GARO Fanfic - A survival affair, 2 (3)

Chap. 2: Siege (part 3)

After an almost sleepless night, because an intense emotional activity, and encouraging each other, the exhausted couple found themselves at the kitchen taking by storm the coffee pot, even before Gonza had started the breakfast.

The TV shows some images taken in the garden the last night: a tacit and moody Kouga was pushing through the reporters in good and bad manners, depending on the resistance in front of him, to get home. The big push one of them got as trying to sneak in was greeted with protests and jeers. Some of them had camped in the garden as if they were the owners, knowing they can not be throw out without making a public scandal.

At Kantai, a letter to be delivered by hand to the prime minister by the High Priestess Garai and a Knight to be determined is being writen. Someone is already tasked with the appointment. The prime minister will be asked for confirmation by his colleagues in other countries, suggesting to begin with Korea, Colombia and Denmark. He will be suggested to send undercover agents to spy on certain villages. And it is believed to have then the Kaoru's blood test to the prime minister to form an idea of the magnitude of the threat.

“What can the Government do?”  Kaoru asks, after hearing from Kouga what is planned.

“To let us to advice and give help to implement the measures we’re planning”.

“Which?”

“Contain the press. As the horrors suspect that the Makai were not the only ones going after them, they will openly attack, and panic will spread”.

“I ...” Kaoru sighs “I don’t think that panic can be avoided”.

"Maybe. But we need time to develop communication strategies to educate people about what happens, and what they can do. And some time to get ready the leaders and the security forces”.

“Will there was so long?”

“It must”.

Kouga’s categorical tone does not allow any arguing, so she focuses on another facet.

“How can normal humans fight the horrors, being unable to handle the metalsoul?”

“Against a large concentration of horrors can be used artillery loaded with metalsoul shrapnel, but against the Bariri it could be a double edged sword. Imagine some of them mad because they have been damaged at their plexus of satiety”.

"They’d eat each other”.

“You can assumed that the shrapnel would hit them enough for human carrying flamethrower of Madou Fire ended up with them. I know from experience how dangerous a maimed Bariri is”.

“Firearms do nothing to them?”

“The small ones, such as pistols, hand grenades, and so, don’t have enough dimensional depth. The efficacity of heavy artillery is an area we're going to start studying. Anyway, if we use the, there is a risk they take hold of them and use them against us”.

”But, Kouga, if the horrors can disguise as any human, if they even want, couldn’t easily get the stocks?”

He does not answer. It is unlikely enough dumb substitutes of Madou jewels fast enough to capture the horrors and, until this moment, only Kaoru can identify Bariri. Kouga realizes that they will have to use her, however how much it hurts him. And worse: he knows he has no right to object. So, he is forced to give up his plans to take her away for her safety from humans and horrors. Otherwise, he would betray the entire human species.

"Hey, I ...”

He does not know how to tell it.

"With those ones and the Bariri out there you can’t leave the house. The doctor will have to come here to take the blood”.

She merely nods, keeping to herself her knowledge of his thoughts. She’s going to paint. Although, could she focuss? How to silence the inner clamor that requires her to do something! She already does something by giving some blood, and will do more, since she is the only recognizing Bariri. However...”

*      *      *

Dr. Shimizu does not like he owner of the house, less and less, who is watching them like a hawk to its prey, while the nurse comes to draw blood. But he can not complain, they have yielded to his request. Pressured by the "guests" camped at their garden, true. They deserve it.

The woman is very tense, perhaps is one of those people terrified of needles. Consequently, the nurse fails to hit her vein, and she has begun to complain he pokes on his arm. The eyes of her husband promise a dramatic final of session.

"Mrs. Saejima” the doctor involves himself “take three deep breaths, relax the arm and focus your eyes anywhere except on your arm, or we will never end”.

The girl obeys and, finally, the syringe can be filled with the medium that he covets so much. He is looking forward to get the lab, but she must try it again.

"Mrs. Saejima, please reconsider my request. Blood does not say everything. We could get a lot of data by a CAT scan, a biopsy and a ...”

“No way!”

Mr. Saejima does not moved a muscle, despite the strong emphasis in his exclamation. A man capable of exercising such a control over his body can be very dangerous. Better not tempting his fate.

The young wife looks down, submissive. He don’t even have a chance to convince her, damn it! Well, depending he discovered, could ask to the authorities for a better cooperation.

Her husband goes to the door, call the butler and says that the guests are leaving. But Dr. Shimizu gets atonished as feels the girl's hand slipping into the pocket of his jacket. A thief? Instinctively he introduces his own hand to see what's missing. He feels a folded paper did not have before. Crosses a glance with the woman, so short that he does not dare to interpret.

GARO Fanfic - Cuestión de supervivencia, 2 (3)

Cap. 2: Asedio (parte 3)

Después de una noche casi en vela, producto de una intensa actividad emocional, y dándose ánimos mútuament, la agotada pareja se halla en la cocina asaltando la cafetera, antes incluso que Gonza haya empezado a preparar el desayuno.

