yrpspiritsintheshadows

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

A Strange Arrangement

A Strange Arrangement

Hideki sighed in content as he watched the whipped cream he was making double in size in the stand mixer.

There really wasn’t anything quite like the feeling of success at seeing a technique work out just like you practiced it.

“Alright, soon as this is whipped, I’ll get it into the cake and-”

There was a tugging on his apron, causing him to jump. He looked down to see Ken was giving him a puppy eyed look, tugging again on it.

“What’s up, Shark Pup?”

Ken smiled, jumping back.

“Can you make me a lunch?”

“Like, to eat here or a bento? And for that matter, why? I thought you already ate.”

Ken sighed, giving him a kicked look.

“I shared my lunch with my friends. I’m gonna be hungry real soon… Pleeeaaase?”

Hideki glanced at his mixer, checking the consistency of the whipped cream. Fluffy and nearly coming out of the bowl, just how he liked it.

“Maybe later. I need to finish my roll cake. If you’re patient, I’ll put a piece in there.”

Ken perked up, letting out a little gasp.

“Really? Can you put two?”

Hideki gave him a curious look, getting his roll cake set out on the counter and spreading the filling out atop it. 

“This is really rich. It’s chocolate with strawberries and I’m gonna cover it with a ganache before freezing it. You’ll get a tummy ache on two.”

“I won’t! The other piece isn’t for me.” Ken put both his hands together, giving another pout… throwing in a whimper for effect. “Pleeeaaase?”

Hideki flinched, trying not to make eye contact. He knew that look. He had become very accustomed to it.

“Ken, please don’t make that face.”

“Pretty please?”

“Ken, who are you even hanging out with? You know you can’t feed chocolate to the dog.” 

Okami, as if understanding this, let out a loud whine. Hideki rolled his eyes.

“She’s a really good friend of mine from school.” It wasn’t a lie, Ayami was waiting for him outside and he wanted to share a snack with her. “We’re going on a big hike.”

“I don’t remember hearing you talk about this friend before. Which one?”

“Her name’s Ayami.” 

Hideki hummed in thought. He remembered seeing a few kids playing with Ken during park trips but never anyone by that name.

“Ayami, huh?” 

He nodded, bouncing on his heels a little, leaning up to watch his big brother work. Hideki’s hands were fast as always, rolling the cake up carefully but securely before sliding it into the fridge. He moved to the stove, starting to melt chocolate together with heavy cream. 

“So, can I have it? Please?”

“How long are you gonna be gone? Did you tell Dad or Mom?” 

“I’ll tell them in a bit, but Mommy would just go “You have food at home, you two can eat here.” and… they don’t know Ayami’s mommy.” Ken pouted. 

Hidei nodded, very familiar with that rule. He grew up with it from Aika and Daisuke. Before the age of ten, no friends were allowed in the house unless they talked to their parents first.

“Well, why not ask her to bring her mom over then? She’s gotta anyways if she’s being dropped off, right?”

Ken went very quiet at this, biting his lip.

“... Ken?” Hideki narrowed his eyes. “I’m not helping you keep a secret.”

“But it’s an important one…” Ken looked down at his shoes. “I promised.”

Hideki sighed a little. He knew that all too well. He wasn’t comfortable keeping secrets like this though. Especially if it went against their parents’ rules.

Sure, he’d gladly sneak the kid an extra cookie or stay up an hour later than he said because his favorite show was on… but when it came to going off alone, or rather, anything involving Ken’s well being after the nightmare incident, he wasn’t comfortable with that.

“Ken…” He looked up from his cooking, meeting his eyes. “I want to respect your wishes but I’m not gonna keep secrets from Mom and Dad. That’s not my thing.”

Ken looked down, breaking eye contact.

“Ayami’s not normal though.”

“Is she like you? Or like me?”

“.... She’s…” Ken mumbled something, looking away from Hideki. The teenager frowned, raising an eyebrow.

“Pardon?”

Ken smiled sheepishly, guilt in his eyes.

“She’s a ghost.” 

Hideki’s eyes widened before he put a hand to his face.

“Keeennny, why didn’t you just start with that!?”

“Ehehe?” Ken kicked at the floor a little. “She’s not like a regular one though. She’s a Ghost Guardian… You know what those are, right?”

“Yeah, of course. Ghost kids who stay behind and work under Lady Phantova as her warriors against the undead.” Hideki took his pot off the stove, pouring it over the cake before shoving the entire thing into the freezer. “So, that’s who your little friend is, huh?”

“Ahuh… You see why I can’t just go “Bring your mom over.” since her mom is y’know...a GODDESS!?”

Hideki nodded, wincing a little.

“Yeah… I can imagine. At least tell Dad since I think he’d be more okay with this.”

“I’ll tell him later, Ayami’s waitin’ and I can’t cook.” 

Hideki sighed, lowering his head. 

“Okay, but just this once. I mean it bub.” He gave Ken a stern look. “And if you don’t tell, I will. This is not gonna be like your bad dreams. Okay?”

Ken nodded.

Hideki sighed before getting started on a relatively simple lunch, making sure there was enough for two.

“And if she offers you ghost fruit, you don’t eat it until you tell the folks. Alright?”

“Okay. Why?”

“I heard it doesn’t wear off that fast and you don’t wanna scare them with thinking you died and came back to pretend all was normal.”

Ken’s eyes widened before he nodded.

“Got it…. And Hideki?”

“Hm?”

Ken hugged him tightly.

“I love you.”

Hideki smiled softly.

“Love you too, Shark Pup.”

Things just keep getting interesting don’t they?

Honestly though, might be just the thing he needs to practice those gifts. He’s gonna see worse things than making a friend out of a dead kid.

It wasn’t long before Hideki saw Ken off, the little boy running off as he joined Ayami’s side. The ghost girl looked over her shoulder at him, giving him a thumbs up.

“Be careful.” He looked down at Okami, the dog giving a huff of annoyance. “What’s her issue?”

“It’s hard for her to keep up.” Ken frowned a little. “Okami, stay-”

The large dog bolted to his side, whining.

“Alright, alright. C’mon!” 

“Be safe you two.” He waved, before the kids started to walk off… Only to jump when Hideki let out a yelp.

They looked back, seeing Eiji was standing right behind Hideki. The man raised an eyebrow, motioning with his finger for them to come back.

“... Uh oh.”

Ken gulped, hurrying back over, as Eiji knelt to his level.

“Am I in trouble?”

Eiji held up a finger, taking off his reading glasses. 

“Not yet.” He gave a firm look. “First, I heard about half of what was going on in the kitchen. I was grading papers in the living room.”

Hideki winced.

“Frick…”

“You’re not in trouble. Like I said - not yet.” He gave Ken in particular a stern look. “Ken, can I finally meet your friend properly?”

“You knew!?” Ken yelped.

Eiji shrugged a little.

“I played with Ghost Guardians when I was little too. Kind of not a surprise to me, that you’d make friends with them too.” He was nostalgic as he looked Ayami over, nodding as he recognized the armor style. “Yup, the real deal… Which is why I’m not mad. But Ken, you should never be worried about this stuff, like I told you before - you can tell us anything and we won’t be mad.”

“Even if I tried to keep another secret?”

Ayami hurried over.

“It was my fault.” She insisted. “Please don’t be mad at Ken.”

Eiji looked at her, giving her a gentle look.

“I’m not mad. Like I said, I just want to know what my kids are getting up to. The woods aren’t entirely safe but if he’s got a friend like you, I think I can trust he’ll be alright… but I do want to at some point meet with your mother. Is that alright?”

Ayami nodded quickly.

“Frannie wouldn’t mind. If you played with us Ghost Guardians before then you’d know her too, right?”

“Yeah but it’s been about twenty years, give or take.” Eiji patted their heads. “But, no more of these little secrets, okay?”

“Okay!”

“Good… and Ken?”

“Huh?”

Eiji kissed his head.

“Be good and be safe.” 

Ken smiled, hugging him tightly, relieved he wasn’t in trouble.

“Thank you, Daddy. I love you!” He grabbed Ayami’s hand as they ran off, Okami chasing after the children. “C’mon Aya!”

“Eep!”

Hideki and Eiji watched them go, before Eiji sighed a little.

“She’s so tiny…”

Hideki looked up at him.

“How young do you think she was?”

“Given I’ve seen Ken playing with someone I couldn’t see since he was about 4? I’d imagine she was five. She’s presenting herself as six right now but she’s still learning. Could be awhile before she decides her final age so to speak.” Eiji sighed. “Makes me just sad for her parents, if they were good ones.”

Hideki looked back to where they had gone.

“If they were anything like mine, they’d just be happy she has a life somewhere. Even if it’s just her afterlife.” 

“Yeah… Welp, guess this means we might have a deity dropping in on us.” Eiji headed back inside. “I’m gonna go back sure I swept.”

“... So wait, that’s it? If Titan just showed up here, you’d be this nonchalant about it?”

“Kind of?” Eiji shrugged. “Honestly, this is just par for the course for me. I remember meeting her once when I was Ken’s age but that was twenty years ago. She probably doesn’t remember me.”

“Aww… Who could forget you?”

Eiji ruffled his hair.

“Aww shucks… Now… How about that cake eh?”

“Oh, you’re gonna love it. C’mon!”

Hideki hurried back inside, calling out for Hikaru and Carmen. Eiji looked back towards the forest, as the wind picked up around him.

The more things change… the more they stay the same.

oooooo

Ken and Okami were keeping up at a decent pace with Ayami, who was flying above them. The kids were relieved they hadn’t been in any actual trouble. 

“Hey, my big brother packed a big snack enough for two people. Do you wanna share it with me?”

“Sure! When we get to a good rest spot.” She did a flip through the trees above them. “Wee!”

Ken saw a large boulder coming up. He picked up the pace, before leaping over it, forcing himself into a flip before he kept running.

“Oooo nice! You learn that recently?” She clapped a bit.

Ken grinned. The extra lessons while practicing with Chase and Eiji were paying off.

“Ahuh! Just can’t do it often.” 

“Got ya…” She came to a stop, standing on a high tree branch looking around the forest. “Let’s see… Where to go…”

Ken looked around, Okami whining a bit as she nudged him along. 

“Oof! Hey.”

Ayami looked down, raising an eyebrow.

“What’s up with her?”

“She smells something she doesn’t like.” Ken moved along, knowing very well that trying to go anywhere Okami deemed “danger” was a bad idea.

Ayami narrowed her eyes, looking around them, focusing on the energy of the forest.

Something was nearby but… it didn’t feel like a threat. Still, she swooped down, pulling Ken up, flying at a pace to keep up with how fast Okami was sprinting away from it.

“Oof! Hey!”

“I don’t think it’s bad but we’re not alone. Let’s not tick something off.”

“Right.” He looked behind them… He saw a bush rustle. “... Let’s get far away. Fast!”

Ayami looked behind them before using her strength to grab onto the scruff of Okami’s neck, lifting them both up.

“ARROOOOOOO!” Okami howled in alarm. She smelled it… It was close but she smelled it. 

And she didn’t want it anywhere near her pup or the strange, not living pup.

“Um, Aya what are you-EEP!”

She phased them through a large brush of trees, before stopping at a large rock that had a relatively smooth surface, enough for all three of them to lay across.

“We’ll just stay here a bit.” She gave a salute. “I’ll go investigate.”

Ken frowned.

“It can’t hurt you can it?”

“Naaah. I’m already dead!” She boasted. “Nothing can hurt me!”

“Okay…”

Ayami gave a salute, before hurrying off, turning invisible. She came back to the path they had been on before, peering through the bushes and trees…

Whatever it was she had sensed and what scared Okami, was long gone now. She couldn't pick up a trace of it.

Weird… Maybe a forest spirit?

Ayami shook her head. No, that wasn’t right. It hadn’t felt dead. 

The presence was alive… very much alive.

Maybe it was nothing. Probably a fox.

Still, she made note to keep close to Ken during more of these excursions if she didn’t have training. 

Ayami hurried back to where Ken was waiting for her, already setting out their snack.

“Well?” He looked up, worried.

Ayami frowned.

“I couldn’t find it. It’s gone.”

“That’s good… right?”

“I think so but I’ll keep around more.” She sat on the edge of the rock, picking up a sandwich, taking a large bite out of it. “Mmm! Oooh that’s yummy! What’s in it?”

“Hideki makes this yummy sandwich spread, with veggies and cream cheese. It’s really good.” Ken smiled a little. “Aya, don’t worry, okay? I know you got my back.”

“And I intend to keep doing that.” She offered him a fist bump. “Ghost friends?”

“Not secret friends.” He nodded, bumping his fist with hers. He looked out over the forest, closing his eyes.

The forest’s energy was the same as ever but… his gut told him something else was around. He wasn’t entirely sure what it meant yet…

But he hoped it was nothing scary.

Just don’t let it hurt my family. 

#Spirits in the Shadows #Ken Miyamoto #Ayami #Ghost Guardians #Original work #original writing #literature #paranormal #web series #yellow rose productions #Storm Arashi

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Imaginary Friends

Imaginary Friends

School was out for Geistville Elementary. As students hurried to the bus or for their parents’ cars, one student was left to wait in the playground as he always did.

Ken, honestly didn’t mind waiting to be picked up from school. It was extra play time as far as he was concerned, getting the full run of the playground and not have to share the area with anyone…

Except for one person. 

He had met her back when he still went to the preschool that was attached to the building. She was around his age and was always there waiting to play with someone. The other kids couldn't see her of course but Ken didn’t mind.

“Weeee! C’mon, Ayami, catch me!” Ken giggled, ducking under the jungle gym as his friend chased him, floating just off the ground. 

Her laugh echoed around them, the glow around her body illuminating the area.

Ayami, didn’t dress like the other ghost kids Ken had seen over the years. She wore a set of black and white armor,with flower like designs and crystals embedded into it. Her hair was pure white and one of her eyes was a bright green color, contrasting to her other eye, which was a pale blue color.

“I’m gonna catch ya!” She phased through the jungle gym, floating upwards as Ken bounded across the top. 

“Nya!”

She giggled before tackling him as the two children rolled across it, laughing up a storm, one having to catch his breath.

“That was fun! We haven’t rough housed in a while! It’s been too long!”

Ken sat up, grinning.

“Way too long.” He giggled, leaning back. “We gotta play more often.”

Ayami fiddled with her hands, unsure.

“I dunno… I’m not normal.”

“But you're my friend!” He insisted. “We never play except during school days and then during summer I never see you!” 

“But…” She looked down. “Would your parents be okay with a ghost friend?”

That was the problem she was worried about. For a while, she looked and acted very much like a human child. Ayami had been deceased for a long time. Ken never asked her about what happened and she didn’t bring it up either.

It was an unspoken kind of rule. Don’t ask about the things that would make either of them upset.

Ken poked her forehead, getting her attention.

“My daddy was like me when he was little. I’m sure he’d be okay with it… and you’re a nice ghost. Pleeeaaase?” He gave her the puppy eyes.

Ayami squeaked, covering her own eyes.

“Kennny!!! That’s not fair!”

“Please? Please? Please?”

“Ooohhh bother…” She giggled, lowering her hands. He was still making the face. “Okay, okay!”

“Yippee!” Ken threw his arms around her. “You know where my house is? I can tell you where it is or you can sneak in and hide with me and my brothers!”

“I can find you easily.” She winked. “That’s the cool part of being a Ghost Guardian.”

“Right! Maybe I can meet more of your ghost friends too?” He tilted his head. “If you're okay with it.”

“Maybe. Oh! If you ever come to where I stay, you can meet Dree Dree! And Jackie and Aggie too!”

“Oooo… Yeah! Yeah!” Ken giggled, holding out his pinky finger. “It’s a promise!”

Ayami giggled, looping her finger with his.

“A secret promise!”

“A secret play date!”

oooooo

Around early evening, when the sun was still high in the sky, Ken had a knock at his window.

He looked up from his game system, grinning at who he saw. Ayami was floating just outside of his window, her white hair blowing in the wind.

“Is it a bad time?”

He pushed the window open, leaning out a little.

“You’re good! Wanna come in?”

“Hm…” She furrowed her brow, looking down to where she could see through the window to the rest of the Miyamoto family. “Not yet. Wanna come outside and play?”

“I can! Hikaru helped me with my homework!” 

“Cool! I got done training early too.”

The two children laughed before Ken hurried to grab his coat, grabbing one of his toys too.

“Daddy?”

Eiji looked up, adjusting his reading glasses.

“Yeah, Kiddo?”

Ken smiled, giving him a bit of a puppy eyed look.

“It’s still daytime, can I go outside for awhile?”

Eiji hummed in thought, glancing outside. It would still be about two hours before night fell.

“Only an hour and a half. I want you back just before sunset, okay?”

“Okay, thanks!”

Ken hurried outside, meeting Ayami at the backdoor… This time, however, Okami was wary as she stared at the ghostly child.

“Um… Is she okay?”

“She’s a nice doggy, don’t worry. Okami, c’mon! You can sleep while we play.” 

Okami huffed but followed after anyways, not wanting to let Ken out of her sight.

The children didn’t pay her much mind, since she kept up with their pace easily.

“I brought my bouncy ball. We can kick it around or something! See?” Ken pointed to the pale green designs around the black ball. “It glows in the dark!”

“Ooo, like me!” Ayami giggled.

“Yeah!” Ken moved back several paces, once he was sure they were a bit out of sight. “Ready?”

“Ahuh, ahuh!” Ayami got into position, bouncing in place. 

Ken grinned before kicking the ball her way, the girl jumping into the air a bit to kick it back.

“Nice!”

He ran a bit further in before kicking it as hard as he could.

Ayami squeaked as it barreled right towards her, turning her body intangible as it flew right through where her stomach would’ve been.

“Eeek! Sorry!” 

Ken ran up to her.

“You okay?”

“Yup!” 

Both children looked to where the ball had gone. They couldn’t see it anymore, having lost sight of it in the brush.

“... Uh oh.” They murmured in unison. 

“... I’ll go get it-”

“I’ll go with you!”

Okami whined, watching them leave. Her ears folded before walking after them. 

Ayami phased in and out of the brush, looking for the ball, the leaves lighting up as her essence phased through them.

“Hm… Not here…”

Ken looked around, humming in thought. He peered down the hill, seeing a faint glow from the paint.

“Found it-”

His foot slipped, as he started to tumble down the hill. Ken yelped, bracing himself for a hard impact… only for Ayami to grab his jacket’s hood, pulling hard to keep him from doing just that.

“Oof!”

He sighed in relief as she set him down. Okami whined from the top of the hill, pacing back and forth.

“I’m okay, Okami, promise!” He turned to Ayami, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry.”

Ayami shook her head.

“Don’t. You okay?”

“Ahuh!”

Ayami smiled before floating off retrieving the ball. 

“I got it!”

Ken smiled, bouncing in place a little. “Wanna play here?”

“Hm… I don’t think so. It’ll take a bit to get you home.” Ayami offered her hand to him. “Hold on tight.”

Ken blinked, doing so… squealing as she floated upwards for a moment, going higher than the boy thought possible, rising over the treetops.

The entire forest was revealed to them as Ken looked around in wonder.

“Wow…” He breathed. “This… Wow.”

“Not too much?” Ayami asked, smiling sheepishly. “Not scary?”

“No way!” Ken laughed. “We’re FLYING, Ayami! Really flying!”

She looked to the ball and back to Ken. “Wanna forget catch for a bit?”

“Yup!”

She dropped it before getting a better hold on Ken, keeping him close.

“Ready?” 

Ken gave her a thumbs up.

Ayami grinned, her green eye glowing brighter before she flew off at a rapid speed, the children laughing up a storm the whole way.

Dipping up and down back through the tree branches as Ayami made them both intangible, even through the earth itself as they popped back up.

Ken squealed as they flew through a particularly large tree, spotting a family of owlets before they phased out of it and onto the next branch.

“THIS IS THE COOLEST THING EVER!”

“And this is what I get to do all the time!”

After a while of flying like this, Ayami came to a stop in a particularly large oak tree that looked over the property. The two sat next to one another on one of the thicker branches, gazing out at the view before them. Ayami was a little tired, leaning against the trunk of the tree, while Ken was still bouncing a bit excitedly.

“That was… Seriously, you can do all kinds of amazing things and…” Ken rubbed the back of his neck, going a little red. “And I’m just the kid who can see ghosts…”

“Aww Kenny…”  Ayami pouted a little. “But you can do a lot of really neat things too. You can see what others don’t… and you aren’t afraid of those things either.”

“Not true… I have lots of bad dreams about bad things that happen to people…” Ken rubbed his arm. “I see people too that wanna get my attention because they can’t get anyone else’s. Like my big brothers’ first mommy and daddy. They haunted me all the time until Daddy was able to save Hika.”

“And I kept ‘em away from you at school, remember?” Ayami squeezed his shoulder, prompting a small smile from Ken. “Kenny, you just gotta practice. You’re still little.”

“Yeah… I wanna be just like my daddy when I grow up. I just… get scared sometimes… but Daddy says that this stuff happened to him too when he was little… same for my Auntie Naomi.” Ken fidgeted with his hands a little. “And I don’t have as many bad dreams anymore. Sammy helps me sleep better with Dreamster’s help. We play a lot when things get scary so I can sleep again.” He smiled a little. 

“What kind of dream stuff do you do?”

“Well…” Ken perked up. “Last night, I conjured up my oba-san’s house! It’s really, really huge!” Ken held out his arms as wide as they could go without causing him to lose balance. “And we played around the garden with her koi fish! The garden’s super, super big! It’s like a mini forest too!”

“Wow…” Ayami smiled. “And you did that.”

“Ahuh… and Okami helps me in my dreams too.”

“That’s cool!”

Ken smiled, looking down, seeing Okami at the base of the tree… giving him a disapproving look. 

“Yup. She loves me a lot. And I love her.”

Ayami smiled, closing her eyes as she leaned her head back. “So, you’re not just the kid who sees ghosts. Your daddy wouldn’t have known what to look out for with your brothers if you hadn’t seen their parents first.”

“Yeah… I guess so, huh?” Ken fumbled with his hands, frowning a little. “I just… hope no one’s in really big trouble, because of my new nightmares.”

Ayami squeezed his hand, taking it into her own.

“If they are, then we’ll get them out of it.” She gave him a grin. “That’s the job of a Ghost Guardian, to help people!”

“And… Memoria Coven members, can create Remembereds… or get spirit companions of our own when we’re old enough.” Ken smiled, a hopeful look coming to his eyes. “I wanna be that cool too.”

