Chapter 2: Dreams, Memories and Destiny (Part 1)
Everything started from that night five months ago from where I finally fall asleep just for simple, nice rest. However, on that night, I experience a strange dream that shows me visions from someone's perspective, having to be saved by a white-haired girl in a torn outfit. Then, the dreams go on throughout the whole five-month, over and over again. I even suspected that some ghost trying to mess me up at that time.
But I was wrong.
These dreams I was facing, are visions or a view from someone's perspective. It was him fought alongside his companion against creatures that beyond human. I could even see this person is able to use magical power to fought off these monsters. However, the magic isn't the only thing that I took an interest, this person wields his weapon at ease. Each weapon he wields is different, showing that he has mastery skills over them. It was astonishing to see this person, through his eyes, able to fight these monsters with sheer strength.
It was then I realize that this dream is visions of a person that I've yet known of his true identity. I can't even find any clues or answers about these visions that I was given with.
Until that one midnight, as the dream stops to wake me up.
Leaving me with an intense pain that I've never felt before.
It was soo painful that I don't know what's happening to me that night. I was screaming in pain while clenching my shirt so aggressively, nearly having them torn off.
Then, I heard a voice.
A voice that is soo sweet, soo gentle that I can feel the pain leaving me.
" It'll be alright"
She said to me.
" I am here with you."
To reassure me that she is there, with me.
" Io..."
Her name is the first thing that comes out from my mouth
At first, I don't know why would I call out a name that I didn't know much about,
A name that supposed to be a stranger to me as I've never called out once.
Until a Person suddenly appears, floating over my body, lying on the bed that I always slept in.
She is the same person in my dreams. The one with moon-lit white hair and beautiful yellow eyes. She has an expression of worry, worrying about someone.
Someone who is me.
Then, She reaches both of her hands to me, caress my face as gentle as she could, both of our eyes locking with each other.
"You will remember... who you are before... So please... Wake up..."
she continues, with a gentle smile...
"Wake up... My Beloved..."
As those words echo into my ears, I suddenly fell into a deep dark abyss...
Thinking about what is happening to me...
hoping the unknown to answer me...
"Ughh... *exhales* Argh..."
Feeling the hard ground where I was lying in, I tried to open up my eyelids. Blinking for a few times until I can see the ground I'm lying in. I am on some sort of hard concrete floor, with several cracks from afar. I immediately pushed myself to stand up to look around my current surroundings. For some reason, I found myself on a broken concrete block, with fences and rock debris all over the block itself.
" Where... Where am I? Argh!"
Suddenly, I felt a similar pain from before. Only this time it's my head is in pain. As I put my hand onto my head, I just realize something is different. For some reason, I currently wearing an outfit that is similar to the person I kept dreaming about. A black dress shirt with a long tail and high collar, a pair of black trousers, and a pair of black boots. Around me is a coat with a cape around the back to my left arm, with my right arm having a full set of vambraces and a shoulder pad. both of my hands are covered in black gloves. The full set outfit somehow, giving me the feel of being a vampire-like the classic ones from some stories. Other than that is a black pouch at my bottom back, and I'm wearing an ocean blue pearl necklace
As I look straight ahead, there is floating lantern at edges upfront. The same voice, Io's voice spoke to me again.
" Follow the lantern, Ichika. It will lead you to the truth."
it's strange, for her calling my name when I didn't tell her mine even once.
It's even stranger when I felt soothing when she calls out my name for some reason.
Following her direction, I took a step to the front...
The lantern disappears when I get closer, pausing myself as a number of blocks start to form a path for me to continue...
Until it forms steps towards a large twin door...
again, I continue my steps...
approaching the twin doors as it automatically opens...
Into the light, I enter...
and it begins...
~Memory of the Lost~ Plays
Numbers of memories are playing right in front of me as I enter the light...
These memories...
are for some reason aren't mine...
but they are mine...
Nonetheless, I must see through what was the reason all of these are giving me pain...
What are these memories are trying to show...
So many questions are in my head right now...
But then again, I must move on...
Music Change
~Extremum Belli~ Plays
Me, awaken on the bed of the infirmary is the first thing that I could remember off before I even knew what was going on. The next thing that happened is that I was told that I have died two days ago by the Queen and was bought back from death as my heart is something she haven't pierce through yet. But what that Nurse who checked on me asked is something that I was bothered with,
" How much... do you remember about your own self?"
