Guiding Light
X: The Ominous Winds
By: Kat Lee V
AN: I forget why I erase my AN here in , so sorry if some stuff was not clearly explained. Someone was asking about the genders I kinda switched for the matches with Clans that have no Generals in them. In actuality, I needed some female fighters in the story, so I just changed some of the minor team characters from KnB to girls. It doesn't mean that they are like Kagami, where he changes when he switches worlds. Unless I mention it in the story, they are just girls, like "Papa" and the other two from the last chapter. I just didn't change the names, because I'm kind of bad and maybe also lazy to think up or look up appropriate names. Thanks for understanding!
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The city was called the 'Market Place'. It was a hub of a variety of running businesses that ranged from selling all sorts of items, stalls for trading, stores for different types of food, and some gambling for fun. It was said that almost everything could be found at the Market Place. However, it wasn't so grand looking, or big like the Imperial City. It was a circular city, organized by different districts that comprised of specific and similar items. All weapons and armor could be found in one district, rare materials in another, food also had its own district, etc. There were mostly Chosen walking around the streets, while Phasma manned the stores and stalls.
Kagami was looking around, with her jaw slightly hanging open. She and Kuroko went to explore together, as the others all spread out to do their own business. The whole Clan had decided to take a field trip to the Market Place, which Kagami wondered why they haven't been to the city earlier.
"This is as good as any day for Etoile Clan to take a break." Aida announced to them earlier. "What better way than to go shopping!'
The red head was pouting, looking at the low numbers on the small holographic screen that came out from the handheld device she was issued by the Clan. "I finally have all the materials I needed to get my sword fixed, and half the materials already took out a chunk of my money. But the upgrades and repair is major robbery!" She groaned. The pair just came out from the blacksmith.
"They can only make the best here, Kagami-kun, and for a fair price. If you got it fixed at the Imperial City, then you would most likely be broke for three years." Kuroko remarked.
Kagami sighed, feeling down. "And they had those treats here, but I can't afford them." She sulked. The light haired boy turned towards his partner.
"Kagami-cchi!" A voice shouted from a distance. The pair stopped, and dared to look behind them. There was the familiar blond, enthusiastically waving towards their direction. He quickly jogged his way up to the girl. "Oh! And you're here too, Kuroko-cchi!" He nearly squealed with excitement.
"Kise." The red head grumbled with a pout.
"Kise-kun." The shortest boy greeted with a small bow at his head.
The member of Wahr quickly hooked his arms around the two, smiling widely. "What luck to find you both here! What are you guys up to?"
"Wah! It's Kise Ryouta!" A girl squealed.
Several heads turned, and attention locked on to the tall blond. Kise was suddenly pushed away from Kagami and Kuroko, being ambushed and surrounded by a mass of squealing girls. The blond laughed, and gave them all a charming smile. The red head watched a bit distastefully at the scene. "Kise-kun is a model back at home." Kuroko commented. Kagami blinked, trying to see what all the other girls see in the blond. The boy sighed lightly, watching the red head's expression. "Let us just go, Kagami-kun. There is no need to waste time waiting around for him. He will be very busy. All part of being popular, I believe."
Kagami shrugged, and turned to follow the shorter male. "Hey, Kuroko. How about you help a friend out, and treat me out for some lunch, yeah?"
"I would rather have money in my account than any empty one, Kagami-kun." The light haired boy remarked.
The red head pouted. "Stingy!"
The two explored more of the city, Kuroko pointing out places of interest that the girl may like. By the time lunch hour came around, and the girl's stomach loudly protesting of running on empty, they were making their way towards the eatery district. "Kuroko-cchi! Kagami-cchi! Why didn't you wait for me!?" The familiar blond cried, as he ran towards them. He threw his arms around the two, pulling them close to him. "And here I was going to treat you out to Gravi Cafe, where they sell one of the most tasty original dessert of the whole OW." He pouted, clinging on to the two.
Kagami perked at the words of being treated, and she turned to the blond, grabbing his hand into hers. Kise was nearly thrown off guard at the sudden action, and blushed at the closeness of the red head's face to his. "You mean the Starry Puffs?" Her eyes glittered, and cheeks slightly colored.
The blond smiled widely. "Yup!" To the side, he slyly smirked at the light blue haired boy. Kuroko was glaring needles at his former clansman.
"Let's go!" She excitedly tugged on the blond's hand. Kise smoothly wrapped an arm around the girl's waist, and led her through the streets of the city. Trailing behind, Kuroko was radiating in a dark aura. The blond seemed to have not sensed it, as he was in cloud nine.
"Oh look, Shin-chan!"
Kise's mood was cut short, as he, Kagami and Kuroko looked over to see a recognizable pair from Animus Clan. Instantly, glares were thrown from three sides. The Sorcerer of Animus bit his lower lip, trying not to laugh. The red head slightly tilted her head, pulling away from the grasp of the tall blond. "Midorima... and his partner."
The raven haired teen pouted. "Takao. Takao Kazunari." He came up to the tall girl, and took her hand. "We haven't been properly introduced, Kagami-san. It's a pleasure to meet you." He gave a light kiss on the girl's knuckles, and instantly felt three sets of deadly glares on the back of his head. 'If looks could kill, I would have been killed about ten times over. Gods, these guys are too amusing!'
The red head slipped her hand away, a bit embarrassed at such gesture. "Yeah."
Kise quickly hooked his arm around the girl's, and pulled her close to his side. "Well, it's nice meeting you guys. Midorima-cchi." He have a short salute to the green haired boy. "But, we're on our way to have some lunch. So..."
"What a coincidence!" Takao clapped his hands together. "We're heading to the food district too!"
A big hand grabbed the brunet's head, nearly squeezing it. Takao squirmed at the pressure on his skull, laughing it off. "What are you doing, Takao?" Midorima hissed.
Kagami shrugged her shoulders. "We'll if we're heading the same direction..." She looked at Kise, and pointed down the street. "It's down here, right? I'm really starving. And you said you'll treat me."
"Only the Starry Puffs, Kagami-cchi." The blond quickly said.
