GVS2: Battle Revolution
Conceived By: Lone Wolf SIX
Written By: Lone Wolf SIX
Disclaimer: Lone Wolf SIX doesn't own Guilty Gear or any of the games, anime, movies, books and the like that are the property of other people. All original characters in this story are his creations and property. All insert characters are copyrighted or owned by their respective represented real-life entities.
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Chapter 24: Child of Chrono part 2: Remembrance, Reunion
"Sonna… then is he alright, John-san?"
John breathed out and smiled at Hibiki. "You don't have to worry about him. At this time, he's alright."
Hibiki frowned. "But he promised he'd come home."
The pirate leader sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know. He was disappointed for not keeping the promise. But then, it wasn't his fault. Technically, he was forced to break it."
"He… he was forced?" Yuu asked.
John looked at the village girl. "Miss Yuu, I presume. Hikki's been thinking of both you and Miss Hibiki. He's very worried at you that he asked me to take you to Kiev."
Yuu could only frown. "He… he's still concerned of us… why wouldn't he think of himself for a moment?"
John just coughed and corrected his hat. "We've got no time to lose, ladies. Hikki needs you right now, and he's in desperate situation."
Hibiki and Yuu looked at each other, before they stared at John. "But we…"
"Enough with the hesitation already, you two!" Cassandra exclaimed. "Hikki needs both of you, right? Then you must go and meet him right away!"
Hibiki looked at the Greek swordswoman. "But what about you, Cassandra-san?"
Cassandra merely smiled and pointed a thumb at her face. "I'll stay here with Nik. Don't worry about me."
For a moment, the iaijitsu girl stared at Cassandra in concern, as if she was disagreeing with the decision. Then she sighed. "It can't be helped, after all," she uttered and smiled.
Cassandra giggled and made a 'peace' sign. "For Wolfie, I shall do anything."
x-x-x-x-x
Zofeah, Terry and Chidori finally arrived at Kiev. The three of them looked around the city in amazement. "Now what's next?" Terry asked.
"What are we going to do, Zofeah-sama?" Chidori asked.
"We better go to my mansion," Zofeah uttered.
Terry cooed. "Wow. I didn't expect to see a wealthy organizer," he spoke in a joking tone.
"Of course he is!" Chidori exclaimed. "Zofeah-sama has everything he needs to organize this tournament. You Legendary Wolf mustn't underestimate him."
"Calm down, ninja girl. I didn't mean to tease your lord," Terry spoke, much to the shinobi's anger. She withdrew her kodachi and glowered at Terry, ready to strike at him. "Hey, take it easy, okay?"
"Chidori, that's enough." Repentantly, Chidori bowed at Zofeah and stepped backward. Zofeah coughed and corrected his suit. "We mustn't waste our time here. Come, follow me."
The three of them walked down the street, observing the townspeople who were bargaining and trading among themselves. Zofeah took a very little notice of the people, and kept walking ahead, leaving Terry and Chidori far behind. Like he said earlier, the town gave him an unpleasant, if not likeable, memory of his past.
.
"So, he runs away…"
"We're very sorry, Zofeah. We've tried everything we could."
"I don't get it. He could've stayed with me, at least."
"We're afraid he wouldn't do so, even if he's forced to commit it. After killing all the soldiers, he fled, leaving no traces for us. We've completely lost his track."
"What happened at the laboratory anyway? What had he done to the people?"
"We're very sorry, but we are ordered not to share information regarding the incident to everyone."
"Hey, come on! I'm his relative, how can I not allowed to know?"
"It's an order from the elders not to let you know anything about your brother. We're very sorry, but you mustn't involve in this matter."
.
"Hey, Zofeah! Don't leave us behind, will you?" Terry shouted.
