Chapter 36

Despite his viscous outburst, neither Hei nor November moved a muscle. They still did not know what their enemy's power entailed as those brief displays of power were not enough for them to determine it. Experience lent its wisdom; not to act rashly without any prior planning – even if that planning was spontaneously based on the knowledge they gleaned from each encounter.

Though they were trapped by the restrictions of fighting an unknown enemy, those same reservations did not apply to Wei. He laughed before charging towards them, suddenly sweeping his arm across in front of him. A spray of his blood traversed that distance and both men quickly evaded it, understanding enough to realize that his self-mutilation was related to his ability.

No sooner had they evaded, he snapped his fingers and they watched as the ground where droplets landed darkened into tiny black spheres that vanished as quickly as they appeared. In its place, the ground they stood on became pocked with small craters; the area voided by his mysterious skill.

The two separated apart and Wei didn't hesitate as he pursued November. Forced on the defensive, he evaded the blood shower to the best of his abilities. Even so, there was too much of it and he cursed under his breath as he watched the tip of his wakizashi disappear. His physical weapon could not withstand the onslaught, but the same was not true for his ice blades since he could summon those at will.

Switching tactics, he sheathed his sword and formed a number of jagged icicles around himself. Projecting them at Wei, he didn't hesitate to take them out with his blood power, but November had considered the possibility. A hidden ice blade was sent hurling his way after the other ones had vanished. It was a sound tactic, but Wei still managed to avoid it at the same time that he dodged an oncoming attack from Hei, who he had previously ignored.

Though he didn't have any fond feelings for the man, November hoped that Hei had a plan in mind. It was dangerous for him to get close when his power relied on a physical weapon. They were typically bitter rivals, which was why he understood full well that Hei also made a strong ally at a time like this. Even knowing what Wei's power did, it would be difficult to get around it.

He had chosen their location well. At the plateau leading into Kurozuka Cave, there was nothing for them to hide behind that could take the brunt of his attack. They either sacrificed their weapons or evaded every last drop of blood that he continued to shower upon them. For him, he could use his ice blades, but Hei didn't have the equivalent luxury.

Rushing in to attack while his attention had been focused on November, Hei was forced to dive roll to the left when his strike missed and Wei sent out another mist of blood. Damn if his power wasn't annoying! He had never heard of any such power before, but that didn't negate the fact that he could obliterate anything his blood touched. He happened to like his body very much; he didn't enjoy the idea that any small misjudgment might gain him a gaping hole in it during this battle.

Safely evading that assault, he ended up regrouping with November who stood at the ready with ice daggers floating around them. As they glanced at each other, they wordlessly agreed to put past grievances aside – for the moment. Just because they helped each other now against their common enemy, it didn't mean it was going to happen again.

"What now?" November inquired.

"Don't know yet," replied Hei.

Their opportunity for strategic planning was cut short as Wei charged at them once more, clearly enjoying the matchup. He had the advantage and he fully realized it. Again they separated and again he pursued November. Clearly he thought that he was more of a threat than Hei. Based on the medium for their powers, that was true since he couldn't regenerate his weapon whereas November had an endless supply of protection. As long as he was alive, he could create his blades.

Though he was mostly on the defensive, November realized that they would never get anywhere if he remained that way. Mixing in offensive manoeuvres, even as he dashed around avoiding the rain of blood, he only managed to nick his other arm slightly. Since his power seemed to be linked to his blood, that only produced another source for him. Thankfully it was on his shoulder and November couldn't imagine how he would use that superficial wound to his advantage, if he even tried.

There was no point taking him down little by little, wearing him out. Rather, he needed to be dealt with in one critical blow – but how? His offensive was his defensive since they couldn't get close to him. He was fine with long-range and close-range fighting, but Hei was more suited for close-range battles.

Watching from their vantage point, Misaki and Kanami could feel their hearts lodging at the back of their throats. As the battle continued in front of them, they couldn't understand Wei's power; they didn't understand how it worked, but they understood its destructive capabilities. Anything that came in contact with his blood was immediately obliterated with a snap of his fingers.

For reasons unknown, Wei's focus was locked on November; a fact which caused Kanami a great deal of concern – evident in the way she was unknowingly crushing Misaki's hand in a death grip. Though Misaki wanted to be reassuring that they would find a way to defeat the enemy, she couldn't say a word. Even as a clan leader, it seemed like Hei was struggling and that was disheartening. If anything happened to him… She just couldn't bear the thought.