“And I have no doubts.” 

“Ayami…”

Ken hugged her tightly, startling her for a second before she returned the embrace, her glow brightening.

“Kenny...  I wanna help every step of the way. I promise.”

“And I know you will. It’s a promise… Okay?”

Ayami smiled, hugging him tighter.

“A secret promise.”

“A ghost promise!”

They giggled a little before Ayami helped him up, floating down to the ground.

Sunset was coming and they both knew Eiji and Carmen would NOT be pleased if Ken wasn’t home soon.

“Can we do this again tomorrow?” He asked as they hurried off for the house.

Ayami grabbed onto a tree branch, swinging down as she sprinted alongside him. 

“We sure can! More playtime, lots more play time!” 

“Yay!”

#Spirits In the Shadows #Hideki Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #paranormal writing #paranormal investigation #original work #original writing #literature #writing #Ayami #Ghost Guardians #Ghost Guardian Ayami #Spirits #SiTS

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Cooling Down

Cooling Down

Carmen had been waiting for Ejij, her computer set up in the family room that overlooked the deck near the driveway.  It was getting late though. Even late by investigation standards.

He’s never been gone till three.

Carmen fidgeted with her necklace, glancing down at the driveway again. This wasn’t like her husband. Especially when he had papers to grade in the morning.

“Please, be okay…”

I know this one had some bad memories for us… but they’d text me if something was wrong… Right?

Her hands went from her necklace to wrapping her arms around her midsection.

Bright lights rushed past her head, her hand gripping tightly at her husband’s hand as he tried to keep up with the medical staff.

“Don’t worry, I promise I’m gonna be right there. I’m right here.” 

“Eiji…”

He gave her a reassuring look, trying to hide the fear in his eyes.

“I love you.”

He’s always trying to take care of people. Even put up with having to be by my head during my c-section… 

I just want to be there for him too.

It wasn’t long after that the van pulled up. She watched as Eiji bid the team goodbye before heading up the deck.

She didn’t even give him a chance to open the door as she flung it open for him. His tired eyes met hers as he stepped inside the house.

“Hey…” He whispered.

“Hey…” Carmen frowned, cupping his cheek. “You okay?”

Eiji shook his head, bringing his arms around her.

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” He whispered, keeping her close. He was just relieved to be home, away from all that nonsense.

It had been a hard night.

Carmen stroked his back, concerned at how exhausted he really was. 

“Let’s go upstairs. Get you into bed.”

“Okay…” Eiji followed her upstairs, keeping quiet as they walked down the hall. He peered into Ken’s room, seeing the boy was fast asleep, huddled close to Okami. 

Safe and sound.

He peered into Hikaru’s room, finding the teen halfway off his bed but soundly asleep from the way he was breathing.

“That can't be comfy.” He remarked as Carmen peered in after, giggling a bit.

“Oh, Hika…”

“I got him.” Eiji went in, lifting him back into his bed. Hikaru churred a little in his sleep, nuzzling into his pillow.

Eiji smiled softly, stroking his hair.

“Dream on.” He tucked him, back in, before going back to Carmen. She had a warm look in her eyes, cupping his cheeks.

“You’re such a dad.” She whispered, kissing him quickly.

He smiled sheepishly, kissing her forehead.

“I can’t help it… Is Hideki…?”

“Already checked on him. All curled up in a ball and asleep.”

Eiji nodded, touching his forehead to hers.

“Sorry.”

“Stop being so silly. You’re worried about them.”

“Not that… Sorry… I didn’t listen to you.” 

Carmen frowned, pulling him into their bedroom, closing the door.

“Why? Because you wanted to help someone with an object they didn’t know was haunted?” 

Eiji shook his head, changing into his night clothes before nearly collapsing into the bed. 

“No… because it turns out, she made it haunted herself. Carmen, she was using a spirit board and knowingly didn’t close the portal.”

Carmen froze up before getting into bed with him.

“Eiji… That’s horrible!” She looked him over. “Are you alright? Did anything-”

“Only Skyler got attacked. We cleansed the house, closed it up… and dealt with an old foe..” Eiji closed his eyes tightly, curling up next to her. “I said I didn’t wanna talk about it but… It keeps haunting me.”

Carmen laid beside him, resting a hand on his side.

“Eiji, you can tell me anything.”

Eiji buried his face into her hair, his shoulders shaking. He had been fine leaving the house… but after, it took everything to hold it together until he got home. 

He thought it didn’t hurt him anymore. After twenty years, he thought he was an expert at keeping things to himself about it.

“Carmen… I…” He shook his head, eyes stinging. 

“Shh….” She stroked his side a little, kissing his forehead. “You’re okay. It’s okay mi amor. You don’t have to.”

“It was the spirit that attacked me when I was a kid. The idiot who hired us managed to summon THAT ghost.” 

Carmen’s eyes widened in alarm, before hugging her husband tightly.

“Oh, oh, oh Eiji…”

Eiji closed his eyes tightly, biting his lip, tears running down his face, trying to fight down the memories.

“What’d I do that was so bad? I was just a kid…”

“Shh…” She kissed his head again. “Shhh… You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I just wanted to protect my sister.” He whispered. “I just… wanted to be a good big brother.” 

“And she lived.”

Eiji nodded, keeping close to her. He was exhausted, his mind was going at a thousand thoughts a minute.

“Shhh…”

He looked to her with a pained look.

“I’m sorry.”

“Stop.” She touched her forehead to his, keeping eye contact with him. “Deep breath.”

He took a shaky one.

“Exhale.”

He released it, his body slumping a little. Sleep was creeping up on him. The whispered reassurances from his wife, the warmth of their blanket as she pulled it up over them…

Her very presence by his side.

“I love you…” He whispered, before his eyes slid shut.

What would I do without you?

oooooo

The next day, there was something definitely off in the household. Namely, when the boys hurried downstairs, Okami in tow.

“Hey, where’s Dad?” Hikaru looked around. “He’s always up right about now.”

“Or if he wasn’t, he’d be waking up as soon as Okami started making a racket.” Hideki added.

Carmen yawned, gaining their attention, to where she was at the stove. 

“You’re dad, had a really rough night last night guys. He really needs his sleep right now.” She explained, keeping her voice low. “So, we’re just letting him sleep in since it’s still the weekend.”

“Okay… Can I help with breakfast?”

“Sure can, Deki.” 

Hikaru and Ken glanced back upstairs, exchanging a worried look.

“He’s okay… right?”

“Just tired.” Carmen gave them a reassuring look, motioning for them to come away from the stairs. “We’ll get him up later.”

“Alright.” Hikaru lifted up Ken before the smaller boy could make it back up the stairs.

“EEP! Hey, Hikaaaa!”

Hikaru let him hang off his shoulders by his ankles, eliciting a stream of giggles as Ken tried futility to get free.

“Nooope! C’mon, let’s see that parkour mastery of yours get you out.”

Ken grinned, mischief in his eyes.

“Okami, halp!” 

Hikaru was standing one moment, the next, all he saw was a bullet made of dark fluff running right at him.

“Oh, fri-”

THUD!

“OOF!”

Hikaru groaned, squirming out from under the massive dog, giving Ken a sour look. The little boy was happily cuddled up to her, getting nuzzled.

“I hate you.” He said, letting his head hit the floor again.

“I love you too!” Ken chirped.

Carmen cleared her throat, giving the boys a warning look.

“Take it outside.”

Hikaru held up his hands in an “I’m unarmed” position before getting up.

“Hey, I was just trying to keep him from waking up Dad.”

Ken pouted.

“I wasn’t gonna wake him up.”

“Maybe not but she-” Hikaru gestured to Okami. “Can easily wake anyone up by just jumping on the dang bed.”

Ken huffed before getting up.

“I’m goin outside. Call me when breakfast is done! C’mon Okami!”

Okami perked up, hurrying out the backdoor with him.

“Mom, you want me to…?”

“He’s fine.” Carmen looked out the kitchen window. “He knows not to go for a long walk before breakfast - and Okami’s with him. She’s fierce when she has to.”

“Duly noted… I’m gonna go tinker for a bit then.” 

And keep an ear out for Dad.

Dunno if he has issues with nightmares too but seems we all get them.

Hikaru quietly made his way back upstairs to his room to grab his toolkit. The hallway was quiet, the only sounds coming from downstairs.

He was quick, grabbing up his latest project and tools, heading out of his room… letting out a sharp gasp, stumbling back as Eiji let out a sharp gasp of his own, eyes going wide.

“Oh Poseidon…” Hikaru muttered, putting a hand over his heart. 

“Vitalis Above…” Eiji gasped, trying to slow his heartrate. “You scared the crud outta me.”

“You are so one to talk.” Hikaru replied, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you were sleeping.” He remarked, noting how Eiji was dressed.

He was wearing a grey T-shirt with light blue jeans, foregoing his hoodie for now.

“I…” Eiji grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I couldn't get back to sleep. I thought it was time to get up and I was gonna go outside. Maybe go for a run through the property.”

“Oh.” Hikaru leaned against his doorway. “Kenny’s already outside. He’ll love that.”

“You wanna come with?”

“Hm… Maybe. Maybe after food.”

Eiji’s stomach growled as his face turned red.

“Maybe food’s a good idea.” He chuckled. “Sleep well?”

“Yup. Had a nice dream too for once.”

Eiji was relieved to hear that. Hikaru's nightmares were still present but slowly fading. Enough that his therapist didn’t think he needed dream therapy after all.

“That’s wonderful.”

Good. That’s progress. Really great progress. 

He still was a bit out of it, the remnants from the night before trying to come through. He was trying to get his mind off of it though since trying to sleep only brought up hazy dreams about haunted dolls and spirit boards.

Eiji headed downstairs, motioning for Hideki to keep quiet, coming up behind Carmen. 

He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the back of her head.

“Morning.”

“Hey…” She gave him a gentle look. “Welcome back sleepy head.”

“Good to be back. Coffee?”

“Already brewed.” 

Eiji hugged her tighter before going to make himself a cup. 

“So, what are you gonna do after breakfast eh?”

“Go for a run, maybe take the kids, unless you don’t want the house to yourself.” He grinned, before glancing to Hideki. “You wanna go out with me and your brothers later?”

“Maybe. I was gonna call someone…” He murmured, his cheeks going a bit pink.

“Oh?” 

“Just a… really good friend.”

Hikaru walked by him, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Her name is Tomino.” He grinned, earning a hard elbow to his stomach. “OOF! Worth it….”

“Get outta my kitchen!” 

Eiji had to think for a moment before the name registered. She was one of his students and if he recalled right…

She’s also in the music club and trying to start some kind of band. Least that’s what hallway chatter’s led me to believe.

“So… It’s THAT Tomino? Very nice choice.”

Hideki’s face was bright red.

“No comments from the sleeping gallery.” He muttered.

Eiji held up his hands.

“No worries, I’m not gonna tease.”

Yet.

Awww my shark pup might have a crush.

“Good or no food.”

“I share that sentiment.” Carmen smirked, nudging her husband a bit. “Now, go.”

“Going, going.”

Ah… I love my family.

After breakfast, Eiji grabbed his coat, getting ready to head out.

“Last call! Whoever wants to go out and get some fresh air and sunshine, say “aye” and follow me. If not, you’re free to stay home and we’ll go out later.” 

Ken hurried over, Okami right next to him.

“I wanna go!”

He chuckled, ruffling his hair.

“Alright buddy, let’s go. Hikaru? Hideki?”

Hideki walked by, holding up his phone and putting a finger to his lips. Eiji nodded, giving him a thumbs up.

Hikaru looked down at his robot he was tinkering with before getting up, dusting himself off.

“Sure, why not?” He grabbed his sweater before hurrying out with them.

Eiji gave him a grin as they started walking towards the end of the yard and into the forest itself.

“So, ponte un sueter?” He guessed.

“Guuuh yes. She pulled that at pick up from robotics club when we ran late. In front of all my friends. Including Marco.”

“Oof.” He winced. “Sorry kiddo.”

“Can’t complain too much eh?”

Ken walked between them, giving his older brother a playful look.

“But big bro! Mommy had to say it TWICE remember?”

“Why you little-!”

Ken ducked behind Eiji, whining a little. The man rolled his eyes, patting his head.

“Alright you two, chill… though seriously, bummer. Her mom still does that to her whenever we visit too.” He made his voice sound a bit high pitched, covering his mouth with his hands. “CARMENITA!” He exclaimed. “YOU’RE GOING TO GET DOUBLE PNEUMONIA! PONTE UN SUETER VAMANOS!!!” 

The boys busted up laughing.

“PFFT! Oh gosh! Guess it’s a good thing I haven’t met her yet!” Hikaru laughed, throwing his head back.

“That’s Abuelita alright!” Ken agreed, giggling up a storm. “Ken! You’re too skinny!” 

Eiji snickered.

“Yup, that’s your grandma. Least on your mom’s side. My mom’s… a bit more chill.”

“Just a bit eh?” 

Eiji nodded, looking around them. The forest was quiet today, the only sounds coming from the nearby river that ran through it and the birds chirping overhead.

“Honestly, can’t complain. She helped pay for our house.”

Hikaru stopped short as they kept walking.

“Wait. Seriously, Dad, how rich are we!?”

“Eh, enough?” He shrugged. 

Hikaru shook his head, running a hand through his hair. 

“Seriously, what do I have to do to get on her good side?”

“Not knock over her favorite vase!” Ken quipped, a guilty look coming to his face. “Especially not the blue one with the tiny birds.”

“... Oh… Noodle incident?”

“Literally.” Ken and Eiji retorted.

This family is nuts.

I love it.

Eiji looked up towards the sky, sighing a bit.

“I needed this.”

“How bad was it?”

“Enough that I really don’t wanna talk about it. Let’s just leave it at never use a spirit board. Kay?”

“Um… Alright.” Hikaru frowned a little. “You sure you're okay?”

“Yeah. Just gotta keep busy.” He broke into a jog. “C’mon. keep up!”

Ken broke into a sprint after him, giggling.

Hikaru shrugged, picking up the pace. If this was how Eiji coped with the things that he was afraid of, then he could get used to it.

Definitely can get used to it.

Eiji glanced back at the boys, smiling.

I’ll be alright. 

I’ve got a lot more depending on me now and I’m not gonna let them down.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Eiji Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Hideki Miyamoto #hikaru miyamoto #Supernatural #Paranormal investigation #paranormal writing #original work #webseries

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

My 17th and 18th entry for #Mermay2020 Hideki and Hikaru Fujimoto/Miyamoto from Spirits in the Shadows by Storm Arashi.

#Hideki Miyamoto #Hikaru Miyamoto #merfolk #mermay 2020 #Spirits in the Shadows

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

It’s Child’s Play

It’s Child’s Play

With the setup of the cameras and microphones all around the house, the investigation was underway.

Skyler was in the same room as the doll, sitting on the girl’s bed. 

Chase was situated in the living room, setting up for a ghost box session. Due to how focused the activity was, the team wasn’t as spread out as they usually were.

Lucian was situated in the parents’ room, sitting at the mother’s vanity, the light dimmed.

As Eiji watched it all, he kept his eyes specifically on the monitor to his left. On it, was a night vision camera, focused specifically on the doll itself. It was eerie to say the least, only watching it but it made sense.

The thermal imaging camera was nestled on a shelf by the doorway to Charlotte’s room, giving a readout of it and its inhabitants. 

An SLS camera was also set up, showing a rough field of vision. The SLS camera was to show anomalies as figures if they were in the room. One of the best ways to catch an apparition in the act.

We got all eyes on you, demon doll. 

Go ahead. 

Eiji leaned forward.

“Go ahead. Make my millennium.”

oooooo 

Skyler kept her focus on the doll, her EVP recorder in front of her as well as her pendulum.

“Well, looks like it’s just us, huh?” She asked. “Wanna tell me what your name is?”

Nothing. Not even a faint hint of movement from her pendulum.

“Alright…” She cleared her throat. “Yes or no, do you hate Charlotte?”

For a moment, all was quiet… until her pendulum moved back and forth.

Pendulums were meant to give yes or no questions specifically and had their own unique way of movement for each one.

For Skyler, yes was back and forth.

“Why do you hate Charlotte?”

In the nerve center, Eiji nearly jumped out of his seat when the room went down in temperature. There was a figure, a large one, standing in the imagery of the SLS camera.

After a few moments, Skyler picked up her recorder and played it back.

“Jealous. Living.”

“You’re jealous she’s alive?” She let it go for another moment before playing it back.

“Dumb brat.”

Skyler narrowed her eyes. She let the recorder go again.

At that moment, the doll's hand snapped up as the woman leaned back away from it.

“Skyler.” Eiji’s voice came through on her comm. “There’s a figure where the doll is supposed to be on the camera. Keep going.”

“R-Right.” She cleared her throat. “Alright, why possess a doll?”

The EVP recorder shook a bit before Skyler lifted it up off the bed.

A monstrous voice hissed.

“She opened the door.”

What?

“What door?”

Skyler looked around, eyes narrowing. If Charlotte hadn’t been fully honest with them then they had a whole slew of issues now.

“What door did she open!?”

Something clattered behind her. She slowly turned as the cabinet beneath the shelf the thermal imaging camera was on flew open.

A single large piece of wood fell out. Even in the dimmed light, Skyler could make out the patterns.

Oh, you have to be kidding me.

oooooo

“Oh, you have to be freakin kidding me.” Eiji muttered, a growl low in his throat.

There was no mistaking it. The wood… was a spirit board. 

Of course. Someone played with the board and opened a door then didn’t close it.

He was furious. His clients were supposed to be 100% honest about ALL of the happenings but this girl had not said anything about using a spirit board.

Yes, it’s a tool… but it’s a dangerous tool if in the wrong hands or in the hands of someone who is ignorant with it.

The doll on the camera to his left moved its hand up and down… waving.

Uuuuughh!

Eiji grabbed his communicator.

“Alright, team, be aware we might have multiple entities! The spirit just mocked Skyler by showing that this gal opened up a portal. I repeat, there is a spirit board in the house.”

“Oh, you have to be KIDDING me!!!” Lucian groaned. “Are you freakin kidding me right now?”

“Welp, we’re in for a long night.” Chase sighed heavily. 

Eiji sat back down in his chair, lowering his head.

Of course… Of course when I accept a freaking haunted doll case it turns into something worse. 

He looked up at the SLS camera. Skyler was virtually surrounded by multiple entities around her that she couldn’t see.

“Sky… Sky you have to move. Now. Get out of there.”

She moved to respond… as the doll’s eyes rolled into the back of its head, showing only the whites of the glass eyes. 

Skyler’s hand moved to her throat as she gagged, gasping for air. 

“Luce! Charlotte’s room, now! Sky’s in trouble!”

Nerve center be darned. 

All three men rushed to the room. By the time they got there, Skyler was thrown back against the wall, trying to get any kind of air in. Her vision was dotted with black spots. She could barely see her team.

“Skyler!!!”

Eiji slammed a spell tag onto the doorway as the air rushed from the room. 

Skyler fell forward, inhaling as the force around her airway faded. She gagged, coughing as she tried to catch her breath.

“Easy, easy…” Lucian knelt by her, patting her back. “Deep breathes… Lemme get a look.”

“R-Right.” She tilted her head up, small bruises just like on Charlotte’s neck on her own.

“Dangit…” Lucian looked to Eiji. “Alright, Boss, what do we do? This wasn’t what we signed on for.”

Eiji looked down at the spirit board then up to the doll on the shelf.

“I…” He hated leaving clients without all the help they could get. But this… this was getting dangerous. It wasn’t like they hadn't been scratched or pushed before or even outright thrown.

Choking was entirely new. Not to mention, they were out numbered. 

“... We finish the game.” He finally said, with a frustrated sigh, picking up the board and finding the planchette after a moment. “I hate this.”

“Whoa, WHOA.” Chase clamped a hand on his arm, giving him a warning look. “I thought our policy said, no spirit boards, even if you know how to use them because it’s unpredictable.”

“The thing is, we use tools similar. We just know our limits, like with the pendulum. We’re finishing what this kid started.” He narrowed his eyes. “We’re not going to do more than that. Just make it clear we’re going to say “goodbye” and then we’re confiscating it too.”

Chase narrowed his eyes.

“You’re not comfortable with that.”

It wasn’t a question. 

Eiji flinched, lowering his head.

“The portal is gonna stay open no matter what we do if we just leave now. I’d rather cleanse the house AND close it.”

Chase let him go, letting out a sigh.

“Alright, you heard the boss.” He went over to Skyler and Lucian, helping Skyler to her feet. “You get the salt, I got Sky.”

Lucian nodded.

“Right… I’m making it clear now, I am one hundred percent against this.”

“I think we all are.” Skyler sighed, rubbing her neck.

Eiji looked towards the doll. 

This was still, all too familiar.

“AAAHHH!!!!”

“Carmen!? Carmen what’s-Oh Divine! CARMEN!!!!”

oooooo 

In time, there was a thick circle of salt around the dining room table, the board set up on it. Four candles lit, representing the four corners around it.

The team had already gone through the house with sage burning or with sprays made of salt water that had been blessed by one of Eiji’s relatives.

It was time to close the portal.

The four sat down, all hesitantly taking hold of the planchette. 

“Divine, I don’t think I’ve done this since highschool.” Lucian hissed under his breath.

“Dude, we all did this once in highschool. Right, Eiji?”

Eiji gave him a look.

“Memoria Coven, do you think I was using ouija boards? My mom would’ve smacked me with her slippers.” 

“Good point.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath.

“We are here to finish what was started. To end what has begun.” He spoke, the planchette shaking wildly under their fingertips, moving across the board to the “NO” painted on the right side.

“Too bad, it’s time.” He growled. 

The piece moved again at such a pace that it broke free from their grip. It moved across the board over several letters, spelling out a message… a message that sent a chill through Eiji’s being. 

“I KNOW YOUR FACE.”

“Knows who’s face?” He asked, growling a little.

“SON OF MIYAMOTO.”

Eiji’s eyes widened in horror, leaning back in his seat.

“Leggo! Put me down! NAOMI, RUN!!!!” 

“Oh, don’t worry. I will, Son of Miyamoto.”

Don’t be afraid.

It can't’ get you now.

Eiji took control of the planchette, shuddering as a wave of energy washed over him, causing him to tremble.

This dark, foreboding energy… He knew it. He knew it very well.

“I’m not ten years old anymore.” He whispered. “I end this portal and I close it now! BE GONE!!!”

He forced the planchette over the goodbye symbol as a loud scream echoed through the house, the sound of glass shattering in Charlotte’s room.

