Daniel rested his hand on Celeste’s shoulder as they emerged from the train. She reached up and squeezed it, letting his warmth sink into her body. It was the only bit of warmth she felt today. She was on the other side of the world, barely able to process anything that had happened. Let alone just sit, and think. Who had Celeste really been talking with earlier? Mike had said that the girl was safe, but was she really?

She felt sick to her stomach. What had happened to Matilda and Carrie? The last time Daniel and her had visited, she never saw or spoke to Carrie. The absolute worst part in all of this was knowing that Lain was OK, but not being able to help her. It was so frustrating not knowing what was going on, but she was going to get some answers.

Anna knew something, so hopefully she would get here soon and they could finally talk. She scanned the platform, stretching her legs. It felt great to be off of the train. She felt a little guilty for not telling her father where she went, but Anna had made it sound extremely urgent. They had to switch over to two different lines to actually get to Iseshi station. It had taken over four hours, but they finally made it. So much for shopping in Akihabara today, Celeste thought.

They found a bench and sat down. “How are you holding up?” Daniel asked. She looked up at Daniel and sighed. “As good as I can be,” she answered. He nodded and squeezed her hand, “We’ll find out what is going on and then hopefully make some sense of it.” She smiled at his words. Celeste was glad Daniel had come to be so close to her lately. By the end of the second week, John had stopped trying to get a hold of her. He must have realized what she saw. She still couldn’t understand why he had proposed. If he had just been honest with her she would have been hurt, yes, but at least she could have moved on and accepted the truth for what it was. People never made sense. Why couldn’t they just say what they meant. Daniel pulled her close and she sighed leaning into him. Even if things didn’t make sense right now, at least his friendship and support was there. She was lucky to have met him. They would eventually have to have the talk. She wouldn’t be one of those girls that strong a guy along. She knew exactly how painful that could be.

Daniel had been oddly quiet lately. Everywhere they had gone, he had kept to himself and didn’t ask many questions. She wondered if he was going through something himself. At this point, she was starting to feel like a real ass. They hardly knew each other, but by the end of the trip he had known virtually everything about her. Maybe it was time for her to actually get to know him.

“Hey, Daniel?” He looked over at her, “What’s up?” She bit her bottom lip, embarrassed that he still managed to make her second guess what she was about to say. “I just want you to know that I really am grateful for everything you have done for me, my father, and most importantly Lain.” His eyes lit up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, “I know” he said. She laughed and shook her head. “So, that being said” she took a deep breath, “tell me about you. I feel like this whole time has been one big love song dedicated to my life” she paused, then took his hand in hers, “but I want to know about yours.” He stared at her for a long time. So long, that she was nervous he wouldn’t answer. Maybe he wasn’t comfortable sharing his own life with her. She decided after John, she was going to get to know someone and if they didn’t tell her anything─ she was done. There was no way in hell she would allow that to happen again, and she got taken advantage of. He cleared his throat, “I was born just northeast of Dallas in the city of Garland.” She nodded, knowing the area. Anna had lived not too far from it, right on the border of Richardson and Garland. “I come from a long line of military men,” he continued, “and I was no different. Except, unlike my older brother, I went to be a cop instead. My dad was proud, but not as proud as he would have been had I have joined the Marines.” Celeste frowned and shook her head, “My dad’s family was the same way. That’s why he joined.” He smiled, looking at her, “Well, some good came out of that─ don’t you think?” She blushed and looked away. “In any case, I spent my twenties focusing on my career and school. Never been married, no kids. Not much else to really tell.” She knew there was more to it than that, but he had shared more with her in one sitting than John had after one whole year. This was definitely a good sign.

They sat for a while in silence. Where was Anna? She said to meet her here in four hours. Celeste looked down at her watch and sighed. It had been two hours since they arrived and still there was no sign of her. “I’m going to go grab some coffee,” Daniel said, “You want anything?” Celeste shook her head no. He got up and walked the twenty feet over to the building. She watched hopefully as the next train stopped and the jingle played over the intercom. She laughed when she had to explain to Daniel that each station had its own theme song. By the millionth jingle, you were ready to strangle somebody. She guessed that most of the locals probably tuned it out.

