Chapter Seven: Irreparable Transgression

Ready to leave, I stepped toward the museum doors.

"Chibana?"

I stopped, startled by the boy's familiar voice, and shifted my gaze over to him.

"Aikawa?"

He was close by, looking at me with his brows furrowed in confusion. I clutched the strap of my bag, feeling uneasy, noting his thoughtful expression.

Why is he staring at me? How long has he been there? Did he overhear what transpired between Mosuke, Manta, and Yoh?

"What?" I asked, wariness in my voice.

"I didn't expect to meet you here."

The feeling's mutual.

The janitor from this morning walked up from behind him before I could reply, gaze burning with curiosity. "Do you two know each other?"

"Y-yeah," Aikawa said, turning his head away from us with a faint blush on his cheeks as he brushed his hand through his unkempt hair. "She's a girl in my class."

Silence filled the room while I took a closer glimpse at Aikawa.

His short, surprisingly tangled black hair made him look like he'd just woken up. A large round brown stain of unknown origin was on the front of his wrinkled red t-shirt. Even his blue jeans had tears and grass stains.

I thought he was more put together. He is supposed to be our student council president... It'd be entertaining to watch his overzealous fan clubs reaction if they saw him now. They'd likely faint, their perfect image of him being shattered. They might even stop bothering me.

"Ah!" the older man exclaimed, breaking me from my wishful train of thought as a bright smile spread across his face. "You must be Himiko Chibana!"

The boy standing next to him threw a wary glance in his direction.

Perplexed, I nodded. "Y-yes?"

"He speaks about you often."

Eyes wide, I looked over at Aikawa in surprise and confusion.

"Grandpa," Aikawa muttered, bringing a hand to his reddening face.

Hold it! This is his grandfather?! Why would he talk to his grandfather about me?

"Are you done with your research?" the janitor questioned.

"What?" I asked, head still reeling.

"Did you finish your research on Ayumi Sohma?"

"Y-yes, I just finished up my report."

Aikawa lowered his hand, looking at me in surprise. "You're already done?"

"I like completing things early. Makes things less stressful."

"I see..."

Deafening silence filled the room, neither of us knowing what to say next.

"W-well," I said, deciding it was time to leave. "I guess I'll see you at school."

"Why don't you escort her home, Itsuki?" his grandfather suggested.

"What?" I asked, surprised.

"It's pretty late. I'd hate to make you walk home alone on the weekend in the dark."

"No, I couldn't—"

"It's fine," Aikawa said, cutting me off. "I don't mind."

"But..."

"I insist."

Bewildered, I stared at him for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Very well."

"Great," he replied, a radiant smile emerging on his face.

I felt myself relax a little, knowing he was back to his usual self.

"I'll see ya later, grandpa."

"Yes. Be careful. It was nice to finally meet you, Miss Chibana."

"It was nice to meet you, too."

"Come on," Aikawa muttered, gently taking my arm and pulling me toward the doors.

A warm breeze swept through my hair when we exited the building. I made a mental inventory of all the blacksmiths in the area, trying to choose the best route home. None of the paths were a straight shot. Aikawa might ask questions if I change direction too many times.

"What is it?" he asked as we stepped onto the sidewalk along the main road.

"Hm?" I blinked up at him, my train of thought broken.

He rubbed his neck, looking off to the side. "Whenever something's on your mind, you frown. Are you concerned about what I've told my grandfather?"

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "Although I am curious why you would talk to him about me. He didn't seem to have anything against me."

"Do you think I'm the kind of person to spread unfounded gossip?"

I paused, gaping at him in surprise. "What?"

His gaze moved to mine as he stopped walking, an earnest expression appearing on his face. "If you say something isn't true, I'll believe you until proven otherwise."

Speechless from his bold declaration, I could only stare at him.

How am I supposed to respond? He's the first person who's chosen to believe me… However, I know there's a limit to that kindness. He'd become like everyone else if I told him I could see spirits. It's best to keep my distance as I always have.

His countenance became tender as he turned toward me, grabbing my hand and opening his mouth.

"Chibana!"

Aikawa and I jumped, recognizing the anger-filled baritone voice.

"H-hey, was that Umemiya?"

Dread consumed me.

Could this day get any worse?

We glanced to the side, gazes landing on the man who'd bellowed my name.

Umemiya was only ten feet away, gripping his wooden sword with a deep, murderous scowl. Someone had lobbed off the tip of his once pristine pompadour, making him look ridiculous. I'd find it amusing if it weren't for the situation. He appeared to be ready to attack me.

"Chibana?" Aikawa said.

"Yes?"

"On my signal, I want you to do what I say."

