Nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nyan nya- oh wait wrong place. *Ahem* First I would like to thank all of you for your support for this fanfiction. I didn't think it would go on for this long but hey here it is. I hope you enjoy this conclusive chapter of Changing You. I know I'm being redundant here but… Enjoy!
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Just when I thought the pounding in my head couldn't get any louder I was proven wrong when something big and hard, most probably a hand, smacked me across the face forcing me to open my eyes. After the white spots in front of my eyes disappeared what greeted me was a twisted smile from Kirei who was right in front of me "Good morning beautiful did you sleep well?" Not the kind of thing I want to wake up to that's for sure. I was about to get up and punch him to wipe that smug look on his face but found my arms and legs constricted by rope. How long was I out for anyway?
Try as I might I couldn't get the knots undone and just sat there listening to Kirei and his men laugh at my futile efforts. I averted their gazes by looking somewhere off to my right and my heart just broke. I was slumped right next to Konoka and staring at her tearful face. She was scared, uncertain and it was all my fault. I should have known that someone like him won't be stupid enough to have only a handful of men with him and doing such a bold move like that without taking the necessary precautions was indeed an idiotic move. What tore me up the most was the fact that she leaned closer to me and asked if I was alright. I'm the one who's supposed to be worried about her, I'm the one who's supposed to comfort her and tell her it's alright not the other way around. I don't even deserve to be looked at by her let alone deserve her concern if only I didn't let my stupid pride get in the way of my decisions then maybe she would be free by now. I turned away ashamed and unable to meet her eyes.
I wasn't able to stay so melancholic for too long though as a hand and grabbed my side ponytail and yanked me to the middle of the posse. Someone remind me to cut this thing off if I get out of here alive.
"You should've just done what I asked Setsuna" he spat at me "Things would have been less painful for you and for her" he pointed his index finger at Konoka "And don't worry about your partner by now my men would have found her already" I've completely forgotten about Mana for a minute but I shouldn't be too worried about her though she can manage herself no matter what the situation.
"If you'd only listen to me then this girl would be free" the sole of his foot then found its way to my torso causing me to collapse to the ground gasping for air "And you wouldn't be in a world of pain right now" he ordered one of his lackeys to fetch him that thing whatever it is and flipped me over on my back to continue stomping my stomach. There was no way for me to move; I just lay there defenseless as I got my insides destroyed. When one of his men returned with what he wanted he slammed his shoe on my forehead and proceeded to roll my head with it so I would face him "Does this look familiar?" My vision was already blurred but no matter how messed up my eye sight is I would always recognize that silver blade, it was my Yuunagi, the only weapon I could entrust my life to.
"Wouldn't it be ironic" he chuckled "If the sword that saved your sorry hide for so many years was the one thing that took your life away?"
Somewhere in the background I could hear Konoka thrash and scream. Heck, I would too if I wasn't beaten half to death a second ago. I tried desperately to get out of the way but it was no use if only I could get out of these ropes I might stand a chance. Struggling was useless even Kirei isn't stopping me from my attempts of escape; he knows there was nothing I could do. I only glared at him, probably for the last time, showing no sign of fear in my face just for him to know that even if he kills me he still won't win.
He raised my sword high up in the air, ready to strike me down any second and all of a sudden he smirked "It's funny you know? Same place, same situation and even the same face it's almost nostalgic"
"What are you talking about?" I coughed.
"Guess no one really told you huh?" he said still holding my blade over my chest "Your old man, he had the same look on his face before we stabbed him in this very warehouse kind of cool isn't it? You get to be like your dad!"
Anger started to build up inside my chest and rage filled my very being. My throat went dry and I keep seeing red. With all the air I had in my lungs I yelled every possible curse I know but that only seemed to amuse the man who was about to take my life "You bastard!" as I growled that it seems he couldn't handle waiting anymore and thrust my sword straight through my chest.
