Possession 5: The Kodama Legacy

                Tenshi went though the usual motions of the morning before leaving for school. As he stepped out of the house, Rei appeared, dressed in the blouse and skirt uniform worn by the girls at Kakidashi High. He blinked when he saw her.  “What happened to your clothes? The white and red outfit?”

                Rei shrugged and touched down lightly on the ground. “It’s kind of depressing, always wearing the clothes you died in. I decided to go for something that would help me fit in. This uniform seemed like a good idea.” She spun, her skirt flaring.

                Tenshi averted his eyes and began to walk. “Erm… try not to do that too much.”

                “Why?” Rei asked, falling into step beside him.

                “The skirts are a little short.”

                “Ah.”

                I can’t believe it’s been a week since that Hell Hound thing, Tenshi thought. But those dreams haven’t stopped… I keep seeing a shrine, and a garden, and a pond, and people I’ve never met before but feel like I’ve known all my life… it’s weird… maybe I should ask Rei about it sometime…

                Another thought struck Tenshi. “Hey Rei… I never got around to asking you, but… why did you come to Kakidashi?”

                A dark look passed over the priestess’ face. “Unfinished business, you might say.”

                Tenshi arched a brow. “What do you mean?”

                Before Rei could respond, both saw Kai approaching from the corner of the block. The blonde boy had his hands tucked into his pockets and, as usual, looked like he was on the verge of falling asleep. He pulled a hand free and waved as he walked over. “Yo.”

                “I thought you were going to wait at the alley,” Tenshi said as Kai turned and walked beside him.

                “Got bored. Besides, wanted to warn you about the school assembly today.”

                Rei moved to walk next to Kai, sweeping her gaze over him. “Kai’s an interesting person, don’t you think?” She laughed nervously.

                Tenshi noticed how Rei avoided answering his question. Huh... maybe she doesn’t feel up to it right now. I’ll be sure to ask her after school. He turned his attention back to Kai. “How did you find out about the assembly?

                “Mom.”

                That’s right, Tenshi remembered. Kai’s mom works for the school. She teaches history, I think. “What’s it supposed to be about?”

                Kai shrugged. “She wouldn’t say. It’s supposed to take up our last class though.”

                Tenshi groaned. “It’s probably going to be some educational thing then.”

                “Yep.”

                “Perfect.”

                “It may be informative,” Rei commented.

                As it turned out, the assembly was more of an orientation. Tenshi was actually late to it, having been stuffed into one of the large football lockers an hour earlier. Good thing that coach heard my screams, Tenshi thought with a dry laugh. I might have been stuck in that locker for a very long time…

                Rei had watched the whole thing with interest. “Is it customary for students to be put into small, confining spaces before an ‘assembly’?”

                Tenshi hadn’t responded.

                He quickly found and empty aisle seat and crept into it, avoiding the dark glares the teachers were casting in his direction. Rei floated in the aisle itself, watching the proceedings. Half way into it, Tenshi felt like he was going to fall asleep.

                After pulling himself from the verge for the fourth time, Tenshi decided to question Rei some more about her journey to Kakidashi. “Hey Rei,” he whispered, “so what was that unfinished business you were talking about this morning?”

                She didn’t say anything for a long time. After almost giving up hope on an answer, she spoke. “A long time ago, the Hanshabatsu clan existed. They were a small clan, content to serve their village as spiritualists. They performed ceremonies to honor nature and harnessed the spirits to promote prosperity among their fellow villagers.

“The Hanshabatsu were neighbors to another clan, the Kagebatsu. The Kagebatsu were also spiritualists, but of a different kind. They hunted demons... They were a skilled people and mastered many arts to further their cause. They were a noble clan with noble intentions: a world free of demons was a world much safer for human beings.

