Chapter 24: A Night of Blood and Tears (pt. 1)
Two Days later…
General P.O.V.
Ebony took a solemn look at the mirror in Inoue's room. In her reflection, she wore an elaborate black wedding dress, complete with a frilled collar and flowers on her wrists, as well as a black veil over her face and a bow on her waist. Despite the circumstances and unusual choice of color for such a sacred occasion, she had to admit: it was a beautiful dress. Her eyes drifted to the ring on her finger. If only it were someone else…if only I hadn't put her through so much pain…but if I don't do it, then Yomi will be hunted down and killed... she thought. Looking for a distraction, she watched Inoue finishing tying up the back behind her. The orange haired girl was smiling, but it was a sad smile.
"Inoue." Ebony said, still gazing at her reflection.
"Hm?" the taller girl responded.
"Before I go through with this, I want to ask you something."
"What?"
Ebony paused for a moment. "Were you happy here, with that arrancar?"
Inoue froze for a second in alarm, then regained her sad smile. "Yes, I suppose you could say I was."
"I see. I'm glad that you found someone to make you happy."
Inoue tied the last of the straps, and stepped back. Ebony slowly turned around to face her.
"H-how do I look?" she whispered.
Inoue looked over the smaller girl, admiring her handiwork and how it fitted her perfectly.
"You look beautiful. I almost wish I was the one marrying you."
Were it not for recent events, the humor would have been much stronger. Still, Ebony let out a short chuckle.
"Thanks."
"Well, it's almost time. Let's go."
Ebony nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, better not keep her waiting."
The pair quietly exited the small room. Yuno and Tira met them in the hallway. The odd pair had been assigned as escorts for the black bride, and walked on either side of her. They began to make their way through the deserted halls of the fortress toward the chapel. However, just when they were a little ways from their destination, Tira suddenly lead the group in a different direction.
"Tira-san, this is the wrong way." Yuno pointed out.
The ring blade wielder turned toward her and smiled maliciously. "I know."
The next thing Yuno knew, blood was splattered all across her clothing, and a long gash had been cut in her stomach. Tira watched the pinkette stare at her with hurt and betrayal as she collapsed to the floor and burst into blue flame. Inoue and Ebony were too shocked by the sudden display of violence to speak. Inoue was about to scream, but the sound died in her throat when she felt the blood stained steel of Tira's blade at her throat.
"Ah, ah, ah. Can't have you screaming for help now, can we?" the insane girl said in a sweet voice.
Inoue lightly nodded in compliance.
"Good girl."
Tira then smacked Inoue with the flat of her blade, rendering her unconscious. Satisfied that the orange hair was out cold, she then turned to Ebony, who watched her with a mixture of fear and suspicion.
"I don't understand, aren't you working for Fury?" the bride asked.
"That stuck-up little bitch? Hell no. I joined up with her voluntarily so I could get closer to my real master, Soul Edge. And since the only remaining remnants of it are resting inside you, that makes you my master."
"Wait, you mean you're helping me?"
"Of course! Now then…" Tira made a bow. "shall we be on our way, master?"
Although the girl's obvious lack of sanity made her hesitate, Ebony accepted the offer nonetheless. She would take any chance she could get to get away from Fury, and to get back to Yomi. The bride followed her insane servant as they stalked through the halls and towards the gate, taking care to avoid the gaze of the guards. Soon enough, they arrived on the wall over the front gate.
"Alright master, just a little farther now and you'll be free!" Tira chirped.
SCHINK!
"Huh?" Tira said as she looked down. The tips of four daggers were sticking out of her chest. "Well, this sucks."
Tira laughed sarcastically before leaning back and collapsing, revealing a smiling Sanmex standing behind her.
"There you are, miss runaway bride." the purple haired boy said. He held out his hand to the still surprised Ebony. "Come along now, the mistress is waiting."
Yuu tapped her foot impatiently until she saw Sanmex reenter the chapel and announce that everything was fixed, and went to stand beside her. Without further ado, the few minions Yuu considered 'guests' sat down, and a small hollow began to play the appropriate music. Ebony slowly walked through the large double doors and down the narrow aisle, escorted by a purple haired female Assassin. She glanced over at Ichigo, who stood watching her with hungry eyes from the corner of the room. White Steel Wrath stood behind a podium in front of Yuu, having been declared the pastor. Sighing, Ebony reached the end of her walk and stood across from Yuu. The shorter girl had chosen to wear a white suit and tie, as to be expected of her tomboyish personality.
