girl, frolicking in the descending snow. Suko patiently walks after her as she runs away playing in the snow, making a tiny snowman as her sister arrives. Suddenly a pack of wolves appear from nowhere and attack them. Upon reaction, Suko uses her body as a shield to protect her, as one of the wolves leaps into the air and attacks her. Before the wolf could sink its teeth into her flesh, Miwa comes from the depths of the forest and punches the wolf off her. The wolves surrounds them and attack one by one, only to be forced back by her powerful blows. The wolves soon retreat, as Soya runs to Suko’s side.

Soya: Suko!!
Suko: Soya! Thank you, young girl. If it wasn’t for you, we surely would’ve died.

    Without saying a word, she runs off into the forest, but is soon immobilized by a pain splitting and crashes to the ground. After she rises from the ground, she gives a sinister and light chuckle as she takes out a small blade from under her kimono and attacks them. Suko quickly throws Soya out the way before harm came her way, but it cost her a price of giving her life. The blade runs through her, as a splatter of blood lands on the face of Soya’s snowman pressed against the ground. She begs for Soya to run, but her body becomes completely numb from the sight of her sister’s blood being spilled.

Suko: Please….stop this…

    Then Miwa yanks the blade from her stomach and slits her throat, and awakens Soya from her dreadful nightmare. Panting out of breath, she wipes her forehead and flinches from the stinging pain in her stomach from Miwa’s powerful blows.

Soya:….Suko…Uh, where am I?
Ms. Ebisawa: Soya?
Soya: [groans in pain] My stomach.
Ms. Ebisawa: You need to rest dear. That was one powerful hit you took.
Soya: It’s nighttime?
Ms. Ebisawa: Whoever did that to you must be really powerful.
Soya: [whispers] Miwa.
Ms. Ebisawa: [yawns] Well, it’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow Soya, sleep well.
Soya: You too, and thank you Ms. Ebisawa…..Damn you Miwa.

    Her defeat crushes all hope of ever avenging her sister, while the cautious words from Miwa take heed little by little. But, vengeance is something that is not easily thrown away from one’s ambition. A wound, more deeper than any physical damage can inflict upon the flesh, is most lethal to the wielder, and those who are around it. As envy and rage boils within her overnight, the morning sun pierces the dark sky, dawning a new day. Hyped about graduation, Suzuki rushes out of bed greeting the new day, opening the curtains to absorb the beautiful rays of light. Only to wake Miwa up with the beams of light shining in her face, as she yanks Suzuki down to her face with a angry and agitated look.

Miwa: What is your problem woman?
Suzuki: Graduation day!
Miwa: [quietly] Quiet! Do you have any idea what time it is?
Suzuki: I know, but I like to get up early.
Miwa: Well then, close the blinds, or I’ll break your face in. [falls back to sleep under the pillow]
Suzuki:…Miwa’s back to her old self again. But, I’ll have you know, we should visit Ayame and the others first, so don’t waste your time sleeping all day.
Miwa: Get out!!

    Miwa erupts from the bed, pushes Suzuki outside into the hall, and slams the door in her face. Breathing roughly, she walks back to her bed, only for Chiyoku to wake up from the yelling.

Chiyoku: Miwa, I’m trying to sleep. Stop all the heavy breathing would ya?
Miwa: But….Ehhh.

    Miwa then slams herself on her bed, burying her head underneath her pillow once more. Meanwhile, Suzuki skips happily along outside, as she prepares to greet Ayame and the others from their recovery. Inside the main building in Noah’s office, Izeka and him discuss the matter of the ninth winner of the tournament. With Ren and Norimichi as clear shot winners, the question remained, is Gina capable of supporting the team?

Izeka: So who’s it going to be Noah?
Noah: What’s your choice?
Izeka: I would go with the winner, Gina, but you had to intervene from her killing them or anyone else. I never knew she was capable of destroying the magic field around them.
Noah: Impressive they may be, only one will be joining.
Izeka: I volunteer Ren; he has the ability to merge demon magic with his sword, mixing them to cause a catastrophic combination of the elements. He also has an impressive knowledge of the demon arts.
Noah: Hmm, sounds good.
Izeka: And knowing you, you would choose Gina.
Noah: What tipped you off?
Izeka: I know you Noah, you like to risk big.
Noah: Of course she may be a hazard to the others, but that power of hers can benefit them as well. If she can somehow harness that new strength, she would probably have no problem on her end.
Izeka: Sir, I must contradict, she’s highly unstable and could jeopardize the mission.
Noah: True…but denying her this, could crush her spirit. The others will have their times to shine.
Izeka: [sighs] Fine, do what you will, but at least let me assign the teams.
Noah: Very well Izeka. I’ll go deliver the good news.

