Chapter 22: Yumiko

Sari

"I'm tired!" Ayumu complained. "Can't we take a break? Hemu? Muri? Please?" Hemu and Muri looked back from their march to glance at Ayumu, who was lying on the ground, face down.

"I guess..." Hemu muttered, sitting down on a rock.

"Yay!" Ayumu sprang up, dancing around for a while before sitting down next to Hemu and hugging him tightly. Others found their places, and as I settled down on the ground, a freezing wind blew past, making us shiver. We looked at each other in fear, for it was summer, and the wind that had just passed chilled us to the bone.

Yumiko... a voice echoed through the air, and the atmosphere became cold once again.

"W-what do you want?" I shouted at the air.

The air simmered in front of me and a young girl appeared in our circle of rest. She had jet black hair with the tips a fiery red. She wore an elegant blood red dress with long black gloves and pitch-black 2-inch heels. Her eyes were soft, but were the color of the darkest night with a hidden flame. She squinted at me, then looked around, then back at me. Her gaze briefly fell on Charismi, who snarled and flew away. Nobody moved as the girl took two steps to stand in front of where I was on the ground. I glared up at her, sensing a treat. I was about to mock her when she smiled. Her sudden change of mood was so quick. It took us all by surprise as I recoiled in shock, my frown changing to a straight face.

We were not even fully recovered, when she spoke, taking us by surprise yet again. Rise, travelers... Her sweet voice echoed in out minds. We stood one by one, keeping a sharp eye on the girl. Relax, Her voice softened, I am not here to harm, but to help.

"Can you prove that?" Muri's voice sounded through the silence.

Not yet, the girl echoed, shaking her head, But she can. The girl pointed at Ayumu, who was smiling widely, totally relaxed.

"Well, can you Ayumu?" Muri said, sounding impatient.

"I had a vision." Ayumu began, turning serious. "Where this same girl appeared and became Sari's archery bow and sheath of arrows." Ayumu gestured to the girl. "Her name is Yumiko, meaning archery bow. Yumiko can transform into a bow and sheath of arrows. All you need to do is call out 'Yumi' three times." Ayumu took a deep breath and glanced at Yumiko, who noded and turned back to Muri.

There is nothing to fear... I only come to show Sari my power, for I sense great danger ahead. Yumiko came over to me and spoke, Say it. Say 'Yumi' three times. Go on.

"Yumi, Yumi, Yumi." I said, feeling ridiculous. Yumiko shimmered, and then was gone. Lying in her place was a bow with a sheath of red feathered arrows. The bow tips were a bright red that moved and shimmered like real flames.

Whenever you call, I will appear on your shoulder, and your shoulder only. My arrows will never run out. If you wish for more, you need only ask. To return me, say 'Yumiko.'

"Yumiko," I whispered, feeling more powerful. The bow and sheath of arrows shimmered, and the girl reappeared in front of all of us. She gave a short curtsy, and we all nodded our thanks. A cold wind blew, and Yumiko was gone.