No...
I can't remember anything at all.
I can felt that... I have nothing left to remember about my past anymore...
Something that I was afraid of till the very end.
As Revenants, we are immortal, yet aren't invincible. However, memories are something that we could easily lose if we weren't careful. I don't know if I tried to make sure to not get myself killed out there.
But I'm sure now... I can't remember anything but a vague vision of someone once close to me.
My thoughts on that were interrupted by the sound of the Alarm where I could tell that I must respond to it. Before I leave, the nurse handed me a Gas Mask where she told me that the Queen's Miasma is growing thicker. Accepting the mask, I get myself off the bed, confirming my bearing, and proceed to leave the tent after the nurse as she guides me.
Then, I was at the meet with my officer after we were confirmed that the Queen is close, chasing down after us without stopping. The officer, known as Jack Rutherford then suggested that we are to head out in pairs. The rest of the remnants are sorted out except me, where Jack confirms that I'll be partner up with him after he learned that I have the skills to fight the queen.
Without wasting any time, we immediately head out for our mission.
Traversing through the pathway which supposedly leads us to our path towards the Queen's location, we made a good team fighting against the lost which litters all around. Even when we rest defeated some of them, as we took a short rest, they seem to be coming back nonetheless. This doesn't stop us in completing our mission tho.
After we head down to an opening area, we stumble upon one of the Queen's Bodyguards, Completly Corrupted Revenants that were used to protect the Queen. The fight was though as it was able to use its advantages with the shield and its wings to fight us, but with patterns and movement are easy to predict, we were able to defeat it at ease with just little efforts were made.
However, our break after that was cut short.
We were suddenly under attack by the Queen herself, gazing over us with cold eyes. I have determined that we would defeat her once and for all. I can even felt Jack's determination the same as mine alright. The Queen then proceeds to attack us, bombard us both while we are rushing towards her. Jack made the first move but was easily block. I tried to come up with my own attack, but the Queen is too powerful that she uses Jack's blade to counter mine, pushing me off to the sides. As we are ready to attack her again, the Queen has already had us in her sight, summoning blades in the air to finish us off. Then suddenly, a barrier was erected to protect us. From the side, I can see our Commander, Gregorio Silva is holding down the fort, giving us a chance to attack her immediately. Jack is able to blast her to the walls and was about to finish her off for good. However, the Queen is too quick for him, summoning blades in the air immediately from within the barrier and attacks us in a close distance.
From there, my mask comes off and I was inflicted with immense pain. The Air around me has been mixed with the miasma, the feeling of breathing air as hot as hell. My throat somewhat feeling dry and burning...
Struggling with the Miasma. I could sense the Queen is approaching me, slowly walking. I had the feeling that I will die right here in her hands.
Then, I can see a blade coming right at the Queen from behind. Jack is making this as his chance for the kill but the Queen just stops the blade with her hands, at ease. However, I know this is just him giving me a chance to finish this. To finish our true mission.
Activating my Blood Veil, the Claws have formed around my right around. Screaming to fight back the pain by the Miasma, I immediately plunge her with this Claw of mine, pushing it into her as she was carried up by this arm that killed her.
Music Stops
My eyes and The Queen's look at one and another. For some reason, I can see it. The pain in her eyes, which later replace with the eyes of sadness and sorrow. She placed her hand on my face, caress it where I could see her mouth muttering something.
I wanted to hear it. I wanted to know what is she saying. I wanted to know.
But the blood of the Queen has been tasted by this claws of mine, Forcing me to pushes her back as I pulled out the Claw from my arm. Blood spurts out from her body, as she took a few step back. Then, she drops to the ground as she stops. Her body is then hardened and turned into stone, immediately telling me that she is finally at peace.
Finally, leaving this world behind.
However, the Claw has 'tasted' and 'devours' her forbidden blue blood. I could sense another pain comes into my mind, a much more sinister pain than the Miasma it self. It is as if the blood is trying to overthrow me, trying to take over my body as I could tell that I'm about to lose this battle. Clenching my head in pain, I could see two people, Jack and Silva, approaches me with sad eyes looking at me.
