Cherry Blossom Abyss

Chapter Eleven

I stare at the ceiling.

My eyes had already adjusted to the dark.

I couldn't sleep.

And sleeping on the floor didn't help,either.

I don't think Jun could sleep either,he kept tossing and turning in his bed from the sounds of it.

"Jun?"

Jun grunts in response.

"...you awake?"

"No,vi."

"Yes you are."

He grunts.

"I am now,vi. What is it??"

I shrug,though he can't see it.

"Nothing ...just checking."

He's quiet.

I raise up and head for the door.

He raises up as well,rubbing his eyes.

"Where are you going,vi?"

"Fresh air. I'll be back."

I close the door and head downstairs.

Ise and chiaki were still up in the kitchen.

They notice me.

I purposely avoid eye contact with ise.

"Going outside,vi?" Chiaki asks.

I nod.

"Just need a little fresh air."

He nods back and looks at me.

"When you come back,you can sleep in my bed if you want,you know."

I laugh.

"No thanks,aki. I don't trust you."

He goes to object but then nods,looking away.

"Yeah I don't trust me either."

I shake my head and go to leave.

Don't look at ise.

Do NOT look at ise.

I pause....and glance up at ise.

Dammit.

He was looking at his shoes.

Until he meets my eyes.

He smiles and raises a brow.

I blush and quickly rush out into the woods in the back yard.

I take a deep breath and relax my mind, taking the beautiful nature in.

It was dark....

A bit scary to be honest.

I close my eyes,letting that fear go.

Letting all my surroundings go.

My mind clear,I open my eyes.

"Phoe..? I wish to speak with you."

Silence.

There were nine spiritual beasts.

They came to earth when akemi died.

They always watched over me like akemi did.

They weren't mean.

But they were dangerous.

And never...to disrespect.

It made me wonder how many worlds there are.

Phoe...or even shadow?