I looked at him with incredulity. "What?"

"Trust me. I have a plan."

He released my hand and stepped in front of me before widening his stance, preparing to fight.

What the hell is he thinking?! He can't take this guy on!

Umemiya scoffed. "Stay out of this, Aikawa."

"Sorry, I can't do that. It's my job to make sure Chibana gets home in one piece."

"Unless you also want to get beaten, you'll do what I say."

"No."

"Leave, Aikawa," I ordered, chest tightening at the thought of harm coming to him. "I'll handle this by myself."

No one else needs to get involved. I don't want Aikawa to be hurt because he tried to protect me.

"No."

"This has nothing to do with you!" I shouted with frustration.

"As long as you're in trouble, it has everything to do with me."

"I don't need to be protected!"

"I'm not leaving you here," he replied with unshakable determination in his voice.

"Then you better say your prayers!" Umemiya exclaimed, charging forward.

Desperate to protect Aikawa and annoyed at his stubbornness, I took hold of his collar and yanked him back as Umemiya raised his sword and swung at him. He let out a strangled yelp, falling backward and narrowly avoiding the assault.

"What the—?" he said, sitting up and rubbing his throat in pain.

"Idiot!" I snapped at him. His gaze moved up to me as I glared daggers at him. "Don't get tangled up in my messes! You can't handle him on your own!"

Irritation flashed across his face. "And you can?!"

"I'd rather be beaten to a pulp than allow someone else to get hurt because of me!"

Aikawa's eyes widened as he fell silent, my response taking him off guard.

"Umemiya," I said, moving to stand in front of Aikawa. "Attack me all you want, but leave him out of it. He's not involved."

A dark smirk emerged on Umemiya's face. "And you won't try to pull anything?"

"If you agree to not harm him, no."

"Fine!"

He raised his wooden sword above his head. Prepared to face it head-on, I kept my unwavering gaze resolute.

"Himiko!" Aikawa shouted.

Arms wrapped around my stomach and pulled me back into something warm and firm. The sword, missing me by a hairsbreadth.

"I won't let you hurt her, Umemiya!"

Horrified, I peered up at Aikawa while he held me tight. "I told you to stay back!"

"I can't. I plan to protect you, no matter what it takes."

"Then I'll attack you both!" Umemiya declared, sword raised in the air once more.

Heart pounding in my chest, Aikawa spun us around to act as my shield.

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"No!" I screamed. "Stop it!"

The warm night air changed moments after my desperate plea, turning ice-cold and biting at my skin. I became rigid, eyes widening in alarm as the hairs on my neck stood on end, recognizing the phenomenon. An invisible entity had made itself known by enveloping us with its presence.

"What's happening?" Aikawa asked, shaking from the frigid air.

A fierce gust of wind burst forth, encircling us like a whirlwind. I gripped my chest, feeling a strange feeling tug at my heart.

What is this? I've felt this sensation before.

Umemiya shouted, the roaring wind almost blocking out his voice as he bellowed something incomprehensible. The gale grew in intensity, causing Aikawa to tighten his hold. I closed my eyes, grasping his arms with fear coursing through my veins.

Then the freak blast of air vanished seconds afterward without a trace. Reluctantly, I pried open my eyelids. Aikawa hesitantly let go of me and glanced around the area, brows furrowed in confusion. I turned, chancing a glimpse at Umemiya. He was sprawled on the sidewalk several feet away from us, his wooden sword far from his reach and lying in the middle of the road.

"What did you do?" Umemiya growled, glaring at me as he sat up.

I opened my mouth to reply when a loud crunching sound came from the road.

We looked toward it and spotted Umemiya's shattered sword. The culprit was a black luxury car zooming down the street.

"My sword!" he cried in horror, shooting to his feet.

I took a nervous step back when his body began shaking with anger.

Oh no… He's going to kill us.

I grabbed Aikawa's hand and made a run for it, pulling him with me.

"Get back here!" Umemiya yelled, chasing after us.

"No way! I'm not stupid! You'll beat us up!"

"Of course! You and your friends have made a laughingstock of me, and now you and your boyfriend destroyed my sword!"

"B-boyfriend?!" Aikawa said, a blush on his cheeks.

"Friends?! They aren't my friends! I don't have any! And this guy isn't my boyfriend!"

I weaved us through unknown streets and alleyways, relying on instinct alone. Umemiya was always trailing not far behind, no matter what I tried. Desperate, I crossed one of the streets when the light was red to escape—Aikawa hollering at me with terror. He followed us, too fueled by rage to care, his sights focused only on us and none of his surroundings.

