Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my Oc's
[Volume 2]
Chapter 10 Start: My Name is...
"HYYAAAA!"
I cocked backed and threw my wooden sword at Xyaqom. He was surprised, but still tilted his head letting it fly by, in a burst of speed I charged at him landing a flying right kick.
"Offh!"
"Haaa, I got a hit in!" I grew excited.
For the pass three hours we've been trying to spar with each other, trying is the key word. In all five round that we fought, not once have I been able to land a blow on him.
"Oho..He-he-he-" The reality of the situation came crashing down as Xyaqom grabbed hold of my leg, leaving me hanging in mid air.
"Oh crap!" Aw shit, he was pissed!
"A Shundo huh, not bad and here I thought you were a complete amature at this." He threw my like a bowling ball. I landed hard on my back, Xyaqom rubbed his swollen cheek, he look down at wooden sword as I was rubbing my own back.
"However, it's not good enough. I think we're done here for today." He grabbed my sword and threw it back. "You have a knack for fighting, but you're few years too soon to pose any real challenge."
I groaned lying in defeat. Shut up, your not that much older then me.
...
"SAY WHAT!?"
"I told you before, I'm not interested in training."
We sat resting on slope near a bridge it was getting pretty late, almost pass twelve midnight. That when Xyaqom brought up the idea of training under his wings,
"But you have a natural talent for fighting. Do you know how hard pulling of a Shundo is? Sure your techniques are crap, but with enough practice you'll be a refined warrior in no time."
I gave an strained smile, was that a compliment or insult? "Unlike some people, I actually have a life. I go to school, and part time job, besides it's not like fighting skills can bring food to the table."
"Depends on who your asking," Xyaqom mumbled. "Then what was the point of our sparring session?"
"I had an epiphany," I sat up gazing at flowing river. "If the entire universe knows about me, then only a matter of time before they show up." They being Lala's other suitors.
"I wanted to test my own limit, I know I'm not strong. I can't protect her, because I'm weak."
"Thats not-"
"So what if I am weak," I smiled as I interrupted him. "It just means I haven't changed, not since that day."
And change is an incredibly scary thing. It's truly terrifying, like moving from a bright, warm room into a world of darkness that leaves you completely blind. My thoughts drifted back three years ago, when I woke up alone in the hospital. That grinning face of a buffon; Saibai yuuki. He was the first to truly acknowledge me, despite my lack of memories.
'When you get out of here, how would you like to work with me on a new story I'm working on!'
'Baka! You gotta do like this, redo it!'
'See I knew it, you got a natural talent for drawing.'
'Shiro, I want you to meet my kids! This is Mikan and the other one is Rito!'
I clenched my fists, that's right. That when I first meet them, Saibai had invited me to apart of there family. For that year, I truly enjoyed having a place to return to it was nice. But eventually, I own place to live hanks to Saibai help. Thinking back on it, I was using it as another excuse to run away from my problems, I was afraid of change once I regain my memories, would I disappoint them or myself?
I was scared of myself, scared of becoming someone I wasn't, if I was by myself I could bare the pain alone. Xyaqom sat there with an unreadable expression on his face.
"To accept being weak, means you choose to walk the path of struggle and hardships," He turned facing the river as if reflecting over his own life choice. "Sorry, I can't relate to that."
"And what wrong with struggling," I shrugged. "We all do it every day, it's a part life. It's all about overcoming that struggle, does it really mean to be alive."
"As long as you walk the path that you believe is right, you can't be wrong-" He silently whisper.
"Huh, did say something?"
"Nothing important, But I can at least tell your one of the idiot type characters." He taunted.
"YOU TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH ME!" I roared.
"BRING IT ON! I CAN GO ANOTHER ROUND!"
[...]
"Ow,Ow,Ow, Damn that guy! I'm gonna kick his ass!...Eventually." I muttered that last part. I thought back to our previous conversation.
'Hey can you do me a fever, and keep a secret that I'm here?' Xyaqom paused seeing the confused look on my face. 'It's a long story, I'd rather not go into detail at the moment. Short story, Lala doesn't know anything about me and I'd like to keep it that way.'
'Fine whatever.'
After that we parted ways.
