Chapter Two
"The Crimson Storm"
The sky had continued to grow darker, as thick ominous clouds rolled in over the land. The lightening grew closer, temporarily illuminating the lonely streets, and beckoning for the thunder that was soon to follow. It came and crashed through the hearts of even the strongest of men.
As the storm swept through it brought with it ferocity unlike any other. The winds picked up to deadly high speeds while a heavy downpour of rain came crashing upon the Earth, shattering what little life dared to face it. Trees bent against their will as years of growing roots twisted and uprooted, becoming nothing more than another obstacle destroyed. The ground, no more than dirt patches, slowly turned into a deadly deathtrap of thickening mud.
The storm had an unholy presence about it. One might say it had a mind of it's own.
The streets of Neo Tokyo were now completely deserted, as the populace took to shelter from the threatening storm. Rei stood not even ten feet from the door of the Delyerain, contemplating her next move. She glanced over her shoulder at the building wondering if Gren's words were right. Yet in her many years of living Rei had learned that in this world it was each his or her own, and that this was her life. Her decisions. Her choices suited her well being and the drive that kept her going even through the darkest of times.
After another moment's hesitation Rei finally succumbed to her own free will and took off down the street of Larne. This was the main street that connected most of the Rebellion's strongholds, and if she headed due North she would soon reach her next destination. A station where those who still fought for the Old World congregated, and could strategize. It was there that they mapped out plans for a better future.
As Rei journeyed on the rain roared down upon her, soaking through clothes and eventually right down to bones themselves. Her long dark hair clumped together and hung heavily down the length of her back. Although Rei was cold, it did not entirely show as the young woman continued to brave the weather. Rei's violet eyes were always alert, scanning her surroundings. Yet without warning they became clouded as the rain suddenly came down in thick sheets. It made visibility difficult and the road even more treacherous.
Rei began to take long fast strides, the need to quicken her pace becoming more and more apparent. The wind that whipped around her carried with it whispers of darkness and terror, and even Rei's normal strength of heart weakened with fright. What if this was it? What if tonight was the last night she would ever walk the Earth? The thoughts that flooded her mind were not that of her own, the panic that swept through her spoke with that of another's will.
From atop the roof of the Delyerain, hidden within the shadows of the night stood a lone figure. It stood tall and strong, unmoving against the harsh wind and rain that battled throughout. The thick cloak that kept the figure's identity masked, danced around almost playing with the elements. It too was completely soaked through, yet it did not bother its owner much.
From underneath it's hooded cloak, the figure watched the young woman below. It watched as she hesitated, as she took off down the street. It watched as the storm gathered around her and threatened to swallow her hole. Above in the heavens, the sky had taken on a bluish tint. Electric energies sparked to life as the elements unleashed all of their fury. It had been a long while since a storm of such magnitude had walked upon the land.
Now struggling to remain standing, Rei fought to continue onward as every muscle ached from the strain put upon them. The winds pushed into her forcing her down towards the muddy ground beneath her feet. She frantically looked about, knowing that the location she was headed for was near. Yet all Rei's determined eyes could see was a cloud of mist and rain. She was trapped within what she assumed was the eye of the storm, and there seemed to be no end to its embrace.
"Sssenshiii..." A foul voice whispered above the loud roar of the storm. The word was barely audible yet strikingly clear within Rei's mind. It was then that Rei stopped dead in her tracks, every emotion, and every ounce of strength fleeing from her body. She stood rigid, her eyes wide with surprise and fear. The blood that raced through her veins surged with an ancient power, reacting to the word spoken and beaconing to be freed. Rei's violet eyes flared brilliantly against the darkness, though her expression was now blank.
"Sssenshiii..." The voice spoke again, this time much more louder and powerful. It danced around her menacingly, tempting her to fear, to loathe and to hate. Yet despite the urge to act out, Rei stood still, now trying to compose herself. She slowly closed her eyes, trying to regain her focus. Like hell she would allow herself to lose it now, here in a place like this. This would not be the end of her, it would not be her time.
