CHAPTER LIV: BOUND FOR CELEBRATION
READ THIS PLEASE! This chapter is indeed a special one. At the point you reach the paragraph that starts below the horizontal line there is a song playing in the background. Said song was chosen by me after a short hunt across Youtube. The song later of course takes center stage in a dance. In accordance, personally, listening to the song will make this chapter much more better in sense and scale. The name of the piece is: "Fields of Tranquility." Written before it is "Royalty Free Music #132. ALL CREDIT goes to that Youtube user for THEIR creation of the song. I claim NOTHING to it at all.
DISCLAIMER: I claim NO OWNERSHIP to ANY of the characters in this story except (for in this chapter) Tojiro "Neo" Ankoku and Kasumi Moriko. They are my original characters and thus owned by me. All other characters belong to their respective creators/owners.
The fourth segment in the "Last Days" Arc is here. Half of the day is gone and now the Cloakmaster of Darkness must prepare his will and body for what will be his last day on Planet Earth. If at all before the end of Saga I this scene is definitely my favorite. The thought of spending your last day on Earth before HAVING to fight through Hell's Nine Circles to stop them from invading humanity leaves me breathless. What would you feel? All reviews and feedback are most welcome!
Present Timeline, Yokohama Landmark Tower, 3:30 pm
A week had passed since Tojiro returned to Earth from Daten City. Plans had came down from friends that his so-called action of protecting North High School and the rest of Japan in the past has summoned a party that he supposedly deserves. He wasn't contrite at all. He was just annoyed. Just. Even as he sat atop the humongous roof of the massive structure in the city of Yokohama, he remained quarreled. Wrong time, yet the perfect place. It seemed fair and square to him that such an event should be held. However, knowing that this sudden partaking through the Nine Circles would be soon, it didn't give any reason to feel joyful nor, respected. Like it mattered, correct? On the very roof of the Yokohama Landmark Tower, a large set of preparations were in the making.
Small light posts with stringed up Japanese themed lamps were tied in-between them. The party would begin at sunset. Perhaps that was the only good thought he could come up with! The sunset of course! How he respects and enjoys the sunset is far beyond imagination. It is curious isn't it? Where is the Cloakmaster anyway? Through all the long tables, drinks and delicacies being prepared and set by a vast majority of skilled patrons, Tojiro was found inside a room, sitting on a bed. Yes he was lonesome, but honestly it was the feeling of this entire party that continued to scratch at his nerves like a cat trying to play a violin.
"TOJIRO! Good afternoon!" shrieked Haruhi Suzumiya, standing proudly in the doorway.
Tojiro lazily looked over his shoulder, causing them to widen to a freakish length. Haruhi, along with Mikuru Asahina and Yuki Nagato, were all in bunny girl outfits. Black for Haruhi. Red for Mikuru. White for Yuki.
"All of you are fools. You realize that, correct?" he answered in an orderly fashion.
"Do not feel so ashamed Tojiro. I'm sure it's all for the sake of the country. That's all." said Itsuki Koizumi, coming into the room wearing a tuxedo.
"He's right. If I were Tojiro, I'd just get up and leave. And why did you force me to get dressed for this, huh?" exclaimed Kyon, facing Haruhi.
"Of course that suit fits you! Right? Mikuru?" nudged Haruhi to the innocent and sheepish.
"Hey guys! You need to come outside and help!" called the voice from outside in the hall.
The group moved away to reveal Tsuruya arriving, wearing a yellow bunny girl outfit.
"You're all idiots. Seriously." Tojiro added with impatience, forcing himself to tiredly stretch his bones by rising to his feet.
"Get dressed in your suit already Tojiro! All the decorations and food is almost ready! Remember, the entire frontier of the Japanese economy will be meeting you! So don't screw it up! The SOS Brigade shall succeed!" voiced the valiant Brigade Leader.
"Yeah. Just leave before I decide to jump out this window." responded the loathing Demon Demigod.
"You got it! Everyone, let's hurry! Outside to the party!" commanded Haruhi, forcing everyone out of the room, then shutting it closed, sending Tojiro one last warm smile before sealing it shut.
Lonesome once more. Tojiro looked down on the pillow on the bed. A packaged up tuxedo left for him. It was delivered earlier in the day…and let's just say his face was shocked when he was expected to wear one. Regarding his complaints, Tojiro dashed them away and reached for the packaged suit, preparing for his last night on our world.