    As Noah proceeds to the infirmary, Suzuki arrives as she walks through the doors with flowers picked from the courtyard gardens for Ayame.

Ms. Ebisawa: Suzuki.
Suzuki: Hi Ms. Ebisawa. Is it okay for me to visit them?
Ms. Ebisawa: Eh, sure, just keep your voices low. Gina is still resting.
Suzuki: Goody! Ayaaame!
Ms. Ebisawa:…[giggles] Such an energetic girl.
Suzuki: Ayame!
Ayame: Suzuki, keep it down.
Ren: Suzuki.
Norimichi: How’s it going?
Suzuki: Peachy-pee, I brought you these Ayame.
Ayame: Oh, how thoughtful. [nervous chuckle]
Sango: How is everyone?
Suzuki: Miwa is grumpier as ever, while the rest are probably asleep. Where’s Soya?
Ayame: Soya was here?
Ren: I didn’t know that.
Suzuki: Well she’s probably just fine.
Sango: Surprised Satoshi isn’t here by Gina.
Ren: He’s probably late or something.
Suzuki: Does that hurt?
Ayame: No, not really. Fortunately my grandmother has the same blood type.
Gina:….Uh….my head.
Suzuki: Gina!
Ayame: You okay?
Gina: Where am I?…Ren! Norimichi! Are you guys okay?!
Ren: A little nauseous but never better.
Norimichi: You really took us by surprise.
Gina: [gasps]……[cries] I’m sorry.
Suzuki: Gina?
Sango: There’s nothing to be sorry about.
Satoshi: [enters] She should be sorry for making such an irresponsible decision.
Gina: Brother.
Ayame: Take it easy on her.
Satoshi: You know you had no right to participate in that tournament.
Gina: I know, but.
Satoshi: No buts.
Suzuki: Hey, back off meanie! Gina can decide for herself!
Satoshi: Well she made a very intelligent decision. Mother was foolish to let you come here.
Gina: But.
Satoshi: You’re going home Gin, I’ll let father know about this.
Gina:…I won’t go.
Satoshi: Excuse me?
Gina: Mother gave me this opportunity to make something of myself. When she died, her dying wish was to fulfill one of my desires; the desire to live like any other, to make my own decisions. Father and you always kept me isolated from the outside world, choosing what was for me, and I understand that, but…you can’t do this! So I beg of you brother, leave me alone and leave father out of this!
Sango: Gina.
Ren: Whoa.
Satoshi:…Fine, but let me remind you. If you lose control again, and if any of your friends are dead because of your actions, you only have yourself to blame. [exits]
Ayame: Gina, we never seen you like this.
Gina: [sobs] I want to make mother proud…and the only way to do that…is to live my life the way I want it…I’ll show them…I’ll show them I don’t need them!….[cries]
Noah: [enters] Ms. Ebisawa, are the students awake?
Ms. Ebisawa: Well…Satoshi?
Noah: Ah, Satoshi, I need you to gather the others here for me. It’s about the graduation.
Satoshi: Very well sir.
Ms. Ebisawa: Cheery young man.
Noah: You think?

    Satoshi searches the school grounds of the winners of the tournament, and brings them back to Noah to reveal their first, real life, shinigami mission.

Ayame: Kushiro, you’re here too?
Kushiro: Yeah, Noah will explain everything.
Noah: First of all, I would like to say congratulations for your valiant effort and determination to become shinigami. Each of your names will be recorded in the archives of the military profiles and listed under early graduates. Also, you will each receive an official shinigami certification emblem badge, marking you all as honorary shinigami.
Kushiro: [whispers] I didn’t know they had badges.
Hitoshi: [whispers] Me neither, then again, we’re talking about our teachers.
Noah: Now, I would like to share with you the real matter at hand.
Satasuke: [thinking] Here we go.
Noah: Before I continue, I will say this, the dangers you will face will be perilous, and you may die. If you fear for your life, and feel that you’re not ready yet, you can kindly leave this room, I will have no regrets.
Ayame: I’m staying.
Suzuki: So am I!
Miwa: Count me in.
Ryota: Hitoshi?
Hitoshi: I knew from the first day being a shinigami would be life threatening, so bring it.
Ryota: Might as well myself.
Satoshi: I’m in.
Ire: Same here.
Kushiro: Do I have a choice?
Satasuke: I have nothing better to do.
Ren: Wait, then who is the ninth winner?
Noah: Well, it was a tough decision, but the winner is Gina, seeing how you two were going to lose more than a match.
Norimichi: I don’t have a problem there.
Ren: Congratulations Gina.
Gina: Thank you everyone, Noah. I will do my best.
Noah: Now then, the real reason why we formulated this tournament. Each of you will accompany Kushiro on a life periling adventure to destroy the Chaos Artifacts.
Sango: What?
Satoshi: You’re kidding right?
Noah: I know so, and it was a direct order from Chieko.
Satoshi: One of the goddesses.
Kushiro: Well most of you know, I promised Chieko I would seek out the Artifacts and destroy them. I didn’t realize I would drag all of you with me.
Satoshi: It’s impossible, the Artifacts are the remains of Chaos himself. We’d be lucky enough to even hold one than to destroy it.
Noah: Actually the location of two secluded Artifacts are being held as grand prizes to the winners of the Underworld Tournament Grounds.
Miwa: The Tournament Grounds? Sir, that place will be crawling with powerful demons.
Suzuki: Yeah! If they saw us, we would be dead before we set foot in there!
Noah: Don’t worry, Yukio and some of the others will accompany you and protect you. Just do what they say, and none of the demons will lay a hand on you.
Satasuke: How long do we have to prepare?
Noah: About two months. Chieko also instructed us to take you all to your homelands for personal training. 
Miwa: Oh great.
Suzuki: But headmaster Noah, what if no one in our homeland can train us?
Noah: Then do your very best to hone your skills to a new level. Of course, due to the unfortunate event of the Uchida family.
Satasuke: It’s okay, I’ll train there anyhow.
Ryota: You sure?
Satasuke: I’ll get more done there than here.
Noah: You will all leave three days from now, in the meantime, try to relax and enjoy yourselves. Also, be sure not to mention any details of your missions to anyone. Now if you’ll excuse, I must be going now.