"How about Shin-chan and I treat you for lunch, Kagami-san?" The Animus Sorcerer offered, with a big grin.
"Oi, Takao! I never agreed to this!" The bespectacled male growled. But his anger quickly changed, when he saw the glittering eyes of the red haired girl. He clenched his jaw, and turned his head to the side, adjusting his glasses. Takao was chuckling to himself. Off to the side, both Kuroko and Kise were grinning darkly. 'You'll regret that offer.'
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"It seems that according to Momoi-san, Aomine-kun has became worse than when we were still in Kiseki." Kuroko spoke, recalling his meeting with the pink haired girl back at Earth.
At a big booth of the restaurant sat the three former members of the Kiseki Clan. Takao and Kagami were at the counter, ordering and picking up the food, leaving the titled Miraculous Generals alone. Kise and Kuroko sat at one side of the booth, while Midorima across from them.
The green head placed back his glasses, after cleaning them. "You're more than likely to have a very hard time, if ever you do encounter Aomine." He looked up at the light blue haired boy. "It's clear that everyone has witnessed the great changes that he has been through, advancing in power faster than any of us."
"Momoi-san made me promise to stop him when we do meet." The shortest boy replied. "We are going to save him."
"Kuroko-cchi," Kise took the boy's hand, giving a light squeeze. "You know that I'll be there to support you. After all, we were all once teammates and great friends. I want to also help you save our friends. You and Kagami-cchi had a hard time fighting Midorima-cchi, even after I came to fight too. " He slightly frowned, furrowing his brows. "If two Miraculous Generals had a hard time with only one, then imagine how many it would take to try and stop Aomine-cchi." He bowed his head, giving another squeeze of the light haired boy's hand.
"Could you assure the safety of Kagami-cchi, the one who freed us and has a special power that no one could deny? After all, Kuroko-cchi always ends up getting severely wounded in battles, leaving Kagami-cchi vulnerable, even though I believe she is still a capable fighter." The blond looked back up, staring deeply into baby blue eyes. "I feel like that we all need Kagami-cchi, that she's very important. And if her fight ends now, then when she returns back here to OW, it might be already too late to save the others. They could be too far gone into this darkness that somehow has a hold of all of us." Kuroko tore his gaze away from his former clansman, pulling his hand back. He bowed his head, not saying anything.
Minutes of silence came between them. Not really one to break it, the green head suddenly spoke up. "What has happened to all of us back in Kiseki Clan?" It was a burning question that couldn't leave him, and he knew that the other two also questioned it too. Midorima frowned. "How was it that we even got this darkness in us? What has happened to lead to the end of our once great Clan?" He glanced up between the two. "It's like our memories were either erased or altered." Then his emerald eyes honed on to the shortest male. "How was it you were not so greatly affected by it, Kuroko, since we have all been fighting together in the same team as we all first entered into Kiseki Clan?"
Kuroko slowly shook his head. "I honestly cannot remember clearly the truth. Everything has been a blur to me, until... I ran into Kagami-kun..."
"We're back!"
Four trays were set upon the table. Two trays in particular had a mountain of food piled on top of one another. Midorima's eyes twitch, and looked up accusingly at his fellow clansman. "What is that?" He growled.
The raven head grinned, and pushed Kagami into the booth, setting her between himself and Midorima. The green head nearly choked when the girl bumped shoulders with him. He pressed himself against the wall. The girl didn't seem to complain, and set the two trays in front of her.
"It's what Kagami-san wanted to eat, of course!" Takao chirped, and separated the orders among the males. The green head felt his eyes twitch again, just as the red head said a small prayer, before devouring her food rather ravenously. The raven head chuckled, watching the girl, with awe. Then he looked up at his partner, raising up a handheld device, and shaking it. "Oh, and thanks for lunch, Shin-chan!"
The green head widened his eyes, and started to rummage through his pockets. "Takao!" He growled, shaking with rage. In front of them, Kuroko and Kise were laughing inwardly as they watched their former clansman's suffering.
The red head wiped her mouth, and looked over at the boy beside her. "Right, thanks." She smiled. Midorima pressed his back hard against the wall behind him. The two boys across them were glowering. The green head adjusted his glasses, and nodded, before turning to his own food.
"Oh!" The brunet perked, and was grinning widely. "I was talking about it with Kagami-san." He looked up at the light blue haired boy. "How long would you two be staying here? I brought up the idea of showing Kagami-san around the night life here in the Market Place." He tilted his head, smiling cheekily.
"Takao said there was really cool stuff that they only sell at night, and this popular restaurant that has some good food that also only opens at night." The girl spoke, after swallowing her food down. She looked up at her fellow clansman, eyes sparkling. Kuroko's expression softened a bit, not able to argue with her.
"No fair!" Kise whined. "I wanted to take Kagami-cchi to see the night life here!"
Takao chuckled. "I bet you wanted to take her all by yourself." He said teasingly.
Baby blue eyes and emerald green eyes coldly narrowed at the golden haired boy. The blond squirmed a bit in his seat. Kuroko raised his head, looking directly at the red head. "Kagami-kun can't ever be alone with Kise-kun. It's dangerous."
Kise flinched. "Wha-!?"
Glasses were adjusted higher. "Kagami, don't be tricked by this fool. He is a player, and he may try to charm his way into forcing you to do inappropriate things." Midorima spoke.
"What do you even think of me as? No way am I like that!" The blond cried. "Why are you all being mean to me!?"
Takao was slapping his leg and holding on his stomach, as he laughed at such amusing scene. Kagami furrowed her brows, frowning. "Hey, I can't take care of myself, thank you very much!" She looked at the blond. "Stop crying like that, you look horrible." Kise's breath hitched, and he was rubbing his face, protesting that he wasn't crying. Then the girl slightly tilted her head. "I don't know what the fuss is all about, but I don't mind staying out, since our leader gave us a day off. So why not all of us go together then, since we're all here already?"
The four boys became silent, staring at the girl with slightly wide eyes. They suddenly all turned their heads away from the girl, covering their mouths. They couldn't stand staring at the girl for too long, less they did something to break that untouchable atmosphere around her. 'Don't ever change, Kagami(kun)(cchi)(san)!' The red head blinked, a bit confused at their reaction. She shrugged, and went back to eating.
