Mirror Mirror (self-insert #9)

Chapter 17

Hirota, Naru and I peeked around the corner, and just as we did, the crisp night air chilled my cheeks. The mirrored door hung open, and a few boxes from the top of the barricade had been removed. Convinced that the coast was clear, I took half a step forward just as a pair of silhouettes appeared in the doorway. Naru's hand shot out and dragged me back as quietly and aggressively as possible.

"Don't touch me." I breathed, miffed. He glared before returning his attention to the figures grumbling as they labored to take apart the barrier. They left, and at Hirota's signal we slipped across the hallway to the opposite door, crouching low as Hirota carefully pushed door open enough for us to slip inside.

"Are you really sure about this?" Hirota asked once the door was shut. His voice wavered imperceptibly.

"Yes, I am. Hirota-san, please stay at the door. Nira, back him up."

"Yeah." Hirota said tersely. I saluted.

As Hirota and I took our places by the door, Naru pushed back the curtain and without hesitating leaned his back against the mirrored window. Almost immediately, I felt a little tingle in my brain, almost like mental radio static as I connected to a line. Naru, a boy's voice said, dripping relief. And Nira! Nice to meet you.

I mentally groaned, and Naru's eyes flitted toward me. So he could also hear me. So, you can talk now. Perfect.

Finally. I can finally reach you.

You think we have the time to chat? Came Naru's sharp reprimand. So who are we against?

I could almost see Gene straighten up, smoothing out his blue long sleeved shirt. Three people. It's highly probably they're being possessed.

Can you tell their position?

No, I can't see the world really well.

Useless. I'll charge ahead. Can you do it if I separate from you?

Gene hesitated. I can't tell where you are if you're not in front of a mirror, Naru. Also, its more fail-safe if you're keeping a direct contact.

You're really useless, huh. As I watched, the hand touching the mirror began to glow a soft white. By the way, why can Nira hear and communicate with us? Our line isn't supposed to work with anyone else.

What, you're a groupie now? I asked sarcastically.

Who knows? Nira isn't of this world, so I wouldn't be surprised if many things became possible with her. Gene said lightly. Though I wonder...

What?

Nothing.

Naru frowned. On another note, the power is too slow to return.

Awfully so. You're too far. Although, I don't understand the reason behind it.

I was just about to offer one of my genius theories when a sharp creak reverberated through the air. The three of us froze as more creaks slowly drew closer to the door, then paused. The door swung open, and a large, shirtless man charged through the door with a roar, swinging a cleaver as he charged toward Naru.

Hirota's leg shot out, tripping the man, and just as he fell I brought my makeshift club down hard on his wrists. The knife slipped from his limp fingers, and before he could reach out and grab it Naru darted forward and kicked it out of reach, a sharp look and a tingle of power sending it farther.

Telekinesis?

Bingo, Gene said. Though he should really be saving his powers for stunning people.

Sasakura-san snarled and pulled out another knife from his belt, but before he could do any damage Hirota pinned him to the floor, wrenching the knife hand behind his back.

"LET HIM GO!" Kazumi shrieked, swinging her cleaver at Naru, who dodged it with ease. I glanced at the long, metal stick in my hands, then grimaced and charged her, slamming into her bodily and knocking her to the ground. I mentally celebrated before lunged at me, barely giving me enough time to ward off her knife with a metallic clang.

"Kazumi-san, stop it!" Hirota barked, then let out a pained gasped. Gritting my teeth, I glanced over to see him clutching his arm, a dark red stain rapidly spreading through the sleeve fabric. He glared at Sasakura-san. "Stop it, Sasakura-san. Do you understand what you're doing?"

Assault, attempted murder, causing bodily harm, my panicked brain cells screamed.

Oooh, nice, Gene said admiringly. I wondered if it was possible to mentally whack a spirit invading your consciousness.

"Either way, the person who has instigated the women in this house is you." Sasakura-san raised his bloodstained knife. "AND I WON'T FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT!"