Heart of Shadows

Chapter 1: The Quiet Beginning

"I'm telling you I didn't do it," he stated. BAM! A fist collided with his face, sending the kid to the ground. He struggled to get back up on his feet, but the person who punched his stomped on his back to keep him in place.

"I've had enough of your lies!" The person shouted. "We know it was you who made Jake disappear. No one else had a motive except you; and now you're gonna pay."

The person grabbed the kid by the shirt and picked him. He cocked his back in uppercut position.

"We've had enough of you and your family in this town. It's always your fault that things go wrong in this town," he told the kid. "No one likes you anyway; I bet your family hates you now as well. With you gone, everything will be back to normal."

The kid didn't respond. Instead, he spit at the guy's cheek and shot daggers at him. This angered the person, making him cock his fist back more; but on the release, his arm was stopped.

"What the," the person stated. He looked to his left, only to be punched in the face by someone else. He let the kid go and stumbled back. There was a bruise on his cheek that was plainly visible. He gritted his teeth and found the one who hit him.

"Why you; what gives you the right to hit me?" He questioned.

"I should ask you the same thing. What gives you the right to beat up my friend?" The puncher asked back. The person rubbed his cheek with his hand and glared the one who punched him.

"Oh, so this is your friend huh? Well I'm sorry, but I don't care; it's because of him that Jake is missing," he stated. The guy helped held his out to his friend, but he didn't take it.

"Why? Why did you help me?" The kid asked.

"Because you're my friend; I'm aware of what happened and I know it's not your fault," the guy told smiling. The kid was surprised at what he said, but he managed to smile. He accepted the guy's help and was pulled back up to his feet.

"Thanks; Minato," the kid stated.

"Anytime Kai," Minato replied. The two shook hands and dealt with the person attacking.

Kai Sasaki is a twelve-year old young boy. He has short brown spiky hair and hazelnut eyes. Kai currently lives with his mother and father. Originally, Kai and his family came from America, but due to his parent's job transfer, he has moved to japan. It didn't take long though for Kai's life to change. Many strange happenings have occurred in the town Kai lives. From mysterious disappearance, to people even dying; and the worst part of it is, Kai is the sole suspect. Whenever something happens, it is Kai who is blamed. Kai being an 'outsider' and the fact that no one knows much about America sets him up; but it's quite the opposite really. Kai is a highly intelligent person just like Minato. He's able to speak Japanese just as good as the people who originally speak it. One of the worst parts, his own parents accuses him as well. They would always get calls from people saying what Kai hasn't really done and they would actually believe what they were told to the point where they would hit Kai for doing such things.

Kai though was always talented at solving puzzles. By using that talent, he has investigated the rumors and has found anyone missing and those who 'died' were actually faking to get him in trouble. People would apologize for the misunderstanding; but it didn't change the way Kai felt. On the way home, all Kai could think about was the mystery behind Jake's disappearance.

'Why is it that whenever something happens, I get blamed? I don't even do anything and yet I'm the one everyone accuses. It's just not fair.' Kai said in his head. Minato could feel the anger spiking in his friend. They have only known each other for a short while, but they've established a strong bond.

"Kai; it's okay," Minato told him. Kai shook his head no. He was always a quiet person and only talked when necessary. He know talks even less than he normally do. Kai was mistreated practically all his life. From being falsely accused to having his own parents think the same thing about him. The only friends he has that are loyal are Minato and Minato's younger sister, Yukari. It made him furious just thinking about it.

'Poor Kai; he doesn't deserve this.' Minato thought. They finally arrived home; but Kai refused to proceed any further.

"Minato," he called out. His sudden calling made Minato jump in surprise.

"Sorry man, but you scared me. What is it?" He asked Kai. Kai had his head down and fist tightened.

"Minato; I've decided to move away," he stated. Minato gasped at his response.

"Why Kai; there's no reason for you to do that," he replied trying to coax him out of his decision.

"I've made my decision. Why should I stay here when nearly everyone hates me for no reason?" Kai asked back. He looked at Minato.