By time I got to my apartment and the doors were locked, which in most normal cases, that would be a good thing considering the time was one hour past midnight. However, Lala would always wait for whatever time it took for me get home from work even if it was late at night. With the keys I opened the doors.
Empty, total darkness with sign of the pink haired alien. After adjusting my eyes, from flickering on the light, nope it wasn't playing tricks on me. All that's left was note.
"..."
I crumbled it up after reading it, and ran. Not sure to where I was going, but I couldn't stay there.
'Shiro, I'm sorry, by the time you read this, I'll be long gone, and I'm not sure when I'll be back. -Lala'
It wasn't a goodbye letter at the very least, but still, to leave all of sudden like that is just wrong.
"Damn her!" I roared out, things were a lot simpler just worrying for myself. I ran, and ran. If I don't chase after her, then I'll be all alone. Being alone hurts worse than pain.
...
..
.
On a Rooftop, Xyaqom was watching our hero running off, he scoffed. "Man this is so boring, how much longer do we have to wait, Leon!"
Leon was leaning against a pole watching the night sky with a frown. "His aura was awakened."
"Hmpf, I thought something was off about him," Xyaqom hummed. "it's impossible for a rookie to pull of a Shundo technique. He must have a shit ton of reserve to still be running like that!"
"Its possible that his Aura was reacting on instinct." Leon muttered. "Aura connects to the soul, it will never forget even if the user does."
"Ugh, but he completely lacks any motivation to train! Isn't he supposed to be the Lord of Calamity!? This is taking way to long!" Xyaqom roared out in frustration.
"Patient Xyaqom, the Lord lays a sleep in the world of dreams." Leon gazed at Shiro's back his eyes glowed blue for split second before returning to normal. "All he needs is a little push."
"You seriously planning to train him," Xyaqom snorted. "I don't care if he's the Lord of whatever, you get my sister involved in your scheme, and I'll kill you got it!"
Leon simply grinned, so that where letter came from!
...
..
.
I ran for what seemed like hours, until I came upon a familiar house. I knocked waiting for a response.
"Sh-Shiro!?" It was Mikan who answered.
"Yo, Can I stay here for few days?"
"Bwah?"
[...]
Cr_...Calamity...Chaos...Darkness
Those were the words that rang through my head, as pain shot through my body.
"Yo, partner! It's been awhile!" Ngh! I know that voice. It was Yuuma the younger version of me. "Guess you body is trying to adjust to the dormant power you awakened earlier, don't worry, it'll only hurt for few hours. It'll pass...eventually." he muttered that last part. "Oh who I'm I kidding, you're gonna feel it for rest of the day." He snickered.
I really wanted to punch this guy. "Urgha!" A wave of intense pressure, came crashing upon me. I was paralyzed in fear, I couldn't move, my body collapsed to the floor. "Huff, Ha-Ha~"
"Shiro!" Yuuma called out, he was bindded by the darkness and was lifted hanging in the air. Yuuma turned pale. "Gah! Y-You!"
An intimidating figure appeared wearing long black robes and a cloak that concealed his face. "Ufufufu, so this is where your spirit has wondered off to, a desolate backwater planet like earth would be the best place to hide in plain sight."
I was lost for words, as the figure removed his cloak, it was another me? God damn it, this to confusing!
"Wha~ I don't understand, w-who are you?" I demand.
"Hmp, so you you haven't told him anything?" he asked Yuuma. "What a stupid question. It should be quite obvious given your situation. Light cannot exists without darkness, such is the law of nature. You a spirit born in the realm of light, cast a great shadow. That's right the darkness in your heart that is where I linger."
"Enough!" Yuuma snapped. "I'm the one you're after, leave him out of this, he's got nothing to do with us!"
"I disagree, after all, he wields the cursed blade made by that evil man Albireo Imma."
Albireo Imma? I recited the name over and over as if it holds some sorta familiarity. Ngn, my head! So drozy...I couldn't handle this pressure, everything faded to black.
"Shiro!"
"Ha-Ha! That's it, fall deeper into the abyss! There you find the answer you seek. If you ever want to see your precious spirit partner again. You will meet there. Here me for I am the Lord of Calamity! I'm your worst Nightmare!" his sinister grin was the last thing, I would ever recall
...
..
.
