The flash of red and blue lights illuminated the clearing. Douma and Shinobu were getting close the kid in the shrine leader's arms was about to fall asleep from exhaustion. Soon he'll be reunited with his parents, Douma could see figures in the background with a car that had been toppled over presumably by the alien creature. The cops were patrolling the area shining their flashlights at the forest looking for the kid and the suspect behind the car crash.
As Douma and Shinobu got closer the sirens became louder and at last, the light from one of the flashlights shone on him. The young boy's mother immediately recognized her son and ran over to the blonde crying and thanking him for finding her son.
"My baby... thank you so much." The woman took the young boy from Douma's arms and held him closely, tears falling and soaking the ground below.
Approaching him was the woman's husband who thanked him with tears rolling down as he wiped them and embraced his son who was looking around sleepily.
The cops watched the scene with their flashlights still on, Douma could feel their eyes on him there was no way they suspect him. That's superhuman strength right there. No way someone like me was responsible for it. Douma covered his face hiding his expression the fan distracting the cops because instead of running the investigation they were busy chatting about the design engraved on it.
"Don't worry I was just taking a stroll when I heard someone crying in the forest!" Douma said everyone was surprised by his relaxed and cheerful demeanor at a time like this.
Shinobu rolled her eyes at him. Not this again.
"Was he alright? Did you see that monster it took him away from us after our car crashed." Looking at Douma pleadingly, the kid's father waited for his next response they couldn't believe he was taken to the forest's depths.
The boy's mother let out a shrilling cry, blaming herself for not chasing after the creature when it retreated to the forest. Seeing her son disappear gnawed at her the entire time. Her husband calmed her down telling her that their son was safe now without a scratch.
"He was fine no injuries just a little terrified," Both Douma and Shinobu knew that was a lie but the blonde had to for now. "As for that creature it ran away."
Smiling at Douma, the young boy giggled and told his parents about the 'ugly monster' and how Douma fought it with magical powers to which they just nodded and continued hearing what he had to say. They didn't believe it but found it entertaining nevertheless.
"That ugly monster bit me it was so painful I was bleeding so he used his magic on my leg," Pointing at the spot where the gash was, the young boy tried to convince his parents that he fought the creature in its jaws but again it sounded more like a bedtime story. His leg seemed normal to them, Douma, Shinobu and the officers just watched the spontaneous family.
"Where did the monster run off to and what did it look like? We heard a loud explosion just now, and two giant pillars. Based on recent events it seems they're all connected. Even the family's descriptions of the monster sound similar to that of the aliens." One of the officers asked him, Douma was relieved to know they didn't suspect him it made no sense if they did.
"Like what the kid said, it was hideous with those alien things moving about in one body. They're a walking infestation now."
All the officers stepped back with a disgusted look on their faces.
"W-what?! You're saying they became a different creature that is far bigger and aggressive? No wonder it has the strength to topple a car! The public has to be on high alert!" Helping one of their men who had thrown up at the side of the road, all the officers took down everything Douma said and grabbed their walkie-talkies explaining to the person on the other line about the incident.
Douma nodded and glanced at the red car facing upside down. Its tires and roof were crushed with glass shards scattered on the road. Repairing the vehicle was going to cost a lot someone could add it to their warehouse collection.
"Since the radio stations are still on, I suggest you broadcast a message right now. That monster could be anywhere it's not safe for people to wander around outside."
"We're working on that. By the way what's your name son?"
"Douma, with me is Shinobu she saw everything too."
"I see alright."
Keeping his walkie-talkie the officer signaled to two of his men to drive back to the station and send the reports there with the remaining officers patrolling the area until the investigation team and news reporters arrive to the scene.
"Alright Douma thanks for your help. If you wish to share more do stop by the station anytime or you can stay here until the crew arrives they'll want to hear more from you."
An ambulance followed by a few more police cars arrived, paramedics got out escorting the family to the back of the ambulance and checking for any prevalent injuries. The young boy turned to face the duo and waved his hand at them with a toothy smile.
"Goodbye Douma and Shinobu thank you!"
Waving back, Douma and Shinobu smiled and watched the family get in the ambulance with the paramedics getting their equipment ready to check on their condition.