Silently praying that this would be over quickly, she had no choice but to watch. It was one of those instances where she really didn't want to, yet at the same time, she couldn't look away. There was too much riding on this moment, her own existence being one of those aspects, along with that of her husband's.

Though he continued to attack November, Hei refused to be ignored. He used every opportunity he could to initiate an assault. Most times Wei seemed prepared and Hei couldn't comprehend how. Regardless of whom he was and wherever he had come from, he shouldn't have enough battle experience to fight on par with two clan leaders, and yet the reality was that he did. The damage he received from both November and Hei was minor; something he easily ignored. In fact, he appeared immune to physical pain which could be a consequence of his continual self-mutilation.

The scarring on their enemy's arm indicated that the two fresh wounds were not the first. Rather, they were only a couple out of a multitude; his arm was browned with criss-cross patterns of slash wounds which healed into scars. It shouldn't be surprising that he didn't notice his injuries when he had desensitized himself to them.

In spite of that fact, there was no way he would back down – not when Misaki's safety was at stake. Mentally prepared for the outcome, he was ready to sacrifice a limb, if need be, to ensure that she was protected. He already failed her once before, he was not about to let that happened another time. She was much too important to him.

Catching a moment where Wei was being repelled by November's attack, Hei charged in with his blade held at the ready. He expected Wei to be prepared for him, which he was, but he forged ahead even as he evaded the jet of blood directed at him. Certain that he hadn't been touched by any of it, he still moved forwards even as Wei snapped his fingers.

Forced to pause momentarily, the tip of one blade disappeared as he hadn't been careful enough in avoiding all the droplets. Letting out a low growl, he spun around to the side as Wei took that marginal hesitation to send out another spray of blood. It defied all logic as Hei figured he should have fainted from the blood loss, but that wasn't the case; at least it felt like they had been fighting for days.

His avoidance of both attacks led him to continue his own offensive onslaught. Though it lost part of one blade, it still had the other half intact. It didn't matter what it looked like as long as it was capable of injuring the man, and ultimately killing him. Rushing in headlong once more, he didn't pause to dwell upon any uncertainties. He would kill Wei and make him pay for kidnapping Misaki – period.

"That eager to die, are we?" Wei taunted with a laugh. "You leave me no choice but to oblige you."

As his focused shifted to Hei, November was given a respite as he still didn't have a plan in mind. Hei didn't seem to be faring any better against their enemy than he had; perhaps even worse as his weapon was slowly, but surely being destroyed with the prolonged contact. He hated to think this at such a vital time, but it seemed like Hei had lost his mind. The resulting gasps from the background indicated he wasn't the only one to think so.

Hei fought on valiantly and his continued effort finally paid off as he managed to break passed Wei's bloody defense. The jagged remains from half of his broken weapon slashed across his side. Even so, Wei didn't notice at all, his subsequent attack forcing Hei to dive away and put some distance between them.

The distance he managed to cover with that evasive move led him to close the gap between him and November where the blond-haired man stood watching their skirmish. Safe for the moment, Hei glanced at his nemesis to see that he was carefully monitoring him, clearly questioning his sanity. Not feeling the need to explain his tactics, Hei's eyes hardened before he turned to face the enemy.

"Cover me," he instructed, and then charged in once more.

So… Despite the supposed desperation of his actions, it seemed he actually had a plan in mind. It was the only way November could understand it, even if he didn't explain what it was exactly. In any other situation, he wouldn't have taken such orders from Hei, but critical times called for cooperation. Kanami's safety was imminently more important than any of his pride in facing Hei.

They combined their efforts as November provided the coverage that was lacking from their physical surroundings. While Hei charged in on the front lines, he served as the defensive support. After all, close combat fighting was one of Hei's specialties. Even so, he wasn't completely safe as Wei's attacks managed to steadily eat away at Hei's weapon.

It wasn't long before the only thing that remained was the handle and the attached wire. November couldn't comprehend why when he had perfect control of his ice blades which countered the vast majority of projectile blood flung at Hei. In spite of that fact, every so often there were a drop or two that made it passed his icy defense. It didn't look like Wei could control the path of the blood once it was released.

No one could tell how much time had elapsed since the start as the intricate battle dance drew in every molecule of awareness in all who were present. Kanami was slightly relieved that November was no longer the main focus of the enemy's attention. At the same time, she was still worried about Master Hei who continually forged ahead though he wasn't getting anywhere.

There were too many close encounters for Misaki to count and each one was like another twist of tension when it was already at its max. She understood that the current situation wasn't meant for battle planning, but she wished Hei would regroup with November and use a chance to form some kind of plan, rather than repeatedly rushing in. Already, his weapon had dwindled down to nothing but a short stub of a handle.