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"The Dungeon is known as T112."
All the fighting members of Etoile Clan stood in front of a tall round stone tower. It was wider than a football field, and so tall that no one could see the top, as it disappeared into the dark clouds. There were a few open windows scattered about, and one set of tall double doors. However, everyone knew that once inside, it wouldn't reflect the structure of the outside.
Fukuda gave a sweeping glance over all his clansmen. "And so, what are we all doing here?" He questioned.
There was a sly chuckle resonating in their heads. "This Dungeon is a long standing and very known one. It has never been conquered since its appearance since about thirty years ago." Their leader explained. "This particular one produces a lot of Class D 'decoy' Artifacts all around the place. It's most likely to hide the true Artifact of this Dungeon, that's why it's still standing. However, these 'decoy' Artifacts are just as good as real ones."
"So you're telling us to farm for these decoys?" Hyuuga sighed, rubbing his temple. "I mean, I don't have a problem with that, since it will be good to sell and trade any of the excess Artifacts we don't need. But it's all the Guardians that we're going to face that will be troublesome." Most of the boys stared ahead exasperated and disbelief.
Aida giggled. "Oh come on. Just think about is as a way to get some training! It will be fun!" Most of the members groaned, and slowly made their way towards the entrance.
Once inside, Koganei looked at their only female in their group. "So, Kagami, can you pinpoint where the real Artifact is?" He questioned.
The red head furrowed her brows, then crossed her arms. Her eyes closed, as she slightly stuck out her lower lip. "I can see so many paths that are leading to all these 'decoy' Artifacts." She tilted her head to one side. "They're all kind of overshadowing the presence of the real one. But, I can make out the real one." She opened her eyes, nodding to herself.
"You can look for the real one later." Aida argued through their connection. "Go gather as much Artifacts as you can, and have a blast fighting all those Guardian monsters!"
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It felt like hours have been spent in just one Dungeon for the Etoile Clan. At the beginning, they had split up into three different teams, exploring what the mysterious and magical place had to offer. It started out at a chamber with three dark passageways, that leads through nearly endless tunnels, in front of the giant double door entrance. Then they would run into a new chamber, where monsters appeared, with more tunnels to choose. When they finally reached the Heart Chamber with an Artifact, they would fight a Guardian monster. After taking the Artifact as a prize in defeating the boss monster, they would be sent back to the entrance chamber, with the double doors at their back, and three different passageways.
Like their leader had told them, they were able to gain some fighting experience and practice. After a few Artifacts were taken, and they had to return to start, they began to add a little more fun to their excursion. They made it into a competition, by how many Artifacts they would acquire by a certain time, or who had the last hit on the Guardian monster. They would even draw straws to shuffle around team members, as long as it was balanced in the eyes of their great leader. Then soon, they decided to make it a competition between the first years and their seniors.
Kagami slightly jumped, as if a bolt struck her, quickly raising her head up in alert. She looked over her shoulder at the opened doors of the Heart Chamber. Unconsciously, she gripped the area above her heart, suddenly feeling anxious. In the background, the four other first years were fighting a group of troll monsters, with its leader somewhere among them, as it blended with the group.
Kuroko glanced up towards the girl, seeing her still state. "Kagami-kun, is something wrong?" He questioned cautiously.
With a gasp, the girl widened her ruby eyes. "Everyone duck, now!" She shouted. With out question, the four threw themselves on to the floor. Kagami was blaring with a red aura, as she spun fast in place, holding out her battle axe. Then she released it, with fires raging around the spinning weapon. It flew across, easily destroying the troll monsters. When the girl caught her axe, there were no more monsters in sight. She narrowed her eyes to the closest person to the Artifact. "Kawahara! Hurry and get that Artifact now!" She shouted urgently.
Kawahara sprinted towards the glowing object on the pedestal. Furihata and Fukuda looked at each other with question. Kuroko was frowning, while carefully watching the red head. The boy touched the Artifact, and in an instant, they were transported back to the entrance chamber.
The light blue haired boy neared the girl. "What is wrong, Kagami-kun?" He asked again.
The red head was looking troubled, staring at the three passageways in front of them. "Something doesn't feel right." She murmured, eyes quickly scanning between the three tunnels.
The other three became worried. "What do you mean?" Furihata carefully asked.
Kagami gritted her teeth. "Something is happening to the Sempai... and... I can't hear Aida-sempai anymore." The four sharply looked up, and became a bit distraught. It confirmed Kagami's worry of their lost connection to their Guide. Then the red head pointed to the left path. "There! We need to hurry." Then she took off. The others running after her closely behind.
It felt like her heart throbbed. Ruby eyes narrowed, and looked over her shoulder. Kuroko, noticing the slowing of the girl's pace, brought attention to her. "What is it, Kagami-kun?" The others looked up intently.
The girl shook her head, and turned back to the path ahead of her, picking back up her pace. "We need to get to our Sempai." She replied, sternly.
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"Oh? Some unexpected guests have decided to join the party."
The chamber was slightly big, accommodating the two Clans that were present, and with much room to move in. Across the area was the giant double doors that lead to a Heart Chamber, and no one has yet to touch it. Their five elder clansmen were engaged in battle with four other members of a different Clan. One looked like a boy about their age, who held in his hands a crossbow, and was standing around the edge of the chamber. Beside him was a tall male with glasses, who was casually standing there with his arms crossed, grinning widely at them. He was the one that noticed the arrival of the younger members of the opposing Clan. At the middle of the fight was a tall wheat blond haired male, closely dressed in a modernized karate gi, with the sleeves ripped off, almost close to the one that Tsuchida was wearing. The last one had spiky dark hair, and had less armor and more leather, almost like Koganei. Hyuuga and the others all turned their heads, and looked to be relieved as seeing their younger clansmen. Kagami frowned, her hands clenching tightly into fists at her sides.
The bespectacled male from the rival clan raised his hands, smiling in a chilling way. "Welcome to a battle between Squad Zeta, Team 1 of the Wúqíng Clan versus the whole of Etoile Clan!"
