Chapter XII

Florian had a look of great hope in his eyes. He must also have thought that the newcomer spirit of the Koshitimou family might be Shadow. He turned to me.1

“Jashin… do you think…?” he started hopefully. I nodded.2

“Arri, Dakan take Samantha back to my room. I have somewhere I have to go.” 3

Samantha stepped forward. “I want to go with you.” she said bravely.4

I frowned. “What do you mean you want to go with me?” I asked. “What is someone sees you?”5

“So what?” she asked crossing her arms. “I want to go!”6

“There are too many risks.” I said sternly.7

“Like what?! That’s not fair! You’ve already hidden so much from me!”8

I closed my eyes and sighed. “As Sire Alacun says… life isn’t fair, especially the after life. “I opened my eyes; they were now back to normal. “I’m sorry love, but there are just too many risks. “9

She paused. “But… Jashin …” she whined. She grabbed onto my cape and tugged. “Please take me with you! I’ve never seen the Koshitimou house.”10

I rubbed my temples and turned back to her. “You want to go that badly?” she nodded. I sighed and looked at Florian. “Fine you can come.”11

Florian chuckled. “I knew you’d let her come. You remind me so much of myself. And little Samantha here reminds me so much of my little Shadow.”12

Trishan spoke up. “So are we going or what?”13

I turned to her. “Yeah let’s go.” she turned and I got a good look at her cape with the koshitimou family crest on it. There was a light blue spirit with a white dove. The spirit was holding a blue rose with both hands in front of its chest. The words ‘Being dead is only a minor setback of our lives.’ was underneath the spirit. I always loved that quote. 14

Why do spirits wear clothes you ask? Well we wouldn’t want naked ghosts floating around now would we? That’s what I thought.15

I wrapped my arms around Samantha’s waist and pulled her to me, her back against my chest. She blushed and I smiled. 16

Florian smiled sadly as her opened a window. He was obviously lost in his memories of himself and Shadow.17

Trishan floated gracefully out of the open window and Florian followed. I carefully flew out of the window.18

We flew in silence until a castle surrounded with blue roses came into sight.19

“We’re here.’ I said.20

Trishan turned her head to me. “Oh are we playing the obvious game? Me next, your hair is brown.”21

“You’re eyes are green” I replied.22

“You’re wearing a cape.”23

“You’re wearing pants”24

“You’re eyes are dark blue”25

“You’re hair is blond”26

“You dated the biggest jerk in the demon family.”27

I laughed. “Ok you win! That’s the most obvious!”28

“What that you dated him?” Trishan asked.29

“No, that he’s the biggest jerk!” everyone laughed, even Samantha. She must be feeling more comfortable with everything.30

By this time we had reached the castle and were landing. As we landed another female spirit with long blond hair flew quickly towards us.31

“Hey!” she shouted. “Wow! It’s been a while Jashin,”32

Then I recognized her. “Magina!” it has been long. I would have thought that you had pasted on by now.” I laughed.33

She glared at my and stopped flying.  “Gee. Thanks. Bitch.”34

I smiled. “Thank you.”35

Florian sweat-dropped. “Well that’s a healthy relationship.” 36

I laughed. “I know.” But now it was time to get serious, we had to see if this newcomer was Shadow.37