Ignoring the lack of a weapon, Hei remained unrelenting in his persistence. In an act of insanity, he hurled the blunt handle at their enemy, which caused him to laugh as he countered his weak attack. The handle was not destroyed, but the wire was broken into two sections as a bead of blood had landed on the thick gauge wire typically attached to the handle end of Hei's split-blade knife.

Left with nothing but a wire, Misaki silently wished he would pull back and let November step in. Hei could be utterly obstinate when he wanted to be, yet this was not an instance where it would do them any good. Unaware of her wishes, he clearly didn't receive any notice of them because he continued as he had like nothing changed.

In and out he darted around Wei which only made the man laugh. He couldn't even attack anymore as his blade was obliterated entirely. It no longer existed. Rather than that killer bee originally honing in, he was more like a harmless fly that insisted on buzzing around even when one tried to shoo it away.

With one such encounter, Hei suddenly stumbled forward and Misaki could only watch helplessly as a soundless shriek emerged from between her lips. With Wei's unrelenting attacks, the ground had been marked with numerous cavities; Hei hadn't been conscientious of his footing when his foot kicked into one such dip, causing him to go flying in front of Wei.

In that instance, a large gush of blood was sent flying towards him. Everything seemed to pass in slow motion as Misaki instinctively reached out with her hand, wanting to stop that flow of liquid which was headed straight for Hei's back. It didn't miraculously disappear like she hoped it would, but a sigh of relief escaped when a large slab of ice absorbed it – November.

Grateful that the two had found a way to work together, she continued to bear witness to this moment which was quickly turning into a living nightmare. Even as the ice block protecting him shattered into millions of pieces, Hei made no move to get up. As he was, he was a sitting duck and Misaki willed him to get up; to get out of harm's way.

Without warning, they all watched as there was a snap of his wrist. The partial length of wire that was still attached to his blade handle snaked out and wrapped around Wei's ankle. At the same time, they could see the sparks of electricity which traversed down its guided path. Wei's body shook repeatedly from the electrocution before he finally dropped to the ground.

Only then did Hei slowly stand up, brushing himself off. Relief flooded through all of them. It was finally over. Hei and November were weary, but the important fact was that they were safe with only minor injuries. Hei joined November where he stood as he prepared to finish the task for good.

A massive serrated piece of ice was formed above Wei's body and with one swift downward stroke of his hand, it impaled through him. If Hei hadn't done the job, that would have. Blood from the wound began seeping into the ground. There was no possible way he would survive that.

Eager to join his wife, Hei turned to glance at her before frowning as she was still trapped within the bubble prison Wei had put her in. Turning to glance at the ice-impaled man, it was to find November cautiously approaching the body. He seemed curious to catch a closer glimpse of their defeated foe.

A minute flicker of movement caught his attention and Hei's eyes widened in surprise. Instinct kicked in as his shortened wire roped around November's arm and he gave it a forceful tug. A second later, there was the sound of a snap before an immense black sphere encased what would have been the enemy's remains. November went flying against Hei, knocking them both to the ground.

Stunned by the impact and the implications of the situation, November had nearly gotten himself killed after the fact. That sense of relief which had flooded his very being had temporarily blinded him to the fact that their enemy's capabilities were a blood power; his final attack releasing a significant volume of it.

"That was for earlier," Hei stated just to clarify that he had cleared his debt.

"Even."

Before they could say anything else, they found themselves assaulted by a different sort of attack. When Wei had ultimately killed himself, his powers were released and the prison around them had disappeared. Misaki and Kanami found themselves dropped unceremoniously onto the ground. Even so, they didn't waste any time as they got up immediately, running towards the men and subsequently launching themselves at them.

"Are you okay?" Kanami asked November anxiously.

"Much better now."

She was pulled into his firm embrace before he showered her face with kisses. Grinning happily, she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly. That had been the scariest moment she had ever experience and it was finally over. No one could hurt her or November anymore. Settling comfortably against his strength, she turned to glance at her mistress and master.

A blush touched her cheeks and she stared, despite the fact that she should look away. Dispensing with words entirely, Master Hei had pulled Mistress Misaki into his arms where he proceeded to kiss her passionately; in a way Kanami had yet to experience so far. Mistress Misaki voiced no complaints. Instead, she seemed to throw everything into the exchange.