I can't hear anything that Silva is saying, but I can tell it is the words of gratitude. As for Jack, he reaches out his arms towards me, as I did mine. I know what that gesture means.
" Sleep Well, Friend..."
A Bloodshot comes out from her hand, heading towards me as it pierces through my chest. The Bloodshot have done it...
It has released me from all the pain I felt earlier...
In place for a tiring feel in my body, telling me that it is all over...
As I took a few steps back near the Clif edge, I stare out towards the sky...
finally remembering something that I wanted to remember...
A piece of memory that I wanted to keep, and to treasure the most with all my heart...
My love...
' Chifuyu... Madoka... I'm sorry... For leaving you... Behind. Now... I can join you both...'
"Boku no... Shimai..."*
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I see...
So this is me...
This is really me...
The person who I've been watching through...
Is none other than...
Orimura Ichika...
a Remnant...
I... am... a Remnant...
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" Welcome Back."
I was immediately told by those words as my eyes are wide open. In my eyes, I can see a beautiful woman, gently caress my head. Her moonlit hair is as white I could see, and her yellow eyes are enchanting for me to say anything to her.
" Hello... How are you feeling?"
She asks me with much kindness. However, I didn't say anything back to her as I realize. something important.
Clutching a Blue Pearl Necklace around my neck, I ask myself...
What just happened..?
Where am I..?
What with all these things turns out this way..?
How am I alive..?
My name is Ichika...
Orimura Ichika...
But is that really who I am?
Who I am... exactly..?
" Don't worry. It's alright. I don't remember much either..."
She speaks to me, to reassure me by telling that she is facing the same fate as well...
Then, she stands up, pointing at the direction she chose.
"Hey. Over there."
Understand what she just said. I rose up to be on my feet, forcing it even if an unknown pain within me aches. As she start walking...
"Wait."
I call out. She stops and turns to me with a questioning look.
" Who are you?"
I ask.
" You can call me, Io"
She answered and walks away, telling me to follow her.
I took the first steps to follow her...
as it was the first step... to a Journey.
After I rest up at the refreshed Bloodspring, we are immediately captured by a group of people claiming to be Remnants that were scavenging Blood Beads for their own needs. I was part of the slaves who are told to travel the depth of the place they called the Old City. I was to do so because they had Io in their hand. As much as I wanted to beat them, I don't have the strength to do so. In this little scavenging hunt, I was partner up with a kind-hearted Revenant name Oliver Collins. He is a good person, considering he understand how important Io to me as he wanted to help me here to get her back.
Traversing the Old city Underground Area, we were able to fight off the Losts who are in our way. But with this thick Miasma, even we have a difficult time to breathe through our gas masks. As we stumble upon a small plant known as a Mistle, I was told by Oliver that the Mistle are used to cure the air around it, allowing soldiers like us to take a rest. His words then turn into the voice of distress as he further explains that there is no way to restore it nowadays as we don't have the Queen's blood to restore them. Ignoring what he just said, I went ahead to cut my hand to ooze some blood, dripping them onto the Mistle similar to what Io have did when we rest at the Bloodspring earlier. It was successful and I can feel the air around us are starting to restore to a better one. Shocking by this, Oliver then takes off the mask to confirm it. He felt like he is in bliss. The redhead then turns to me with a huge grin on his face, telling me that I did the impossible and suggest that it could help me to get Io back. Smiling back with mask off, I shake his hand and we take a rest for a while over there before continuing on our journey.
We continue to traverse through the depths of the Underground city while eliminating any Losts that are standing against us both. We both made a good team, with him as the vanguard and I act as both his support and finisher as more powerful Losts are fighting against us.
However, all good things had come to an end.
As we are halfway through the whole place, we stumble upon a lone Remnant, probably part of the group which went ahead after us. Oliver rush towards the person, seeing there's something wrong with the person. As he asks about his condition, the Remnant suddenly turns around with glowing eyes. The rampant Remnant proceeds to attacks Oliver to the face, immediately pushes him back. As the rampant trying to attack him again, I immediately rush towards the two with my blade immediately finish of the rampant, immediately disperse it.
Confirming the perimeter around me is safe, I went ahead to check on Oliver. Sadly, it seems the rampant did some damage to his gas mask as I could see air coming out from it. I tried to help him but he insisted that I must go ahead without him. He even told me to survive and try to fight in order to ensure Io's safety. I hesitated to leave him alone but He told me that he will be fine and me carrying him will be a burden to me.
