Who are the Real Monsters? by: Elsbeth Ken Umeki will learn that not all monsters come out at night.

Without warning, I found myself in the middle of a snowstorm on a windswept mountain. Dressed in the clothes of a priestess, I fell on my knees and wept before a conflagration that seemed to be consuming an ancient shrine. As the fire took away everything that was dear to me, despair and loss wrapped around me like a thick cloak. Realizing that this was not real, I quickly separated from the unfamiliar memories. From that nightmare, a dualism emerged inside me that felt both familiar and alien. However, that misery quickly became my own, as part of myself, the one known as Kimme felt as if was being torn apart. Despair entwined with flashes of pure unrestrained fury attacked me from the darkness. Instinctively, I knew my very existence was in jeopardy. What was happening? Terror gripped my heart when suddenly a feeling of warmth wrapped around my very being. “Peace Kimme-sama, I have you.” The voice of Aya sliced through the fear and darkness bringing me back into the light.

“Aya” Slowly opening my eyes, I expected to see my friend but instead glimpsed my mother’s face in the morning darkness. “Okaasan…what are you doing here?” Confusing thoughts ran through my head, was I still dreaming?

Reaching over, she sat on the side of my bed and gently brushed the hair from my face. “How are you feeling?” Apprehension filled her eyes. Was my mother actually concerned about me? What a rather odd experience.

Turning my head, I found a glass of water on the night stand. Before I could reach for the glass, my mother picked it up and with one hand behind my head helped me drink. Odd as it sounds, the nightmares began to fade as I drank from the glass, as if the water was purifying my thoughts.

“What happened?” I rasped.

“You fainted.” She frowned slightly. “Aya brought you home.”

Slowly the previous night’s events came back to me. I realized that I must have passed out on the dance floor at The Necropolis. Of course, Aya followed us to the club. I shouldn’t be too angry; at least she was there when I embarrassed myself. “Wait, when was that?” Suddenly I had a bad feeling that my mother was not talking about last night. Sure enough, I was right.

“Almost a week.”

I rolled my eyes but stopped, that hurt as well. A week, how can that be and why wasn’t I in the hospital with tubes running in and out of my body? Noticing uncomfortably for the first time that I actually had an IV stuck in my left arm, I concluded that a nurse must have been standing right outside. No doubt, Doctor Oshiro, the Umeki family physician was probably flown in from Hawaii. If I knew my mother, he was also standing outside. What in the world, did I do to myself? Reaching over my mother wiped my head with a cool washcloth. It felt heavenly.

“So, have I been sick?” Generally, I was a healthy person, so getting this ill was all rather new to me. No wonder I was plagued with terrifying dreams. Looking back, I had been feeling rather odd the entire time I was at the club. Trying to sit up, the world spun in several directions. Deciding that was rather a bad move, I slowly slid back down.

My Okaasan gave me a gentle smile. “I wasn’t too worried; you are strong like all the women of the Umeki family.”

Stopping myself from making my normal snide comment, I realized she was actually concerned. All her talk about the strong Umeki family woman was a façade. So maybe my mother wasn’t too thrilled with having a son but she was here now obviously travelling across the globe because her child was ill. Maybe I was being foolish, it wouldn’t be the first time but not feeling well, I really just wanted my mommy. Eventually, the both of us will have to come to terms with the past, but now I could be happy that my Okaasan was here. With a supreme effort, I leaned over and laid my head on her lap. The move, I think, surprised us both. “I’m happy you’re here.”

My mother kissed the tears rolling down my cheek. “So am I, my daughter.”

As I drifted off to sleep, I startled myself, five or six days was a long time to be out of it. My friends must be worried. Where was my cell phone? Finding it on the other side of the room, I frowned. The thought of making a phone call much less getting out of bed was way beyond my reach right now; frankly, it required too much effort but still. “I need to call my friends.”

“I have spoken to a number of them these past few days. They have been asking about you of course. I have also spoken to your Sile a number of times. She seems…interesting.”

