Chapter 9 – Where only the Light Can Touch

Voices from the television caused Rena’s ears to twitch. Her tail swished back and forth as she laid on the couch watching the morning news.

Rushing around the house to prepare for school, Haruki had no time to pay attention. With little time to get prepared, he still had to pack their lunch and get ready for school. They ended up sleeping in too late this morning. The feeling of being cuddled in bed together was too hard to awake from and Rena did not want to get up.

“Rena it’s time for us to leave.”

“...”

“Rena...?

Turning to look in her direction, he noticed that her tail had stopped moving. Something on the TV had caught her attention, stopping to look at what it was, he started to feel worried.

“Strange sightings of unknown creatures have been reported to local authorities. Multiple eyewitness have claimed to see what they only can describe as monsters.”

“Haruki... I’m scared”

Rena turned around to look at him. Her playful mood had been replaced with a frightful expression.

Putting down their backpacks, Haruki ran over next to Rena and watched the news cast. Something made him feel like this was related to last nights portal incident.

This can’t be happening...

“Police say these sightings are most likely due to kids dressed up in costumes for last night festival, but still be on alert and report and other incidents.”

“What are they...? Did they follow me from the portal because I was there last night?”

Turning off the TV, Haruki put his hand on her shoulder hoping to reassure her.

“We don’t know for sure that it is anything. Either way, it isn’t your fault.”

But regardless of what he said, she couldn’t help but feel like she was somewhat to blame. For some reason the portal’s seemed to happen when she was around. Rena felt that maybe if she never came here in the first place, none of this would be happening.

“Listen, all we need to worry about right now is getting to school before Mr. Yamada gets even more suspicious.”

Doing his best to make light of the situation, secretly Haruki was just as worried. If it was anything like what happened to them that night when they were attacked, it could be dangerous.

Catching himself thinking to hard about what was going on, Haruki Realized too much time had passed.

“...we’re going to be late.”

“Is that really such a bad thing? Last night was really stressful, I think everyone will understand...”

“No, we have a math test today. Let’s go!”

“...Sounds like math is the real enemy.”

Whining as she rolled over, Rena finally started to get herself ready. Tucking her cute ears under her hair again, she missed feeling free at the festival. With a lack of care, Rena started to remove her clothing in the middle of the living room and getting dressed in her uniform.

Haruki turned away quickly, but not soon enough. He ended up getting a glimpse of her underwear from behind. Not that he didn’t want to look, but he didn’t want to set the wrong tone for their relationship this early.

“We really need to work on your privacy skills...”

Glaring at him with a mischievous look on her face, Rena was fully aware that he had seen her.

“Oh, does this make you feel uncomfortable?”

“No... I mean yes, just hurry up.”

Rushing to school as fast as they could possibly could, once they got to the school yard they stopped to catch their breathe. Considering how late they were, everything else about the day looked normal. But the moment they walked through the front gate, something felt very wrong. A tingling sensation could be felt in the air, like a static charge.

“Nyaa~ why do I feel weird...?”

“Maybe it’s just the weather, don’t worry about it. Were almost there.”

Grabbing Rena's hand, they ran through the school and down the hall until arriving at their classroom. Bursting through the door, everyone stared as Haruki and Rena hurried to their seats. The bell had already rung signalling the fact they were once again late.

“Look who finally arrived. We all thought you were busy with the beautiful cat princess last night.”

Daichi spoke loud enough for everyone to hear and giggle at his mocking comment. Of course them showing up late together really didn't make things look any better.

“Ohh and what about you and Sayuri, where did you end up last night?”

Not expecting to be called out like that in front of the class, Daichi’s face went red, as he tried to hide in his book.

“Haha... we were busy... dancing.”

Almost forgetting about her friends that she left at the festival, Rena turned around to face the brown haired girl.

“Sayuri, did you have a good time last night?”

“—I–I of course...”

Thinking that it was strange how hesitant Sayuri sounded, Rena noticed that her friend was bright red after being asked about the night.

