From: ShadowKat
Q: TykiTykiTykiTykiTykiTYKITYKI!
Also my favorite Noah! He's had my heart ever since I first saw him XD I also love Rhode 3
I love the fact that Cas stole that kiss from Tyki, and that he kissed back! *giddy squeal* Poor Allen got jealous.
Cas is rounding out nicely. I don't know what plans you have, but I would like to see some parallel subplots where Cas isn't with Allen and the main characters, but with some other less known characters ;)
A: Yep, Cas is an intense flirt (but we kinda already knew that):) And yes, Tyki is immensely attractive. As for Cas interacting with other characters aside from Allen, there will be instances of that in the near future (these next two chapters as a matter of fact) so I hope you enjoy that.
From: FALLING-ANGEL24
Q: Wow...just wow. This is the second story ever on this website for DGM that I truly love. You've completely exceeded my expectations! I am completely in love with Cas :D
I can't wait for future chapters!
A: Awww! Thanks so much. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
From: NachtNight
Q: Who ship TykiCas? *raise a hand* WHO SHIP TYKICASALLEN?
A: Yeah, I'm pretty much on board that ship too. Idk what a good shipping name would be though.
Cas/Allen would be like 'Callen' or something, but I don't know what Cas/Tyki would be.
From: hannahjoma
Q: I love this story. Update please
A: Will do:)
From: Cupcake
Q: Wow great story please add another
A: Sure thing;)
From: Tsukiyomi-Hio
Q: I'm a little surprised Cas doesn't recognize the name Tyki Mikk since its associated with Road. But I liked the scene with the two of them and can't wait for the next chapter!
A: Well, I don't really think Cas would make the connection between the two as Road and Tyki don't share the same last name and their relation is through Tyki's brother and Road's adoptive father Sheril who doesn't show up for a while yet, but Cas puts two and two together in another area later on (Let's just say she never forgets a face) Yeah, I enjoy that scene too. I actually wrote it separate from the chapter a while back while I sitting bored in class.
From: KijoKuroi
Q: Okay so I just finished gunning your story and I love it so much. Poor jealous Allen needs a kiss though, I feel like he's earned it lol :). And I definitely love and hate Tyki at the same time, but as I'm only 3/4 of the way done with season one that might change. I dunno. But I'm a sucker for a handsome complicated villain, so... Anyways! Love Cas, she's totally awesome and a very good character. I'm so glad I clicked on this! :D
A: Well, maybe Allen will get a kiss, maybe he won't :P And I too am a sucker for handsome complicated villains. Miss Fire Bird loves her bad boys:) I'm glad you're enjoying Cas and I'm also very happy you clicked on this!
From: Guest
Q: omg I love it all! more3
A: Will do:)
A/N: Yeah, I know I said I wasn't going to do this arc, but I thought of a way to make it relevant.
Basically: Cas and Kanda. Enjoy.
Chapter 21: The Millennium Swordsman
Fever dreams suck.
I'm stumbling through a humid haze, my feet feeling like they're dragging through wet cement.
In the distance, my grandmother's voice comes rolling across the boiling waters.
This story takes place one thousand years ago during the Roman Empire. The ruler of this civilization, the Caesar had a beautiful daughter named Sandra.
I'm suddenly eight years old again, sitting in my grandmother's rose garden. There's a breeze, carrying the lemony scent of the grass through the air as the blades tickle my fingertips.
Emma is beside me, pulling them apart. She taps my shoulder, giggling as she blows into a piece of grass and a high-pitched squeak comes out the end like a tiny whistle.
We both burst out laughing.
Girls, pay attention. This is important.
We both fall silent again.
By the time Sandra had turned sixteen years old, the beauty of the girl was already being discussed throughout the kingdom, and great swarms of men began arriving from all parts of the land like Greece and the Orient, crossing over oceans and mountains to ask for the princess's hand in marriage.
I rise to my feet, brushing loose strands of my choppy hair out of my eyes as I stoop an exaggerated bow. My lady, I have come from a faraway land to ask for you, the most beautiful girl in the world, to be my wife, I say to Emma.
She giggles, and my grandmother smiles slightly over the rim of the large book she's reading from.
However, no matter how fervent or noble the offer was, the princess would not accept. Despite this, her suitors would not be deterred, and so Sandra finally decreed…
Emma jumps to her feet, pumping her fist in the air: I will only be the wife of the strongest man in the world!
