Disclaimer - Much to my displeasure, I do not own Yoroiden Samurai
Troopers. ::turns a heated glare towards Wufei:: Thanks for ruining my
dreams, Wufei! .
Wufei: ::hmphs:: Foolish onna.
When the end came, Kiyone thought she would experience pain, but
instead she felt nothing. A great calm washed over her, like an ocean wave,
or a calm gentle breeze. After that there was nothing.
"Where am I?" she wondered aloud.
Suddenly, an image appeared before her eyes. A young woman with ebony
colored hair, stood alone in a windowlit room. It was apparent from her pale
skin and the dark circles under her eyes that she had not moved from that
spot in some time.
Kiyone watched this woman - for she knew who she was - with avid interest.
A few moments passed - Kiyone watching and the woman unseeing -
before the woman broke the silence, speaking as if there was someone else
in the room besides herself.
"You told me this would happen..." she replied softly. "I knew it would... I
dreaded it every waking moment... and yet it has happened... and I cannot
accept it." She closed her eyes, a dry sob escaping her. "We were to
grow old together... I wanted to be with you when the end came... and yet
here I am... all alone..."
Kiyone watched her with tears in her eyes. This ghost of a woman... though
familiar to her, was not how she had known her... not how she remembered
her to be. Her mother had never admitted to having any weaknesses,
certainly not one like this.
She knew she had loved her father, of course, but she had never realized
that her love for him had run this deeply. The woman was wasting away
before her eyes.
"Mama..." she tried to draw her attention, but to no avail. "You're not alone,
kaasan... don't you know I'm here?"
Angeline Kiyone did not seem to notice her presence at all, for she went on
as if uninterrupted. "I loved you more than life itself..." she replied softly, her
voice almost hollow. "And if I cannot be with you in life," She produced a
small knife from a desk drawer by the door. "Then we shall be together in
death..." She raised the blade to her heart.
Kiyone's eyes went wide with horror. "KAASAN!!!"
The world around her fading into nothing
~*~*~*~
She opened her eyes, expecting darkness like that of her mental prison.
What she saw instead was vast emptiness, white light as far as the eye
could see. Cherry blossom petals floated down from above her, but there
wasn't a tree in sight.
"What's going on?" she asked, still startled by the dark memory that had
played itself out before her eyes. "Where am I?"
"Neither here nor there."
Kiyone looked around for the owner of the voice; there was no one around.
Had she imagined it? "So, do you mean to say that I'm in limbo?" she
asked, glancing around.
There was a soft chuckle of another voice. "If you want to call it that, then
yes."
Kiyone frowned, deep in thought. "So, if I'm in limbo… am I dead?"
"No," the voice replied. "Far from it, in fact."
"Well," Kiyone was growing more and more confused. "Why aren't I then?"
"Because you asked for help."
Gasping slightly, Kiyone turned around. It seemed the voice was close to
her, but far away at the same time. It was as if it were coming from all
around her. "You helped me?" she asked. "Are you Kami by any chance?"
There was a deep chuckle. One that she recognized instantly, her eyes
widened in surprise. Coming towards her, almost as if appearing out of thin
air, was a figure dressed in armor - the same armor she had seen in her
dream when she first met the Troopers!
However, now she recognized the armor for what it was, the armor of
Kenbukyo, master swordsman of the Youja-kai. She understood everything
now; this was her heritage, her legacy. She was half-human, and she was
half youja. Most importantly, she was Kenbukyo's daughter - the child of
Saberstryke.
Making her way towards him in slow, cautious steps, she regarded him
carefully. The black armor, the long, yellow cloak; it was all similar to the
armor she had worn under Sadia's control. However, there was one distinct
difference that Sadia could not duplicate - the deep sword stroke embedded
deep within the armor's chest plate.
Looking up from the armor, she gazed at the golden faceplate, mesmerized
by his glowing blue eyes. "Hello, otousan." she replied quietly.
He remained silent for a moment, gazing down at her. After a few moments,
he reached for his helmet, pulling it off. The unruly, brownish-black hair - now
streaked with gray, tanned skin; all of it was the same. His clear blue eyes
were glassy and filled with pride. "Hello," he replied slowly. "Kaze-chan."