“What happened to you last night?”

Not taking a hint, Rena kept interrogating her friend. Sayuri was trying to look away and pretend she didn’t hear a word that was said. Only making Rena wonder even more about what happened after they had left.

Hmmmm.... strange!

Interrupting everyone’s conversation, Mr Yamada casually walked into the class. Placing his books down on his desk, he turned around and began writing on the board as if it was a normal day.

“Mr. Yamada?!”

Forgetting where he was, Haruki jumped up hoping to ask about what happened last night. Before getting even an acknowledgement, Mr Yamada turned around and stared straight through him.

“Everyone please sit down, it’s time for us to begin the mid-term math test. And Haruki... thanks for being on time.”

Instead of looking annoyed with Haruki, Mr. Yamada glared at Daichi with disapproval. Grabbing a stack of test papers, he walked over and dropped them on Daichi’s desk.

“Daichi, please hand these out to everyone. And you will need to stay after class today.”

“Yes sir! Yamada sensei.”

Launching himself out of his desk with the test papers in hand, Daichi acted like he had been summoned. Handing them out like rapid fire, for some reason he had a sense of urgency unlike before. Just as he was about to return to his desk, the room started to shake.

Vooooooom!!!!

Violently hitting the building, a large shock wave shook the entire class. Desks rattled on the floor as the windows trembled.

“AHHHHHH, EARTHQUAKE!”

Mika screamed as she jumped under her desk. Having been through something like this before, she didn’t waste anytime.

Books flew off the shelves while pages tore lose from them oddly floating through the air. Light flickered wildly turning on and off, and other electronics stopped working. A low hum could be heard through the room causing everyone to panic further.

“What is going on!!”

Everyone screamed as they held onto anything they could. Papers swirled around the class as if they were being controlled. All the girls screamed as they tried to hide behind the boys, that were equally just as scared.

Wide eyed and sitting at her desk, Rena’s tail broke free and stood up straight with fear. Rena felt like she had experienced this before, just like when she first came through the portal.

“Everyone remain calm and get under your desk. Remember our earthquake drills.”

Mr. Yamada grabbed onto his own desk and climbed under, hoping to set an example for the rest of the class. Seemingly unbothered by the whole thing he acted rather calm about what was occurring.

Haruki looked over at Rena, who appeared to be frozen. Grabbing her shoulder he tried to wrap his arms around and help her get down. But the moment he touched her she jumped out of her desk and sprinted out of the class.

“Rena!!!?”

Hoping she heard him yell above all the commotion, but it was already too late and she had exited the room. Trying to keep from stumbling as he stood up, Haruki had to knew he had to follow her to wherever she was going. Pushing himself off his desk, he ran towards the door while dodging flying objects.

“Haruki what are you doing, you’re not the main hero!!!”

Daichi yelled from under his desk, while trying to hold on.

Making his way out of the classroom, Haruki searched the hallway. He thought he saw something dash around the corner near the stairs.

She’s heading for the roof!

Pushing himself forward as fast as possible, he knew he had to catch up before she did something dangerous. Running down the hallway he noticed that the entire school seemed to be affected by whatever was happening. All the lights were flashing in the classrooms and objects were moving on their own. What was peculiar was that the building did not seem to be moving like a normal earthquake would do.

Haruki noticed that no one else was outside in the hall. He figured this was most likely due to the emergency earthquake drills they were used to. This meant until everything had stopped, everyone would stay inside their classrooms.

But if this isn’t a regular earthquake, then what on earth is happening...?

Hurrying towards the area where the stairs were located, he finally reached them and started climbing up. Once reaching the door at the top, he flew through the opening without regards to his own safety. Searching around hoping to find Rena, everywhere he looked he couldn’t see any signs.

Glancing out past the building he noticed that the world stood still, meaning that it was just the building being affected. After hearing strange sounds he looked up, and saw birds circling weirdly above.