My grandmother nods. Then, to test their strength, the princess ordered her suitors fight Victorio, the swordsman who protected her family.
At this, I dove into the brambles of a bush and produced a crude wooden sword slapped together from pieces of leftover timber.
Victorio! Emma calls to me as I hold the faux weapon aloft. Protect me, and fight my suitors.
I then race around the garden, slashing the sword through the air, jabbing and slicing at invisible foes, making enemies of the thorns and velvet flowers of the rosebushes.
Emma jumps up and down, cheering me on as my grandmother continues to read.
Victorio fought over and over, battling men from across the globe who swaggered into the arena, confident in their skills, and he never lost.
In a phony rage, I throw my sword into the dirt. Is there no man strong enough to challenge me?!
Emma runs forward. Victorio, I don't want to be married off to some suitor from a distant land. I only want to be with young.
She tackles me to the ground, laughing wildly as her honey brown hair falls loose from her bun and dances through the air, mixing with the flyaway rose petals.
We roll about, hooting with laughter as my grandmother turns the page.
These battles continued, even after Princess Sandra took ill and passed away.
Emma gives a gasp, clutching her chest as she dramatically falls to the ground and lies still, mud splattering the edges of her burgundy dress.
Princess Sandra! I wail, dropping to my knees before her prone form. I then grasp my sword and hold the wooden weapon over her 'mostly' motionless body. I swear: not even in death may a man have you.
Emma snickers, breaking character, which causes me to laugh as well.
You make a good swordsman, Cas.
And you make a good princess, Emma.
There is one thing the story doesn't say, Ms. Williams, Emma adds to my grandmother, Did Victorio ever lose?
My grandmother shakes her head. No. According to the legend, the fights continued on and on, they outlasted Princess Sandra, they outlasted her family, they outlasted the Roman Empire itself. In fact, it is said that the battle cries of the matches between Victorio and the suitors can still be heard throughout the Coliseum even to this day.
Thunder suddenly rumbles above our heads. I glance upwards as a raindrop alights on my nose.
Strange. We're not expecting any rain today.
But that doesn't stop the sky from opening up, and the drops keep falling, icy against my skin. My hair sticks to my eyes, and I reach up to pry it away.
I look around, shocked as the water pours around me. The scene has changed; Emma and my grandmother are gone as is the rose garden. I'm kneeling in the middle of a ruined structure. The rocks are blackened with age, the building withered and decrepit, stripped away piece by piece by the hands of time.
The rain falls thick and fast, creating a grey veil that is almost impossible to see through. It casts long shadows across the ruins, but out of the darkness two figures melt into clarity.
My eyes widen. Kanda?
He draws his sword as the other man draws his.
By order of Princess Sandra, I will fight you!
The thunder sounds again as lightning breaks through the storm.
Kanda rushes forward as does the other man, and the storm echoes the crash of their blades connecting.
The noise is deafening in my ears, loud and clear as though I'm there in that moment.
Quick as a lightning strike, I'm gone and awake.
My eyes snap open with a slight gasp. I feel freezing and confused.
Something falls beside me. I turn my head, the pillow moist with sweat beneath my cheek to see Allen staggering towards the door. On my bedside table sits a tray with a generous helping of food on it.
I smile. "Allen, you have all the stealth capacity of a bull in a China shop."
The boy freezes inches from the door. "I-I'm sorry, Cas. I didn't mean to wake you up," he cries, spinning back around, blushing furiously.
"Don't worry about it," I reply dismissively as I slowly sit up, cautious of the dull ache in my chest.
Fucking lung infection.
"How are you feeling?" Allen inquires, walking back over to me.
Did he hear me wince?
"Fine," I reply flatly, slightly embarrassed myself as I reach for the tray and pick up a piece of wheat toast. I wrinkle my nose; I hate wheat toast. "So, are you leaving today?" I inquire as I heap a generous helping of butter onto the offending item.
Allen nods. "Yep, Lavi and I are taking Krory on his first assignment this afternoon. I think Bookman might be coming along too."
I nod, trying not to look disappointed.
"Sorry you can't come Cas."
"So am I," I reply simply, spooning eggs onto the already heavily buttered toast, "But I'm sick, and Komui would have my head on a pike if I left this bed even for an instant." I then take a generous bite of the now heaping concoction.
"I can tell its driving you crazy."
"It wouldn't be so bad if my dreams wouldn't leave me the hell alone."