"You look absolutely amazing, Ebony." she said, then nodded for Wrath to proceed.
The general returned the gesture and, smiling, threw his arms up in the air as he began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two sinners in unholy matramony..."
Ebony tuned out his words and stared stoically back at a smiling Yuu. The shorter girl spoke her vows, and Ebony felt guilt rising with every word she spoke when it came time for her to do the same. Finally, the end of the ceremony was at hand.
"Do you, Yuu Koutari, take Ebony to be your unlawfully wedded wife?" Wrath asked.
"I do." Yuu answered without hesitation.
"And do you, Ebony Kuchiki Kuroi, take Yuu to be your unlawfully wedded...uh...aw fuck it, let's just go with husband. Makes it easier."
Ebony hesitated. If she refused, then Yuu would seek out Yomi and destroy her, then probably force Ebony to marry anyway. However, that knowledge didn't make saying yes any easier. In the end, submission won out as the least dangerous path to take.
Ebony took a deep breath. "I d-"
BOOM!
The sudden explosion made everyone in the room turn in surprise toward what remained of the entrance to the chapel. The sounds of gunfire, slashing blades, shouts of pain, and freshly spilt blood rang out through the immense dust cloud that had formed. As the cloud cleared, the bodies of several slain hollows littered the floor, and five silhouetted figures stood standing over them.
"I object to this union!" the center figure cried out.
Yuu grit her teeth in anger. She recognized the voice, and judging by the relieved smile that had suddenly spread across Ebony's lips, so did she.
"Yomi!" Ebony cried.
The vampiress smiled as she stepped into the light of the room. "I'm glad you're alright. I've come to rescue you, Ebony."
"Hey now, don't forget about the rest of us!" the figure to her left called as she and the tall woman beside her stepped into the room.
"Strength! Saya!"
"So, you're skull-girl's little pet. I gotta say, you don't look half bad for a small fry." said Alucard as he entered.
"Uh, thanks? Whoever you are..."
"She's just as pretty as she is strong, no-life king. As expected of my apprentice." said the last figure before entering.
"Kurai, you're here too?"
"Damn straight! I wouldn't miss a showdown like this in a million years!"
"Everyone..."
The happy reunion was cut short by Yuu suddenly grabbing Ebony from behind and holding her close. "How did you find this place?"
"Through you. That little trip you took down memory lane left your mind open for me to explore. At least now I understand why you became like this." explained Strength.
Yuu growled at her counterpart. "So, even you turn against me, Strength..."
Yomi gave the short girl a look of pity. "Yuu...there is something very important you need to know. There is more to our past that must be explained-"
"SHUT UP!"
Before anyone could react, Yuu put her finger to Ebony's forehead, and the bride in black went limp, collapsing in her arms.
"Ebony! What did you do to her?" Yomi growled.
Yuu smiled maliciously. "Nothing much, just put her to sleep. But don't worry, the counter charm is quite simple. She just has to be kissed on these lovely lips of hers, and she'll awaken." Yuu gave the unconscious girl's neck a sadistic lick, much to Yomi's displeasure. "Mmm, tasty. I don't think I'll be able to restrain myself for very long."
"Don't you dare!"
"Tell you what, four-eyes. I'll make you a deal..."
The entire room shook as an enormous pillar began to rise from beneath Yuu, lifting her and the unconscious Ebony towards the black sky.
"You have ten minutes to get pass my guards and climb this tower. If you don't make it to me by then, she's mine. Good luck! Hahahahahahaahahahaha!"
Yomi watched the pair ascend high into the sky, her face contorted in a snarl. She looked down at the base of the large pillar. Stairs were jutting out of its side, spiraling up the tower as it grew. The climb wasn't going to be hard, but the adversaries that stood between her and the tower most likely were. She was just about to charge into the enemy ranks, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Alucard smiling devilishly past her.
"Don't worry about them, skull-girl. We'll handle the small fry, you go ahead." the ancient vampire said as he loaded a fresh magazine into his handguns.
"Your master's right, Takanashi." Kurai cut in, stepping beside her with a hand on the hilt of his sword. "We will pave the way, so be sure to get your girl back. The fate of the multiverse depends on it."
Yomi hesitated for a moment.
"It's alright, Yomi." said Strength, readying her gauntlets. "We'll be fine, so let's get Ebony back."
"Do us proud, Takanashi." Saya said.
Yomi paused for a moment, then nodded. "I will. Thank you, everyone."
Kurai then shoved Acreios into her hand. "Be sure that she gets this. I don't think I have to explain how essential it is to her victory."