"It's you who are slow on your feet," Zofeah shouted back at them. "We must hurry-"
Zofeah collided with Dizzy who was carrying groceries. Both the organizer and the Gear fell on the ground, spilling everything Dizzy carried. "No! I bought all these for today's lunch!" she cried and picked up all the items. "Aw, Mister Ky's going to be mad at me if he sees this…"
"Let me help you, miss," Zofeah spoke and helped Dizzy picking all the groceries. "My apology for not paying attention."
"It-it's alright, sir," Dizzy spoke. "Let me do this myself. Please?"
"No, no," Zofeah insisted. "It's my fault for colliding with you. I should be responsible for this."
"But, sir…"
Terry and Chidori rushed toward Zofeah as soon as they managed to catch up with him. "Finally, we're able to chase you," Terry uttered between his gasps. "Hey, Zofeah, if you've got something with this girl, at least don't leave us behind, okay?"
"Zofeah-sama, please think about us, ne?" Chidori insisted.
Dizzy stared at Zofeah and blinked in surprise. "You… you're the organizer of the tournament?" she asked.
X-x-x-x-x
"Eh?! So this is the face of the mysterious organizer!?" everybody exclaimed in surprise.
Zofeah merely coughed and took a sip of the served tea. "It was a great surprise to meet the contestants face to face, though I must inform that the tournament has been cancelled."
Again, the entire house trembled. "It's been cancelled!? Eh, that's impossible!" Goku exclaimed.
"Yes, I know it's such a hard decision," Zofeah spoke, "however, until I get to reach a conclusion over this problem, there will be no duels outside my knowledge."
"Then what are you going to do now, Zofeah?" Yuuki spoke.
Zofeah looked at Yuuki. "Ah, so you must be Yuuki Darren. I'm very glad to meet you," he spoke. "I must apologize for involving you in this tournament, but it's been decided that you're among the invited fighters."
Yuuki smirked and corrected her eyeglasses. "No big deal. I got to kick some serious ass out there," she spoke. "But, you've come here not because of the tournament, right?"
Again, Zofeah coughed and took a sip of the tea. "Apparently, I've been receiving reports from my agents of the existence of Chrono magic, and I currently investigate this matter."
"Hold on," Ky interrupted. "There have been reports of you organizing this tournament, and the fact that you're now under the observation of the IPF-"
"Then you're expecting that I'm a criminal?" Zofeah questioned. "I must admit that this is a task I cannot avoid, however I never consider organizing or committing a crime. And besides," and he looked inside the living room, "I never thought that my mansion would transform into this. I seldom clean it and tend to leave it in worse mess."
"Don't look at me," Ky demanded. "It was Rock's idea that we should stay here."
"Excuse me?" Rock questioned. "Look who's talking. After all, you're the one who bravely fought the PWAB agents inside this house."
"What did you say?" Ky replied and glowered at the son of Geese. "And who's the one who trashed the entire house while being chased by the Robo Ky?"
Zofeah watched at the quarrelling duo in surprise. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No," Yuuki spoke, "they're always like this, quarrelling with each other even though they know they have nothing to argue with. Sheesh, typical blonde duo."
"We're not arguing, damn it!" both Ky and Rock replied.
Yuuki glowered at them. "What? Then you're asking me to use my authority to make you a yaoi couple and please all those sick fangirls? Forget it, Ky already got Sol-"
.
Sol suddenly sneezed. "Damn it, nobody dares to say my name," he mumbled and rubbed his nose. Kagura giggled at him, much to his dismay. "What are you laughing at?"
"You're so cute when you sneeze, Sol-kun," she remarked.
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"And I don't know with whom Rock should be paired with," she commented, much to their mad embarrassment.
"Tadaima!" Everyone looked at the door and saw John entering the house, together with Hibiki and Yuu. "I've brought Hibiki and Yuu as promised. Miss Hibiki, Miss Yuu, you may have a seat." Both Hibiki and Yuu bowed thankfully to John and took a seat at the sofa.