I had no choice but to leave and continuing my current task...
Then, I was all alone in the depths, fighting against the Losts that are trying to kill me. I'm doing this just to survive, but I can feel anger boiling down within me for leaving Oliver behind. He is a good friend, my first good friend who tried to help me, only to be attacked just because he is trying to help a rampant Remnant. Hopefully, he can get back to a Mistle for his own good.
As I was traversing the place alone, I stumble upon a person who leans next to the cavern walls. As he notices me, he walks up to me and asks if he could join me in traversing the place. He even assured me that he won't attack me, claiming that his worry are on the Losts and being rampant. At first, I was thinking to ignore his offer but with the current condition of the depths, I had no choice but to accept his offer.
This is to keep on living and survive for the sake of Io and Oliver's wish.
The two of us continuing on to travel within the depths, encountering a lot of the Losts even the ones that try to attack us from behind. I had to say, this man's capability is something that I would be impressed with and I'm sure both of us will made out alive from this hell hole.
Then, I was at the end of the first level. A dried-up Bloodspring is in here, waiting for me to give it hope to bloom again. Doing the same thing as the Mistle, I cut myself up and proceed to drip some blood from my hand. I can hear the stranger behind me asking me why I'm doing this. But the question shut him up as the Bloodspring suddenly comes back alive, blooming into shape, into a fresh tree. I approach one of the branches to collect some Blood Beads for myself. With this, I could payback the bastards that took Io from me. The man just muttered something about doing the impossible, but I ignore him and proceed to find an exit out of this hell hole. My new partner didn't say anything further but agrees to follow along to find a path back to the surface. Luckily, there aren't that many Losts that standing against us both.
Then, we found a pathway that heads straight towards the light. Knowing this is the exit, I thank the stranger beside me for being my partner. The stranger just returns the gratitude, thanking me for assisting him within the depths for a mission. I didn't ask what is his mission but continuing walking towards the surface.
As we reach the surface, It was a massacre.
Countless bodies are started to disperse around a person who crouching down right in front of someone I fairly recognize.
It was Io...
and she is in danger.
However, what's shocking to me is that the person who attacks the group is not a Lost or an Evil Remnant.
It was Oliver himself, now a rampant Remnant, too late to be safe for him to return to his humanity...
" Once a Remnant cast aside their humanity, they will join the lost."
I know...
Even a Remnant like myself knows what would happen if a Remnant loses control of themselves. But to see Oliver turned out into a mindless creature, just sadden me.
Then, I see Io from behind him and remembered what he just told me,
" You had to find some Blood Beads and survive. She's waiting for you. So just do it for her, alright?"
Yeah...
I'll do it for her. Just like he said. Muttering an apologie towards the rampant Oliver, I cast away my sorrow and focus on the person in front of me, who is now a threat to me and her.
Then, I rush towards Oliver with all my strength to defeat him.
~Bellum -Beyond Fear-~ Plays
His attacks are easy to predict as his only weakness is the way he uses his long Hammer to attack. All he did is swiping left and right, and a charge-up attack by slamming anyone he gets close to. Still, it is painful to see him like this. Fighting him just to free him from becoming a mindless creature forever.
Both me and the stranger stop our attacks as we started to see Oliver seems about to disappear.
However, we are wrong.
A torment of red mist suddenly engulfs the poor man's body, turning him into a gigantic Lost that still holds Oliver's hammer. It was by that time that we must immediately put him to rest.
His fighting style has changed drastically, having more strength in his attacks and even triple his swing to ensure that he hit us even once. In addition to his attacks is an area attack that disperses red mist which causes to breath in it harder. But his heavyweight and similar attack pattern like his human form, we were able to defeat it.
Music Stops
I bid the disperse Oliver Collins farewell and went ahead to check on Io. Luckily, she isn't badly injured and she awakens shortly after. The stranger was about to ask something until a voice called out. I've looked around to see the source, but there's no one here except for us. Then, My eyes laid towards a glowing rock which for some reason, is the source of the voice. I could even hear Oliver's voice through it.
The stranger behind me warned me about the stones. He called it Vestiges and warns that anyone who touches it will immediately lose their humanity and proceed to turn into the Losts.