I waited for the pain, for the moment when I would draw my final breath. All while still regretting the things I could have done before I met my untimely doom. My eyes were shut tight, knowing that all I will see is a pool of my own blood surrounding, as I felt my own blade piercing my skin and digging in through my insides. I readied myself for a greater pain that was to come but the only thing I could feel was the initial pain I felt when it entered my body. I hesitantly opened my eyes and found Yuunagi sticking out of my chest. I was definitely hit and it definitely hurt but I wasn't dead, not yet at least. What surprised me is the fact that I'm not already dead. With the way I treat Yuunagi and by how I always make sure it's it pristine condition it should have been sharp enough to slice through my body and maybe even damage the concrete floor below me but here it was stuck on my chest and not even a fourth of it was buried in yet.
As we all stood there in shock or in my case lay down in shock we all heard a huge explosion destroying a large area of the bottom of the metal door that separated us from the outside creating a cloud of dust. Kirei was barking orders to check out what was happening when a barrage of bullets were fired. The bullets hit most of the men and were strong and accurate enough to hit Kirei on his shoulder and sent him flying two feet away from me.
When the dust began to settle to the floor I saw a lone figure standing in the middle of it as if she was posing. I have never been gladder to see her in my life. There was Mana wielding two guns in both hands and grinning, no I mean sneering in all her glory. While Kirei and his goons were down and confused, the gunslinger ran towards me and pulled out my sword like she was King Arthur or something and using a knife she had strapped to her thigh she cut me free of my bonds. "Sorry I'm late" she jokingly apologized "The guys he had positioned outside gave me a little trouble"
She pulled me up by my arm and helped me stand up "I almost thought you were dead" she said while handing me back my sword.
"Same here" I said, grateful that Mana had saved me "I was stabbed in the friggin' chest but it didn't go all the way through like something stopped it!"
"Looks like the experiment worked" she laughed hard and I gave her a questioning look "That outfit I gave you has a new type of bullet proof technology so says my friend Hakase, what else did you think made it heavy? Rocks?" I've got to remember to thank this Hakase person one day "Guess it has good sword protection technology too, lucky you huh?" she winked "Careful though, Hakase told me that only the front part has the armor everything else is just normal stuff" I nodded to let her know I understood but frankly I didn't care much; I'm just glad I'm alive.
With a tap on my back she pushed me forward "I do believe you have a job to do" before I knew it enemies were already slowly surrounding me and Mana "Let's finish them off" I said raising up my sword as I took a stance.
"Are you kidding me?" she scoffed "Saving that girl is your highest priority don't worry about me" already holding her two favorite IMI Desert Eagle pistols she slammed her hand on my back and pushed me forward "Remember kid, bringing nothing but a sword to a gun fight is suicide. Only a gun can beat a gun."
"Never stopped me before" I joked before sprinting towards Konoka.
"You've always been a lucky one Setsuna, let's hope it doesn't run out today" I looked back at her one last time and she's already taken out three of them. She seems to be having fun back there.
After checking if Mana was going to survive this fight I fixed my eyes dead straight ahead of me. It would be very humiliating if the same mistake happened twice in one day. I could hear the erratic pulse in my ears as I ran like the wind towards Kirei who was trying to escape to the back door with Konoka in tow. As soon as I came close enough I knew I had to get his attention somehow "Why don't you stop running and hiding like a coward and fight me like a man!" I didn't know if that would work but if he had half the pride I had then this might just work.
He suddenly stopped running and slowly turned his head to face me. Mana was right I am lucky. I stopped running as well when I was at a proper distance and held my sword tight with both hands showing that I was ready to fight. "You're not the only one with a sword Sakurazaki" he muttered as he drew his own blade from behind him and shoved Konoka out of the way.