"Sempai!" The first years cried out, and tried to run into the room. But they were bounced back by an invisible wall, preventing them from fully entering the chamber. Kagami gritted her teeth, pounding a fist against the barrier. The three other freshmen were shouting encouragement to their upperclassmen, as they fought behind the barrier. Kuroko silently watched, with his calculative wide eyes, and apathetic expression. He glanced over at the red head, seeing the desperation and anxiousness on her face. She was pressing her hands hard against the invisible wall. That was when he felt like his stomach do a flip. 'It's that horrible feeling... why?'
Tsuchida was mostly engaged in a hand to hand fight with the taller blond male, seeing as they were both brawlers. Kuroko overheard that his name was Wakamatsu. Koganei was fighting with various weapons at his disposal, against the tall dark haired male, who seemed to also be fighting with different weapons that suited him based on various distances, or to suit his style. From Kuroko's observation, Koganei's opponent was more than likely a Freelancer also, and he was called Susa. But his two upperclassmen had help from Mitobe, who would throw out his protection spells, or push away the other fighter from ever trying to get the upper hand. He was also blocking the shots coming from the smallest member of the rival clan, with his crossbow. That bespectacled male called him Sakurai. To the side, Hyuuga and Izuki stood, giving out their support whenever they could. It was the male with glasses that has Kuroko much to worry about, as he was just standing there with his arms crossed. He still wasn't able to figure out what Class he could be, even based on his attire. He guessed that he was the captain of the team, and his name was Imayoshi.
'However, even with the support, from the protection of a Guard, and enhancements from a Sorcerer, why is it that the other Clan seems to have the upper hand? It's like they are reading the moves of our Sempai... Guide they have a capable Guide with them?' The light haired boy wondered, watching the battle closely. 'I have heard of the Wúqíng Clan in the past. They are ruthless and very strong. What are they doing here in a low level Dungeon like this?'
"Alright everyone, enough playing around." Imayoshi called out, giving a disturbing smile, sending chills down the Etoile Clan's back. He peered over at the five younger clansmen, stuck behind the barrier. "Can't have their dear Kohai to keep on waiting for the imminent doom of their Sempai." He grinned widely, his tone sickeningly playful.
Kagami's breath hitched when she saw a film of darkness surround the four members of the Wúqíng Clan. Kuroko was stunned, and felt his stomach drop. 'No...' Gritting her teeth, Kagami started pounding hard against the barriers. 'No!'
The crossbow in Sakurai's hands disappeared, and changed into a long bow. He pulled the string, and started powering up, with dark energy gathering in the hand that drew the string. "Catastrophic Barrage!"
Susa jumped back, and was gathering energy. "Master Artillery Brigade!" More than fifty weapons appeared all around him, and were glowing in a small film of darkness.
Wakamatsu went into a stance, moving his hands around in a fluid motion. Then his body was surrounded by a pulsing dark energy. "Judgment Strikes!"
The three released their attacks on the elder members of Etoile, and cries of pain were heard echoing in the chamber. Kagami shook her head, not able to stand the cries of her clansman. "NO!" With one hard punch with her fist, the barrier shattered, and strong winds blew hard against them, shock waves from the released power-up attacks from the rival clan. Several sets of eyes widened in shock, at the barrier being broken. To the side, Imayoshi adjusted his glasses, smiling in such a sinister way, humming in amusement.
Kagami quickly rushed in, taking out her giant axe, and standing between the Wúqíng Clan, and her sempai. Closely behind her was her proclaimed shadow, eyes glaring at the opponents. The other three rushed to their upperclassmen, who were all on the ground, swept up to the side of the chamber. "We won't allow you to touch our Sempai again." The red head growled threateningly. The grip on her axe tightened around the handle. Kuroko pulled his mask up, and took out a set of knives between his fingers.
"I'd like to see you try." The wheat blond haired male scoffed.
Without a word, the pair moved, and engaged in battle with the Wúqíng members, showing their flawless teamwork. Kagami was near to dancing with her giant weapon, and unleashing her fire spells, as knives and shadow spells were thrown, trailing behind her. The two covered the backs of each other, leaving no room for their opponent to touch either of them. They were able to make all four of them move from their spots, especially Imayoshi, who showed his hand, by using a chain whip as his preferred weapon.
To the side, Kawahara was healing all his upperclassmen, as Fukuda and Furihata stood in front of them, watching Kagami and Kuroko battle the four members from Wúqíng. "They look evenly matched, and none of them are backing down." Furihata murmured, clutching tightly on to his staff. "I want to help them, but I'm afraid I would break the flow of the battle, and something wrong will happen."
Hyuuga looked up at their Cleric, placing a hand on his upper arm. "Thanks, Kawahara." He got help in standing up, and he adjusted his glasses. His steal gray eyes glanced up, watching the smiling face of the captain of the team from Wúqíng. "I remember, their squad attended the silver summer tournaments last year. I'll admit we are no match for them... but Kagami and Kuroko... they..." He narrowed his eyes, seeing a glimmer of a dark aura around the four members of their rivals. 'What is this feeling I'm getting? I don't like it at all.'
Cracking his whip hard, Kagami jumped back, in front of her whole Clan, with Kuroko standing slightly behind her. Imayoshi pulled back his chain whip, and smiled. "Ah, so the rumors were right. Etoile Clan's prized fighters are really a sight to behold." Then his expression darkened, as he open his narrowed eyes, looking directly at the Etoile pair. "Too bad we're going to get rid of you."
The darkness around the four members grew around them, causing Etoile Clan to stiffen, and become wary. Imayoshi raised his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose, and cracked his chain whip to the side. A magic circle appeared in front of him, and a chilling wave emitted from it.
Hyuuga widened his eyes. "A Tamer!" He hissed.
The magic circle widened further, and something was slowly rising from it. Everyone froze when an over seven feet tall shadow monster appeared in front of them. Imayoshi chuckled lightly. "Max-kun has been looking for some playmates for a while."
Fukuda shook his head, taking a step back. "He's that strong to tame a Rank IV monster. And something from the badlands at that." His voice quivered. Being a fellow Tamer Class as well, he felt inferior to the older male in front of him.