Zofeah coughed once again. "I'd like to have your attention. My agent has also reported to me that the Author, Lone Wolf SIX, has been defeated by Kusanagi #102796. I've been told that the NESTS warrior is no more, but what I want to know is," he spoke and breathed out. "What happened to Lone Wolf?"
"No idea," Yuuki spoke. "I… no, we know that Lone Wolf is still alive, but we don't know what happened to him. For your knowledge, Zofeah-san, my agents are also investigating the case, and so far no trace of Lone Wolf is found."
Loki elbowed Yuuki's body. "You're not supposed to discuss this matter openly, remember?" he whispered.
"But we're talking with the organizer," Yuuki replied. "And you're telling me not to say it in front of him, Loki-kun? Come on, we should share the information with him, at least."
"Anou…" Hibiki suddenly interfered, "I don't really used to interfere, but Yuu and I are supposed to see Hikki, right?"
"He's in his room," Dizzy spoke and stood up. "Please follow me, I'll bring you to him." Hibiki and Yuu followed Dizzy to the upstairs. "He's been depressed for days, and he always mentions both your names. I think that he'll be very happy to see you again."
Zofeah suddenly stood up and looked at the three women. "Can I come along, too? I need to meet speak with Hikki."
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"Excuse me," Dizzy spoke as she opened the door. "Sorry for disturbing, but Hibiki and Yuu want to see you."
"Ah, it's okay," Hikki spoke from the bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes. "I just woke up from sleep."
Dizzy watched at Hikki's body and suddenly blushed. "Err… Hikki, you're not wearing anything…"
Hikki looked at himself and gasped in shock. "Crap. I forgot that I slept with only trouser," he exclaimed and covered his naked chest with blanket. He laughed silly and smacked his head in silly manner. "I'm going to change for a minute. Tell them to wait, Dizzy."
Dizzy quickly shook her head and nodded. "Haii."
After several minutes, Dizzy entered the room and saw Hikki sitting by the window, fully clothed. "Goodness. I thought…"
Hikki laughed. "Don't be so naive, it's my fault for sleeping with nothing," he spoke. "Ah. Tell them to come in." He watched at the door, as Dizzy entered the room first, followed by Hibiki and Yuu. He quickly stood up and approached the two. "You two came all the way from the Magnolia Village only to see me… thank you."
"Hikki-san!" Hibiki spoke in relief. "Yokatta… we thought you were hurt."
"I… I'm very sorry for not fulfilling the promise," he spoke and sighed. "It's my fault for following Yuuki in the first place. I guess I'm still ignorant as ever."
"Chigau!" Hibiki exclaimed. "We've heard everything from Yuuki-san. It wasn't your fault after all."
"Hikki idiot…" Hikki looked at Yuu who was frowning before him. "Hikki, you idiot… idiot…"
Hikki approached Yuu and held her shoulders, looking at her face. "Yuu, what's the matter?"
"Hikki… you…" she spoke and lifted her face, showing her tears-laden eyes. "You stupid jerk! You could've been killed! Had you lost your mind and went to challenge the NESTS warrior?" She fell onto his body and cried on his shirt. "I was worried because of you! Look at you; you're disabled because of the Chrono power, and you're no longer able to fight again. Don't scare me again, Hikki. Don't scare me…" she begged and clung onto him.
Slowly Hikki embraced her and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry, Yuu… I'm so sorry…" he whispered. "The truth is I don't want to involve you in this matter. Really."
"You always say that to me! You always tell me not to worry of you, but I'm very worried at you!" Yuu exclaimed and hugged him tightly. "I don't care whether you want to involve me in all your matters or not, but… please, don't force yourself…" Hikki said nothing but to embrace Yuu closer.
"Err… mister Hikki," Dizzy called. "Sorry for calling you, but…"
"It's alright, Dizzy." The four of them looked at the door and saw Zofeah standing by the door. "I don't really like to be a bother, especially when it's involving Hikki."
Hikki stared at Zofeah in intrigue. "Do I know you?"