That’s when everything started to change. Gusts of wind began picking up and blowing debris every which way. The air felt statically charged as it erratically blew around. Covering his eyes with his hand to try shielding his view, he looked around the corner.

Standing on top of a larger part of the rooftop, he saw Rena gazing up into the sky. Above her the winds were swirling and beginning to change colour. Electricity started shooting out from the center of the wind vortex, as the portal was forming.

Not again!

Upon looking closer, there was something about this time being different. Slowly growing bigger, the portal was much larger than last time. The colour was also a dark red instead of purple.

Sprinting as fast as he could towards Rena, he hoped to get to her side before it was to late. Just as he got close, a violent wind swirled in front and picked up loose boards, hurling them in his direction. Dodging just in time by falling to the ground, Haruki looked up hoping she was still okay.

Smaaack!

Shocked from the feeling of getting hit in the back, Haruki almost thought he got hit by a foreign object. Quickly he recognized the familiar feeling as he turned around.

“Daichi... what are you...”

“You can’t just run off like that without taking me Haruki, besides why are you here?”

“I’m looking for Rena, she up here. Daichi.. you can’t be here, go back and take care of Sayuri.”

“Ohh, what you think I am going to let you play here alone? You should know by now I always got your back. Besides what exactly is that!”

Pointing up at the portal, Daichi didn’t seem to be to bothered but rather intrigued. Year of reading manga had prepared him for moments like this. Helping his friend get up off the ground Daichi began leading the way forward. Suddenly he didn’t seem as annoying, Haruki felt.

Gazing up into the sky together, both Daichi and Haruki were in awe of the giant portal opening above their school. The wind had picked up so much that it was hard to see in front of them. Steadily pushing on, Haruki thought he saw something.

“Hey is that Rena, she was just here?”

“No, look up there.”

Pointing a bit further ahead, Rena was now standing directly underneath the portals opening. Her bright hair was flying in the wind as she stared inside. Looking deep into what seemed like the abyss, she didn’t even as much as flinch.

“Rena!”

But the screeching coming from the portal masked the sound of his voice. The only way he could help her is if he got close.

“Come on!”

Daichi pulled his friend further along until they reached the area Rena was standing. Haruki ran towards her until he could grab her hand.

Turning to face him, Rena’s face had a deeply worried expression.

“Haruki, something is coming!”

“What do you mean...?”

Rena turned her sights back on the gigantic portal above their heads. Not stopping it continued to increase in size until it took up the space over the entire school.

“Whoaaa wait a second.... since when does Rena have a tail and cute fluffy cat ears. What kind of girl did you find Haruki?”

Haruki turned to his friend and grabbed his shoulders with both hands. Shaking him aggressively while looking annoyed, Haruki quickly got annoyed again.

“We don’t have time for that! Right now something bad is happening....!”

“Okay, then what about that?”

Haruki turned back around and noticed Rena’s chest was glowing. Instead of blue it flickered a bright violet colour similar to that of the portal. The fragment that was inside her was reacting to whatever was about to happen.

“I feel it...”

-Shrieeeeek

Echoing from the portal came a loud noise, as the glass from the storage shed next to them exploded. Shadows began to disperse across the rooftop and cover all the surroundings. Light diapered from the sky leaving everything darkened, except for the lighting from the storm.

Emerging from the portal a tall slender shape began to appear. Bright red eyes were glowing in the dark as the creature moved forward. Shadows formed around it creating a torn robe, as a large black wolf like tail appeared behind.

Forming it’s shadows into vicious claws, the creature took on the shape of a wolf yokai. But unlike Rena, clearly this entity was of no good.

Locking it’s eyesight with theirs, it sensed what it was looking for as it glared at Rena. The red light from her chest was getting brighter the closer it moved towards her.

“Rena!”

Jumping in front of her, Haruki didn’t think twice before trying to protect her. Regardless of if he had the strength or ability, he wasn’t going to let this thing hurt her.

“I... I feel something familiar...”