"Take care." Douma said as the doors of the ambulance shut. The vehicle moved off leaving Douma and Shinobu alone with the rest of the cops, sirens and investigation still ongoing.
We should head back to Hasu Mountains and see if everyone's alright.
"Don't even think about it."
Douma spun around to see Shinobu looking down at the ground in anger, she must've been able to decipher his thoughts somehow. "Huh? What are you saying Shinobu we're done with this part of the investigation. We've got some evidence and the police have taken note, now we're just left with-
"How do you expect me to pretend like nothing happened? Things are never going to be the same for me again!" Shinobu yelled, from the look of despair in her eyes Douma could tell she was grief-stricken from finding out the truth about her abilities.
"I know it's hard to suddenly have to understand all these confusing details. Don't pressure yourself let's just talk things out slowly." It seems Shinobu wasn't buying what Douma just said, she still insisted on leaving her alone since she wasn't herself anymore.
"Really? That's all you got to say Douma?" Shinobu's hands turned into fists. "I'm not an ordinary person, dealing with this isn't going to be easy for me. I have to face people at school, even my own family, knowing that I'm different from all of them."
Even though having the Vendetta would be useful, it was only going to pull Shinobu away from her once peaceful lifestyle. The violette had more problems now, she can't fight them alone. She wasn't wrong for thinking this way. Douma noticed her trembling more so than back at the battlefield. The events have really taken a toll on her.
"Shinobu I'll always be there for you, nothing's going to change that. Please listen to me, it's for your own good I don't want you to live in the cast of your own shadows and isolate yourself from the people you know and love. You can get through this, let's work together." Douma waited for Shinobu to respond but despite everything he said, she still wasn't convinced.
"Just leave me alone I should've stayed with Eiko instead of coming with you. Look where it got me." Shinobu was still calm just a little angry. Maybe she was starting to accept the power she was given but fury was still flickering within her, Douma could sense it.
The violette started walking briskly towards a car parked at the side of the road. Standing beside it was a woman talking with one of the cops about the case. She was most likely one of the investigators since she was also taking down some notes.
"Yeah I got it. I'll be taking my leave from here." The woman said, adjusting her shades.
Without hesitation, Shinobu picked up her speed and continued on forward until the woman noticed her approaching.
"Shinobu wait!" Douma called out to her as she stood there pondering what to say. Hearing his footsteps made Shinobu clench her fists tightly.
"Leave me alone you freak!"
That sentence tore at his heart. After their conversations about understanding each other, Shinobu still saw him as a freak? He saved her countless times and took care of her during their journey. Douma stood there feeling numb. It happened again, nobody appreciates him despite what he's done.
Shinobu stayed at her spot, pondering what to say. It seems the woman knew what she was thinking and smiled.
"Hello dear, need a ride home?" She asked, opening the door of her car.
"Yes thank you so much." Not even glancing at her friend a few feet behind her, Shinobu walked towards the car. The woman waited for her to get in.
Douma watched as the car drove off into the dark road. There was no guarantee that he would see Shinobu again after this. After everything I've done for you, why?
Taking one last glance at the scene, Douma carried on forward into the night, down the dark road as the storm raged on.
---
When ice melts in the Arctic, sea levels rise giving more room for ships to move to various ports without any obstructions in their path. Economically this benefits many regions since shipping processes are sped up by this new change.
But what about the passengers onboard the ship? Not the ones with a ticket of course. These passengers could be hiding in small spaces, cargo, anything they can fit through. What's even more surprising is the way they got on the ship in the first place.
These invaders come from both land and sea but because some of them are onboard the voyage, these specific organisms are defined as 'Coastal Invaders'.
Why is this a concern? Some invasive species cause mass destruction to the ecosystem and our way of living; killing crops and other lifeforms that keep the environment stable. Imagine residing somewhere and all of a sudden the food sources get eaten by invasive organisms that came all the way from another area. It's worse for rural areas as their resources are fragile and prone to such cases.
Throughout the years there have been cases where invasive species such as the European Starling carry diseases or harm people occasionally like the Wild Boar. Locusts may seem extremely vile for their horrific eating habits that lead to withering fields, but hornets and killer bees are on another level, leaving both humans and other organisms as victims to their aggression.
