Chapter 12: Origins
The eclipse fades as a new destiny unfolds!
Scene goes to the Spire of the Moon at night. Mike is seen with Lynn. A full moon is seen looming over the area. Mike and Lynn start to head inside the temple. A sudden chill comes over Mike. His eyes instantly glow with a blue tint.
"It's a gradual process." said Lynn. "Your eyes will adjust over time."
Mike enters the temple. Several cloaked men and women are seen sitting down. Kinoe is seen facing a tablet. Lynn sits down. Mike's eyes widen.
"Have a seat, Mike Sawa." said Kinoe. "It's time we've talked about your origins."
"My origins?" asked Mike. "Just what exactly does that mean? Why did Tsukuyomi choose me? Why are my eyes turning into this?! and who are all of these people?!"
"They both exist and don't exist at the same time. The people you see in this temple can only be seen with what you already know as the Demonastra. The eye was given the same as it was used to control the Hell Aura within Precipe. Prior to that, the true name given was the Astralus. Both eyes have a galactic presence, but the Astralus was created to ensure the lunar bloodline would continue to thrive. However, it has come to our attention that you possess neither the Astralus, nor the Ocularas. Your eyes are that of a higher being than the Planetary Realm. You're the Champion of Zera, a reincarnation of the creator of everything. Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu have been at war since the tale of time. Both side's followers were taught to hate and kill each other upon demand. and yet, there's still a mystical feeling." said Kinoe.
Mike's eyes widen. As he does, he is sudden taken into another realm. Kinoe and Lynn are nowhere to be seen. He sees two women with their blades drawn. A woman with red and white hair is seen with the Ocularas in her eyes. A woman with blue and black hair is seen revealing the Demonastra in her eye. The two go to fight each other. As they do, Mike reaches out both of his hands and stops them. Their blades go through his palms, but he does not bleed. His eyes glow with the strange eclipse pattern. The two women look at Mike with curiosity. A flash of white aura comes over Mike. The realm disappears and Mike is sent back to the temple. He opens his eyes to see just Kinoe and Lynn there.
"What in the hell was that feeling?" asked Mike. "I was transported into a different world…"
"Perhaps, you saw a glimpse of the past." said Kinoe. "Is it becoming clear to you?"
"It's a lot to take it after one day." said Mike. "The power of the two… it felt almost unreal."
"Amaterasu-sama and Tsukuyomi-sama are powerful beings. Even in their earlier stages, the two sisters possessed an unprecedented amount of energy." said Kinoe. "The Planetary Realm could barely contain the two at birth."
Mike turned over his hand to see where the blades went through. A sun mark appeared on his left hand and a moon mark appeared on his right hand. Mike's eyes widened.
"In due time, you'll understand your purpose." said Kinoe. "For now, you'll have to continue fighting normally. Keep training and don't forget this day."
Mike looks at Kinoe and nods. Scene goes to the day before the Officer's Exam. Mike is seen fast asleep in bed at his house. A ripe blue aura comes over him.
"Ugh…" said Mike as he began to toss and turn in his bed.
Scene goes to a dream. Mike is seen fighting a monster. The black-feathered winged beast rushes at Mike and goes to attack him. Mike goes to slash it, but as he does, his hands start to shake as the marks on his palms glow. The monster quickly swings at him.
"Run… away… Mike… Sawa…" said the monster as it stops its arm suddenly.
"What?" thought Mike. "Just what in the hell are you? Are you my-?!"
Mike suddenly wakes up. He looks around to see no one around him. He gets out of bed and puts on his lieutenant outfit. He brushes his teeth and heads downstairs to see Clover.
"Captain Clover." said Mike. "You're back in uniform."
"I'm not here to take you on a mission." said Clover. "I'm giving you the last day off."
"What happened?" asked Mike as he looked at her.
"You've been through a lot already and you've proven you have what it takes to be a Captain." said Clover. "Take this day off to rest for tomorrow's exam."
"But what about the division?" asked Mike as he looked at her. "I can help out there."
"You don't have to help out, they have a lieutenant now." said Ritska as she appeared.
"Ritska? You're the lieutenant now?" asked Mike as he looked at her.
"I am. Are you jealous?" asked Ritska as she looked at him.