                “The Kagebatsu saw power in the Hanshabatsu and the Hanshabatsu saw protection in the Kagebatsu and it was not long until both united through marriage. This arrangement was very beneficial to both clans. The Kagebatsu pledged to defend their Hanshabatsu comrades from any and all threats, both spiritual and mortal, while the Kagebatsu learned the ways of nature and how to manipulate the power of the elements from the Hanshabatsu.

                “For a long time, the two clans lived peacefully. And then… Ryu Tenma appeared.

                “Tenma was an ancient demon... No one truly knows his age or the extent of his powers. His true form was said to be a great serpent, though if any had lived to see it, they did not live long enough to talk about it. He wore the guise of human and turned the people of Japan against each other. He wore the guise of demon and unleashed his minions on his enemies. For centuries, the Kagebatsu had tracked him and attempted to end his wretched life, but they had never succeeded.

                “It was not long before Tenma decided to put an end to those who hounded his steps. He turned his demons loose into the countryside to kill all of the Kagebatsu. In doing so, he made a dreadful mistake. The Kagebatsu were strong… much stronger than his minions. They eliminated most of his army of darkness.

                “Tenma then went to the homes of the Hanshabatsu, realizing that they were the weak link of his enemy. He slaughtered the people, leaving only a few to pass the tale of his devilry to his hated adversaries. Of course, the Kagebatsu retaliated, but they were not strong enough. The Kagebatsu were decimated… not a single warrior survived…

                “The Hanshabatsu survivors formed the Kodamabatsu clan, a tribute to their fallen comrades. They dedicated their lives to teaching their children the ways of demon hunting, praying that one day a child would come forth powerful enough to slay Tenma. Over the years, many left home on this quest. None returned.”

                Rei paused to collect herself. “I am the last of the Kodamabatsu. Or rather, I was. I was foolish enough to think that I could take on Tenma alone, and I paid the price for it. I failed because of my own ignorance. I left home carrying the last of our bloodline in my veins and spilt it in a battle with a mere dog!

“I have succeeded in one respect, though. I was able to track down Tenma to this city. Somewhere in Kakidashi, Ryu Tenma, the slayer of my people, lives and breathes.”

                Tenshi was silent. No wonder she was reluctant to tell me, he thought. That’s a heck of a story… I…I  kinda feel bad for her. He looked again at Rei. She still sat cross-legged in air, staring intently at the auditorium stage.

                The final bell rang and the students clapped, eager to get out of the presentation. Tenshi stood and left with the crowd, alone in his thoughts. Kai wormed his way over.

                “Hey Tensh, what’s up? You look down.”

                “Just thinking, I guess. Heard a sad story not too long ago.”

                “Was it when you were stuck in that gym locker?”

                Tenshi shot his friend a look. “How’d you hear about that?”

                Kai shrugged and smirked. “I know people who know people who know bullies. It’s a very reliable source.”

                “…I bet it is.” Tenshi sighed and looked up at Rei, who was floating above the crowd. If you’re the last of your clan… than what will you do now?

                The priestess! Ukyo began to muscle his way through the crowd of students. This was easy for him since his arms were as large as a gorilla’s. What luck! Master will reward me greatly for this discovery! Smirking broadly, Ukyo set his dark eyes on the prey that drifted unawares above the mass of students.

                Now…where’s your host, human spirit…Ukyo fell into step behind a group of students below Rei.  He cracked his knuckles in anticipation. The dog skull that hung on a chain around his neck glowed softly over his bare chest. Even with his shirt open, no one would see it. Come on….

                Finally, the group cleared. Ukyo stared at the sleepy blonde boy standing directly beneath his prey and muttered a curse. Kitsunaki! Impossible! She could never have chosen him as a host!

                It was when Kai moved that Ukyo let out a sigh of relief. Saishi Tenshi? That little peon? This is almost too easy. Ukyo grinned again and reached into the eye socket of the skull, drawing out three strips of paper with runes etched in blood on them. You may have survived one Hell Hound… but three should be more than enough to take care of you…

                Ukyo chuckled as he flicked the talismans onto the ground. They dissolved into three shadows that slid away from the harsh sunlight. Enjoy your last moments, Saishi… you’ll be joining your little girlfriend soon enough… He turned away, eyes burning a dull red. I’ll enjoy the show.

