An Inconvenient Attachment

Chapter 2: Tests x Courage

Anzu Momoki's POV:

We followed the path that led to the big cedar tree. I nearly had a heart attack there at the old lady's test. I was so panicked that I could not figure out an answer. I suppose it is that pressure that finally led me to realising what the test is about. That was a close call however, I know there are even bigger challenges to come in the upcoming tests.

Kasumi and I had been walking for a few hours, we could run but it seems like we had time and there was no need to exert too much energy finding the navigator. Who knows if this was another test? We need to be prepared for everything. Gripping tightly onto my own palms, I proceeded forward with Kasumi. At least she is having a good time with the test; smiling brightly as she always does. Once I am able to find my parents, I want to help Kasumi with what she wants to do. No matter what, I will stay by her side and defend her. 

"Anzu we're here!!! I wonder if we could just walk it. Argh I'm so excited." Kasumi was practically bouncing on her feet. Her bright emerald eyes are sparking more than ever. I let out a chuckle and said, "I suppose we should knock first."

Knock, knock, knock, came the sound of our knuckles against the wooden door. Knock, knock, knock, again came the sound, resounding through out the forest. "I wonder if anyone is inside..." As I was finishing my sentence, we heard a deafening scream coming from the inside. "Is anyone there?! Please help, my wife was taken by a monster!" Without any hesitant, Kasumi and I busted down the door. 

"Are you alright? What's going on?" We both said at the same time. There in front of us was a young man, trying to pick himself up from the floor. It seemed like he was badly injured. Strange claw marks were visible on his body from head to toes. A thick metallic scent was infused in the air. He was bleeding fast and we need to help him. Thankfully, Kasumi and I understand a bit of medicine as our mother was a herbal medicine hunter. We carried some herbs with us just in case something happened. 

We quickly treated the man and he seemed to be regaining his consciousness. He finally looked at us and told us what happened. "My wife and I are the navigators responsible for taking examines to the exam site. Upon waiting for examines arrival we encountered a large beast called Kiriko. It attacked me and took my wife away. Please help me find her." Kasumi and I looked at each other and nodded. We must help this man.

"Anzu we can't just leave him here, what if the beast comes back and attack." Kasumi was very worried. No matter how carefree she may seem she has a soft spot for helping other people. I do not want to leave her alone. Kasumi's safety was my main priority, I cannot waver from that. "I will carry him on my back. You can watch on different directions for the Kiriko. I'm not letting you go alone." Kasumi seemed like she was about to protest but she knew it was futile. We nodded in agreement, she headed out first, checking the surrounding to make sure we won't be gorilla tackled. 

I knelt down, helping the man hop on my back and proceeded to follow Kasumi in the same direction. We decided it was best for Kasumi to do the aerial combat and I will defend the man from the ground. She quickly jumped up into the trees and began jumping around. She has perfect vision and hearing along with unmatched silent footsteps. Nobody can tell where she is coming from or how she will attack. That's what makes her such a great shadow fighter.

I also kept my look out on the ground, we have no idea what the Kiriko is capable of, it could be attacking us from right under ground. I must not let anything harm Kasumi. I will never be able to forgive myself. Of course I also need to protect the navigator, he and his wife are the only ones who can take us to the exam site. 

Suddenly I heard a loud scream coming from above along with other movements. It seemed Kasumi had found the beast. Suddenly out from the sky I heard something was falling. I quickly set the husband aside safely by a tree and rushed towards the falling object. It may be something important. Whoosh a woman fell into my arm. Phew I was prepared for it, or else god know if I was able to catch her from that fall. My sister can be a little too reckless. 

"Thank you so much! That Kiriko attacked my husband!! Please we need to go back and rescue him." The woman said. I smiled reassuringly to her, "Do not worry! We have your husband with us and we have treated his injuries, you don't need to worry." Then I noticed something strange on her wrist, along with the tattoos on her face. It reminded me something I have read about. What is it? I was in deep thought whilst taking her back to the tree where I left her husband.

Kasumi was already there ahead of me battling a Kiriko! However, where was the husband? Where did he disappear to? It seemed the lady was confused too. I wonder what is going on. "Anzu protect the lady! I can take care of this Kiriko." I need to take the woman to a safe place before coming back for Kasumi. Then suddenly, something clicked. Kasumi and I said simultaneously. 

"You can't be the wife!"

"You're not the same Kiriko!"

The lady stared wide eye at me. I explained how the tattoos on her wrist and face was chastity symbols. It meant that she cannot get married. It was impossible that she was the wife of the man before. Kasumi also explained that even though they look very similar, there are many differences in the manner and fighting style of that Kiriko. We were caught in a very awkward situation indeed. Then suddenly, both the lady and the Kiriko, Kasumi was fighting, started laughing hysterically. They laughed and laughed. Another Kiriko along with the man from before appeared and laughed along with them.

They explained that the two Kirikos Kasumi were fighting are the husband and wife. The lady and the man were actually their children! They were very impressed by our medical skills as well as Kasumi's fighting spirits and my knowledge. They were especially pleased that Kasumi was able to tell the two of them apart as nobody has been able to for a long time. It seemed that we have passed all the pre tests. They are now taking us to the exam site. 

"You know only two other people in the entire world were able to tell us apart. One of them took the test just before you." The man told Kasumi.

"The group before also had the one person that were able to recognise my chastity symbols. It looks like you guys will have great opponents this year." said the lady.

Kasumi and I looked at each other. We were very thrilled to be one of the few who were able to pass this test. Let's see what adventure will be coming towards us next.