"Before you get the idea wrong, I must tell you that I'm not your enemy," Zofeah assured. "Unless I'm a noble and truthful rival, I wouldn't have to force myself to come here."
"Just who the heck are you?" Hikki demanded. Zofeah sighed and inserted his hand into the pocket and took out the jade amulet. He, the, showed the amulet at Hikki.
"I presume that you still remember this amulet," Zofeah uttered, "brother Chrono."
Hibiki, Yuu and Dizzy gasped in total surprise. The news of Mriya was shocking enough, but to know the fact that Hikki had a brother? Surprisingly, Hikki didn't show his reaction. He merely stood at his place and stared at Zofeah.
"Zofeah, it's… been a long time," he spoke.
"Yes, I know," Zofeah answered. "I'm very sorry to hear what happened to you and… I shouldn't say that in front of you. My apology for disturbing big brother's privacy."
Hikki merely sighed. "You told them about our relationship?"
"No," Zofeah said. "It'd be better if we keep this secret. Of course," he uttered and looked at the three women. "We can't keep it from them, but I guess they can be our witnesses." He smiled at them. "My apology for not telling you who I am. My name is Zofeah Falken, Chrono's younger brother. Well, unlike my brother-"
"He's not carrying the Chrono magic," Hikki continued. "But… I had heard from oneesama that you inherit the Sacred Belt, isn't that right?"
Zofeah nodded and took off the buckle, showing it to them. "I'm still not allowed to reveal the true reason behind this, brother Chrono. I'm very sorry."
"Huh, I don't care about that," Hikki spoke. "Anyway, it can't be really helped. While we're at it, why don't the five of us go to the park this evening? Zofeah can be our guide. What do you say?"
"I'd like to, Hikki-san," Hibiki spoke.
Yuu just nodded.
"Should I tell Ky and Rock, Mister Hikki?" Dizzy asked.
"Unless you want to take Elde and Hotaru along," Hikki said.
"Aw, why can't we take our hubbies?" Dizzy demanded. "And why Elde of all people?"
"Because they might be fighting again, you know." Jokingly he insisted. "Besides, Elde is more trusted than those two. Oh, please drop that 'mister' off my name, please." Dizzy pouted in dismay and walked out of the room. Hikki looked at the Gear and laughed at himself. "Whatever. Come, Yuu, let's go to the park right now."
All but Zofeah left the room. The organizer stayed inside and breathed out. "Brother Chrono… I knew what happened to sister Mriya. I knew why she went berserk and massacred the people at the facility," he whispered. "I'm sorry for what happened to her."
"Daijoobu desuka, Zofeah-san?" Zofeah turned around and saw Hibiki standing at the door. "I thought you might not be coming, so I come to tell you…"
"I'm fine. I'll just come by later," Zofeah uttered. "Hibiki."
"Haii?" Hibiki asked.
"While we're at it, can we have a talk at the park?" Zofeah requested.
x-x-x-x-x
"Sou, desuka…" Hibiki spoke.
"Yup," Zofeah said as the two of them sat at the park bench, enjoying cup ice-cream bought by Dizzy. "You may see brother Chrono as the type who always ignores everything around him and cares less about it, but in reality he's the kind of guy every girl would dream of."
Hibiki giggled when she heard the comment. "Honto? I never thought of that. Ne, you might not have heard this, but Hikki-san's a very talented cosplayer. You should see him cosplaying of Jam-san, he looks really like her. And he's very cute when he cosplays, too."
Zofeah broke into laughter. "My goodness. Brother Chrono's talented in impersonating other people since we were kids." He looked at Hikki who was chasing around with Dizzy and Hotaru, while Elde watched at them beside the lake. "Hmm, he seems to be very close with Yuu."
"Haii, I know," Hibiki said. "Anou, Zofeah-san, I was wondering. Why did you organize GVS2 in the first place, and why Lone Wolf-san is among the invited?"
