-------------------------------------------------Chapter 22--------------------------------------------
The Black Slayer
Choas, Revisited
Jessica
dilly_freak7_7@hotmail.com
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This time, I didn't black out at all. I just felt slightly dizzy when I opened my eyes. We were in my backyard again and Blade came running out as the light faded. At first I thought she looked happy, but as she ran closer, I noticed the desparation in her eyes and face. I left Mark's warm embrace and waited, confused.
Jessica!!! Hurry! Follow me!!' she said. I started running. We ran through the house, and on down the street, joined quickly by Mark and Jason.
Blade, what's wrong?' I asked, my voice amazingly stable as I ran.
Your...*pant*... mom.....went to the store....*wheeze* when she was coming back....... drunk......car crash............'
No' I whispered and instantly, my wings burst open and I flew high above the city, searching for a crash. Not two blocks away, I spotted a horrific mass of twisted metal. Screaming my anguish, I dove head on. I didn't stop. When my face was five feet from the wreackage, I finally pulled open my wings, I heard a crack from the tremendous strain. Pain shot through my right wing, but I didn't care. I started digging through the remnants of a black SUV and my mom's small compact. At first I didn't see past the red paint. Then I noticed how much was pooling on the ground. Blood. I screamed again and dug harder, sharp metal tearing into my hands, mingling with the tears streaming down my face. I vaguely heard sirens and screeching tires. I kept on. I found the body of the driver of the SUV first. Lifeless. I tossed it away like a ragdoll and it landed twenty feet behind me, rolling through the line of onlookers. I disengaged the entire mangled SUV and shoved it away, causing sparks to fly off the pavement until it came to a stop ten feet away. I finally found my sister. Blood, blood everywhere. Her face, chest, arm, neck, legs. Bones at odd angles. Closed eyes. I set her aside carefully, my vision clouding and my face burned by the heat of the tears.
Step aside, ma'am' I heard a male voice say. I granted the person a glance. Fireman. I ignored him and went back to searching for my mom. He said something again, but this time it sounded distant. I felt hands on my shoulders and violently shook them off. I kept on. Tearing metal, tearing my flesh. I didn't care. The voice again. More forcefull. Hands, rougher. No! I turned on my knees and punched him in the stomach. He flew back too and landed on the corpse of the man that had killed my family. I went back to digging. I saw an arm. I tore the metal around it and revealed my mom. Still breathing! Barely. I had to get her out. I gently tugged and pain flashed across her battered face. I stopped and losened the metal more. This time, I succeeded and I laid her down on the asphalt, wishing it were a hospital bed.
I've always wanted to see your wings' she said, something like a smile showing. I smiled back through my tears. Pain on her face again.
No! Please, don't go! I need you. Jenny's gone mom. Jenny's gone....'
I knew how I would end. I saw my fate written out for me when I was born. I have magic too. Mine was exceptional for healing' she whispered. Lift me up. I want you to see my wings. I want to die as a Draconian and I don't want to hide it' She masked more pain as I obliged. Her wings exploded from her back and she gasped. She went limp but still wasn't gone.
Rei, take my magic as my gift to you. Find your father, he's alive. Find those that wish to ruin your life by killing all those you love. They already got me and Jenny' *No!* I want you to always follow your heart and don't let anyone control you' Her final blessing. *Remember, I love you* she told me in my mind. As her eyes faded, a pure white ball of magic materialized, just above her face. Tears pouring, unstoppable, I accepted the magic into myself and cherished it. It was all I had left. I closed her eyes for her and laid her down gently. I heard a moan from Jenny. I quickly went over to her as her eyes fluttered open.
Jessie....'
Shh....It'll be all right, I'll take care of you' I whispered.
My back.....hurts....' she said. I guessed correctly when I lifted her off the asphalt. Her wings burst out and she cried at the pain.
It's all right' I said, holding her to me, ignoring the blood.
Mama's gone' she said.
I know'
I will be too' she said
No, I'll make sure you get all better'
No, Mama told......me' she said, gasping from the pain.