"Cut the crap. You've been dodging this promotion for months now." said Clover.
"Did you really have to say that, Clover-sama?" asked Ritska as she looked at Clover.
"In any case, you're welcome to come by the Special Ops Division anytime." said Clover. "Now if you excuse, we have to get back to work. Good luck on your exam, Mike."
Ritska and Clover exit Mike's house. Mike sees a Captain jacket on the living room table.
"No matter what, I have to pass that exam tomorrow." said Mike as he looked at the jacket.
Scene goes to a café. Mike is seen reading several books regarding the exam. Kanewrich and Rurouna pass by the café and spot Mike.
"Yo, Mike!" exclaimed Kanewrich. "It's been awhile!"
"Kanewrich. Rurouna. It has been awhile." said Mike. "How's it going with your exam prep?"
"Not so good. We've still got a lot of studying to do. Now that the weird curfew has been lifted, we're hoping to binge on caffeine and cram it in before the exam." said Kanewrich.
"Don't say we, you chose to spend those nights playing video games." said Rurouna.
"The new episode of Strange Lives came out! Did you expect me not to play it?" asked Kanewrich. "It's becoming one of the hottest gaming franchises out today!"
"You still haven't accepted my GSN request by the way, Mike!" exclaimed Rurouna.
"I've been busy with Lieutenant stuff." said Mike. "I don't log on as often anyway."
"Oh yeah? I could have sworn you were online, playing co-op shooters with Holon and Gaia last night." said Kanewrich. "That's kinda shady of you to be doing, "Mr. Hot-Shot Lieutenant.""
"Look, Rurouna. I'll accept it when I get home. I promise." said Mike.
"You better." said Rurouna. "I need a new challenger and Kokona's been distant these days."
"Did something happen to her GSN account or just in general?" asked Mike.
Kanewrich looks to see Kokona approaching the café. He nudges Rurouna and her and Mike also see Kokona approaching. Kokona walks over with a frantic look on her face.
"Well, that's interesting timing." said Mike as Kokona appeared. "What's up, Kokona?"
"It's bad, guys." said Kokona. "Rae's in the hospital. She's really sick…"
"Damn." said Mike. "Is there anything we can do?"
"I'll explain on the way. We have to go there now!" said Kokona as she grabbed Mike's hand.
"Hey, wait up!" exclaimed Rurouna. "Are you coming, Kanewrich?"
"Yeah. I've got nothing else to do." said Kanewrich as the two ran with Kokona and Mike.
Mike and the others go with Kokona and run to the hospital. Scene changes to a hospital room. Rae lies in the bed with a high fever. A nurse is seen replacing the IV bag.
"You didn't know she had a nut allergy?!" exclaimed Mike.
"Had I known, I wouldn't have made her that cake." said Kokona. "I thought she would like it for her birthday. Especially since… well that's not really someone to talk about these days."
"How severe is it?" asked Mike as he looked at Rae.
"There's a special herb used to help remedy her level of sensitivity to nuts." said Kokona. "Unfortunately, it's in a hard to access place in the Yura Forest."
"The forest? It's always in the fucking forest…" thought Mike as he scratched his head.
"That's why the four of us are gonna head in there and retrieve it." said Kokona. "My mother told me the exact place to find it."
"Well, alright! Professor Shirogane must have a talent for finding rare herbs!" said Mike.
"The place is known as The Garden of Death." said Kokona. "It's a mysterious garden."
"You're kidding me." said Mike. "That doesn't sound like a good place to be at."
"Mike, we have to do this for Rae. She's our classmate." said Rurouna.
Mike looks at Kanewrich. Kanewrich nods, uncertain of the place. Mike looks at Rae.
"Fine. Just this once." said Mike. "No one can ever say I didn't do my part to help out."
Kokona smiles and the group exits the room. Scene changes to the forest.
"It's nearby according to the map Mother had." said Kokona. "We'll be there soon."
"Let's just hope this Garden of Death isn't actually where people die." said Mike.
A rush of wind blows at the group. Mike's eyes widen as a dark silhouette appears before him. Rurouna and Kanewrich go to slash the silhouette, but are knocked into several trees.
"I won't let you hurt my teammates!" exclaimed Mike as he swung his blade.
