Chapter 25: The Different Directions
Disclaimer: All rights reserved to KOEI TECMO, TECMO and Team NINJA. I am not Yosuke Hayashi.
A/N: Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry for these late updates! Internet is tight and I didn't have my computer for two weeks! Another storm hit again at my house and I waited for the internet to come back for nearly a week! Hope you're still reading, because Hitomi is finally on her way to meet Kai!
Thanks for the huge support!
Don't forget to R&R!:)
"You have proven to be worthy," Belinda, the Queen's Left Hand spoke coldly, clearly annoyed with them still here, "I will bring you what you have come for immediately. If you may please wait for me." She excused herself and left the throne room. Apparently, the Queen was tended to as soon as Leifang had won the duel. Leifang couldn't help but feel slightly horrible. She had nearly killed a woman, but again, it was for Hitomi, and Hitomi was her best friend. She was also the savior of the universe. There was no way she would not give her life for her.
"I wonder what the thing she's bringing is?" Hayate wondered, not letting go of Hitomi's hand. Hitomi flushed and refused to answer. This had to be the first time he actually did hold her hand like this. The others came up with unrealistic answers for what could possibly be given.
The old Amazon returned with what seemed to be a big sac. The others watched it warily, but also curiously. Slowly, she approached Hitomi, her expression blank.
"This is for you," she said quietly, "it will not work unless it is you who wields it..." Hitomi accepted the sac, and slowly uncovered it. It took a while, as the item had many layers over, but when she finally finished, she couldn't believe her eyes. It was a sword. However, as Hitomi drew it out of its pouch, she couldn't believe her eyes... It was the sword that she had used to defeat the monster that what a pretense queen weeping for her husband's death. It was not a small wakizashi sword like before, however. It was long, silver and beautiful with a shining diamond at the base, with dragons wrapping their tails around the handle. And of course, words that she could not understand on the length of the blade.
"It is called, 'The Heaven Sword'." The Amazon said, watching as Hitomi's eyes went colourless.
"It's beautiful..." Hitomi marveled, letting the small rays of the sun hit the blade, making the diamond glow.
"But why is it called like that?" Andra couldn't help but ask, "sure, it is light, and the aura surrounding it is pure, but -" she was cut off by Belinda.
"Calm yourself, Huntress. This blade was supposed to be one of twin blades," she glared at her, "they used to be called Heaven and Hell swords, created by the one that wanted to balance good and evil. He once said, that the world should not be solely good or solely evil, as chaos would mostly ensure."
"I don't understand," Leifang frowned, "if the world was good and that there was no evil, then why shouldn't it be solely good? There would be no evil to corrupt it, wouldn't it?"
"That's where you're wrong, Leifang," Hitomi interrupted Belinda, her eyes still colourless and voice distant, "from what I have learnt, there is two kinds of dominating species in two different dimensions. Angels and Demons. If the world was solely evil, then Demons will conquer it and we all know what would happen," she then drew the sword back in its pouch, "however, if the world was solely good, Angels would conquer it. But again, it wouldn't be enough good for them. They would be driven to madness, and the change the world by imposing inhumane rules, just so it would be good."
"Yes," the elder Amazon said, clearly pale and surprised to what Hitomi defined, "but in good there is always evil and vice versa for evil. That is why, when the first Angelic and Demonic war occurred, this man, Cornelius Mori created the blades Heaven and Hell. He fought off both forces on behalf of the people and both Celestius and Daemonum had come up with a truce. But their battles begun again when Cornelius passed away. It was murder and both the Angelic and Demonic armies thought it was either of them. Angels were winning the battles against them, then at eighteen, Prince Kai had killed his father because of that. Since then, every dimension has fallen to Daemonum."
Andra scowled, "I don't believe Saccra has fallen just yet." She snarled. Belinda glared at her.
"Andra," Hayabusa calmly called, "calm down."
"How can I calm down when this old hag speaks so lowly of the place I grew up in?" She glared at Belinda, "I want to see it with my own eyes and prove you wrong."
Belinda rolled her eyes, "do what you think you must, Hybrid," she smirked at Andra's growl, "for now I order you to leave this village and never come back. Our queen is on the verge of death and I must attend to her. Excuse me." She then quickly marched down to the Queen's quarters.
Andra scoffed as the group turned to walk out of the castle, "stupid old bitch. I've got no time for her at all." She then followed the others outside. They made their ways to the outer bounds of the village, until they were close to a river.