Allen looks momentarily disturbed. "Are you still having that one…about me?"
Thankfully not.
"Not for a while yet," I reply, smirking as I tap him on the nose. "Probably because I've got the real thing around now."
Allen flushes again. He's so cute when he does that.
"I doubt that's the reason."
"All the same, you should be getting along. Don't want to keep the Bookmen waiting."
Allen grimaces. "I think Krory would rather I take my time. He's a little nervous."
I sigh inwardly. I wish I could be there for the big guy. I hope everything goes smoothly. Lord knows Lavi and Allen could get themselves killed if I'm not around (Whether by an Akuma or Bookman, whichever happens first).
"I suppose anyone would be," I finally say. "All the same, you've gotta catch that train."
Allen's shoulders slump. "Fine."
"Thanks for taking care of me," I call as he turns to leave.
"Thanks for not dying on me," he replies with a cheeky grin as he closes the door behind him.
I laugh at that, shaking my head. God, I love that kid.
Two days later, I'm back at hundred percent…and bored out of my fucking mind.
Allen and Lavi were still in Spain with Krory and Bookman, Lenalee was in France, and Kanda was…somewhere.
As I muck around Headquarters in a pair of pink bunny slippers I had 'borrowed' from Komui while I'd been sick, I find, as evidenced by the discomforting gnawing in the pit of my stomach that I missed everyone.
While this realization might have been a typical response to the extended absence of a group of people you'd shared many a life-threatening experience with and grown attached to during these instances, for me it wasn't necessarily the norm.
And this revelation kind of terrified me to be honest. I hadn't really missed another living being in a long ass time.
I practically threw myself at Komui's feet, bunny slippers and all, when he summoned me to his office for an assignment briefing.
I can't be left alone with my thoughts for a minute longer. I'll probably drive myself even crazier than I already am.
My elation is short-lived when I'm given the full details of my assignment.
My jaw drops in spite of myself. "Kanda is missing?"
"I'm afraid so." Komui nods, pushing his glasses further up his nose.
"Wasn't his last assignment in Rome?"
"That's right. Innocence was discovered in ruins just outside the city, but it's been over a week now since we've had any contact with either Kanda or the Finder that was sent with him. Many Akuma have been reported around the Coliseum which was there last confirmed location, so only an Exorcist would be able to move in safely. I'd like to send you. Do you think you're up to the task, Cas?"
"Definitely," I reply eagerly.
The moment I get into the gondola that's going to take me out of the Order compound and into the village below to catch the train, did I realize that this was the first assignment I'd be on going alone.
I suppose the basic black golem flittering around beside me was enough of an indication. Since Allen wasn't coming with me, I wouldn't have Timcampy to piggy back on so I needed my own golem.
As I sat on the train winding south through England, I try not to focus on the blank golem staring at me with its empty black and white eye.
I name it Betty to make myself feel better.
As Betty finally alights on the windowsill to conserve energy, I'm able to refocus on the file I'd been given by Reever containing further details on my location and Kanda's mission before mine.
The train whistle sounds over my head as I flip through the pages. My eyes widen in surprise, "A Roman soldier that's still alive? That sounds like Lala, that doll from Mater."
I glance up, my heart sinking in spite of myself as my eyes rest on the empty seat beside me that Allen had so frequently occupied.
The moustached gentlemen in the booth in front of me glances over his shoulder, giving me a funny look.
I smile nervously, shrinking down in my seat as I bury my face in the file.
So, I guess the assumption to be made here is that the Innocence is allowing the soldier to live this long. I wonder if it could even do such a thing. I suppose if he's an Accommodator…Wait a minute.
I tense, suddenly remembering the dream I'd had while I'd been sick two days ago. The legend of the Swordsman Victorio that my grandmother used to read to me and Emma when we were kids, the man that had fought for millennia to protect the princess Sandra. Then how that dream had melted into an image of Kanda fighting a shadowed opponent in ancient ruins, going sword to sword.
I may believe in miracles, but not coincidences.
Continuing through the file, I learn that Akuma had only started appearing in the area around the Roman Coliseum about a month ago and that, strangely, none of them that had entered the ruins had ever came out again. I wonder if they could have been defeated by the swordfighter using Innocence? I suppose it's a possibility.