She felt her phone vibrate and pulled it from her pocket. Maybe it was Anna and she actually was on the train. She stared at the unfamiliar number. It was a series of letters and numbers that were strung together. Maybe her phone wasn’t getting reception. She shrugged and put it back into her pocket.

She watched as all the passengers got off of the train. There weren’t many, maybe ten at the most. Anna wasn’t one of them. Celeste picked up her phone. Maybe if she called, Anna would pick up. It was better than sitting around and doing nothing. She frowned as the same string of numbers and letters lit up the screen again. Maybe it was Anna calling from a strange number. She answered, bringing the phone to her ear.

“Ie ni kaette kite kudasai, hime-sama.”

* *    *

Scott finally arrived at Iseshi station. He couldn’t believe Celeste and Daniel had taken off without letting him know. Thankfully Celeste stood out a little bit and after asking around, he knew where she was going. He wasn’t sure why she was going to the shrine without him. It was a day earlier than they talked about. He walked around and spotted Daniel seated on a bench several feet away. He waved and walked over to him. “Hey, where is she? The bathroom?” Daniel looked at him and frowned, “I don’t know, Scott.” He gestured out with his hands, “I turned my back for all of two minutes and when I returned, she was nowhere to be found,” he explained.

Scott’s face hardened, “How long ago was that?” He asked. Daniel paused thinking back. “I’d say about thirty minutes. I tried calling her phone but it went straight to voicemail.” Scott cursed and ran outside toward the street. Daniel was on his heels in seconds, “What’s going on?” Scott didn’t break his stride as he crossed the street and hopped onto the bus. Daniel followed him and swiped his card as they got on the bus. Scott leaned in toward Daniel when they were seated and whispered, “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” The bus started up and pulled out. “Try me,” Daniel said slowly, “If you know where she is headed, tell me.” Scott turned to Daniel, “Alright. But I don’t want any teasing or shit from you after I’m finished. Understood?” Daniel nodded.

*    * *

The hike from Izugawa station stretched on as Daniel paced himself next to Scott. The Ise Grand Shrine entrance loomed ahead, the giant wooden Torii standing tall. “So, let me get this straight. Celeste is a product of a Japanese deity?” Scott eyed him and nodded. “Yes, Kotone wasn’t able to bear children. She prayed to Amaterasu Kami-Sama every day, hoping that it would change.” Daniel stopped walking. “So, Kotone became pregnant?” Scott sighed and turned to Daniel. His voice came out low, and then got louder as he told the story, “We decided on a home birth, because, well, we didn’t know what to expect. So the moment came, and there she was─ this beautiful being.” Scott looked down at his hands smiling, and then back up to Daniel. “Was she normal?” Scott grinned at Daniel’s question like a father would at a small child. “She came out perfect, almost too perfect. Kotone was practically beaming.” Daniel was completely confused. If Celeste wasn’t adopted, then why had they both shared that memory of her ‘true’ form walking from the daycare? Why had she been at the adoption center and had memories of it? Nothing was making sense.

Daniel shook his head and pressed his hand into his temple. “Wait, I thought she was adopted.” Scott looked up, his face darkening. “How did you know that? Did she tell you?” Daniel paused at Scott’s tone. Something didn’t set right with how he questioned him. He knew better then to tell Scott the truth, and that both he and Celeste had shared a vision. Truth be told, it scared the piss out of him.