Sunset had fallen. The sky was a mix of brilliant orange and eye catching purple. On the large roof, a slew of party-goers wandered. Champagne and wine was an obvious sight to see being held by many of the guest. However, Haruhi and the rest of her bunny girl squad were the waitresses. There are some uneven lines to be drawn, sure. However, it seems the budget may have been low. Throughout the crowd, several were looking down, clearing a path for the Cloakmaster.
He exited the crowd in his hedgehog form. Even in his hedgehog form, Tojiro managed to change to boundaries and change the suit's size to fit his hedgehog form's body. He had already met with wealthy businessman, famous artisans, important religious figures, and government attuned people. It was interesting for him, but 'interesting' was the only word on his tree of vocabulary that he only managed to pick off. His eyes were empty of his orange irises and black pupils, giving him somewhat of a relentless image. Isn't that suppose to be an obvious fact or a natural one?
Tsuruya stopped in front of him with a serving dish with a set of champagne glasses on it. Tojiro looked up with confusion but, a much more feeling of misunderstanding appeared in his eyes. He took one of the glasses and gulfed it down in one drink. He set it back on the dish Tsuruya was carrying.
"Tasty isn't it?" Tsuruya persisted with her unbeatable smile.
"You can't even begin to imagine how many drinks I've already had…and yet it fails to drunken me. It's just like drinking water." responded the demon in annoyance.
"So you are enjoying yourself! How cute!" noted the girl in the bunny suit, standing back up straight to walk off through the crowd.
"What nonsense." he grumbled, strolling off to one of the tables of food.
He researched closely after approaching one. He decided to pass, turning to the left only to end up with a surprised response.
A bento being held right in front of his face. He looked up to see it was the young Kasumi Moriko. She was dressed in a long silver dress that fluffed out after passing her waist. Her long raven blue hair was tied into a delicate ponytail that halted at the middle of her back. Her ponytail was tied with a glittering gold bow. Her lips were painted with a light pink lipstick that showed vividly. It was just enough to cause the orange pupils in Tojiro's eyes to reappear, and once they did; they appeared rather frozen, or impressed.
"You think it's too much?" asked the Shade Priestess. Tojiro shook his head, sighing in contrast.
"You presented yourself wonderfully, Miss Kasumi. Trust me. You already impressed me…which is difficult just to say." admitted the Cloakmaster, keeping his voice at what he called, a stable level.
Kasumi looked off to the side, a hint of pink blush riveting on both her cheeks.
"So why stay in your hedgehog form? I'm sure many of the people here would want to see you as a human." Kasumi asked in curiosity.
"Actually the reason is because a lot of people noticed me fighting in this form the most. And with all the bruises, scars and damage my body took when in human form, it wouldn't be so pretty to appear half-dead. It's rather impetuous if you ask me." Tojiro continued, kindly taking the bento Kasumi was holding.
"What about that necklace Yoko gave you? Are you still wearing it?" asked Kasumi, kneeling forward.
"Indeed. Right here." Tojiro replied in assurance, holding up the skull icon from behind the white button shirt he wore under the suit section.
"Oh! I must apologize Tojiro! I didn't mean to mention her so suddenly!" Kasumi responded in a desperate search for forgiveness.
"You have no reason to be so tragic Kasumi. I know she's all right wherever she's healing at. I trust her with you, remember?" Tojiro spoke assertively once more, putting the necklace back down into his shirt.
"Y-y-Y-Yes! Of course. Thank you!" bowed the Shade Priestess.
"Okay, okay. No bowing! You're important to this whole party as well. Don't make yourself look foolish." he insisted, nudging her shoulder to make her stand back up.
"What do you mean, Tojiro-san?" she responded with her eyebrows raised.
"It's obvious priestess. You assisted me this far, so you deserve as much respect than I'm receiving. Don't be so foolish." explained the serious Cloakmaster, beginning to eat the contents from Kasumi's bento. It was meant as a caring voice…and so as she watched the Cloakmaster take his pick of food, she couldn't be any happier for how much kindness the Demigod has given to her.
"Tojiro…I truly have enjoyed being able to meet you." Kasumi spoke up, feeling prominent. Tojiro looked up at her with a differed expression. Kasumi opened up her glimmering eyes that shined like stars.