Kagami dropped the head of her axe to the floor beside her, holding on to the handle of her weapon. "We can take him." She narrowed her eyes at the beady glowing red eyes. The monster had no defined features, being all in shadow, but it had large arms and hands, and big red glowing eyes. It was slightly slouched over, its huge arms hanging in front of it.
"Just think of it as a Guardian that's standing in our way to the Artifact." Hyuuga said, taking out his long rifle. "We'll work together and show them our Clan's strength." The others all took a stand, with their weapons in hand. Hyuuga glanced over at Furihata. "We're support, you got that? We're focusing on the fighters that will go against the monster." The younger boy nodded. He looked at Izuki. "You're Kagami and Kuroko's support. They will take care of the Wúqíng members." He saw the surprised expressions from the others, then pointed at the monster. "That thing is an obstacle. It's Ranked IV, and we need to take care of it. We are all aware that right now, Kagami and Kuroko are capable of fighting Wúqíng. So as their clansmen, we support them by taking out the distraction. And then, we'll all fight together to keep the honor and pride of our Clan!" The other grew determined.
'Plus, the whole clan seems to know all of our weaknesses. They planned out how well to fight through the holes of our attacks.' Hyuuga observed, thinking back to their earlier battle before their kohai appeared. 'That's why it seemed like they had the upper hand. Maybe they have a Guide as well... But it's obvious that they do not know how to handle Kuroko and Kagami... yet... That's why it's better for them to fight the Wúqíng members...' He frowned.
Kagami was grinning. "Shall we, Kuroko?" The boy nodded, and seemed to have disappeared from sight. Then the red head rushed across the chamber to the other end were all the members of Wúqíng stood.
The monster roared, and raised its heavy arms. Then it slammed it back down, to hit the girl. A barrier was raised, and Kagami continued on running straight through, dragging her axe behind her. Then one after the other, the members of Etoile started their attack on the summoned monster. Izuki's eyes narrowed, and he started to glow in a silver light.
The red head was a few feet away from the four members, all standing defensively prepared. A wave of shadow rose, and crashed down upon them, but they jumped away to dodge the attack, separating them. The battle axe came down, nearly slicing the youngest member. Sakurai cried out in surprise, and fell to his bottom. He clumsily raised his crossbow at the girl, but then knives began to rain down upon him. Wakamatsu quickly grabbed the boy before he got skewered.
"Honestly, pay attention." The blond tisked, and set the boy down. Sakurai was continuously bowing while apologizing. Wakamatsu looked up, and pushed the brunet to the side, while reaching out to deflect the incoming battle axe. But then fire erupted, and it kissed the boy's arm. Wakamatsu stepped back, and nearly lost his balance when the axe bashed into the ground, breaking the flat surface. Then the fire blared out, pushing both the blond and the brunet.
Guns started to fire, and Kagami hid behind her axe. Something caught her eye, and she gasped when she saw Kuroko caught by the chain whip. They both turned their heads with shock to see Imayoshi grinning darkly. "Finally caught you." He said in a coy tone.
"Catastrophic Barrage!" "Judgment Strikes!"
The girl sharply sucked in her breath, and ran, pulling out her axe from the ground. Kagami threw her weapon, the middle of the line of the chains being caught between the blade of the axe and the concrete floor. The sudden pull yanked both Kuroko and Imayoshi to the floor. Kagami then stood between the line of attack and her partner, throwing up her hands. "Shield!" She cringed when she felt the pressure of the attack hit her defensive spell.
Suddenly, the monster lost balance and fell between the Etoile pair, and the Wúqíng members. Kagami quickly turned around, and helped free Kuroko from the chains. "You okay?" She asked, as she scanned for any wounds on her friend.
"Yes." The boy nodded, and took the offered hand to stand up. "Kagami, we need to end this, and get out of here..." Kuroko pressed his hand against his chest. "I do not like this at all..."
"I know." The girl replied grimly. She offered out her hand in front of the boy again. Kuroko looked up, and narrowed his eyes in determination. At the joining of their hands, they were blaring in their black and white aura.
The other Etoile members paused, and recognized that feeling, seeing the intensity surrounding the pair. Mitobe, Furihata and Kawahara took defensive stances, ready to raise their barrier spells. Hyuuga raised his rifle. 'Need to distract them.' He released a volley of shots. Izuki started to throw his restrictive spells after his clansman's attacks, and Koganei was throwing knives and needles.
"Shadow Flare!"
The room shook violently from the explosion, as their vision was obscured by the whipping shadows. Their bodies stung by the scorching heat. Smoke blanketed the whole area. The Etoile Clan were coughing through the dust, while looking around to see the aftermath of the attack. They felt several barriers rose around the whole Clan before the attack hit, helping in buffering from the powerful merged spell.
There was a chuckle, and the Wúqíng Clan became visible. They were all on the ground, and the monster was gone from sight. Imayoshi looked up, grinning. "My, that was a surprise." Kagami and Kuroko took on defensive stances, ready to fight again.
Suddenly a strong wind came circling all around the whole chamber. Kagami slammed her axe down, embedding it into the hard floor. She held on to both her giant weapon and her partner. Kuroko ducked his head, looking through his squinting eyes. The strong winds seemed to have picked up all the members of Etoile, knocking them around against the ceiling and floor. When the winds suddenly stopped, all the members were dropped unceremoniously to the floor. They all groaned with pain, and some coughing for air. Kuroko raised his head, eyes widening with dread. He felt his heart nearly stop.
Kagami quickly raised her head when she heard footsteps echoing down the tunnel. There stood a very tall tanned male, with a bored expression, and pinky in his ear. He had short navy blue hair, and intense blue eyes. Slowly ruby eyes widened in recognition. The boy yawned loudly, and glanced around the chamber. Then his blue eyes locked on to the four Wúqíng members, slowly getting up from the ground. "Oi, what's taking so long? You said that you were fighting a weak Clan. It should be easy." He spoke in a low drawled tone.
