Chapter 58

Soon after the light brightened the surroundings revealing the main hall of the shrine where he sat, instead now his back was against the floor like something had surprised him. Gravity really did the trick.

Rubbing the back of his head, Douma sat up and looked at the view ahead of him. It was morning now and the storm was surprisingly calmer as compared to the first time it happened. Doesn't mean it wasn't as deadly though, specks of frost were already forming on the dead leaves on the ground and the Cherry Blossom tree's piling leaves were one of them. Douma was starting to get worried, the Cherry Blossom tree was Paradise Shrine's famous icon. It would be devastating to see it gone.

"I should check on the plants and fishes." Getting up Douma grabbed the rake placed against the wall next to the umbrellas and stepped outside. The chilling breeze greeted him this would've made a human shiver automatically.

Sweeping away the piles of dead leaves, a few shattered into shards of ice upon contact with the rake. Douma stopped and glanced at the Cherry Blossom Tree which was slowly losing its pink and white color. This was normal during winter but with the ongoing blizzard that was probably lowering Earth's temperatures to minus fifty degrees, whether these lifeforms can endure it was the main question.

Piling up the dead leaves and ice shards in one corner, Douma looked up at the sky thinking about using his ray to disperse the storm again. Will it be gone for good? People's lives were at stake he didn't want to risk it anymore. The aftershocks in the ground replayed in his mind. There were too many things to deal with.

Walking back to the main hall, Douma placed the rake beside the umbrellas and picked up the books on the floor, slotting them in the shelves.

Humming, the shrine leader walked briskly to the entrance of the indoor garden and grabbed the jar of fish food on the table beside the small trees.

"How's my best pals doing? It's certainly been a while! Well I'm back so let's talk." Douma exclaimed, waiting for the fishes to swim over to where he was standing, but they didn't.

"Huh that's strange. What's the matter?"

One of the fishes stared at him leaving bubbles on the surface of the water. Douma poked the water with his finger, feeling the cold chill running down his skin. The fishes were freezing too.

They still have to eat hiding in that corner isn't going to help them get through this. Douma threw some of the pellets into the pond and grabbed the can on the table watering the plants at the same time, their leaves were quite dry which was concerning.

"Hello? Is anyone there?"

There was someone at the gate. Douma took a deep breath hoping that it wasn't the Jester or any weird character from Atashi and Eiko's dreams. This person can't be Martha the voice belonged to a male. Even so, Douma didn't want to encounter Martha she was mysteriously unsettling to be around and her presence in the Hasu Mountains would ruin the peace. 

"Who is Martha and why was she with Eiko?" Douma thought about it for a while with a skeptical look on his face. Though Eiko was just dreaming he could've done something to ensure she was safe. Maybe after this he will pay the Tagami family a visit, Shinobu might be there too but last night's confrontation might have already created a distance between them.

"Lord Douma are you there? Sorry if we're disturbing you." So there was a group of people waiting for him. Kind of surprising since the villagers didn't want him here anymore. Was it something urgent? Douma was about to find out.

"Oh it's alright you're always welcome!" Douma said in a warm tone with the same pretentious smile on his face except this time he was genuinely concerned.

Douma was met with a group of teenage boys who looked to be around his age. All three of them took notice of his arrival and spoke among themselves watching the shrine leader unlock the gate and open it.

"Morning everyone!" The shrine leader said with much enthusiasm despite the dull look on the boys' faces. "How are you guys doing, all good?"

"Gracious Founder it's been a while!" The boys said as they bowed respectfully. 

"Yes it has so what brings you here?" Douma asked careful not to say anything that might cause another round of misunderstandings in the village. Most of the time it was the elders who would get a little fussy but that doesn't mean youngsters couldn't inherit those traits let alone the ones who would've heard all the rumors about him.

 The boy in the blue shirt ran up to the shrine leader in a panic. "This is going to sound insane I know but, WE LIED!"

The shrine leader blinked in confusion. "Huh? Lied about what?" He said, trying to refrain himself from sounding mocking.

"Lied to our parents! What are we going to do lying is a major sin and we don't want to carry the sins with us for the rest of our lives." The other two boys nodded in agreement.

Typical, youngsters can't seem to get out of trouble can't they? Douma crossed his arms and listened to the group's pleads. The blonde was going to help these boys their parents can't continue suffering under their lies like this it was unfair to let these teenagers get away with it. They have to learn whether they like hearing the harsh reality of their wrongdoings or not. 

"Lying isn't going to get you anywhere." Douma said calmly. 

"We know that's why we're here! To find a way to apologize to them without making them well- mad." The boy sitting on the floor placed his hands together yearning for Douma's understanding.

"How you want to put it to them doesn't matter, of course they're going to get mad what do you expect?"

