CHAPTER 61 — The Pact
The corridors of the Academy had never been so silent. Even the torches seemed to burn lower, as if they too were holding their breath.
Zayn said nothing. He walked beside Yojuro, their footsteps echoing on the stone floor. The corridor they took led to the Academy's basements — a place not taught to students, but one Yojuro knew.
"Are you sure she'll be there?" asked Zayn.
"She has nowhere else to go, and the room is sealed. If Naraku wants to meet her, it will be here."
Yojuro stopped before a heavy iron door. Symbols were carved into the metal — seals that even Zayn found ancient.
"This is an old isolation chamber. For Paladins who lost control of their Fumetsu."
"And Shizumi?"
"She doesn't control her power. She endures it. It's the same thing."
They entered.
The room was round, lit by blue torches casting a cold light on the stone walls. In the center, Shizumi sat on the floor, her knees drawn up under her chin. She didn't look at them.
"You found me."
"It wasn't difficult," said Yojuro.
Shizumi lifted her head. Her eyes were dry, but her face was marked by exhaustion.
"He promised me he would bring my brother back."
"He's lying," said Zayn.
"I know."
"Then why are you listening to him?"
"Because he's the only voice that speaks to me."
Silence fell. Zayn felt the weight of her words. He understood. He knew what it was like to be alone. He knew what it was like to search for a voice, a hand, a promise — even a false one — to keep from sinking.
He knelt before her.
"You're not alone."
Shizumi looked at him. Her eyes trembled.
"You can't promise to bring him back."
"No. But I can promise you that I'll be here."
She was silent for a long moment. Then she placed her hand on his. Just a second. Then she stood.
"Naraku is coming. Tonight. He said he would bring me proof."
"What proof?"
"An imprint of my brother. A trace of his existence."
Yojuro stepped closer.
"An imprint is not a resurrection."
"I know. But I need to see it."
Zayn stood.
"We'll be there."
"He'll kill you."
"He can try."
---
They waited.
Night fell. The blue torches flickered. The silence grew heavier. Shizumi didn't move. She stared at the entrance of the room, her fingers clenched on her knees. Zayn stood beside her, shoulder against the wall. Yojuro was in the shadows, still, hand on his sword's hilt.
The ash came first.
It fell like a light curtain, like a grey rain. Then the silhouette formed — slender, elegant, its eyes red.
"Shizumi."
Naraku's voice was calm, almost gentle.
"I have what you asked for."
He opened his hand. In his palm floated a small light, a golden particle dancing like a firefly. It looked like an imprint. A presence. A memory.
Shizumi stepped forward.
"Is that him?"
"A part of him. An imprint. I can turn it into a shadow of him. Not alive. Not real. But visible."
"Show me."
Naraku smiled. He closed his hand.
"Not yet. First, you must do what I asked."
"What?"
"The door. The one that leads to the UGC prison. You are the only one who can open it."
Zayn stood.
"Shizumi, don't do this."
She didn't look at him. She was looking at Naraku.
"If I open it… will he come back?"
"He will come back."
She closed her eyes. Her fingers trembled.
"I'm sorry, Zayn."
Naraku laughed.
"I'll see you tonight, Shizumi."
He dissipated into ash.
Shizumi remained still. She didn't cry. She had passed the age of tears. But when she spoke, her voice was barely louder than a breath.
"I know it's wrong. But it's the only thing I have."
Zayn didn't answer.
He didn't know what to say.
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