However, the stone for some reason attracts my attention. Ignoring the stranger's warning, I proceed to grab the stone.
I then immediately felt pain course through within me. The pain is too much that I could even hear the worries the stranger calls out.
Then, a hand was placed on the arm that clenches the stone. It was Io.
" It's alright. You can do it. "
Acknowledging her words, I reach out my arms with the Vestige in my hand. A number of blue aura oozes out from the Vestige.
And the world around me engulfs in a bright light.
~Memory of the Lost~ Plays
As the light died down, I found myself alongside Io and the stranger in a place that is darker than any cavern I've been through. We are also seems to be on huge concrete block, connecting to pathway which lit up by floating lanterns.
"Where... are we? Is this... What inside the Vestige?"
" This is an echo of a memory, carves within those stones you called them Vestiges. It is a recollection of memories from someone. Come... we must traverse through the whole memory."
Agreeing with Io, I went ahead and walk to the direction where the pathway leads. Suddenly, a memory scene plays out right in front of us.
This one plays a scene where Oliver, asking for help from two heavily armed people. He seems to be begging towards the Soldiers, asking that some people behind him a way through. However, the soldiers didn't do anything but blocking the way, only one saying him sorry.
The next memory plays out, showing Oliver standing tall above a weeping boy, who turns out to be a Revenant child. The child cries out for his parents, with Oliver saying that a sacrifice must be made in order to survive.
'Without Blood Beads... we won't make it!'
The next memory then shows a scene where Oliver is kneeling in defeat, besides two people that look like scavenging Revenants who were standing, facing him. From what they said, they complained that some human are under some Government's protection. One of them continues that that as Revenants, they had to scavenge any Blood Beads they could find so that they couldn't turn into a Lost...
or proposedly sacrifice someone to prevent one...
As we approaching the next memory, the content it shows is for sure his last memory.
His last Remnant days before turning into a Lost.
From what I can hear, Oliver is in much pain. He said that it was his fault that he let himself get hurt by the rampant Remnant earlier. Then, he said that he was relieved that one of us are able to make it out alive. Apparently, he is glad that he is able to help me to a bitter end.
Dammit...
He really shouldn't be left there to die. I should be the one to get him to safety. If I'm strong enough to prevent the same mistake like Oliver did, then no one would ever die.
" Come... Let us make haste. The stairs over there will lead us to the world outside."
Agreeing with Io, I was about to follow her when I can tell that the stranger is standing behind.
" These Vestiges... are filled with memories. No... There's no way we could ever see it again as a Revenant..."
The stranger then noticed me looking at him. I gesture him to follow.
" Ah... I'm sorry. We better follow her to the stairs then."
Nodding my head, the two of us head towards the stair where Io is waiting by the bottom stairs. I then took the first step onto the stairs and decided to open up the double doors up above. As It opens it up by itself, I proceed to walk into the light.
~Memory of the Lost~ Stops
"Tch! What... the hell is that? So... are we back to reality?"
As the light disappears, we found ourselves back in the Old City. Confirming that I give the stranger a nod. I look into my hand that holds the Vestiges earlier, I confirmed that it is gone.
" I had to say... that power of yours is incredible. I just didn't expect that I could drag into it..."
He pauses for a bit, then he stands up.
" Come with me. I have a place for both of you to say. "
Taking out his mask, confirming that there are no miasmas.
" I am Louis. Louis Amamiya. I'm researching Blood Beads."
Reaching out his hand to pull me up.
" Nice to meet you"
Taking his hand, I pull myself up and taking off my own mask.
" Ichika... Orimaru Ichika."
After Io and I settle down by a place where Louis called it the Homebase, He starts off by telling me what just happened to the world around here.
The world we're in is currently encased or trapped by a forcefield known as the Red Mist, But most people called it The 'Gaol of the Mist'. Because of this, there is no way in or out of this are. The world is also now ruled by the Remnant society and a Government ruled by a person named Silva. He further explains that the reason we were even captured by the Scavenging group earlier is that they are afraid of turning into Lost, having me and the rest of the weak Revenants to fight and search the Blood Beads for them. In all honesty, I could understand why would they do it, and I might do the same if I'm quite bad enough.