Rome had always been on my bucket list, or more specifically the Vatican, but I'd take the capitol of the former greatest civilization in the history of mankind. The streets are bustling with activity, the crowds press in around me as I expertly wind through the throng, my senses slightly overwhelmed. The market is a mass of dozens of amazing things to buy, eat, and wear. My nose tingles as I detect the dozens of delectable meals up for sale, and I can't help salivating slightly.
"Out of my way!" My head jerks to my left in time to see a burly man with a piece of wheat sticking out of his mouth shove a grubby looking boy into a puddle. The kid falls into the murky water with a cry. "That's what you get for standing around like a punk," the man spat.
The boy scrambles to his feet, whimpering as he sprints off. A few other men that are standing near a fruit stand laugh at his expense. My eyes narrow slightly when I see that they're each tightly gripping a musket. Each of the weapons are shiny and well-polished which means they were in frequent use.
At my elbow, a fat man with a pudgy nose snatches a piece of beef right from the skillet of a butcher's shop.
"Um, excuse me," the man timidly whispers.
"Don't worry, old man; I'll pay you back when I get my reward."
"I heard that!" a scrawny fellow barks at a shorter, stouter character, brandishing his musket in his face. "You want to say that a little louder next time, you coward?"
"Try me, bitch," the other man snaps.
What's with all the gun totting dickheads loitering around Rome? Is there some meet and greet I wasn't aware of?
"If they're so bent on fighting, I wish they'd do us all a favor and kill each other," a voice says from behind me.
I turn to see a with a tanned, ruddy faced man partially marred by a dark eye patch standing directly behind me.
"This is a gathering of bounty hunters," he answers my unspoken question, "We're all here because the Sardini family put out the call to anyone that could help find their missing daughter."
I raise an eyebrow. "A local girl is missing?"
"You mean you haven't heard?"
"I'm not exactly from around here."
The man sizes me up. "I suppose I could have assumed that."
I guess I'm a little flasher than usual today, choosing to wear a red-pinstriped suit under my Exorcist cloak with a purple cravat and matching purple gloves. The hair in front of my ears is braided on each side and tied together behind my head.
"Anyway, the Sardini's sixteen-year-old daughter was abducted from their residence about three nights ago. The man who took her identified himself as 'Victorio'."
My eyes widened. "Victorio?"
Well, it seems like I have myself a lead without even trying, what uncharacteristically good luck.
Shame I only have Betty to share my good fortune with.
I eye the golem with slight unease as a man on horseback suddenly appears out of the crowd.
"Your attention, please," he calls to the group of bounty hunters, "Please make your way to the Sardini residence. The Viscount Paletti will give instructions on those who wish to receive a sizeable reward."
Almost immediately the crowd of brutes presses forward, swiftly and silently following the announcer along the main road of the market. The throng of shoppers parts to allow them to pass, not wishing to tangle with the disagreeable bunch.
Well, what's the harm, I think to myself, pulling my collar up further as I step into the wave of hired men and follow the crowd towards the Sardini Estate.
By the time we reach the home of the Sardini family, night has fallen. We're all ushered into the courtyard where a group of maids are awaiting with roaring fires for warmth and heaps of food for nourishment. The men dig in heartily, and the mood soon changes, guided by their full stomachs.
I stand off to the side, trying not to look conspicuous, which is difficult with my distinctive black and white cloak and buzzing golem.
I watch a few men stuffing their faces by a fire, gorging themselves on more than a few helpings while some more chuckle after a few of the younger, prettier maids. One of them pinches a passing raven-hair's ass, and she squeaks but doesn't look entirely unabashed.
What a lonesome bunch.
"Your food, dearie," an elderly cook with dimples hands me a bowl full of chicken, sausage, pasta, salad and bread.
"Uh, thanks." I accept the food and quickly dig in. Italian food. How could I say no?
I sit on a barrel in the corner of the courtyard just as the balcony overlooking the area suddenly opens, a yellow light stabs through the night air, shadowed by two figures stepping out onto the platform.
One is a gruff looking man with dark blonde hair and beard, the other is a lither fellow with hard-set eyes and a bushy moustache.
"Brave searchers, forgive us for interrupting your meal," the latter of the two addresses the crowd, "But I ask for your attention, please; I'm sure you're all aware that Claudia Sardini, the daughter of the Sardini family, has been abducted by a thug who calls himself Victorio. Her father, who stands beside me, is obviously heartbroken. As an heir of the honored Paletti family, I hear by promise, on my family's name, the man who finds and rescues Claudia, my dear fiancée, from the detestable Victorio will be given one tenth of the Sardini fortune."