He shook his head yes, “Yeah, she told me. If she was adopted though, how could Kotone have had her? Did you guys give her up for adoption?” His voice shook slightly, but he made a coughing sound to try and cover the waver. “No. We didn’t. And don’t you ever tell her that we did, understand?” Daniel stared into Scott’s eyes, his pupils were dilated and his nostrils flared. He had never seen someone so worked up before. If Scott and his wife had not given up Celeste, then why was she there? The low rumble made Daniel jump, “One day, Kotone woke up and Kiwako was gone.” “So, Celeste isn’t her birth name?” Daniel asked. “Correct. Kotone had said that the name had appeared to her in her sleep and it was the name she was destined to have, so we picked this, believing it was a sign. We had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into.” Scott sighed, his gaze softening. “We searched everywhere, even in the backyard in hopes that somehow she had figured out how to get outside and around the child locks. She was barely a year old at this point.” Scott paced, rubbing at his face, “But, she wasn’t exactly a one year old. Her appearance was that of a two or three year old. She was growing rapidly, far faster than a normal human. We constantly had to hide her from the neighbors. That’s when we decided to move to the States─ it was safer if no one knew her age.”

Scott stopped pacing and put his hands on his hips, he was looking Daniel up and down trying to gauge his next words. Exhaling, he continued, “Kotone was devastated, we reported it to the police, showed around pictures, hell even checked local shelters and child care centers,” Scotts eyes bored into Daniel’s, “It was as if she vanished from the face of the Earth. We started to wonder if Amaterasu-Sama had come to reclaim her. We’d all but given up hope. Until six months later.” Daniel felt uncomfortable under Scotts fixed gaze, but curiosity kept him looking, “What happened?” he asked aloud. Scott’s eyes fell to the ground, his next words barely above a whisper, “My wife was walking through the street after lunch, when she spotted a half-naked girl crossing the street from the alley. She sprinted over and draped her shawl around the girl.” Daniel couldn’t help but let the horror of what Scott said reach his eyes. So it was true, they both had seen what Celeste truly was.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Scott eyed him suspiciously but continued his story. “The daycare that she had come from had only one casualty─ they weren’t even sure why the two girls had been there. The place had been shut down for over four months. But there she was, plain as day, our little girl. What else could we do? Yes, we lied to her, and lied to the police,” Scotts hand waved the air frantically as he explained this. It was almost a nervous twitch, “But our daughter was back. We couldn’t have been more overjoyed.” He walked over and put his hand on Daniel’s shoulder, gently patting him as he finished. “So we changed her name to Celeste, went through town hall and got her an identity. Then we packed all of our things and fled the city. Somehow we felt that if we just got away, everything would be OK. And it was, it really was.” He paused, staring hard at Daniel, “I want to make sure and keep it that way.” His tone was absolute, and his expression remained grim. Daniel knew there was more to the story. “Scott─”

“Hey there, you boys need a lift?” Scott knew that voice. Luci pulled next to them and smiled. “Luce,” Scott beamed. “Hey there sugar bear, I thought you might have gotten into trouble without me,” she said winking. Daniel stared at Luci and then turned to him, “Is she─ are you two?” “Kind of, I’ll explain more later just get in and let’s hurry to the shrine.” Scott looked at the sky, then to Luci. She nodded and punched the gas.

It wouldn’t be long before they knew what type of Harvest Moon they would be having. Tonight was the first night of the Moon phase, which is why it was imperative to get her out of the light and distracted. That’s why he had purchased the ballet tickets. Celeste would have been feeling odd, but once this night had passed─ the first part of the danger would have subsided. Now, instead of putting off the effects of the Harvest Moon, they would be facing it head on. He was desperately hoping that his contact would be there in time to speak the proper norito. The incantations were absolutely necessary to bind the demon within her. On a night like tonight, they would have to be even stronger.

Luci parked the car as close as she could to the entrance and they all got out and walked. Scott was freaking out by each passing second. The sun was already dipping behind the mountains. They would have maybe twenty minutes of daylight left, if that. They finally reached the entrance of the Uji Bridge that led to Naikū, the inner shrine. It was said to be where Amaterasu resided within her sacred mirror. He hoped that he could use it to talk with Amaterasu-Sama about what to do. If binding the girl’s inner demon had been hard before, he could only imagine what it was like now. The biggest problem they had to worry about right now though, was the guards. He would need to somehow sneak past them to get inside the temple. Not to mention the Shinto followers that would be there.