"Yeah, the wound in my wing is still burning from it."
"Alright. Now then..."
The five warriors burst from where they stood towards the enemy.
"Let's go!"
Yuu's minions roared and charged to meet the heroes. The five tore through the ranks of hollows, with bullets, swords, and fists. In the midst of the battle, nobody noticed Sanmex slip away into the outer halls of the fortress. The young boy smiled mischievously as he entered the courtyard. Now that he had what he came for, there was no longer any reason to stay around. Just as he was nearing the front gate, an arrow sailed past his head, clipping his ear and sticking into the ground in front of him. Sighing in annoyance he turned around to see Neeba standing a short distance away, with another arrow already notched and three more in his hand.
"Going somewhere?" said the archer.
Sanmex smiled. "Why yes, I was just on my way back to Trotejy."
"I knew it. I knew we shouldn't have trusted you."
"Aw, don't be so hard on yourself, Neeba. It's not like I plan on helping those idiots fight your mistress."
"Then what was the point? Why get close to Fury?"
"To get info."
"In that case, I can't let you leave here alive."
Neeba then fired loosed his arrow, followed shortly by the rapid notching and firing of the other three in his hand. To his surprise, every shot he fired struck air. The next thing he knew, the sharp blade of a dagger was held against his throat.
"You missed me, Neeba." Sanmex whispered.
With one move, the young boy slit the archer's throat and disappeared back to his master.
Alucard blew away the hollows that came at him with ease, smiling with violent delight as he did so.
"Hahahahahahaha! Is that all you've got? Please! Dogs like you are nothing for a no-life king!" he declared.
The vampire didn't bother to waste his bullets on the next swarm that attacked. Instead, he clawed and bit his way through them, savoring the taste of their fallen blood. He licked the residual blood from his left hand while firing away at another wave with his right.
"How crude." an ancient voice mocked.
Surprised, Alucard turned around to see an orb of dark energy flying his way. The vampire ducked under the orb as it sailed past his head and exploded on a nearby hollow. Looking back in the direction of the shot, Alucard saw a tall man wearing ancient armor, with white hair that was tied into spike tipped braids, and a scar over his left eye. The man's feet did not touch the ground, for a small vortex of energy levitated him. Red energy swarmed around his right hand, and light blue energy swarmed around his left.
"Who the hell are you?" Alucard asked, rising to his feet.
"I am called Algol, monster."
"Am I too assume that you serve the little brat?"
"Regrettably so, yes."
"Figures."
"Enough talk. Your methods of combat are barbaric and lack skill, so I will show you the way true kings fight!"
(Battle theme: Soul Calibur 4 OST: Thanatos)
With that, Algol charged toward Alucard and swung his right hand, which transformed into a red sword as it neared the vampire. Alucard ducked under the attack and leapt back. Drawing his pistols, the vampire fired a quick barrage of holy bullets at Algol. The hero king threw his left hand in front of him, converting it into a shield of shimmering crystals and blocking the projectiles. Then he countered by converting his right arm into a gun barrel and fired a large ball of dark energy at the vampire. Alucard was unable to dodge the shot and took the full force of its explosion. Blood dripping from fresh wounds, Alucard discarded his handguns in favor of using his hands. Algol greeted the attack with a smile before converting his hands into a red sword and a crystal sword and swinging both at the vampire. Alucard jumped over the attack with ease and sailed over the hero king's head. However, a series of sharply curved blades suddenly sprouted from Algol's back, cutting the vampire and flinging him into the air. On his descent, Alucard watched as a giant set of mandibles protruded from Algol's stomach to catch him before the hero king spun around and flung him at a nearby wall. Recovering from the brutal attacks, Alucard stuck his feet out and landed in a crouch position on the wall. Algol let a smirk of respect cross his face.
"Impressive, for an animal." the hero king said.
"You're not too bad yourself, old man." Alucard snickered in response.
The vampire then bolted from the wall with his hand outstretched, too fast for Algol to react. Alucard stuck his closed fingers into the hero king's stomach earning a grunt of pain. Algol lifted his leg to kick the vampire, but Alucard side stepped out of the way and delivered a roundhouse kick to the hero king's head. Algol realled back in pain, clutching at his throbbing temple. Alucard took a stance in preparation for another attack, when the hero king suddenly raised his fist high into the air.
"Sleep for eternity!" cried Algol.
A large throne materialized from nowhere, and came crashing down on Alucard's shoulders. Before the vampire could try to remove the heavy throne, Algol teleported to just above the seat and descended.