Fiancée? I raise an eyebrow as those around me erupt into enthusiastic cheers. Evidently, it was a lot of cash. Regardless, the Viscount seems a little old to be marrying a sixteen-year-old. The ways of the upper class are often ostensibly creepy.
Up on the balcony, Mr. Sardini grabs Paletti's arm. "Viscount, how can you make such a proclamation without discussing it with me?"
The other man raises an eyebrow. "You surprise me, sir. I would have thought one tenth of your fortune would be nothing compared to your daughter's safety. As her loving father, I'm sure you don't count the cost."
Mr. Sardni scowls at him as the men continue to laugh and cheer heartily at the notion of the money they'd been promised.
Amidst the ruckus, I silently slip into the shadow of the large house. My Blood feathers out from beneath my sleeve, and I throw the tendril up onto the balcony just as Mr. Sardni and the Viscount disappear back inside.
As silently as I can, I hoist myself up onto the ledge and step onto the platform.
I then find myself standing on the threshold of a lavish sitting room, who's bright interior is slightly jarring after the shadowed courtyard.
A warm heat touches my cheeks from the flames of a roaring fire emitting from a carved fireplace.
Mr. Sardini is standing before said fireplace, cradling a glass of scotch in his fist, his back to me as he examines a large painting hanging above the mantel. It depicts a young girl, with a slender, heart-shaped face framed by honey blonde hair.
It doesn't take a genius to assume that the painting is of Claudia Sardini, his missing daughter.
She looks a little like Emma.
Trying to ignore that abrupt observation, I step into the room just as Mr. Sardini turns away from the painting in apparent disgust.
"Claudia, how could I have raised such an ungrateful daughter?"
He stiffens when his eyes fall on me, his sneer evaporating into a look of surprise.
I raise a hand to silence his yet unspoken cry. "Chill. I'm not gonna hurt you."
"W-Who are you?" Mr. Sardini splutters, attempting to regain his composure.
"I'm an Exorcist of the Black Order," I reply, stepping fully into the room. "I've come seeking information."
Sardini raises an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, then have a seat."
He then collapses into a large red armchair beside the fire. I turn to close the balcony doors, dimming the raucous in the courtyard before sitting down on the couch opposite the wealthy man.
"I'm rather surprised at you, sir," I remark, crossing my legs and leaning back in my seat. "I wouldn't necessarily call a kidnapped victim 'ungrateful'."
"She wasn't kidnapped," Sardini insists.
I quick an eyebrow. "Oh? What makes you say that?"
"Because-." The man falters, seemingly losing his vigor, or perhaps about to disclose something he'd regret.
"Why don't you start at the beginning of all this?" I offer.
Sardini sighs. "It started about a month ago. My daughter said that a medieval-looking swordsman had appeared before her in her bedroom; it had sounded so ludicrous that I had decided she'd been dreaming. But then she-Well, she simply wouldn't stop talking about this man, and his 'reports' to her each night or some such thing."
I raise an eyebrow as I reach for the bottle of scotch resting on the coffee table and pour myself my own glass. "Reports?" I ask, taking a swig as I lean back in my seat.
"Yes, she claimed he would kneel at her bedside and say the same words every night: 'the world's strongest man has yet to appear, my lady'."
I sip my drink thoughtfully. Yep, that seems to fit the bill of the legend of the Millennium Swordsman.
"I'll admit, I lost my temper with her," Sardini continues, "I told her to stop spouting this nonsense, but she swore up and down that she was telling the truth, and then, three days ago, on the very day her engagement to the Viscount Paletti was finalized…" He broke off, allowing me to put the final pieces together.
I nod in understanding as he hangs his head, sighing heavily. "What could that girl have possibly been thinking?"
"My thoughts exactly: what could be going through Claudia's head right now?"
Sardini and I whirl around just as Paletti steps into the room, closing the door behind him.
"Viscount!" the former exclaims in surprise. "I was just recounting some of the details-" he gestures to me, but the other nobleman cuts him off.
"Once we are married, the Sardini family, born of merchants and tradesman, will become the relations of nobility and will finally be embraced by upper-class society, when Claudia submits to our wishes."
Submits? I scowl, A cute choice of words.