Eiji panted, sitting back down, putting his head in his hands. 

Lucian stroked his back, giving him a concerned look.

“What the heck was that?”

The man didn’t look up, shaking his head wildly.

“Give… Give me a few minutes.”

What the heck? We… We sent that thing to the other side almost twenty years ago.

“Luce. Help me with this piece of trash.” Chase nodded to the board, a grim look in the man’s eyes.

Lucian sighed, getting up, grabbing it.

“We’re burning this. We can burn it now right?” 

“We can.” 

Skyler got up, heading to Charlotte’s room, not surprised to see the doll had basically exploded off of the shelf, pieces of fabric and porcelain all over the room, one glass eye in front of the doorway, looking up at her.

“Yeah, we’re definitely done here. Chase! Where’s the broom?”

Eiji tuned out his team for the most part, trying to process what had just happened.

That energy… he recognized that energy from long ago. 

Back when he was young.

Back when his closest friends were spirits.

Back when I had eyes like Ken’s.

He slammed his fist into the table, getting up.

“I’m packing up!” He called, starting to get the equipment from the nerve center. 

He didn't expect to have two things from his past drug up like this. Far from it.

From the case that led to a month long nightmare for himself and his wife… to something that happened long ago.

This is why I don’t do haunted objects. 

Lesson learned, never ever AGAIN.

Just… why now?

Eiji looked at the monitors with a heavy sigh.

I have a bad feeling this isn’t it.

… But I can worry about all this later though.

I just wanna go home.

“Eiji.”

He looked up as Chase gave him a worried look.

“You look exhausted. You want me to handle this?”

“Nah, I’m fine… Really.”

“Let me help you at least.” 

As they cleared the house of the investigation, no one mentioned the message on the board. They all knew the story. Eiji hadn’t bothered to hide it when they were teenagers and hadn’t tried to hide it when they were in college either and Lucian joined the team.

Right now, their concern was their friend and making sure he was alright.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Eiji Miyamoto #Chase Armati #Lucian Anameches #Skyler Nicks #Spirits #SiTS #Original work #original writing #writeblr #webseries #paranormal #paranormal investigators #PACK

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Old Wounds

Old Wounds

Dear Mr. Miyamoto,

It is with great fear I am reaching out to you. I don't know what to do. You're my last hope here with this. My name is Charlotte and I'm 18 years old, but I still live at home. I go to Geistville Community College.

I have this doll, it was given to me by a relative, whom I am not close with. I've enclosed a picture of the doll at the bottom. Ever since getting her, weird things have been happening. My name's been called when I'm the only one home, I've had nightmares where I can't breath and woke up with these weird bruises around my neck.

I brushed it off at first because my family thought I was nuts. It wasn't until the doll started moving off of its stand at night that I realized I'm NOT crazy and this is in fact happening.

First, it'd be on the floor. No big deal, I have a cat, Pearl, she knocks things off my shelves sometimes but this is a porcelain doll and Pearl sleeps in the living room in her cat cave. If Pearl knocked it over, it should've broken. Nope. Still intact.

Then, I swear I saw its eyes follow me when I was getting ready for school.

Last night, I had the nightmare about not being able to breathe and when I woke up, the doll was on top of me.

Please… Please help me. I'm scared it's going to kill me…

Eiji sighed heavily, reading over the letter for what felt like the hundredth time. It had been concerning when he received it initially.

Now, reading it over again, there was dread building up. He pulled up the photograph included.

The doll, to anyone else, looked normal. Snow white porcelain, dark, almost black brown eyes, she had a purple chiffon dress on, covered in ruffles and frills, her pale blonde hair in ringlets around her head.

If the doll wasn't involved in a haunting and didn't look so… otherworldly, Eiji would've called it "cute" and moved on.

He had to take it with a grain of salt, however… and he wasn't sure if this was something his team should handle.

The last time I dealt with a haunted doll case…

He looked at the picture he kept by the computer of when Ken was a newborn, the day they finally got to bring him home from the hospital.

I made one of the worst mistakes of my life.

Goddess, why did I bring that thing into the house?

Old guilt bubbled in his chest as he bit the nail of his index finger. Normally, he never hesitated… but this had an old wound attached.

"Eiji, I don't want that thing in my house."

"I know, I promise I'm burning it in the morning. It'll be destroyed and not be able to bug anyone again. I got the key. Just focus on resting. Don't want you or the baby getting stressed."

I'm gonna need to talk it over with Carmen. One thing is for sure, I am NEVER bringing that thing into the house.

Not where it could terrorize Ken or Hideki or Hikaru. Not…

He growled.

Not where it can touch Carmen.

Never again.

His heart went out to the girl. He knew what it was like to be terrorized by something you thought was innocent.

Something, that you thought would never get a chance to harm you.

Just hope her house doesn't have stairs.

I need to talk to Carmen… and maybe call Naomi. Because I don't know if I can take this case. I'd have to sell her on it and even then.

He gripped the arm of his chair tighter, eyes trailing from the doll's face to the photograph. Carmen, in the picture, looked exhausted but relieved, holding the tiny bundle that was their son. Safe and sound, home at last.

What am I gonna do? Eiji sighed heavily, getting up. He had to get out of the room for a bit.

He didn't want to have this conversation.

Deep down though, he knew in truth he wanted to help this girl. Free her of whatever was inside the doll.

I'm just scared that it'll bite me again. I usually forward this crap to Naomi.

He headed upstairs, going to Carmen's office. The pool room was nearby, the door was open a crack so she could listen if any of their kids were in the pool.

As it stood, no one was. The boys were in the family room, watching a movie of some sort. It was just them.

He peered inside, Carmen was sketching on her screen tablet, her eyes narrowed in focus.

Eiji swallowed hard, knocking on the doorway. Her eyes never left the tablet but her hand did pause in its movements.

"If this is a bad time, I can come back in an hour." He offered when she did look up.

Carmen narrowed her eyes, looking her husband over… In particular his eyes. He was nervous, shifting in place, hands tucked into his jean pockets.

"What's on your mind, Mi Amor?"

Eiji bit his lip. He really didn't want to have this discussion.

I could just make something up and run upstairs.

But that's lying.

I could say I turned it down and go upstairs and call Naomi.

But that's half lying.

I could…

Augh, I'm gonna have to do this, aren't I?

Eiji let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping. Normally, they could talk about everything and anything.

Just. Say it.

"Carmen, I got a letter today from a client about a new case." He frowned, unease blooming within. "I… This is something I really need to talk to you about."

"What's going on?" She frowned, concern washing over her. "Is it involving something like what happened to Hideki and Hikaru?"

"No, no! We're not taking in more kids." He held up his hands. "It's not like that… but it does involve something that we both hate. See, she has this doll and-" Eiji cut himself off, at the stricken look Carmen had. "C-Carmen?"

Carmen narrowed her eyes, shaking her head.

"No. You know the rule." She got up, grabbing a water bottle out of the small fridge she kept in her office. "I don't want any creepy haunted objects in my house!"

"I wasn't going to bring it home." He explained, a pleading look coming to his eyes. "I swear, what happened back then won't happen EVER again."

Carmen stared at him, frustration coming to her eyes.

"I don't… Eiji, if something attaches itself to anything and comes after the kids or me, you'll never forgive yourself. You're STILL upset about what happened." She went up to him, cupping his cheek. He pressed it into her hand, closing his eyes. His shoulders were shaking a little.

"It was my fault." He murmured, his voice cracking a little. "Carmen, I thought…. I thought…"

"Shh… I know." She stroked his arm. "Mi Corazon, I think I know better than anyone… I was scared too."

"He was so tiny… and you were in so much pain… Carmen, I… I'm torn." He ran a hand through his hair, a haunted look in his eyes. "I want to help. I want to help this girl really badly but I don't want to risk you guys either… Especially you." He frowned, bringing his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. "Please…"

Carmen brought her arms around him, stroking his back. She didn't want to say anything, except dig her heels in and say no. In a perfect world, if she said "no" once, he would've never spoken of it again… But the idea of her Eiji even doing that unsettled her.

It still hurt.

While Ken, it seemed had no health issues after his rather unceremonious arrival, they had been terrified.

C-section, having a hard time getting out of bed to go to the NICU, Eiji being there every single moment, trying his best.

We went through heck back then because of a stupid doll…

And now there's another stupid doll out there.

She tightened her arms around him, burrowing her face into his chest.

"I love you." She leaned up, giving him a serious look. "I'm not gonna lie, I don't want you to do this. Not even in the slightest. I want you to give it up."

Eiji nodded, lowering his head a little.

"But… I'm not going to ask you to do that because I don't want someone else getting pushed down the stairs or killed because of some stupid little doll." Carmen tilted his chin up. "But I don't want it in my house. Not even for a night. Okay?"

"It won't go anywhere but a fire pit in some campground off the highway. I promise." Eiji vowed. "I'll cleanse myself before coming in the house too."

Carmen played with his necklace, kissing his chin. He kissed her, holding it for a moment.

She pulled back after a moment, touching her forehead to his.

"I love you." He breathed, relief washing over him like a wave. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." She nuzzled him. "You big darn, hero."

"Just an investigator."

"Yeah, who if he brings that doll home, can kiss back rubs goodbye for six years."

"Sounds fair. More than fair." He kissed her forehead. "Thank you."

"Welcome." She wagged her finger at him. "Remember, I better not see it in my house."

"You won't." He grinned.

"Good."

oooooo

He didn't need to hold an entire meeting about this one. Just one message:

"It's a doll. After the investigation, we're burning it. No chance of it going after anyone. Got it?"

They all knew. They had investigated the first doll case and had been part of deflecting others until now.

"Eiji, are you sure about this?" Chase asked as he helped pack up the van, hefting another duffle bag into it. He also packed a gas can full of fuel for a fire. "We can reschedule."

"No."

"Eiji-"

"Chase. I promise, I'm gonna be fine." Eiji smiled a little, trying to hide the dread he was feeling. "I'm scared but I'm fine."

"You could stay home. We could drive down to Monstruo and grab Naomi-"

"Nope. She has kids too." Eiji walked past him. "Gonna go say goodnight to the kids."

Soon as he was gone, the team huddled together.

"Alright, we know this is gonna mess with him." Skyler spoke up, crossing her arms. "So, we have to put as much space between the doll and Eiji as possible."

"I'll be bait." Chase held up a hand.

"Of course you're bait." Lucian smirked, before it faded. "Eiji needs to handle nerve center. He'll be on monitor duty all night. No investigations outside of it."

"He's not gonna be okay with that."

"He will. Something tells me he will and if not." Lucian smirked. "That's what texting Carmen will do."

"... Lucian, you seriously scare me sometimes."

He shrugged.

"Either way. Eiji is not getting set off tonight. We're not letting him get near the darn thing unless it's attaching cameras to it."

"We got all of the spell tags in a box too. We'll stick 'em all around the nerve center."

The team nodded to one another.

No mistakes tonight.

Let's do this for our little ghost family.

oooooo

Charlotte's home was a modest three bedroom house. With white paint and a grey roof, it looked like your typical house.

"My parents are out of the house for the weekend and if I have to leave for the night I will too."

Eiji knocked on the door, leaning a bit to the side.

It wasn't long before a young woman opened it. She was pale, her blond hair hanging in ringlets around her face, the rest pulled into a short ponytail at the back of her head. She wore a bright red scarf around her neck as well.

"Hey there. Charlotte Monroe?"

"Y-Yes? And you're Eiji?"

He smiled reassuringly, offering her a hand as she shook it.

"I promise we're gonna get to the bottom of what's happening to you."

Charlotte relaxed a little, ushering them inside.

"I had my parents take the cat with them. Pearl won't be interfering with anything."

"That's good to know-" Eiji's words died on his lips as he saw what was sitting on the coffee table.

Unease washed over him like a tidal wave as his eyes met its soulless glass orbs.

"I… see we're getting right into it then? This is the doll?"

"Y-Yes." Charlotte shuddered. "I didn't want her in my room tonight. I'm sorry. Will that be a problem?"

"No, not at all."

Chase whistled as he looked it over.

"So, does her hair grow too or-"

"Chase!" Eiji hissed.

Charlotte blinked, confusion in her eyes.

"Hair growing? I… I don't think so. Is that a sign?"

"No, no." Eiji reassured, waving it off. "Just an old legend about another supposedly haunted doll." He gave Chase an annoyed look.

"Oh. Okay. Can I get you guys anything? Tea, soda, coffee?"

"Nah. We're fine, honestly. Shall we?"

She nodded, leading them to the dining room of the home.

"Sorry, I just… feel really uncomfortable talking in front of her."

Eiji gave her a reassuring look, taking out his notepad.

"No worries. Let's hear it."

Charlotte nodded, fumbling with her fingers.

"Okay, for one… I don't have a name for her. I just call her "that thing" since I've honestly always hated dolls. My favorite toys were stuffed animals. I hated it whenever anyone gave me a doll but for some reason I can't seem to get rid of it."

Eiji narrowed his eyes.

"How so?"

Charlotte closed her eyes tightly, exhaling sharply.

"I tried throwing it away when I messaged you. It came back."

"And you're parents wouldn't have brought it back in?"

"Never."

She glared down into the garbage can. She looked at the doll in her other hand, giving it a sneer.

"Meet your new resting place." She chucked it in hard enough that she heard a crack, the doll's neck broken in an awkward angle. She smiled, putting the lid on and heading back inside.

"Alright, time for some Leonideas-" She stopped short as she entered her room.

The doll was lying on her bed, perfectly repaired.

"I was out of the house for less than two minutes." She shivered.

Eiji finished jotting the information down. Internally, he was horrified at what he was hearing, but he was giving an outward appearance of calm. Just trying to do his best to be reassuring.

"I see… and do you still have bruises?" Eiji gave her a gentle look. "My colleague here, he's also a paramedic. It just helps to see for documentation."

Charlotte fidgeted before nodding, undoing the scarf.

As it fell away, the team gasped.

Her neck was covered in bruises, almost all in the same pattern, traveling entirely up her neck. Two on each side.

"Good gracious…" Lucian walked over to her. "Is it alright if I…?"

"You can." She murmured.

Lucian was gentle, tilting her head to the side as he examined the bruises. There was a distinct pattern. One he unfortunately was very familiar with.

"Yeah, these are finger prints." He concluded, stepping back. "They're miniature but these are distinctly human finger prints."

Charlotte replaced her scarf around her neck.

"So… she was choking me for sure?"

"It's possible. Which is why I think it would be in your best interest if you didn't stay the night while we're here." Eiji gave her a gentle look. "Is it possible for you to join your parents? We'll be gone by day break."

"I can go to my boyfriend's house. He lives down the street." She smiled a little. "Bill wouldn't let anyone hurt me."

"Then give him a call and pack up. We'll make sure the doll doesn't bug ya."

"Thank you."

It wasn't long before Charlotte left the house, hurrying down the street on her bike. Eiji closed the door behind her, sighing heavily.

"Alright, since the most activity happens when the doll is in her room, I'll go move it there and get the ghost box setup-"

"Nope." Lucian clamped a hand on his shoulder. "I'm doing that."

"Eh?" Eiji furrowed his brow. "Luce, I can handle this."

Lucian smiled, shoving him along.

"I know. But you've been active in our last two investigations while I had to babysit the cameras. You take a darn turn."

"Wait." Eiji turned around, giving him a suspicious look. "You're… volunteering. As ghost bait. You're actually volunteering!?"

"Yes. Problem?"

Eiji sighed heavily, a bit guilty for being relieved he didn't have to spend too much time in the same room as the doll.

"No."

Lucian grinned wickedly.

"Good. Now, get in the freakin nerve center."

Alright…

Let the night begin.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Writing #original work #original characters #writeblr #literary web series #Eiji Miyamoto #Skyler Nicks #Chase Armati #Lucian Anameches #Carmen Miyamoto #Dolls #haunted dolls

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Tech Time

Tech Time

Okay, something’s amiss here.

Mom spent all day yesterday doing a big ol’deep clean of everything.

Now, there’s tons of food being made…

Hikaru hummed in thought, trying to think of what kind of event it was. He still wasn’t too familiar with the extended family. Not too ready to meet a bunch of people yet still.

Hm… Then again…

“Is it auntie? Cause you know she loves to talk-” Ken stopped mid sentence as Carmen raised an eyebrow, saying nothing. “Crap.”

“No.”

Yeah. If it was her side of the family, we’d probably have heard something.

Hikaru walked around the house, leaving Hideki and Carmen to their cooking. He didn’t wanna interrupt, they seemed pretty content to be where they were.

He moved to the back deck, finding Ken playing with Okami.

“C’mon, you want it?” The six year old asked as Okami hunched down, her tail wiggling in the air.

“Go… GET IT!” He threw the ball in his hand as hard as he could as it ricocheted across the yard. Okami nearly tripped over herself chasing after it.

“Geeze, she’s hyper today.”

“Ahuh.” Ken smiled, bouncing in place as Okami found the toy, rushing it back over. “Good girl!” 

“So, what’s up with Mom?” He asked, thumbing inside, dodging as the ball sailed over his head. “Hey, watch it!”

“Sorry! What about Mommy?” Ken tilted his head.

“Why’s she doing all the cleaning and… and that freakin feast! Tamales, fried plantains, all that freaking steak and the tortillas?” 

Ken smiled as it clicked now.

“Oh!” He giggled. He knew exactly what this was all about. “That’s cause Uncle Joseph’s coming over!”

Uncle Joseph…? 

Hikaru tilted his head, confusion in his eyes.

“Huh?”

“You’ll see.” Ken took the ball from Okami again, running off to play with her in a different area. “Wanna keep playing with us?” He called after.

“No thanks!”

“Awwww!” Ken pouted. “Why not?” 

“I got a robot to tinker with! Just be careful, no falls!”

“Okay!”

Hikaru looked off towards the road and downhill, the wind that picked up blowing his hair around.

“Uncle huh…?”

I wonder if they’re like Dad…

Or like us.

Hikaru hung around outside until the sun was starting to set. He was content to just have his tablet with him, texting Marco via Skype.

The wind was picking up as he shivered a little.

He looked up, meeting Carmen’s eyes as she peered out of the door. Her eyes widened before opening the screen door.

“Hikaru, why aren’t you wearing a jacket!?”

“I’m fine. Who’s Joseph?”

Carmen looked behind her towards the kitchen.

“Eiji?”

“I’m on it love, go.” 

She grabbed something before heading outside, joining her son offering him a black knitted sweater that had a dark blue shark fin stitched into the back.

“Ponte un sueter.” 

Hikaru shook his head. 

“Hikaru, this isn’t up for debate. It’s cold. Put on a sweater or go inside.” Carmen crossed her arms, raising a single eyebrow. 

Hikaru gulped, taking it and slipping it over him… He hated to admit, it was just what he needed.

“Sorry.”

She sat down next to him, looking down the hill towards the road.

“So, who is this Uncle Joseph Ken mentioned?”

Carmen smiled, leaning back in her chair. There was a nostalgic look in her eyes. 

Of course, it’s my little inventor who is the most curious.

“Well, Joseph isn’t really my brother but we’re close. He’s my best friend.” She chuckled, shaking her head. “Honestly, I don’t get to see him often but whenever I can, it’s just wonderful.”

“So, that’s why all the food and stuff?”

“Gotta pay him too.” At the confused look, she got, she grinned. “A couple of months ago, Eiji’s computer was infected with a pretty bad virus. His computer that he uses for work.”

Hikaru’s jaw dropped open a little.

“Yeah, that’s the face your father made too. Kenny had thought he won a free video game system and… yeah. He clicked a link that he wasn’t supposed to, thus, infecting the computer fully with a virus that was going to destroy work Eiji had uploaded since high school.”

Hikaru winced, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Ken was a good kid, but he was still that - a little kid, who didn’t fully understand the effect his actions had on others sometimes.

“Ooooh Titan…”

Carmen nodded, sighing.

“So, I called up Joseph. He and I went to college together too, we had the same graphics design course and hung out sometimes. He’s extremely skilled with computers, so anytime something like this happens, I call him up. He recovered everything successfully and yeah. So, he’s coming over to give a check on the computer and see if anything hardware wise needs repair too.” She smiled, giggling a bit. “He insists it’s nothing but I like giving him a good meal at least.”

“I get ya… Huh. Good to know.” 

They saw headlights coming up the hill as they both stood.

“And that’s his car. C’mon.” Carmen lead the way to the front of the house near the driveway, waving to the driver.

Hikaru kept a few paces behind her, curious.

The car came to a stop, parking behind Eiji’s, the driver stepping out. He was a young man with dark skin and brown hair, a bit of cowlick sticking up on the back of his head. He was wearing a black jacket with a graphic tee under it. His teal eyes were full of warmth as he waved to them.

“Hey, Carmen!”

“Joseph, good to see you!” She hurried up to him, giving him a hug.

He chuckled, hugging her tightly.

“Great to see you too. Trust you’ve been well?” He asked as they pulled away, heading up to the door.

“Really well.”

Joseph nodded, looking to Hikaru. A curious look came to his eyes as he nodded to him.

“And whom might this be?”

Carmen brought an arm around her son’s shoulders as Hikaru gave a sheepish smile.

“This is Hikaru. He’s my eldest son.” 

“We… We joined the family not too long ago.” Hikaru bowed his head quickly. “It’s good to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you too, kiddo.” Joseph shook his hand, a gentle look in his eyes. “It’s great to meet another nephew.”

Hikaru smiled, perking up.

“Yeah... Oh! Wait till you meet Hideki. C'mon!” He hurried inside.

Joseph looked to Carmen, a chuckle escaping him.

“He seems like a good kid.”

“He’s a great kid. Bit like you too.”

“Ah, I see. Maybe I can have some tinker time later.” He suggested, following her inside.

The house was as it always had been… provided there were two new voices, joining the cacophony of sound within.

Joseph barely had two seconds in the doorway before Ken bolted up to him, arms outstretched.

“UNCLE JOSEPH!!!”

“Whoa!” He laughed, scooping him up. “Missed you too Kenny! Oh, look at you, you’re getting so big!” 

Ken giggled, throwing an arm over Joseph’s shoulder.

“Not too big for hugs!”

Joseph chuckled, ruffling his hair. 

“There’s never such an age!”

“Heee!”

Eiji poked his head out of the kitchen, a smirk on his face.

“Ah, the man of the hour. Hope things have been well?”

“Oh, plenty.” Joseph chuckled, carrying Ken into the kitchen, inhaling the scent that was wafting around it, a content sigh leaving him.