"Have you not the strength to simply face me? You hide amidst the storm, no doubt of your creation. I would have expected much more from you and your foul kind!" Rei spoke aloud, her voice echoing around her. She could hear the storm moving, yet it had abated its lethal threat. The winds whipped past her, the rain slowing to a mere mist. The roaring noise had all about abated when Rei finally reopened her eyes.
"Senshi."
Rei found herself standing face to face with a man, cloaked in deep crimson. His lips moved as he spoke the word once more, a sly smile crossing his face. Long black hair rested gently upon his broad shoulders, it framed his extremely pale face and neck. Though large in stature the man appeared to be as agile as a feline, as he lithely took a step towards Rei. His presence told that of power, death and decay, yet his face held a beauty unparallel to any other. Eyes the color of deepest blue stared directly into Rei's own, narrowing slightly as he peered within her soul.
Rei could feel the probing of the man's eyes before her. She could feel him seeing her from within. She gazed at him as he read her mind and heart. It sickened her that for the moment she would do nothing in her defense, that she could not.
Within the time span of a heartbeat, the man was upon her. His slender pale hands wrapped around her neck. He did not apply much pressure, only kept her gaze locked with his own. Rei could hear her heart pounding within her ears. Why was she so powerless now?
"You were always powerless before me...why should you be any different now?" The words the man spoke were barely above a whisper again as he slowly brushed his lips across her own. Rei cringed as a million sensations, not all entirely bad, washed over her at his touch. Still only able to stare into his deep midnight blue eyes, Rei trembled. There was something familiar about this man...something she had almost mercifully forgotten. The memory stood on the edge of her mind, teasing her with it's hidden meaning.
This man was not the typical creature of the underworld. The Darkness that walked the Earth had never taken on the form of a man before, nor did it hold the power and intelligence. Mass destruction, death and chaos was the norm, but here stood an agent of evil with real substance. The terror that overwhelmed Rei, forced all of her reclaimed focus away. She was lost. Her mind blank, as the man suddenly released her from his grasp.
"It has been long since I last lay eyes upon a Senshi of the Old World. Too long. I should have known you would find a way to return. No matter." The man turned, his cloak billowing out behind him in a sea of blood red. "Your kind is of no threat to me anymore. Much has changed since then." His words trailed off as his figure slowly dissolved into the misty rain itself. As if on command the storm followed, vanishing as quick as it had begun.
"It was good to see you again...warrior of the flame..." The man's final statement sent a shudder down Rei's spine. She looked around her taking note to how everything had suddenly gone back to normal. The ground was no longer wet, trees that were blown down had vanished without a trace. Even her hair and clothing was dry. Rei realized then that the station was just around the next corner to her right. Without further hesitation, she ran the rest of the distance more urgent than ever to be within doors.
As Rei rounded the corner of 5th and Larne, she came to an abrupt halt. A soft light illuminated the front door to the building of the station. The light shone brightly against the bleak darkness of the night, and sparkled with a serene and comforting grace. Rei followed the light to its source and there amidst the cloudy sky shined the moon, a mark of justice against the horrors of the world. It would always be a beacon of hope for those within the Rebellion.
Rei hurried the rest of the distance to the building, and was soon within the sanctuary of its walls. She rested her head upon the closed door, breathing deeply. Her mind thought back to when she had first set foot outside earlier, and how the moon had shined brightly then. It had shined throughout the storm too; the power bestowed upon it to never let its light go out or to be hidden. Yet, if memory served her correctly she could not remember it's pale light when the man in crimson had confronted her.
Rei's brow furrowed in confusion, as a sudden realization hit her. She had been too distracted by the man to take notice then, but now as she looked back she had a better knowledge of why her entire being had been rendered powerless. The moon itself had disappeared. The darkness that had swallowed her soul had apparently done the same with the moon. Yet where had it gone? It seemed as though the moon itself had fled in terror, cowering before the man as Rei had done.
But what did it all mean...