"Son in law, I still object to the way you're handling this," Sardini exclaims, jumping to his feet. "Claudia ran away from home, it's that simple. Either that, or she was tricked into leaving by this fool calling himself Victorio. Gathering these hunters and offering a reward was unnecessary; I'm sure our local police-."
"I hope you're not worried, sir," Paletti interrupts, his voice cold. "The last thing I want to do is waste hard earned money. And speaking of money, isn't it true that those who are fortunate such as lottery winners are often the envy of those who seem to have no luck."
My brow furrows at his remark, serpentine as it was. The outwardly offhanded words seem to be burrowing into some kind of personal meaning for Sardini.
His glowering confirms my assumptions.
"You're very successful," Paletti continues, "I'm sure you've experienced ill-will from those who struggle…more in life."
Sardini grits his teeth. I calmly sip my drink, the ice clinking rather loudly in the otherwise silent room.
Paletti glances at me. "And who is this young woman who seems to enjoy glaring at us so?" His face curls into a sneer as he continues to survey me, "That is a woman, isn't it?"
My only response is to down the rest of the drink, trying not to let his comment get to me.
"She claims affiliation with the Black Order," Sardini speaks for me.
"Did you request for them to come?" Paletti inquires.
"No, of course not."
"Very well, if a patron of the illustrious Black Order is willing to step in to help us, perhaps the bounty hunters are unneeded." He then turns to me, "Please use-."
He stops when I get to my feet. I'm taller than him, which is comforting as I stare the nobleman down.
"I never said I'd be helping you, Viscount," I declare coldly, "I simply came here seeking information. And tell me something, would you?" My lips curl into a venomous smirk. "If Claudia is so important to you, what's stopping you from looking for her yourself. It seems you care more about the idea of Claudia and the money and status she might bring you both then the flesh and blood she actually is."
Paletti splutters furiously at my words but can't seem to form any of his own. Sardini, meanwhile, hangs his head, his expression unreadable as he stares at his shoes.
I sigh, shaking my head as I set the empty scotch glass down on the table. "Thanks for the drink. I'll be going now."
With that, I turn from two men and stalk out of the room.
After leaving the Sardini residence, I find an inn to at least get a few hours of sleep. Betty the golem zips around the room above my head as I hang my now dampened suit up to dry (I'd forgotten to bring a change of clothes so I'd have to wear it again tomorrow).
Pulling my hair into a low ponytail, I clamber onto the bed and light my pipe on the flickering candle on the table beside it.
I sigh, flopping down on the pillows as I puff my pipe, staring up at Betty revolving around the ceiling.
"I can't believe after all that I didn't find out anything about Kanda, or anything more on Victorio," I grumble to myself, blowing smoke out from between my lips. Betty gets caught in the drag and splutters, spinning through the air as it tries to get free of the smoke.
I laugh slightly. That tiny creature's my only company.
My smile falters at the notion. Why did being alone bother me so much now? I'd spent the better part of the last three years traveling England all by myself with only the occasional visits to Master Hermenshire, the blind former Order member who'd trained me.
Perhaps I really have gotten too attached to the Order and the people in it. I try not to think about it as I roll over onto my side, staring out the window at the dimming lights of the city.
I wonder if Claudia really did run away from home, I muse to myself as I blow more smoke from my lips. I suppose it would make sense she'd feel the need considering how her supposed family members were talking about her. I shiver slightly, I know what it's like to have people who are supposed to love you unconditionally force you to be something you're not.
"Although, I suppose it's interesting," I add aloud to no one in particular. Betty, who'd alighted on the bedpost, eyes me oddly. "I mean, Claudia disappeared a month ago, and the report said that was also when Akuma started appearing around the Coliseum. There's bound to be a connection there. I bet-."
I break off, stifling a yawn. "Ah, well. I suppose I'll just have to find out in the morning."
I put my pipe out on my forearm before blowing out my candle. I curl up onto my side once more, pulling my knees into my chest as I close my eyes and try to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest.
First stop tomorrow: The Roman Coliseum.
The grey light of early morning settled a misty pallor across the scape of the ruins, the grand arena was a bulky, dark shape rising out of the dew-filled air.
Everyone seemed to have had the same idea as me. I spy a huge pack of bounty hunters trudging across the plain towards the lone shape of the Coliseum as I scramble down into the valley, my feet slipping slightly on the uneven ground.
The mist refuses to lift, even by the time I made onto even ground.