This was definitely a favorite part of his visits.

“Carmen, you outdid yourself. It smells incredible.”

Carmen laughed, walking in behind him, a proud look in her eyes.

“Wish I could take credit for it.” She admitted. “I did a few of the dishes and we made the tamales all together as a family… but the rice? The pork?” She gestured to Hideki, a grin on her face. “That, goes to my favorite chef right here!”

Hideki blushed, smiling sheepishly, giving a quick bow.

“H-Hi.”

“Hey there. You must be Hideki.” Joseph gave him a gentle look. “I’m Joseph. It’s a pleasure to meet you… and I look forward to trying that food.”

“I promise, it’ll be good.” Hideki smiled.

“I have no doubt.”

Goodness, they’ve been busy.  

“Hey, hey, Uncle Joseph!” Ken poked his shoulder, getting his attention. “I got better at my rolls and cartwheels. You wanna see?”

“How about after dinner? You can show me while I’m doing the computer check.” Joseph offered.

Ken smiled brightly, hugging him again, letting out a small giggle.

“Okay!”

Hikaru opened his mouth to say something, instead choosing to go help set the table.

Would he be okay with me helping? If he knows about tech stuff… Maybe I could ask him for some advice…

It wouldn’t be too much, right?

After dinner, Joseph went down to the garage with Carmen to see what currently was going on with the computer.

Hikaru and Ken followed after, the smaller boy more interested in the parkour hurdles and balancing beams placed around the opposite side of the room. 

“Ah, still a beauty.” Joseph chuckled, looking over the computer. To some, it would’ve been a powerful gaming computer. Electronics lit up the console’s side paneling, the keyboard having inset lights that glowed an eerie shade of blue. No one would have suspected it housed over ten years of paranormal evidence, files and server information. 

“It should be. You helped make it.” Carmen smiled, leaning against the wall. 

Joseph nodded, setting down his tool bag, getting out a few specialized tools. Hikaru’s eyes went wide as he watched.

“Whoa…” He knelt down next to him, peering down into the bag. “H-How’d you swing these? These gotta be custom, right?”

“I made them myself.” Joseph held up one in particular as it lit up with teal colored light. “All for really seeing what’s going on inside and keeping things in check.”

“Incredible.”

Carmen exchanged a glance with him, gesturing with her head towards Joseph. Hikaru shook his head slightly…

“Hikaru?”

“Y-Yes?”

Joseph had a gentle look in his eyes, offering one of the tools and a headset to the teen, as Hikaru gave him a stunned look.

“I could use an assistant. If you want to.”

Hikaru nodded, excitement coming over him as he slipped on the headset. In an instant, he could see numerous codes appearing across the screen, commands and options appearing as well.

Joseph glanced at the necklace around his neck. He knew all too well what that symbol meant.

I think my brand of weird would be right up his alley.

“Comfortable?”

“I might never give this back.” Hikaru admitted, letting out a small chuckle as he took a tool into his hands. 

Joseph got to work, sifting through the programs and files, smiling as he saw no signs of virus activity or malware.

“You really like working with technology, huh?”

“I wanna dedicate everything to it.” Hikaru replied, his voice soft as he entered a code. “I’m in the bot club at school, actually. We make robots to take to competitions and fight but I wanna also make stuff for the world.”

Joseph gave him a curious look before going back to his work.

“That so huh? What kind?”

“Robots that can assist people who need help getting around. Round the clock carers. Robots that, if you're allergic to pets but want a robot animal, you can have one and have it as a therapy pet that can detect stuff like seizures or anxiety.” Hikaru replied, grinning. “And develop some new types of bots for surgery too. I’m already trying to figure out the coding for the precise movements. One of the new fighters we’re making is a cobra so I can really practice how fast but precise it needs to move. A-And video games.”

Joseph was impressed as he logged into Hikaru’s headset, noting how fast he was going. Fast but thorough. He looked at him, reminded of himself.

“Ah, I’m quite familiar with that stage. Eager to learn everything so you can practice and refine those skills later.” He smiled. “Very good choices… and I have no doubt that you’ll reach those goals.”

“Think so?”

“Try know so. I was like that when I was your age. Programming, tinkering… All of it fascinated me so much. I could hardly get enough of it… Dedicated my life’s work to it.” Joseph threw one of his tools into the air, catching it behind his back with ease. 

“What exactly is it you do?”

“Well, I run two things - I have Frost Laboratories, which is the medical equipment company my family runs.” Joseph explained, exchanging a look with Carmen. She gave a nod as he continued. “And my cyber security company, Glitch Pulse.”

“Whoa…” Hikaru’s eyes widened. “Mom, was not kidding when she said you were skilled.”

Joseph chuckled as he finished the software check. “I’ve just had a lot of practice.” He adjusted the headset. “Alright, now for the hardware check.”

“One quick thing.”

“Hm?”

Hikaru pointed to the left side of the room as he turned.

Ken waved to them before taking a running start, grabbing one of the hurdles and leaping over it.

“Ta-da”!

“Hey, that’s getting better! After this, I’ll show ya something really cool.”

“Joseph, no!”

“Yessss.” 

Hikaru raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, what? Does everyone do parkour now?”

“Oh no, no, I don’t do that crazy stuff but I’ve got a few things useful for it.” Joseph unscrewed the console panel, revealing the motherboard within. “Alright, speak to me… I’m listening.”

“Huh…” Hikaru looked at the equipment in his hands. “... Hey, Uncle Joseph?”

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“Can… Can you teach me some stuff? Any of this.”

Joseph looked up, giving him a warm look.

“Consider it a deal, kiddo. C’mere, lemme show you how this beauty was put together.”

Hikaru nodded, getting closer as the two started to work, Joseph showing Hikaru where certain panels were meant to go or explaining the algorithm of programs he had developed for the system.

Carmen leaned her head back, content.

Her sons were happy, one of her closest friends was there.

All together… Just like it should. Happy and safe.

She smiled softly at the look of wonder Hikaru had on his face.

You’re going to do great things.

I just know it.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Glitch Pulse #Joseph Frost #Glitch Pulse Joseph Frost #GP Joseph Frost #Spirits in the Shadows Carmen #Spirits in the Shadows Eiji #Spirits in the Shadows Ken #Spirits in the Shadows Hikaru #Spirits in the Shadows Hideki #Hideki Miyamoto #Hikaru Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #Okami Miyamoto #original work #original characters #storm arashi #aileen rose #cameos

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Back to the Beginning

Back to the beginning

"Dad?"

Eiji looked up from his thermal imaging camera, almost completed with repairs. "Yeah Hika?"

Hikaru squeezed his left arm, a nervous look in his eyes. He wasn't entirely sure what to do with the information bouncing around his head but… It had to come out eventually.

"Mom and I just got back from therapy…" He plopped down on the floor next to him, leaning heavily against his side.

Hikaru was making progress but having his counseling days were always mentally tiring. Having to pour all of his emotions out in about two hours was hard but somehow his therapist always managed to get it out of him.

"Michelle kicked my butt mentally. She says I'm doing better though… and I think I am too."

"That's good. Seriously, Hikaru, that's great." Eiji smiled a little.

Hikaru didn't return it, a miserable look coming to his eyes.

"She wants me to do something though."

"What?"

Hikaru fell backwards onto the floor, groaning in frustration.

"She wants me to go back to school!" He bemoaned.

Eiji's eyes widened a little.

Geeze, didn't expect THAT.

"Is that what you think you're ready for?"

Hikaru sighed heavily, laying his cheek against the floor. He supposed it had gotten pretty boring just spending time around the house or going for walks around the property when Eiji was at work and Ken was at school. It was just the twins and Carmen at home.

He admitted… he missed robotics club most of all. He could care less about anything else at school but getting to make his bots, test them out, talk to his old friends…

He had been missing it.

But…

He didn't want to go back if he was the only one ready.

"I told her not unless Hideki is. She said that wasn't fair to me." He snorted. "She's amazing but dang, she's got my number."

"Well… she has a point, Hika. You have to go things at your own pace. You love him but he has to be ready too."

"Oh… he has his own incentive to go back. I won't say what it is but you'll know it." Hikaru rolled onto his side. "Hmph…"

"If you go, I'll make you a hot, bento box." Eiji offered.

Hikaru sat up immediately.

"Now, what kind of hot bento are we talkin? Breakfast leftovers won't buy me." He smirked.

Eiji hummed in thought.

"Let's see… Chicken karaage, with hot steaming white rice could be a good main course. Gotta have sides with that since I'm not a monster."

Hikaru's stomach growled.

"... I hate you."

"Love you too, Son. But in all seriousness, if you think you're ready, I'll make sure your first day back goes well."

Hikaru stared up at the ceiling, saying nothing for awhile.

"And… if you two are really ready, then I'm ready to go back to my other job then-Ouch! Stupid camera-"

"MOVE!"

oooooo

The following Monday, Hikaru and Hideki found themselves back at Gesitville High. Where it had all started.

"You ready?" The older twin whispered.

"No, but we won't be if we don't try." Hideki whispered back, trying to hide how nervous he really was.

Hikaru took his hand, squeezing it. Eiji had gone inside before them, to let them have a bit of "normal".

"Believe me, I'm sure I'll find thirty different ways to embarrass you two before college, but I'm not gonna be unintentional embarrassment."

"Dad, that bento better be worth it."

With much trepidation… the boys headed inside, trying to ignore the strange looks they got. Some familiar faces, some they couldn't recognize.

Geistville High, right now, felt like being thrown right into a bait ball of fish, with people moving and shifting around them as they tried to maneuver through the crowd without incident.

"I… am gonna kill him." Hikaru lamented. "That food is NOT worth it."

"C'mon, Hika, history class is this way."

I regret everything about the choices I've made leading to this moment.

Hideki was looking around, trying to spot anyone he was familiar with.

"Hey, Marco is sitting by the window. You two are buddies, right?"

Hikaru peered around the corner, seeing a boy with dark skin and wild black hair, sitting by the window. His red hoodie was hanging over his chair, a thoughtful look on his face as he jotted something down.

He smiled a little.

"Yeah… We were in the bot club for a bit before he became a traitor and joined the band club." He whistled, getting the other teen's attention. "Oy, Band Geek!"

Marco looked up, his eyes lighting up.

"Hey, Robot Geek!"

Hikaru hurried over, fist bumping him before sitting in the chair behind him.

"Man, it's been way too long!"

"Tell me about it. You know, my Abuelita's been harassing me about if you've been okay for like a month, right?" Marco turned in his seat, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope." Hikaru chuckled a little, resting his chin on his hand, propping it up. "Do tell."

Marco cleared his throat, making his voice sound as high pitched as he could get it.

"THAT BOY IS SO SKINNY!" He exclaimed, with a mock furious look before the boys broke down laughing.

"I know that pain too well now!" Hikaru gasped.

"Oh, just wait…" Marco's gaze softened. "Seriously though, you okay? There was some weird rumor about Hideki skipping town after you vanished because of some weird stuff."

"That's… a story I'd really rather not tell." Hikaru replied, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Halls have ears… but I am glad to be back. Well not glad but-" He pulled out his lunch, still wrapped up to keep the contents hot. "I got bribed."

"Ah, hot lunch. Yep. What you packing?"

"Japanese style fried chicken, hot rice and rolled omelette. You?"

Marco snorted.

"Leftovers. Love 'em, but my sister managed to wreck my lunch box, so, guess what I got sent to school with?"

"Butter containers?"

"Oh no, that's the good china." Marco barked out a laugh before he gave a flat look. "No, sour cream."

"I know your pain."

"Mom!? I can't find the butter!"

"Check behind the sour cream."

Hikaru blinked, staring down into the container he had opened. Instead of soft, velvety butter he was met with leftover pork from the previous night.

What kind of witchcraft was this?

Ken nudged his side a little.

"Step aside, hermano. Watch a pro." He pulled out what used to be a whipped cream container, opening it to reveal a butter stick inside. The six year old had a big grin on his face as he gave a bow.

"... Mom? This isn't a regular thing, right?"

"Hm? No, I'm just using those until they break? I'm sorry."

"And so, I got one upped by a six year old."

Marco was laughing so hard tears were running down his face.

"BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU! IT IS A THING!" He wiped at his eyes. "Ahhh, that is rich, man. That, is seriously rich."

"Right?"

The bell rang as they hurried to get back into proper order, grabbing their textbooks.

Chase walked in, giving a nod to the class.

"Good morning, class. I hope you're all well - Hikaru, I want your mom to give me back my good china!"

Marco gave him a smirk.

HIkaru rolled his eyes.

"Shut up." He whispered.

Marco mimed wiping away a tear from his face.

Hikaru shook his head, smiling a bit as Chase went on with the lesson.

He hated to admit it… it was good to be back.

Heh…

… Wait a second, that wasn't even our containers in the fridge!?

THE HECK IS THIS CRAP!?

ooooo

Eiji sighed in relief when school ended. He was eager to get home, maybe get some work done before dinner.

The twins slumped at their desks before heading to go get their things.

"I'll meet you two at the front. Don't go anywhere without me. Okay?"

"Okay, Dad."

"Bye, Dad!"

They hurried off, already disappearing into the stampede… a lot calmer than they had been.

"Hey, Mr. Family man."

Eiji looked over as Chase leaned against the doorway a grin on his face.

"How's it feel having them both in class?"

"Honestly… it wasn't that bad." Eiji chuckled. "They're smart kids and since Hideki isn't so stressed out anymore… they're honestly excelling. Both of them."

"Great. Hikaru threw a paper ball at my head."

Eiji bit his lip, trying not to grin.

"And?"

"... Alright, so I asked Carmen for the crap containers back."

Eiji barked out a laugh, shoving him a little after he gathered his things up.

"That was your own dang fault then!"

"Yeah, yeah. Y'know, we got a hit on the site. Not like… you wanna look into it."

Eiji turned to him, giving him a smirk, though his eyes had a warning look.

"Sure! You're still banned from my car! Ask Skyler to drive ya home!"

"The heck-EIJI C'MON! I SAID I WAS SORRY!"

"You're also buying donuts for the next meeting, which will be soon, depending on if I get stuff done in time. See ya!"

He hurried off before Chase could utter a response, laughing to himself.

Today's gone well.

Really, really well.

"C'mon you two, let's get Ken and go home!"

"Coming, Dad!"

And that, is still music to my ears.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Spirits in the Shadows Ken #Spirits in the Shadows Eiji #Spirits in the Shadows Hikaru #Spirits in the Shadows Chase #Spirits in the Shadows Hideki #Spirits in the Shadows Carmen #Carmen Miyamoto #Chase Armati #Eiji Miyamoto #Hikaru Miyamoto #Hideki Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Literature #original work #original characters #Marco Rivera #Storm Arashi #Yellow Rose Productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

After the Rain

After the Rain

Hikaru yawned, making his way downstairs, still pretty out of it from the night before. As comfy as it was, sleeping in a pile with his family… he did not find waking up with the family dog laying across all of them to be very appealing. He was the last one out of bed, once Ken woke up and shot off like a rocket.

He was relieved, though. The dream therapy was working well, it seemed. Ken was back to his usual energetic self.

What time is it even?

It was Saturday, that much his half asleep mind was aware. He just didn't care what time it actually was.

"Morning, Hika!" Hideki called, looking over from the stove, a bright smile on his face.

Hikaru smiled tiredly, walking by his brother, ruffling up his hair.

"Mornin, Deki."

"Hey, you." Eiji greeted, stirring a pot on the stove. "Hope you're not sick of our little weekend tradition."

"Nope." He sniffed the air, sighing happily. "Is that broth with the leftover fish bones from yesterday's supper?"

"Well, yeah, can't let a good aji head go to waste."

"You're the best, Dad." He smiled before going to sit down.

"Anything for my boys."

Hideki gave his brother a confused look before a smile came to his face.

Awww Hika. I'm proud of ya.

Ken tugged on Hideki's night shirt, giving him a puppy eyed look.

"What do ya need, Kenny?" Hideki asked, looking up from his whisking.

He was just glad the power had come back on by the time they had all woken up.

"Can we play in the pool again?"

Hideki grinned.

"But of course!"

Eiji chuckled, looking behind him at his family. Carmen and Hikaru were talking quietly while Ken was trying not to get in Hideki's way too much.

It was looking to be a good day… until Eiji looked behind him to where his duffle bag of soaked equipment was.

His shoulders sunk, sighing heavily.

He still, had to fix that. It wasn't that he couldn't afford to replace it but he didn't WANT to. A good few of those pieces weren't under warranty anymore… He would worry about that later, though.

Just focus on your family.

oooooo

That, was how Hikaru found him a few hours later. Eiji had his tool kit spread out on the family room floor, several pieces of equipment strewn about on a tarp. He was sitting cross legged in front of the coffee table, tinkering at one of the cameras.

He watched him silently, mostly out of sheer curiosity.

Eiji wasn't an expert at tech repair. He knew enough to keep his equipment from failing, enough to repair a great deal of it…

But after awhile, Hikaru was uncomfortable because it was clear Eiji had no idea what to do with this amount of damaged equipment.

"Oh Titan-Move!" He hurried over, nudging him aside. "Let me!"

"I got this, you can go have fun-" Eiji tried to insist.

"Nope." Hikaru looked up, smiling. "This is my fun."

Eiji decided to work at a different piece of equipment, keeping an eye on Hikaru out of the corner of his eye.

The boy's hands were quick and precise, repairing the SLS camera in his hand with ease. His posture was relaxed and calm as he tinkered, a smile ever present on his face.

Eiji smiled before going back to his own work. If this was what he wanted to do, he was happy for the company.

"Did you get any sleep last night?"

Hikaru smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck for a moment.

"Actually… that was the best sleep I've had in over a month." He admitted before going back to work. "Okaa-san and Otou-san, we used to sleep in piles like that sometimes before. Especially when we were living underwater for awhile… Namely, when we first came to the states."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mm-hm." Hikaru was nostalgic as he turned the camera over in his hands. "It was fun but I missed having stuff like my games or my toys that ran on electricity. Can't exactly plug that stuff in under the waves."

Eiji chuckled before a thought came to him.

"You have all that equipment in your room and those little things you're always tinkering with… you ever consider joining the school robotics club? When you're ready to go back, of course."

Hikaru froze up a little before frowning.

"I used to… I think I've been away enough that they'd kick me out." He murmured, looking back down. "No one wants the guy who was basically dead."

"I doubt that. You got skills, kiddo. Serious skills that any robotics team would want for themselves." Eiji squeezed his shoulder. "I'm not pressuring you… but think about it."

HIkaru smirked a little.

"Are you going to go to every competition and be a total embarrassment?"

Eiji smirked.

"I'll be doing my darndest to be the most embarrassing dad ever."

"Then I'll think about it." He frowned a little. "Will I have to go to a school counselor too?"

"Only if you're comfortable. No one's gonna make you do anything you're not okay with."

"Okay, Dad."

Eiji's heart warmed, hearing that once more.

"Love you, Son."

Hikaru smiled.

"Love you too. Think we could have tinker time together more often?"

"I don't see why not. You having fun?"

"I like this. It helps my mind quiet down more." He replied. "I like fixing things… and making new things."

Eiji reached over, ruffling his hair, earning a small laugh from the boy.

"Hey!"

"And I like, hanging out with my son and working on things too." He smiled softly. "This can just be our thing."

Hikaru perked up, joy coming to his eyes.

"I'd really like that."

"Than it shall be."

oooooo

"Heee! Up again, again!"

"Alright, up you go!"

SPLASH!

Carmen looked up from her laptop as Ken emerged from the water, giggling up a storm before trying to climb on top of Hideki to make him go under the water, trying to dunk him in since he couldn't throw him into the air.

Even in his powerful, tiger shark form, Hideki was still as gentle as ever with his little brother. He was just content, to be able to change and swim any time he wanted to without issue.

"Mommy, Mommy!"

Carmen was snapped out of her train of thought, seeing Hideki swim by with Ken on his back, the youngest waving to her.

"Hey, Mijo!" She waved, giggling a bit. "You two having fun?"

"Yeah-"

Hideki lunged up as Ken was knocked back into the water with a large splash.

"EEP!" He popped up, grinning playfully. "Hey!"

"Gotcha." Hideki grinned. "Alright, how about you work on that butterfly stroke huh?"

"Okay!"

Ken swam off as Hideki floated to the other side of the pool, content to relax for a bit.

Carmen set her laptop aside, going over to the side, sitting over the edge.

"So, be honest, is he driving you crazy?" She whispered.

Hideki chuckled, leaning his head back.

"Nah, never. It's nice to be the older brother. Been the "youngest" my whole life - even if it's just by five minutes." He replied. "I honestly love every second of it."

Carmen smiled softly, stroking his head fin, eliciting a loud churr from him.

"You are too cute." She chuckled.

"Even for a shark?"

"You are the cutest, shark ever."

Hm… I wonder…

She poked his snout, eliciting a squeak from him.

"Eep!"

"Boop."

He blinked before laughing, shaking his head.

"Whaaat?"

He smiled up at her.

"You're so silly, Mom."

Carmen's eyes widened a little, smiling.

"That's just how it is. You got a silly mom and a massive dweeb for a dad."

"And I love you both." Hideki reached up, hesitating a bit. He knew this form wasn't exactly the cuddliest.

She probably doesn't want a hug while I'm like this. Later.

Before he could lower his arm, Carmen pulled him halfway out of the water in an embrace, kissing his head.

"M-Mom?"

"Never think I don't want a hug, okay?" She moved him a bit to arm's length, giving him a gentle look. "I'll always want one. Claro?"

"Claro…" Hideki's eyes were misty before hugging her again, churring up a storm.

Carmen kept him close, nuzzling the top of his head. His tail swished in the water below them as he curled up a little.

"This really okay?"

"Always." She gave his snout another poke as he squeaked.

"Moooom!"

She hugged him tightly, tucking his head under her chin… trying to hide the tears of joy welling up in her eyes.

He called me mom… He's calling me mom…

"I love you, Deki."

Hideki relaxed against her, hugging her tighter.

"I love you too, Mom."

Carmen was content to be right there. Work could wait. She wanted to savor every moment of this.

Ken quietly snuck up by them, tapping Hideki's tail to get his attention. He blinked. giving him a confused look.

He motioned as if he was pushing someone before pointing to their mother, a smirk on the six year old's face.

Hideki smirked.

"Hey… How much do you love us?"

Carmen didn't like how that voice sounded. That tone reminded her too much of her husband when he was being sneaky.

"... A lot. How much is it gonna cost?"