Leifang took the map inside her pocket and was prepared to read where to go next, but instead, a big, green question mark appeared. The Chinese girl frowned and halted in her steps.
"We've got a problem, guys." The others stopped and turned to her, "the map says nothing on where to go next." She said. Eliot walked beside her and eyed the map before nodding.
"There's only one glowing question mark." He said. Andra blinked slightly.
"Could it be?" She wondered aloud, making the others stare at her, "could it be that it's finally time?"
"Time for what?" Hayate questioned, still quite worried about Hitomi's lack of speech.
"Time to fight!" Her amethyst eyes widened, "maybe it's time to fight in the war! Maybe it's time to confront him!" The others paled slightly.
"Hold it!" Ayane interrupted, "you told us that we're somehow part of this prophecy thing...but the only people who actually have powers here is you, Hitomi, Leifang and I would say Eliot, but in all honesty...his power is pretty useless against what we're fighting against." She saw Eliot's crestfallen expression. She sent him an apologetic look.
"That's not really true," Jann Lee said, "this is proof that I also have powers," he lifted his pants' leg and showed her the red jewel, "when I spin my foot around, my leg was on fire and I remember killing those alphas clones during the challenge."
"I also have one on my arm." Hayate lifted the sleeve of his shozaku, showing the colourless jewel.
"I don't have one." Hayabusa muttered.
"Me neither." Ayane scowled, displeased. Andra sighed.
"You're right...Hitomi cannot go on without her...friends. We'll have to find a way to unlock them, but since it won't be in this dimension..." She turned to Irene, "I'm sorry, but we don't need your help anymore." She flicked her long hair to the side. Irene appeared startled.
"But...are you sure you won't need my help?" Irene asked, mainly staring at Ryu, perhaps awaiting for him to defend her. The Dragon Ninja said nothing, not catching her eyes at all.
"A human like you wouldn't be able to defend herself against demons like them." Andra said, clearly annoyed.
"I fought against fiends before!" The blonde retorted.
"But that didn't end well, did it?" Ryu calmly said, receiving a glare from her, "I doubt you have a power either, since Hitomi didn't really know you..."
"But she doesn't know you as well, Ryu." Hayate said.
"She does however know me," a voice interrupted behind them, "we've met before, however, I think I'm just one of those faces you easily forget..." Kasumi, walked by Rona appeared, a big smile on her face. She was back in her black armor. Hitomi squealed and tackled her into a hug.
"Kasumi! I'm so glad you're okay!" She pulled back, her eyes still colourless, "we have so much to tell you about. Leifang has been a real hero and beat the Queen to a pulp!" She pointed to a blushing Leifang.
"Hitomi, stop flattering me!" She said, clearly embarrassed. Jann Lee nodded.
"I disagree. She wasn't being a hero, she was being a dummy." He ruffled her hair. Leifang glared at him, smoothing it back.
"Are we seriously going back to that? I saved your sorry arse from being a slave, so I guess thanks are in order." She said smugly. Jann Lee sighed.
"Fine, thanks...dummy." He laughed as she tried to strike him.
"Why you little...ugh!" She angrily crossed her arms over her chest. Kasumi and Hitomi laughed. Hitomi looked at Kasumi, mentally saying,
"How is the baby?"
Kasumi smiled, then replied mentally, "I don't really know...this is just my first month. I think I'm only five weeks along..."
"Oh...that's not too far to show. So you're okay. But I really do think that you should tell your brother." She smiled.
"You only say that because you love him." Kasumi giggled at Hitomi's blushing cheeks and pink pupils.
"S-shut up!" She said aloud. It was then that they noticed everyone else's wide eyed stares.
"Well at least we know that Kasumi can telepathically speak to Hitomi. But we don't really know her true powers..." Ayane said.
"Well then. If the map won't show us where to go -" Andra was interrupted by Rona.
"You must leave." She said quietly, the turned and left.
"No, wait. We're out of your village! You can't tell us what to do!" Irene yelled. Suddenly, the sky went grey, lightning stroke and thunder was heard. Kasumi let out a roar of pain and crouched down, her once amber eyes now white and pink. She ignored the shouts of the people around her, as a scenario flashed before her very eyes...