"Ngn, Yuuma! What happened, where am-"
I paused mid sentence as recalled what previously transpired. "Yuuma!" I called out, I squinted my eyes, it was so dark and cold. This was nothing like the huge cavern area, where pulled the sword out. Was this still a dream?
I've always wanted to be hero for as long as I could remember.
Ehh, Wha~What that!?
"I'm sorry, I- this was the only way I could save you."
Two apparition materialized like a hollow projection. One figure was lying face down bleeding out, she dressed in a familiar long black robes and a cloak, but it wasn't another me, thank goodness, and the other held out a familiar looking katana blade, wait a sec was that, Yuuma!? I recognized the sword of course, how could I not? It was the sacred gravity blade that I had pulled from dream.
Was this really the only path I could take?
"Hmpf, saving me is it? Is that your 'Justification', how pathetic forget it. Save your sympathy, it's worthless for some like me." The figure lying down was a woman with long flowing hair and deep ruby red eyes. She smiled defeatedly through her eyes were empty. Shallow, I recognise those type eyes, it wasn't long ago I had the same eyes, like looking through a mirror. Yuuma closed his eyes simply raising sword. My eyes widen, I tried reaching out to stop.
"No wait, Sssssttttoooppppp!" I cried out.
"Rrrrrr Aaaaahhhhhh!"
Splat!
In the End, it's impossible to save everyone.
I couldn't believe what just witness, Yuuma with a single stroke had stabbed the woman! Tears ran down his cheeks as he cried his heart out for the young woman. She gave him another hollow smile. "Ufufufu, how humiliating, to think I could lose like this to a mortal no less. Maotelus, I can see why you choose him, what an interesting vessel. You realize the consequence of choice don't you? What's your name boy?"
"Yes, by defeating you, and releasing your Spirit, I Mashiro Yuuma will the next Lord of Calamity. The number one enemy of the universe."
I was stunned in silence, because I was standing in Yuuma's place above the dying woman. Tears rolling off my face I dropped the sword in my hand. A name was engraved in my head, I would never forget it, never again.
This is where my story as a hero ends, but it's too soon to end it here, you still have a lot to live for. It'll be scary, all alone in a new world, I have faith you'll live a strong happy life. Until we meet again, on the fated path, one day we'll become whole once more...Mashiro Yuuma!
[...]
The next morning, at the Yuuki household...
"Gyyaaahh!"
I woke up in sheer terror, clutching my chest, I need to calm down, I was hyperventilating.
"Shiro~ what's wrong?" Rito asked drowsily, he sat up from his bed rubbing his eyes. I laid on the futon mattress on floor. A bell went off in head, my eyes lit up as if I just remembered something.
"M-my name..." I mumbled.
"Huh, what about your-" Rito paused mid sentence as his eyes widened. To be honest, I couldn't blame him. I look like a mess, tears were streaming down my eyes. But, I was happy, really happy, probably had a shit splitting grinning on face.
"I remembered it," I croaked out. "My name is..."
[...]
The following day at school...
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE JUST DISAPPEARED!" I was shoved against the locker by Ren as he yelled historically.
It was still early in the morning, as students were still entering the campus. I along with Rito were walking in awkward silences. I suppose it has been awhile since we walked to school together.
"So, are just gonna pretend like that didn't happen or..." Rito trailed off after receiving a glare from yours truly. "Right stupid question." He mumbled
Yeah, remember when I cried early today, well now you don't, because IT NEVER HAPPENED got it! Needless to say, Rito got the message. And that was when Ren arrived, ruining my perfectly semi-peaceful morning.
"SHIRO! I heard about her absent today! Tell me what's going on!"
And that's how this all started. I shoved his hand away as Rito tried calming Ren down. "Like I said, she up'd and left, just like that. It was her choice."
Rito chuckled nervously, he had never seen Ren get this upset before.
"Calm down you two, I'm sure she fine."
"But she could be lost out there, meanwhile, you're here doing nothing acting like everything normal!"
"That's not-"
"And, so what if I'm not doing anything about it," I interrupted Rito. "I'm not gonna sit here wasting anymore time on this matter!" I spat.
"Why you!"
"Ren! Shiro!"