A familiar blade appears in the wind as the silhouette moves. Mike quickly blocks the blade and steps back away from the silhouette. A single slash is seen on his lieutenant armband.
"Who in the hell are you?" asked Mike as his red Ocularas activated.
"A Viarra Clan member, huh?" said a female voice. "You must be one of Kimberly's."
"Stop, Kanna-sama!" exclaimed Kokona. "These are my friends."
"Kanna-sama?!" exclaimed Kanewrich and Rurouna.
"Kanna…sama…?" thought Mike as he saw a woman with long brown hair and a Captain's jacket. "Just who in the hell is this woman and how does Kokona know her?"
"Kokona, you've grown older." said Kanna as she looked at the girl.
"Kanna-sama, can you take us to the Garden of Death?" asked Kokona. "We need to save Rae."
"Is it another peanut allergy? I told you to watch out for that…" said Kanna.
Mike gets up and looks at the woman. He then deactivates his eyes.
"We just came for the herb. Take us there so we can save our friend." said Mike coldly.
"Mike, do you even know who Kanna-sama is?" asked Kokona. "This is Rae's mother."
Mike blankly stares at Kanna in confusion. Rurouna and Kanewrich look at Kanna as well.
"Come to think of it, I've never met Rae's mother…" said Rurouna.
"Honestly, I didn't even know Rae had parents." said Kanewrich.
"I guess that makes sense." said Mike as he scratched his head. "Okay, what are we-!"
Kanna sucker punches Mike in the face. Mike is sent through several trees.
"Mike!" exclaimed Rurouna as her and Kanewrich run to his side.
"You reek of my rival." said Kanna. "Those eyes and that overwhelming confidence. You're Heron's son, aren't you?"
Mike gets up and wipes the blood from his lip. Kanna looks at Mike, analyzing his movements.
"Your father would have easily dodged that." said Kanna. "You still have a long way to go."
"You know my dad?" asked Mike. "He's never even mentioned you to me."
Kanna clenches her fist in anger. Mike's eyes suddenly widen as she punches a tree down.
"How dare he not mention his rival! Does he not acknowledge my strength?!" exclaimed Kanna.
"Now that I think about it, Rae also mentioned a rivalry…" thought Mike.
"Hmph." said Kanna. "I won't waste any more of your time. Let's get the herb and get you back to Rae."
"Hold it." said Mike as he pointed his blade at her. "I'm taking my father's spot. I want a match with you, right here and now. I'm not sure what rivalry you two had, but I've been meaning to test my strength against a worthy opponent."
"So, the child is finally stepping up?" asked Kanna. "A foolish decision on your part. I am the Legendary Wind Sage of Afterdark, kid. Fighting me is like an ant fighting an anteater. I'd rip you to shreds with this sword of mine. This sword belonged to the third Master of Afterdark, Olivia Bellatorre. Its power would sent even the strongest fighters into submission."
"There's one thing you need to know about me, Kanna Bonaventure." said Mike as he smirked. "No matter the opponent, no matter the circumstances; I don't ever back down from anyone."
Kanna smirks. She draws her blade and rushes towards Mike. Mike readies himself.
"Way of Wind: Perfect Windcutter!" exclaimed Kanna as a rush of winds came at Mike.
Mike leaps into the air. An electric current is formed in his hand. Kanna smirks and vanishes.
"She vanished into thin air…" thought Mike. "I guess I should have seen that coming."
Kanna appears behind Mike and goes to slash him. Mike turns and fires a lightning bolt towards her. Kanna's eyes widen as she is struck by the lightning.
"It was a successful shot!" said Rurouna. "She should have dodged that attack!"
"Tch!" said Mike as he quickly drew his blade.
Kanna's body turns into a cluster of winds as Mike rushes at it. A blade appears among the winds and goes to strike Mike. Mike takes his blade and blocks the sword.
"I can read your attacks." said Mike as his Ocularas appeared. "You can't escape me."
Kanna and Mike fall back from each other. The two land on opposite tree branches.
"As much as I want to fight you. There's a more pressing matter." said Kanna.
"You're right." said Mike as his eyes returned to normal. "I wanted to test my strength."