"The mighty Algol..."
He sat on the throne and crossed his legs, bringing it all the way down onto Alucard's back and forcing him into the ground.
"...has no equal!"
The throne disappeared and Algol stood up again. He reached down and picked up the broken vampire by his hair. Alucard made no attempt to move. Sighing, Algol converted his free hand into the red sword and prepared to stab. Just then, Alucard reached up and grabbed the hero king's arm, just before sinking his teeth into it. Algol screamed in pain and his hand reverted to normal. Shaking himself free from the hero king's grasp, Alucard then smiled insanely as his right side became covered in eyes and darkness.
"You're not the only one with a neat trick up their sleeve!" the vampire cackled.
Algol could only watch as Alucard's right arm split into a dozen mouths filled with razor sharp teeth, and then bite onto every one of his limbs. The heads began to pull, and the hero king cringed under the immense pain as his stamina failed him. With a final pull, Algol's body was ripped apart, scattering blood and gore everywhere around Alucard. The vampire smiled with sadistic pleasure as the mouths that comprised his right arm stuck out their tongues and began licking the blood from the floor.
"That was fun, we should do it again some time, hero king."
On the ramparts overlooking what little remained of the chapel, two warriors stood facing each other. One was clad in white armor, and wielded a black claymore and a golden longsword. His white hair reflected the madness shining in his grey eyes. The other wore only a leather jacket and pants, and kept a firm grip on the zweihander slung across his waist. His dark hair contrasted with the determination of his blue eyes. They had decided to move their battle here, so as not to be disturbed by other warriors.
"It's been a while, White Steel Wrath." said the dark haired man.
"Indeed it has, Kurai Shosetsuka." said the man in white.
Kurai smirked. "Who'd have thought, that my greatest opponent, would be my own self?"
Wrath returned the smirk. "My thoughts exactly."
Kurai's smile faded. "You disappoint me, Wrath."
"How so?"
"I thought that if you were really me, you would cast aside those trophy's and fight with your own strength. After all, what good is a man who can't do anything on his own?"
Now it was Wrath's turn to glare. "If you came all this way just to lecture me, then I have no time for you."
"You're right. Let's not waste any more time."
Both men took a stance. Wrath stared at Kurai with a hint of confusion. The dark haired man had released his grip on his sword, and held both his fists up.
"Are you not going to draw your sword?"
"I will if I have to."
Wrath narrowed his eyes. "So be it, then."
(Battle theme: Asura vs. Augus theme. Real song name is too long. :P)
The warriors burst towards each other, as if propelled by lightning. Kurai sent a series of rapid punches at his counterpart, catching him by surprise and knocking him back a good 10 feet. Wrath quickly regained his footing and charged at Kurai. The dark haired warrior side stepped out of the path of the twin swords and crouched down before delivering a spiraling uppercut. Wrath leaned back to avoid the punch and thrust his swords forward. Kurai caught one blade, but the other scraped his side. Unhindered, Kurai used the weight of the claymore in his hand to throw his counterpart over his head, following it up with a backwards cartwheel that struck Wrath right in the face. The white haired man caught himself and skidded to a halt a few feet away. He growled as he wiped some blood off his bruised lip.
"What's wrong? Is that all you've got?" Kurai taunted.
"You wish! Miroku!" Wrath shouted.
A glowing pair of red eyes appeared on the claymore, and Wrath drove the weapon into the ground. Dozens of large black blades began to burst out of the ground in a wave towards Kurai. The dark haired warrior jumped and dodged out of the path of the blades, weaving his way toward his counterpart. Just as he jumped over another blade, Kurai widened his eyes in surprise when he saw Wrath with his longsword glowing a fiery gold.
"Ex-calibur!" yelled Wrath.
A torrent of golden flame erupted from the sword, striking Kurai dead on. The dark haired warrior fell back to the ground, jacket ablaze. He rolled to his feet just as he felt his skin touch crystal (in case you forgot, Fury's fortress is made of white crystals), and threw his jacket from his shoulders. Wrath noticed a deep hatred start to burn in Kurai's eyes at the loss of the garment.
"That jacket was a gift from my father!." Kurai growled.
"Whatever asshole." Wrath replied.
"You just called yourself an asshole!"
"I'm you! The only reason I'm an asshole is because you're an asshole! Asshole!"
"Grrrrrrr!"
"Rrrrrrrrr!"