"It's not fair Minato. Why should I be punished for something I never do? Why is it always I who is blamed. And when I do find out the problem, everyone apologizes as if nothing happened; but then turn on me once something happens again. I know I'm not originally from here, but that doesn't mean I'm a bad person. The only reason I'm here is because of my parents job; and even they think I'm nothing but trouble. My own parents accuse me just like everyone else; and I'm the one who is beaten or insulted. I've had enough of this pain. All I want is a normal life; but I can't even experience that right now. So in order to escape this darkness, I have to find the light. I'm sorry to spring this on you Minato. I know you're different from the others, but this is my decision; and I'm not changing it."

Minato was flabbergasted at Kai's speech. That was the longest Kai has ever talked to Minato, or probably at all. He knew he couldn't persuade him on this one, but he doesn't want Kai to leave. Minato sighed.

"I can't change your mind on this. I know how stubborn you can be when your mind is set on something; but do you honestly think moving away will help?" He asked Kai. Kai looked down at the ground and thought about what Minato said. He thought about it long and hard then looked back at his friend. Kai didn't respond and just nodded his head

Minato looked at his friend, and then smiled.

"If that's how you want to do things, then I can't stop you; but know that I'm always here if you need me," he said. Kai smiled back at him.

"Thanks Minato; I appreciate what you've done for me. Give my regards to Yukari okay?" He said. Minato nodded his head and the two fist bumped.

"Take care Kai; we'll meet again," Minato told him.

Seven Years Later

Kai Sasaki has arrived at the capital to check up his results for an exam to get into university. He searched the board for his name and results. It's been seven years since he's moved away. And in that time, he learned many things. He's grown taller and muscular. His hair was still the same spiky black; but in his seven years, things have changed for him. He escaped from his dark past; but some nights, he has haunting dreams that keep him up. His parents would talk to him, but he would never listen. He would always ignore their calls.

'If they think I'd listen to them, then they really haven't learned a thing.' He said. 'They didn't believe me then, so why should I listen to them now?'

Kai continued searching until he finally found it. To his amazement, he passed with flying colors; but something caught his eye. Right above his name was 'Sahashi.'

'Wait a minute; he can't be here.' Kai said in thought. He heard someone walk up beside him.

"Awesome; I can't believe I passed the exam," someone stated. Kai's eyes expanded at the sound of that voice. He turned his head, and standing beside him was an above average height and slim young man with messy black hair and gray eyes. His attire consisted of a white shirt and blue jeans. Kai couldn't believe his eyes. The person looked at him and smiled.

"It's been a while Kai," he said. Kai couldn't help but smile back and nodded his head.

"So you passed the exam too," he said.

Minato scratched the back of his head.

"I honestly thought I failed, but I'm glad I was wrong," he stated. Kai looked back the results and noticed that Minato's were higher.

"If you're wondering why I'm here, I came to enter the university," Minato told him. He got out his cell phone.

"Let me call my mom and tell her the news."

After Minato got his mom on the line, he and Kai started walking away from the university and sat on a nearby bench.

"Hey mom guess what; I passed my entrance exam. Uh-huh…uh-huh…huh? Why does she have to stay with me? Oh come on! Sigh, fine; but only for the time being," he said. "I love you too mom."

Minato hung up the phone and looked kinda sad.

"What's the matter?" Kai asked him. He smiled again and scratched his cheek.

"My sister is also coming to university; and she's staying with me for the time being," Minato replied. Kai chuckled a little.

"I'm glad you two are here; it's nice seeing familiar faces," he stated.

"Yeah, me too; so what have you been doing these past seven years?" Minato asked as they made their way to Minato's apartment. Kai just shook his head, telling Minato that nothing really happened; but that was all lie. Minato groaned.

"I see you're still silent. You can at least talk more now that I'm here. I mean come one man," he stated.

"I can't argue with that," Kai replied. The two finally made it to Minato's apartment, which was a small one bedroom and bathroom apartment. When Minato opened the door, he was suddenly hugged by a petite and slim young woman with black hair and blue eyes. Her attire was only a school uniform.

"Hey big brother," she greeted and stepped back. It was Minato's younger sister, Yukari Sahashi. She's one year younger than Minato.

"Hey there Yukari; you sure got here fast," Minato said. She put her hands on her hips and scanned the room.

"Well when mom told me the news, I wanted to surprise you. So this is your apartment; it's kinda small," she complained.