Her resolve crumbled, and she rushed into his embrace, sobbing like the
little girl she had once been should have. She held onto him tightly, fearing
he would disappear if she let go. "'Tousan, 'tousan, 'tousan…." she cried
over and over.
Kenbukyo didn't say a word. He didn't admonish her for her immaturity, or
tell her to dry her tears, he just held onto her. She was his most precious
treasure, and he had waited years for this moment. After a few minutes, he
held her at arms' length, smiling down at her.
"Look at you," he replied. "You've become a strong, beautiful young woman.
You've made me very proud."
"Proud?" Kiyone murmured, wiping away her remaining tears. "How have I
made you proud? I nearly dishonored you by letting Sadia--,"
"Never mind her." Kenbukyo replied. "She can no longer harm you; you've
defeated her and discovered the power I always knew was within you."
Kiyone stared up at him questioningly. "Haruka," he replied. "I made that
sword for you, Jade. You are of my blood and therefore there is great power
within you. That is why Haruka was meant to be used by your hands and
no one else's."
"I don't…" Kiyone's eyes held anxiety and confusion.
Kenbukyo smiled, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "I assume your
friends told you what they knew about me," Kiyone merely nodded.
"However, there is a bit more to the story than they are aware of."
Before she could ask what he meant, the Demon Swordsman began to tell
her the truth about himself; how he had been a coldhearted-killing machine,
tired of the arcane power struggle that was the Youja-kai. Leaving behind
his wealth and power, Kenbukyo denounced his old ways and resigned from
his position as a high ranking general in an Imperial army.
However, when Arago came into power, he learned of Kenbukyo's resignation
and immediately sought the use of his power. Kenbukyo refused his offer,
only to learn that Arago had really sought what all believed to be the source
of his power - the Soul Swords of Fervor.
Kiyone noted that Kenbukyo did not disclose to her how he had come
across the twin blades, but he did reveal that they were much older than he,
and had been in his possession for quite some time. While they were
powerful, the swords were only a tool to amplify one's strength, and would
indeed be a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a megalomaniac
like Arago.
Enraged that Kenbukyo refused to relinquish the swords to a 'superior
warrior' such as himself, Arago called upon all of his minions - even those
who had once been loyal to Kenbukyo - to take the swords by force. Rather
than smite them all merely for being weak-willed enough to fall under Arago's
control, Kenbukyo fled the Youja-kai with the swords and entered the Mortal
World, where he knew Arago could not follow. Injured, it was there that he
met Kiyone's mother and fell in love.
"You loved her?" Kiyone repeated, stunned by the whole tale.
"More than anything," Kenbukyo replied softly. "I was willing to give up my
immortality just so I could spend the rest of my days by her side. But…" He
paused, a pained expression passing over his features. "Arago still lusted
after the swords, and I knew that he would not stop until he could acquire
them. This became all too clear when he came after you."
His daughter took a startled step backwards. "What…?" Kiyone frowned in
confusion. "When did…"
"You were too young to remember." Kenbukyo explained. "Arago conjured
all the power he could muster to send a single youja into your world," Kiyone
flinched at the word 'your'. "With a single task - to kidnap you so that I
would have no choice but to turn over the swords."
"What happened?" Kiyone asked in a hushed tone.
A ghost of a smile passed over Kenbukyo's face as he spoke, "You repelled
it." Kiyone looked to him to clarify. "You were not like other children, Jade,"
he replied. "You had my blood running through your veins - the blood of a
youja; you were hardly ever sick, your wounds healed very quickly, and you
had more stamina than mortals twice your age and size."
Kiyone reflected upon this as he continued to speak. "Not only that, but
even though it was not apparent at the time, you inherited my powers as
well as your own." There was a hint of pride in his voice again. "Haven't you
ever wondered why you could never stay put when the wind seemed to be
calling to you?" Kiyone blinked in surprise in what seemed to be the
hundredth time. "The winds had once been mine to command, and when
you used them to repel that youja at only 2 years of age, I knew that the 4
Winds were to belong to you, Kaze-chan."