The warriors charged at each other again, slashing and punching angrily. Kurai quietly cursed himself for getting carried away and remembered his technique. Focusing his rage into his fists while remaining silent, he was able to quickly build up speed and strength. Soon enough. Kurai was overwhelming his counterpart with little effort. Seeing an opening, Kurai sent a powerful punch that struck Wrath square in the stomach. The other self held back a wave of vomit as he charged up Excalibur for another attack. This time Kurai saw it coming, and thrust his right foot at Wrath's hand. To his surprise, Wrath tossed the weapon into the air, and brought Miroku down into the ground.
"Miroku!"
Too late to dodge, Kurai cringed as a black blade drove into his shoulder, rooting him to the spot. Wrath caught Excalibur as it came down and swung it at his trapped counterpart.
"Excalibur!"
Once again, Kurai took the full force of the holy sword's golden flames. Wrath smirked in satisfaction when he saw his counterpart fall to his knees, severly injured and gasping for breath.
"What's wrong, old boy? Already run out of steam?" Wrath taunted.
Kurai gave no reply.
"You know, the way you are now, you remind me a lot of your daughter."
This caused Kurai to snap to attention. "Wha..."
"Didn't you know? She was searching for you during the battle of Windbloom. She confronted me and did a number on my face, but I soon drove the brat to her knees. She begged me to tell her where you were. You should have seen it, it was really pathetic, especially for someone of your lineage. 'Please, I can't find my daddy!' 'Tell me where he is! I can't bear to be without him!' Pah! Such impudence. And worse yet, I'm pretty sure she was crying when I had her at sword point. Yeah, there was definitely tears in her eyes. What do you think of that, K-"
WHACK!
Wrath was interrupted by the hilt of Misery coming down on his head. He looked up from where he lay crouched on the ground, and froze when he saw his counterpart. Kurai had his sword drawn, his injuries had healed, and his eyes had become pure white with rage.
"You talk too much!" bellowed the dark haired warrior.
Wrath raised Excalibur to block a vertical strike that came at his head, only to have the holy sword shatter to pieces upon impact. Shocked beyond belief, Wrath could only watch as Kurai did the same with Miroku before slicing into his chest. Cringing, Wrath leapt back and drew his gear shaped battleaxe, the only weapon left in his arsenal. I don't understand...petty insults like that shouldn't be enough to rile him up this much! Wrath thought. He dodged a strike from Misery, and watched the ground cave in slightly under the massive sword. Wait...I must have said something specific, something that would piss him off more than anything. But what? What did I- Then the answer, along with the large blade of Kurai's zweihander, hit him. Asura. Kurai's first and most feared ancestor. The source of that man's wrath, the thing that drove him to crawl his way back to life time and again, had all been for one thing: his duty as a father. He would not forgive anyone who made his daughter cry. It was for that reason that he had destroyed so many powerful foes, and even Chakravartin, the creator himself, that he had earned the title 'Asura, The Destructor'. Wrath fell to the ground, blood gushing from his badly injured chest and the broken fragments of his axe scattering around him. The other self stared up at his counterpart, whose eyes had now returned to normal. Kurai had won. However, Wrath was not at all upset by his loss.
"You know...that as long...as you live...I will keep returning...right?" Wrath wheezed.
"I do." Kurai said solemnly.
The dark haired man stuck his sword in the ground beside him, then held out his open palm.
"I know all too well that the slightest pain in my heart will revive you. I have known this for a long time now."
Kurai put his hand over his heart, then dug his fingers into his chest. Wrath's eyes widened in alarm.
"No way...you don't have the guts!" he declared.
"We'll...nh!...see about that!" Kurai grunted.
Kurai pressed harder into his chest and grunted loudly when he felt his hand sink all the way inside. He continued to delve deeper inside himself, inch by excrutiating inch. Finally, his fingers took hold over the vital organ, and he began to pull.
"Kurai Shosetsuka, don't you dare!"
"Shut up! If I'm going to hell...then I'm taking you with me!"
With a final cry of pain, Kurai tore his heart from his chest. Panting from the sudden loss of bloodflow and oxygen, the dark haired warrior collapsed to his knees. He looked down at the battle taking place in the chapel ruins below. Strength and Saya were battling with a red knight and a woman in blue, while Yomi had nearly reached the base of the tower.
"The rest is up to you...Takanashi..." Kurai gasped.
With one last breath, he closed his eyes and collapsed.
"With your help...she will become the greatest nightmare the world has ever known."
A/N: Please review and continue to read! Only two chapters left! DarkNovelist out.