Fate of Pandora - Book II

Never Anger The Wrong Person

Coalt and Ayame were eager to put their new plan in motion, despite Midori's request to give her time. Since the beginning, they had no idea where to start their search, and not much had changed since then. However, this time they had a shaman at their side. The old woman surprised both of them when she had revealed her powers and how she and Kairi had been a dynamic duo back in her good old days.

Their new expectation was that, with the box in hand and their mission accomplished, they might discover a way to save their lost friends. They watched eagerly as Midori unfolded a big city map that covered her entire table and, with her pendant in hand, she looked up at the two impatient children.

"This will take a while. Please, help me with the orphanage while I'm busy." She instructed them to leave her alone to concentrate. Once they left, Midori looked at Kairi, who meowed in answer. "Come on, we have work to do. It'll be easier with your help."

The little cat suddenly became a blue flame and fused with Midori's hands. The pendant hanging by the chain began to swing, and the woman closed her eyes to concentrate.

Outside the office, Coalt took up an orange metal toolbox while Ayame carried other things upstairs, where they worked together fixing all the furniture they could save. The two had a companion, little Toya, who was very curious and wanted to watch what they were doing. Since he was such nice child, they didn't mind having him around; besides, Ayame couldn't help but find it cute how the boy had become attached to Coalt.

The weekend passed this way, with most of Coalt and Ayame's time spent working at the orphanage. It was already Sunday night when Midori finally called them to her office. She removed the books and paper on the table to open the map again. She examined their faces and saw two anxious teenagers who couldn't wait for her first lead.

"First of all, I'm sorry it took this long. It's not that easy to administrate the orphanage and search for hidden, powerful, legendary objects at the same time," she apologized with a little joke to lighten the mood.

"Don't worry, Midori. We know you needed time to do this," Ayame reassured her. "Besides, Coalt has already fixed a lot of things."

The brunette scratched his neck, unsure how to react to the compliment. He was tired from the physical work and returned to the subject to get it over with quickly, "So, where should we go?"

"Don't have high hopes. I just think it's worth it to check this place." Midori pointed to a location in her map. "Check the Sougenji Temple, also known as Kappa-dera Temple." She handed them a paper with the address. "And don't forget to–"

"Thank you very much, Midori! We'll tell you what we find there. See ya!" Ayame snatched the paper with the address and grabbed Coalt's arm, dragging him out. Unlike him, she was full of energy.

Midori was going to say one more thing, but they were already out the door. "...Don't forget to give your offering there," she finished, and sighed. She glanced down and saw Kairi looking up at her with a question in her eyes.

"I'm fine, my darling. Please, go keep an eye on them."

With that said, the cat ran after the pair.

Midori yawned and stretched her aching back. "I know I'm rusty, but I didn't imagine it would be this troublesome."

Ayame dragged the tired Coalt along the streets to the subway. He was surprised that she seemed to know where they were going without consulting a map.

"You know this place?"

"I know how to get to the district. We'll have to ask for more info there," Ayame explained.