It's not just animals and bugs, shockingly there's a number of plant species that damage the ecosystem. Determining which ones are invasive is difficult from afar because they blend in with their natural surroundings. Plants such as the Common Ivy latch onto trees and other greens for support and inhabitance.
Likewise there are harmful invasive plants to keep a lookout for. The effects can be intensely painful if you don't have immediate cure for them; Unbearable skin rash by the Poison Hemlock, Digestive problems and burning sensations when coming into direct contact or consuming the Leafy Spurge which is a detriment to ecosystems, surface damage affecting humans and infrastructure a problem caused by the Japanese Knotweed that grows on property.
The world never expected an invasive species to strike fear. In just two days an endemic involving alien life was announced globally, ushering everyone to stay in their homes at all times. On August 15 1993, the first species of extraterrestrial lifeform, assuming there hasn't been any other confirmed sightings of such, roamed the streets and districts creating havoc in those areas. They were speculated to have been frozen in the Arctic for thousands of years and had awoken from a long slumber due to icebergs melting in Antartica which allowed them to thaw out of the ice they were hidden under.
What does this mean for humanity and the environment we coexist with in harmony? The effects of global warming are a challenge if we don't play our part in maintaining the balance between our actions and the impact on our survival. Indeed natural events can't be controlled but our perspectives and responsibilities can be.
Sitting still with her arms crossed, Shinobu thought about what happened while listening to the radio. It felt like an eternity but she couldn't get the flashbacks to disappear, they kept coming back. Was Douma alright? She didn't mean to leave him back there, did she? It seems her anger has taken control of her that she can't separate right from wrong anymore.
"Tonight sure is chilly." The woman said, her eyes on the road that was partially covered in frost.
Shinobu looked at her for a while before returning to her still position. "It sure is." She responded quietly.
"Your friend back there, does he know how to get home? It's cold and dark out here."
"He does." There wasn't anything else to add on, Douma could just teleport to his shrine. Shinobu was still worried though.
"The Hasu Mountains still preserves the historical cultures of Japan. It's truly fascinating and they're still standing strong with that, it's no wonder people still visit Hayori Town. There must be a lot of values to hear about, especially from that the residents talk about." The woman gave Shinobu a smile. Hearing her explanation made Shinobu feel a little guilty, Douma has really made an impact on people and to this day he's still acknowledged for it. "I'm guessing you're on vacation there?"
"Yes that's right I'm staying at a friend's place." The woman's question snapped Shinobu out of her thoughts.
"It must be a great experience for you. Don't let the ongoing events get in the way, the world will get through this together."
Those words... Shinobu knew them very well. Douma just said that very line to her, it was often that he'd encourage her to persevere on.
I didn't mean to lash at you like that Douma, it hasn't been easy for me please understand that. If you can find a way to help me, I'm willing to accept it just please don't be too harsh on me. Shinobu looked out the window thinking about the times she spent with the shrine leader. If she didn't find out about her technique they'd be heading back to the Hasu Mountains happily now.
While the car was accelerating slightly on the clearer road, Shinobu noticed a lanky figure standing beside a tall tree. It looked like a dear but there was something off about it.
The animal stared at her from a distance. However what made her feel uncomfortable was its appearance, deer don't stand on two legs. Was this animal even a deer? Was it even an animal it was very strange.
That's when she got a better view as the car headlights lit up the area when the vehicle passed it. The deer was in fact standing on two legs, it looked very human for an animal. Shinobu squinted her eyes at it, she could make out another face hiding beneath the deer. There was someone underneath that 'costume' whoever it was did a good job at scaring people but hanging around a place like this raised a lot of questions that Shinobu didn't want to hear the answers to, it was pretty obvious that this was a warning and she didn't want to have anything to do with this person.
Wait that face underneath, its decaying. Shinobu stared at the noticeable features including its arms that looked like a human's. They looked eerily natural.
"Is something the matter?" The woman suddenly spoke.
"Oh it's nothing really. I thought I saw a deer or something." The deer disappeared from view. Shinobu tried to brush it off maybe she was just seeing things but the adrenaline was telling her otherwise.
"They come out during the quietest hours sometimes so it's no surprise."
Hopefully that was the case. That thing could give someone nightmares and Shinobu didn't want to be that someone.