"Leave us alone!" I exclaimed as we turned another corner. "I'm not the one who lobbed your hair off or ran over your sword!"

"You'd like it if I did everything you wanted, wouldn't you?!" he roared. "Rumor has it I'm your lapdog!"

"That's not my fault! Everyone decided that on their own!"

"And why would they think that if it wasn't your fault?! I bet you spread the rumor yourself to get them off your back!"

"I did not!" I said, insulted by the accusation. "If you want to blame someone, point the finger at yourself!"

"What?!"

"You're the one who beat up Manta the day everyone saw me run away from him! None of this would've happened if you'd left him alone!"

"He trespassed in our Best Place!"

"Unless you've put your names on it, why'd he think someone's territory is a cemetery?! No one normal would pick somewhere like that to hang out!"

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT OUR BEST PLACE!"

His fury-filled response only frustrated me further. "You know what?! Forget it! There's no point in talking to you! You're just like everyone else! All you people can believe whatever the hell you want to about me! I don't give a damn anymore!"

"You're horrible at deescalating situations," Aikawa commented.

I reacted to his statement by giving him a pointed glare.

We continued running through town, with no particular destination in mind, until I made a sharp turn and entered a familiar street. The sight at the opposite end of the road was an unwelcome one. It was Funbari Hill Cemetery.

"You have to be kidding me!" I snapped, fed up. "Whenever something happens, I end up here!"

Manta and Yoh were probably in the cemetery giving Amidamaru the Harusame. I want to avoid running into them if possible. It'd only add fuel to the fire if Umemiya discovered they'd entered his Best Place, and it's not a good idea to be seen with them.

I tried turning left at the road in front of the graveyard, but the presence that'd inferred earlier returned and started pushing me toward it. Unable to stop, I bolted onto the road and approached the short stone wall surrounding its hallowed grounds.

"H-hey! Isn't that Umemiya's territory?! Why are we running toward it?!"

"Aikawa!" I said, letting go of his hand. "I'll enter the cemetery while you run in another direction and escape!"

"No," came his swift reply.

"Don't be a hero!"

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I won't leave you to fend for yourself!" I wanted to argue, but he spoke. "There's no point in discussing this further. I won't change my mind."

I'm trying to protect him. Is that too hard to understand?

I growled, turning my attention to the partition in front of us. Once within reach, Aikawa and I placed a hand on the cool stone wall and used our strength to leap over it.

"You have a lot of nerve entering our Best Place right in front of me!" Umemiya shouted, following our lead.

It's not like I had an alternative. You put us in this position.

The spirits haunting the cemetery watched as we ran down a long row of headstones, the presence guiding me toward the main pathway. I grabbed Aikawa's hand, attempting to head for the entrance gate when I reached the path. Unfortunately, the presence had other plans as it made me run toward the stone stairs leading up to Amidamaru's headstone.

"Damn it! What are you trying to pull?!" I yelled at it.

When the base of the steps came into view, I frowned. Manta and Yoh were walking down them, talking with cheerful smiles, blissfully unaware of the situation unfolding in front of them.

"Manta! Yoh!" I shouted as loud as I could to warn them.

They looked at me in confusion.

"Himiko?!" Manta replied, bewildered by my sudden appearance and behavior.

"Run!"

Their gaze moved to the man pursuing us.

"You!" Yoh said, surprise and recognition appearing on his face.

Manta screamed in alarm. "It's Ryu of the Wooden Sword!"

"It looks like I'll be able to kill two birds with one stone!" Umemiya exclaimed.

"Yo!" Yoh said with a relaxed grin and wave.

Incredulous looks appeared on my and Aikawa's faces as we shouted at him. "What kind of reaction is that?!"

"Yo, my ass!" Umemiya bellowed. "Because you messed up my hairdo, and she spread the rumor about me being her lapdog, I'm the laughingstock of the whole town... no, the world!"

I couldn't help but feel irked by the repeated false allegation but held my tongue as he continued to rant.

"I will return the favor! Prepare yourself!"

Letting go of Aikawa's hand once we were at the steps, I grabbed Manta's and Yoh's, pulling them with me.

"Don't just stand there, run, you idiots!"

They followed my suggestion, running up the stairs in an attempt to escape Umemiya's wrath.

"I thought you were afraid of midgets!" Aikawa exclaimed.

An aggravated sigh came from my lips. "That's your ludicrous conclusion! I've said nothing of the sort!"

"Then why'd you run away from him?"

"It's complicated."

"Complicated?"

I looked forward, refusing to reply while the three boys threw questioning stares in my direction.

After we reached the top step, we rushed toward the second set of stairs on the other side of the hill. Unfortunately, halfway there, I tripped on a rock and fell.