"The Crimson Storm"
The sky had continued to grow darker, as thick ominous clouds rolled in over the land. The lightening grew closer, temporarily illuminating the lonely streets, and beckoning for the thunder that was soon to follow. It came and crashed through the hearts of even the strongest of men.
As the storm swept through it brought with it ferocity unlike any other. The winds picked up to deadly high speeds while a heavy downpour of rain came crashing upon the Earth, shattering what little life dared to face it. Trees bent against their will as years of growing roots twisted and uprooted, becoming nothing more than another obstacle destroyed. The ground, no more than dirt patches, slowly turned into a deadly deathtrap of thickening mud.
The storm had an unholy presence about it. One might say it had a mind of it's own.
The streets of Neo Tokyo were now completely deserted, as the populace took to shelter from the threatening storm. Rei stood not even ten feet from the door of the Delyerain, contemplating her next move. She glanced over her shoulder at the building wondering if Gren's words were right. Yet in her many years of living Rei had learned that in this world it was each his or her own, and that this was her life. Her decisions. Her choices suited her well being and the drive that kept her going even through the darkest of times.
After another moment's hesitation Rei finally succumbed to her own free will and took off down the street of Larne. This was the main street that connected most of the Rebellion's strongholds, and if she headed due North she would soon reach her next destination. A station where those who still fought for the Old World congregated, and could strategize. It was there that they mapped out plans for a better future.
As Rei journeyed on the rain roared down upon her, soaking through clothes and eventually right down to bones themselves. Her long dark hair clumped together and hung heavily down the length of her back. Although Rei was cold, it did not entirely show as the young woman continued to brave the weather. Rei's violet eyes were always alert, scanning her surroundings. Yet without warning they became clouded as the rain suddenly came down in thick sheets. It made visibility difficult and the road even more treacherous.
Rei began to take long fast strides, the need to quicken her pace becoming more and more apparent. The wind that whipped around her carried with it whispers of darkness and terror, and even Rei's normal strength of heart weakened with fright. What if this was it? What if tonight was the last night she would ever walk the Earth? The thoughts that flooded her mind were not that of her own, the panic that swept through her spoke with that of another's will.
From atop the roof of the Delyerain, hidden within the shadows of the night stood a lone figure. It stood tall and strong, unmoving against the harsh wind and rain that battled throughout. The thick cloak that kept the figure's identity masked, danced around almost playing with the elements. It too was completely soaked through, yet it did not bother its owner much.
From underneath it's hooded cloak, the figure watched the young woman below. It watched as she hesitated, as she took off down the street. It watched as the storm gathered around her and threatened to swallow her hole. Above in the heavens, the sky had taken on a bluish tint. Electric energies sparked to life as the elements unleashed all of their fury. It had been a long while since a storm of such magnitude had walked upon the land.
Now struggling to remain standing, Rei fought to continue onward as every muscle ached from the strain put upon them. The winds pushed into her forcing her down towards the muddy ground beneath her feet. She frantically looked about, knowing that the location she was headed for was near. Yet all Rei's determined eyes could see was a cloud of mist and rain. She was trapped within what she assumed was the eye of the storm, and there seemed to be no end to its embrace.
"Sssenshiii..." A foul voice whispered above the loud roar of the storm. The word was barely audible yet strikingly clear within Rei's mind. It was then that Rei stopped dead in her tracks, every emotion, and every ounce of strength fleeing from her body. She stood rigid, her eyes wide with surprise and fear. The blood that raced through her veins surged with an ancient power, reacting to the word spoken and beaconing to be freed. Rei's violet eyes flared brilliantly against the darkness, though her expression was now blank.
"Sssenshiii..." The voice spoke again, this time much more louder and powerful. It danced around her menacingly, tempting her to fear, to loathe and to hate. Yet despite the urge to act out, Rei stood still, now trying to compose herself. She slowly closed her eyes, trying to regain her focus. Like hell she would allow herself to lose it now, here in a place like this. This would not be the end of her, it would not be her time.