"To tell you the truth, Hibiki," Zofeah spoke and looked up to the sky, "it's also my task. However, unlike what had the council ordered me to, it's all but a request."
Hibiki looked at Zofeah in curiosity. "A request?"
"I hate to say this, but it was a request from Lone Wolf SIX," he answered.
"Lone Wolf-san requested you to organize it? I can't believe he would do that," Hibiki said. "Then why did he react to the word 'REVOLUTION' inside the letter?"
"For your information," Zofeah added, "both of us had agreed not to use the word for this edition's Guilty Gear versus SNK. But, for some reasons, the council ordered me to include it in the tournament. A bunch of stupid old men, I know what I'm doing."
"Hibiki, you may not know this, but Lone Wolf had a very deep relationship with our family," he spoke again and finished the ice-cream. "In fact, he knew our sister very much in a sense that they were once working with our clan's research team."
"He did?" Hibiki asked.
"I can still remember the day Lone Wolf and sister Mriya went out for a date," Zofeah added. "I was very surprised, because Lone Wolf wasn't the type of guy who would easily ask a girl to go out for a date, but in the end I realized that it was not him, but sister Mriya, who wanted to date him." He sighed and leaned against the bench. "The continued to date each other for the next two months. I must say, my sister was very happy with it and wished it would last longer. But it didn't."
Hibiki just frowned. "So, Mriya-san was Lone Wolf-san's first love. But how come her wish never came true?"
"Sister Mriya was forced to dump him," he explained, "but it wasn't her fault in the first place; it was the decision of the clan leader. Our leader forbad anyone from our clan to befriend, or partnering, with outsiders. Lone Wolf was okay with it, but big sister wasn't. She loved him very much, and she didn't want to leave him."
"Then what happened to them?" Hibiki asked.
"Lone Wolf left the family and travelled around the world. Sister Mriya was asked to conduct an experiment on Chrono magic's time-manipulating properties. She willingly offered herself to become the human guinea pig, hoping that she would forget Lone Wolf forever." Zofeah tsked and shook his head. "But that didn't work either. The experiment failed, and she suffered from Chrono magic's negative 'Chrono Install' after-effect. Brother Chrono couldn't accept the tragedy and ran away from the family."
"But they should've done something, shouldn't they?" Hibiki asked.
"They should, but then the council was only interested on the time-manipulating properties." Again, Zofeah tsked and clenched his fists. "I wanted to avenge her death, but then I realized that I didn't have enough strength to do so. That's why I've been waiting with ten years of preparations."
"Zofeah-san, what are you setting up for?" Hibiki asked.
He looked at the iaijitsu woman. "For eliminating the Chrono curse from our bloodline for good. That's why I got the Sacred Belt and entrusted with the task to awaken the sleeping dragon and restore the world to its proper state. I, too, am getting sick of my, my brother's and my sister's 700-years of status as the Children of Chrono. It's bugging us ever since…"
x-x-x-x-x
He abruptly stood up, disturbing Aurora's peaceful sleep. "Aurora…"
"Yes, Chosen One?" she asked and looked up at him.
He frowned. "I… I have to go."
She was partially surprised. "You have to go? Now? But why in a sudden…?"
He grumbled and clenched both fists. "I… I realize you still want me to stay, at least, for a longer time. I'm sorry, Aurora, but my heart tells me it's time to go."
"But Chosen One…"
"Aurora, please! I have to," he pleaded. "Besides… if I were to stay here, who will take care of her?"
Aurora stood up and approached him, cupping both his cheeks with her hands. "No, Chosen One, you've got it wrong." She answered. "I know you have to leave. I know you have to, because I can see from within you. But… are you sure you can face the outside world?"
"I don't care, Aurora," he spoke, holding her hands softly, "I don't care whether I can or not. As an Author, I'm still responsible for my universe and everything within. Everyone is under my responsibility, including you."