La televisión muestra imágenes captadas en el jardín la noche anterior: un tácito y malhumorado Koga abriéndose paso entre los periodistas a buenas y malas maneras, según la resistencia del quien tuviera delante, para llegar a la casa. El gran empujón que recibió uno que intentó colarse dentro fue acogido con protestas y abucheos. Algunos han acampado en el jardín como si fuesen los dueños, conscientes que no pueden echarlos sin armar un escándalo público y exponerse.

En Kantai se está preparando un escrito para ser entregado en mano al primer ministro por la suma sacerdotisa Garai y un caballero aún por determinar. Alguien se está encargando ya de concertar la cita. Se le pedirá que solicite confirmación de sus colegas en otros países, sugiriéndole empezar por Corea, Colombia y Dinamarca. Se le sugerirá enviar agentes de incógnito a determinados pueblos para espiar a sus habitantes. Y se cree poder contar para entonces con el análisis de sangre de Kaoru, para que el primer ministro se forme una idea de la magnitud de la amenaza.

–¿Qué puede hacer el Gobierno? –inquiere Kaoru, tras haber escuchado de Koga lo que se está planeando.

–Dejar que le aconsejemos y ayudarnos a poner en práctica las medidas que estamos planeando.

–¿Por ejemplo?

–Contener a la prensa. En cuanto los horrores sospechen que los Makai no somos los únicos que vamos a por ellos, atacarán abiertamente y cundirá el pánico.

–Yo... –Kaoru suspira– no creo que el pánico pueda ser evitado.

–Tal vez. Pero necesitamos tiempo para idear estrategias de comunicación que instruyan a la población sobre lo que sudece, lo que se hace, y lo que ellos pueden hacer. Y tiempo para preparar a los gobernantes y a los cuerpos de seguridad.

–¿Habrá tanto tiempo?

–Tiene que haberlo.

El tono categórico de Koga no permite discutir este punto, así que ella enfoca otra faceta.

–¿Cómo pueden los humanos normales combatir a los horrores, siendo incapaces de manejar el metal del alma?

–Contra grandes concentraciones de horrores puede utilizarse artilleria cargada con metralla de metal del alma, aunque con los Bariri podría ser un arma de doble filo. Imagínate a algunos de ellos enloquecidos porque ha sido dañado su plexo de saciedad.

–Se comerían unos a otros.

–Se supone que la metralla los heriría lo suficiente para que humanos con lanzallamas de Fuego Guía acabaran con ellos. Sé  por experiencia lo peligroso que es un Bariri así mutilado.

–¿Las armas de fuego nos les hacen nada?

–Las pequeñas, como pistolas, bombas de mano, etcétera, no tienen suficiente profundidad dimensional. La eficacia de las mayores es un terreno que vamos a empezar a estudiar. De todas maneras, si las utilizamos hay el riesgo que ellos se apoderen de ellas y las usen contra nosotros.

–Pero, Koga, si los horrores pueden hacerse pasar por cualquier humano, si lo prentenden, ¿no les será fácil llegar a los arsenales?

El no responde. No es probable que se construyan con suficiente rapidez sucedáneos “tontos” de joyas Guía para captar a los horrores y, hasta éste momento, sólo Kaoru puede identificar a los Bariri. Koga comprende que tendrán que usarla a ella, por mucho que a él le duela. Y lo peor: él sabe que no tiene derecho a oponerse. Así es como él se ve obligado a prescindir de sus planes de llevarla lejos para ponerla a salvo de horrores y de humanos. De otro modo traicionaría a toda la especie humana.

–Oye, yo...

El no sabe cómo decírselo.

–Con ésos y los Bariri ahí afuera no puedes salir de la casa. El médico tendrá que venir aquí a sacarte la sangre. Lo siento.

Ella se limita a asentir, guardando para sí su conocimiento de sus pensamientos. Tendrá tiempo para pintar. Aunque, ¿podrá concentrarse? ¡Cómo callar al clamor interno que le exige hacer algo! Ya hace algo al dar su sangre, y hará más, puesto que sólo ella reconoce a los Bariri. Sin embargo...

*     *     *

El dueño de  la casa cada vez le cae más mal al doctor Shimizu, vigilándoles como un halcón a su presa, mientras el enfermero procede a la extracción de sangre. Pero no puede quejarse: han cedido a su petición. Presionados por los “invitados” que han acampado en su jardín, está seguro de ello. Se lo merecen.

La mujer está muy tensa, quizá es una de esas personas con terror a las agujas. En consecuencia, el enfermero no logra acertarle la vena y ella ha empezado a quejarse de que urgue en su brazo. Los ojos de su marido prometen un drástico final de sesión.

–Señora Saejima –interviene el médico– respire hondo tres veces, relaje el brazo y luego concentre la vista en cuanquier lugar excepto en su brazo, o no terminaremos nunca.

La joven obedece y, por fin, la jeringa puede llenarse con el fluido que él tanto ambiciona. Está impaciente por llegar al laboratorio, pero debe intentarlo una vez más.