"Himiko!" Manta and Aikawa shouted with horror.

I tried to scramble to my feet, but Umemiya was already standing above me with his fist raised. An alarmed gasp escaped my lips the moment he flung it at me. I squeezed my eyes shut and lifted my arms in a lame attempt to defend myself, but the pain never came. Instead, another powerful burst of wind materialized as a strange feeling entered my heart once more.

"H-how are you doing this?!" Umemiya said, taken off guard.

I lowered my arms and opened my eyes.

A tornado was swirling around me, shielding me from his assault. I sensed the unknown spirit that had appeared tonight, still by my side. No doubt, it was somehow responsible for the wind.

Umemiya stood his ground, digging his heels into the dirt while struggling to get to me.

"What's going on?!" Manta asked.

The twister increased in size and intensity, causing Umemiya to fly back and land onto the ground several feet away. A few moments passed, and I thought he'd fallen unconscious until his legs moved. He slowly lifted himself off the ground, glaring at me with unprecedented fury.

I stood and stepped back, nervous about what he'd try to do next.

His gaze drifted to the boys standing behind me.

I spun around to warn them. "Run!"

"I may not be able to attack you, but I won't let them get away!" Umemiya snarled, charging toward them.

Instead of running, Aikawa confronted him. He sent a fist in his direction, but Umemiya dodged and punched his stomach with full force. His eyes widened as pain wreaked havoc on his body. Umemiya didn't give him a chance to recuperate and kicked his abdomen, sending him flying. He hit the ground, rolling until coming to a stop at the edge of the bridge.

"We told you not to get involved! You should have listened!"

"Aikawa!" I gasped in horror.

Manta was next on the list. While he was staring at Aikawa's fallen form, Umemiya kicked him square in the jaw. He, too, went flying and landed next to Aikawa.

"Bastard…" Aikawa said, trying to push himself off the ground.

"Why?" Manta asked, pushing himself up onto his hands and knees.

Yoh rushed to their side, concerned. "You okay?"

Umemiya picked up a Tobha standing upright next to a nearby headstone.

"You should worry more about yourself than others!" Umemiya said, swinging at them.

Aikawa narrowly avoided his attack, along with Yoh, who wrapped his arms around Manta to pull him to safety.

"Wait!" I shouted as they ran to the middle of the bridge.

I attempted to run to them, but the wind still whirling around me strengthened. The presence wanted to stop me from getting involved. I dug my feet into the ground, stealing my resolve, and fought to come to their aid.

I don't care what this spirit wants! I will not stand by and watch as they get beaten! They're in this situation because of me!

"Don't expect me to forgive you with that little bit of punishment!" Umemiya said.

"Aren't you over-reacting?!" Yoh asked. "It's only hair!"

"That's not the only reason! This is still my Best Place!"

Umemiya swung his weapon, forcing Yoh and Aikawa to hop back a little to avoid it.

"Stop it!" I begged, managing to take a few steps forward.

"Since everyone is annoyed with you, go find somewhere else to terrorize!" Yoh shouted.

Aikawa looked at him, confused. "What?"

"Everyone?" Umemiya scoffed, swiping at them.

Aikawa jumped back to put distance between himself and Umemiya. Yoh ducked instead and was nearly hit when the older male swung down at him quicker than expected.

"That was close," Yoh said, sighing with relief.

"There is no need to dodge!"

Worried, I watched as Aikawa threw all caution to the wind and charged forward. His fist connected with Umemiya's face, causing him to stumble backward. As he went to attack again, the seasoned fighter recovered and struck his stomach before he could hit him. Eyes wild with rage, Umemiya began to repeatedly swing at Aikawa, each attack hitting its mark. The brutal assault ceased when he sent him soaring into the air with a powerful kick.

After Aikawa crashed onto the other side of the bridge, he focused on Yoh and Manta. Yoh wasn't able to evade his next attack. Both younger boys slammed into the ground, landing next to Aikawa. Umemiya walked up to their fallen forms and began beating all of them without mercy, taking advantage of their weakened states.

"Let me help them!" I bellowed, anger and desperation flowing through me.

Somehow, as if an opening in the whirlwind opened up, I was able to run forward unhindered by it, despite its strength and intensity. I charged toward Umemiya from behind, removing the strap of my bag from my shoulder as I prepared to hit him with it.

"Looks like you're cornered now," Umemiya said, not noticing me approaching him.

Yoh, Manta, and Aikawa were now at the base of Amidamaru's headstone, beaten and bruised.

"That's what you think!" I retorted.