"Well I'm sorry it's not to your liking princess," Minato jokingly said. Yukari puffed her cheeks out from being teased, but then her eyes shot to Kai. Her eyes widened and a pink blush appeared on her cheeks. Yukari ran up to Kai and hugged him tightly.

"Oh it's great to see you again Kai; I've missed you," she stated. Kai smiled at her and returned her hug. Yukari moved back and studied Kai's 'features.' She had the same perverted eyes when she sees a boy of her type; and Kai was one of those guys. She had a little drool on her mouth that she constantly had to wipe off.

"You're looking really handsome Kai; you're still so adorable."

"Great; her perverted side has taken over," Minato stated. Yukari quickly regained composure and stared at her brother.

"I am not a pervert," she told him. Minato responded to that by ripping off Kai's shirt, revealing his entire torso. Blood shot out Yukari's nose and she fell back smiling.

"My point exactly," Minato stated. Kai put his shirt back on and helped Yukari stand up, but their faces were so close together that she got another nosebleed and passed out for a brief moment. Kai instead put her on the couch and put tissue in her nose to stop the bleeding.

"Sigh, and I have to deal with this for a while," Minato stated and face palmed himself. Kai looked at him and chuckled.

"What about you Kai? Do you have a place to stay?"

Kai nodded yes, making Minato groan again.

"Okay seriously, you need to talk more."

Kai looked up at the ceiling in thought.

"Good luck," he replied.

"Well it's a start," Minato replied. Yukari suddenly shot up and looked around the room.

"Yep, this is real. The apartment is still small," she stated. Kai chuckled at her statement. The rest of the time, the boys helped Yukari or more like she ordered them to unpack and put her things away.

"Great job guys; we got everything put away in no time."

Minato was panting heavily.

"Who's this 'we'? Kai and me did all the work," he pointed out. Yukari put her hands on her hips.

"This called for a pair of strong men, not petite ladies," she retorted. As the two kept arguing, Kai was looking out the window. There was something haunting him still. Even though his friends are there, Kai still feels this agonizing pain inside him.

"Something wrong Kai?" Minato asked while playfully choking Yukari. Kai looked at siblings and shook his head at them.

"You're always a quiet person Kai so it's hard to tell what you're thinking."

Kai raised his hand, telling them not to worry. He noticed the time and decided to leave. The three exchanged numbers and addresses. With him gone, Minato decided to walk around while Yukari went to get documents to stay at a dorm for her university.

While Minato is walking through the capital, he notices the main building of Mid Bio Informatics or MBI for short.

"That must be some prodigy to found such a huge company," he said. He continues walking, until he felt the earth shake beneath him.

"What's going on? Is it an earthquake?"

"You there; get out of the way please. I can't move," Someone stated.

He looks around and then notices a girl falling towards him. It took him a while to comprehend what was happening, but when he did, he held his arms out and caught the girl; but they crashed into the ground.

"Ah, what the hell was that?" Minato asked rubbing the back of his head.

"Oh, I knew that building was too high to jump from," the girl said. Before anything else could happen, two more girls wearing what seemed to be S&M costumes appeared. They stood beside each other and intertwined their fingers. As a result, lightning magically conjured up.

"Did you honestly think you could out run us?" One of them asked. Minato was confused at what's happening.

'Are those girls seriously conjuring up electricity?' he pondered. 'What's going on here?'

Before he could say anything, he was grabbed by the collar by the girl who crashed into him and dragged him off at incredible speed.

"WHOOOOOOAAAAA!" Minato shouted.

Now to Kai

Kai was walking to his apartment with a serious look on his face. The wind picked up and he started hearing footsteps approaching towards him. Kai stopped and looked around the area. He closed his eyes and listened to the surroundings, taking in everything that's going around. He heard the steps echo louder and quickly turned to match the direction where it coming too. He opened his eyes and saw four guys standing in front of him. Two had metal poles while the other had bats.

"Well look at this. Are you lost kid?" One asked. Kai paid them no mind and resumed walking to his apartment. The two with the poles got in front of them and blocked his path.

"Now that was very rude; we were only trying to help you find your way," the first one said. Kai turned around and saw another guy with a crowbar show up.