The boys snickered before Hideki threw himself backwards… pulling Carmen into the water with him as she let out a shriek of shock.

SPLASH!

"HIDEKI! KEN!"

The boys swam backwards as Carmen rose out of the water, her hair sticking to her face, her clothes totally soaked.

She grinned wickedly.

"I'm gonna get you! C'MERE!"

"EEP! MERMAID MOMMY!" Ken squealed, climbing onto Hideki's shoulders. "Dekii-nii haaaalp!"

"Mermaid Mom's gonna get her two little pups!" She swam after them.

Their laughter was echoing off the walls. She could care less about her clothes.

Her children were happy… and so was she.

"What the heck are you three doing?"

They froze up, looking up as Eiji and Hikaru looked down in the pool.

"Do you have any tech on you?" Hideki asked quickly.

"No? We left all that upstairs, even our phones-Oh no." Hikaru trailed off as his twin grabbed his ankle. "Dad-DAD HELP-"

Eiji grabbed his arm two seconds too late as Hikaru was yanked into the water, his form shifting immediately… the extra weight of his tail causing Eiji to stumble forward into the water as well.

SPLASH!

"ACK!"

"Well, now you both HAVE to take a break." Carmen swam up to Eiji, pecking him quickly on the cheek. "C'mon you."

"Yeah! Come play with us, Dad! Mom is!" Hideki grinned.

Eiji was very, very glad he was already covered in water, the happy tears already welling up.

"Sure… Why not?"

Work could wait.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Spirits in the Shadows Eiji #Spirits in the Shadows Carmen #Spirits in the Shadows Ken #Spirits in the Shadows Hikaru #Spirits in the Shadows Hideki #Hideki Miyamoto #Hikaru Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Storm Arashi #Yellow Rose Productions #literature #original work #original characters

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Quiet Storm

Quiet Storm

Eiji had to be careful driving up the dirt roads to the house. He didn't mind it most of the time but in harsher weather it could get a little dangerous.

He could barely see as the rain came down around his car. It was a rough evening so far and he was very much looking forward to getting a shower and getting into bed.

This is all Chase's fault.

"OH! THE BARN IS TOTALLY FINE! THE CLIENT SWORE THERE WAS ELECTRICITY TO PLUG IN ALL OF OUR SUPER SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT." MY BUTT!

WE NEARLY DROWNED IN THERE!

The investigation would've gone off without a hitch if it hadn't been raining to a point where the very old rooftop borderline collapsed, soaking the investigators with a heavy dose of rain and waterlogging some of their equipment.

"I SWEAR TO ALL THE DEITIES IN THIS WORLD AND SEVERAL OTHER DIMENSIONS I WILL KILL YOU!"

"Eiji,! EIJI NOT THE FACE! NOT THE FACE!"

Eiji took off his sneaker as Chase bolted out of the barn to his car.

"GET BACK HERE AND DIE LIKE A MAN!"

Now, he was soaked, tired and so very much wanted to sleep. He would have to fix the equipment later but for now, getting warmed up, food in his stomach and some sleep… sounded so decadent.

Eiji pulled in, making a run for the door as thunder boomed over head. The warmth of the house greeted him as soon as he was in the doorway.

"I'm hoooome!" He called, kicking off his sneakers, not wanting to catch Carmen's wrath for dirtying up the floor.

Ken ran up to him, letting out a squeal.

"Daaadddy!" He moved in for a hug, only to have Eiji put a hand on his head to stop him. "Hey!"

"Kenny, I am soaked to the bone and super cold. You don't wanna hug me right now."

"Eiji-Oh my stars, go upstairs, now!"

Eiji wasn't entirely sure if he was overjoyed to see his wife… or terrified as she ran at him with a towel she pulled out of the linen closet near the kitchen.

"Carmenita-OOF!"

Overjoyed, definitely overjoyed with a hint of terror. He just kept quiet, letting her fuss over him before wrapping the towel around his shoulders.

"Sorry, I'll do the laundry tomorrow." He kissed her head before heading on upstairs. "Where are the twins?"

"Pool. They remembered we had it." Carmen replied, warmth in her eyes. "So, they're just being little sharks."

Eiji smiled softly. He was relieved to hear that. Any bit of the boys being more comfortable with their new home he considered a victory.

"That's great to hear." He stifled a small yawn. "And remind me to pick up one of those huge giant chocolate bars from Costco tomorrow…"

"Already did that dear, same with the industrial size tin of cookie dough." Carmen nudged him. "Kenny, you can go back to your brothers. I got your old man."

Eiji gave her an offended look.

"I'm not THAT old yet!"

Ken tilted his head, looking up at his parents.

"But… You're thirty."

"N-Not yet! Twenty nine!"

"Okay! Love you, Daddy!" Ken darted off, a spring in his step. "Hikaaaa! Dekiii!"

Eiji slumped a bit against Carmen, sighing heavily.

"My son called me old." He whined.

"He didn't say that." Carmen giggled, kissing his head. "C'mon, let's get you warmed up."

"I love you."

oooooo

The storm outside was only growing worse. Normally, on nights like this, Eiji would set out his crystals and collect some of the water for cleansings.

Tonight, he was just content to curl up with his wife after managing to tuck their children into bed.

He gazed down at her, kissing her forehead. Carmen smiled tiredly up at him, cupping his cheek.

"You're such a cuddler."

"I can't help it." He chuckled, bringing her closer, kissing her cheek.

They had a small lamp going in their room so it wasn't entirely pitch black.. And one in the hall so the kids could make their way around without tripping over themselves.

The house shook from a particularly loud rumble as lightning flashed across the sky… and the power went out, the room going pitch black.

Just as Hikaru and Hideki screamed.

Eiji fumbled for his phone, turning on the flashlight.

"I got them."

He didn't need to as the door was thrown open. The two teenagers were holding their phones for substitute light but they were pretty shaken up.

"Oh, oh, oh…" He frowned, getting up, Carmen doing the same.

"Oh, Ninos… Was it the storm?"

Hideki hugged Carmen tightly, burying his face.

"There was a storm on the sea when I was alone…" He mumbled. "I hated it."

Eiji held out an arm as Hikaru threw his arms around him sniffling. He could feel how bad the teen was shaking.

"They shocked me once…"

They held the two close, exchanging a worried look.

"Do you wanna stay here tonight?" Carmen asked, concerned.

"If it's not too much trouble."

Eiji shook his head, giving a gentle look, making room on the bed for them.

"Right here. There's a reason we got a king sized bed." He chuckled.

"Thank you… Sorry." Hideki frowned, climbing onto Carmen's side of the bed. She laid down, bringing an arm around him.

"I got you baby. I'm right here." She stroked his hair, running her fingers through the long strands. He closed his eyes, a churr escaping his throat.

Hikaru climbed in next to his brother, tucking Hideki's head under his chin.

"Nii-san…" Hideki mumbled.

"I gotcha.."

Eiji was about to climb in… as a small sniffle was heard from the doorway. They all looked over as Ken stood in the middle of it, Okami beside him.

"My night light went out." He whimpered. "Can I stay here?"

"Of course, Ken." Eiji lifted him up, getting into bed. Hikaru shifted as Ken curled up between him and Eiji.

A large weight sank into the end of the bed as Okami started to climb up.

"No!" Carmen sat up, pointing to the doorway. "DOWN! Go lay down!"

Ken sat up, giving her a kicked look as lightning illuminated the room.

"Mommy, she's scared too… Pleeeeaaase?"

Carmen winced.

"There's not enough-"

Before she realized it, the boys were all giving her the same look. She sighed, lying back down, bringing the blanket back up.

Why can I never say no to that FACE?

Okami hopped up, laying across the foot of the bed, curling up into a ball.

"See? She's not causing any trouble." Hideki yawned, closing his eyes curling up more to Carmen. She smiled softly, kissing his head.

"I know, Mijo. She just hogs the bed."

"So does Hikaru."

"HEY-"

Thunder rumbled around them as the twins gulped.

"That was really close…" Hikaru whispered, bringing the blanket up over his head.

Eiji frowned, stroking his back.

"It's okay buddy, we're safe here. The house is solid brick, nothing's getting past it." He gave him a reassuring look as Hikaru hesitantly looked up.

"Promise?"

"Promise. I'd never let anything happen to you guys."

Hikaru smiled a little, huddling close.

Eiji stroked his back.

"Are you afraid of…" Hikaru yawned, trying to keep his eyes open. "Anything?"

Ken gave him a confused look, nuzzling down into his pillow more.

"Daddy's never afraid of nothin'."

Eiji smiled gently, shaking his head.

"I'm afraid of lots of things, honestly. They're just things that most people don't have to worry about… or things that every person worries over."

"Like what…?"

"Well… losing you guys." He replied. "Hikaru, getting you here was one of the scariest moments of my life because I was worried about you."

Hikaru's eyes widened a little.

"Eiji…"

"You guys, mean the world to me. Even if at the time I didn't know much about you I already loved you." He smiled softly. "You're my kids. I love you guys more than life itself."

"We love you too, Daddy!" Ken chirped.

Hideki let out a quiet snore.

Carmen chuckled, kissing his head.

"We all love you, Dear."

"Yeah…" Hikaru laid his head back down.

He hadn't thought about it that way.

He goes above and beyond… even for people he doesn't know.

His eyes grew heavy as sleep threatened to take him under any second. The storm outside was starting to quiet, his family was all around him.

This was familiar…

When Aika and Daisuke were alive, sometimes, they'd all sleep in a pile together, huddled close to one another. Especially when they had spent a few months living only in the ocean, that was the only way they could sleep.

He closed his eyes, curling up into a ball.

"Night… Dad…"

Eiji gasped a little, eyes going wide in shock.

He hadn't expected that. He looked up at Carmen who had a similar look.

Hikaru had a smile on his face, fast asleep.

"He… He just…"

"Eiji…" Carmen covered her mouth. "He just…"

Eiji wiped at his eyes as they stung with tears of pride… and relief.

"He… He called me Dad…"

He reached across, taking her hand as they gazed down at their children.

It hadn't been easy. Parenting never was, especially with how fast things had changed…

But they were theirs.

All three of them, safe and sound.

"I love our family, Eiji." Carmen whispered.

Eiji smiled, nodding.

"I love them too… I love you all more than anything."

He brushed his thumb across her wedding ring, tracing it as his eyes closed.

"Goodnight."

#Spirits in the Shadows #Spirits in the Shadows Eiji #Spirits in the Shadows Carmen #Spirits in the Shadows Ken #Spirits in the Shadows Okami #Spirits in the Shadows Hikaru #Spirits in the Shadows Hideki #Hideki Miyamoto #Hikaru Myamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Ken Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #Family #paranormal #Storm Arashi #Yellow Rose Productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Dream Walkers

Dream Walkers

“So, he’s been hiding it… because he’s worried he’ll worry us?” Carmen frowned, peering into Ken’s room. The six year old had fallen asleep, exhaustion finally getting to him.

I picked the worst day to see a client face to face. My baby needed me and I wasn’t here… She bit her lip. 

“Eiji... “

Eiji frowned, bringing an arm around her, following her gaze.

“I know…”

Ken whimpered in his sleep, rolling over. 

Carmen hurried over, shaking him.

“What do we do?” She asked as Ken started to stir. “If he can’t sleep for more than an hour…”

Eiji sighed heavily, leaning on the door. 

“We get more coven members involved. Skyler knows a therapist who specializes in dreams. More specifically, helping kids overcome night terrors.” 

“Well, where do they work? What hospital?”

Ken yawned, giving his mother a bewildered look before curling up against her side, dozing again. 

Carmen gave her husband a pleading look.

“She doesn’t work for a hospital. She basically runs her practice solo. All I have to do is call and she’ll come here.” Eiji explained, kneeling with his wife. “And she can help him.”

“Then call her. I don’t care how much it costs, just call her.”

“I’ll go do that right now. Just stay with him.” Eiji frowned. “We’re gonna fix this. I promise.”

“I know… I’m just worried.”

It was a few hours later when a knock at their door caused Okami to go running towards it.

“W-Whoa, down girl!” Eiji pushed on her head, checking through one of the windows. There was a young woman on their doorstep, her light blond hair hanging around her shoulders. There was a black cat on her shoulders as well.

He managed to get Okami behind him as he opened the door.

“Hello, you must be-” Eiji was nearly knocked over as Okami tried to shove past him to get a good look at their visitor, her tail wagging up a storm. “Ack! Okami, go lay down!”

The woman giggled as the cat on her shoulders seemed to smirk down at the dog.

“Oh, she’s fine. I hope you don’t mind felines?”

Eiji smirked, ushering her inside.

“I’d be a hypocrite if I did, Ms. Thomas.” He offered a hand as she shook it. “Eiji Miyamoto, we spoke earlier.”

“Please, just call me Sammy.” Sammy smiled gently, sympathy in her eyes. “Sorry we had to meet on these terms. I’m quite familiar with the stories.” 

Eiji raised an eyebrow, smirking a little.

“Hopefully all good.”

“I’d say a fifty percent good, fifty percent “Why do I listen to him”? from Sky.” She retorted as he shook his head.

“Yep, you work with Sky alrighty.” He frowned. “We’re… honestly at a loss here.”

She frowned, squeezing his shoulder.

“I promise, we can make sure he gets better. First, I’d like to meet him though.”

“Right this way.” He lead the way to the family room. 

Carmen got up, making her way over, shaking hands with Sammy.

“I’m Carmen. I’m the mother.”

“Pleasure meet you. I just wanna let you know we’re just gonna go through your son’s usual bedtime routine then I’ll get to work.” Sammy gave her a reassuring look.

“Thank you.”

She nodded, looking around the room.

“So, where is he?” She gave a small grin to the twins. “Sorry, but I don’t think either of you are six.”

Carmen and Eiji exchanged a look.

“I thought…”

“ACK! KAAAMMIIII!!!”

Okami came walking into the room, dragging Ken by the collar of his jacket, the little boy squirming up a storm… a bottle of cola in his hands.

“You traitor dog!” 

“Good girl.” Eiji patted her head, giving Ken a stern look. “Give it here. You know the rules about caffeine. None after three and it’s almost your bed time.” 

“But-”

Ken forgot about the soda as the cat on Sammy’s shoulders leapt down off them and onto the boy, quieting him, their blue eyes… almost human, stared at him as they nuzzled him, purring.

“Kitty?” He leaned up, petting her. “Where’d you come from?”

“She’s my kitty.” 

Sammy got down to Ken’s level, a smile on her face.

Ken tilted his head.

“Who are you?”

“My name’s Sammy. I heard you were having some really bad dreams.” She pulled out a necklace showing the crest of the Sommnia coven. “I know a thing or two about kids with The Sight.”

Ken’s eyes widened before he relaxed.

“So… not a normal kitty?”

“Nya! He’s a smart cookie!” 

Carmen was giving her husband a bewildered look while the boys didn’t even look phased.

Ken giggled.

“Talkin kitty!”

“Dream Troll to be precise.” The cat leapt into the air, performing a flip as her form changed to that of a young woman with long black hair, wearing a colorful dress. Her eyes were now red with slitted pupils, a gentle looking in them. “More specifically…” She took a sweeping bow. “Dreamster!”

“Wow!” Ken got up, looking at the two girls with wonder in his eyes. “All… just to help me?”

“That’s right, kiddo.” Dreamster ruffled his hair, eliciting a laugh from the boy. 

Okami sniffed around her before going back to Ken, nuzzling him.

Sammy hummed in thought before an idea came to her.

“Does she sleep near his bed?”

At this, Carmen and Eiji nearly doubled over laughing while Ken just hugged his dog around the neck.

“NEAR!?” Carmen gasped. “Try, we can never get her out of his bed! She’s always sleeping with him!”

“He doesn’t even use his pillows, he sleeps on her!” Eiji added on, trying to catch his breath. “We gave up!”

“Okami thinks I’m her baby.” Ken chirped, giggling as the dog pressed her nose to his cheek. “Kaaami that’s tickling me!”

“Then I know an idea. For now, let’s prepare.”

“Let me show you to the guest room.” Carmen said, leading Sammy off. 

“I’ll be back, Kenny. C’mon, Dream!”

Dreamster took the form of a cat once more, hopping onto her shoulder. 

“Nya!”

Ken looked to his brothers, giving them a look.

“That wasn’t different to you?”

“Nope.”

“My therapist was gonna suggest Dream Therapy next if my own night terrors don’t ease up after a while.” Hikaru looked up, giving him a gentle look. “Don’t worry bout a thing Kenny. You’re gonna get a good night's sleep finally.”

Ken sighed shakily.

“I dunno…”

“I promise.”

oooooo

It was still a bit before bed, so Ken was just sitting in the sun room with Sammy and Dreamster, his drawing supplies strewn about the floor. Quiet time was part of the routine… even if right now he was too curious.

“So, why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?” Sammy asked, watching as his hand glided across the paper. “Do you like drawing a lot?”

“I like it fine. What I really love is parkour!” He grinned.

Dreamster snorted.

“Like father like son.”

Ken smiled innocently, going back to his drawing. There were two black boxes for buildings as he drew a little figure jumping across. 

Sammy smiled, understanding it now. 

“You wanna be just like your daddy, huh?” 

“Ahuh… I wanna investigate hauntings and help people.” Ken looked up, tilting his head. “But Daddy doesn’t have my eyes.”

“That so, huh?”

“Mm-hm… He said he used to but they got broken.” Ken frowned a little. 

“Does that scare you? Worrying you might lose your gift?”

“Noooo. That’s silly.” Ken smiled before he frowned, looking back down at the paper. “I’m scared of what the dreams tell me.”

“Aww that’s no fun… Do you wanna talk about it?” 

Ken instead drew a picture. Turning his drawing around, he started sketching a large hulking figure that had gleaming red eyes and outstretched claws, chasing after a tiny figure with quick slashes of green and black for its “wings”.

Sammy and Dreamster exchanged a concerned look.

“Is this what you see?”

“Now? Yeah… This  monster… It chases me… It hurts me. I’m always trying to get back to a cave cause someone’s waiting for me… but it always catches me.” Ken whimpered. “And dreams aren’t supposed’ta hurt but it does!”

“Awww kiddo.” Dreamster nuzzled him. “Don’tcha worry, we’re gonna fix that.”

“We promise.” Sammy tilted his chin up, giving him a reassuring look. “We’ll play a lot in your dreams tonight. We’ll do whatever you want.”

Ken sat up fully.

“What about after? D-Do you just go away forever?”

“Naaah but we don’t need to stay more than one night. Every time after this, you’ll see us in your dreams… though I will stop by every now and then to see how you are doing.” Sammy smiled gently. “Would you like that?”

Ken nodded, exhaustion in his eyes. He let out a yawn, leaning forward a little.

“I think he’s ready.” Dreamster noted, sympathy in her eyes. “Time to get little dreamers to bed.”

He held up his arms, giving Sammy a puppy eyed look. She scooped him up into her arms, rocking him a little.

“C’mon. We got work to do.”

Carmen met them in the hall, concerned at how tired Ken was. He was usually at least a little lively still by bedtime, but it seems the day of exhaustion finally caught up to him.

“Oh, Kenny…”

“Don’t you worry, Mrs. Miyamoto. I promise, we’ll get him better.” She offered him to her. 

She nodded, taking him into her arms, kissing his head.

“Do you do something like bedtime stories or…?”

“I sing.” Carmen whispered, leading the way to Ken’s room. Okami was already waiting by the door, whining a bit. “I know, I know, I got him.”

Ken’s eyes were barely opened as he reached down his fingers, brushing the top of her ears. She hopped onto the bed, making herself comfortable.

“Good girl.” Carmen laid Ken down, stroking his hair. “I love you…”

“Daddy said goodnight earlier… So did bros…” Ken mumbled, trying to open his eyes wider. 

His body felt so heavy now that he was laying down, sleep threatening to take him under at any second.

He knew what the girls were here for… but at the same time he was still nervous.

Carmen tucked the blanket up to his chin, starting to hum softly. Ken’s eyes slowly closed, burying his face into Okami’s fur. 

“¡Ay de mí!, Llorona, Llorona, Llorona de ayer y hoy.” She sang softly.

Ken smiled, his breathing evening out… fast asleep, right where he felt the safest. His dog right beside him, his mother singing his lullaby.

Carmen pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Goodnight mijo… Te amo.” 

She turned to Sammy, giving her a hopeful look.

“What happens now?”

“Well…” She walked over, carefully tying a charm in the shape of a wolf’s head onto Okami’s collar, just behind her neck. It glowed briefly as the large dog shifted, her head brushing Ken’s. “There.”

“What does that do?”

Sammy took a step back, giving her a grin.

“Okami and Ken will be in perfect sync. She’ll be able to be with him in his dreams and it will really be her.” 

“Incredible.” Carmen’s gaze softened. “Thank you again.”

“Hey, it’s no trouble.” Sammy grinned, heading to the guest room. “Ready Dreamster?”

“Ready.”

oooooo 

Ken looked around the forest, shaking like a leaf. He knew this area. He knew it all too well.

The boy started along the leaf covered path, the foliage crunching under his shoes. The wind blew his hair around as he listened to the sounds of the forest.

“Arrrooooo!!!!”

Ken was off like a gunshot, sprinting as fast as his legs would allow him. He kept his eyes focused on the path, trying to tune out the creature that leaped out of the forest, chasing after him.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO-”

He was tackled, letting out a shriek… before giggling as he looked up. Okami stood over him, her bushy tail wagging up a storm.

“Okami!” He squealed, hugging her around the neck. “You’re here!”

Okami nuzzled his head, keeping close to him. She sniffed the air, her fur bristling up as she growled.

Ken shivered, huddling close to her. She never reacted like that. EVER. 

Okami shoved him behind her, getting in front, letting out a loud howl.

He could see it now… The lumbering figure that was moving towards them.

“No… No, no, no…” Ken whimpered. “Okami…” He whined, tugging on her collar. Still, the large dog didn’t move, her lips curling back into a snarl. “Please…”

It can kill her. 

It’ll kill her.

The creature appeared before them, lunging as Okami snapped at its leg, digging her teeth in, eliciting a scream from it.

Ken stumbled back in shock, falling backwards… as someone caught him.

“Easy now, Kenny-boy.” 

He looked up to see Dreamster holding him as she grinned. 

“Your dog’s a good girl. Sammy! Hold this!” She handed Ken over to Sammy as she materialized. Dreamster pulled out a massive mallet, raising it over her head. “I SMASH!!!”

Okami got out of Dreamster’s way as she brought the mallet down over the creature’s head. 