"I loved being able to be in the presence of such a determined being. I truly do. I…I really enjoyed being by your side…Tojiro-kun." spoke the priestess, all in the name of kindness.
Tojiro lowered the bento, tilting his head at the shimmering girl's eyes.
"You are entirely welcome…my close friend." responded the Cloakmaster, bowing to her.
Everyone watched the scene, all appearing to grow happy faces and interested ones. Kasumi bowed back to the Cloakmaster, hiding back her joyful tears with all she could.
An hour and a half into the celebratory event, Tojiro wandered his way to an open scene where a ring of guests were gathering. A spellbinding orchestra of instruments chimed their sound. Tojiro stopped, staring from left to right at all the clapping guests at the wonderful music playing through their ears.
"Now this is bothersome." he mumbled in response, placing his hands in his pockets.
Voices suddenly arose up, turning around to have their attention grabbed by the rivets. Tojiro took in a loathing sigh. He felt annoyed, and he would only feel bothered to actually turn to see what everyone else's commotion was about.
"Tojiro! Turn around already! Your date is here!" called out Haruhi with a sharpened smile.
"That damn girl. What in the hell are you chanting abo-" went the speechless Cloakmaster, turning around halfway to eat Haruhi's words; even though he hated it to admit she was right verbally.
The crowd of people created a clearing path to reveal the stunningly dressed Yoko Littner. She sported a pure black dress, high heels to match her seemingly perfect outfit that fit nicely around her form that stopped just above her knees. Two gold wrings were worn around the wrists of both her hands.
Her long red hair was left down, streaming in a swaying motion down to her lower back. Tojiro remained at a halfway turned position, his eyebrows being raised. His helpless blank eyes appeared rather surprised. He almost looked like a frightened ghost the way he was staring at Yoko. The party continued, leaving fate up to fate. Yoko lowered her expression, walking forward through the cleared path the meet the frozen stiff Demigod. His orange pupils readily appeared in his eyes, looking up at Yoko's face.
"Hey there…Tojiro." she greeted with a warm smile from her scarlet lips that endured the secret feelings deep inside her heart.
"Greetings. I'm glad to see you're all right. You are, aren't you?" he voiced in equal kindness.
"Trust me Tojiro, ever since I've been able to use Chaos energy…I have had nothing to worry about. Knowing you of course helped me through the pain." Yoko replied instinctively.
"Yeah…I'm glad you believed in your recovery Yoko. I respect your bravery greatly."
"You definitely know every angle and corner about being respectful don't you? Then would you care to do me one more favor?" she requested, crouching down to grab his right hand, pulling it up with both her hands. He glared down at the hand she kept cupped with hers.
"Would be as kind to lend me…one dance?" voiced her honest riveting eyes of golden sun.
Tojiro's eyes remained stagnant, looking directly at her glimmering golden stars of kindness. Nothing could prepare Tojiro for this feeling in his spirit, nothing.
"Indeed…we shall." he responded, nodding in response.
Yoko's eyes turned to a dreamy stare, actually shedding joyful tears that spelled happiness. Yoko pulled Tojiro into a warming embrace, holding him close.
"You've always been a kind man to me Tojiro. I don't believe it matters what people call you…you're still such a diligent and loving friend. Even if you hate to admit it…you've made a lot of people love you." Yoko whispered in caring memoriam to the past memories they both shared together.
"Yoko…" mumbled the irate Demigod.
Yoko suddenly watched Tojiro hover off the ground, hovering directly to her height when she stood up. The open dance floor called their names. Tojiro and Yoko went hand in hand into the middle of the area where no one else stood. On every angle and direction, people turned to watch the duo.
The music from the players whistled into the air. A breezing sound of bliss, the stringing of violins, and the careful timing of a piano whisked through everyone's ears. Tojiro remained hovering off the ground, face to face with Yoko Littner who couldn't help but smile and laugh. The two moved side to side. Yoko's tender and beautiful legs pranced with precision across the stone. Tojiro spun Yoko around, giving her a warming feeling to laugh with heart. Yoko then spun Tojiro in response, making his eyes appear greatly embarrassed. Yoko giggled at his lonesome grumbling.
"You definitely know how to toy with someone's pride." noted the Cloakmaster, feeling troubled by Yoko's playful acts.
