Learning the Truth Part 1

The sun was sinking below the horizon, turning the sky a dark shade of orange. The air was brisk as the full force of winter began to grasp the town.

Ayame, Atsuko, Shiro, and Natsumi all walked past a park, which brought back many memories from their childhood. It caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over them. They then all looked at Ayame, whose expression seemed distant, "What's wrong Akiyama?" Shiro asked her.

"It's nothing."

"You're lying," Atsuko and Natsumi replied in unison.

Ayame got nervous because she felt like she was getting attacked by them.

"It's nothing, like I said Atsuko," she retorted.

"Guys get off her case please," Shiro said as he adjusted his glasses.

Natsumi nodded, "Yes sir," she wiped drool from her mouth.

Atsuko groaned in irritation. "Damn, you're annoying."

Ayame stared at them as they began to argue, and for some reason she had a feeling that these times were going to be over soon. Almost like she was about to find out the truth of something. Maybe what they've been hiding from her. Have they been hiding anything from her in the first place? A tear ran down her cheek and they got scared.

"See, I knew something was wrong with you!" Atsuko yelled at Ayame.

"I- I- I told you that nothing was wrong," she said as her voice cracked. "I'm fine."

She began to cry more, and Shiro sighed. "Atsuko why did you yell at her?"

"I did nothing wrong. I just said something was wrong with her."

"And she said nothing was."

Natsumi hugged Ayame, "It'll be okay Ayame. Just tell us what's on your mind."

"It's just, just, I've been having a feeling that the end of these times will arrive soon. I don't know why, but I don't want it to end. Then there's the fact that I think you all have been hiding things from me. So please tell me what you're hiding."

They all looked at each other with worried expressions, "Ayame listen, there is something we're hiding from you, but please understand we're doing this for your own good. We don't want to lose you either," Natsumi said with sincerity.

"But why are you hiding things from me? When we were younger, you all promised me that you wouldn't hide anything from me, so why? Please tell me why."

They noticed that she was getting panicked, "You're all just liars," Ayame stated to them.

"I'm sorry Ayame," Atsuko replied to her.

"Don't apologize to her, just tell her the truth Atsuko," another voice said.

They all were shocked to see that Kikyo took over Ayame's body. Atsuko got nervous as Kikyo started walking towards her, "Listen Kikyo I can explain," she said.

"Like I said, enough excuses. Tell her the truth Atsuko, or I will."

"We were going to tell her tonight after the dinner. I'm going to make sure to hide nothing."

"Ayame is definitely getting frantic, and her birthday is next week as well. If they send her off without telling her anything, then she and I would both die."

"You're right, but I've made up my mind. I am going with Ayame."

"With both of us going, then she would be fine," Kikyo reassured, but her statement didn't seem to be sure. Almost as if she didn't believe herself.

"Kikyo, what's wrong?" Atsuko asked.

"Nothing, just I'm having a bad feeling about this."

"We all are," Shiro replied. "But the thing is, if anyone is more capable for helping Ayame out on this journey it's Tsukiyama. It is the duty of the Vermillion Bird to help guide the White Tiger to salvation. Her ancestor Homura wanted her bloodline to do just that."

"Not to mention the possibility of those branching timelines from that singularity. It's going to be hard on her when she finds out the truth of everything. Ayame is a pure girl, this isn't for her to do but it's already been written in the stars. We can't deny fate either," Natsumi replied.

"I know that, but there has to be a way," Kikyo said.

"That Katsumi boy is the way," Atsuko stated. "Listen Kikyo we can help Ayame, but we can only do so much. I have faith that we will pull through this. You and I will share our body, then we will protect Ayame together."

"Okay, Atsuko I trust you, but if something comes up when we go there, I will stop at nothing to help her. I know you will do the same."

I'm my own separate entity, no one knows that besides me. I don't know my exact origins, but if I stay with Ayame then maybe I'd be able to find out. I want to know the truth of the situation, and why are there going to be multiple timelines from that singularity, Kikyo thought as she looked around at everyone. But the most important thing who is this Katsumi boy? What part does he play in Ayame's life?

"Kikyo we're going to need you to take over Ayame's body, but only halfway," Atsuko began to explain.

"Okay, but why?"

"It'll help her process the situation a little better. Ayame's smart, but when she's panicking or confused, she doesn't make the right decisions. You'll be the one to keep her calm."

"I guess you have a point," Kikyo agreed. Her stomach rumbled. "Well, I'll be here if you need me, now, get Ayame something to eat."

Atsuko sighed in exhaustion, "I swear she's like a black hole."

Kikyo giggled. "That you may have a good point on. Okay, I'll see you guys later though."

Ayame's features then returned, and she seemed calmer, but no one thought that she was. Ayame was always an outcast and them hiding this secret was making her feel like she was just that. But could she trust them? She doesn't know why she's feeling like this. They're her friends, and she should trust them. She can't though.