–Señora Saejima, por favor, reconsidere mi petición. La sangre no lo dice todo. Podríamos obtener muchos datos haciendo un TAC, una biopsia y un...

–¡Ni hablar!

El señor Saejima no ha movido ni un músculo, a pesar del gran énfasis puesto en su exclamación. Un hombre capaz de ejercer semejante control sobre su cuerpo puede ser muy peligroso. Mejor no tentar demasiado a la suerte.

La joven esposa mira al suelo, sumisa. ¡Ni siquiera tendrá una oportunidad para convencerla, maldito sea! Bien, según lo que descubra recurrirá a las autoridades para obtener una mejor cooperación.

Su marido se dirige a la puerta, llama al mayordomo y le dice que los invitados se van. Pero el doctor Shimizu se sorprendre al sentir que la mano de la muchacha se ha deslizado hasta el bolsillo de su chaqueta. ¿Una ladrona? Instintivamente él se introduce la suya para ver qué falta. Nota un papel doblado que antes no tenía. Cruza una mirada con la mujer, tan breve que no osa interpretarla.

GARO Fanfic - A survival affair, 2 (2)

  

Chap. 2: Siege (Part 2)

“No way! I’m not going to let such a quacks ti mortgage your life”.

Kaoru feels how the sadness floods her as she witnesses as Kouga’s insides shatter. His words and his anger would seem genuine if his heart did not feel self-reproach about his love. That love that has made him human and, therefore, weak. Again that thing? As soon as he drops his guard, even only a bit, his old habits return with renewed strength.

He says nothing else. He must fight the flood of his emotions in his own way, and also his urge to curb her and go to traini, which can mean either "I don’t understand",  "no!", "that’s a nonsense", "I give a damn", or an outright anger.

Kaoru wishes to reason with him, but now she does not believe her voice could reach his heart. That is why she wants attracts his attention in a way that he can not ignore.

“I call the guardian within you! You must listen to me!”

Kouga sighs.

“I understand your point of view, and I honor it, but don’t do anything until a decision was taken by the Makai meeting. If you want it, I’ll expose your proposal there, but don’t expect me to be agree. As for the threats by the Bariri, you'll never be without a protection. So, you have to leave your work, now”.

“What?”

“Are you going to argue against?” Kouga is becoming angry and raises his voice. “How d’you expect to be protected if you spend thewhole day exposed to them? They know your moves. They find you as they want! Are you blind?”

Kaoru drops into a chair. To the slavery by the doctors, the one imposed by her husband is added. When life was no longer worthwhile? Even against her will she feels Kouga’s regret by her show of depression. But he is not a sweet man. The only thing that comes to his mind is squating to look into her eyes and say with a bad covered feeling:

“I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. It’s so hard to understand?”

She takes his head between her hands approaches it until their foreheads touch. What have they done to deserve such a fate? Probably they are being affected by global karma of humanity and can not escape.

*   *   *

“What hav’you done to him? He looks angry”.

Rei Suzumura drops a newspaper on the coffee table. He has come to the mansion with his concern showing through his sarcasm. Kaoru hears him, and she only can share that feeling. To the alarming news by the TV about mysterious attacks and about people eating insects, all carefully monitored by Gonza, now this joins. She picks up the newspaper.

Dr. Shimizu has revealed the name of Kaoru as the source of the virus that kills the people attacked, adding that she refuses to cooperate to get the antidote. Tomorrow will begin showing the comments by the readers, perhaps today in the newspaper's website. And tomorrow, a swarm of reporters will besiege the house. The damn doctor was not kidding as he said he would not give up. He has declared war on them.

And as later Kouga comes from hunting, what he tells made it clear that they are losing control. He could not finishe off a disguised horror he found in a park, because several bewildered passersby were watching a crow hunt by a single slap, and it was plucked and eaten raw.

“They hide no longer” Kouga concludes. “From anyone. Or are they’re willing to face whatever, or they’re desperate”.

“Or both of them” Rei says. “They act in broad daylight without hesitation, and they really seems more and more. In a few days everything will go to hell” He sets his sight on his colleague. Tomorrow at the meeting I require to give some information or training to a wider or narrower group of no Makai people. I expect your support”.

“Of course”.

*   *   *

As anticipated, early in the morning, less than an hour after Kouga left to the meeting, a lot of reporters invaded the garden, some photographers portrayed the house from all angles and tried to see beyond the curtains covering the windows. Kaoru took refuge upstairs to deaden, as much as possible, the incessant noise from the doorbell. Gonza received instructions not to open and to keep the phone off the hook.

But she can not concentrate on painting. Torn among her regret for not doing something useful, the prudence of not disclosing information that could generate some panic, and the resistance to get her life so upset, she can become just nervous. She beholds the vultures at the garden hovering at ease, ready to pounce on her and dismember her at every opportunity. And they are partly right. Kaoru thinks she could do something to control the horrors, but what? Meshia’s inherited knowledge are fragmented. Even though she knew, she should face Kouga’s opposition.

She can not help but shed a few tears. For the Humanity, whose complacency has reached its end. And for herself, who needs to do something but she can not. She does not know. She does not want. She does not dare.