Louis then further telling me that my abilities to clear the Miasmas and unlocking memories within a Vestiges are both unprecedented and really useful for a person like me. He asks if I know how do I come across with such abilities. As much as I know these abilities of mine are useful, I had to tell him that I really have no memory of being able to do so, except when Io first show it to me.
He looks at me with a sad face, telling me that I might have lost soo much of my memory that I couldn't remember anything of the past except for my name. He didn't push too much on the topic and decided to leave it be, telling us to take a rest first and that we really need it after such a long fight.
Accepting his offer, I've decided that I next ask Io more about her. She told me that her only memory of the past is that she was told to search for me and serve me...
If I had to be honest, that does sound a bit awkward, but I need to get her story straight first.
She continues to tell me that she was asked to serve me in my journey until the two of us die and that the order was simply decided within her. Through her story, it seems that she was asked by someone to serve me or just being a guardian just because I have the ability to restore some Bloodspring and Vestiges. What's bugging me however, is her bandages. I asked where did she get those.
She told me that she gets these while searching for me, telling me that she isn't a capable fighter. Sadden by this, I was glad that we could find a safe place to stay for a while until she makes a recovery. Until then, I asked her to take a rest for now.
After I settle in with Io, I went up to meet with the rest of the people of the Homebase.
I first meet up with Coco, who at first looking wary of me being bought in by Louis but she get it over it. She said that she is a merchant who would offer some items for me in my journey in exchange for a few Lost shards. I can deal with her for the very least. The next I meet is a cheerful Revenant by the named Rin Murasame, the blacksmith of the place. Apparently, she can be a worrywart sometimes, even asks a lot about Io's injuries. She continues to tell me that she would provide me with some weapon and armor as long as I could get her some materials first for me to get my own stuff. Other than that, she gave me a well-made Broadsword and an overhauled Queenslayer Blood Veil for me as a gift for welcoming me into the group. The Last person I meet is an old member of the Crimson and a Government officer, Davis. From what he has told, he was here as a Liason for the little group here while taking in a personal mission of his. He said that there are places known as the Dungeons full of Losts that were in there and told me that if I want to get on a Dungeon questing, I'll need to inform him beforehand as he has knowledge on these things. Davis is not the last person that I needed to meet as Rin said that there is another Remnant who is not home yet, telling me that I should meet him.
After I am done with greeting myself with the others, Louis called for me saying that there is something that he needs me for. Apparently, my abilities are something that is abnormal for a Remnant that he needs a blood sample for it. Agreeing with the researcher, I decided that I give him my blood sample so that he could look into it. With this, I might be able to learn what is my Blood Code.
By the next few hours, I woke up in my bedroom which was assigned by Rin herself. Since Louis is researching that blood sample of mine, I immediately got myself outfitted with a set of clothes given by Coco which she found to be fitting for me. Since that soldier outfit was worn out, I put on the outfit and look into the mirror.
The Merchant is right. This does seem fitting to me. A black and gray dress shirt with a tail, a high collar and a pair of fingerless gloves. The pants are a pair of black trousers with a pair of black boots, and a couple of accessories for me to wear. For some reason, I just realize that my hair does look a bit off. My hair is black but for some reason, it was also shining in magenta. My eyes are red, showing my Remnant eye color as from what I understand that Remnants tend to have genetically evolved cells that could change us a bit. Guess that makes me a bit abnormal than normal Remnant and human, but they didn't see to care much about it.
As I got myself readied, I went out of my room and went to search for Louis.
Luckily, he seems to be waiting for me near the open area of the Homebase. As I approach him, he noticed me and said that he did expect me to come as he has done with the research.
For some reason, he found out that my Blood Code is damaged beyond repair. This means my Blood Code is something he called a Void-type, an ability that could allow me to wield more than one Blood code even from Louis himself if I want to test it.
After he gave me some blood, I found out his theory is true. I can use different types of blood codes. Apparently, I could also read his Blood Code and its abilities that in-store. Guess me being a Void-type can also be known as something abnormal for a Remnant. Again, I'm getting too old for specialties within me all the time, even when I'm an immortal.
But for now, we have important matters to attend to.