"I'm sorry..." Ayame mumbled under her breath.

"For what?" they all asked.

"I don't know... I can't figure out what's wrong, but I'm sorry you guys."

"I see," Shiro replied to her. "Ayame don't worry, tonight will be the last time we ever hide a secret from you. I know you're hungry, so let's get something to eat."

You're shy, a nervous train wreck, not to mention young and frail, but you're also strong in spirit. That's why I chose you, you are the one who shall inherit my Kami-Komora, and my secret technique. Ayame Akiyama you are a child of three worlds, Past, present, and future. It is your destiny to either create or destroy, you must decide what you want to do or everything you love will be erased. Defy fate and choose your own path my Cursed Iris, a voice whispered in her mind

Ayame heard the words as she walked with the others, "I am a child of three worlds? Past, present, and future?" she asked confused. "Defy fate and choose my own path..."

Everyone saw her expression, "You look like you just heard a weird sentence," Atsuko noted.

"Oh, you've noticed?"

Ayame thought about what she just heard, and she looked at the others. "Atsuko, Shiro, Natsumi, quick question."

"What's up?" they all said.

She hesitated for a moment, then she fought up the courage to ask. "Do you guys believe in fate? If you do, then do you believe that you can defy it?"

They all stared at her as if she were crazy. Which isn't anything new, Ayame always asked out of the ordinary questions, but this one was even crazier. Why would you think anyone can defy what's written in stone? Once you're born, it's decided what's going to happen with your life. There is no fighting it, so why did that voice tell her to defy it and choose her own path?

Ayame got nervous, and she seemed to shrink. "I'm sorry it was a dumb question..."

"No, it wasn't," Shiro retorted.

"It was an interesting question for sure," Natsumi answered.

"Hmm," Atsuko stated while making a thoughtful gesture. "Fate can be a tricky thing, but yeah I think you can fight it," she replied.

They were all shocked at her answer, but she continued. "I mean my mind is always to think that I should live my life as I want to. If someone wants to control my life, then they can have what they've decided. I'm going to choose to make my own. It's my life, and if someone controls it then it's not my life at all, it's some scripted play to be honest."

If someone wants to control my life, then they can have what they've decided. I'm going to choose to make my own. It's my life, and if someone controls it then it's not my life at all, it's some scripted play to be honest, Ayame repeated in her thoughts as she looked at Atsuko with a new light in her eyes.

Atsuko noticed her expression and she smiled. "Ayame, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Atsuko you are amazing," Ayame replied.

"Kind of a first time for everything," she mumbled. The comment made Atsuko's heart shatter, she pouted which made Ayame feel bad.

"I was joking... Atsuko you're always amazing."

"Still, that was quite the interesting answer Tsukiyama," Shiro noted.

They all got closer to Ayame's home, and they stopped just short of the door. When they did a slight breeze passed over. The breeze had a slightly ominous feeling to it, and that made Ayame's skin crawl.

"Why does the breeze feel evil?" she asked.

"How can a breeze feel evil?" Atsuko asked as she giggled.

"I don't know, it just does," Ayame snapped at her.

I have such a bad feeling right now, It's almost as if something or someone is watching me, Ayame thought as she looked around.

"Shut the hell up you stupid bimbo!" A voice yelled from inside Ayame's home. After it did a knife pierced the door, and that scared all of them, well besides Atsuko.

"Seems like she's mad before dinner, nothing new though," Atsuko stated exasperated.

"I'm tired of this! You and me, right here, right now!"

They opened the door, "Mom stop it!" Atsuko said.

"I'm tired of this broad, I want to put her in her place."

Her hands became surrounded by a weird light, and it surprised Ayame. "What is that?"

Hiro and Akane noticed, "Both of you need to calm down," Akane stated in shock.

Maki shot a beam of light at Keiko, and it went through the wall to the outside.

"What is happening? What was that?" Ayame questioned yet again.

"This is bad," Shiro noted, and he put Ayame out with bright red light coming from his hand.

Keiko retaliated as she shot an icicle at Maki, which she melted promptly.

"Stupid Ice Witch, your magic could never beat me," Maki replied.

Akane looked at Hiro as he took off his glasses. "Can you stop them?"

"Fine, although I'd rather for them to finish this stupid spat of theirs. We couldn't even finish missions when we were younger because of them," he said as he became surrounded by a black light.

Keiko felt his presence and that made her nervous. She caused the icicles to disappear, and she began to shiver. "I apologize Hiro. Maki got to me."

"Shut up, you dumb bitch," Maki replied. "You're just mad because I'm better than you."

"....." Keiko stared at Maki with a disdainful expression.

"Want some more, ice pop?"

"Shut the hell up!" Keiko was about to attack, but Hiro stopped her.