Exhaustion makes her husband to find her asleep as he comes back. He caresses her face with his thumb to wake her.

His eyes bring grave news. She picks up pieces of his thoughts, which run quickly through his mind. Some villages under the absolute control by the horrors. Women abducted. Shells. Fights between groups of horrors and human groups. Soulmetal shrapnel. Planetay crisis. To inform the authorities. Makai basic training to policemen and soldiers. Designing some new weapons ...

Only fragments. It is a signal of an upset Kouga. And a piece that dominates over the others:to throw her to the doctors’ insatiable jaws. And, somehow, it turns the joy in Kaoru’s heart.

In fact, as he later acknowledged, she only is asked to give a single blood sample for medical research. Kaoru feels relieved, she will retain her life after all.

Sure? What will happen when they discover the oddities that certainly hides her blood? Will they someday leave her alone? Will the highest levels take matters into for reasons of public health?

Kouga feels her anguish and hugs. They are his own fears. Everything will change, and the sooner they accept them, the better.

GARO Fanfiction - Cuestión de supervivencia, 2 (2)

 

Cap. 2: Asedio (parte 2)

–      ¡Ni hablar! No permitiré que esos matasanos hipotequen tu vida.

Kaoru siente que la tristeza la inunda mientras es testigo del desgarro interno de Koga. Sus palabras, su enfado, no dejarían lugar a dudas si su corazón no se autoreprochase su amor. Ese amor que le ha vuelto humano y, por lo tanto, débil. ¡Otra vez con éso! En cuanto él baja la guardia, ni que sea un poco, los viejos hábitos vuelven con fuerza renovada.

El no dice nada más. Debe combatir al alud de sus emociones a su manera. Y también a su instinto de plantarla e irse a entrenar, éso que puede significar indistintamente “no entiendo nada”, “¡no!”, “éso es una tontería”, “me importa un rábano,” o enfado puro y simple.

Kaoru quiere razonar con él, pero no está segura de que ahora su voz pueda llegar a su corazón, por lo que le llama la atención de una manera que él no puede ignorar.

–      ¡Invoco al protector que hay en ti! ¡Tienes que escucharme!

Koga suspira.

–      Entiendo tu punto de vista, y lo honro, pero no hagas nada hasta que se haya tomado una decisión en la reunión Makai. Si quieres les expondré tu propuesta, pero no esperes que yo esté de acuerdo. Y en cuanto a las amenazas de los Bariri, no volverás a estar sin protección. Por lo tanto, te despedirás de tu trabajo ahora mismo.

–      ¿Qué?

–      ¿Vas a discutírmelo? –Koga se está enfadando y levanta la voz–. ¿Cómo esperas ser protegida si te pasas el día expuesta a ellos? Conocen tus movimientos. ¡Te encuentran cuando quieren! ¿Acaso estás ciega?

Kaoru se deja caer en una silla. A la esclavitud de los médicos se añade la que le impone su marido. ¿Cuándo la vida dejó de valer la pena? Incluso contra su voluntad, capta el pesar de Koga por su muestra de abatimiento. Pero él no es un hombre dulce. Lo único que se le ocurre es agachasrse para poder mirarle a los ojos y decirle con emoción no muy bien encubierta:

–      No quiero que te ocurra nada malo, ¿tan difícil es de entender?

Ella le toma la cabeza entre sus manos y la acerca hasta que sus frentes se tocan.¿Qué han hecho para merecer un tal destino? Probablemente están siendo afectados por el karma global de la humanidad, no se puede escapar de ésto.

*   *   *

–      ¿Qué le habéis hecho? Parece cabreado.

Rei Suzumura deja caer un periódico sobre la mesita del salón. Ha llegado a la mansión con la preocupación exhibiéndose a través de su sarcasmo. Kaoru lo escucha, y no pudo menos que compartir ese sentimiento. A las alarmantes noticias de la televisión sobre misteriosas agresiones y sobre gente comiendo insectos, cuidadosamente monitoreadas por Gonza, ahora se suma ésto. Ella recoge el periódico.

El doctor Shimizu ha desvelado el nombre de Kaoru como origen del virus que mata a las personas agredidas, añadiendo que se niega a colaborar para conseguir el antídoto. Mañana empezarán a aparecer los comentarios de los lectores, quizá hoy mismo en la página web del periódico. Y mañana, una nube de periodistas asediarán su casa. El maldito médico no bromeaba cuando dio que no se rendiría. Les ha declarado la guerra.

Y cuando Koga llega de su cacería más tarde, lo que les cuenta deja claro que están perdiendo el control de la situación. El no ha podido acabar con un horror disfrazado que encontró en un parque porque varias desconcertados transeúntes lo estaban observando cazar un cuervo de un solo manotazo, desplumarlo y comérselo crudo.

–      Ya no se enconden –concluye Koga–. De nadie. O están dispuestos a enfrentarse a lo que sea, o están desesperados.