Rena’s voice trembled as she couldn’t take her eyes off the evil creature. For some reason she was unable to react and stood still.

Just like last time we encountered evil spirits...

Lunging forward at them, it moved with an incredible speed.

Before he could react, Haruki felt his body being shoved out of the way. Tackling him to the ground, Daichi saved him once again just in time. The evil spirit missed both of them and continuned past until it was behind Rena.

“Stop trying to get yourself killed!”

“Get out of my way!”

Pushing Daichi off with all his strength, Haruki got back up and looked at where Rena just was. Now standing directly in front of the shadow wolf, she was still frightened and not able to move. Holding her hands in front of her chest, she tried to cover up the red glow. Still sensing the fragment within in her, it was drawn to the energy from within Rena. Moving foward, it reached out it’s claws in her direction.

The closer the monster got to Rena the brighter the light from her fragment became. Haruki noticed a simillar light coming from within the shadow wolf. Like before with the other spirits they had fought, Rena seemed to be losing control of herself. And as the enemy drew closer, Rena took a step forward.

“Rena, come back!”

“I shouldn’t be here... I caused all this...”

Bright red aura began to surround her body like flames. Her eyes began to change colour as her stare looked empty. The colour of red started to fill her sights as tears started to flow from her eyes.

“You didn’t cause this to happen... grab my hand we still have time to run.”

“No one cares about who I really am...”

“...You’re wrong, I care about you”

Losing herself to the negative energy that was overflowing from the Shadow wolf’s fragment, anything he said did not get through. Rena was lost in a torrent of thoughts about her own self worth, importance to others, and most importantly being loved. Even though Haruki said he cared for her, she didn’t feel she was enough for him. He cared for her unconditionally it seemed but she didn’t understand how she could deserve such a thing.

Falling to the ground as tears burst from her eyes, Rena felt like giving up and letting the monster take control.

Kneeling down in front of her, Haruki grabbed her hands and held them close to his body. Heat was radiating from her skin into his as he stared into her eyes. He could tell she was having a deep inner struggle. Feeling his touch caused her eyes to flash between gold and red as she fought for control.

The evil spirit quickly drew closer and just as it was within attacking range, violently a surge of red energy exploded out of Rena’s body. Knocking it back and causing it to fall, giving Haruki the only chance he would get.

Haruki reached out and placed his hands around her face. Flames started to overtake both their bodys. Slowly being consumed by the field of red energy, Rena’s eyes started to lose focus as she gave into the pain.

He pulled her face closer as he moved near, gazing straight into her eyes as they were about to be enveloped in flames.

Haruki kissed her.

As their lips gently met, the flames around them suddenly changed from red back to a bright blue. Inside her, the fragment started to return to how it was. Waves of blue began pulsing out from her body in all directions in almost a blinding display.

Rena’s tears changed from sadness to joy. Touching her lips, the feeling of the unexspected kiss lingered. All her feelings of fear and worthlessness washed away and all that remained was him and her.

—In an instant the shadow wolf got up and launched itself through the air in Haruki’s direction.

Caught off guard and unable to fight back, he braced for the impact.

“——“

Claaaang!

Haruki thought he heard a sound of two objects hitting together. Opening his eyes slowly, what came to view was unspected. Rena stood in front, shielding him from the blow.Glowing in blue and holding her bell staff in her hands, she looked prepared to fight.

“You will not hurt him!”

“Grraaaaaahhr!”

Raising it’s claws above its head, it brought them down and stabbed directly through her chest where the blue fragment was glowing. Too fast for her to react, she was struck with a fatal blow.

“R–Rena....!”

Staring directly into the enemies red eyes, she felt something from within start to swell up. Shooting out of her chest a brilliant flash of blue erupted. Rays of light exploded from her body in all directions consuming her body. When it finally settled she was no longer wearing her old clothes.