Her eyes went wide in surprise. "Why didn't you tell me any of this before?"
she asked, still bewildered. "Don't you think I had a right to know?"
"There was no time." Kenbukyo replied sadly. "You were much too young
to understand the heritage of which you were born into." He placed his
hands on her shoulders. "Believe me, Kaze-chan, I wanted to tell you
everything, but I knew my time in your world was very short. With your own
powers increasing as quickly as Arago's control of the Youja-kai grew, I
knew staying with you and your mother would only put you in danger."
Kiyone remained quiet a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Is that why
you went away," she asked. "And didn't come back?" 'And made Kaasan so
sad...?'
She soon found herself enveloped in another hug. "I would give up heaven
and Earth if I could take back all the pain I caused you and your mother,
Jade." Kenbukyo murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I knew I had to
face Arago, but I was not strong enough to beat him." There was a tinge of
malice in his voice now. "I faced him, and was defeated." Kiyone's eyes
traveled down to the deep scar across his chest plate. "I was forced to
become his servant, a puppet to his whim and beckon call."
Kiyone felt her eyes tear up. Her own father, though once as cruel and
coldhearted as Arago, had sacrificed everything - his honor, his happiness,
his freedom - so that she and her mother could be free. But it had cost them
all very much indeed.
"Still," Kiyone almost swore she heard her father's voice catch slightly. "I
knew that you would not be safe. There were those who were angry with me
and wished to take revenge on me through you," Sadia's name immediately
came to mind. "That is why I had Kokuen-Oh watch over you until you were
ready."
"Ready?"
"To carry on my legacy." Kenbukyo picked up his helmet, separating the
golden, crown-like faceplate from it. He then placed it on her head. Within
a few moments, Sadia's armor appeared on her once again, and Haruka
materialized in her hands.
"I don't understand," she replied, looking herself over. "This is…"
"This armor is yours," Kenbukyo replied. "Sadia possessed you, thinking
she was seeking my power, when in fact, she was after yours." He smiled
warmly. "You have succeeded me, taking on the power of the Four winds.
With your powers, they are at your command, making you a formidable
opponent to anyone who would threaten you." He leaned forward, kissing
her cheek. "I wish you the best of luck, Haruka no Jade."
"Haruka no Jade…?" Kiyone murmured. She looked up to see Kenbukyo
backing away. "Wait, where are you going?"
"You asked for my help," he replied. "And I came to you. Now, I am no
longer needed."
"That's not true!" Kiyone exclaimed. "I still need you - I need you to stay
with me! Don't leave me alone again, please!"
Kenbukyo chuckled. No longer was Kiyone the small, pigtailed-leaf-chasing
little girl he had once known. She was all grown up. "You're not alone,
Kaze-chan," he told her. "I recall a certain group of individuals who care
about you, and are concerned for your wellbeing." He paused a moment.
"A certain blue-haired warrior comes to mind…" Kiyone blushed slightly.
"It's ironic that whom I once thought to be my enemies, became my allies…
only to befriend my only child." he mused. "I know you will be happy with
them. You'll protect each other." He began to fade.
"Otousan…" Kiyone called out again frantically. This couldn't be
happening… she was losing him all over again.
"You are strong, Kiyone," Kenbukyo replied. "There is no need to run
anymore. Remember to always stand and fight - you will always be
victorious." A smirk passed over his face. "You are my daughter, after all."
Tears began to well up in Kiyone's eyes once again. "Otousan," she called
out. "I will see you again, won't I?"
"Yes," he answered. "But not yet, not now. You've still so much to do."
He smiled again. "Still, your mother and I will wait for you until that day
comes."
"Okaasan?" Kiyone looked around wildly for any signs of her mother.
"She's waiting for the day when we will all be reunited," Kenbukyo replied,
securing her hands over the hilt of Haruka. "She misses you and she hopes
you will forgive her."
"I do." Kiyone replied tearfully.
Kenbukyo smiled softly and nodded. "Now, I must go," he replied.