–      O ambas cosas –añade Rei–. Actuan en pleno día sin reparo, y realmente parece que cada vez hay más. En unos días todo se irá al carajo. –Fija su mirada en su  colega–. Mañana en la reunión pienso exigir la toma de medidas que incluyan algún tipo de información o formación a un grupo más o menos amplio de gente no Makai. Espero que me apoyes.

–      Por supuesto.

*   *   *

Tal como habían previsto, temprano por la mañana, menos de una hora después que Koga partiera hacia la reunión, los periodistas invadieron el jardín, los fotógrafos retrataron la casa desde todos los ángulos e intentaron ver más allá de las cortinas que cubrían las ventanas. Kaoru se refugió en el piso superior para amortiguar, en lo posible, el ruido incesante del timbre de la puerta. Gonza recibió instrucciones de no abrir y de mantener el teléfono descolgado.

Pero ella no puede concentrarse en pintar. Dividida entre sus remordimientos por no hacer algo útil, la prudencia de no revelar información que acabara generando pánico, y la resistencia a que su vida se viera tan alterada, sólo consigue ponerse nerviosa. Contempla a los buitres del jardín que revolotean a sus anchas, dispuestos a saltar sobre ella y a despedazarla a la mínima oportunidad. Y tienen su parte de razón. Kaoru cree que ella podría hacer algo para controlar a los horrores, pero ¿qué? Los conocimientos heredados de Meshia están fragmentados. Incluso aunque lo supiera, tendría que enfrentarse a la oposición de Koga.

No puede evitar verter algunas lágrimas. Por la humanidad, a quien se le ha acabado la complacencia en la que ha vivido hasta ahora. Y por ella misma, que necesita hacer algo y no puede. No sabe. No quiere. No se atreve.

El agotamiento emocional hace que su marido la encuentre dormida cuando llega. El le acaricia el rostro con el pulgar para despertarla.

Sus ojos traen graves noticias. Ella capta trozos de sus pensamientos, los cuales se suceden con rapidez en su mente. Algunos pueblos bajo en dominio absoluto de los horrores. Mujeres secuestradas. Obuses. Combates entre grupos de horrores y grupos de humanos. Metralla de metal del alma. Crisis a nivel mundial. Informar a las autoridades. Formación elemental makai a policías y soldados. Diseño de nuevas armas...

Fragmentos. Señales en sí mismos de la alteración de Koga. Y un fragmento que predomina sobre los demás: echarla a ella a las fauces insaciables de los médicos. Y, de alguna forma, el júbilo prende en el corazón de Kaoru.

En realidad, según reconoce él luego, lo único que se le pide es que dé una única muestra de sangre para la investigación. Kaoru se siente aliviada, retendrá su vida después de todo.

¿Seguro? ¿Qué pasará cuando ellos descubran las rarezas que sin duda esconde su sangre? ¿La dejarán en paz algún día? ¿Tomarán cartas en el asunto más altas instancias por razones de salud pública?

Koga capta su zozobra y la abraza. Son sus mismos temores. Todo va a cambiar, y cuanto antes lo acepten, mejor.

GARO Fanfic - A survival affair, 2 (1)

 

Chap. 2: Siege (part 1)

 

The beauty of Nikko Park can not help but inspiring all the thirty students. Three teachers help the students, who are spread across different locations, trying to depict in their sketchbooks their personal interpretation of any aspect or point of the park.

To leave the city for a day is refreshing to Kaoru, being far from the bustle of the school. And far from everything that reminds her about the horrors. However, the beautiful landscape has got a disturbing nuance. Why does she think that there are more shadows than the ones projected by the trees under the sun? She shakes her head to drive out her suspicions and walks to one of her favorite students, sitting on a bridge, in order to see if she has finally discovered what she wants to draw.

She has almost reached the bridge and sunny light floods her, but the darkness is upon her. Horrors, here? Slowly, she comes to her student and looks at the picture: two human figures, one standing and one seated, the latter one with a lump on arms. Why has she chosen to draw people?

Across the bridge, Kaoru discovers the models: a couple with a baby. They both are watching at her, and the one who sits rises, annoying the student. Kaoru sighs. She does not want her students to suffer the faintest damage at all, so that, once again, she resigns to becoming a mobile restaurant.

Kaoru crosses the bridge without haste and without pause to stand in front of the couple. She has already succeeded in controlling the energy output and the appearance of the appendages of her fingers, allowing her to lead them to a quieter place, behind a thick clump of bushes. The two Bariri expose their belly, and yheir satiety node swells and projects forward to receive their food. But when the weary girl turns around to leave, a woman's voice stops her.

“Wait! You must turn our son on”.

“What ...?”

Kaoru stops herself by coming to her aid some memories of Meshia. The Bariri are something like marsupials: the child is formed inside the mother but there is not a key moment of birth, the child goes in and out until it finishes its developement, when it is too large to return into the womb. At that moment it needs to get its first independent “meal” by Meshia, the usual food seasoned with the blood of the Queen herself.

The small being lies for some days unconscious and on the verge of cell death. Kaoru can not do anything for it, nor want to.

“You know I’m not Meshia, my blood doesn’t work. Why don’t you return into your world? Her body is still able to give you what you need”.