All white and trimmed in red, Rena was now dressed similar to a shrine maiden. The top half of her outfit was held up by red ribbons. It was a bit more revealing than what a typical shrine maiden would wear, but she still had a crimson red skirt flowing around her legs.

Foccusing only on the enemy in front of her, she launched a kick and knocked it to the ground. Inspecting the place where she was wounded, there was not even drop of blood. The cut was completely healed from her magic.

“—Grrrahhhr!”

Regaining it’s standing, the beast lashed out with its claws again. Only this time it was harsly blocked by Rena’s staff.

Claaang!

“The only one who doesn’t belong here is you!”

Flipping her weapon around she struck the shadow wolf with the blunt end, but it had no effect. Rena jumped backwards to make distance and prepare for a different approach.

Feeling completely useless in this situation, Haruki surveyed the area for his friend. Thinking he could see someone move through the debris flying around, it appeared to be Daichi hiding behind a storage shed. Unable to get to his friend, Haruki decided to move back and not interfere.

“GRAAAAAHHHHR!”

Lifting its claws above its head, the enemy began to charge straight towards Rena. Picking up speed rather quickly it began to run on all fours.

“Rena!”

Bringing the staff in front of her, she pointed it straight at her target. The area around her body began to once again glow.

Just before the wolf got too close, a large beam of light shot out from Rena’s staff. Piercing straight through the center of oncoming enemy. Leaving a large hole through it’s body.

Letting out one last screeching howl, it slowly started floating into the air in pieces. Red flames ignited and disintegrated what was left of it’s body. The threat that was there a moment ago was now gone as if it didn’t exist.

Even more miracuously, the wind began to die down as the portal started to shrink in size. After a few more seconds it was completely gone. The sky returned to normal and all that was left was the rooftop covered in debris.

Standing still and not saying a word, Rena breathed a sigh of relief. As she stood with her hair blowing in the wind, she looked down at herself. Touching her clothing that was not there before, she suddenly realized what had happened.

“W—wh—what am I wearing!?”

“Whatever it is, I am down with how it suits your body!”

Somehow Daichi who was a moment ago hiding behind the shed, had managed to sneak up. Staring at her bare upper chest, he grinned.

Smaaack!

Hitting him in the back of his head, Haruki struck him hard enough to make his glasses fall off.

“Sorry, just admiring the actual heroine standing before me.”

Shyly covering herself by crossing her arms, she couldn’t help be curious herself. Inspecting the large white sleeves, then glaring at the small ribbons holding the dress up. Rena felt a bit self conscious at the lack of cover of this new outfit.

“However I got dressed like this, I’m not sure fits me...”

Almost like her intentions were read, the dress began to fade. Gradually her normal school clothes returned. Rena looked like herself again, or at least what she felt she should look like.

“Sooo, now can we finally address the cat in the room?”

“....”

Twitching above her head Rena’s ears were in full view. Her tail nervously swayed above her head as she looked a bit embarrassed. Feeling like she was caught in the act, she was at a loss for words.

“Daichi Rena is...”

“I’m a yokai! Please don’t tell anyone, its a secret...”

“....”

“....pfft, you think I am going to tell anyone! You’re secret is safe with me babe.”

“...Why do you have to always be so annoying?”

While he was shaking his head at his friend, something flashed in the corner of his vision. Haruki turned around and looked up.

Floating in the sky above them was shining blue fragment. Looking as clear as glass, and glowing brightly, it hung there while spinning.

“Rena look!”

Carefully moving closer, Rena held her hand outwards. Acknowledging her presence it started to drift down towards her. Right when it got close, suddenly it reacted and started swirling around in the air. Then in a flash it sank into her chest.

Feeling a bit dizzy, Rena started to lose her balance. Quickly coming to her aid, Haruki caught her as she fell.

“Are you okay?”

Opening her eyes and looking up at him, Rena wasn’t quite sure what had happened.

“...I think so.”

“Guys, sorry to ruin your romantic moment, but we should go before anyone catches us. It’s not everyday cat girls run around your school fighting off evil spirits.”