Ren and I continued to glare at each other, Ren had a hold on my collar. "If anything happens to her, I swear I won't forgive you! Hmph!" He shoved me aside and stormed off.
"Tch, whatever." I muttered.
"Pfft, He-he-he-"
"What's so funny?" I asked Rito, who seemed to be having trouble holding his breath.
"You say that you don't care, but in fact you like her~" Rito teased. I felt my face lit up, after two hours of searching for Lala, I stayed over at Yuuki's house. I was leaning over the window, looking up at the night sky, I didn't get a wink of sleep that night. You know, until I did say screw and went to bed anyway.
"I do NOT!" I roared. "I just- I mean, caring for her, and liking her are two different things! Yeah that's right! I just care for her, I..." I paused after seeing the look on Rito face, he was smirking, that's when I realized, Shit! I just fell for his trap! I groaned banging my head on my locker. Now I completely empathize with Rito.
"This sucks~" I moaned, Rito with pitty pat me on the shoulders.
"Welcome to my world."
"Your world sucks, it was better when it just you~"
"Geeze, Thanks." Rito drew out
...
...
..
.
After three long hours, school was already half way done. It was lunch time, but I wasn't hungry, so I decided to stretch my legs and take a walk around the campus.
'fall deeper into the abyss! There you find the answer you seek. If you ever want to see your precious spirit partner again. You will meet there'
'Shiro, I'm sorry, by the time you read this, I'll be long gone, and I'm not sure when I'll be back. -Lala'
I sighed, without a doubt, I came across a crossroad. Two choices, two paths.
I want to go after Lala, and make sure she okay, I really do. However, Yuuma's life is a stake here, I'd regret it more if didn't at least try to save him. I gritted my teeth and made my choice.
I need to go back to the dream world. I have a hunch, In order to that, I gotta back to where it all started.
[...]
Hours later after school...
It was my only lead, but all the evidence points back to the allway near Sainan public park. Weather or not, even if it's all a coincidence. This park is an important landmark to me. I had meet Saibai and Lala here, both whom changed my view set of this world.
"Huh, Leon?"
My danger senses were going off like crazy, there looking over a pond was Leon, but that wasn't the strange part. Despite it being monday, this park should be packed with people. Ignoring the the clear warning in my head, I continued to walk past him.
"You can still turn back now, while you have the chance." Leon spoke up as eyes grew solomon, I froze as he continued. "You dreamed for this peaceful life, didn't you? Once dive and learn about the truth, you can forget about that life. Just like how you forgot about everything else."
I snorted, a peaceful life he says? I would've incline to agree with him, however ever since Lala showed up, his life was anything but peaceful, now and days, that life dreamed of was more like a far off fairy tale. Accepting her into my home, I didn't want to admit it, but I had come to terms with that a time long ago when I first decided to help her.
That was the first time I had decide to selfless for once in my life. Now a...friend is in danger again, I choose to be selfless once more.
"Are here just stop me?" I asked. He wasn't, at least I didn't think he was going to. He had plenty of opportunity to do so, he seemed more curious of me then anything.
"No. it's not my place to stop you." We stared at other, Leon gritted his teeth. "I'm here to guide you. Once your on this path, there's no going back. Someone's gotta makes sure you come back alive after all."
There were many questions that I wanted ask, but we would be here all day, I simply choose one.
"What are you to me? What exactly are we?"
Well folks the plot thickens once more, it took awhile but we're finally here at chapter 10, :D
To celebrate this chapter was over 3k long(My longest chapter to date), believe me I wanted to cram a lot more stuff in here but I had to restrain myself to keep to the flow of the story.
I want to update more regularly, but I have yet to find a proper upload schedule for myself. It was easy to write week per week when it first started volume 1, I was simply writing cause it was fun. Don't get me wrong it still is fun. At some point midway through the Summer Vacation arc, I asked myself exactly where did I want to take this this story from here?
That was when I made a skeleton structure for the story to follow. Needless to say by the time Volume 1 ended, I wasn't happy with the current structure. I remade it before launching Volume 2. That's why thing might seem a little different between the Volumes
I finally have an idea on where I wanted to end this story. It time to write the journey, that gets us there. Please bare with me through this amazing journey of Shiro's Tale, for those who made this far. Thank you for reading this story truly from the bottom of my heart.