"Knowing how wise you are we're certain you can come up with a solution that lowers the chances of facing the music?" One of the boys said so confidently that Douma couldn't help but chuckle.

The group looked at each other feeling lost about their agenda. "We're absolute fools. Look at ourselves even the Gracious Founder finds our situation to be a total joke. Guess we'll just have to turn ourselves in." The other boy added while his two friends nodded in disappointment.

"It's alright I'll help you guys get through this." Douma replied with a thumbs up.

~~~

Both Shinobu and Reiji stood in front of the entrance of Hibiya Library. Holding onto her bag that contained the letter and items she needed for this research, Shinobu reflected about the incident last night feeling guilty because Douma who was also aware of the situation didn't know about her plan.

Even though Reiji wasn't there during Atashi's battle and the showdown with Nebulas at least he did have some knowledge about the capabilities of those monsters' cells. It raised alarm for people and once they get some information about this secret operation that even Mr Oshiro seemed to have no clue about, nobody will have to live in fear anymore.

"I'll pick you two up at five alright?" The man in the driver's seat who was Reiji's neighbor drove them here. Coincidentally he had some errands to run in the city so he decided to drive them here.

"Sure we'll wait here." Reiji said.

The car drove off leaving both Shinobu and Reiji to proceed with their research. One that could change the world's view on their own science departments.

"Something has to be done about this. I'm tired of running for my life every time I step outside. This ends here now." Shinobu said boldly.

"Woah Shinobu you sound so dramatic." Reiji was surprised at the sudden change. "And aren't you the one eager to step outside right now? If you're complaining about the dangers in the wilderness just keep in mind that nobody's forcing you to step outside it was solely your decision Miss." 

"I said it before and I'll say it again. That's because I was influenced, and apparently I still am which is why we're here."

"Influenced by who exactly- oh wait." Reiji looked at Shinobu who was now walking towards the doors of the library. Is she still mad at Douma? He wondered.

They passed a few tables and isles that were occupied with people. Despite the ongoing events people still went out like it was a normal day. While it's true that places around the affected areas of Japan were reopening, people should still be wary of their surroundings. These monsters were still out there, not just Nebulas but other creatures created by his cells.

"Hey uh Shinobu slow down you're walking too fast!" Reiji tried to pick up the pace for some reason the violette was walking at full speed as though she was catching up with something.

"If you can't keep up than you just stay here you're slowing me down!" Shinobu scolded him.

Reiji stepped away from Shinobu in shock. "What's the matter with you Shinobu I thought we're working together on this research you keep yapping about!"

"I don't know OK? Quit bothering me you're getting on my nerves!"

"Really are you kidding me right now? Didn't we come here to solve this case and close this chapter!"

Besides, Reiji really wanted to help his friends. It seems Shinobu was still mad about what happened but more so she was mad at herself. While there was nothing Reiji could do than to just talk with her this miscommunication already happened and it was up to Shinobu if she wants to clear the air or continue avoiding her friend in misery. Which option she was going to pick, Reiji had no idea but Shinobu can't just ignore Douma he had the necessary information too. Something feels a little off now that Reiji dived deeper into the situation, is there something Shinobu wasn't telling him? It just didn't click why was she so reluctant to meet up with Douma even if it was only for a short discussion about what's going on currently.

Humming a soft melodic tune, Shinobu walked up the stairs leading to the second level. Reiji followed closely behind her, even though she was quiet now he was still worried about her. This time she was walking a little slower which means she insists on having Reiji present for the research. 

The shelves and books came into view. Shinobu and Reiji looked around the area and saw families with children drawing on sheets of paper. A group of boys were making paper planes and throwing them at each other. Their mother reminded them to keep their noise level down they were too loud sometimes.

"Once we're done searching the aisles I'll do some research on the computer." Shinobu glanced at the two computers on the desks near the corner. 

"Got it." Reiji responded optimistically he couldn't wait to get something out of this investigation they were conducting.

Both of them walked towards the isles containing the genre of books they needed to take a look at. A few caught their attention but didn't have the information related to their findings, so they continued browsing through the shelves.

"Was I being too stubborn back there?" Shinobu asked. "Maybe that's the reason why Douma and I aren't in good terms now? This is something I need to work on I guess." Admittedly, Reiji had to agree with Shinobu on this one, at times she just didn't know when to quit being so thickheaded.

Flipping through the pages of an encyclopedia, Reiji glimpsed at Shinobu for a while indicating that he was listening and had no comments about what she just said. He was worried she might get mad at him, now wasn't the time they were this close to finding a piece of evidence to support the case.

"Well if there's anything Douma wants to say just let him." Reiji rasped he was still looking at the pages of the books he was browsing through.

"You're right Reiji he was just trying to help."