-Premonition-
The crowd gasped in shock and horror as the Angel fell to the ground, a golden arrow firmly planted in his chest. His blue eyes blank and body rigid, he fell forward, blood spilling from the wound. The crowd of angels went frantic, screaming in panic as the guards calmed them down. In the middle of the arena, a young man was chained, his almost naked body decorated in fresh scars. Blood was smeared on his face. His black hair greasy. When he looked up, his red eyes were full of sadness, rage and confusion. He was looking at someone.
A woman. White and black wings sprouted out of her back, her long, silver hair touching her heels. In her hands was a golden bow, in her back, a golden quiver with golden arrows. Her face expression was blank, her eyes colourless.
"Why?" The man whispered, "why?"
"In good," the melodic voice of the woman replied, "there is always evil. And in evil...there is always good."
She had just barely finished speaking that guards were grabbing her arms and dragging her away.
-End of Premonition-
"Kasumi!" Ryu frantically said, shaking her, "can you hear me, Kasumi?" The kunoichi gasped and sat up, her body trembling. Tears blurred her vision and she cried, falling into Hayabusa's arms. Hayabusa patted her back, comforting her.
"What's wrong, Kasumi?" Hayate softly asked, "why are you crying?"
She continued to cry, refusing to respond. Ayane felt the grief and sadness that she was experiencing, and a jewel, purple like her attire, appeared on her forehead. Bewildered at the intense feeling, she moved her hands around her body and when she touched her face, she felt it.
"I have one now on my forehead..." she muttered, making everyone turn to her, "which colour?"
Eliot was first to walk towards her, and lift her purple bangs to see. Ayane was blushing madly at the closeness of their faces. She thought his eyes flitted to her lips for a second, before pulling back.
"It's purple." He said simply.
"Alright...so far we've got pink - " Andra was interrupted by Hitomi.
"But where is hers?" She asked curiously.
"My ribbon," Kasumi responded weakly, "I almost never take it off. But when I had to, I saw the jewel." Hayate took a good look at her head and nodded in approval.
"Okay...we've got pink, purple, white or silver, red and yellow. What are we missing?" The Huntress asked, looking at the group.
"Green, orange and black." Mingyu smiled knowingly at Irene. The blonde returned a confused look, while Andra narrowed her eyes.
"Yeah...but I don't know what those are -... Hold on." She approached Hayabusa, "if you're the only one that doesn't have one...then that means...that means that one of us is going to...have one too? It can't be me. I'm half demon, so giving me her powers are useless."
"So that leaves... Irene and Mingyu?" Eliot wondered, looking at Mingyu curiously.
"It can't be," Andra shook her head, "Irene is not part of the prophecy. And Mingyu..." She hesitated, "Mingyu is not either."
"Then what is she doing here?" Ayane growled, glaring at the girl. Mingyu glared back.
"I'm here for a reason. Don't worry, you'll know all about it soon." She said, muttering the last part to herself.
"Andra, it's like for Hayabusa and Kasumi. Hitomi knows Kasumi and Kasumi knows Hayabusa. I get why she doesn't know Irene, but Hitomi knows me and I know Mingyu..." Eliot said, but was cut off by Andra.
"It's just not...possible." She said, staring at Hitomi in disbelief.
"If fate guided me here," Irene interrupted, "then that means I'm part of this prophecy. I'm not leaving." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Die, then!" Andra snapped, turning to her, "I know I hid this for a while but I can't take it anymore!" She drew out Bloody Lolita, who was now glowing red, "the moment you came from that helicopter, I immediately sensed betrayal from you!" Irene's eyes widened as she looked at the size of the sword, "I know some of you felt it too...there's something wrong with you. Something terribly wrong with you! I let it pass because you seemed to know people here, but since yesterday, I couldn't help it. I know, that at some point you'll betray us," she then leaned forward, whispering, "and at that time, I'll kill you right then," she then turned to Mingyu, who's eyes looked murderous, "just like I'll kill you too!"
Eliot got in between them, "stop, Andra! Mingyu did nothing wrong!"
The Huntress sneered, "but she will. And when that time comes, I'll claim her head off those pretty shoulders."
"I'll just have to put up a fight, then, right, Hybrid?" Mingyu smirked, while Andra growled.
"Don't call me that!" She moved to strike her with the sword, just as Kasumi screamed;
"No! Not yet!" The sky darkened even more, a lightning bolt hitting Kasumi, Irene and Mingyu with immense force. They cried in pain, and in the blink of an eye, Irene and Mingyu had disappeared. Kasumi felt her eyes grow heavy, and she fainted.