Jenny! I love you, I always have, I always will' I said, brushing loose hair out of her face.
I know. Remember me?'
Always' I said, smiling down at her. A small grin crossed her face as she closed her eyes, accepting her fate. Her breathing stopped. She was gone. I was alone. I cradled my sister in my arms until I felt hands on my shoulders again. Policeman.
Um....Ma'am? Please step away from the wreck' he said, obviously startled by three people with wings. I stared blanky at his face and stood. He put a hand on my elbow to lead my away.
This way, please' He didn't get more than two feet. He found himself laying on top of the fireman who had just lost his breakfast in the grass.
Rei' I turned at the voice and saw Mark. He had been standing aside the whole time, waiting for me to be done. He reached out a hand to me, but I suddenly remembered something. I ran back to my family's bodies and took the necklace that was around each neck. When pieced together, the three of them, mine included, created the Japanese symbol for dragon. I put their necklaces on my neck. A little piece of them will always be with me. I went back to Mark and welcomed his embrace. I sobbed into his shoulder though I didn't have any tears left in me.
Let's get you cleaned up' he said. Knowing I didn't have the will to move, he picked me up and flew me home. I was silent the entire time he washed me face and hands. I only winced once when he bandaged my hands. They looked like rags after all the torn metal. I was vaguely aware of Jason and Blade, both anxious. I was wrapped in a blanket and allowed to sleep.
When I woke up, I found Mark sitting on the couch where I had slept. He was watching me, his face full of worry, anxiety, anguish. As soon as I opened my eyes he hugged me.
You are not alone, and I never want to hear it from you' he said forcefully. I stared blankly at him.
They're gone.........' I whispered. Tears sprang up in my eyes again. He held me close.
Shh.....calm down, you are not alone, you have me, and Blade, and Jason and Ryan.....you will never be alone' he promised.
It hurts' I said.
I know. And it'll hurt even more if you don't feel happy for them'
Why should I be happy? They left me!'
Because they have gone to a better place. Don't be sad, Rei. You can start a new life on Gaea and leave this all behind you'
I'll....try' I choked out, attempting to hold back sobs.
Do you want to go back yet?' he asked.
Yes. But.....I need the help of everyone so I can put a spell on the house so no one will enter it, tear it down, anything. I want everything just the way it is'
Okay. I'll go get Blade and Jason' Mark kissed me on the forehead and went to get my friends. Ten minutes later, we had all set the spell and were in desperate need of sleep. I just blacked out.
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My lord' The screen came to life to show the distracted Dornkirck.
What?'
It has been done. Her family has been destroyed' The shadow stood proud, obviously waiting for some kind of reward.
That may be true, but there is still a force that keeps her from breaking down. Find it! Destroy it!'
Yes, Lord Dornkirck' he said, bowing as the image faded. He stood up straight, anger and hatred showing in his eyes, his face expressionless.
Destroy them he says......... why not just destroy her? It can't be that hard' Once again, manical laughter spread throughout the halls of the vione. Many cringed, several screamed in fear, and one. One, laughed in return.
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When I woke up again, I had been tucked into my own bed, still in the blood covered clothes of the day before. I hugged myself to close away the pain of my loss. I had to find who was against me, who was slowly killing all those I loved. I wouldn't just kill them. I would torture them. They were ruining my life, and I would ruin theirs. I would slowly destroy everything they had worked for until they went insane.
Maybe then I would kill them.
I pulled the bed covers away slowly due to my aching hands. I didn't care. I was cold. I felt nothing but anger toward those that had hurt me. I got myself out of bed and into the shower, not bothering with my clothes until they were soaked and blood was running down the drain. I stripped them off and stood in the hot jets, not moving. Why?
It must have been an hour or so later when I was next aware of anything. The water had long since turned a biting cold and I think I was shivering, but I was only vaguely concious of my surroundings.
Rei?' I heard a voice call. I tried to answer, but my vocal chords wouldn't oblige. All the response the person got was a stiffled groan.