He stared across the newly renovated bridge as the last of the daylight faded. It was too late. Even if they managed to track down Celeste, John was nowhere to be seen with the second part of the binding spell. Scott’s phone erupted and he looked at the screen. It was him. “Hey. Did you find her?” “No, sir.” a pause, “I’m sorry.” Scott ground his teeth, “Did you check all the places we discussed?” he asked. His patience was wearing thin, how had Celeste even managed to get past her security detail? Then he realized something, he hadn’t heard from any of them in over four hours. This was not good. “We have searched all the places we agreed upon if she ever disappeared. Even near the shrine,” his head of security hesitated before continuing, “Sir, we can’t find her anywhere. The chip was found outside of Iseshi Station, it was fried. I’m surprised it still worked.” Scott paced back and forth and then hung up the phone.

His attention turned to Daniel. The guy had mentioned something about her disappearing, “You said she disappeared when you turned your back to get coffee, right?” Daniel thought for a minute before answering, “I had just walked out of the coffee shop, when I heard her talking with someone. I dropped the cup lid, bent down to pick it up and when I looked up, she was nowhere to be seen.” Scott’s face drained of color and he reached up and grabbed Daniel’s shirt, “You didn’t tell me that she got a phone call,” he growled. Daniel’s face scrunched up in confusion, “Well, at the time, I didn’t really think that was─” “We are all fucked,” Scott interrupted.

His hand let go of Daniel’s shirt and fell limply to his side. After thousands of years, and countless rebirths, the Demon Princess would awake. If only him and his wife had known what sort of pact they had made all those years ago. It was a hard lesson to learn. Never trust a deity. Once the two of them had learned who the Goddess actually was that had placed Kiwako within Kotone’s womb─ it was too late.

Not only had the insect-like Amazon woman lied of her lineage to them, she had lied to the Demon King himself. And now the world will pay for all of our stupidity, he thought. The Earth seemed to respond as it rumbled beneath their feet. Scott glanced down to the Izuzu River. His heart leaped in his chest at the reflection that met with his gaze. Everything started in slow motion. The Earth shook violently as the planets moved in position, perfectly aligned. All Scott could do was stare helplessly at the rising crimson Moon and hope that they could find a way to save Celeste from what she was about to become.

John finally materialized and Scott turned and hissed at him, “Where the fuck have you been? Do you have any idea what you have cost us this time?” John nodded and quietly turned toward the bridge. Daniel nodded over to John as he walked away, “Who’s that guy?” Scott looked up and pointed, “Him? Oh, just the jackass that broke Celeste’s heart.” Daniel’s face darkened. So this was him. He looked at Scott, “Well?” Scott arched a brow at his question. Impatient Daniel asked, “Why the fuck is he here?” Scott nearly busted a gut, he was laughing so hard. They were in the middle of a god damned apocalypse and Scott was losing his mind with laughter. He finally caught his breath, and patted Daniel’s shoulder, “I’ll explain everything to you later. Just, for now? trust me and let’s focus on what’s important.” Daniel sighed, but nodded. Maybe one day he would actually know what was going on.

John stood halfway across the gate, the large scrolls of binding strapped to his back. The massive lacquered cylinders towered over John’s head. Each were carved with the holy sigils of binding in Messiah’s word. The two scrolls flowed from John’s body, wrapped around the poles, and flapped in the wind. Two silver mechanical wings sprouted between John’s shoulder blades─ popping and hissing as they extended behind his frame. The gauges sputtered and spun as he flexed them, trying them out for the first time. Michael had really outdone himself this time, and he had Rashnu to thank once again for letting him through. “I’m sorry,” he rumbled, “There was a slight delay in getting into the City of Souls.” He locked his gaze with Scott’s, “I promise, I will make this right.”

The bridge wavered in front of them as the waters swirled and rose over the top of the bridge. The liquid separated on either side of the bridge and formed two columns. It continued to raise skyward and disappeared up into the clouds. The torii gate emerged at the opposite end of the bridge. It was vibrant, and red gleaming beneath the moonlight. Each pole was adorned with golden ropes that wrapped the bottom. How ironic that these gates─ the ones that should have represented the entrance to Heaven, was in fact the entrance to the ten layers of judgment. Scott rolled his eyes, The Demon King had a sense of humor, apparently.