"I don't need help; my house is in this direction" Kai told them. He tried walking past the guys with the poles, but they blocked his path again.

"It's dangerous to be out here alone; you never know who could be out here," the leader said. Kai kept his back turned.

"There are people like you who pick on weaklings but are actually cowards," he stated. This made the guys get angry.

"Who are you calling cowards?" The pole guys asked. They pushed Kai with the poles; but he grabbed them and glared the guys. The two tried to pull back, but Kai's grip was too strong. He let go of the poles and the guys fell back. One dropped their pole and Kai grabbed it.

"You guys are cowards. To gang up on one person, and with weapons no less. That's why you're cowards," Kai stated. He heard footsteps running to him.

"We'll show you!" One of the guys declared. Kai closed his eyes again and listened to the wind. He listened to it carefully, feeling the shift and current. There was a sudden shift in the wind and Kai held the pole where the change happened. CLACK! A bat and the pole collided and its sound echoed. Kai was affected by the impact, but the guy stumbled back a little. Kai spread his legs out and twist his body. He twisted around and swung the pole, hitting the guy dead in the arm.

"AAAAHHHHH!" The guy shouted. Kai reopened his eyes and saw the guy on the ground holding his arm. The two from before rushed at Kai next. CLASH! The two poles hit each other, its sound screaming. The other guy ran around and went for the uppercut, but Kai blocked it with his bare head. He then thrust the pole back and hit the guy in the neck, making him crash to the ground and the smacked the other guy in the back of the neck. He hit the ground as well, leaving Kai and the other bat carrier and leader.

Kai decided to ditch the pole and threw it somewhere random. He looked back at the enemy, only to see the other bat carrier charging at him. The guy repeatedly swung at Kai, but he easily dodged each swing. The guy swung full force, but Kai quickly got behind him and tornado kicked him in the face. The guy slid across the ground and as Kai came to an 180, he blocked an attack by the leader with his arms. Kai wrapped his arm around the crowbar and kicked straight up. He hit the leader in the chin, making him release his hold of the bar and stumble back.

Taking the opportunity Kai rushed forward and elbowed the leader. Kai grabbed his arm and turned around. He pushed his weight forward and pulled the leader over him, flipping him on his back. The leader arched up on impact and lay on the ground. Kai didn't stay behind and left the guys on the floor as he proceeded to his place.

"That was incredible!" Someone stated. Kai stopped moving and looked behind him, only to see a girl dropped down in front of him. He got a good look at the girl and his mouth dropped when he saw how cute she was. She was a well-endowed young woman with long dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a well-developed body figure. Her attire consisted of a pink belly top with a golden star on the front and Capri jeans. She had a bright and cheerful smile across her lips.

"I'm glad I caught you. You were really awesome back there. To take on five people at once, I was really impressed," she stated.

"Thanks for the compliment," Kai said "May I ask who you are?"

She giggled at him and put her hands behind her back. She started walking around smiling.

'This guy, I get this really nice feeling from him. Not only did he take out five guys by himself, but he did it without breaking a sweat. I also feel a troubled feeling in him. My heart; it's calling out to him. It wants to be with him and help him. I've finally found him, my ashikabi.' The girl thought to herself.

She stopped suddenly and looked at Kai with a small blush on her face. She could see he was really focused on her, but not like trying to observe. More like, he is entranced by her. She giggled at Kai with a brighter blush.

"My name is Uzume; and I think you are my ashikabi," she stated.

A/N: Welcome everyone, to my new sekirei story. I hope you enjoy the first chapter. I may not be able to upload this one as quick as Ice Chronicles, but do not worry; I can handle it. This will be my max story activation, meaning I will only be working on these two stories so hold your ideas if you have any. As for the story itself, shower me with your greatness. I will using Kai and Minato's perspective in this, but more of Kai because you know where everything is going by the way I did that scene. I hope you do enjoy the characters and I'm sorry if Minato is different in this story. This is how I wish Minato would be so I'm gonna stick with him. As for Yukari, I may have gotten her personality wrong so tell me how I can fix that. I also hope you enjoy and like Uzume's encounter. Again, if personality is wrong, then tell me how I should fix it. I won't say anything else except ENJOY!

PS. I don't own Sekirei in any way. I only own Kai Sasaki.