"And you know to reconcile with those problems, right?" she responded in truth, giving the Cloakmaster a rather shunned face, knowing she was right.
Tojiro spun her around once more with his left hand, catching her right hand with his, spinning her back to meet his gaze.
"And yet you manage to show no concern! I'm glad you're so brave in the face of a danger!" Yoko playfully stated.
"I have no worries when it comes to speaking with you, Miss Yoko. Believe it." he answered courteously.
"What do you mean?" responded the well dressed sharpshooter.
"A lot of things occurred in the moments we were separated from each other. I actually imagined I wouldn't know your face again, but I suppose I was just wrong for that one moment." Tojiro explained, lightly giving Yoko a swing that made her side step around in a full circle until he grabbed hold of her left hand again.
"Tojiro…everyone has to feel guilty for their mistakes. That's why you accept them and move on. Wasn't it you who taught me that?"
"Yes, yes. Though such credit can't be tossed around like a prize. I earnestly give you enough credit and thanks to last more than a lifetime. Happy?" he voiced in a normal response, spinning her around one more time, letting the music slowly drown out from the wind.
Yoko laid her head on Tojiro's chest, holding her warm hands with his frozen, lifeless ones. Everyone around them that watched the spectacular dance clapped in excitement. Some shouted, others cheered, others whistled out with distinct commitment, and the applause was just enough to bare the moment between Tojiro and Yoko together. Tojiro dropped himself back onto the ground, still holdings Yoko's hands. She was bending over, happily smiling at the Cloakmaster's stern gaze.
"Tojiro…" she said, crouching down one more time.
"Uhh, Yoko? What are you…" he bickered.
Yoko grabbed both sides of his head, kissing him on the forehead, on the symbol of the Great Shade Empire. After a series of various seconds, she pulled her head back, embracing the Cloakmaster once more.
"Thank you…Tojiro-kun." whispered the heart felt friend of the legendary demon in the backdrop sunset that turned their bodies into glorious silhouettes.
Tojiro remained speechless at her words, looking to the left at the side of her head. Yoko stood back up, walking the opposite way, keeping her head lowered and her hands cupped in front of her lower body. Tojiro was left alone. How ironically dreadful. As the party sank on for the rest of the night, Tojiro was left with only one thought as where he must go next to make his final preparation.
This night surprisingly changed him. It managed to change him to the point where his wisdom was too astounding. He let thoughts of past and present endeavors circle around his mind, letting them develop into his so-called sinister and malevolent forms of belief. It didn't matter to him anyway. All that mattered was that this journey was finally going to come to an end. He would settle everything about his life by ending the life of his blood brother: Akuma Kyofu. Tojiro later fled the scene of the party to rendezvous at the location he promised to arrive at after the party: Saichouji Temple.
つづく
To be continued
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW
-Tojiro arrives at the temple doors of Saichouji Temple to a gray mist.- -Another scene displays Tojiro removing the skull necklace given to him by Yoko, wrapping it around his journal.- "One day, one night. Tojiro arrives at Saichouji Temple for the Chaos Portal to Hell's Shores of Acheron."
-Ryu stagnantly questions Tojiro as the pair walk in the moonlight.- "On this night of fear, Tojiro is driven only by vengeance,"
-Tojiro and Ryu arrive at the Danda Cave.- -They turn around to face a restless Kasumi Moriko, violated of her own breath after running the whole way.-
"The will of the Shade Priestess is all that keeps Tojiro from achieving what he wants most, what he demands most: Regardless of the world around him."
-Kasumi falls to her knees in disbelief, hopelessly hiccuping in cries.- "Kasumi refuses to give Tojiro appointment to following his way, his path that leads straight to Hell."
-Kasumi pounds the Demigod's chest as he crouches before her.- "Nothing can prepare Tojiro or even our world for the aftermath if Tojiro succeeds in murdering the Nine Hell Gods."
-Tojiro marches towards a huge crimson Chaos Portal that will lead him beyond the Gates of Hell itself.- "As one...hope and hatred influences the Cloakmaster onward to his tragic descent through the Blind World."
-Ryu and Kasumi watch, speechless. As the black silhouette of Tojiro marches on, he extends his right arm high and raises his thumb up.-
NEXT TIME!
The Nightmare Wars
Last Days Arc Finale
CHAPTER LV: BOUND FOR HELL