Rei?' The person had now noticed that the shower was on and that I was in it. I heard footsteps approach the shower. I tried to answer again.
H....he....lp' was all I got. My conciousness was slipping from me. Things were shifting in and out of focus.
Rei?' I fell to the floor, a dull thud echoing out into my room. My head hit the tile with a sharp crack, and my view was slowly overcome with black. Just before I fainted, I saw the shower door open to reveal Mark.
When I woke up the second time, It had to have been no more than five minutes later. I was wrapped in a large towel and sitting on the floor of the bathroom just outside my shower. Water had pooled around me and I was leaning my back against someone's chest. I looked up at that person's face and found Mark's. He was caught between worry and embarrassment at my state. Though I noticed this, it didn't register right away.
My....my......m-mom t-t-told me b-before s-s-s-she di.......died' I stammered, caught between tears and shivers of cold.
Shh... hush, we have to get you in some clothes' Mark said, smoothing back my soaked hair.
S-she told me..... that she k-knew the way she w-w-would go. That it wa-was no accid-dent' I finally had it out. A small wieght lifted off my shoulders.Mark looked shocked for a moment before he nodded for me to continue.
She wanted me t-to f-f-f-find those that wi-ssssh to ruin......m-my life. My father's a-alive, Mark. I h-have t-t-to find him. Will y-y-y-y-ou h-help m-me?' I asked, pleading with him.
Of course' he answered. Another weight gone. He kissed my forhead and helped me stand. My legs still wouldn't listen to orders and I nearly fell again. I held on to my towel with a death grip as Mark caught me. One of his arms was around my waist and the other had gently, if strongly, grabbed my shoulder. When he had righted me again, the hand on my shoulder snaked its way down to join the other around my waist.
It'll be all right' he whispered in my ear. I'm here. Whenever you need me, just call. I'll be there' He kissed my cheek to seal the promise and my free hand went up to the spot where his lips met my skin. A single tear rolled down my cheek. Mark turned me around in his arms, one of his hands coming up to hold my cheek.
I love you' he said firmly. Another tear followed the first. Don't ever forget that'
Alright' I said. He kissed me then. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I felt like I was in heaven. I felt his lips part and his tongue slid across my lips, asking permission. I opened my mouth in answer and the kiss deepened. Mark's hands started roving up and down my back, massaging away tension in my shoulders, caressing my arms. When his arms found their way back to my waist, he broke away gently. I was complete. I finally knew I would never be alone, no matter what.
I love you' he said again, his eyes staring deep into mine.
I love you too' I answered, another lone tear rolling down my cheek. He hugged me one last time and released me.
I suppose that you can get dressed on your own. Or do you need my help?' he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
I'm a big girl, I can do it myself' I laughed.
Alrighty then. I'll be downstairs. I'll make you a sandwich, okay?'
You know the way I like em?'
Of course. Mayo, mustard, ketchup, meat, and pickles'
That's it' I said, the smile reaching my eyes.
Alright. I'll see you in a few' He kissed me on the forehead and made his way out of my room and down the stairs. I hugged myself and stepped back into my room, changing into a pair of black leather pants and a tight black tank top with flames crawling up from the bottom. I completed the outfit with my favorite supple leather boots and strapped my sword belt around my waist. I placed the ring my mother had given me on my second finger of my left hand, the enchanted dagger in it's sheath on my swordbelt, and my five other daggers hidden on my person. I put on the necklace and bracelet with a little hesitation considering how fragile they were. Oh well, I would be careful with them. I made my way downstairs and stretched when I had gotten into the kitchen.
Ohiyo' I said to everyone. Blade answered and Jason just muttered some obsene phrase. He was NOT a morning person. As I watched, he suddenly arched his back, pain written all over his face. It subsided and he rotated his shoulders, as if trying to rid himself of an ache.
What's wrong, Jason?' I asked, half wondering if I was right.
My back won't stop bothering me. This sharp pain, right between my shoulderblades keeps popping up, like something's trying to rip through my skin' he said. I shared a knowing glance with Mark.
