Chapter-155 "Crystal Eyes" and "My demons" pt-8 (Side-Chapter-8)

Within the bunch of colored gases, I could feel that I had seen one of them somewhere once before!?

Could it be!?

"T-This psion? I-Is it Mikihiko's!?"

***

(Mizuki's POV)

Using my eyes to navigate, I followed the traces of the colorful gas suspended in the air; hopefully, it would lead me to Mikihiko.

I didn't have much time so I had to be quick!

After walking for what seemed like an eternity, a large, spooky forest appeared on the horizon.

Dark clouds hovered over the desolate place with occasional lightning bolts scorching the dead and decaying land.

It was raining but rather than blue the water was black, the place had turned mushy and damp with rotting veins covering the whole forest; making it impossible for anyone to see within the forest.

I steeled myself and stepped forward, inside the forest while following the faint gas that thankfully was still in the air.

I carefully looked around to observe the place while cautiously moving towards where the gases led me.

*crunch!*

The lifeless wood would simply turn to dust as soon as I step on them. As if it had no structure to support its existence.

It scared me!

All of this really scared me!

This place was dead and dreadful and it made it hard to relax my nerves; especially since I was having trouble breathing the air.

Fortunately, before I could dwell further into my thoughts...something caught my eye.

A bluish vapor in the form of a doe appeared within the dark. Unlike the surroundings which represented Mikihiko's dispair; the corporal creature represented his hope.

"Is this Mikihiko's projection?"

I questioned myself and worried about my friend's well-being.

While I didn't like to engage in conversations due to my nervousness.

Mikihiko had always been the more quiet one of us two, a man with few words... who seemed to be carrying a heavyweight over his shoulders.

He always seemed troubled and self-doubting... while I had my issues; thankfully, we both had Senior Erik who helped us overcome our problems.

Someone of his standing didn't need to associate himself with people like me...of ordinary origins yet he didn't have any prejudice against us.

We opened up to him...attracted by his charisma and warmth.

He listened to our problems...helping Mikihiko himself while requesting someone with such an exalted status; such as the "Great Ninjutsu Master of Japan" to teach me how to control my powers.

Truth be told, we owed a lot to Senior Erik, and now that he was fighting for us with his life on the line!... I mustn't let him down!

The doe ran!...and I followed after it!

Both of us disappearing within the forest as more rotting veins covered up the path behind.

After following the corporal creature for some time, we arrived in front of a huge cave.

"Wait!"

I yelled to no avail as the figure of the creature disappeared inside the cave.

I observed the intimidating cave with a cautious expression.

I had a feeling that I would find what I sought; inside the cave yet...I was not sure if I would like what was inside.

I was reluctant at first but I knew that I had to follow through with my actions!

*boom!*

*bam!*

*boom!*

"A-Another t-tremor!?"

Once again the world shook from the intense battle taking place within another part of the mindscape.

Judging from the intensity of the explosions...it was clear the battle within the ancient spirit and Erik Saltzman would conclude very soon.

"I need to hurry!"

Without another thought, I braced myself and took a step forward towards the cave as the dark devoured me whole.

I closed my eyes as I could feel myself being transported into the deepest part of Mikihiko's subconscious.

---

I opened up my eyelids as a gruesome scene appeared in front of me.

"Mikihiko!"

My heart-beat sped-up and terror gripped my heart within its palm! I uncontrollably shuddered and trembled as I looked at my friend.

There was he... frozen within a golden crystal with skewers pinning his limbs to the ceiling and the floor.

His eyes were closed, no emotions reflected on his pale, deathly face whatsoever...

His skin was covered in golden scales that seemed to be consuming him, bit by bit.

"Wake up! Mikihiko!"

Seeing the state of my friend, I couldn't control the bloody tears that flooded my eyes...drowning my vision until it turned blurry.

Without wasting any time, I rushed towards him while screaming his name...I wanted him to wake up and see what had become of him!

I couldn't lose my friend...I refuse to lose! Never!

*woosh!*

*bam!*

*crack!*

*spurt!*

"Arghh!"

I was so focused on Mikihiko that I didn't notice my surroundings...a big mistake on my part, a fatal one!

My abdomen was smashed by a thick vein, just like a rag doll, my body was swung into the air and I crashed into the ground...hard!

The cave was covered by bulky, thick veins which seemed to coil against the golden crystal; containing Mikihiko while making sure that he stays in an extended period of unconsciousness.

The blow could have shattered my body if I wasn't in spirit form...even so, it didn't mean that I wasn't hurt!

On the contrary, I was barely holding onto my conscience.

Blood seeped out of the gaps of my teeth and lips!

My vision was shaking...along with my body.

I clenched my stomach in pain which was slowly turning numb.

"Miki-hiko..! Wak-e up!"

*bleurgh!*

The blow was too much!

I vomited blood as I forced myself to stand up.

I wasn't going to give up!

Not now!

Not ever!

Not after coming so far!

Not when so much is on the line!

Not when I am this close to freeing him!

"MIKIHIKO WAKE UP!!!"

I screamed! And screamed! And screamed!

I continued screaming at top of my lungs!

I wanted him to hear!

I wanted him to know that he wasn't alone!

I wanted him to know that I wouldn't abandon him!

I...will...keep...my...promise...to...him!

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