"There's some potential in you." said Kanna. "Let's head to the Garden of Death."
The group and Kanna head towards a gated part of the forest. Several flowers and vines decorate the gate. As the group enters, several tombstones are seen on the ground. Mike looks at them and notices a familiar name: Bonaventure. His eyes widened.
"This is the Garden of Death." said Kanna. "The burial site of the Bonaventure Clan."
"These herbs only exist here because it's a special medicine used by your clan." said Kokona. "It's a cure-all for your people. It's why you left the Medical Division, isn't it?"
"I left because I lost to Kimberly." said Kanna. "I couldn't take the World Government anymore…"
Scene goes to the Captains' barracks. Heron is seen sitting next to Kanna. Their coats move in the wind. The birds chirp as the two talk.
"I can't stay, Heron." said Kanna. "After fighting Kimberly…"
"You can't just leave now, Kanna." said Heron. "These people need us! Kimberly is still out there and you know she'll hurt anyone in her way…"
"I just don't think I'm strong enough to handle her…" said Kanna. "I nearly lost my right arm just fighting her."
"They'll mark you as a criminal." said Heron. "You're the last person I'd want to see labeled like that. A woman who is always on the side of justice, to be made out to be a traitor."
"Let them." said Kanna. "You and the others know my credibility."
"Kanna, please reconsider this." said Heron.
"She's screwing with them, like puppets." said Kanna. "I can't continue to work under corrupt officials."
"Kanna, wait!" exclaimed Heron. "I won't let you ruin your life like this!"
"It's already too late…" said Kanna as she disappeared with the wind.
Scene changes to the Garden of Death. Kanna looks at Mike and the others.
"No matter what, don't let anyone hold you back." said Kanna. "Not even Kinahara…"
"Kanna-sama…" said Kokona as she looked at Kanna. "Rae needs you…"
"Especially you, Mike Sawa." said Kanna as she turned to him. "Those eyes will put you in that spotlight. Kinahara is not to be trusted. Remember that."
Mike looks at Kanna. He then looks down, as if something is amiss. Heron and Hana appear as the group begins to leave. Kokona and Mike's eyes widened. Kanna looks at the two.
"We've finally found you, Kanna." said Heron as he looked at Mike. "I see you've met my son."
"Kokona, you were not to come here by yourself." said Hana. "You should have told me."
"If it isn't my former teammates." said Kanna. "It seems today has been quite the day."
"Kanna, we don't want trouble. We just wanted to know where our kids went." said Heron.
"Father." said Mike. "Rae's in the hospital. We came to get the herb to heal her."
"Rae…" thought Heron. "I guess Kanna's disappearance is affecting her after all…"
"In any case, you can gather the herbs and take them back to her." said Kanna.
"I don't just want the herbs." said Mike. "We're coming back with you."
"Son, you can't do that." said Heron. "Lady Kinahara's rule is that once someone is exiled, they can't-!"
Mike tears off his lieutenant patch. The three look at Mike. He looks at the three Captains.
"That rule, this government, and everything about her will not stop me from doing what I please." said Mike. "I swear it upon that patch, I will do the best for the people of Afterdark."
"He's right." said Hana. "At the end of the day, Kanna is still our friend. The least we can do is reunite her with her daughter. Just this once."
Scene goes to the hospital. Kanna appears with the herbs. She grinds them with a mortar and pestle. The grinded herbs are blended into a tea. She begins to lift the tea to Rae's mouth.
"Momma…" said Rae as she slowly opened her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"Focus on recovering, sweetheart." said Kanna as she looked at Rae. "You have a test tomorrow."
"Where's Hana-sama and Kokona?" asked Rae.
"They're around." said Kanna. "I'm glad to see you're doing well for yourself."
"I am." said Rae. "I'm sorry I don't visit often…"
"It's okay." said Kanna. "I'll try to make an effort to see you from now on. Whenever I'm not taking care of the land for Talia-sama."
"How is she doing?" asked Rae. "I haven't seen Auntie in ten years."
"She's still living. She lives amongst the trees and herbs." said Kanna. "Age hasn't stopped her from enjoying life."
"What really brought you to me?" asked Rae. "Why did you decide to come now?"