Umemiya spun around as I reached his location. I twirled, grip tight on the bag strap, and hit him square in the head with my over-stuffed bookbag. Because of its weight, the surprise attack nearly knocked him off his feet. He took several steps back, trying to recover. Knowing I had to do something before he regained his senses, I kicked his side with my left foot.

He grunted with pain as he flew through the air. His body hit the tree near Amidamaru's headstone before falling to the ground.

"A-amazing," Yoh and Aikawa said with shock.

I stared at Umemiya's fallen form before the reality of what I'd just done hit me. I dropped my bag, horrified.

"Oh no," I groaned, holding my head in misery. "I attacked him! He's going to kill me!" I looked at Yoh, Manta, and Aikawa with a glare, pointing at them. "This is your fault! You all should've stayed home instead of visiting the museum! If you had, this wouldn't've happened!"

None of them had a chance to respond to my accusation. Umemiya groaned, and we all turned our attention to him as he slowly sat up. The rage in his expression caused me to take a nervous step back as I watched him with wariness.

"You're pretty persistent," Yoh said to him with a smile.

"Should I finish all of you now?" Umemiya snarled, his sights set on me as he stood.

"You should run," the shaman boy suggested as he stepped in front of me.

"Don't make me repeat myself!" I scowled, annoyed by the suggestion. "I won't run and leave either of you behind!"

"Good!" Umemiya roared, charging toward us. "Then I'll be able to take you down with them!"

"Lord Yoh!" Amidamaru shouted from above.

"What?!" Aikawa shouted.

Perplexed, I looked over at him. His eyes were following Amidamaru as he shot toward Yoh.

No. He can't see spirits too. It's impossible! He doesn't feel like a shaman!

The presence wrapped around me and tugged my body several feet back as if someone was holding me tight in their arms. This time I couldn't move as it kept me in place.

"This is the end!" Umemiya shouted, swinging down at Yoh.

Amidamaru forced his spirit into Yoh's body and caught the Tobha with his bare hands.

"Why?" Yoh asked. "This has nothing to do with you."

I couldn't hear Amidamaru's response.

"Stubborn."

"W-what are you mumbling about?" Umemiya asked, annoyed and surprised Amidamaru caught his weapon bare-handed.

"Are you ready?!" Yoh shouted, his attitude changing as Amidamaru took control.

"What is this?" Aikawa whispered, horrified.

With unrivaled strength, Amidamaru used Umemiya's weapon against him and threw him into the tree. This time he fell headfirst onto the ground, indisputably unconscious.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Finally."

The presence holding me let go soon after. I secretly glanced around but never saw its identity. Meanwhile, the distance between the spirit and me increased until the frosty air disappeared. However, I still sensed someone watching me nearby.

Is this strange presence the reason I always feel I'm being watched? Why would it choose to follow my every movement if that was the case? Why would it protect me? It isn't a regular spirit. I can't see it. However, it's powerful, whatever it is. An ordinary ghost cannot manifest a whirlwind or touch me like a corporeal person.

I don't like this situation. I don't need a spirit following me around. I want nothing to do with them.

"Thank you," Yoh said, breaking the silence. "You saved me."

My gaze shifted to him. Amidamaru was floating in front of him, staring at Yoh with a warmth in his eyes I couldn't explain.

"Now go," the shaman boy continued. "Mosuke is waiting for you."

"It seems like I can't do that anymore."

"Huh?"

Amidamaru stared at the sky with a faint smile. "Even though I would like to follow Mosuke, it looks like it's going to be a while before I get to go to the otherworld."

Manta groaned when he tried to move. "Ow..."

Aikawa screamed without warning. I jumped, startled, and snapped my gaze in his direction. He pointed at Amidamaru, stuttering incoherent words before fainting.

We looked at him with sweat drops on the back of our heads.

Perfect. Now he can see ghosts too…

"H-hey," Yoh said, crouching down to wake him.

I tiptoed to my bag and picked it up, deciding to leave without being noticed.

I need to put distance between us and escape this blasted cemetery. More than enough has already happened tonight.

"Wait!" Yoh said once I'd reached the Shinto shrine.

I froze, caught red-handed.

Damn.

"What about your friend? Are you going to leave him here?"

"There's somewhere I need to be," I lied. "I'm sure you can handle him."

"What?!"

I started to walk away.

"H-hey!"

A sigh escaped my lips, and I stopped again. "What?"

He paused, then spoke. "Thanks."

"You have nothing to thank me for. It was your actions that saved us, not mine."

He fell silent.

I seized my chance and began walking away again, feeling his gaze on my back. This time, he didn't stop me.

And for that, I was relieved.

For nothing good could ever come from associating with a shaman.