"Have you not the strength to simply face me? You hide amidst the storm, no doubt of your creation. I would have expected much more from you and your foul kind!" Rei spoke aloud, her voice echoing around her. She could hear the storm moving, yet it had abated its lethal threat. The winds whipped past her, the rain slowing to a mere mist. The roaring noise had all about abated when Rei finally reopened her eyes.
"Senshi."
Rei found herself standing face to face with a man, cloaked in deep crimson. His lips moved as he spoke the word once more, a sly smile crossing his face. Long black hair rested gently upon his broad shoulders, it framed his extremely pale face and neck. Though large in stature the man appeared to be as agile as a feline, as he lithely took a step towards Rei. His presence told that of power, death and decay, yet his face held a beauty unparallel to any other. Eyes the color of deepest blue stared directly into Rei's own, narrowing slightly as he peered within her soul.
Rei could feel the probing of the man's eyes before her. She could feel him seeing her from within. She gazed at him as he read her mind and heart. It sickened her that for the moment she would do nothing in her defense, that she could not.
Within the time span of a heartbeat, the man was upon her. His slender pale hands wrapped around her neck. He did not apply much pressure, only kept her gaze locked with his own. Rei could hear her heart pounding within her ears. Why was she so powerless now?
"You were always powerless before me...why should you be any different now?" The words the man spoke were barely above a whisper again as he slowly brushed his lips across her own. Rei cringed as a million sensations, not all entirely bad, washed over her at his touch. Still only able to stare into his deep midnight blue eyes, Rei trembled. There was something familiar about this man...something she had almost mercifully forgotten. The memory stood on the edge of her mind, teasing her with it's hidden meaning.
This man was not the typical creature of the underworld. The Darkness that walked the Earth had never taken on the form of a man before, nor did it hold the power and intelligence. Mass destruction, death and chaos was the norm, but here stood an agent of evil with real substance. The terror that overwhelmed Rei, forced all of her reclaimed focus away. She was lost. Her mind blank, as the man suddenly released her from his grasp.
"It has been long since I last lay eyes upon a Senshi of the Old World. Too long. I should have known you would find a way to return. No matter." The man turned, his cloak billowing out behind him in a sea of blood red. "Your kind is of no threat to me anymore. Much has changed since then." His words trailed off as his figure slowly dissolved into the misty rain itself. As if on command the storm followed, vanishing as quick as it had begun.
"It was good to see you again...warrior of the flame..." The man's final statement sent a shudder down Rei's spine. She looked around her taking note to how everything had suddenly gone back to normal. The ground was no longer wet, trees that were blown down had vanished without a trace. Even her hair and clothing was dry. Rei realized then that the station was just around the next corner to her right. Without further hesitation, she ran the rest of the distance more urgent than ever to be within doors.
As Rei rounded the corner of 5th and Larne, she came to an abrupt halt. A soft light illuminated the front door to the building of the station. The light shone brightly against the bleak darkness of the night, and sparkled with a serene and comforting grace. Rei followed the light to its source and there amidst the cloudy sky shined the moon, a mark of justice against the horrors of the world. It would always be a beacon of hope for those within the Rebellion.
Rei hurried the rest of the distance to the building, and was soon within the sanctuary of its walls. She rested her head upon the closed door, breathing deeply. Her mind thought back to when she had first set foot outside earlier, and how the moon had shined brightly then. It had shined throughout the storm too; the power bestowed upon it to never let its light go out or to be hidden. Yet, if memory served her correctly she could not remember it's pale light when the man in crimson had confronted her.
Rei's brow furrowed in confusion, as a sudden realization hit her. She had been too distracted by the man to take notice then, but now as she looked back she had a better knowledge of why her entire being had been rendered powerless. The moon itself had disappeared. The darkness that had swallowed her soul had apparently done the same with the moon. Yet where had it gone? It seemed as though the moon itself had fled in terror, cowering before the man as Rei had done.
But what did it all mean...