"Maki, you really messed up here. Not only has Ayame seen your magic, but who is to say that she doesn't know that it exists now. She was ignorant to this side of the world, and your little spat exposed everything."

"Hiro has a point Maki," Akane agreed. "I know I shouldn't have hidden this side of the world from Ayame, but it was for her own good. Plus, the time wasn't right; tonight, was going to be the night I told her, but maybe it's not a good time."

"Her birthday is next week, though."

"I know that, but I know she isn't ready," Akane stated.

Atsuko, Shiro, and Natsumi all looked at each other, "Ms. Akiyama, I just wanted to let you know that we've decided to tell her the truth tonight," Shiro stated.

Hiro put on his glasses, and he chuckled. "They're a lot better than us. I can definitely say that."

"No, we're not. We've hidden this world from Ayame too, we lied to her, we continued to keep secrets from her, and it hurts to do her like this," Natsumi said as she grabbed her right arm.

The room became tense as they all looked at Ayame, it was almost as if they all felt guilt from doing their part of protecting Ayame from this.

"My family are dragons descended from one of the Dragon Emperors. This has always been our fate; we all knew that one day there would be a time when one of us would have to answer the call. I wish it had been me instead of her but considering the amount of spirit energy they sensed from Ayame when she was born and the reaction of the sword then I expected this to come."

"Interesting, and Atsuko you stated that you wanted to take in that Kikyo spirit inside of Ayame, so you'd be able to travel back with Ayame to that time period," Maki asked with a worried tone.

Atsuko stared at the floor. "Yes, but..."

"Honey, you know I will never try and stop you from wanting to help Ayame. I'm willing to support you in every way. Homura would've supported this, and it's time for you to spread your wings."

They hugged each other, "Even though we're dysfunctional, we're a good group," Keiko said with a smile.

Maki looked at her and they locked eyes.

"Something we finally agree on."

The Four Guardians together, both young and old are carrying a heavy burden. Now can they all pass it on to Ayame and Atsuko? The Iris and the Feather, they are living in a world that no one knows about. It's their responsibility to protect it from harm, both past and future.

"Well, it's time to wake up Ayame, we need to eat, and then get to telling her the truth," Atsuko stated as she shook Ayame's shoulder.

*****

"This really sucks, ya know?" a voice echoed.

Ayame opened her eyes, but she noticed that it was still dark. Almost as if she were in her subconscious, "I haven't been here in forever," she voiced, and it echoed as well.

"I know you heard me Ayame!" the voice yelled again.

"Yeah, I heard you, but I don't know who you are."

"I'm you," it said as another version of Ayame appeared.

It had a similar appearance to her, but almost inverted and almost dragon-like.

"What is going on? Why do you look like a dragon?"

"I don't know what is going on, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I don't want to know."

Ayame gave her a blank stare. "That literally made no sense..."

"It did, you're just an idiot."

"That makes you one too."

They both stared at each other, "Listen to me, me. We have no time to joke like this. We're different from everyone, you already knew this. But there's another thing that makes us even more different," her other self said.

"And what is that?"

"It's our fate. I know you've asked that question before about it, but there's more to this. We're a mix of three races and the child of three worlds. Life for us was never going to be easy, not in the slightest."

"There it is again. What does it mean to be a child of three worlds?"

"I wish I knew myself but sadly I don't, but I am curious to find out though. You are as well, aren't you?"

"I am," Ayame agreed.

"Boom there we go then. Now, we're going to work together to find out what's going on."

They both smiled and the space started to disappear. Ayame got a strange feeling that this wasn't everything though.

"If we're a mix of three races and I'm human, you seem to be dragon, then what's the other half? Wait I just realized..."

"She's the most dangerous one, to be honest I'm glad that one hasn't awakened yet."

A singular word crossed Ayame's mind, and it was one she's been remembering since she was younger. "The apocalypse?"

Her dragon half looked dumbfounded. "The apocalypse? That's an interesting word."

"So, question. If I'm a mix of three races, one of them being a dragon obviously, then that must mean things like fairies and other magical beings exist?"

"That I can't say..."

"I'd take that as a yes," Ayame said with an excited expression.

"Of course, we would."

Ayame seemed to be taking this in a lot better than the others expected her to. The news is somewhat better because maybe it's coming from her.

She stared at her dragon self, "I wonder is this what everyone has been hiding from me?" she questioned. "If so, then they're jerks for that."

"I don't think it was just this they were hiding. Remember the bit about our father, and remember that dream? Ayame, this is only the beginning of something bigger than us."

"....."

"I'm sorry to burst that happy bubble for you, but now you have to wake up and figure out the truth. Kikyo would want to be there too, but she's going to go merge into Atsuko sooner or later. I'm glad because we're already housing enough spirits. Your soul, my soul, and that one soul. I'd say it's cramped in here, but that's enough of me complaining, I want to know the truth as well, and why they were hiding this from us."

"Okay, me."