“...Daichi is right, we need to leave. When we get home we need to take a long deserved rest.”

Catching that last line before he walked away, Daichi thought the way Haruki spoke was suspicious.

“Wait... what do you mean by we?”

The remainder of the day felt dull in comparison to what had already occurred. Both Haruki and Rena felt exhausted from the rooftop battle and were ready to go home. Thankfully the school was let out early as soon as the teachers felt the earthquake was finished. No one seemed to notice what had really happened as the effects of the portal did not damage the school too significantly.

Thinking that it would have been suspicious for them to return to class with dirty ruined clothes. Daichi being a good friend, snuck back into class and grabbed Haruki and Rena’s backpacks while they waited outside the school.

While he was trying to avoid being caught, Sayuri noticed him trying to leave and stood in front blocking his exit.

“And where exactly have you been!?”

“...I-I had to help Haruki with something.”

“So I have been scared out of my mind and you just left to be with Haruki!?”

“Sayuri, I’m sorry, but I will explain...”

“You will explain right now, in fact I am coming with you!”

Figuring that this was a conversation he wasn’t going to win, he reluctantly gave up the fight. Sayuri could be a bit pushy at times.

“Fine, lets go.”

“And where exactly is Rena, what are you not telling me!!?”

Sayuri’s questions didn’t stop as Daichi led the way while remaining silent. Thankfully by the time they had met up with their friends, Rena had already hid her ears and tail again. Making things seem a lot less suspicious.

After Daichi handed over their backpacks, he hurriedly grabbed his bike and took off before he could be interrogated any further. Leaving Sayuri behind and still annoyed with what had happened.

Once Rena had eventually calmed her friend down at least a little, Sayuri offered to give them a ride back home.

Sayuri’s family limousine was quite fancy inside. The luxury ride wasn’t something Rena had experienced before. Sitting next to Haruki, she was a bit to cheerful for someone who had just gotten out of a large battle.

“What kind of vehicle is this!”

“I’ts called a limousine and...”

“Can we get one? And look there’s even a fridge for drinks!”

Sitting across from them Sayuri was not as composed as usual. Her long brown curly hair was a bit messier than normal. Mostly she was just angry with feeling out of the loop of things.

“That was the worst earthquake I have ever felt! I thought the building was going to collapse!!”

Haruki glanced over at her as she was sitting in the seat across. Each time they went over a bump her silver hoop earrings bounced around. If it wasn’t for how high maintenance she was, maybe he would have considered dating a girl like her.

“Yah it’s a good thing it finally stop...”

“And what exactly was Daichi doing?”

“...”

“He took off after you the second you left the class. Not even bothering to look back at me!!”

Rena noticed that the conversation had taken an uncomfortable turn. Wanting to change the subject, but also to satisfy her own curiosity, she changed the subject.

“Sayuri, what happened with you and Daichi at the festival?”

“...Wellll, that is... W–we—”

Her face instantly changed to full on embarrassed as she went bright red. Pulling out her phone, she nervously tapped away pretending to ignore the question.

“We have arrived at the destination, Ms.”

Interrupting just as things got awkward, the driver pulled the car to a stop in front of Haruki’s house. After Opening the door, for Haruki and Rena to get out, the limousine started to pull away.

“Haha... by Rena, see you tomorrow!”

Sayuri nervously waved as the car drove away. Leaving behind a confused Rena who wondered why her friend was so awkward.

Hmmmm.... what could have happened?

Wasting no time with going inside his comfortable house, Haruki went straight to the living room couch. Feeling completely drained, he didn’t want to climb the stairs to his room.

Rena not as tired, turned on the TV and sat on the chair next to him. She didn't feel like wasting the rest of the day sleeping, so she happily sat in the living room waiting until dinner.

Lying on the couch while staring at the ceiling, Haruki reflected on his life as of late. His life had become so irregular as of late. Rolling over and trying not to think too much, he shut his eyes and after awhile fell asleep.