    With Noah’s absence, silence overcomes the room, and the pressure to become stronger falls on their shoulders. Satasuke breaks the silence with his movement towards the door, as he walks out with Kushiro following him from behind.

Kushiro: Hey!
Satasuke: Yeah?
Kushiro: Where you going?
Satasuke: Well obviously there was no other reason of staying.
Kushiro: Guess you’re right, with this being our first mission and all.
Satasuke: So, you think you got what it takes?
Kushiro: Well yeah, I destroy one of them.
Satasuke: You…did what?
Kushiro: It’s true, and I don’t understand it fully, but if these weapons are so dangerous, they should be destroyed as quickly as possible.
Satasuke: [thinking] He destroyed a Chaos Artifact?…How about a quick sparing match before I leave?
Kushiro: Now? I mean I have class and….second thought never mind.
Satasuke: Outside the academy of course. If what you say is true, taking you down should prove a challenge.
Kushiro: Sure, I don’t mind.

    Inside the infirmary, even with Ayame trying to spark a conversation, silence reigns over their mouths, still lingering over their problems.

Ayame: What’s wrong with you guys? This silence is driving me crazy.
Ryota:…I think we’re in over our heads.
Ayame: Huh?
Ryota: Do you honestly think we’re ready for this? We’re going to enter a demon tournament, going against notorious demons known to mankind.
Miwa: If you think you’re not ready, then just leave.
Ryota: I can’t! If I do I’ll…feel like I’m abandoning you guys, and…
Ire: Don’t be afraid Ryota, we’re all in over our heads. [walks away]
Hitoshi: You’re saying we can’t do this?
Ire: I never said we don’t stand a chance. [closes the door]
Gina:…Now what?
Satoshi: We prepare for our departure. All we know is this, we have two months to sharpen our skills to the limit. There are no room for errors, nor stragglers.
Suzuki: [stomach growls]….Whoops, I forgot to eat. [nervous chuckle]
Satoshi:…[walks away]
Miwa: I think we should all go and eat.
Suzuki: Get well soon guys!
Sango: Thanks.
Norimichi: Take care.
Gina:…[whispers] I have to get strong.

    Outside of the academy, Kushiro and Satasuke prepare to begin their sparing match. The wind begins to pick up, kicking up dust as leaves flow past their caressing hair. From a distance, Hisako and Kamisori watch from atop of a tree, petting him as he rest cuddled in her lap.

Hisako: [giggles] A Uchida huh? I’m surprised there’s one alive, and here I thought he took care of them all.
Kamisori: [purrs]
Hisako: Oh well, it’s just one, he’ll deal with them later.
Kamisori: [grins]
Kushiro: Seeing how you’re a Uchida, I better be careful.
Satasuke: Don’t give me much credit. I don’t know much about my family’s power, so consider yourself lucky…Zetsumei-gai.
Kushiro: What?

    The calm winds were soon overpowered by a burst of spirit energy swirling around Satasuke, and begins to form into a shape of a white scythe in his right hand. The blade shines in the rays of the sun, as the glimmering shine reveals the Knot of Triquetra printed on the joint of the scythe; a symbol that represents the three; mind, body, and soul, working together as one.

Kushiro: A scythe?
Satasuke: Don’t be afraid, it’s only death.