Aurora blushed. "Me?"
He stared into her sapphire eyes. "Yes. You, the Handmaiden of Fate, The Gentle Saviour, The Radiant Light of Heaven. The one whose smile every heart cannot deny. I'm really sorry for disappointing you, Aurora, but I-"
Aurora just smiled. "It's alright with me. To know that I was able to save you from the brink of demise and stay by your side along this time, I feel very happy."
"Aurora…"
She placed a finger on his lips. "Don't say it anymore. I know everything you're thinking. After all, I'm your Saviour, right?" She bent forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He was startled, yet could not do anything but let the kiss lasted.
Aurora pulled back and smiled. "You must make a promise to me before you go, Chosen One."
He stared at the woman in intrigue. "A promise?"
"Yes, Chosen One," she spoke. "A promise."
Conceived By: Lone Wolf SIX
Written By: Lone Wolf SIX
Disclaimer: Lone Wolf SIX doesn't own Guilty Gear or any of the games, anime, movies, books and the like that are the property of other people. All original characters in this story are his creations and property. All insert characters are copyrighted or owned by their respective represented real-life entities.
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Chapter 24: Child of Chrono part 2: Remembrance, Reunion
"Sonna… then is he alright, John-san?"
John breathed out and smiled at Hibiki. "You don't have to worry about him. At this time, he's alright."
Hibiki frowned. "But he promised he'd come home."
The pirate leader sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know. He was disappointed for not keeping the promise. But then, it wasn't his fault. Technically, he was forced to break it."
"He… he was forced?" Yuu asked.
John looked at the village girl. "Miss Yuu, I presume. Hikki's been thinking of both you and Miss Hibiki. He's very worried at you that he asked me to take you to Kiev."
Yuu could only frown. "He… he's still concerned of us… why wouldn't he think of himself for a moment?"
John just coughed and corrected his hat. "We've got no time to lose, ladies. Hikki needs you right now, and he's in desperate situation."
Hibiki and Yuu looked at each other, before they stared at John. "But we…"
"Enough with the hesitation already, you two!" Cassandra exclaimed. "Hikki needs both of you, right? Then you must go and meet him right away!"
Hibiki looked at the Greek swordswoman. "But what about you, Cassandra-san?"
Cassandra merely smiled and pointed a thumb at her face. "I'll stay here with Nik. Don't worry about me."
For a moment, the iaijitsu girl stared at Cassandra in concern, as if she was disagreeing with the decision. Then she sighed. "It can't be helped, after all," she uttered and smiled.
Cassandra giggled and made a 'peace' sign. "For Wolfie, I shall do anything."
x-x-x-x-x
Zofeah, Terry and Chidori finally arrived at Kiev. The three of them looked around the city in amazement. "Now what's next?" Terry asked.
"What are we going to do, Zofeah-sama?" Chidori asked.
"We better go to my mansion," Zofeah uttered.
Terry cooed. "Wow. I didn't expect to see a wealthy organizer," he spoke in a joking tone.
"Of course he is!" Chidori exclaimed. "Zofeah-sama has everything he needs to organize this tournament. You Legendary Wolf mustn't underestimate him."
"Calm down, ninja girl. I didn't mean to tease your lord," Terry spoke, much to the shinobi's anger. She withdrew her kodachi and glowered at Terry, ready to strike at him. "Hey, take it easy, okay?"
"Chidori, that's enough." Repentantly, Chidori bowed at Zofeah and stepped backward. Zofeah coughed and corrected his suit. "We mustn't waste our time here. Come, follow me."
The three of them walked down the street, observing the townspeople who were bargaining and trading among themselves. Zofeah took a very little notice of the people, and kept walking ahead, leaving Terry and Chidori far behind. Like he said earlier, the town gave him an unpleasant, if not likeable, memory of his past.
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"So, he runs away…"
"We're very sorry, Zofeah. We've tried everything we could."
