**Disclaimer: I do not own Blue Seed or it's characters.

*Puts head down in shame* I'm sorry it took forever to get another chapter up! I really am. I've been so busy with school, work, and sports. I can't help life gets in the way of getting on the computer. But anyway, since school is going to be over, I'll have more time to write and finally finish this story. So I hope you enjoy it! And as always, please review!

Chapter Twelve

Orochi-no-orichi, who was no longer Murakumo, slithered across the land. Revenge was his only motive that kept him going. He wanted to kill Kaede and Susana-oh to get a vengeance for Akima's death. He didn't care if he dies in the process, it would be a risk he'd gladly take in order to soak his hands in the blood of his enemy.

His eight heads swirled through the air, carefully scanning the forest. He knew that Kaede was surely hiding like the spineless person she is, so he had to make an extra effort in keeping his eyes open. But even that was difficult, considering the pain he felt inside. It tore him apart inside, ripping him from limb to limb. It was a sentiment hard to ignore.

Although Murakumo is a forgotten entity in a monster full of rage, a tiny part of him still thrived like a flame flickering in a darkened room. It was a part he kept alive as a memory of who he used to be: a noble leader of the Arigami and lover of Akima.

"I love you, Murakumo," a faint voiced whispered in the revolving wind. "I hope to see you soon."

--

Momiji stared longingly at Kusanagi. She wanted him so badly that it hurt her to see him. And now, he's the old Kusanagi. The Kusanagi she had always loved. The thought of him becoming normal again was like a dream to her; she didn't expect it to come true. Hearing him call her Momiji in a voice he only used when he was sober from the evil came as a shock to her. She couldn't believe it.

"Ku--," she started, but caught her voice when tears began to well up in her eyes.

He smiled at her and walked closer to the clear barrier. "Momiji. I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I was blinded."



With all her heart, Momiji tried to believe that *this* is the Kusanagi that she had given her heart to. She struggled to pull all the pieces of her heart back together to its original form.

Kusanagi, now a couple inches away from the barrier pressed his palms against the invisible wall. They were placed in a way to appear that his hands are cupping her face, just like he had before all hell broke loose, which seemed like years ago. Although he knew she couldn't feel them, he knew that she could feel the sincerity radiating from his body. At least he hoped she could.

Momiji was about to say something when Takeuchi let out a loud scream. Everyone turned to see Orochi-no-orichi, the fabled creature of the Kushinada legend, coming toward them. That was when Kusanagi, with all his incredible might, started to pound the invisible wall. He had to get Momiji out of there before she was trampled on.

Swing after swing of his arm, the wall made a ping noise like rain drops landing on a steel frame. He wanted her out of there so badly. He could not handle the thought of him actually allowing her to be trapped in a box, vulnerable to the wilderness around her.

Kome and Takeuchi aimed their weapons at the oncoming eight-headed monster, while the other TAC members helped Kusanagi with trying to get Momiji out. They tried everything from barging into the wall to trying to fire bullets at it. Nothing worked. The future seemed even more hopeless.

Momiji frantically ran around, feeling for an open hole in the barrier. She searched high to low from side to side. The barrier turned out to be a thick, round cylinder. There were no indents or even the most microscopic crack. Her fate wasn't looking too good.

Just when things were looking a very dim with no luck ahead, Kusanagi, Kunikida, and even Yaegashi, made a running start and at the same time, smashed into the wall, breaking it. The blockade fell in to nonexistence, leaving Momiji free of all fetters. She quickly ran towards them and gave Kunikida and Yaegashi a hug. She turned to Kusanagi with a little smile on her face.

"Kusanagi, I--" she began, but was stopped when Kusanagi grabbed her arm and started to run.

"There's no time for the mushy stuff, we've got to move!" he exclaimed.

They both ran, with the TAC at their heels following behind them. They ran as if they were all in a marathon, heading towards the finish line, only in this marathon, they're running for their lives, not first place.

Orochi-no-orichi slinked swiftly after them. He stayed on them like a snake on it's prey. He only had revenge on his mind and on his appetite.

--

Kaede lifted her hand from the ground. She sensed a coming of great power and evil. She wasn't sure what to expect, exactly. She knew Murakumo has something up his sleeve, but she couldn't figure out what. Although she was amused that it was probably because of her killing Akima. "Love has weakened Murakumo," she murmured to herself, smiling wickedly. "I'm only glad it hasn't weakened his determination to kill me."

She stood in a clearing with a full-grown Susana-oh standing behind her. She felt that nothing could stop her now. Immense power flowed through her veins, taking the place of her blood. She was a tall obstacle in the way of the enemy. She won't falter, even if it means her life. When it comes to the bottom line, her pride means more to her than her life.

"The end is near…" Kaede said, as she caught a glimpse of a group of people dashing towards them. And in the background, the monster, Orochi-no-orichi.



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To Be Continued…

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