No one seems to move past that point, everyone had stopped at an undisclosed distance from the ruins, muskets held at the ready, a few men even wheeling forward a cannon, but no one dares to enter. It's as though they're waiting for something.
Finally, the spell is broken as the mist lifts with the sun and one of the hunters bolts into the ruins.
"Let me through. I'm going to get the reward."
As if a rope has been snapped, all of the other men barrel forward as well.
"Where is he?"
"Come out and fight, Victorio!"
"I'm going to find, Claudia!"
I move to follow but freeze as a dark shape passes over my head. I glance up to see the sky is alive with Level I AKuma, all of them flying towards the Coliseum and the dozens of men now crawling about inside.
"Oh no," I breath before sprinting the rest of the way towards the ancient arena.
My feet have barely changed from stone to the sand of the Coliseum floor when the first of the explosions go off.
Screams of pain and terror echo throughout the ruins as the Akuma start firing on the helpless humans.
"What are those things?"
"What's happening?"
Screams, cries, gunfire on both sides. I smell blood leaking into the stones as I scale a wall and come up on the second floor just in time to see the eye-patched bounty hunter I'd met yesterday erupt into purple flames as a barrage of venomous bullets strikes his body.
His charred corpse falls to the ground as an Akuma hovers over him.
Blood erupts from under my fingers, hardening into a spiked claw as I rush forward, leaping off the edge of the platform. With a cry, I slice through the Akuma's bloated flesh, and it explodes in a shower of ash.
Another swerves and fires on me as soon as I hit the ground. I roll to the side to escape the bullets as they pepper the sand. A man at a vantage point is hit and explodes, taking out half the second floor with him.
I scramble to my feet. "Everyone. Get out of here!" I holler to the flailing crowd of hunters.
Several of them take my advice, streaking toward the exit.
"Damn the money!"
"It's not worth it."
An Akuma pounces on the escaping group.
"Oh no you don't!" Blood coats my hand and stretches outward, like an extended limb as it snags hold of the Akuma, stopping it in its tracks. I then throw it into another one, and they both explode.
I reform my Blood and allow it to run down my other arm, shaping two long claws as I race forward, slicing through Akuma after Akuma as more and more crawl from the ruins like roaches from a dead tree.
The sounds of them being destroyed are deafening, my ears are ringing as I cut one's head off, sending it spinning out of control. The large Akuma body hits the ground with deafening impact, knocking several hunters off their feet.
One of them turns to run just as another Akuma looms over him.
I hit the ground in time to turn and see it.
I start forward, but something snags my leg.
"Wait. It's too late to save him! You have to save me!" I turn to see a bald bounty hunter with a bloody eye is desperately clutching my ankle.
"Get off me!" I spat as I shake from his grip and bolt towards the other man. A spear of Blood slices through the Akuma above him, taking out three others behind him.
Ash rains through the air like snow. My ears are ringing, filled to the brim with the sounds of screams and explosions. The scent of blood is salty in my mouth.
"Now men, take aim!"
Out of the corner of my eye, I see several of the hunters wheeling in the cannon they brought.
"Fire!"
The revolving barrels rocket round after round at the Akuma, the bangs followed by the clinks of the harmless projectiles ricocheting off their metal bodies.
With a sigh, swing my arm and slice through three of the Akuma before they can retaliate.
A snarl in my ear, and I turn to see an Akuma's face leering down at me, far too close to comfort.
No! The word erupts in my mind as my reflexes stall, but the Akuma is suddenly torn in half and withers before my eyes.
I gasp, startled as the ash pools around me. Out of the smoke, I see my apparent savor step forward.
He's a massive man, nearly seven feet tall. His chest is bare and chiseled, well-tanned and covered in scars. He wears silver armor on his neck, arms, and shoulders. The former protection partially masks his face, so all that can be seen is a pair of black beady eyes and a mane of wild, burgundy hair.
In the man's hand is a gigantic silver and black sword, as long as my body which he holds aloft.
"I am Victorio, the Swordsman that serves the Caesar of Rome."
"That's him!" one of the bounty hunters yells. "We found him!"
Victorio snarls. "By order of Princess Sandra, I will fight you."
"Attack!" Yells the guy with the cannon, and his buddy starts spamming the trigger. Flares streak past my head, whipping my hair as they erupt before Victioro, covering his body in smoke and fire.
But it breaks way as the man lunges forward. With a cry, he slices through the very flames themselves and sends them hurtling back towards his assailants.