“How long?” the man asks.

“We knew we risked much inprocreating, but you know that we have to adapt to living here. We need our Queen”.

The tone of the woman is so full of threats, and Kaoru discovers that she is able to know what they are thinking. They are not sentimental and do not worry that the child can die, but they are genuinely involved in their own survival and that of their species.

They are testing her. Depending on how she reacted, they will devise a plan to kidnap her and force her to resume the role of Meshia. They know she is not, but the only thing that matters is to do what she did before: to be available to them. She can read their fears about she, once converted, could to rebel and destroy them. They know that they could not sedate if necessary to keep her submitted, because Meshia’s soul was ripped with part of her mind, and she wouldbe, Kaoru herself, the only mistress of their lives and their deaths. Still, it is better than risking extinction. The couple must attend a meeting of "Beekeepers in crisis" tomorrow, which will report the response by the one who was twice the guest of the Queen.

A tremor runs through Kaoru’s body understanding the seriousness and extent of the conspiracy. Error: Bothe Bariri have realized it.

“In response to the part of Meshia that is in you” the man says, “that we're asking. But if we have to force you, we will. We are willing to destroy the Temple of Darkness to keep you locked in our world forever”.

Kaoru fights taking advantage of the fears that she have just discovered.

“Don’t you know what happens to humans when they lose hope? Not only they can lose the instinct of self-preservation, but also don’t mind destroying whatever. How could you avoid that I might kill you all before killing myself?”

“ So, a massive flight into your world was needed. And we’d have to adapt to eating humans. We have the right to survive and no one, not even you, will prevent it!”

Suddenly, a hand of the woman is thrown into the air, trapping a reckless wasp, and raising it to her mouth. Kaoru, welcoming the distraction, simulates a discovery.

“Ye that make away bees!”

“Too bad they’re so small. We’re trying to keep some to raise them, but when hunger hounds ... And their queen is exquisite!”

“Because of that” the woman adds “we have to move to the cities. Kiva’s children prefer them. I'll never understand how theyt can like human flesh”.

“Because Kiva was human in his origin”, the man says, “stupid half-breed!”

“Delicious stupid half-breed” the woman points.

Kiva’s children, the normal horrors born from the union between the dark and haunted Kiva and the bewitched Meshia. Because she could not intevene actively in their development, they were born sterile. Now they become the favorite dish of the Bariri, and are in danger of extinction.

But the Bariri do not want to be extinct, and they need their Queen to activate their children. How could someone with such knowledge as Meshia to create a world so dependent on her own being? What a mistake! However, the answer comes under the form of a memory: Meshia knew that she had escaped from death and thought she would be eternal. But even more. She was determined to become a goddess, and made the world at her own image: evil, violent, manipulated to such levels that prevented the free development of life forms created by her. And so, their future destruction was decided.

Unfortunately, humanity has become the last resort of these beings without a world, and they are not ready to deal with it neither physically nor spiritually. The Makai ones are required to discover themselves and spread in any way, lest they betray their protective mission.

And she, what can she do? Only deliver herself at the hands of doctors, give up her free life, and to pray it helped.

If the Bariri do not kidnap her before.

GARO Fanfic – Cuestión de supervivencia, 2 (1)

 

Cap. 2: Asedio (parte 1)

La belleza del Parque Nikko no puede hacer otra cosa que inspirar a los treinta estudiantes. Tres profesores atienden a alumnos repartidos por distintos puntos, intentando plasmar en sus cuadernos de dibujo su personal interpretación de cualquier aspecto o punto del parque.

Salir de la ciudad todo un día es para Kaoru refrescante, lejos del bullicio de la escuela. Y lejos de todo lo que le recuerda a los horrores. Sin embargo, el hermoso paisaje tiene un matiz inquietante. ¿Por qué le parece que hay más sobras que las proyectadas por los árboles bajo el sol? Sacude la cabeza para expulsar sus sospechas y se dirige hacia una de sus estudiantes favoritas, sentada en un puente, para ver si ha descubierto por fin qué es lo que quiere dibujar.

Casi ha llegado al puente y el sol la inunda, pero la oscuridad se cierne sobre ella. ¿Horrores, aquí? Muy despacio se acerca a su alumna y observa el dibujo: dos siluetas humanas, una de pie y otra sentada, esta última con un bulto en brazos. ¿Por qué habrá elegido dibujar a gente?

Al otro lado del puente, Kaoru descubre a los modelos: una pareja con un bebé. La están mirando, y la que está sentada se levanta, contrariando a la estudiante. Kaoru suspira. Por nada del mundo quiere que sus alumnos sufran el más mínimo daño de modo que, una vez más, se resigna a hacer de restaurante ambulante.

Kaoru cruza el puente sin prisa y sin pausa hasta situarse delante de la pareja. Ya ha logrado controlar la emisión de energía, así como la aparición de los apéndices óseos de los dedos, lo cual le permite conducirlos a un lugar más reservado, tras un tupido macizo de arbustos. Los dos Bariri dejan al descubierto su vientre, y su nódulo de saciedad se hincha y se proyecta hacia delante para recibir su alimento. Pero cuando la cansada muchacha da media vuelta para irse, una voz femenina la detiene.