Happily, I closed my eyes; I really liked the sound of ‘your Sile.’ I really wanted to talk to her. Maybe my family would allow my girlfriend to come over to the house. Now that will be an interesting visit. Obviously, through Aya, my parents knew I had a relationship with her. My mother didn’t appear to be upset with the situation, so perhaps it would all work out. Even discovering my father was on the way to Skogshaven seemed to please me. How things have changed. At least I hoped when Sile did come over for a visit, it would turn out better than the last time I wanted to invite a girlfriend over to my home.

“I think, my daughter, that we will still need to wait until you’re a little better before we invite them over.”

Apparently, my mother was also an excellent mind reader. As much as I hated to admit it, she was probably right.

Quietly closing the door on Kimme’s room, Kaede Umeki acknowledged the two standing in the hallway. As Aya had expressed so many weeks ago, Kimme was indeed a beautiful girl. It was a shame that her daughter had to go through most of her life as a boy. To think that she listened to those old women who thought that the stars had some influence on their fate. Your fate was in your own hands, as Kimme’s mother had pointed out to her own mother who thought the union between the two families would end in disaster. Such predictions were preposterous. The ways of the Onmyo-do- were centuries behind the times. Waiting for some sort of outside force to guide your hands, no you seized power through strength of will.

Walking into another bedroom for some privacy, Kaede confronted the two women. “I am pleased that my daughter is doing well, however I am extremely unhappy at the circumstances. You were both aware that we used a Kagura dance to force it to shift shape. Why would you not expect the creature might use something similar to escape?”

Aya knelt down placing one hand on the floor. “I accept full responsibility for all that has happened, Umeki-sama.”

“I resent that you believe that we would allow harm to come to my granddaughter. Kimme is very precious to us as well, Kaede, it was an unfortunate occurrence.” Sachiko Imai waved her hand. “So believe me Aya, you did nothing wrong. No dishonor on your actions, on the contrary, you were there to make sure that she came safely home.”

Kimme’s mother shook her head. “One mistake after another; one look at her this morning…her beauty is breathtaking, she should have been female all along. To think we could have completed the Tojiru ritual when she turned thirteen.”

“I disagree, my daughter, she was trouble enough being sealed away as Ken. We were fortunate the overlaid Kaihen enchantment was not shattered. This was the furthest the bonds have been stretched but they did hold.”

“She could have escaped Imai-sama.” Aya said, still kneeling her head pointing towards the ground. “Kimme-sama decided to help her friends.”

Kaede ignored Aya, to even suggest that the creature was her daughter was revolting. “You’re getting old, mother, to think you gave the creature another chance to escape from us. However, my daughter is now at home, which is where she should be. I am afraid we cannot wait until your precious stars are in alignment. Once Kimme regains some of her strength, we will move forward with the ritual.”

“You will find that exceeding unwise, child.”

“That maybe so but that is my decision.”

“Umeki-sama, have you spoken to your daughter about her friend Tabitha?” Aya asked. Sile had confronted both Aya and Kaede two days ago. Thankfully, Kimme’s mother was able to turn away the Scottish Vampire from forcing her way into the home. As expected, she was very diplomatic about the entire situation, explaining to Sile that Kimme was still asleep but would call her as soon as was possible; for some reason that appeased the Fae. Still Aya knew a confrontation was forthcoming but it would be on Kaede terms.

“Of course not, when she is stronger I will inform my daughter that her friend has died.”

Sachiko frowned.

“I see you’re confused with that statement? There is simply no way that I would allow my daughter to consort with such a creature? Kimme’s friend should have passed on and not be turned into a monster. No, such an association is impossible.”

Kimme’s grandmother smiled. “As you know Aya, Kimme’s very nature will to a certain degree change with the completion of the Tojiru ritual. She might find afterwards that such a friendship is undesirable. So why distress the child now? However, after the ceremony such a decision as to who to associate with as heir to the Umeki family will be up to Kimme and not you, my daughter.”