It stumbled before snarling, lunging at her, going in for the bite.

Dreamster smacked it clear across the face, sending it flying far back into the forest.

“AND STAY BACK YA LAME EXCUSE OF A WEREWOLF!” She screamed, floating in the air.

Ken looked up at the girls bewildered but relieved… more so, because Okami hadn’t been hurt.

“Okami, c’mere!”

Due to how large she was, Sammy didn’t even need to get down to her level. Okami just pressed her head into Ken’s side, letting out a small sound of content. 

Her pup was safe. That’s all that mattered to her.

Ken hugged her head, kissing it.

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again!”

“I think she wants to say the same, kiddo.” Sammy patted his head. “Ready for a new dream?”

Ken nodded as he was set down. 

“What does the kidlet wanna do tonight?”  Dreamster asked, sitting atop her mallet as it floated in mid air.

Ken watched her for a moment before his eyes widened as an idea came to him. He snapped his fingers, giving a grin.

“THAT’S IT!” He turned to Sammy. “I want a big city! HUGE CITY! With super tall skyscrapers, lots of them! With flat rooftops and they’re all different sizes!”

Sammy smiled gently.

“As you wish.”

Ken bounced in place as the forest around them disappeared, buildings taking its place, rising under them as they kept balance on the roof.

Okami whined, looking down over the edge after it was done, giving Ken what could only be seen as an annoyed look.

“C’mon, Okami, it’ll be fun! And you can be different too if you want.” Ken offered. “You can be a ghost wolf and make sure I don’t fall!”

Okami nodded, touching her head to his as the image in his mind overtook her. Her form faded and shifted into that of a wolf formed out of smoke, stars dotting her fur where her previous markings had been. She nuzzled him, floating upwards.

Ken looked down at his clothes, seeing he was wearing proper gear for parkour, not just his usual sneakers and shorts.  

“Sweet! Sammy, Dreamster! C’mon!!!” He called to them, waving them over. Like him, they too were properly dressed for the sport.

He could hardly contain his excitement, bouncing in place as he looked over the dreamlike city. Impossibly large buildings, trees that loomed over all, ghostly forms hovering along the ground… So high up, the clouds were in reach.

“So, shall we?” Dreamster smirked, getting into position.

“Whatever the little investigator says.” Sammy, grinned. 

Ken got into position.

“One… Two… THREE!” He screamed, as they took a running leap.

His body was weightless momentarily, gazing around him before rolling as he connected with the rooftop beside it.

Okami gave a worried whine, nuzzling him briefly before backing off once she was sure he was safe.

“Ready for another round kid?”

“Ready!!” 

The three leaped across the fictional city, flipping and twirling through the air, the only sound in the city being Ken’s laughter as it echoed through the streets.

Sammy and Dreamster exchanged a warm look. This… was their favorite part of the job.

Ken was calm, his dream in his control as he mimicked techniques he had grown up seeing used but never permitted to try on his own… not until now.

“Sammy! Are you guys gonna play with me again soon?” Ken called out to her from across the way. His eyes shining with joy, bouncing in place. 

She leaped over to him, getting down to his level.

“Of course, sweetie. We’ll be here whenever you need us.” 

Dreamster teleported behind him, ruffling his hair as he squealed, trying to smooth it down.

“That’s all part of the job kiddo… and you’re a pretty cool kid.” She smirked. “You know how to dream. I like that.”

“Hee?” Ken smiled shyly. “I’m gonna be okay?”

“You’re gonna be just fine.”

oooooo

Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait on this update. Lotta stuff happened in real life and I just couldn't really bring myself to work on anything related to Spirits for a bit but... we're back now. And I'm happy to be back. Kicking things off, we're getting a nice little crossover with my buddy's story with her characters Sammy and Dreamster. Dream Walks who make it there goal to help those struggling with Night Terrors. Their story has yet to be released so consider this short a little bit of a teaser for what's to come later down the line. ;) Hope you enjoy.

#Spirits in the Shadows #Spirits in the Shadows Ken #Ken Miyamoto #Okami Miyamoto #Sammy #Dreamster #Dream Walkers #yellow rose productions #Carmen Miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Spirits in the Shadows Eiji #Spirits in the Shadows Carmen

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

No Rest for the Innocent

The sun was setting. He had to hurry if he wanted to make it back on time. 

Just keep moving… Keep moving…

He wasn’t alone. Far from it. There was rustling in the bushes as he passed it. 

“AAARRROOOOOO!!!!”

Ken halted, backing away as a large wolf like creature lunged out of the bushes. It towered over the small child, snarling as they approached him, clawed fingers outstretched.

“G-Get back… GET AWAY!” He broke into a run, skidding down the hillside. 

Tree limbs snapped away as the creature chased after him, determined to not lose its prey. It was so close, he could hear its heavy breathing, see every detail.

Ken could see a rocky cave coming up. Someone was peering out of it, motioning for him to hurry up.

He didn’t know who it was but he kept running for it… Then he leapt off a large rock, stretching his arms out.

He looked behind him, shocked as shimmering green and grey wings appeared on his back. They fluttered, sending him skyward with a shriek as the creature lunged up for him. 

“STAY BACK-”

The creature howled, grabbing hold of his left leg, slamming him into the ground, the wings dissipating as fast as they had come. His ears were ringing, pain blooming in his leg as its claws dug in.

“Get away… Get away….”

Ken closed his eyes, letting out a shriek.

“GET AAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Ken was shaken awake as he screamed, going to scratch whoever it was shaking him. His wrist was caught. 

“Whoa, Ken, easy! Easy!”

His heart was racing, his eyes shiny with tears that ran down his face. It took a minute to realize he wasn’t in the forest anymore. He didn’t have strange wings or a beast looming over him.

Instead, he was in his bed, with his brother looking down at him. Okami was whimpering, licking his hand, trying to help calm him down.

“Hika…?”

Hikaru frowned, sitting on the edge of his bed.

“I heard you whimpering.”

Ken rubbed at his eyes, sniffling.

“W-What was happening?”

The older boy stroked his back as Ken threw himself across Okami’s side, burrowing his face into her fur. 

Hikaru frowned, sighing heavily.

“I heard you whimpering. You were trying to talk but it was like you knew… no one heard you.”

Ken whimpered.

“Sorry…”

“Don’t.” The teen gave him a reassuring look. “I don’t want you feeling sorry for having bad dreams.” 

That was pretty bad though… 

That was the third time that week that Ken had woken up freaked out.

Already the child’s head was bobbing.

“Stay…?” 

“You don’t wanna go sleep with Eiji and Carmen?” 

“Nuh uh…” He shook his head. “M’abig boy… And they worry…”

“Alright, alright, Pup. Move.”

Ken rolled to the side a little as Hikaru laid beside him, bringing the blanket over both of them.

“No more bad dreams are gonna get you this time. Promise.” 

Ken smiled tiredly, curling up against his brother. It had been a little weird getting used to having two big brothers… but he loved them just the same.

And right now, he was glad they were there.

“I love you, Hika.”

“Love you too, Kenny.” He kissed his head. “I’m not leaving.”

“Okay…”

Hikaru didn’t go to sleep until he was sure Ken was already passed out. 

Okami let out a sigh, laying her head atop Ken’s.

“Yeah, I know girl.” He rubbed behind the large dog’s ears. “I’m worried too.”

oooooo

The moon was full in the sky that night. The sun was setting, but he could sense it. Every part of his senses were firing as he broke into a sprint across the forest floor.

He had to find a safe place. A safe place before the moon came out.

Why am I scared of the moon? I like the moon.

Ken’s body was moving on autopilot as he moved, slipping and sliding down a hill, before bolting across the stream…

He knew this stream.

The sun's light faded as the moon replaced it. Ken fell to the ground, whining as he rolled onto his back to look back up at it.

Everything hurt… Everything hurt.

“NO!”

“Ken! Ken, easy! Wake up! Wake up!” 

Ken shook like crazy as he came to. It took him a second to note it was morning… Hikaru was still lying beside him, his hand on his arm, trying to calm him down.

“Hey buddy, it’s okay. I’m here.”

Ken sniffled, throwing his arms around him.

“I don’t like these dreams!” He whimpered.

“Oh, oh, oh…” Hikaru wrapped his arms around him, sitting up, rocking him. “Shh… I got you, I got you…”

It’s never easy growing up with gifts… Having freaky dreams, trying to figure out how to decipher them, whether or not they have any real meaning…

Ken sniffled, burying his face into his chest. 

“I’m sorry…”

“Hey, hey, what’d I say about this apologizing over dreams?”

“Not to?”

“That’s right. I’m here for ya, kiddo.” He stroked his back. “Your big bro knows a thing or two about night terrors.”

Ken sighed shakily, relaxing a little. This was getting old though.

“I have ‘em all the time…”

“Ken…” Hikaru frowned. “How much do the ‘rents know?”

“Um…” Ken looked down “Not… Not a lot?”

“You gotta tell ‘em…” 

“No!” He squeaked, shaking his head. “They’ll just-”

“Worry?”

Ken went quiet, nodding, pulling away. 

Hikaru laid a hand on his back. 

He knew better than anyone about trying to keep that type of thing in. To hide what terrors haunted one in their dreams when the world was quiet.

“Think about it, okay?”

“Okay…” Ken held out his hand, pinky outstretched. “Pinky promise you won’t tell on me?”

Hikaru’s heart sank. He didn’t want to. He really had no interest in keeping secrets from Eiji or Carmen. 

“Ken… You’re their everything.”

“Promise.” The boy insisted, giving a small glare.

Hikaru sighed, looping his pinky with Ken’s.

“Only for one week. If you’re still waking up like this by the time I get outta therapy Friday morning, you’re telling them. Got it?”

“Got it Hika!”

“Good boy.”

oooooo

Ken was listless, as he waited for Eiji to come get him from school. His head was foggy, his body exhausted.

“You don’t look so good, Kenny.”

“I know…” He sighed, ignoring the strange look he got from the teacher’s aid watching him while they waited on the playground. The child next to him gave him a worried look.

“You wanna take a nap?”

Ken’s eyes widened, shaking his head rapidly.

“No!” He blurted out before trying to calm himself down. “I’m… I’m fine. I’m really okay, I mean it!”

“Kenny…” The girl frowned, touching his arm.

“I’m really okay.” He smiled, exhaustion in his blue eyes. “I just had a bad sleep.”

“Two days in a row?”

“... Yeah. Yeah…” 

Eiji’s van pulled up as the man started heading for the gate.

“Daddy!” Ken called, waving as he stood up, trying to ignore how dizzy he was from the motion. If it wasn’t for the girl behind him grabbing his jacket, he would’ve fallen right down the slide. 

“Kenny…”

“I’m okay.” He waved, before climbing down, being as careful as he could be. “I’ll see you tomorrow! Bye!”

“Bye bye.”

Ken looked behind him, seeing her form steadily fading away for now, away from his view. He ran right to Eiji’s waiting arms.

“Hey, buddy.” Eiji hugged him tightly, scooping him up. “Have a good day at school?”

“Ahuh…” Ken yawned, rubbing his eyes. “A really… really good day.”

Eiji frowned, rocking him a little. That… wasn’t normal.

Ken’s never this tired after school. Not even on days where he had to wait for a good while for me to come get him. Did he not get his snack?

“Ready to go home? You hungry?”

“Mm-hm… I wanna play with Okami…” Ken mumbled, tucking his head under Eiji’s chin. Now that he was in his arms, he was having a harder time staying awake. 

“You can.”

The teacher’s aid walked up, giving the man a concerned look.

“Mr. Miyamoto… I don’t think Ken slept very well last night. He’s been like this all day.”

“What?” Eiji’s eyes widened. “Did he go to the nurse?”

“Yes. His temp came back fine and he didn’t have any other symptoms. Even after having his snack he just… hasn’t perked up.” She frowned. “Did he get his eight hours last night?”

Eiji frowned, bouncing him a little. Ken whined quietly.

“I did.”

“Shh...  As far as I know, yes. I’m sorry about this. I hope there weren’t any other issues?”

“No, no, he’s a little angel. He’s just… tired. I hope he feels better.”

“Yeah… Me too.”

Eiji glanced down at his son, cradling him close.

“S-See you.”

Don’t tell me…

He didn’t make a fuss out of it. Not at this moment, deciding that was a discussion for at home, where they could have privacy. All he did was buckle Ken into the car.

He couldn’t help but note the way Hikaru wouldn’t look him in the eyes. 

“Is Ken okay?” Hideki asked, leaning forward from the backseat. Ken wasn’t even looking directly at them, he was just staring off into space. 

“I have no idea.”

Hikaru rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

“Let’s… just talk about it at home, okay guys?” 

Eiji raised an eyebrow, sighing.

“Yeah… Let’s just go home, alright?”

“Right.”

Hikaru looked behind him, meeting Ken’s eyes. The little boy blearily shook his head.

Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

Oh, that is it. Promises be darned. he’s a mess! I promised Okaa-san I’d take care of my siblings and this isn’t taking care of him if it’s hurting him.

It was straight back to the house, Ken stumbling as he tried to make his way up the deck’s stairs to the front door.

“No ya don’t.” Hikaru scooped him up into a football carry, earning an annoyed squeak in return, Ken giving him a tired glare. “Don’t give me that glare.”

Ken growled a little, squirming.

“Put me down.”

Eiji hurried up after them, Hideki following at a slower pace.

“Hikaru, careful-”

“Don’t worry, I won’t drop him.” He opened the door, setting him down in the doorway. “There.”

Ken dusted himself off.

“Hmph.”

Eiji gave him a concerned look as he followed in.

“Ken, what’s wrong? You’re not acting like yourself.”

“I’m… FINE!” 

Eiji was taken aback. Sure, Ken had tantrums, but they were incredibly rare. Ken was panting a little, his shoulders shaking. There were bags under his eyes, his little hands curled into fists held at his side.

“Ken…” He knelt to his level. “Ken, kiddo, you gotta tell me what’s on your mind.”

“No!” Ken snapped back. “I don’t WANT to!”

“Kenny please-”

Ken growled, sniffling as tears of frustration welled up in his eyes.

“Nooo…”

“Kenny…” Hideki frowned. “C’mon, don’t be like that. Eiji just wants to help.” 

Ken sniffled, wiping at his eyes, looking down.

“I’m… I’m…” He whimpered. “I’m… Fine…” 

Hikaru knelt beside Eiji, squeezing the boy’s arm.

“Ken.” He narrowed his eyes, giving him a stern look. “You’re not okay. Just let us help you.”

Ken’s face fell, his legs were shaky as he fell into Eiji’s arms.

“I’M TIRED!!!” He cried out, sobbing. “I’m tired Daddy! Really, really tired!”

Eiji’s heart broke as he stroked his back. 

“Oh, oh, Ken…” His gaze softened, bringing him close. “Shhh… shhh… I know buddy, I know…”

Hikaru frowned.

“He’s been having night terrors. Really, really bad ones. Twice in a row last night too.”

“What!? Ken…” 

Eiji had hoped, the night terrors had ceased, not grown in intensity. He rocked his son back and forth in his arms, kissing his head.

Ken hiccuped, rubbing at his eyes.

“No sleep. No more sleep…” He whimpered. “It’s scary…”

“I know buddy, shhh…” He kissed his head again. “We’re gonna make it stop.”

“O… Okay…” Ken hiccuped, burying his face.

Eiji stood, concerned as he gazed at his youngest child. 

“I love you… I promise, we’re gonna make it all better.”

I know just who to call too.

#spirits in the shadows #ken miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Hikaru Kishimoto #Hideki Kishimoto #werewolf #werewolves #lycanthropy #night terrors #original characters #original work #original writing #paranormal writing #writeblr #storm arashi #yellow rose productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Night of Rest

“So, got any plans tonight?”

Eiji blinked, looking to Chase with a confused look. He raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah. I promised the boys we’d watch anime.” He grinned sheepishly. “Can’t do casework tonight, technically I’m still on “vacation”.”

“Ah, pity.” Chase leaned his head back. I

It was Eiji’s first day back at work since the whole incident with PROTEOME had begun. He had been hoping that he could get a small favor from the man.

He couldn’t blame his friend though. It had been an exhausting period of time and the boys still weren’t back in school yet. Eiji wanted to give them at least until their second therapy sessions before even broaching the idea.

“How are the kids holding up?”

Eiji took a bite of his food, a thoughtful look on his face.

“They’re still getting used to things. Hikaru is pretty timid still. He really has the worst of it. Hideki is coping as well as he can too.” He frowned. “I just want them happy. Gotta admit, I’m still not sure how well I’m handling this “dad to two teenagers” business when before the only milestones I was worrying about were lost teeth or if Ken drew on the wall.”

“I get ya. Didn’t think you’d be dealing with all that for at least another ten years?” 

He nodded, smiling a little.

“I don’t regret a single bit though. They’re great… They just need time to heal. I just hate that I can’t use up all my sick days to help Carmen out more with them.” 

“Yeah… Honestly, I’m glad for ya. Maybe we should do one big P.A.C.K vacation this year, eh?”

“Maybe… What are you gonna do tonight?”

Chase rubbed the back of his neck.

“I was gonna go for a free run off Reaper Road. Y’know, down by the pier?”

He nodded. He knew that area very well.

“Yep, that’s near where I go down to take the boys to therapy. You goin alone?”

“Probably. Lucian already said to not even dare ask this week.” He leaned his head back.

Eiji smirked, elbowing him.

“You ask Skyler?”

Chase stammered, elbowing him hard in return, his face going bright red.

“S-Shut up!” He hissed, his grey eyes looking around as if Skyler herself might be summoned by just her name. 

Eiji barked out a laugh, pointing at him.

“Y-Your face!” He gasped, throwing his head back. “AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

“EIJI I SWEAR TO THE DIVINE-”

“Mm-hm.” He raised an eyebrow, a grin on his face. “She’s single still.”

“She… come on, we work together.” Chase fumbled with his hands. “What’d she even see in me?”

Eiji gave him a look.

“Enough to trust your bb gun wielding butt to protect her while breaking my kid out of a lab.” He quipped. 

They were alone, eating together in Chase’s classroom. No one to overhear their conversations.

Chase shrugged.

“I… I just wanted to keep her safe.” He drummed his fingers on his desk, an unsure look coming to his eyes. “Eiji, I don’t wanna ruin that.”

“She’s off tonight. She’ll need decompressing after a day of stressful stuff.” Eiji took a sip of his water, giving him a smirk. “Just, ask her. She’d love to go for a run I bet. I sure as heck ain’t going any time soon. Lucian would probably find a way to film every time ya nearly slip on a pebble-”

“Hush!”

“And I’m not teaching that to Hideki or Hikaru unless they want to. And even then, I already got enough trouble with Ken trying to learn. So, why not go for a lone run with Sky?” Eiji crossed his arms.

Chase gave him a look.

“You really are gunning for this, aren’t you?”

“If it gets you doing more than being driven home by her after investigations? Yeah.” He smiled gently. “Come on, we’ve been friends for how long?”

“Eh, over ten years…”

“And you were my best man at my wedding. So, now it’s my turn.” He grinned. “Gimme your phone.”

“What? Eiji, no way in heck-!”

Chase’s phone was sitting on the desk near his hand. Eiji lunged forward as Chase moved to try to stop him. It didn’t take much for Eiji to swipe the phone and run to the opposite end of the classroom.

“HA!”

“EIJI!-” He lowered his voice. “Eiji, give me that right now-”

Eiji was already thumbing through Chase’s phone, sliding past lock screen rather easily.

“Dude, change your passcode. It’s still your mom’s birthday.” He remarked. “Aaand found. Let’s see. “Hey, Sky. I’m going out tonight at 6 PM for a run on Reaper. You wanna come?” He said aloud as he typed, dodging Chase as he lunged for the device.

He tossed it back to him after he was done, a wicked grin on his face.

“I hate you.” Chas moaned, lowering his head.

“Dude, I’ve been trying to get you two together for over ten years. Drastic times, drastic measures!” 

Chase muttered a little, jumping as a response appeared.

“Sure! I’d really love that. Maybe we can hit up someplace to get a bite to eat after too? I’m gonna need it. - Sky”

“... Sh-She said yes. Eiji, what do I do!?”

“Say it.” Eiji leaned against him. “SAY IT!”

“Okay, okay!” He yelped.

“I’ll see you then. It’s a date.”

Chase was dumbfounded, while Eiji let out a cheer, strolling back for the rest of his food.

“FINALLY!!!!” 

“I can’t believe you did that to me.” He groaned. “I… That just happened?”

“Sure did! You got a date Chase!”

“I got a date… with Sky…”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

oooooo

Skyler pulled up near a medical supply warehouse. 

She looked around carefully before hurrying across the lot. 

It had been a long time since she had come this way to start off a good run.

Chase was waiting for her by the fire escape, the breeze blowing his hair around a bit.

“Hey.” He smiled, giving a wave. 

“Hey yourself. Been waiting long?” She asked, already starting to climb up. 

He followed right after her.

“Nope, just waiting for you.” He quickly found a handhold, pulling himself up and off the platform along the grooves in the wall. 

Skyler smirked, going quiet, focusing on getting up to the roof. With practiced ease, they were soon looking down at the street below them.

“Man, I can’t remember the last time we even did this without the others.” Skyler brushed her bangs out of her eyes, giving a small sigh. “And these need to get trimmed.”

Chase rummaged through his pocket, offering a hair clip. She gave him a grin, taking it, pinning her bangs out of her face.

“Well?”

“Perfect.”

 He moved backwards to the edge of the roof. 

Skyler joined his side, giving him a playful look.

“Ready?” She asked, already bouncing in place, eager for a running start. 

Eager to forget how long the day really had been.

“Born ready. One…”

“Two…”

They bolted off across the rooftop, their shoes kicking up gravel as the edge rapidly approached.

They leaped off the roof, leaping across as they landed with a roll to the next one, laughter bubbling up as they got up, dusting themselves off.

“YES!” Skyler laughed, shaking the pebbles off of her jacket. “C’mon, let’s keep going!”

Chase hurried after her, doing a front flip when he was close enough, giving her a confident grin.

“Show off.” She leapt onto the edge, walking along it before pulling herself up onto the second level of this particular building. 

It was the Geistville public library below them… but they didn’t care.

His stomach did a flip as he watched her. The breeze was gentle, but one wrong step…

He shook his head of those thoughts, hurrying after her. 

They darted to the edge, throwing themselves across. 

Each time was as heart stopping as the first. 