They all stared at the flood of spirits that poured from the opening gate. The entities twisted and spiraled, then joined with the rising water on either side of the bridge. This was it. It was really happening. Daniel seethed behind Scott as he watched John turn his back to the group. How could he just pretend like everything was fine? Why the fuck was he here anyway? He couldn’t help himself and stepped forward. “Do you have any idea how much you hurt her?” he spat. John paused, and glanced over his shoulder, and then looked to Scott. “Did you talk with him?” Scott nodded. “Then you understand what it is we’re trying to do here. What does my part in it matter to you?” Daniel roared and leaped across the bridge, his hands reaching for John’s neck. John materialized half a step to the side and smacked Daniel’s hand away. “Control your emotions, idiot. Right now, she needs our protection. Stop behaving like a child.” Daniel ground his teeth. He wanted to punch this guy’s teeth in, but he knew John was right. Daniel pulled back his hand and straightened his collar, brushing off his sleeves. That was the first time in his life that he’d ever lost his cool. He instantly regretted that it was in front of her ex. Smooth move, dipshit he thought.

Scott tried not to laugh, but a chuckle escaped and he had to turn away. He stared at the open gate, and then back to the two of them. He wondered how Luci was doing, waiting by the first bridge. He wasn’t sure why, but he knew that she couldn’t get anywhere near it. He knew one thing, if the Demon Princess woke─ the end of the world would begin. More than it already had. Scott wasn’t even sure of what that meant.

“You coming or not?” John asked. Daniel started, looking from Scott to John. What could he possibly do to help? Sit on the sidelines and throw pom-poms? “No offense man, but I would only get in the way. You seem to have a few things that I don’t going for you.” John cracked a half smile and looked over to Scott. “He doesn’t know yet, does he?” Scott shook his head, “He won’t know until he crosses, and she opens her eyes on the other side.” What the hell were they talking about? Daniel wondered. “Um, hello? Am I going to be let in on this little secret?” John chuckled and flexed his wings, testing their strength. They whirred and clicked in response.

John hoped that the Ancient Keeper didn’t catch on that he had stolen the incantation from the Lost Scrolls. He owed them more than his life this time. “You’re a lot handier than you think, boiya.” Daniel could feel John’s smile as he said the word. His hands balled into fists at his side as his jaw twitched. Daniel looked at the gate. There wasn’t much to be seen from their side. Densely populated Japanese maples and bamboo lined either side, and a long wooden handrail traveled the length of the grey cobblestone path.

Mist rolled through, creeping along the vine covered doorway at the end of the long path beyond the gate’s entrance. He didn’t know what waited on the other side. How the fuck could he help? What was he doing here, anyway? He could leave right then, catch the next flight and have be done with everything. But he knew better. He knew that he couldn’t walk away. Every part of him was on fire─ he felt alive. More than anything he wanted to be near Celeste, or Kiwako or whoever the hell she was. He had known that the first time he had walked through her front door─ from the shared vision he had seen as a young boy, and later shocked as he heard her divulge something that had haunted him his entire life. Daniel knew why she had kept what she really saw from him. Celeste must have realized that he would think she was insane. The scary part, was that it didn’t frighten him at all. That was the scary part. She was somehow a part of him that was lost years ago. Maybe in a past life. Surely he wasn’t the only one. He remembered her eyes, the look on her face and warmth from her kisses and he knew─ she had felt it too.

His gaze shifted to the Moon. All of them knew what the blood-colored Moon meant. War. And from what Scott hinted at, the Demon King had been locked away for Eons. He wasn’t about to give up his chance to right what wrong had been done to him so long ago. Scott was right, they really didn’t have a choice. The world was in some serious shit. Daniel joined John, saying nothing as they strode toward the Gates of Hell.

*    * *