The two women stared at one another for a moment, then without another word, Kaede Umeki left the two standing in the bedroom. She had much to plan before the ritual could take place. Kimme’s mother also surmised that additional resources were going to be necessary for the ceremony, much more than original believed. The blending of the two personalities would require an enormous amount of power. Kaede thought to herself that she had chosen well for the location of the ceremony. The Japanese witch knew from experience that the forest would prove useful in the upcoming days ahead.

“Ume-chan, a moment of your time.”

Looking up, a black and white robed woman stopped in the center of the foyer. Bowing at the waist, she said. “Umeki-sama how is your daughter this morning? We were all concerned with her well-being.” Behind her, a black robed man knelt on the floor.

“She is doing very well thank you. I have decided to move up the date of the Tojiru ritual. Therefore, we need to improve on our collection of Kokoro-utsuwa. I wish to leave nothing to chance.”

Ume nodded in understanding. “How may we obtain Yoki Kokoro in this town?”

“I don’t believe that will be an issue Ume-chan. Take your sisters and enter the woods near the library. I am positive a number of opportunities for harvesting will occur.”

Dressed in black and feeling like a fraud, Agwe sat uncomfortably in the church sanctuary. In the front of the sanctuary sat a yellow coffin, surrounded by blue and white flowers. Off to the side, pictures of her friend Tabitha adorned a table, which was also covered in small mementoes brought to the service by her friends from class. It all seemed so real, but Agwe knew it was a sham.

How many times had Nina set up something like this? In this town, Agwe knew that others must have gone through a similar experience. She couldn’t imagine what it took to involve the police. In the end, a simple but tragic traffic accident was Tabitha’s fate. With both Rose and Kimme out sick, it was assumed that Tabitha wasn’t feeling well and must have fallen asleep at the wheel. Her parents already had it in their mind that their daughter was on her way to church after spending the night at Agwe’s house.

There was nothing more than she wanted to do but stand and scream to the entire congregation that her friend was not truly gone. Knowing that such an action would be incredibly stupid, Agwe decided to take another look around the room. She wasn’t too surprised to find that St. Anne, the Episcopal Church Tabitha’s family belonged to, was filled. Tabitha had always been very active in the church’s youth group. At school, her friend was known to go out of her way to be friendly with everyone. Almost the entire senior class was present, although one that was missing concerned her the most.

“Why isn’t Kimme here?” Agwe leaned over and whispered to her mother.

“I already told you Agwe. I was only able to speak with her mother this morning.” For the last few days there was no information coming out of the Shisaa household. Even after speaking to Kimme’s mother, Oshun was annoyed. When she tried to explain Agwe’s concerns, Kimme’s mother quickly changed the subject. She was obviously not interested in listening. “And she said she would tell her daughter.” The few members of the Shisaa family that were attending the funeral didn’t appear to be forthcoming with information about Kimme either.

“I don’t believe her. I also don’t believe that Kimme was sick either, something else is going on.”

Oshun didn’t disagree with her daughter, but what was she to do.

“Agwe?” A weak voice spoke up behind the two women. Turning around Agwe came face to face with Rose. Quickly she came off the pew and embraced her friend.

“You shouldn’t be here, Rose.” Although a little pale, Rose looked a lot better than earlier in the week.

“No...I feel better. I couldn’t…I had to…” Rose began to shake. Agwe held her close. Thankfully, Rose did indeed look better; the young Were would have lost her mind if she lost Rose as well. Suddenly Agwe began to cry, this was so hard.

Oshun St. Hill found it difficult as well. There was nothing to be done with Tabitha, she was now one of Nina’s daughters but Kimme’s fate was another matter. Perhaps her brother might be able to talk to the council. Richard Kincade was never one to stand idly by and if Sile was involved it would be necessary to involve Princess Morgan as well. The Beta of the St. Hill family didn’t understand what was going on but perhaps it was time they all found out.