–      ¡Espera! Tienes que activar a nuestro hijo.

–      ¿Qué...?

Kaoru se interrumpe al acudir en su auxilio los recuerdos de Meshia. Los Bariri són algo parecidos a los marsupiales: el hijo se forma dentro de la madre pero no tiene un momento clave de nacimiento; entra y sale hasta que termina su formación, momento en que es demasiado grande para regresar al seno materno. En ese momento necesita que Meshia le de su primera “comida” independiente: la energía alimenticia habitual sazonada con sangre de la propia reina.

El pequeño hace días que se halla insconsciente y al borde de la muerte celular. Kaoru no puede hacer nada por él, ni quiere hacerlo.

–      Sabéis que yo no soy Meshia, mi sangre no sirve. ¿Por qué no regresáis a vuestro mundo? Su cadáver aún es capaz de daros lo que necesitáis.

–      ¿Por cuánto tiempo? –inquiere el hombre.

–      Sabíamos que nos arriesgábamos mucho procreando, pero tú sabes que tenemos que adaptarnos a vivir aquí. Necesitamos a nuestra reina.

El tono de la mujer está tan cargado de amenazas que Kaoru descubre que es capaz de saber qué piensan. No son sentimentales y no les preocupa que el niño muera, pero se hallan genuinamente involucrados en su propia supervivencia y en la de su especie.

La están tanteando. Según como reaccione, idearán un plan para secuestrarla y obligarla a reasumir el papel de Meshia. Saben que no lo es, pero lo único que les importa es que haga lo que ella hacía: estar disponible para ellos. Puede leer sus temores que ella, una vez convertida, se rebele y los destruya. Sabe que no podrían sedarla si fuese necesario para mantenerla sometida, porque el alma de Meshia fue arrancada con parte de su mente, y sería ella, Kaoru, la única dueña y señora de sus vidas y de sus muertes. Aún así, mejor es arriesgarse a ello que a la extinción. La pareja tiene que acudir a una reunión de “apicultores en crisis” mañana, donde informarán de la respuesta de la que, por dos veces, fue huésped de la Reina.

Un temblor recorre el cuerpo de Kaoru al comprender la gravedad y extensión de la conspiración. Error: los Bariri se han dado cuenta.

–      En atención a lo que de Meshia queda en ti –dice el hombre– te lo estamos pidiendo. Pero si tenemos que obligarte, lo haremos. Estamos dispuestos a destruir el Templo de las Tinieblas para mantenerte encerrada en nuestro mundo para siempre.

Kaoru contraataca aprovechándose de los miedos que les ha descubierto.

–      ¿No sabéis lo que les sucede a los humanos cuando pierden la esperanza? No sólo pierden el instinto de autoconservación, sinó que además no les importa destruir lo que sea. ¿Cómo evitaríais que yo os matara a todos antes de suicidarme?

–  Se impondría una huída masiva hacia vuestro mundo. Y tendríamos que adaptarnos a comer humanos. ¡Tenemos derecho a sobrevivir y nadie, ni siquiera tú, lo impedirá!

De pronto, una mano de la mujer sale lanzada hacia el aire, atrapando a una imprudente avispa, y llevándosela a la boca. Kaoru, agradeciendo la distracción, simula descubrir algo.

–      ¡Sóis vosotros los que hacéis desaparecer las abejas!

–      Lástima que sean tan pequeñas. Estamos intentando guardar algunas para criarlas, pero cuando el hambre acucia... ¡Y su reina es exquisita!

–      Por éso –añade la mujer– tenemos que desplazarnos a las ciudades. Los hijos de Kiva las prefieren. Nunca entenderé cómo puede gustarles la carne humana.

–      Porque Kiva fue humano en sus orígenes –responde el hombre– ¡Estúpidos mestizos!

–      Deliciosos estúpidos mestizos –puntualiza la mujer.

Los hijos de Kiva, los horrores  “normales”  nacidos de la unión entre el tenebroso Kiva y la hechizada Meshia. Porque ella no pudo intevenir activamente en su desarrollo, nacieron estériles. Ahora, convertidos en el plato favorito de los Bariri, corren peligro de extinción.

Pero los Bariri no quieren extinguirse, y necesitan a su Reina para “activar” a sus crías. ¿Cómo pudo alguien con tanto conocimiento como Meshia crear a un mundo tan dependiente de su ser? ¡Qué gran error! Sin embargo, la respuesta acude en forma de recuerdo: Meshia sabía que había logrado escapar a la muerte y creía que sería eterna. Pero aún más. Estaba determinada a convertirse en diosa, e hizo un mundo a su misma imagen: malvado, violento, manipulado hasta tales niveles que impidió el desarrollo libre de las formas de vida que ella misma creó. Y así determinó su destrucción futura.