There's a scream and eruption of blood in my nose as the cannon and everyone around it is fried to ash.
I stand rooted to the spot, in utter shock and horror of the man before me.
It's really him: Victorio the Millennium Swordsman.
I squeeze my eyes shut, a bitter taste in my mouth as I clench my fists. Regardless of his strength, I have a job to do.
I start forward, but a familiar voice makes me stop cold.
"No. You're not strong enough."
"Kanda!" The name leaves my mouth before I whirl around to see him standing at the ruin entrance. His expression is unreadable as he looks down at me, his sword Mugen clenched in his hand.
"You're fighting style is incompatible with his, and you lack proper technique," Kanda continues coldly as he strides into the arena. "This fighter is my prey. Don't intervene."
I'm struck dumb, for once without a witty retort as Kanda steps before the massive Victorio.
Just like the image in my dream.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting," my fellow Exorcist addresses the Swordsman.
"I will fight you," Victorio bellows.
They move as one, lunging forward, and there's the loud crack of their swords clashing, followed by more as they strike each other again and again, each time one parries the other strikes, but is countered by his opponent.
"Ms. Williams!"
I whirl around in time to see a squat man with a thick moustache and wearing a beige Finder's coat sprint towards me.
"I take it you're the Finder that was sent here with Kanda," I say as he stops in front of me.
"Yes, I'm Pedro," the man replies, slightly breathless.
"Are you alright?"
"Never mind about me," Pedro shakes his head. "Victorio's got Innocence."
My eyes widen in surprise as I glance over at Kanda battling the Millennium Swordsman.
"It's in the sword, isn't it?" I ask.
Pedro nods. "Yes, it's kept him alive for over a thousand years."
Kanda attacks him savagely, leaping agilely around his opponent's larger frame. Despite his quick feet, Victorio cannot be tripped up.
"Seems there pretty evenly matched," I remark. "I've never met anyone that could best Kanda's Mugen, but then again, I suppose Victorio's had a long time to practice."
Pedro nods solemnly. "They fought for two days straight, but then Akuma began appearing, so Victorio disappeared. Kanda's been sleeping for the last two days; the fight was exhausting, and he wanted to regain his strength."
I cross my arms. "Neither of them seems to be using the power of the Innocence."
"I believe that's a matter of pride and honor," Pedro explains, "They stopped using it on the second day of the fight."
"I see." I sigh, "Without my Anti-Akuma Weapon, I'm basically useless in battle, especially against a guy like that. I guess Kanda had a point in telling me to hold back."
Victorio strikes and Kanda dodges, lunging forward, and they cross swords. Standing still, stiffened by their own exertion. Kanda's face is towards me, and I see the sweat gleaming on his brow and the fire blazing in his black eyes like hot coals. The swords tremble between them.
There's a catch, a niche as Victorio gasps a breath. Kanda yells with a rage that I feel burning in my chest as the blade gleams through the air.
Stale, salty blood fills my nose, and I clap a hand over my mouth, gagging.
Blood spews out from a deep gash in Victorio's shoulder as he staggers back, weighed down by the blood pouring from his wound. He screams as he stands, stricken, his breathing shallow as crimson fluid coats his armor.
However, the air hitches in his throat, and a glow passes over his form.
My eyes grow wide as the wound abruptly closes, the shine erasing any indication it had ever been there, even repairing the armor.
"The Innocence healed him!"
Victorio's sword swings out as Kanda jerks to react.
The air goes cold as the silent impact seems to make time go still. Kanda goes rigid, his eyes pale and wide as he freezes, trembling where he stands in ankle deep water.
I feel a fiery pain erupt in my hip, and realize what is happening maybe before Kanda even does.
He glances down to see the teeth of the massive blade are embedded deep in the side of his torso. His sweet blood flows outward as Kanda chokes, retching and the water around him turns red.
"Kanda!" the cry rips through my chest as I sprint forward without thinking.
Kanda crumples to the ground, his body hitting the freezing water. Before the ripples settle, Victorio dislodges his sword and raises it a second time.
"You will die with honor."
The sword strikes and breaks flesh, the teeth tingle against my skin.
I look down and smile weakly, Blood trickling from my lip.
I'm between Kanda and Victorio, the latter's sword embedded deep in my stomach.
"Well, shit," I gasp before the sword slips from my body and I fall forward, the water cold against my burning skin.