Skyler slowed to a stop, catching her breath. They were on a roof with several large pipes running across the top and above them. It was a free runner’s dream but for now, she needed a break.

“You okay?”

“Mm-hm. Just a little tired.” She smiled, moving to the edge, sitting on it. Chase joined her side, looking over the downtown area with her.

The pier was farther out but the sea was still visible, fog rolling in over the water. The noise of the city surrounding them.

He truly couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. 

“Sooo, Mr. History teacher… Tell me…” Skyler grinned. “What’s the history of this building right here?”

He had to look around to remind himself of where they were before nodding.

“This, is actually one of the first dress shops built here in Geistville. It was run by Jenny Crafton and her descendants for years. Still is. It was built in 1919 and had more added to it when they revamped the apartments above the store.” Chase recited, his eyes closing for a moment. He could picture it, the seamstress in her shop, masterfully putting together a client’s order, her shop bustling with activity.

“You think she’s still around?” Skyler leaned back, gazing up at the sky. Somehow, the lights of the city never caused enough light pollution to dim the stars beyond view. “Weaving stars maybe instead of fabric.”

“Who knows?” Chase followed her gaze. “We’ve seen a lot of weird stuff… To think, this all started cause the weird kid decided to start a paranormal club in the old Dungeons and Dragons club room.”

She giggled.

“It really was crazy. Now look at us. We’re all making names for ourselves, still doing investigations… still making time for that game too.” She smirked. “When’s the next night, huh?”

“Probably not for a while… I like this though.” Chase smiled softly, gazing at her a little. “Just hanging out with you. No one else.”

She nodded, sliding her hand across the ledge as he covered it with his own. 

For a little while, they didn’t speak. They just gazed out onto the city, savoring the sights and sounds… and each other’s presence.

“How’s the teacher gig going?” She asked after a bit.

Chase groaned in frustration, throwing his head back.

“That bad?” Skyler tilted her head.

“They. Won’t. Stop. Asking for free running lessons.” He seethed. 

Skyler bit her lip, her shoulders shaking.

He gave her a flat look.

“Oh, you are terrible.”

“I am.” She giggled, before moving away from the ledge, helping him up. “C’mon, Mr. Armati. Teach me a lesson right here.”

“... Oh, you are terrible.” He repeated, laughing a little as they ran off, darting across the pipes as small echoes were created from their footsteps.

This… this is different than other times.

When was the last time we even hung out by ourselves with no one around?

… Has it really been that long?

Chase stopped her after they had hopped down, a gentle look in his eyes.

“Hey, Sky…? How often would you wanna do this? Just us. No Eiji, no Lucian and definitely no nephews?”

Skyler hummed in thought, giving him a look of warmth back.

“I’d say pretty often… Honestly, this is what I needed, Chase.” She frowned. “Work… it’s hard sometimes. I can’t tell people what I do, past the basics of social worker.”

“You give voices to those even the rest of the world can’t hear.” 

“Yeah… and it’s a little daunting sometimes.” She crossed her arms. “I’m not gonna lie… today was a hard day.”

“Sky…” He frowned, bringing an arm around her. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She brought her arms around him, causing him to freeze up. Sure, it wasn’t the first time they hugged but… he couldn't remember truthfully the last time SHE had initiated it out of the blue. 

She’s… She’s hugging me. Oh my gosh she’s hugging me.

He brought his arms around her, tighter. 

“You’re really warm.” She mumbled, keeping close.

“Yeah, kind of how I run.” He rested his head atop hers. “Is this okay?”

She nodded, sighing in content. 

I can always trust this dork with everything.

We… We really need to do this more.

“S-So… how about that dinner, huh?” She chuckled a bit, pulling back after a moment.

Chase nodded, noting how red her cheeks had gotten.

“S-Sure. Where do you wanna go?”

“Hm… That place on Memento Lane? The one that has the really good curly fries?”

“Race ya!” He took off before she could have a chance to say anything.

She was surprised before laughing, chasing after him.

“Get back here you dork!!!”

“Gotta catch me first!”

Oh just you wait.

He turned back to her, giving a smirk.

Her heart fluttered a little as she kept up the pace.

I think I’m gonna be sticking with you for awhile Chase.

#spirits in the shadows #Eiji Miyamoto #Chase Armati #Skyler Nicks #romance #couple #parkour #free running #original writing #writeblr #storm arashi #yellow rose productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

In All the Waves

In All the Waves

The day had come. 

As much as they didn’t want it to… It was time.

Hideki was up first, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, mostly to distract himself. His mind kept jumping back to it every time he heard a whisper brush past his ear or a phantom hand ruffled his hair.

They knew… 

They knew that it was time. 

Deep breaths… Deep breaths…

They have to pass on. 

Staying here, isn’t good for them. 

Not unless they become Remembered but even then, they’d be limited.

So, he did the thing he knew best - he prepared the offerings to make when they completed the rituals. To ensure his parents had something to take with them where they were going.

Hikaru was still asleep, the boy exhausted from the night prior. 

Their first therapy sessions had gone as well as they could have expected.

It was crazy figuring out what times worked best. Having us there together wasn’t helpful.

It had been decided Hikaru would have his sessions three times a month in the mornings while Hideki’s were in the afternoon.

“Hm… Okaa-san always liked smoked salmon in her rice balls… Do we got some?” Hideki hummed in thought before rummaging through the cabinets.

It was still strange, he would admit. He wasn’t sure how comfortable he was at first just tearing through them, but he was getting more comfortable.

“You lookin for this?”

Hideki jumped, yelping as he smacked his head right on the cabinet he was kneeling in front of.

“YOWCH!” He looked to see Ken, standing behind him, holding a packet in his hands. The little boy’s eyes were wide, giving him a bewildered look.

“Are you okay?” Ken asked, tilting his head. “That looked like it hurt.”

“Yeah, yeah, m’fine.” He rubbed his head, wincing, before taking what Ken had, looking it over. “Yup, this’ll do.”

“That’s for offering for the dead, right?” Ken huddled up to his side, peering over the counter. “Can I help?”

“Sure, Kenny. Let’s get you a step stool though… You ever do a ritual like this?” 

Ken shook his head.

“I do protection stuff. Great grandma is teachin’ me how to read tarot cards… but I’ve never passed a soul on.” He frowned. “... Are you sure it’s what you guys want though?”

Hideki sighed heavily, going back to work.

“If I had to be honest, no. I’m still not sure… But it’s not the same. Feeling their presence, randomly hearing whispers or seeing them randomly as apparitions…” Hideki sighed, lowering his gaze. “I don’t want that for them. That’s just existing.”

Ken laid a hand on his arm.

“I’ll help Daddy and them cross them over then.”

Hideki smiled softly.

“Thanks, Otouto.”

“Hee?”

oooooo

Hikaru, was exhausted when he was eventually roused to get ready. 

He had barely slept, tossing and turning all night. 

Memories of the last few weeks trying to creep into his mind.

“Do we got the shells?”

“Yup.”

“The altar tile?”

“Yup.”

“Dad’s spear?”

“Yup. And Mom’s…” Hideki looked down at the item in his hand. 

It was a comb. There was no use for Aika to have it in the sea. It was for pure jewelry. For when she was out and about on land. It was adorned with seashells and sea glass, that shimmered in the light. Even now, he could see it clear as day in his mind’s eye. 

Hikaru smiled, taking the comb, fixing it into his twin’s hair.

“You’re always gentle, trying to take care of everyone.” He chuckled. “You’re a lot like Okaa-san. So, you should wear it. Least, for her.”

“I really am huh?” Hideki felt the jewelry, chuckling a little. “I’m tired like her too.”

“I think we’re both gonna be tired for awhile, Bro.” Hikaru held his arm out to him as Hideki huddled up to him.

They were on the beach now. The team, Carmen, Ken… Everyone was here.

Hikaru held his twin close to him, nuzzling a little.

“You know, you actually pull off that comb.”

“Heh, maybe…” Hideki pulled back, sighing heavily, offering his sibling a hand. “You ready?”

“No.” Hikaru took it, following him to where the rest were waiting. “I’m not ready at all.”

“Good. Neither am I.”

Eiji looked to them, concern in his eyes. 

“Holding up alright?”

The twins shook their heads. They looked down at the water that was coming up from the tide.

This was the beach they had last been with their parents on. Eiji had offered to make the trek to any other beach or pier in Geistville or beyond… but the twins had other plans in mind.

This was the last time we were all together and a normal family.

This is the best place to say goodbye.

“We will be.” Hikaru spoke up, picking up his father’s spear, a weapon crafted from driftwood, carved and polished until smooth. The handle was wrapped in old rope, from a net Daisuke had freed himself from as a teenager. The end was made up of a stone he had sharpened and carved until it was a deadly weapon.

He hadn’t taken it that day. 

“It is yours now.” A voice whispered in his ear as the boy gripped the weapon tighter.

He used the blunt end of the spear to draw a large circle in the sand, large enough for all to stand in it. Hideki followed behind him, laying seashells Aika had collected all her life into the pattern of a star.

Eiji and Ken followed, drawing a circle of salt into the grooves in the sand.

“Alright, everyone, stand in a circle.” Eiji spoke up, lighting a few candles set into mason jars in the center of the circle. Hideki stepped up beside him, setting down his food offerings as well. 

Hikaru was the last, setting his father’s spear into the ground so it stood, pointing to the sky. 

There’s no going back.

Eiji lit a leaf of sage, moving it around the circle.

It’s time.

“My circle of protection, only that which is in the light can enter. Only that which is in the light can enter…” He stopped beside Carmen, taking her hand into his. “Only that which is in the light can enter.”

Hikaru and Hideki squeezed each other’s hands.

Hideki closed his eyes tightly, swallowing hard.

“I call to my mother, Aika Kishimoto. A woman who put her family first, no matter what. Who always had an open heart and a full plate to anyone who needed her.” Hideki’s voice cracked, his shoulders shaking. “I love you, Mom. I thank you for saving my life that day… I thank you for bringing me and Hikaru into this world. As… As your son, I now ask to release you from it.” 

There was no prepared or set ritual. Just what felt right.

Warmth spread around the twins shoulders in a ghostly embrace. The scent of vanilla mixing with the sea spray that blew around them.

The candles flickered. 

For the others, all they saw was the same shadow of a woman…

For Hikaru and Hideki… They only saw her when the boys opened their eyes. Her black hair flowing in the eternal wind, the comb Hideki now wore, in her hair, a ghostly copy. Her eyes shining with warmth and love…

No longer a drowned corpse. 

No longer having to bear the grudge against her murderers.

Ken looked from the woman to the twins, smiling innocently.

“Your mommy’s really pretty.” 

“Yeah…” Hikaru’s voice cracked as he wiped at his eyes. “She really is.”

Hideki squeezed his hand tightly, giving him a nod.

Hikaru sighed shakily. 

It was his turn.

“I call, to my father, Daisuke Kishimoto. The finest hunter you could’ve ever hoped to meet. A man whom many would’ve considered unstoppable but no one would’ve guessed, that same man would stay up late tinkering with me on robots and little toys.” Hikaru smiled a little. “I thank you for all the gifts you gave me. For all the knowledge I’ll pass on to my children… I thank you for protecting me from harm when I was captured and alone. But now, I release you from your duty. I release you to Mom, to go with her.”

The team looked around them as the wind picked up again. There was no scents… but a strong presence around them. Strength that seemed to command even the wind to quiet after a moment.

The candles flickered before a man’s shadow joined Aika’s… as Daisuke’s spirit manifested before his children. 

His short, messy hair blew around him as he took Aika’s hands, a warm gaze in his brown eyes. He touched his forehead to her, a silent chuckle escaping him.

No longer trapped. 

No longer bound. 

“Mother, Father….” The twins spoke at once. “We love you. We hope you find light.”

“We hope you find rest… and may you be greeted by our ancestors.” 

Aika and Daisuke shifted their gaze to their sons, smiling warmly.  The candles below them flickering.

“We love you.”

This time, everyone heard it. 

Their energy so powerful and strong, enough to manifest their voices without machines.

“We love you forever. Take care of each other.”

Their gaze flickered to Eiji and Carmen, as to them, the shadows moved closer.

“Take care of our children.”

Carmen nodded, her voice catching in her throat. She understood how important that request was.

“I will.”

“We will… Together.” Eiji squeezed her hand tightly. 

Hideki and Hikaru couldn’t tear their gazes away.

“Goodbye.”

Aika and Daisuke gave their children one last smile, turning away as they floated away from the circle, flickering away as the candles blew out, a powerful wave rolling in, washing part of the circle away.

As the circle closed and the energy faded away, the twins looked to each other. 

Tears were running down their faces.

“We’re gonna be okay.” Hikaru hugged Hideki tightly. “We’re gonna be just fine.”

“Forever.” Hideki returned the embrace.

Ken hugged onto his new brothers.

“Is this okay?”

Hikaru laughed a little, wiping at his eyes, scooping him up onto his shoulders.

“Oh, come here you!” 

“Eeep!”

Eiji and Carmen walked over to them, bringing their arms around the boys.

“You did great.” Eiji murmured. “I am so proud of you both. Of all of you.”

“That was beautiful.” Carmen wiped at her eyes.

Hideki and Hikaru exchanged a warm look, huddling close.

This is exactly what they would’ve wanted.

We got a crazy aunt, two weird uncles, a little brother who’ll need us to guide him… and parents to have our backs.

Hikaru looked out at the sea.

We’re gonna be okay.

#spirits in the shadows #Hideki Kishimoto #Hikaru Kishimoto #Eiji Miyamoto #Carmen Miyamoto #ken miyamoto #original characters #original writing #Original Work #paranormal #paranormal writing #Paranormal/family #Supernatural/family #family #writeblr #storm arashi #yellow rose productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

Adjustments

Adjustments

The water was so cold… Why did they keep it so cold? 

He shivered, bringing his arms around himself.

“Five more laps then your done for today. Go.”

He looked up to where the voice was coming from. 

Why? Why order him about? It wasn’t his idea to be here in the first place.

“Hikaru…” 

It wasn’t his idea… to have his parents’ spirits have to protect him after they were killed.

“Hikaru…”

“WHERE ARE MY PARENTS? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM!?”

“Shhh… You don’t need to worry your head about the other test subjects.”

“Please… I’ll do anything! Just tell me!!”

“... They were dispatched two hours ago.”

“No… NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

“Hikaru.”

Hikaru gasped, shooting up in bed, his heart racing, panting trying to catch his breath. The room was dark, save for the moonlight that drifted in from his window.

That’s right… I’m not in the lab anymore… 

“Hikaru?”

His head snapped to the side, seeing Hideki was standing next to him, holding his pillow. 

There was concern in his eyes, laying a hand on Hikaru’s shoulder.

“You dreamt about it too?” 

He sighed shakily, nodding, making room on the bed for his brother. 

“Yeah… I… I dreamt about when they first started running me through that course….”

Hideki frowned, climbing up beside him, bringing an arm around his shoulders.

“I saw… I’m so sorry that happened… I’m sorry I wasn’t there-”

“Don’t!” He snapped a little before taking a deep breath, composing himself. Hideki was technically his “little” brother. He had to be responsible. “Don’t apologize for something you can’t help… They probably would’ve killed you too.”

Hideki hugged him tightly.

“Still…”

Hikaru returned the embrace as the two lied back in the bed, huddling close.

It had been a long last couple of days. Finalizing paperwork, giving statements to the police, getting what was still at their parents' house. Most of it wound up in basement storage, the rest, the boys put up in their rooms, recreating what their setups used to be before. But nightmares still were a pain to deal with. 

Especially, when they were so intense that sometimes both twins dreamt about the same thing.

“We should tell them tomorrow.” Hideki yawned a little, burrowing his face into his pillow. “I don’t wanna lose more sleep.”

Hikaru brought the blanket up around him, laying down again.

“Yeah… Me too.” He closed his eyes, sighing heavily. “Sides… the ceremony’s on Friday.”

“Don’t remind me…” Hideki pulled the blanket up over his head. “I didn’t wanna go back to the water just yet.”

“That says a lot, considering if you had your choice we’d have all lived in Cacharadon for life instead of just a few months.”

“... That was different.”

Hikaru brought an arm over him. 

“I know.”

I know all too well.

He nuzzled Hideki, humming softly. He didn’t want either of them to sleep just yet. Not with minds fogged over with nightmares and memories that were all too fresh.

Hideki smiled a little, recognizing the tune. A song their mother had sung to them when they were small… and still did, even if now it was in dreams.

“And all the light will be, will be… and all the waves, the sea…” Hikaru sung softly, breaking off into humming once more.

“And all the waves, the sea… And all the light will be…” Hideki yawned, nuzzling his twin, sighing in content.

Full moon swims, Mom’s Enya music blasting in the car on that rocky beach…

I promise, I’m gonna take care of him… I promise.

“Hey… Hikaru?”

“Yeah?”

Hideki smiled faintly, closing his eyes.

“I’m glad you’re back.”

Hikaru smiled softly, curling up beside him.

“I’m glad to be back.”

oooooo 

Carmen yawned, heading out of the master bedroom. She had to get an early start if everyone was going to eat on time.

She swore the last few days had gone by like a blur. From a mother of one, open to the idea of trying for another, to suddenly having three.

She stopped short by Hikaru’s room, listening in.

He was still fast asleep… they both were, curled up beside each other. She peered in, noting one of the boys had kicked off the blanket in the middle of the night.

They have to get up soon… but I can spare them a few more minutes.

She went in, dusting off the blanket before tucking the boys back in. She looked them over, sighing in content.

These were her boys now.

They’re really my kids now….

I can’t replace Aika, but I’m gonna do everything in my power to be a good mother to them. 

She kissed their foreheads, starting to make her way out… wincing as Hideki let out a yawn, sitting up.

The boy stretched, wincing as his joints cracked, looking to her blearily.

“... Ohayo…”

“Morning…” She put a finger to her lips. “You can go back to sleep. It’s okay.”

Hideki shook his head, getting out of bed, making sure Hikaru was still fully covered.

“Nah…” He followed her out, closing the door behind them. “What’s goin on today? More legal stuff? Another check up?”

“Nope, none of that. We got a reprieve from that mijo.”

Hideki smiled, keeping close to her as they headed for the kitchen.

“I really like it when you say that.”

Carmen smiled, ruffling up his hair a little.

“You’re my son.” She straightened up. “Now, you wanna help me make breakfast?”

“I was hoping. Things have been so crazy lately, I’ve never gotten to really help out.” Hideki grinned sheepishly. “And your food is so yummy. I really wanna learn how to make it.”

“Maybe we can help each other. You good with Japanese cooking?”

“My specialty!”

“I suck at it. Nothing ever tastes the way it does when Eiji cooks. Maybe you could give me a hand?”

Hideki beamed, grabbing up an apron hanging off the island, tying it on.

“It’d be my pleasure.”

They got right to work, the kitchen soon turning into a flurry of activity. 

Carmen watched him out of the corner of her eye, noting how fast he moved, all across the kitchen without missing a single beat.

This was one of the few times he was truly relaxed. He could just focus on the meal that was forming before him, adjusting the flavors.

“Alright, the trick for a really delicious miso soup is this.” Hideki carefully placed about half a teaspoon of miso into the ladle, using a set of metal chopsticks to whisk it into the broth. “You go, just a little at a time until it’s how you like it.” He poured a bit out into two tasting spoons. “Here.”

Carmen took a taste, sighing happily at the mellow flavor.

“Oh, that is the good stuff.”

“Right? I like about this much, with a little bit extra because we’re adding tofu that’ll really suck all the flavor up.” Hideki watched her for a moment as he went to cut the tofu… twirling the knife in his hand before doing so.

“Hey! No one likes a show off but me.” She laughed. 

“Hee?”

Even with what he deems as simple he has such a passion for it… I wonder…

“Hideki?”

“Hm?” He looked up.

Carmen stirred the pot on the stove, giving him a curious look.

“How much do you like cooking?”

He smiled, looking back down at the cutting board. 

“Cooking just has always been a part of me. Ever since I was little and helping Okaa-san in the kitchen.” He chuckled a little. “I was always getting in her way, wanting to know what magic she was making in that tiny kitchen back in Tokyo.”

“Aww… That’s wonderful.” She hurried by him to set another pod in their coffee maker, sighing happily as the aroma of fresh coffee made itself present. 

He snickered.

“Whaaat?”

“No, sorry just…” Hideki snickered again, giving her a grin. “You sound just like Hikaru!”

Carmen blinked.

“Wait… Hikaru already drinks coffee!?”

“Only during competition stuff for his robotics club stuff. or when he’s tinkering. All night. “

She eyed the cup.

“I guess I should be glad it’s only certain occasions, eh?”

“Yeah, he’s trying to get better about it. Used to be really bad during cram sessions for school.” Hideki rolled his eyes. “Otou-san had to cut him off.”

Carmen frowned a little.

“Right…”

“You two don’t have to call us anything you don’t want to. We’re fine if you just wanna call us by our names, or even just “Hey you,” it’s your decision, boys. There is no pressure.”

The twins were confused, giving Carmen and Eiji bewildered looks. They had just come back from the court hearing about custody being given to the Miyamotos… They were confused to say the least.

“Why?” Hikaru asked, tilting his head. 

“Because, we don’t wanna replace your parents. We love you and want the best for you… including what you’re comfortable calling us by.” Carmen explained.

“Well, we already talked about that.” Hideki rubbed the back of his neck, biting his lip.

Hikaru looked up at the ceiling.

“Otou-san and Okaa-san. Father and Mother. That’s how we’ll call our...” Hikaru looked down. “Our late parents..”

“If it’s okay with you guys.”

“Of course.”

They’re good kids.

She shook her head, trying to get back to her previous train of thought before she snapped her fingers.

“Hideki, where do you want to go with cooking?”

“Eh?” He gave her a confused look. “Why?”

“Well… I wanna get to know you better. I wanna know what your passions are, your dreams… All that.”

He grinned sheepishly.

“Well… promise not to laugh?”

“Mother’s honor.” She smiled softly.

“Well… I wanna open a restaurant.” He said quietly. “One with all kinds of techniques and good food, for really good prices, so people all over can come and get a good meal. I wanna make people happy with what I make for them.” He gave her a small grin. “Like you.”

Carmen smiled softly.

“Oh, mijo…”

“What do you think?”

“I think, we’ll be setting up a culinary school trust fund too.”

She squeaked a little when he rushed to her, hugging her tightly.

“You mean it?!” He asked, an excited look in his eyes. 

Carmen brought an arm around him, kissing his head.