"Remember that we will meet again." He paused. "But, should you need us
before then, you know where to look." He tapped on his chest plate where
his heart would be. She could barely see him now. "Goodbye, Jade." he
told her. "Know that I love you." With that, he disappeared. Kiyone was
alone again.
~*~*~*~
Feeling the warm rays of the sun on her face, Kiyone opened her eyes
slowly. The previous events came back to her - the encounter with her father,
her mother's tragic death - almost like a fading memory; except for the vital
information he had given her. Taking in her surroundings, she realized two
things: one, she was back in the mansion, in her room; and two, she was
surrounded by several people. It took a minute for her to focus on their
faces, but she soon recognized them as Nasuti and the troopers.
She smiled; she was alive. She turned to face them. "Hi."
Shuu was the first to hear her, turning to face her with a wide-eyed, but
overjoyed look on his face. "Hey, she's awake!" he exclaimed. "She's
awake!"
Kiyone grinned slightly at the excitement that followed his statement. "How
long have I been out?" she asked softly, her throat unused to talking.
"Just about two weeks almost," Seiji replied, a worried but relieved
expression on his face. "I imagine your body and soul needed to heal after
that whole ordeal."
Kiyone raised her hand to where the golden arrow had pierced her chest in
the final battle. Glancing around quickly, she noticed the archer whom had
shot the arrow was missing from the room; she said nothing.
"How do you feel?" Ryo asked.
Kiyone sat up slowly despite the protests of the others. There was no pain
from her injuries at all, save for a slight cut in her head. There was an ache
in her heart, but she knew it was not from any physical injury. "I feel fine,"
she marveled.
"So I'm guessing you're fit to walk, right?" Seiji asked quietly. The others
glanced up him in curiosity.
"I guess so. Why?"
Seiji paused, glancing at Ryo who gave him a nod of approval. "I think
there's a certain trooper who'd really like to see you… alone."
There were a couple snickers from the others that caused Kiyone to blush.
She recovered quickly however, as she felt a warm feeling inside of her.
She was safe, surrounded by people who cared about her. Her father had
been right; she was finally home.
~End of Chapter 21
Troopers. ::turns a heated glare towards Wufei:: Thanks for ruining my
dreams, Wufei! .
Wufei: ::hmphs:: Foolish onna.
When the end came, Kiyone thought she would experience pain, but
instead she felt nothing. A great calm washed over her, like an ocean wave,
or a calm gentle breeze. After that there was nothing.
"Where am I?" she wondered aloud.
Suddenly, an image appeared before her eyes. A young woman with ebony
colored hair, stood alone in a windowlit room. It was apparent from her pale
skin and the dark circles under her eyes that she had not moved from that
spot in some time.
Kiyone watched this woman - for she knew who she was - with avid interest.
A few moments passed - Kiyone watching and the woman unseeing -
before the woman broke the silence, speaking as if there was someone else
in the room besides herself.
"You told me this would happen..." she replied softly. "I knew it would... I
dreaded it every waking moment... and yet it has happened... and I cannot
accept it." She closed her eyes, a dry sob escaping her. "We were to
grow old together... I wanted to be with you when the end came... and yet
here I am... all alone..."
Kiyone watched her with tears in her eyes. This ghost of a woman... though
familiar to her, was not how she had known her... not how she remembered
her to be. Her mother had never admitted to having any weaknesses,
certainly not one like this.
She knew she had loved her father, of course, but she had never realized
that her love for him had run this deeply. The woman was wasting away
before her eyes.
"Mama..." she tried to draw her attention, but to no avail. "You're not alone,
kaasan... don't you know I'm here?"
Angeline Kiyone did not seem to notice her presence at all, for she went on
as if uninterrupted. "I loved you more than life itself..." she replied softly, her
voice almost hollow. "And if I cannot be with you in life," She produced a
small knife from a desk drawer by the door. "Then we shall be together in
death..." She raised the blade to her heart.
Kiyone's eyes went wide with horror. "KAASAN!!!"
The world around her fading into nothing
~*~*~*~
She opened her eyes, expecting darkness like that of her mental prison.