He darted towards me, screaming like a madman and attempted to hit me with an overhead strike. I raised my sword over my head and deflected the attack before he could hit me again I used whatever strength I had and pushed him back and countered by slicing his mid-section. At the last second he managed to block my move but I was still able to graze him barely. He charged again this time aiming for my legs, I sidestepped to the left and was able to dodge from it. He was fast I'll give him that but his technique is off. This would have been an easy fight if it weren't for my wound which made me move sluggishly as the fight progressed and the bullet proof clothing I had on wasn't making things any easier. After another move which I thought was another strike to my head I raised my sword again only to realize that it was a feint and he went right for my abdomen. Thankfully, the armor deflected it and I was unharmed. I was about to thrust my weapon straight through his chest when all of a sudden he evaded my attack and stabbed his sword straight through the small of my back which caused me to scream in pain. He released his sword and took a step back.
"Feels nice don't it?" he laughed. It's starting to get on my nerves now.
I reached for my back where he struck his sword. It stung really badly as I expected and if I don't finish this fight soon I'll die from blood loss. I had to land a lethal blow now or else. I dashed in front of him and drove my sword to his neck. He was able to parry it but that's exactly what I hoped he would do. While he was busy celebrating what he thinks is his sure win I was able to land a clean kick on his celiac plexus and sent him tumbling to the ground. Before he had a chance to get up I skidded over him and held him down.
"This is for kidnapping Konoka!" I socked him in the face until he blood spurted from his mouth.
"This is for killing my parents!" I took Yuunagi in my hands the way he did when he was about to kill me just minutes ago.
"Wait!" he cried desperately "I didn't kill your parents!"
"It doesn't matter now" I screamed in anger "Someone has to pay for it and that someone is you!"
I brought my blade down hard, already tasting the sweet taste of victory from avenging my parents when he screeched "But they're not dead yet!" at that instant I froze. It could've been a trap. No, I was positive it was a trap but the idea that my parents could very well be alive overwhelmed my senses and made me uncertain of my actions.
My hands shook, unable to kill the man that might or might not have any idea where my parents are. That second of hesitation cost me. Before I knew it Kirei, with the last ounce of strength pushed me off of him and took an unbalanced stance and smirked at me. My fury rose. I was tricked thanks to the weakness I showed and there was no way I would leave things unfinished now.
We both charged at each other, screaming ear-shattering battle cries. I gripped my sword harder than I ever have, ready to kill the man who deserved far more than death. Seconds later we stopped moving, my sword was through the side of his abdomen while his was struck through my shoulder. We were both lucky this time around; if either of us had been an inch off this battle would have had a different ending.
Aside from the rising and falling of our lungs gasping for breath there were no other movements. We were almost like statues; Tired, sweaty and bloody statues. My fingers shook but I kept them around the hilt of my sword like the proud swordswoman I was. Next thing I knew my opponent was already slumped in his position even though I was still skewering him. There was only one thought in my mind when I saw this.
I won.
I drew the sword from his limp body and he fell to the floor with a satisfying thump. I smiled grimly and before I knew I had collapsed on the ground too. I pulled Kirei's sword from my shoulder and applied as much pressure on it as possible which, in my state, wasn't much and the blood just flowed. I could do nothing else but stare at the ceiling light right above me. If this is what they consider 'seeing the light' then I am thoroughly disappointed.
Inaudible voices filled my ears as I was starting to black out, possibly for good but I have no regrets. Whether he killed my parents or not I was still able to avenge their deaths and most importantly Konoka was finally safe. All that's left is for Mana to take Konoka back to her family and our job would be done. I might not be able to pay her back but I owe that gunslinger more than ever now. I was so tired. I hope they'll forgive me if I took a short nap…
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Please wake up Setsuna.
Am I dead already?
Don't leave me.
I must be since I can hear an angel's voice.
Please don't die on me. I'll never forgive myself if you do.
Why would an angel tell me to not die if I was already dead?
Slowly, my eyes opened, almost on their own as I searched for the owner of the voice. My eyes were greeted by the sight of a ceiling that was in no way the same ceiling I was staring at when I was dying. Stiffness overtook my body only allowing me to turn my head from side to side. I surveyed my surroundings and accompanied by the sickening smell of medicine made me certain of my whereabouts. Yup, I was definitely in a hospital. As I turned my head to the right there was a pang of hurt in my chest, one that hurt more than any sword wound.