“I promise. And when you open that restaurant, I’ll be first in line.” She cupped his cheek a little. “Okay?”

Hideki smiled brightly.

“Okay!” He chirped before hurrying back to the stove. “You’re so cool!”

Carmen grinned to herself.

Heh… I’m the “cool” mom.

oooooo 

“BIG BROTHER!!!”

Hikaru yelped as he was awoken. He coughed, trying to catch his breath, looking up… to see the big blue eyes of Ken looking down at him. The little boy had a bright smile on his face, sitting on his chest.

“Good morning!” He chirped.

It took him a moment to register what just happened before groaning, trying to pull his pillow over his head.

“Nooo, not morning. Go back to bed.”

“Nuh uh, I know that trick!” He giggled before flinging the pillow away. “C’mon, wake up!!”

Hikaru rolled his eyes, smirking. Before Ken could respond, the teen lunged up, pulling him into his arms.

“RAWR!”

“EEEP!” He squealed, wiggling up a storm. “The monster has me!”

“BWUAHAHAHAHA!” Hikaru laughed, messing up his hair even more. “THE KING OF THE PREDATOR BORN HAS DESCENDED!!”

“EEEEK!” Ken laughed harder, squirming. “OKAMI! HALP!”

“Not even dogs can save you now!” 

Heh… Reminds me of when me and Deki were this little. We jumped on our parents a lot to wake them up too…

Hikaru stopped after a moment, hugging Ken close to him. 

I’m still tired…

“Hikaru?” Ken asked, tilting his head.

“Huh?”

“Are you okay?” 

Hikaru smiled, exhaustion in his eyes.

“I will be kiddo. You ever have bad dreams?”

Ken fumbled with his fingers, nodding.

“All the time.” He said softly, looking down. “Of lots of stuff.”

Hikaru ruffled his hair.

“I had bad dreams last night.”

Ken leaned up, wrapping his arms around him.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Shark Pup. C’mon, let’s go see your-our family.” He lifted him up, carrying him out. “Where is your fluff ball anyways?”

“I dunno.” Ken blinked. “Kami usually always comes when I call.”

There was a whimpering coming from the kitchen as they made their way in… trying not to laugh.

Okami was laying at Hideki’s feet, whining every time he flipped the rolled omelette he was making.

“Okaaamiii!” Ken whined, hopping out of Hikaru’s arms. “You silly!”

Hikaru rolled his eyes.

“Can never trust anyone around Deki’s cooking. They all become entranced.” he snuck up behind his twin, ruffling up his hair. “Nya! You freakin food siren!”

“HEY! KARU!!!” 

Carmen giggled, shaking her head.

“Hikaru, Ken, help me set the table. Hideki, go get Eiji, please?”

“Kay!”

“Si, Mommy!” Ken hugged her around the waist before hurrying to do as asked. 

It wasn’t long before Eiji came down the stairs, the man still wearing his pajamas.

“Morning…” He yawned, kissing Carmen on the cheek. “How are all my favorite people?”

“Starving.” Carmen nuzzled him. “How’d you sleep?”

“Barely.” He tucked his head into her neck, sighing heavily. “M’just so tired.”

“I know, mi amor…” She stroked his back. “Now, make yourself comfortable. Breakfast is ready.”

“Oh.” He looked at the spread, giving her a wide eyed look, more awake now. 

It was a full traditional Japanese breakfast. The kind he usually made on the weekend.

“...  You did this!?”

“We did it together.” Hideki smiled, setting the rice cooker down on the table, serving himself. “I wanted to help.”

Eiji smiled, sitting down, putting his hands together.

“This is gonna be wonderful. Alright. together now!”

“THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!���

This is just what I needed. Oooh sweet glorious food. He closed his eyes, sighing happily. 

“Hideki, you are a genius in the kitchen.”

The boy beamed.

“T-Thank you.”

“That’s my bro.” Hikaru offered a fist bump. “Great job, Otouto.”

“Hee.” He met it. “Thanks Hikaru… Did you ever get back to sleep?”

“... Moderately?”  He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “There’s just… a lot on my mind lately.”

Eiji and Carmen exchanged a concerned look.

“You don’t have to tell us right away…” Carmen laid a hand on his shoulder. “But we want to help if we can.”

Hikaru fidgeted, looking down. He shook his head.

“Hey.” She tilted his chin up. “We’re never gonna judge you. No pressure, but I have your back.” She gave him a serious look. “You’re my son now too.”

Hikaru smiled faintly.

“Yeah… I know.” He played with his food a little. “I’m just… I guess I’m still not… me again.”

“That’s okay.” Carmen squeezed his shoulder. 

“Like Carmen said, we got your back.” Eiji gave him a reassuring look. “We’ll get you the help you need. Both of you.”

“I… I guess it wouldn’t hurt. To see someone about all this.” Hikaru propped his chin up. “I’m just… I’m so tired.”

“That’s what’ll happen. Honestly, I’m proud of you for speaking up.” Eiji’s gaze softened. “This makes it a bit easier. I actually did make an appointment for you both. Separate therapists but if you want the same one-”

“Same one!”

Hikaru looked up at him, raising an eyebrow.

“Is that why you were up all night?”

Eiji rubbed the back of his neck.

“Guilty as charged. You guys have been through stuff. No kids your age should’ve had to endure.”

“And we just want the best.”

Hikaru leaned over, hugging Carmen with his free arm, relaxing a little bit.

“... Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, mijo.”

I just…. I can’t do this alone.

But it’s okay. I’m gonna get better.

I’m gonna be okay.

#spirits in the shadows #Hikaru Kishimoto #Hideki Kishimoto #Carmen Miyamoto #ken miyamoto #Eiji Miyamoto #original characters #family #writeblr #original writing #storm arashi #yellow rose productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

The Way Home

The Way Home

“So, since we weren’t on the boat, I gotta ask… How did you dispatch the adults?” Lucian asked the scientist as he followed him. 

“Hm? Thought it’d be obvious. Euthanasia, than cryogenics to preserve the coprses.” The scientist smiled. “It was honestly rather easy once we had them under wraps. They’ll do anything for their young. Quite different from normal sharks.”

“Is that so? Did they… say anything? I just find it frustrating that you didn’t try to talk to them first, to study their intelligence.”

“That’s what the juvenile is for. The adults were already past their prime anyways.”

Just keep talking. The court is gonna eat this up. You all are going to jail for murder.

“Honestly, isn’t it exciting? We’re introducing a new species to the world!”

The scientist opened up the door to the supply room, sliding a rather hefty cart with a collapsible sling on it.

“Oof, here!”

“Thanks… Mind if I ask you one more thing?” 

“Hm?”

Lucian rushed him, slamming the man into the wall, grabbing him by his neck.

“How much does this hurt?”

“AUGH!”

These sickos… They were a couple. They were in love. They were trying to raise a family.

“I’m going to ruin your life.” He whispered before hitting a pressure point as the man slid to the floor unconscious. Lucian looked through the man’s pockets, finding an ID, a keycard… and the man’s wallet.  

“.... This’ll do.” He took out the cash in the wallet, pocketing it. “Consider it your payment for me NOT killing you.” 

He grabbed a few other supplies before hurrying off with the cart, locking the supply room behind him, leaving the man where he was. No one would be going there, at least, not right now. He knew Eiji wanted in and out as fast as he could.

Soon as he was in the room with the tank, he composed himself, waving his “colleagues” over.

“Got ‘im. Our guide had to… go away.” He smiled thinly, a cold look in his eyes.

No one wanted to know what he meant by that.

“What do you got for us?” Eiji asked.

He held up the key card, a wicked grin coming across his face.

“...Oh, you absolute genius.”  Eiji rubbed his hands together. “Let’s roll.”

“Right, just follow me. I saw an elevator in the hall.”

“Perfect.” 

They hurried off, heading right on to the next level of the building.

Now, they were on the level that lead to the tops of the different tanks. Most were empty, nothing but concrete awaiting below.

“Just act normal. Perfectly normal.”

“We’re alone.” Lucian looked up and down the hall, scoffing a bit. “Besides, I wanna have a few words with the rest of ‘em.”

“Lucian, we can’t go to jail for killing murderers. I’m already pulling in enough favors so we don’t get slapped with vigilante justice.” Skyler hissed, smacking his shoulder.

“I know, I know.”

Chase looked around, noting the cameras in the area were on the ground. He occasionally got a glimpse of a shadow along the wall.

“I think we’re getting a warm welcome.”

“Good.”

Before long, they were at the old Great White enclosure. The filters caused the water to ripple and shift on the surface.

EIji turned to his team, giving them a serious look, taking off his glasses.

“You guys ready?”

“Ready. Hikaru’s not gonna come to the surface willingly. He knows their tricks.”  Skyler frowned, looking down into the depths. “One of us is gonna have to go in… Unless…”

“He’s also still a shark.” Eiji knelt in front of the water, rolling up his sleeve, reaching his hand in, splashing at the surface of the water, creating ripples that disrupted the filter, creating a sound. 

They didn’t have all day to wait for him. If he didn’t come up on his own after this, Eiji would go in himself… but he wanted to give the kid a chance to make his own decision.

“Come on Hikaru…” He whispered.

Chase kept his BB gun aimed at the hallway, not taking his eyes off of it.

Skyler pulled out her bat, stirring the water with it, causing more ripples.

These movements should at least make him curious. It should be close enough to the “yummy hum” regular sharks fall for.

There was movement below, coming right up at them.

“Do you hear that?” Lucian whispered.

“Their stupid hum trick? Or the footsteps?”

“The footsteps.”

They narrowed their eyes, getting into position.

“Lucian, you keep by EIji, Hikaru might be hurt.” Skyler pulled her bat out of the water. “Eiji?”

“Skyler… Go sma-ACK!” 

A sandpapery hand gripped his as tight as they could, clawed fingers digging into his skin. Eiji bit his lip, bracing himself as Hikaru pulled hard, nearly sending him into the water.

“Whoa! Hikaru! Easy! Easy! I’m not gonna hurt you!”

The boy’s head surfaced for a moment, his eyes full of anger as he pulled harder.

“Liar…” He hissed. “Liar…”

“Easy… Easy…” He pulled out his pendent, showing it to him. “I’m like you!” 

Hikaru froze up, hesitating, swimming closer, curiosity coming to his eyes.

“You’re not with them?” He murmured.

Eiji shook his head, giving him a gentle look.

“I promise, I’m not with them. You can trust me.”

Hikaru growled, moving back. 

Eiji frowned, reaching into his bag, turning the ghost box up to full volume.

“Hikaru.” The box blared out, in its monotone voice. “Hikaru, we are here.”

That, made the boy pause.

“... You can see them?”

“No… but my son can. And they lead me to Hideki. My name is Eiji. I’m from the Memoria coven.”

Hikaru sunk deeper, eyes growing wider.

Eiji held his free hand out to him.

“C’mon. Your mom and dad helped us every step of the way. We can send these people to jail.” 

“I… I can see Hideki?” Hikaru’s eyes were dark, keeping his distance… still keeping a grip on Eiji, in case he had to pull him into the water with him. He was faster. He reasoned he could outswim a human running for their life.

He wanted to trust him so badly… but he was still scared. The outside world seemed like a far away dream, compared to the way he was living now.

A test subject, ran day in and day out. Fed stuff that’s not even fit for cats. Poked and prodded. Mocked….

His eyes stung, reaching for Eiji’s hand.

“You can see Hideki. We’re going home right now. Okay?” Eiji grasped his hand, pulling the boy up, partially lifting him out of the water. 

“P-Promise?” His tail swished, unsure… something felt wrong.

“I promise.”

An alarm blared overhead, causing them to jump.

“Sorry to interrupt such a sweet theft-ACK!”

“LIKE HECK YOUR INTERRUPTING THEM!”

Eiji looked over just as Skyler swung her bat at a guard’s head, knocking him unconscious.

Chase was using the end of his BB gun to hold another back.

“You guys better get your butts moving! Time is not on our side anymore!”

Hikaru huddled against Eiji, shaking like a leaf.

“It’s okay. You're okay.” He looked at the guard with disgust. “What do you wanna do to him?”

Hikaru looked between the adults before a dark look crossed his eyes.

“Into the water….”

“You heard the boy! Eiji, go!” Lucian slid the keycard into his front pocket. “Swipe this on any doors you see and make a break for it.”

“Right.”

“You thought it’d be that easy?” Hikaru asked, as Eiji bolted off with him.

“Let’s just say I was hoping faking being a horrible person would work.” 

It wasn’t long before the team rushed to catch up to them, Chase’s BB gun missing.

“Took all my effort to not go over the side too.” He panted as they entered the elevator.

“Basement level.” Hikaru whispered to Eiji. “They brought me in through there. It’ll go outside. We are going outside… right?”

“All the way out.” Eiji held him close, cradling him in his arms.

While Hikaru was trying to keep quiet to keep minimum exposure away from them, he knew it was just a matter of time.

“One small problem…” Hikaru reached behind him, brushing a piece of plastic.

“... Frick.”  Eiji knelt down, turning him around seeing a tag protruding from the boy’s dorsal fin. “Be honest, does that hurt?”

“It did when they put it in. I know how to pull it out though. They can’t track me without it. This is tag number three.” Hikaru fumbled for it behind him. It was harder to grab it, dripping water like crazy. “If I change back it’ll be stuck in me still.”

“We’re almost to the basement.”

Skyler checked her phone, noting a message.

“One of my friends from the force just messaged me. They’re already storming the building from the front.”

“So we go out the back!” Eiji helped Hikaru reach the tag, making sure it didn’t shift, until the boy could unclip it.

It took a few minutes, the boy sighing in relief as the tag fell free from his fin. The next time he transformed into this form, the hole would be fully healed.

“How long does it take to change back?” Eiji asked. 

Hikaru sighed shakily, looking at his form. He was so tired. It normally was easy to force a shift back to human, but right now… He wasn’t sure.

“I… I don’t think I can… Not right now. You guys have no idea how hard they ran me until you guys showed up.” Hikaru looked up at the team, a frown on his face. “... Did you mean it? About… them going to jail?”

“Every word.” Eiji offered his arms to him, the boy wrapping his own around his neck. He stood, lifting him up. 

“Thank you.”

The basement floor opened up to them, rushing out.

“Left!” Hikaru cried out as Eiji veered that way. “The door’s this way!”

“Right!” 

He fumbled for the keycard, sliding it into the door as it was pushed open into the light of day as the sun shone down on them.

There was chaos outside, police were swarming the building. 

“Skyler? Be honest, are we gonna be screwed if we leave now?” Chase asked, crossing his arms. “I mean, we did our damage.”

“I’ll handle this…. Buuut.” She grabbed Lucian by the arm. “I’ll need Lucy.”

“HEY! What did I say about LUCY!?”

“Chase, go with them. I got this.” 

Chase nodded, hurrying off to handle damage control. Eiji slowed his jog to a walk, knees becoming shaky as he reached his van.

“We’re almost home free, kiddo.”

“Deki…?”

“Deki’s gonna spoil you like crazy.” Eiji unlocked the car, setting Hikaru along the back seat. 

The boy’s eyes were drooping, threatening to close at any time. He didn’t want to sleep yet. He wanted to know exactly what was happening.

Eiji squeezed his hand, giving him a gentle smile.

“You’re a tough one. I can appreciate that. I’m a twin too.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup. Older than my sister by ten minutes. How about you?”

“Five minutes older… Deki’s technically my “little” brother.”

“You’re a good big brother then for hanging in there so long.”

Hikaru shrugged, curling up on himself. He was quiet, his body shaking still. 

Eiji frowned, hesitating before looking through the van, finding a blanket Carmen had stashed in there. Mainly for the times where Ken had dozed off. 

“Is this okay?”

Hikaru looked at him, nodding a little.

“Yeah… Thanks.”

“Welcome.” Eiji wrapped him up. 

Hikaru curled up more… sniffling, as he tried to hide it. 

Eiji frowned, sitting beside him, stroking his back.

“I’m so sorry, Hikaru.”

“Why…? Why us?” He whispered, a small sob escaping him. “What’d I do bad? What’d Okaa-san and Otou-san do bad?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I promise that.” Eiji kept stroking his back, frowning. “You didn’t deserve anything that happened… and I can’t promise everything’s gonna be perfect.”

“Nope… Hello foster family… New town…” 

Eiji shook his head, confusing him.

“When I said we’re going home… Hikaru, you boys are NOT going to be alone in this. I won’t allow that.”

Hikaru sat up, rubbing at his eyes. 

“Why?” He sniffled. “Why do you wanna help two freak kids and risk getting killed like that?”

Eiji gave him a gentle look.

“Because, I’m a dad too. If someone murdered me I’d want someone to watch out for my son. And…” He sighed shakily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ho boy, I wanted to tell you when we got you back to your brother, but you two really are similar, y’know that?”

Hikaru tilted his head.

Eiji smiled a little.

“My friend, Skyler, she’s a social worker. She’s helping my wife and I.” He offered an arm to him. “Hikaru… we want to adopt you and Hideki.”

… What?

The boy gave him a bewildered look, tilting his head. 

“Why?”

“Like I said, we want to give you a chance. I can’t turn back time… but we can make sure you guys have a chance to just be kids.” Eiji gave him a warm look. “To go on dates, to go after your dreams, get into mischief and feel weird, in the way every normal teen does.”

“That… That sounds amazing…” Hikaru sniffled, looking down. “I… I’m sorry. I just don’t…”

“Don’t know how to process all this right now?”

He nodded, wiping at his eyes again. 

“But I do want that… I wanna… I wanna be normal. I wanna tinker with my stuff again, I wanna eat normal food and rough house with my brother and… and…”

Hikaru lunged forward, tackling Eiji a bit, hugging him tightly. Eiji brought his arms around him, stroking his back.

“I wanna go home…” He sobbed a little. “Please… just take me home.”

Eiji hummed softly, rocking back and forth a little.

“We’re gonna take you home, kiddo. To Hideki. You can meet my wife… and our youngest son. You okay with having a really young little brother?”

“How little?”

“He’s just six.”

Hikaru chuckled a little.

“Just a lil shark pup…” He relaxed a bit, curling up to Eiji… his dark brown eyes sliding closed. A small glow overtook his form, as a long tail became lanky legs. Rough, shark skin adorned with tiger stripes faded to pale skin, the fins on his head, fading away into messy black hair.

He was dressed in a purple t-shirt and khaki shorts, but he was there.

Eiji held him close, stroking his hair, taking in the boy before him.

Safe and sound. 

Right where you belong.

ooooo

“Hikaru.” 

He winced, rolling away from whoever was speaking. He was just so comfy. He didn’t want to move. It was warm… So warm…

Where am I though?

“Hikaru, wake up buddy.” 

He opened his eyes slowly, looking around blearily. He was still wrapped up in the blanket, strapped into the car. He was still leaning on Eiji at that.

“Hey there.” Eiji smiled. “Sleep well?”

“Y-Yeah…” He paused, yawning into his hand. He buried his face into Eiji’s jacket, not quite ready to move just yet. He stopped, looking at his hands, opening and closing them slowly.

Not having to stay in his predator born form to keep alive in the water… He was actually himself again. He grinned, tears of joy stinging his eyes.

“I’m…” He laughed a little. “I’m really okay.”

“That’s right, kiddo.” He ruffled his hair, grinning. “You changed back after you fell asleep.”

“Good…” He yawned again, shaking his head. “Alright, I’m up.” Hikaru, looked up at Eiji, giving him a grin. “I’m ready.”

“Come on then.” 

He helped him out of the car towards the house. Unlike Hideki, Hikaru didn’t even blink at the large house. He took note of it, more so wondering where his brother was in this large house.

Eiji didn’t even get to open the door before it was thrown open.

“HIKARU!!!!” 

The boy cried out as Hideki tackle hugged him right to the floor. His eyes went wide, looking up at his twin.

“You’re okay… You’re okay…” Hideki laughed, hugging him tightly. 

Hikaru returned the embrace, burying his face in his shoulder.

“Yeah… M’right here. Nii-san’s here.”

“Karu-Nii…” Hideki nuzzled him, a churr escaping. His grip tightened a little, keeping his sibling close to him. “Sorry, I-”

“Missed you too.” Hikaru finished, tears of joy running down his face. “I’m home… I’m really home.”

“We’re home.” 

The twins looked up at the towering house, the last of the daylight bouncing off the windows.

It wasn’t the house they grew up in… It would take time to adjust.

Hikaru ruffled his hair, helping Hideki to his feet.

“So, where’s this room I was told about?”

Hideki chuckled, pulling him inside. 

“First, come meet the rest.”

Carmen and Eiji were just inside, sharing an embrace. They had been watching, keeping their distance to let the boys have their moment. Ken was hiding behind his mother, a timid look on the child’s face.

“Hikaru, this is Carmen and Ken. They’re part of the family too.”

Hikaru bowed a little.

“Thank you for… for taking us in and…. and for everything.”

Carmen smiled gently.

“You’re family now. We’ll always have our family’s back.”

“Even weird shark kids?”

“Oh, especially.”

Ken hurried up to him, tilting his head.

“Uh… Hi?”

“Are you a new big brother too?”

Hikaru knelt down to his level, ruffling his hair up, eliciting a giggle.

“Sure am. Anytime you need me, I got your back.”

“Yay!” 

Hikaru yelped as Ken tackle hugged him, but didn’t fall over this time. Instead, he just lifted him into his arms, leaning on his twin a little.

“So, what do you think, Bro?” Hideki asked, smiling. 

“I think… I think this is what our parents would’ve wanted.” Hikaru replied, looking up to Eiji and Carmen. 

“Alright you three, c’mere!” Carmen brought all three boys into a bear hug, eliciting laughter from them.

Eiji chuckled, bringing out his phone for a quick picture.

“Welcome to the family boys. Welcome home.”

#spirits in the shadows #Eiji Miyamoto #Hideki Kishimoto #Skyler Nicks #Chase Armati #Lucian Anameches #Carmen Miyamoto #ken miyamoto #original writing #original characters #merfolk #predator born #shark #family #paranormal #writeblr #storm arashi #yellow rose productions

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

"Can I hear a story tonight?"

"Sure thing." Eiji sat on the edge of his bed, as Carmen sat on the floor beside them. "What story?"

Ken rolled onto his side curling up more.

"I want…" He yawned. "A story about the unknown…" - Spirits in the Shadows Chapter 1: Winding Down

#spirits in the shadows #Eiji Miyamoto #ken miyamoto #Okami Miyamoto #family #original characters #artwork #illustration #aileen rose #storm arashi #yellow rose productions