                Tenshi sat at his desk, his math homework spread out before him. Okay… if A is 14 and B is 32…and X is two times AB plus C, which is… aw crap, I’m confused. Tenshi sighed and set down his pencil. Rei moved over from his window to look over his shoulder.

                “Mm. The answer is 25.”

                Tenshi blinked and turned to stare at her. “You mean you can solve this just by glancing at it?”

                Rei shrugged nonchalantly. “Of course. Math was my strongest subject at my shrine.”

                Tenshi set down his pencil and leaned back in his chair. He was silent for a moment before voicing what had been on his mind since he left school. “Rei… what are you going to do?”

                “What do you mean?”

                “You’re a ghost now, right? You can’t finish your mission. Shouldn’t you pass on or something?”

                Rei was silent. “A human spirit that does not pass on walks the earth because of unfinished business,” she murmured.

                “But… you set out to kill Tenma, right? That’s your business, isn’t it?”

                Rei didn’t respond.

                Slowly, the truth began to dawn on him. “…You have no intention of letting him go, do you?”

                Silence.

                Tenshi leaned forward, a cold shiver sweeping down his back. “You still intend to kill Tenma… But… you can’t do it, since you’re a ghost… Rei… you… you want to use me to kill Tenma, don’t you…?”

                Slowly, Rei nodded.

                Tenshi shook his head. “Uh-uh. No way. I am not going to get myself killed because of this. I won’t leave my dad alone.”

                “Tenshi, you don’t understand,” Rei said softly. “Tenma is dangerous… he cannot be allowed to live…”

                “You said it yourself! He’s dangerous! I am not going to get myself killed because you refuse to move on!” Tenshi stood up, fists clenched. “So that’s why you hang around me? Waiting for the right moment to steal my body and go after this demon thing?”

                Rei looked hurt. “No! Tenshi, I would never take your body without permission—”

                “You did it before! Now you expect me to believe you?”

                Rei was about to respond when three deep howls echoed through the air. Two heads snapped to the window. The howls were loader and deeper than the howl of a normal dog. Tenshi slowly crept to the window. Rei drifted alongside him. Together, they looked out into the street below.

                In the gathering dark, as the streetlamps came on, they saw the shapes of three enormous hounds pacing in the road. Three beasts that were larger than most cars. Three beasts with blood red eyes glaring at the window. Three gaping maws filled with jagged teeth. Three Hell Hounds.

                Tenshi’s blood ran cold. “Rei... how… how…”

                Rei stared at the beasts. “He must have found me… the Trainer… he’s found out that I’ve connected myself to you!”

                Tenshi turned to look at her. “…What?”

                “I… I’m sorry Tenshi… I never meant to do this…”

                The teenage boy rested his hands on the window sill and closed his eyes. “Can you beat them Rei?”

                Rei blinked. “Yes… I would need to make some preparations, but I believe I can beat them…”

                “Good.” Tenshi let out a shuddering breath. “I want these things and their master gone. I don’t want to have anything more to do with them and I don’t ever want to be bothered by these things again. Understand?”

                “Yes,” Rei agreed. “I understand.”

                Tenshi turned to look at her. His gaze was harsh. “And when that’s done, I want you gone too.”

                Rei blinked again. “Wha…what…?”

                “You dragged me into this demon mess. I was almost killed once already. If I make it through this encounter, I want you gone. Move on to whatever place you believe on, but just go. I don’t want my life in danger because of you. I don’t want my father in danger because of you. And I sure as hell don’t want to take on some ancient demon that killed hundreds of people.

                “I’m sorry Rei, but I want you gone. Do you understand me? I want you gone.”