"Kasumi!" Hayate yelled, alarmed. He had barely reached her, before the world spun around, Hitomi's voice reaching his ears just when all he saw was darkness.
"They have arrived..." An old woman with a cane supporting her weight said, her graying hair in a low ponytail. Her hands held a small book with a cross designed on the cover. As she chanted some Latin words, a wooden, crooked stick appeared in front of her.
"Miss Greta?" Dante appeared, a cup of tea in his right hand. He dropped it, the item shattering on the floor at the energy the wand was producing.
"Dante, grab your sword," Greta said, grabbing onto her wand, "today, we are meeting the Electus." She grabbed a grayish-blue cape, fixing it around herself, ignoring Dante's dumbfounded look.
"But what about Gwen and the twins?" He asked, taking his sword that has been leaning against the wall.
"Let them sleep," the woman said, "they will only awaken when we're back. Come now. Didn't you always say that you wanted to see how pretty she was?"
Dante grimaced slightly, then chuckled, "Gwen would murder me if I said it in front of her face."
Greta chuckled again, "let's just go."
Daemonum Terras
Enya felt herself come more alive. She grinned as she looked around, her yellow eyes gleaming with malice.
"Finally. I've come back," she sighed, but then frowned, "how, I don't know, but I now know what to do."
She then heard a shriek, then panicked words, "what the heck?! Where are we? And most importantly, where are Ryu and the others? Who are you? Why are we here? Shit, I must be dreaming." Irene shot, sunk to the reddish brown ground and took a breath, ready to say more.
"Shut up," Enya growled, "if you don't, I'll slit your throat." Irene's blue eyes widened, frightened, "come now. Lord Kai is probably waiting for us."
"What do you mean?" Irene questioned, following her as she took quick strides, "who is this Lord Kai you speak of?"
"Shut up!" Enya hissed again, this time, her eyes glowing as red as her hair, "I'll burn you to a crisp if you do." To prove her point, a ball of red fire appeared in her hands.
"Daughter," a cold, but monotone voice interrupted, freezing both the demon and the blonde. Enya froze and turned around. A man with similar red hair and eyes. Enya felt fear trickling down.
"Master Cruentus... Why are you here?" She asked.
"I came with friends of yours. Come on out." Four women, very attractive with all yellow eyes appeared. They looked tired and beaten. Enya watched them with wide eyes.
"These are..." She trailed off.
"Duvessa, Sayeh, Darcy and Parodia." Cruentus scowled, "they failed. Lord Kai is furious that you have not brought back the Electus. He wants you dead."
"Master, I know I have failed this time, but it still have four chances." Enya replied, trying to keep the fear out of her voice.
"And what are you going to do, Daughter?" Her master sneered, "and why is there a human with you?" He shot a frightening look at Irene, who cowered behind the young demoness.
"I have brought her here for our lord."
"You think human flesh shall appease his anger? You are a fool." Duvessa sneered.
"Master," Enya said, "I agree, I am a fool. I've been foolish all this time. I thought I could hurt Hitomi - the Electus - directly. She is nearly indestructible and would willingly give her life if it means that she could save her friends. It had not occurred to me until I saw her transform," she pulled Irene from behind her to face Cruentus and grinned, "she is the perfect weapon. I have seen that there is romance going on between two of the Innocence's friends. This woman is in love with the man and holds a deep feeling that would mean key to victory."
"And what is that feeling exactly? Hatred?" The red headed man asked his eyes narrowing.
"More than hatred, Master," Irene's eyes changed from sea blue to bright, neon green. A scowl made its way onto her face, "jealousy."
Cruentus stared at the blonde's face, then grinned deviously, "my daughter, you are a genius."
-Saccra Terras-
Andra was the first to awaken. She groggily rubbed her eyes, frowning as the sun's rays glared down on her. She took in her surroundings, then smiled brightly.
"I'm finally home," she chuckled, "the old hag was wrong after all."
"Ah," she heard a groan, "that was worse than the fog and the three Minxes. Geez, why is it so bright here?" It was Leifang, who was currently dusting off her dirty legs.
"Good morning, sunshine," Andra said sarcastically, receiving a glare from the Chinese girl, "aren't you a real Snow White who wakes up gracefully, ready for the day."
"When things don't involve fighting, I prefer to stay the lazy girl that I am." She undid her braids, grimacing as she saw curls flow down her shoulder, "why does my hair curl so easily? Why can't I have nice, straight, uncurling hair like Hitomi? Her hair is like, perfect." She tied her hair in pigtails and combed it with her fingers.