Follow me, everyone, it's time to learn what I really am' I said, leading everyone into the backyard. When I stopped, I waited till I had caught everyone's attention and nodded to Mark. Simultaneously, we threw our shoulders back then quickly arched our backs, our wings bursting out, thankfully leaving my shirt intact. Can't say the same for Mark's since his ended up in pieces. Muscles. Blade stared wide eyed and Jason was caught in more pain.
Come here' I told him. He did, walking very slowly. Take off your shirt' He looked at me like I was a madman. Do you want it to look like his?' I asked, pointing to Mark's. Jason shook his head and did as he was told, trying to keep the pain from his face. I said the spell I had used on Mark his first time.
Show what is known,
of power grown,
reveal his wings!!
And, as before, Jason gasped in pain as his wings appeared. His were silver, like mine and Mark's and Ryan's, only streaked with white, where mine were blood red, Mark's gold, and Ryan's emerald green.
Well, there ya go. You are officially a member of Hell's Fire. I'll teach you all you need to know about everything from Gaea to knife fights. Have fun' I said. Jason nearly passed out.
Hey!' Blade said. What about me??'
Oh yeah'
Do I still have to take my shirt off?' she asked, blushing slightly.
No. But I will have to cut slits in the back of your shirt. Come here' She did so and turned around. I produced one of my daggers and cut the afore mentioned slits. I repeated the spell and now it was Blade's turn to gasp in pain. Her wings were just like mine, only sapphire blue where mine were ruby red.
Same for you. The only rules are to help when needed, stand up for one another, and don't pull authority cause there is none. All opinions are considered valuable, yadda yadda. Try to use your powers sparingly, what I teach you of physical combat should get you out of most situations. A word of advice, don't piss off Dilandau, and don't mess with the Slayers unless I'm around until you know how to fight. Now, said and done, bare your right upper arm. I hope you like tattoos' They did as told and I prepared the little fireballs for the mark.
Repeat after me. The flame of life and death'' They did and I burned the fire into their arms. They both closed their eyes against the pain and I was sorry I couldn't go through it again with them. When they had been cristened as Hell's Fire, they under went certain changes. Blade's black hair now included sapphire blue tips and her eyes were now a startlingly bright blue. Jason's black hair was now streaked with white, and his eyes were silver.
Alright. Now that that's said and done, lets get rid of the wings shall we? Just concentrate on what you look like without them' I said as mine and Mark's melted away. Jason's and Blade's took longer, but they both accomplished it.
Okay. Now. Jason, you said you knew judo and could knife fight yadda yadda, right?' I asked.
Yes' he answered. I have a fifth degree black belt, I can pin a fly on the wall twenty feet away, an orange at fifty yards with a dagger, and I beat the crap out of the local sword master''
Hmm. You say you can do all that? Then hit me' I challenged. He shrugged and took a fighting stance while I just stood with my hands behind my back.
Mark, Blade? If you would take a seat, this might be a while' I said. Jason charged forward and swung a roundhouse at my head. I leaned back just enough for the punch to slide past my face by centimeters. He tried to trip me by swinging his leg at my feet, and I jumped out of the way, my hands still behind my back. Come on. Hit me!' I said. He flipped over my head and I went down into a split, avoiding his high kick, and knocking his feet out from under him. I went into a handstand and stood, waiting for him to recover. It didn't take long and soon he was throwing wildfire shots at me while I simply moved out of the way. At one point, I was pressed to keep dodging the shots since he was guessing where I would move to. I decided then that that was enough. I caught his right hand mid punch, then his left. When he tried to kick me, I dodged and stepped on his foot when it got back to the ground.
You missed' I said. I let him go and stretched again.
What next?' he asked, doing the same and wiping sweat off his forhead.
Sword? Knife is too much like hand to hand'
Sure. Let me get mine'
Fair enough' I answered. Blade looked officailly stunned.
Whoa' she finally got out. I'm gonna learn to do that?'