Por desgracia, la humanidad va a convertirse en el último recurso de estos seres sin mundo, y no es muy probable que esté preparada para enfrentarse a ello, ni física ni espiritualmente. Los Makai estarán obligados a descubrirse y a extenderse de alguna manera, si no quieren traicionar su misión de protectores.

Y ella, ¿qué puede hacer? Sólo entregarse a manos de los médicos, renunciar a su vida libre, y rezar para que sirva de algo.

Si los Bariri no la secuestran antes.

GARO Fanfic -A survival affair, 1(3)

  

Chap. 1: Stalk (Part 3)

As luck or misfortune, that Koga was there when two doctors came into the mansion. Although he has finished eating, and thus he was more accessible than usual, he does not like the way both visitors look at Kaoru, at all.

Kaoru sometimes cursed her growing ease in reading her man’s thoughts. She only can watch him in there, sitting with one leg crossed over a knee, and both hands gripping the chair arms, and to beg the  doctors not to take kicks by him. When Dr. Shimizu begins to allude the time she was in the hospital by have been infected, she thinks Kouga is going to get up and leave, but he keeps himself in order of not letting her alone with them.

“Let me tell you,  Mrs. Saejima”  Dr. Shimizu says, “we are very surprised that you are still alive”.

Kouga suppresses an outburst, but his eyes do not hide anything.

“Do you know”, the doctor continues, ignoring him “that all who have suffered such injuries are dead or close to it?”

His deliberate silence only is useful to make easy the quick response by Kouga.

“I was right to keep her from such incompetent people”.

The younger doctor is impressed by such embarrasing frankness, but the gaze by Dr. Shimizu is exceptic. And hard.

“Since you know so much”, he replies to the owner of the house, perhaps you could tell us what caused that terrible wound”.

“You know it very well: it was an animal”.

“It must be an unknown species”, the doctor insists.

Kaoru involves herself.

“Why do you say it? Every day they discover new species of animals and plants. Just find the one you need”.

The doctor does not give up.

“A deadly microbe has infected many people, and they were infected by other or by animals. We need to examine you, madam, to find the cause of your healing, and to apply it to those people still living”.

If Dr. Shimizu was a telepath, he would have been overwhelmed by the strong mental protests from the couple. Kouga's thoughts were at par with hers on this subject: she never again will be between the hands of some doctors. Both of them do not dare to think about what were they going to find within her body and her blood if she was examined.

This refractory, uncomfortable silence that followed make the visitor to get up, which his companion does too.

“Do not worry, we're leaving. But ask yourself this question: As the epidemic spreads, could you bear yourselves for not having done anything? What right have you to be called humans, if you are indifferent to the fate of others?”

Kaoru turns back to Kouga. She feels him ready to burst. How can this doctor to launch such accusations against someone who has devoted his life to the survival of humanity?

“I give a damn what you think!”  Kouga replies, not in good ways. “ You aren’t worth of another answer”.

Both pairs of eyes meet, and fight. The young woman rests her hand on her husband's arm to distract him, while addressing the poor doctor who does not know where he is getting into.

“Doctor, please do not take this as a negative to...”

“Oh no?” the referred one interrupts sharply. “How should I take it, then?”

“As an opportunity to make an even greater finding. When you had achievedit, I still continue being here”.

Kouga looks askance. Is she thinking to expose the Makai world?

But the cryptic response from her does not please Dr. Shimizu.

“I do not know what's playing at, madam, but maybe when you finish you will not find anyone willing to listen”.

She lowers her eyes in shame.

“Please, do not stop researching. But if you just lock yourself within your laboratory you only see a small part of the picture. Sorry, I can not say any more”.

“Are you unable or unwilling?”

“It's time to leave”. Kouga has stood before Kaoru had a chance to say something else.

Officially expelled, both doctors follow the butler to the outer door. But before leaving the room, just at the threshold, Dr. Shimizu stops his walk and stars at the couple.

“I want you to say that I will not give up”, and leaves the room.

After their departure, Kaoru and her husband look each other worried. Both of them have been touched by the doctor's words. But they know that if Kaoru obeys him, she will never leave the hospital, and without awarranty of finding the remedy to seek. Not to mention the pile of questions that will be asked and that could not be answered. How may you say that humans are as guilty of the presence of the horrors as the ecological destruction of the planet? Above all, how to say that things will get worse? But somehow, they must begin to prepare mankind for what is coming.

The great advantage of her big empathy with Kouga is now Kaoru no longer feels uncomfortable when he reacts silent or leaving. His mind has told her everything she needs to know and can act accordingly. But now he comes and hugs her, suddenly, as if to protect her frin what is to come. She nakes the same, trying to protect him too.

“We must do something”, she says, with half of her mouth covered by his shoulder.

He says nothing, but Kaoru feels him to consider the possibility of convening a Makai emergency meeting.

“Yes, do it”.

Kouga puts away his head to look at her. He does not like to read his thoughts without his consent. Because of that Kaoru tries not being to obvious, but damn! now it has escaped. For the umpteenth time he tries to remember that it is fortunate that only her had this abilityr, and he can feel calm. Reluctant to himself, his head moves in a single, faint nod.