edelweiss - &team

32

It was obvious to all the children that Yuma was Death's favourite. It was obvious before the older members were given their powers, but once Yuma had collapsed on that day, he spent every waking moment with Death. It was hard to tell if Death was treating or training him, Yuma looked rather miserable most of the time and Death bore the same indifferent expression as always.

Over time, Yuma's control over his power increased and improved, it was quickly obvious that his ability was psionics. It was a remarkable ability, when the kids peeked into Death's room where Yuma was confined in, they could catch glimpses of Yuma surrounded by floating marbles, his brows knitted in concentration as they swirled about. Sometimes, when they were alone, Yuma would poke into their minds, asking about them and engaging in a little teasing before he would withdraw into silence. They really didn't get to see him much, when Death forced him to consistently hone his skills. One interesting thing, however, was that Kyungmin was the only one allowed to accompany him frequently.

Something the children have never understood was why Kyungmin was already immortal when they met him. From the first day they had been introduced to Life and Death, Kyungmin had been there, standing stiffly behind Death, gazing at them with a mildly uninterested gaze. Maybe even a hint of pity.

And he had been immortal for some time. It was hard to grasp his power, additionally, he seldom showed it. But Death had explained, on the rare occasions where he left Yuma to tend to the other children, that Kyungmin had very similar powers to Yuma.

"But Yuma is destined to be stronger," Death added, his eyes shining with unmistaken pride. Junwon managed to sneak a look at Kyungmin as he heard that statement, and Kyungmin was pale, as though he had been punched in the gut.

-

When Yudai and Jo trekked their way back up to the cabin after they had been ejected back at the lonely little town, they were met with the immortals, standing outside, bearing varying degrees of concerned and unhappy expressions.

"Hey," Yudai tried to start off lightly with a smile, but stopped when Euijoo glared at him. "You two have been away for an awfully long time," Euijoo said lightly, crossing his arms. Jo raised his arms in a gesture of surrender, "For the record, Yudai didn't tell me what we were getting into until it was too late."

"That's so unfair," Yixiang complained, "Euijoo, you should take away Yudai's freedom rights."

"How's Riki?" Yudai suddenly asked, as though he wasn't listening to them. Fuma raised an eyebrow, "I don't know how you know, but...he started spasming from pain. All of a sudden. He's resting now. I think-"

"The people from his hometown. We saw it," Yudai interrupted. Harua's eyes widened, saying, "That explains the so-called 'bout of mass hysteria' that was announced on the news."

Jo frowned in disgust, "Mass hysteria? That's the excuse they're using? Those people that died...they were homeless and in terrible condition, drunk and drugged up-"

Maki's face was scrunched up in thought, before he suddenly blurted out, "That town is almost an hour away from here. What were you doing there-"

"I told you not to do anything reckless," Euijoo scolded, eyes flashing angrily, "I thought you of all people would be sensible enough to know that we-"

"Let's raid the temple. Now. Before any more deaths occur-" Yudai proposed.

"You're insane-"

"Let's do it," Yuma suddenly said. Everyone's eyes flicked to him at once, surprised and confused by his determination. "I feel him," Yuma continued, "As though he's calling for me. He wants us to come to him, not as a trap. This is his move, like chess. We have to make our choice, our move."

"Are you sure? Are you in a good state? You've been...toned down for some time now," Yixiang remarked carefully, watching Yuma's expression to ensure he made no offence. Yuma bit his lip, considering, before he said, "Yes. Because I have no choice."

Here Fuma frowned in confusion, "No choice?"

Yuma nodded, wringing his hands, then he raised his head to meet their worried gaze with a light laugh, "How do I say this? I mean, you all know I'm tied to him. When he's weak, so am I."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

Yuma smiled wryly, "You never asked. And it's not information I'd like to divulge easily."

"I'll fetch Riki, I think he deserves to be included in this conversation," Maki suggested, heading back in before anyone could object. A groggy Riki was brought out from the cabin, and just as Yudai was going through his (albeit questionable) plan, the ground began to tremble.

"What the fu-"

"Is this an earthquake?" Harua asked, fascinatingly calm despite the situation.

"Doesn't feel like it," Fuma replied, who was not an earthquake expert.

"It's Death," Yuma said with certainty, as some of them lost their balance. The ground below them grew cracks and bumps, little critters scuttled and scurried away while overhead, flocks of birds flew, trying to get as far away from the disturbance as possible.

"Yuma, do you know where he is?" Fuma nearly demanded, while Euijoo's eyes were firmly shut as his animals reported to him, before he quickly spoke up, "I don't know about Death, but Kyungmin is somewhere down hill. I think he wants us to come. He's just...standing there."

"Well what are we waiting for?" Yixiang posed a rhetorical question, "Let's go." While some of the immortals hurried back to the cabin to retrieve weapons and Euijoo collected his little snake that Harua brought back to him, they ran off in the direction Yuma directed, hearts beating wildly in anticipation and anxiety.