Yes. You will be taught progressively. First by Jerry, then Mark, then Ryan, and finally me'
Very whoa' she said. Mark smiled and I cracked a grin too. Jason showed up with his brother's sword, a little more relaxed. Apparently he liked sword combat a lot better than hand to hand. He got in his fighting postition and stopped, confused.
Where's your sword?' he asked.
Everywhere' I answered.
What?' This came from Blade and Jason. I laughed.
Iansha' I called. I felt the familar weight in my hand and thought again what havoc she would reak invisible. I ran my hand along the blade, revealing her to my audience.
Oh dear god. Gaea isn't normal, is it?' Blade asked.
This is Iansha. Heart of the Dragons and passed down for generations by draconians. I've yet to discover her full power. One thing; don't touch her'
Why? Cause she's yours and no one else can use her'?' Jason asked sarcastically.
That's part of it. Let me see your hand' He offered his hand to me, palm up. Holding Iansha by the blade, I pressed the hilt into his palm for an instant. He snatched his hand back, shock, pain, and confusion written all over his face.
She'll burn anyone's hand off who isn't me' I explained. Let's fight' I said. Jason and I took our positions and I let him attack first. I held my real strength in reserve until I had a feel for his talent. Seeing as he had talent, I let loose. His initial charge was an upward swing other than the typical downward stroke. Nonetheless, I blocked and answered his second swing with a dodge. As soon as I moved to dodge, he changed the wide arch and brought the schimitar too close for comfort. I held myself in check just a little longer so I could get a feel for his attack style.
Come on! Fight me!!' he yelled. His challenge just plain ticked me off. Instead of dodging his huge downstroke like anyone with sense would, I blocked it, hilt in both hands, blade just over my shoulder. I threw off his sword like a rag doll and started attacking him. The stress began to show on his face as he blocked most of my rapid fire attacks. I let off for a minute so he could catch his breath. I stepped back. I brought my sword up to my face, blade out and closed my eyes, concentrating. I heard him shift his weight. I heard the ring of metal as he swung the comparatively light scimitar through the air. My eyes still closed, I put my sword, blade out, in protection of my left side, one handed. I heard the huge clash of metal that gave away the force behind the blow. I opened my eyes to see Jason pushing against my sword with his with all his strength.
I haven't even begun to fight' I hissed. I pushed him away from me with my sword and charged. I swung down, aiming for his face, and he blocked it. He had his right hand on the hilt, and his left at the end of the sword. I could tell he was finding it hard to hold it there. I pushed down harder and he was forced to his knees.
Just to let you know, nobody who challenges me wins' I growled. This is your reminder' I said as I slipped Iansha's blade closer to the hilt of his scimitar. Once right up against it, I pushed down with all my force and sliced a deep nick into his sword. I let up completely and very quickly and Jason's sword went flying through the air since he was still pushing against nothing. It landed with a thunk in a tree trunk and Jason nearly collapsed. I stretched for the last time and had Iansha disappear.
Who's up for lunch?' I asked. Blade was looking stunned again. With the help of Mark, Jason got back inside without further incident.
So. When do you guys wanna go to Gaea?' I asked.
Now!' was Blade's answer.
As soon as I come back from the dead' was Jason's answer.
Whenever' was Mark's answer.
To me that says this evening. Do you two have everything you need?'
Yeah. My sword, my daggers, all that crap you said to bring'
Yes. And I got my hands on a sword. It was my mom's, and I forgot to mention it last time you two were here. I think it's a Japanese-type sword. Hold on, I'll get it' she ran off into one of the guest rooms and was back a minute later with her sword.
Let's see' She forked it over and I went about inspecting it. It was a nice sword to say the least. The hilt was silver, and the blade steel. The hilt itself was shaped after a cresting wave. A blue diamond was set in the crest of the wave. It was a really nice sword. Nothing compared to Iansha of course. Nice. I'll get Jason to start teaching you as soon as we're back on Gaea, alright?'
Sure' she said, fixing herself a sandwhich.