Wakamatsu grew angry, and glared at the tanned male. He threw his hand out, pointing at the boy. "Where the hell have you been, asshole!?" He shouted. Susa and Sakurai quickly restrained their teammate from trying to strangle the other boy.
Imayoshi was dusting his pants, and fixing his glasses. "Have you not had you're communications on?" He questioned lightly.
The boy sighed, scowling in irritation. "Didn't want to keep hearing Satsuki's annoying voice in my head." He complained. The other four seemed to wince at the same time to something unheard in the chamber.
The captain of the Wúqíng team raised his hands casually, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, as you can see, we just ran into a minor set back." Then his eyes trained on the only girl, with the short light blue haired boy. "It's all for gathering data."
The tanned boy snorted. "We don't need it." Then sharp blue eyes trained on to the red head, his bored expression still apparent. Then he snorted again, and looked at his team. "I can't believe you're having a hard time because of some chick." Veins were nearly popping on the wheat blond. Susa and Sakurai quickly tightened their hold on Wakamatsu, who was thrashing around angrily.
Kuroko bowed his head, his lips pressed thinly. "That is Aomine Daiki... he is another former member of the Kiseki Clan... a Miraculous General." He murmured to the red head beside him. Most of the Etoile members stiffened upon hearing the name.
Kagami was slightly pouting, glaring at the darker blue haired boy. 'He's the asshole at the outside basketball court from the other day on Earth. There is no mistaking his arrogant face.' Her mind yelled.
"Oh, Tetsu." Aomine saw the light blue haired boy, and casually went up to the boy, disregarding the tension in the chamber.
"Aomine-kun." Kuroko greeted calmly. He bowed his head when the other boy reached over and ruffled his head.
"It's been awhile." The taller boy said.
The shorter boy lightly pushed Aomine's hand off his head, and looked up. "Yes. It has been."
Aomine glanced over at the group that were gathered together at one side. "I can't believe you would join such a tiny lowly Clan, Tetsu." He said in his bored tone.
Ruby eyes glared. "Etoile is not a lowly Clan, you bastard." Kagami growled.
The tanned male looked up at the girl, his eyes seemingly locked at a certain area of the girl. Then Kuroko's face intercepted his view. "Is this you new 'Light', Tetsu?" His tone becoming flat.
"Yes." The shorter boy was feeling tense around his former clansman, wanting to protect girl from the attention of the other boy.
Getting annoyed, and losing patience, the girl placed a hand on Kuroko's shoulder, and pulled him back. She glared at the taller male. "Look here, bastard, but we're in the middle of a battle between Clans." She growled. "You can have your reunion talk later."
Aomine yawned. "This fight isn't even worth it."
Kagami felt something within her snap, and she was gritting her teeth. Kuroko quickly raised out his arm between the two, looking up at the tanned male. "We would like to be on our way then."
"Ah, sorry." Imayoshi spoke out. "Then we'll be taking our Artifact."
Hyuuga glared. "We came here first, so we're entitled to that Artifact first!" He argued. The others gathered around, preparing for another round of fighting that was hanging in the air.
Aomine clicked his tongue. "We've been in this stupid Dungeon for too long. It's such a waste of time." He seemed to whine, scratching the back of his head. "I want to go back."
"If you want to go back so badly, then win that Artifact from the stupid lowly clan, you bastard!" Wakamatsu shouted, still ticked off at his teammate. The comment stirred up the Etoile members, sending glares his way.
Aomine dully looked over at Imayoshi. The bespectacled male just smiled, and raised a hand, as if offering to let the boy do as he pleased. Without a word, strong winds suddenly swept up all the members of the Etoile Clan, except for Kuroko and Kagami. They were all gathered together, surrounded by a sphere of quickly spinning winds. It was seen through it that Izuki was glowing, trying to manipulate it, but there was no change.
Ruby eyes shrank, and rage filled up the red head. The girl grabbed her axe, and swung down at where the tall male was. "Let them go!" She shouted.
"Kagami-kun!" Kuroko gasped at the quick sudden movement of his partner. But his warning was ignored.
Aomine took a step back, and the axe crushed down with force, destroying the flat surface of the concrete floor. Kagami slightly raised her head, ruby eyes locking with electrifying blue eyes. Then she picked up her axe, and slashed it across. But the boy seemingly disappeared.
Eyes glinted with amusement. Imayoshi was grinning as he watched the battle carefully. 'She's very strong. But not as strong as our Ace fighter.' He thought with excitement.
Kagami was suddenly thrown across the room, slamming into the stone wall, and creating a deep hole. Kuroko clenched his jaw, and turned to see Aomine standing calmly with his hands in his pockets. A bored expression still on his face. The boy glanced over to the rest of his clansmen, and saw that the others were struggling, holding their hands around their throats or over their mouth and nose. 'The wind sphere shows no mercy, slowly sucking out the air from their lungs...'
Kuroko took in a steady breath, and then dashed away from his spot. With daggers in his hands, he started to attack the taller male. Aomine raised a brow, easily dodging the shorter boy's attacks, with hands still in his pockets. He smirked. "Heh, seems you've grown a little, Tetsu." He ducked, and swept his legs under the boy. The boy's legs got caught, but he did a flip to get his balance back, then dashed forwards again, aiming to strike the vital areas of the taller male. "But I know all of your moves already."
He stepped back, avoiding the shadow spell from the shorter boy. Then he moved aside, dodging the set of knives thrown at him. "But without a strong light," Aomine slightly turned his body to the side, missing being stabbed by the dagger of the Assassin. "You're weak, Tetsu."
Out of no where, a giant battle axe came down between the two, smashing into the ground. Aomine pulled out his hand from his pocket, and grabbed the girl's wrist. Kagami looked up in surprise, and was easily tossed to the side, breaking through the stone wall.
Kuroko gritted his teeth, and summoned his shadow spell. "Void!" Aomine became encased in a black dome. The boy didn't look back, rushing towards his partner. He knelt down beside the deep crater on the wall. "Kagami-kun." He was panting hoarsely.
The red head was struggling to sit up, with rubble and rocks rolling off her. She quickly turned to the side, coughing up blood. She gritted her teeth with frustration, her body trembling with rage. "Kagami-kun, please calm down." Kuroko urged her.