What she saw instead was vast emptiness, white light as far as the eye
could see. Cherry blossom petals floated down from above her, but there
wasn't a tree in sight.
"What's going on?" she asked, still startled by the dark memory that had
played itself out before her eyes. "Where am I?"
"Neither here nor there."
Kiyone looked around for the owner of the voice; there was no one around.
Had she imagined it? "So, do you mean to say that I'm in limbo?" she
asked, glancing around.
There was a soft chuckle of another voice. "If you want to call it that, then
yes."
Kiyone frowned, deep in thought. "So, if I'm in limbo… am I dead?"
"No," the voice replied. "Far from it, in fact."
"Well," Kiyone was growing more and more confused. "Why aren't I then?"
"Because you asked for help."
Gasping slightly, Kiyone turned around. It seemed the voice was close to
her, but far away at the same time. It was as if it were coming from all
around her. "You helped me?" she asked. "Are you Kami by any chance?"
There was a deep chuckle. One that she recognized instantly, her eyes
widened in surprise. Coming towards her, almost as if appearing out of thin
air, was a figure dressed in armor - the same armor she had seen in her
dream when she first met the Troopers!
However, now she recognized the armor for what it was, the armor of
Kenbukyo, master swordsman of the Youja-kai. She understood everything
now; this was her heritage, her legacy. She was half-human, and she was
half youja. Most importantly, she was Kenbukyo's daughter - the child of
Saberstryke.
Making her way towards him in slow, cautious steps, she regarded him
carefully. The black armor, the long, yellow cloak; it was all similar to the
armor she had worn under Sadia's control. However, there was one distinct
difference that Sadia could not duplicate - the deep sword stroke embedded
deep within the armor's chest plate.
Looking up from the armor, she gazed at the golden faceplate, mesmerized
by his glowing blue eyes. "Hello, otousan." she replied quietly.
He remained silent for a moment, gazing down at her. After a few moments,
he reached for his helmet, pulling it off. The unruly, brownish-black hair - now
streaked with gray, tanned skin; all of it was the same. His clear blue eyes
were glassy and filled with pride. "Hello," he replied slowly. "Kaze-chan."
Her resolve crumbled, and she rushed into his embrace, sobbing like the
little girl she had once been should have. She held onto him tightly, fearing
he would disappear if she let go. "'Tousan, 'tousan, 'tousan…." she cried
over and over.
Kenbukyo didn't say a word. He didn't admonish her for her immaturity, or
tell her to dry her tears, he just held onto her. She was his most precious
treasure, and he had waited years for this moment. After a few minutes, he
held her at arms' length, smiling down at her.
"Look at you," he replied. "You've become a strong, beautiful young woman.
You've made me very proud."
"Proud?" Kiyone murmured, wiping away her remaining tears. "How have I
made you proud? I nearly dishonored you by letting Sadia--,"
"Never mind her." Kenbukyo replied. "She can no longer harm you; you've
defeated her and discovered the power I always knew was within you."
Kiyone stared up at him questioningly. "Haruka," he replied. "I made that
sword for you, Jade. You are of my blood and therefore there is great power
within you. That is why Haruka was meant to be used by your hands and
no one else's."
"I don't…" Kiyone's eyes held anxiety and confusion.
Kenbukyo smiled, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "I assume your
friends told you what they knew about me," Kiyone merely nodded.
"However, there is a bit more to the story than they are aware of."
Before she could ask what he meant, the Demon Swordsman began to tell
her the truth about himself; how he had been a coldhearted-killing machine,
tired of the arcane power struggle that was the Youja-kai. Leaving behind
his wealth and power, Kenbukyo denounced his old ways and resigned from
his position as a high ranking general in an Imperial army.
However, when Arago came into power, he learned of Kenbukyo's resignation
and immediately sought the use of his power. Kenbukyo refused his offer,
only to learn that Arago had really sought what all believed to be the source
of his power - the Soul Swords of Fervor.
Kiyone noted that Kenbukyo did not disclose to her how he had come
across the twin blades, but he did reveal that they were much older than he,
and had been in his possession for quite some time. While they were
powerful, the swords were only a tool to amplify one's strength, and would
indeed be a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a megalomaniac
like Arago.