You know? I really want to have ramen again before I go back. Anyone else?' Mark asked.
Yeah. Fix me some of that tomato stuff, will ya?'
Sure thing' he answered. For the rest of the day, we walked around the city enjoying Earth's charms before leaving. We saw MIB2, ate at the pizza place, and bought shitloads of batteries for our cd players whilst the clerk looked at us strangely. We also had our fun playing pranks that I had thought of a long time ago but had never had a chance to do. One involved replacing the tobacco and nicotine in a cigarette with black powder. The resulting explosion sent the middle aged man to the hospital. It was hilarious though. By the end of the day, we had done just about everything you could do in the city.
Ok, are you guys ready to go?' I asked once we had gotten back to my house.
Yeah' Mark answered.
Finally!' Blade cried.
I guess' Jason replied.
Ok, grab your stuff and we'll go' Jason and Blade ran off to get their things and were back in less than five minutes. My three friends linked hands and formed a circle around me. With strength pouring in from three other people, the spell went incredibly fast and we were on top of the vione in next to no time.
We're here!' I said. I gave Jason and Blade time to absorb the view before we all flew down to the room Mark and I had left from only five minutes ago. I showed my friends back to their rooms, telling them their passwords and mine so they could get me when I was needed. I introduced Jason and Blade to Ryan.
Ok, everyone, we're going to go meet the Dragonslayers, Dilandau and Folken, ok? Watch your step with Dilandau, but most of the DS will leave you alone. If they give you any shit, tell em off. They can't do much themselves. Let's go' I lead the way to the DS training room. Without knocking, I punched in the code and walked into the room. Most of the sparring pairs stopped at our appearance. Dilandau, not entirely pleased at the entrance, stood where he was seated on a raised platform. Folken was standing off to the side of the throne-like seat looking imposing.
What the hell do you think you're doing? I will not stand for my soldier's training time to be interrupted. Why are you here?' Dilandau demanded.
Just thought I'd let you know that I'm adding two more people to Hell's Fire. Given two weeks, they will both be able to beat any one of you Dragon Slayers with ease. This is Aqua' Blade stepped up. This is Storm' Jason stepped up, glaring at me for naming him after the X-men character Storm. Just thought you should know' With that, I signalled for Hell's Fire to exit while I brought up the rear. *He's gonna try something, so you guys just wait outside while I deal with it, k?* I broadcast to my group. They all obliged and I walked a bit slower waiting for the commander's attack. I didn't have to wait long. Silent as death, Dilandau ran at me, drawing his sword, rage written all over his features. I called Iansha to me and left her invisible, just to wreak some havoc. I feined oblivion until the last instant. I whirled and blocked just before the man's downstroke reached my head. Sparks flew from nowhere as his sword clashed with my invisible one. A confused expression crossed Dilandau's face and I didn't give him time to react before punching him in the stomach. And sending him flying back into Folken. I just had to laugh at the sight of them sprawled on the floor, along with Dilandau's breakfast. I had my authority. I left the room before he could recover. I took my friends down to our gym and weight room and showed them around. I took them on a tour of the vione so they would know how to get everywhere. Our last stop was the guy hangar.
Ok guys. These are guymelefs. In your time here, you will learn to use them well. The red one, an Alsiedes model, is Dilandau's. The black Alsiedes is mine, the gold Alsiedes is Mark's, the green one Ryan's, and all the blue Oreades are the Dragon Slayers'. You two will have the two other Alsiedes. It's actually pretty stupid to call ours Alsiedes anymore because they change the first time you get in. Mine is really called Zelas. Mark's is Death Scythe and no, not just because the one from Gundam Wing is cool. Ryan's is Terra. Yours will change the first time you get in them. You can figure out your own names, got it?' They nodded. And Jason? Sorry for naming you Storm, but nobody on Gaea knows what a comic book is much less the X-Men. Live with it' He just rolled his eyes. Okay. You know where everything is, more or less. Well, it's time for supper, let's head for the mess hall' And so began my new life on Gaea
-Lil Pyro