"I can't." She hissed. "Not when our Clan, our friends, are in danger." Her voice slightly trembled.
"I know how you feel, Kagami-kun. I am frustrated too." The boy replied, his expression grim. "But we need to think things through to get them out before their lungs collapse because of that wind attack."
Kagami glanced up at the black dome. "What's that?" She questioned.
"It is almost like the one that Aomine-kun cast, holding our friends." He replied. "It lacks oxygen, making the victim inside slowly lose air." He bowed his head. "I just hope it would hold him long enough to break his concentration on the current spell."
The red head began to get up, Kuroko watching her curiously. Kagami narrowed her eyes at the dome. "I think I remember from somewhere that fire burns oxygen." She grumbled, then raised a hand. A flame appeared in her hand, as her whole body became surrounded by the bright red aura.
"Oh, but you didn't forget about us, did you?" A coy voice called out.
Kagami turned her head, and quickly raised her barrier, protecting from the multiple shots of arrows. She caught sight of Susa and Wakamatsu rushing towards her. She clicked her tongue. "Stay here Kuroko, and concentrate on keeping that spell of yours up." The boy silently nodded, watching as she ran towards the two older fighters, giant axe in hand.
The girl seemed to have gotten faster, and more in control with her attacks, from what Imayoshi observed. She was able to parry the sword attacks from Susa, and dodge the hits and kicks from Wakamatsu. She spun around with her battle axe, hitting the two with the sharp blade. The two boys jumped back, holding on to their bleeding sides, glaring at the girl. Then Kagami slammed her axe down, and a blast of red energy started to head towards the group, with the floor crumbling at its trail. They were all slammed against the wall.
Kagami then turned around, and threw out her hand towards the black dome. She blared with her red aura, and a high wall of flames surrounded the dome. She kept up her fire, while Kuroko struggled to hold up his spell, feeling the intense heat of the fire from where he knelt. He glanced over, and panicked, seeing three of their members become motionless in the wind sphere. 'No...' He stood up and ran towards the girl. "Kagami-kun!"
The wind sphere dispersed, dropping all the members of Etoile to the floor, desperately gasping for air. The red head turned her head, seeing Kuroko reaching out towards her. She quickly took his hand, and they were blaring in their white and black auras. A wide magic circle appeared, spreading out. 'I'm sorry, but this is the only way. Even if it means to... kill him...' Light blue eyes glistened with hidden sorrow.
"Shadow Flare!"
The shadow dome exploded, with harsh winds blowing out. Aomine suddenly appeared in front of his clansmen, with a giant heavy sword in hand. The black fires slammed against the sword, used as a shield. Then he cut through the spell, dispersing the attack. Behind him, the four members of the Wúqíng Clan stared up at him with shock. The dark blue haired boy snorted. "I didn't stop that attack to protect any of you." He grumbled, then glanced up at the pair. Kuroko and Kagami were panting hoarsely. The boy was bent low, hands on his knees, while the girl was using her battle axe as a crutch. "I was proving to the both of them that they were weak, even if they work together."
Then sharp blue eyes turned back at the four Wúqíng members, glaring coldly. "And you're in the way. I don't need any of you to take care of them." He hissed.
Imayoshi threw his arm out in front of Wakamatsu. "Leave him. He's the strongest, after all." He spoke calmly.
A shot was fired, and Aomine easily blocked it with his sword. He lowered his sword, looking a bit annoyed. All the members of Etoile were still standing, looking determined to continue fighting. They were slightly exhausted, but there was a fire in their eyes. "Kuroko and Kagami are not the only ones that are part of Etoile Clan." Hyuuga shouted, glaring at the tanned male.
Aomine snorted, then moved around swiftly when the members of Etoile went for the attack. Spells and bullets were being thrown, and blades trying to take a hit at the boy. But everyone was being easily tossed around, not able to touch the agile boy. Aomine was too fast for them, and they would easily get thrown against the walls of the chamber, or slammed hard into the ground. Kawahara was working over time, casting healing spells, while trying to hold up barriers to lessen the blows. The boy widened his eyes when Aomine suddenly appeared in front of him, and hit him with the giant blade.
Kuroko quickly turned to the girl next to him, holding on to her upper arm. "Kagami-kun, quick. Let's cast another merge spell!" His eyes wide with desperation.
The red head stared hesitantly at her partner, seeing the exhaustion racking through him. She took the boy's hand from her arm, and they were glowing again in white and black. They slowly went into position, standing in front of one another, glaring eyes set on the dark blue haired boy, who seemed to just stand there, after all the other members of Etoile were down. The magic circle spread out. "Shadow Fl-"
A dark hand gripped hard on the forearm of the red head, and both Kagami and Kuroko looked at the dark blue haired boy standing next to the girl. Piercing cold eyes looked directly into wide ruby eyes. "You're light is dim." Then the hand squeezed hard.
There was a loud audible crack that seemed to reverberate in the chamber, followed by a loud cry of agony. The magic circle shattered underneath them. Reacting to the cry, Kuroko's eyes widened, and blared in a raging black aura. "Shadow Chaos!"
Deadly shadows rushed towards Aomine, separating him from the red head. He jumped back, dodging the spell. He swung his sword, cutting the shadows from trying to reach him. Then from the side, Kuroko appeared with his daggers, lunging at the taller male. Aomine fluidly dodged the strike, and blocked the thrown knives with his sword. Then wind and shadow spells clashed violently, with forces pushing many back against the walls.
A hand shot out, and grabbed the neck of the light blue haired boy. Kuroko was thrashing about, struggling free. "Honestly Tetsu, I'm a little disappointed." Aomine looked up at the boy, raising him up, feet no longer touching the ground. "Especially because of your new Light." The shorter boy was trying to claw his way out from the grip. "I wonder." Then pupils shrank, and a dark smirk formed on Aomine's lips. "Do you remember back in the good old days, when we were part of Kiseki Clan? What happens to the losers of the battle?" He taunted.
Kuroko's eyes widened with cold dread. A thick coat of darkness surrounded the taller boy, and his eyes changed from blue to black. There was an icy laugh, before Aomine tossed the boy straight up into the air.