That sentence raised a lot of suspicion. Shinobu never mentioned anything about needing assistance she claimed everything was alright. 

"Help with what?" Reiji raised an eyebrow, the ignoring antics of Shinobu's wasn't going to let him off that easily as a friend he still needed to know if she was alright and hiding the truth isn't going to get her far because she clearly needs someone to get her out of this mess.

Shinobu looked away when she noticed Reiji's change of expression. It was clear that she slipped her words. Quick! Think of something that'll divert his attention!

"Nothing I just tripped while Douma was fighting that giant bug," Shinobu replied nervously. "Anyways we're almost done here I'm sure there's more books at the next level. We could ask the librarian if we still don't manage to find what we need. They'll definitely make it easier for us just look at their services." The violette spun around taking in the structure and details of the library and its vast resources.

"Hmmm, we haven't even covered half of this aisle yet. Take your time Shinobu no need to rush." Reiji snorted, he wasn't buying it Shinobu was just trying to distract him. With that he carried on browsing through the books in hopes to find something so he won't have to deal with the awkward silence during the journey to the next level.

There's gotta be something we can find here. In the midst of finding that one book, Shinobu wondered if this plan was really going to work. It's not like anyone was barred from conducting their own investigations but the evidence they had was very vague. Perhaps someone out there might've collected all the clues which would be demoralizing to say the least because both Douma and Shinobu spent so much time on this, even Reiji who was helping her this time.

Shinobu pushed aside one book after another, until her eyes laid on a particular cover that caught her attention.

"Found something!" Excitement filled the air, Shinobu had found the very book she needed.

Reiji perked up and saw a picture of a man who looked like a very renowned figure on the cover of the book his friend was holding. That must be it, we're one step closer to solving this mystery. 

"This book contains everything we need to know about what's going on, The Spectacular Discoveries of Doctor Herald G. Mason, all this while the needle in the haystack was hiding here." Shinobu flipped through the pages seeing long informative paragraphs and graphics that could hopefully solve their questions.

Now that Shinobu was occupied with the book, Reiji could take a little break. He wanted to sit somewhere and read his own book. However, the more he thought about stepping aside during the meantime, the more he wanted to get this done and over with with fulfilling results; returning home with the burden off their shoulders. Reiji had to be there with Shinobu.

"I'm going to boot up the PC while reading this, there's still some research we need to do. Might as well complete everything since we're already here." Shinobu said with a smile, briskly walking towards the desk at the end of the area. Beside where she was going to be sitting led to a staff area with a librarian there. This made Reiji worried since she could come over and catch Shinobu browsing through the internet, the PC is only used for finding books in the library.

"Just be careful the librarian's over there." Reiji gulped he didn't want Shinobu to take a very longtime with the research. "I trust you know how to maneuver with your computer skills."

"Don't worry I'll be done with this in no time. You'll see." Sitting down on the chair, Shinobu flipped through the pages of the book, taking in every detail carefully while Reiji stood there watching the chaotic scene unfolding: two young boys screaming and shouting with paper planes in their hands while their little sister was busy scribbling on the pieces of colored paper scattered on the table, their mother yelling at them, maintaining that quiet tone at the same time.

One of the boys with a look of mischief snatched a paper plane from the table and ran towards Shinobu. Quietly, he shoved the paper plane in her pocket and took off running towards his older brother who was waiting for him to play a game of tag.

"Hey what do you think you're doing get back here!" Reiji's focus was competing with the mess in this area it was hard to concentrate on his thoughts there was so much to plan for with regards to what both he and Shinobu had to look for after this.

Alright let's see there's a ton of options I'm just gonna click on these ones right here. Shinobu took the paper plane from her pocket and threw it across the aisles beside the tables, too busy to watch it land smoothly on the highest shelf which Reiji found impressive. She clicked on the various links and read the results. Most of them didn't have the information they needed so she moved on to the next.

There was a particular link that stood out to her the most. Hmm let's try this website. Shinobu was certain the answer to their questions was right around the corner.

"That's interesting this is an entire discussion about Doctor Mason." It was perplexing that there were people out there taking the time to dig up every ounce of detail about Doctor Mason but this was helpful because there had to be answers somewhere.

Reiji watched Shinobu reading the discussion with precision. She was so focused that the surroundings were blocked off. 

"Now this is perfect. Someone listed Doctor Mason's contact details." This was shocking, both Shinobu and Reiji didn't expect to find so much information during this short period of time. Shinobu immediately searched Doctor Mason's contacts and decided to send him a message on a chatline she found.

"We have until late afternoon. I'll just chat with him here if he comes online." Shinobu waited for an instant response. This was it they were finally going to get something out of this, about time they did.