Enraged that Kenbukyo refused to relinquish the swords to a 'superior
warrior' such as himself, Arago called upon all of his minions - even those
who had once been loyal to Kenbukyo - to take the swords by force. Rather
than smite them all merely for being weak-willed enough to fall under Arago's
control, Kenbukyo fled the Youja-kai with the swords and entered the Mortal
World, where he knew Arago could not follow. Injured, it was there that he
met Kiyone's mother and fell in love.
"You loved her?" Kiyone repeated, stunned by the whole tale.
"More than anything," Kenbukyo replied softly. "I was willing to give up my
immortality just so I could spend the rest of my days by her side. But…" He
paused, a pained expression passing over his features. "Arago still lusted
after the swords, and I knew that he would not stop until he could acquire
them. This became all too clear when he came after you."
His daughter took a startled step backwards. "What…?" Kiyone frowned in
confusion. "When did…"
"You were too young to remember." Kenbukyo explained. "Arago conjured
all the power he could muster to send a single youja into your world," Kiyone
flinched at the word 'your'. "With a single task - to kidnap you so that I
would have no choice but to turn over the swords."
"What happened?" Kiyone asked in a hushed tone.
A ghost of a smile passed over Kenbukyo's face as he spoke, "You repelled
it." Kiyone looked to him to clarify. "You were not like other children, Jade,"
he replied. "You had my blood running through your veins - the blood of a
youja; you were hardly ever sick, your wounds healed very quickly, and you
had more stamina than mortals twice your age and size."
Kiyone reflected upon this as he continued to speak. "Not only that, but
even though it was not apparent at the time, you inherited my powers as
well as your own." There was a hint of pride in his voice again. "Haven't you
ever wondered why you could never stay put when the wind seemed to be
calling to you?" Kiyone blinked in surprise in what seemed to be the
hundredth time. "The winds had once been mine to command, and when
you used them to repel that youja at only 2 years of age, I knew that the 4
Winds were to belong to you, Kaze-chan."
Her eyes went wide in surprise. "Why didn't you tell me any of this before?"
she asked, still bewildered. "Don't you think I had a right to know?"
"There was no time." Kenbukyo replied sadly. "You were much too young
to understand the heritage of which you were born into." He placed his
hands on her shoulders. "Believe me, Kaze-chan, I wanted to tell you
everything, but I knew my time in your world was very short. With your own
powers increasing as quickly as Arago's control of the Youja-kai grew, I
knew staying with you and your mother would only put you in danger."
Kiyone remained quiet a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Is that why
you went away," she asked. "And didn't come back?" 'And made Kaasan so
sad...?'
She soon found herself enveloped in another hug. "I would give up heaven
and Earth if I could take back all the pain I caused you and your mother,
Jade." Kenbukyo murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I knew I had to
face Arago, but I was not strong enough to beat him." There was a tinge of
malice in his voice now. "I faced him, and was defeated." Kiyone's eyes
traveled down to the deep scar across his chest plate. "I was forced to
become his servant, a puppet to his whim and beckon call."
Kiyone felt her eyes tear up. Her own father, though once as cruel and
coldhearted as Arago, had sacrificed everything - his honor, his happiness,
his freedom - so that she and her mother could be free. But it had cost them
all very much indeed.
"Still," Kiyone almost swore she heard her father's voice catch slightly. "I
knew that you would not be safe. There were those who were angry with me
and wished to take revenge on me through you," Sadia's name immediately
came to mind. "That is why I had Kokuen-Oh watch over you until you were
ready."
"Ready?"
"To carry on my legacy." Kenbukyo picked up his helmet, separating the
golden, crown-like faceplate from it. He then placed it on her head. Within
a few moments, Sadia's armor appeared on her once again, and Haruka
materialized in her hands.
"I don't understand," she replied, looking herself over. "This is…"
"This armor is yours," Kenbukyo replied. "Sadia possessed you, thinking
she was seeking my power, when in fact, she was after yours." He smiled
warmly. "You have succeeded me, taking on the power of the Four winds.