Everything felt like it was in slow motion, as Kuroko slowly turned his head, as he was midair. Aomine was moving around swiftly, giant sword in hand. The first target was Kawahara, the Etoile Clan's Cleric. With just one powerful swing of the big sword, the boy was easily cut down to half, and then phased into static, before vanishing from sight. Soon after, Fukuda and Furihata followed after a loud cry, then static to nothingness. There were looks of horror upon the elder clansmen, then anger clouded their eyes. They got up to fight back against the General.
Tears blurred Kuroko's sight, when one after the other, the Etoile Clan was being easily erased with one hit: Tsuchida, Mitobe, Koganei, Izuki. Hyuuga tried to react, raising his rifle, but it was slashed in half, along with his body. Then he was gone.
Kuroko hit the ground, the wind from his lungs knocked out. Aomine stood just inches away from the boy, a cold gleam in his black eyes. He looked over his shoulder, and his sight saw the red haired girl, clutching on to her broken arm, and with tears streaming down her face. When Kagami saw the eyes locked on to her, she raised her chin, and glared furiously at the boy, with defiance.
"That's a nice look you have in your eyes." Aomine commented. "But it's not enough." He raised his sword, changing the grip of his sword, and going into a stance. The dark aura around him was radiating, and started to swirl around him and his sword. "It's too bad I have to 'kill' a girl that's my type." The harsh winds surrounded the sword, and he lunged towards the girl. The red head picked up her giant axe with one hand, and flung it at the incoming boy. Aomine easily cut it down, breaking it cleanly in half.
Kagami felt her heart stop, as her eyes widened with pure horror and anguish. In front of her, she watched as Kuroko used himself once again as a shield, allowing the giant sword to impale him. The blade stuck out from his chest, and blood splattered out on the girl. Her throat constricted, making it hard for her to breath. The boy weakly raised his head, eyes looking directly at the girl. She saw his lips move, before throwing a tiny round gem at her.
Then she felt as if her whole body was being pulled to the inside. She had a hard time moving, fighting the pull to reach her friend. Kagami watched as the dark winds surrounded the boy, shredding through his flesh, adding cut upon cut all over his body. Slowly, Kuroko started to phase into static, with baby blue eyes kept staring into the horrified ruby eyes.
"KUROKO!"
In an instant, everything became black and silent.
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Jerking his head up to the sky, Midorima stopped in his tracks, as a small wind blew past him. 'What...?' His hand rose, and pressed his trembling bandaged fingers against his chest.
"Hey! Shin-chan!" A voice called out.
The green head looked down, and saw his teammate ahead of him. His captain was holding the glittering Artifact that they just attained. Takao was waving at him. The bespectacled male raised his glasses, and continued to follow after his clansmen.
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With a gasp, and golden eyes widened, Kise quickly turned around, seeing nothing but the wide open grassy field. He could hear his racing heart between his ears, and his body beginning to tremble. 'What...? Why...?' He reached his hand over his chest, feeling this deep ache.
"Kise!"
The blond quickly turned around, blinking his eyes, seeing his current teammates of Wahr Clan. They all watched him questioningly. Kasamatsu furrowed his brows, watching his Kohai. "What's the matter? We still have a Dungeon to search for." He questioned.
The blond shook his head. "It's nothing, Sempai." He smiled, and run up to his teammates. 'I hope.'
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Falling to her knees, Aida was sobbing hard, having witnessed the horrendous scene: her whole Clan getting wiped out by a single blow. Through it all, she was trying to reach them, shouting her lungs out to them through their connection, but no one heard her. She was desperately slamming buttons on the console, to transport them back, but nothing worked. Her heart shattered to pieces as one by one her clansmen vanished from sight, out of OW.
There was a flash of light, and the girl looked up in front of her. There lying on the ground, gravely injured, was the sole survivor of the whole massacre. "K-Kagami-kun..." Aida quickly crawled up to the unconscious red head, raising her shaky hands, and using her healing spells. Her sobs hasn't died down, and she was having a hard time concentrating and breathing correctly. She flicked her wrist, and a small holographic screen appear. "P-please! I n-need the medic in here, now!" She cried out desperately.
Phasma burst into the command room, with a stretcher. They quickly moved the girl, and ran out, with Aida running closely beside the red head, holding on to her hand. When they came to the infirmary, a Phasma held the Leader of Etoile back, and Aida watched as Kagami disappeared behind the double doors of the healing bay. The girl felt her knees grow weak, and she fell to the floor, wailing loudly, as her cries echoed through the halls of the base from the terrible loss.
'Everyone... I'm sorry... please... please let Kagami-kun recover... especially emotionally and mentally...'
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Aida Riko Files
Wúqíng ("Woo-ching" CHI. Ruthless) Clan
Base of Operations: State of Tǒngyī ("Tong-yee" CHI. Unify)
Leader: Unnamed
Number of currently active members: 150+
Predominant Classes: Warriors
Clan Rank: V
Squad Zeta, Team 1
Squad Leader: N/A
Team Captain: Imayoshi Shoichi
Number of active members: 6
Predominant Classes: Mixed
Team Rank: IV
Class Types:
Tamer = They mostly rely on the monsters they are able to allure or successfully tame from any field/Dungeon to their side. They can control a monster, and take advantage or make use of the monster's abilities/powers. They are able to magically summon the tamed monsters into battle from anywhere. Most Tamers use various whips, or staffs.
Imayoshi Shoichi
Class: Tamer
Abilities: Summon and control Ranked IV monsters, hypnosis, chain whip
Fukuda Hiroshi
Class: Tamer
Abilities: Summon and control Ranked II monsters, chain whip
Aomine Daiki
Class: Warrior
Abilities: N/A
Momoi Satsuki
Class: Guide
Abilities: N/A
Wakamatsu Kousuke
Class: Brawler
Abilities: high agility, strength and defense, various martial arts
Sakurai Ryou
Class: Hunter
Abilities: high accuracy and agility, crossbow
Susa Yoshinori
Class: Freelancer
Abilities: High strength and defense, weapon master