Eventually glancing away, Kanami's arms tightened around November as she rested her cheek against his shoulder. She couldn't deny that she was envious of the contentment the two showed around each other. Then again, she rationally attributed it to the difference in their relationships. Master Hei and Mistress Misaki were already married while she wasn't yet with November. After all, he had never asked.

Noticing the way Kanami had stared at her mistress, November grinned. They hadn't reached that stage – not because he didn't feel equivalent feelings for her, but because he had decided to cherish his time with her. There was no doubt in his mind that she was new to every aspect of a romantically-involved relationship; he wanted to take his time in teaching her.

As she rested her head against him, he kept one arm tightly locked around her waist. The other reached up to cup her cheek as he turned her attention towards him. When she glanced up at him questioningly, he smiled gently. If she wanted a kiss, he wasn't going to deny her that unspoken request.

Slowly he leaned in towards her and Kanami's eyes fluttered closed as she waited for the feel of his lips against hers. November had never kissed her the way Master Hei was kissing Mistress Misaki, but that didn't change the fact that she enjoyed his kisses. They embodied that hidden depth of his character – his gentleness and sweetness.

Tenderly, they were pressed to hers, lingering in that moment even as his hold on her tightened; his hand against her back, holding her safe while she clung to him. When he finally pulled away, Kanami sighed with satisfaction while gazing into his eyes. He was truly here with her. In spite of all the fears and anxieties she had suffered earlier, none of that mattered anymore when she could touch him and hold him, drawing strength and peace from his proximity.

"Kanami," he whispered.

"Hm?"

"I'm glad you're safe."

"Me too," she replied with a smile.

Hugging him once more, she closed her eyes as she savoured the flood of positive energy that coursed through her veins. All her thoughts swirled and jumbled together; a mix of emotions that she was experiencing all at once – love, comfort, pride, contentment. Though she realized they were still bitter enemies, November had been able to put aside his animosity towards Master Hei; to work together with him so that they could all be safe.

Her heart swelled at the thought; that to save her, he had put aside everything else he was feeling. His lifelong rivalry with Master Hei still paled in comparison to the intensity of his emotions he held for her. Still he didn't declare his love for her, but his actions proved what she had been too hesitant to accept this whole time. Though he didn't say so in words, it didn't mean he loved her any less.

On impulse, she gave him a squeezing hug. Gradually opening her eyes, she was about to turn to him when she noticed something in the periphery of her vision. Turning her head that way, her eyes widened in surprise and she gasped softly. Thinking everything was over with the death of Wei, she had forgotten that he hadn't acted alone. After all, he wasn't the one who enticed her away from Aureolin Castle.

"What is it?" November questioned, instantly on the alert again from her response.

"… Amber."

Gazing in the direction she was looking, November spotted two females standing off in the distance. Both were as different as night and day, their only similarity in the colour of their outfits. Their sudden change in demeanor and hushed conversation was enough to draw the attention of their companions. Lips swollen from Hei's kisses, Misaki glanced at Kanami before looking where she was looking.

"Eh? Alice?"

"Who's that?" Hei demanded.

"… She's the one who appeared before me back at the castle, before I found myself with Kanami."

"That's what happened to me as well," Kanami explained. "Except it was Amber and not Alice…"

It was all they needed to hear – that they were working together with Wei. Neither man thought to analyze the situation more closely, just pleased that their women were safe. Growling softly even as Kanami still remained with him, November's eyes narrowed. A barrage of ice daggers formed around them which he sent flying towards the other two women. If they had a part to play in the kidnapping, then they were going to pay.

The four of them watched as the moment seemed to pass extremely slowly. Both Amber and Alice were staring in their direction which meant they could see what was happening, but neither of them moved. Rather, the onslaught of ice blades continued to approach closer and closer. They were only several feet away from impact, where they stood wordlessly without a flicker of emotions passing over their features, when a sudden wall of fog shrouded everything from view.

AN

Well... That only took me forever to update this story, which I apologize for. A mix of real life priorities and obsession with other projects got in the way.

That said, another reason why it took forever is the nature of this chapter... I'm not good at writing fight scenes and considering that this was what the story was leading up to the entire time... I wanted it to be something epic. After all, it's Wei - fighting against both November AND Hei. Whether I accomplished that feat or not, I'll leave it in your hands to judge. But for me, the sheer length of it was accomplishment enough! Lol. (You have no idea what a struggle it was to think of equivalent words for "attack" and "blade" and "spray"... Thank God for the thesaurus!)

And because, one cliffhanger is never enough! I'll present to you another one... haha! Are we starting to get the feeling that things are coming full circle? :)