"That's only because she's got Angelic blood in her- shit. Forget what I said." She turned around, muttering a curse at her own mistake.
"Angelic blood?" Leifang frowned.
"I said forget it! I'm not meant to tell you anything," Andra then turned back to her, "they're waking up- hold it," she paused, "where are the blonde and Mingyu?"
"I don't really care," Leifang shrugged, "I always hated Mingyu, and like you said earlier, Irene has a bad aura around her. At least Mingyu is gone."
"And thank Kami for that," Ayane said, her voice husky with sleep, sitting up, "where are we?" She looked around, frowning, "this looks like a scene in a fantasy movie."
"We're finally in my dimension. Welcome to Saccra Terras, the Sacred Lands. This is where I grew up with my aunt. The village down there is Asloni. Pretty much witches, knights and fae. The good kind." Andra spread her arms and breathed in, "ah...I just love the peaceful air and I sense... I sense..." She then froze, "I sense...magic." Drawing out Bloody Lolita, who was glowing red with attention, she pressed a finger to her lips, silently ordering Ayane and Leifang to keep quiet. Footsteps could be heard behind the tree. She advanced slowly, then emitting a war cry, she attacked whoever was behind.
"Freeze!" The Huntress heard, and she froze instantly. An old woman appeared, staff and wand in hand. A young boy stood beside her.
"You need to be sure before you attack, darling child. Unfreeze." the woman grinned crookedly. A similar grin made its way on Andra's face.
"Aunt Greta!" She hugged the woman, who replied by wrapping her arms around her, "I missed you! And Dante," she pulled away from her aunt to look at Dante, "you look like shit."
"Why thank you, Andrelina," Dante said sarcastically, receiving a glare from her, "I shall say the same about you."
"Children," Greta chuckled, "settle down. Now, show me. Where is she? Where is our savior?"
"Right here," she pointed behind the tree. Greta approached carefully, then smiled at what she saw. Two girls were already awake, while others - men and women - were still asleep. That's when she felt the strong aura of power. It came from the girl with the brown hair and green jacket. She smiled and walked to her, then she pressed her fingers against her forehead. Hitomi woke up almost instantly, her bright blue eyes suddenly showing.
"Where are we?" She whispered, blinking at the old woman in front of her. Greta smiled.
"You are safe, my child. Come on, we will get you to eat something. I have a feeling you have not done this in a while." She said, lifting her up by the hand. Hitomi took in her surroundings.
"It's beautiful here..." But then a frown slipped on her face, "but it smells bad... Like rotten meat."
"Hey!" Andra growled, "this land hasn't been touched by a single demon so respect it!"
"Andra," Greta glared at her, "that's enough." She turned back to Hitomi, "I'm sorry, but you are right. This realm has been unfortunately attacked..."
"No! That can't be true!" Andra turned Dante, who looked upset, "is she serious? Is she not joking?" Dante remained silent, "answer me, damn it!"
"What's going on?" Hayate suddenly sat up, "where are we?" He looked around. Kasumi, Hayabusa, Jann Lee and Eliot were next to wake up, asking the same questions.
"Damn it all!" Andra snarled, "damn it all to hell!"
"Calm down, Andra!" Greta shouted, "I don't want to hear you anymore!"
"Where's Gwen? What happened to the village? Tell me! Anyone!"
"Silence!" Greta roared, her brown eyes flashing. Andra became mute, glaring at her aunt, "now back home!" Andra stormed away.
The others were completely silent.
"I'm sorry," the witch sighed, "I will explain when we are much more comfortable. We are not safe here," She beckoned Dante to come over and handed him her bag. She then turned to Hitomi, "I know that since the beginning of this adventure that you have tons of questions... I am willing to answer them all." She turned back to the road, smiling bitterly, "well...let's go follow that girl. God knows what she's capable of doing along the way." She then walked in front, with the others walking closely behind her.
A/N: Done!
I hope I get at least a few reviews...after all, I am aiming for 200 reviews.
Next chapter will be posted sooner than you think! And yes, I put WTSPH on hiatus because I want to finish up this story. It'll be back soon, though!
Next chapter, we'll see Kokoro again. This story is actually really close to the end! 9 out of 10 chapters to go (or more)
Thanks for the support!
Don't forget to R&R!