There she was, the most amazing girl I've ever met, covering her eyes with her arms and pressing her face against the white bed sheets as she cried her eyes out. I somehow felt guilty seeing the sight before me and even a little shocked at myself for acknowledging that she's amazing not that I'll ever admit it out loud.
Regaining a bit of control of my body, I shakily raised my right hand and delicately stroked her fine chocolate colored hair "Something wrong Konoka?" I managed to whisper.
Her crying stopped and she looked up and our eyes met. It was obvious that she had been crying for a long time seeing those red, puffy eyes and I could clearly see the visible bags under her weeping eyes.
She stared at me like I was supposed to be dead and I somehow came back to life to be honest that's what I'm feeling right now. Next thing I knew she tackled me into a hug and started crying on my shoulder. The pain shot through my entire system but there was no way I was going to tell her to get off, only an idiot would even think about letting go of someone like Konoka. She was saying so many things that I couldn't understand and the only words I could understand were my name and 'I'm sorry' I tried to calm her down by continuing to stroke her hair and to comfort her as much as I could, my voice failing me half the time. When she finally settled down she rolled off to the side and lay down next to me.
"What happened?" That's usually a good place to begin.
"Well after you… you know your friend told me how to stop the blood from flowing and she sort of ran away" I'm not sure whether to thank Mana for helping me to die from blood loss or hate her for leaving me when I was dying "A few minutes later the police and an ambulance came but you're friend never came back" I take back what I said back there if anyone's wondering.
I chuckled to myself as I pictured the sniper telling me off "You worked really hard Setsuna you deserve the credit this time but remember the credit is yours but I need cash" Sighing at the thought of just how much I owe Mana and relaxed my tense muscles; I'll worry about money later.
"Hey Setsuna" she scooted closer to me and intertwined our fingers together "I'm sorry"
"Don't be" I reassured her "I'm just glad you're safe but I want to know why you ran off like that"
"Weren't you the one who told me I was the one who decides my own future?" Oh great now it's all my fault you were kidnapped like I didn't feel guilty enough.
"I never told you to run away from home" I squeezed he hand unconsciously. She laughed at me "Who said I ran away from home?" There are just so many ways on how to respond to that "I was only trying to get to your house and I got a little lost" She must like seeing me hate myself or something. I asked her why on earth would she decide to go to my tiny, little apartment and she just laughed at my face "Didn't you also say that I still had you?"
My face flushed red like never before and my throat had dried "What about it?"
The response I waited to hear never came as a pair of soft lips captured my own. I felt my heartbeat resonate throughout my entire body, beating like a slow drum. Unable to think clearly, my body seemed to be petrified that even my breathing was hitched. Her arms circled my neck as I began to kiss her back, doubtful if what I was doing was even right. My eyes shut tight, wanting to savor every second of this moment. Her grip around me tensed as she drew me closer but before I could return the favor she released me and pulled back but was still close enough for our foreheads to touch. Her face radiated with heat that almost rivaled mine as she was also red. She gave me one last smile and jumped off the bed "Visiting hours are almost over Setsuna. I'll see you later" sooner than I could call her back she skipped out the door and left me alone and confused again. Strangely enough, I liked it. A lot.
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I was tempted to make an Avengers joke back there but screw that idea it wouldn't have worked out. Anyway how did you like it? I never thought I'd get this far but here I am! I hoped you guys liked it as much as I enjoyed writing it and did you think I was going to end it like this? Well no! It ain't over 'til it's over, not until the fat lady sings and other sayings of the sort. This only concludes what I would like to call the Konoka Kidnapping Conundrum Case… of Cake. This story has taken a turn even I was surprised about so I hope you continue to watch out for future chapters. Reviews are very much appreciated! I tend to write faster with more review! I think I've rambled long enough, see you all next time! (Exclamation points yay!)
Dana-chan out~!