"Someone told me that I should come by." said Kanna. "They wanted me to see you again."
Scene goes to the World Government Building. Mike is seen sitting inside Kinahara's office with his black leather jacket on. Kinahara sits at her desk and looks at Mike coldly.
"You escorted a criminal into the city." said Kinahara. "What is your response?"
"She has a daughter here." said Mike. "Kanna Bonaventure is not a criminal."
"She resigned from the World Government. That is punishable by law." said Kinahara.
"Then, I'll leave too." said Mike. "I'll leave and go rogue. Maybe then you'll understand…"
"We can't risk the enemy coming back in." said Kinahara. "Captains leaving freely-!"
"Let me ask you this, what made you decide this?" asked Mike. "Why are you scared?"
"Because of Opitz Vannerwood! If it wasn't for him leaving, Afterdark would be-!" exclaimed Kinahara as she stopped. "It's none of your concern. There are some things I can't speak on."
"You sure can't." said Rogue as she entered the room. "You're done talking with him."
"Lady Rogue!" said Mike as he saw her. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I trusted you not to do this anymore. I trusted you not to corrupt the children." said Rogue. "As long as I'm the Master of Afterdark, I'll stop you from abusing your power."
"You don't understand. This child has potential. We need to prepare him for war." said Kinahara. "We have someone far stronger than the other regions. We can do a lot of damage!"
"We need to co-exist, Sensei." said Rogue. "This isn't like back then. He's still growing."
"Lady Rogue, allow me to protect myself. I came to the Head Commander of my own volition." said Mike. "There's a lot I can learn from her regarding the way the world works."
"Mike…" thought Rogue as she drew her sword. "I'm sorry, this isn't just about you."
Kinahara's aura start to rise. Mike's eyes widened. Kinahara places her hand on her blade.
"This is just like before!" thought Mike. "Did I see a glimpse into the future as well or-?!"
The two begin to rush at each other. As they do, Mike stops both of their blades. The marks on his hands start to glow as the eclipse patterned pupils appear once again. Rogue and Kinahara's eyes both widen as Mike dispels their aura with his own.
"What in the hell is this?!" exclaimed Kinahara as she falls back from Mike.
"Mike, what are you doing?" said Rogue as she moved away from him.
"This isn't how it's supposed to be…" said Mike. "You both fighting…"
"Those eyes… he's transformed completely." thought Kinahara. "He's worth noting…"
Rogue walks over to Mike and hugs him. She holds him tightly. Mike looks at her.
"You're still a young man." said Rogue. "You have time, don't forget that."
Rogue lets go of Mike and leaves the room. Kinahara looks at Rogue with bane.
"She's too soft." said Kinahara. "That's why I couldn't train her."
"Who trained her?" asked Mike as he looked at Kinahara.
"The Fourth Master of Afterdark, Sakura-sama." said Kinahara as she pointed to the wall.
A picture of a woman with pink hair and a white kimono is seen on the wall. Mike looks at the woman. He notices the black Afterdark sash around her arm. He smiles.
"Sakura was passive. A forgiving woman, almost too forgiving." said Kinahara. "It's no wonder she died at such a young age. But she was regarded as the strongest among her peers."
Mike looks at the wall, seeing the other four Masters of Afterdark. He then sees a blank sixth frame. Kinahara looks at Mike. A sudden fire lights up in his eyes. Kinahara smiles.
"That's your dream, isn't it?" asked Kinahara. "You think you can make it to this wall?"
"It's not my decision. It's the people's." said Mike as he looked away. "We'll know in time."
Mike goes to head out the room. As he does, he sees Rogue looking at a bouquet of cherry blossoms in the hall. She then looks at Mike. Mike smiles to Rogue.
"Do you think you'll pass tomorrow?" asked Rogue as she went back to looking at the flowers.
"I know I will." said Mike. "I have faith in myself."
"We have a much higher level of expectation for you than the other students." said Rogue.
"I'm aware." said Mike as he walked over. "Thank you for stopping by."
"One more thing." said Rogue as Mike went to leave. "Those eyes of yours are unique. Treasure them always. Your ocular powers are the window to your soul."
The day ends as the eve of the Officer's Exam is reached! What will happen tomorrow?!
Chapter 12 END