With your powers, they are at your command, making you a formidable
opponent to anyone who would threaten you." He leaned forward, kissing
her cheek. "I wish you the best of luck, Haruka no Jade."
"Haruka no Jade…?" Kiyone murmured. She looked up to see Kenbukyo
backing away. "Wait, where are you going?"
"You asked for my help," he replied. "And I came to you. Now, I am no
longer needed."
"That's not true!" Kiyone exclaimed. "I still need you - I need you to stay
with me! Don't leave me alone again, please!"
Kenbukyo chuckled. No longer was Kiyone the small, pigtailed-leaf-chasing
little girl he had once known. She was all grown up. "You're not alone,
Kaze-chan," he told her. "I recall a certain group of individuals who care
about you, and are concerned for your wellbeing." He paused a moment.
"A certain blue-haired warrior comes to mind…" Kiyone blushed slightly.
"It's ironic that whom I once thought to be my enemies, became my allies…
only to befriend my only child." he mused. "I know you will be happy with
them. You'll protect each other." He began to fade.
"Otousan…" Kiyone called out again frantically. This couldn't be
happening… she was losing him all over again.
"You are strong, Kiyone," Kenbukyo replied. "There is no need to run
anymore. Remember to always stand and fight - you will always be
victorious." A smirk passed over his face. "You are my daughter, after all."
Tears began to well up in Kiyone's eyes once again. "Otousan," she called
out. "I will see you again, won't I?"
"Yes," he answered. "But not yet, not now. You've still so much to do."
He smiled again. "Still, your mother and I will wait for you until that day
comes."
"Okaasan?" Kiyone looked around wildly for any signs of her mother.
"She's waiting for the day when we will all be reunited," Kenbukyo replied,
securing her hands over the hilt of Haruka. "She misses you and she hopes
you will forgive her."
"I do." Kiyone replied tearfully.
Kenbukyo smiled softly and nodded. "Now, I must go," he replied.
"Remember that we will meet again." He paused. "But, should you need us
before then, you know where to look." He tapped on his chest plate where
his heart would be. She could barely see him now. "Goodbye, Jade." he
told her. "Know that I love you." With that, he disappeared. Kiyone was
alone again.
~*~*~*~
Feeling the warm rays of the sun on her face, Kiyone opened her eyes
slowly. The previous events came back to her - the encounter with her father,
her mother's tragic death - almost like a fading memory; except for the vital
information he had given her. Taking in her surroundings, she realized two
things: one, she was back in the mansion, in her room; and two, she was
surrounded by several people. It took a minute for her to focus on their
faces, but she soon recognized them as Nasuti and the troopers.
She smiled; she was alive. She turned to face them. "Hi."
Shuu was the first to hear her, turning to face her with a wide-eyed, but
overjoyed look on his face. "Hey, she's awake!" he exclaimed. "She's
awake!"
Kiyone grinned slightly at the excitement that followed his statement. "How
long have I been out?" she asked softly, her throat unused to talking.
"Just about two weeks almost," Seiji replied, a worried but relieved
expression on his face. "I imagine your body and soul needed to heal after
that whole ordeal."
Kiyone raised her hand to where the golden arrow had pierced her chest in
the final battle. Glancing around quickly, she noticed the archer whom had
shot the arrow was missing from the room; she said nothing.
"How do you feel?" Ryo asked.
Kiyone sat up slowly despite the protests of the others. There was no pain
from her injuries at all, save for a slight cut in her head. There was an ache
in her heart, but she knew it was not from any physical injury. "I feel fine,"
she marveled.
"So I'm guessing you're fit to walk, right?" Seiji asked quietly. The others
glanced up him in curiosity.
"I guess so. Why?"
Seiji paused, glancing at Ryo who gave him a nod of approval. "I think
there's a certain trooper who'd really like to see you… alone."
There were a couple snickers from the others that caused Kiyone to blush.
She recovered quickly however, as she felt a warm feeling inside of her.
She was safe, surrounded by people who cared about her. Her father had
been right; she was finally home.
~End of Chapter 21