After we're done with the test, Louis then bought me to the lounge where there's a map that shows the world within the Red Mist. He first explains that ever since we found out that my powers are able to clear up the Miasma and restore Bloodsprings, he ask for my assistance in helping in a quest to search for the source of the Blood Springs so that he could find a way to end the Revenant's curse of Bloodthirst. Knowing the gravity of the current situation, I accept his request. In order to prevent the same things that were shown through Oliver's memories, I must partake in this research with him. Other than that, it might help me and Io in finding our memory. Although, I didn't expect much from it.
" So... It's a deal, right?"
Then, I heard a voice from behind me. Turning around, an apple is already coming right at me but I caught it easily. A hand is then reached out for a handshake, showing the person in front of me. The man is Asian by the looks of it, with a red ponytail and a scar on his face. Other than that, he wore a zippy T-shirt and a pair of cargo pants. The man speaks up.
" I'm Yakumo Shinonome. Nice to meet you, new face."
" Orimura Ichika. Likewise..."
" Oh? A Japanese here as well? Anyway, with you on board with this, this means you're one of us. Looking forward to fighting alongside you."
I return the gesture, agreeing with what he said. I guess he means I'm part of this group now. Better that way than being part of those slave drivers.
After we're done with our intro, Louis continuing where we left off. He further explains that the Bloodsprings contains a network of roots known as Bloodveins that could help us to search out for its source. He made a substance that shows the flow of the Bloodveins by having it poured onto one of the Bloodspring and let it glow, which will show us the direction of the flow. With this, we have our role sorted out. Louis will be the one responsible with the scientific stuff, Yakumo being our Vanguard, while I clear out the miasma through each passing Mistle we come across. Without wasting any more time, we began to grab our gear in preparation for our next journey.
Before I went out, I must do something first.
Knowing how Io was asked by someone that she didn't know, or even remembers about her role as my servant, I've decided that I would not bring her along in our quest to find the Source even if she asked to accompany alongside me.
Surprisingly, she seems to be fine with it for some reason. Her only request is that I would be careful in my journey and relive any memories within Vestiges lying around if I ever find one. I had the urge of asking her about it but she beat me to it anyway.
" These memories are vital for your growth. I've heard what Louis is saying about your ability to use any Blood Code. However, each Blood Code can only be used fully after you've restored each of its user's memories completely. This way, you have the power equivalent to those who are living."
I see...
So for me to be growing stronger, I must relieve their memories to unlock more of their abilities. Doing so would make me grow stronger than ever. I guess I might need that for both my own good and for my new companions.
Before I walk away to leave the place, I turn around to speak with Io.
" Io, you haven't done much to me but you have been a great companion ever since You've found me. if not for you, I might get killed by one of the Losts."
" It's nothing, Ichika. It was my duty to serve you anyway..."
Listening to her saying like that, for some reason...
I felt sad about how she spoke to me. Like some obedient maid towards her master...
And if losing her memory is the cause of this, then I will find the answer to her existence.
" Io... If it's possible, I will find the answer to your existence. For why you are told to serve me. For now... I ask that you should take a rest here for now. You've been through a lot searching for me. Understood?"
She just give me a nod.
" Alright then... I'll be off. Take care of yourself, Io. Ask Rin or Coco if you need anything alright?"
" Understood, Ichika. I'll be waiting for you here."
'Likewise... For now, let me repay you for everything you've done to help me.'
" So, everybody ready?"
I gave him a nod while I was checking in on my equipment and items I'm bringing. Yakumo just give him the alright.
" Alright then... just like what we've discussed, our current goal is to search for the Source. But if there's something coming up along in our way, we better deal with it as soon as possible."
" Get it. Someone is in trouble, we'll help em the best we could."
I agree. If there's someone out there who needs our help, we'll do it on the fly. Just like how Oliver and Louis did when I'm in trouble back then. Except that Louis suggest that we should partner up at that time. Should I refuse it I might be in trouble.
" Good. Now then, Let's us be off."
We leave through the front door and into the world full of hell. I'd say it is full of hell since I might die out there countless and countless of times. As long as my heart is safe from harm, I might be able to prevent it from happening.
Anyway for now...
It's time to save ourselves from this Curse.
Shall we?
A/N:
Alright...
Just made some adjustments with the chapter since I found out there are a lot of missing font and scene cuts
As for the second chapter...
I'm in trouble. The CV chapter are still long and might taking time to reach the damn end. I said myself this is just gonna be a 3 part chapter. Now, I might accidentally made it longer XD dammit!