Lily sat high in a large tree overlooking in the center of the Shisaa family compound. The last few days it had become increasingly difficult not to be seen. Up until now, no one else in the house had been here besides Sile’s girlfriend but that really didn’t matter. She seemed very nice, although the white haired pixie was concerned that she was sleeping a lot lately. No, it was the presences of these new mortals dressed in black and white. Although it didn’t concern Lily, with a number of powerful wards appearing, the new mortals were obviously witches. The pixie was positive that Sile wouldn’t be happy if she revealed herself to them.

Dropping out of the sky, Lily followed three of them from a discreet distance. Sliding into the home in the last minute and passing over a ward without it even reacting to her presence, the pixie flew up into the rafters. She felt anxious; something in their hands concerned the pixie deeply.

Leaping from wooden beam to wooden beam, she watched as they deposited a number of small sealed clay containers in another room. As the three left, Lily glided into the small room then hovered close to the ground. Dozens of clay jars sat on a small table, surrounded by powerful wards. What did she feel as if other Fae were in the room? What was in those jars?

“You shouldn’t be here, child.”

Lily turned, shocked that besides behind seen, someone had actually snuck up behind her. Although the being took a mortal form, to the pixie’s relief it was one of the Aos Sidhe, but why was she here? “Who are you?”

Katherine smiled at the pixie as it flew and landed on her the palm of her hand. “I am named Caitrá­n and who might you be?”

“Lily.”

“Well Lily, my sweet pixie you must leave this place and never return.”

“I can’t Caitrá­n, I promised to be my friend Sile’s eyes and ears.”

The Aos Sidhe smiled sadly. “Did you now and I’m sure you’re doing a fine job luv, but as I said it is not safe.”

A horrified thought filled the young pixie as she turned to the clay containers. “What are in the jars?”

Katherine nodded; she was surprised the pixie could tell what lay within. “You know don’t you, that is why you cannot stay.”

“But can’t we just let them out?” Were Fae really sealed away in those simple looking clay jars? She reached out feeling the wards that surrounded each one, it felt like she was sticking her hand in molasses.

“No child, they are no more, it’s only their essence…” Suddenly Katherine understood that somehow the pixie was actually reaching through the powerful ward and attempting to release all of the seals at once. “No stop…”

Lily felt it also, whatever she had done had alerted something. Flying into the Aos Sidhe’s blonde hair, she waited. The young pixie could feel it before it even arrived in the room. Whatever it was, the darkness felt similar to the Unseelie she fought with over the summer. Why was that?

“Why are you in this room slave?”

Unbelievably, the Aos Sidhe knelt down almost throwing Lily off her perch. “I am simply doing my job, my master.”

“This room is off limits to one such as you. Finish what you are doing and return to your Athame. Your fate will be determined after the ritual.”

“Yes, my master.”

Lily waited until the dark woman departed. “You’re a slave? How did they…”

Caitrin brushed herself off looking annoyed, something that she would never have allowed the Umeki family to see. “These mortals, none of them have such power. No, it was a Duchess from the Winter Court. Centuries ago, she sealed me away and gave me to one of her Witchling Sclabhai . It brought her great pleasure that one of the Aos Sidhe from the Summer Court would be a slave to a slave.”

Lily flew up and hugged the Aos Sidhe around the neck. “This above all else I will not tolerate. My Princess will not stand to see one of the Aos Sidhe in bondage.”

“One of the blood resides in this town?” That very thought caught in Caitrá­n’s throat. “I thank you for that Lily but you must go now. It’s too dangerous.”

“Don’t worry Caitrá­n, I won’t let you down.” With one last smile, the white haired pixie flew out of the room.

Katie slowly closed the door. Like those in the jars, she couldn’t hope for release, disappointment would only bring dark despair. With one last thought of freedom, she reluctantly turned towards the shadows and entered her centurys old prison.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth

 © Copyright - Elsbeth2011/2012