"I don't get it. He could've stayed with me, at least."
"We're afraid he wouldn't do so, even if he's forced to commit it. After killing all the soldiers, he fled, leaving no traces for us. We've completely lost his track."
"What happened at the laboratory anyway? What had he done to the people?"
"We're very sorry, but we are ordered not to share information regarding the incident to everyone."
"Hey, come on! I'm his relative, how can I not allowed to know?"
"It's an order from the elders not to let you know anything about your brother. We're very sorry, but you mustn't involve in this matter."
.
"Hey, Zofeah! Don't leave us behind, will you?" Terry shouted.
"It's you who are slow on your feet," Zofeah shouted back at them. "We must hurry-"
Zofeah collided with Dizzy who was carrying groceries. Both the organizer and the Gear fell on the ground, spilling everything Dizzy carried. "No! I bought all these for today's lunch!" she cried and picked up all the items. "Aw, Mister Ky's going to be mad at me if he sees this…"
"Let me help you, miss," Zofeah spoke and helped Dizzy picking all the groceries. "My apology for not paying attention."
"It-it's alright, sir," Dizzy spoke. "Let me do this myself. Please?"
"No, no," Zofeah insisted. "It's my fault for colliding with you. I should be responsible for this."
"But, sir…"
Terry and Chidori rushed toward Zofeah as soon as they managed to catch up with him. "Finally, we're able to chase you," Terry uttered between his gasps. "Hey, Zofeah, if you've got something with this girl, at least don't leave us behind, okay?"
"Zofeah-sama, please think about us, ne?" Chidori insisted.
Dizzy stared at Zofeah and blinked in surprise. "You… you're the organizer of the tournament?" she asked.
X-x-x-x-x
"Eh?! So this is the face of the mysterious organizer!?" everybody exclaimed in surprise.
Zofeah merely coughed and took a sip of the served tea. "It was a great surprise to meet the contestants face to face, though I must inform that the tournament has been cancelled."
Again, the entire house trembled. "It's been cancelled!? Eh, that's impossible!" Goku exclaimed.
"Yes, I know it's such a hard decision," Zofeah spoke, "however, until I get to reach a conclusion over this problem, there will be no duels outside my knowledge."
"Then what are you going to do now, Zofeah?" Yuuki spoke.
Zofeah looked at Yuuki. "Ah, so you must be Yuuki Darren. I'm very glad to meet you," he spoke. "I must apologize for involving you in this tournament, but it's been decided that you're among the invited fighters."
Yuuki smirked and corrected her eyeglasses. "No big deal. I got to kick some serious ass out there," she spoke. "But, you've come here not because of the tournament, right?"
Again, Zofeah coughed and took a sip of the tea. "Apparently, I've been receiving reports from my agents of the existence of Chrono magic, and I currently investigate this matter."
"Hold on," Ky interrupted. "There have been reports of you organizing this tournament, and the fact that you're now under the observation of the IPF-"
"Then you're expecting that I'm a criminal?" Zofeah questioned. "I must admit that this is a task I cannot avoid, however I never consider organizing or committing a crime. And besides," and he looked inside the living room, "I never thought that my mansion would transform into this. I seldom clean it and tend to leave it in worse mess."
"Don't look at me," Ky demanded. "It was Rock's idea that we should stay here."
"Excuse me?" Rock questioned. "Look who's talking. After all, you're the one who bravely fought the PWAB agents inside this house."
"What did you say?" Ky replied and glowered at the son of Geese. "And who's the one who trashed the entire house while being chased by the Robo Ky?"
Zofeah watched at the quarrelling duo in surprise. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No," Yuuki spoke, "they're always like this, quarrelling with each other even though they know they have nothing to argue with. Sheesh, typical blonde duo."
"We're not arguing, damn it!" both Ky and Rock replied.
Yuuki glowered at them. "What? Then you're asking me to use my authority to make you a yaoi couple and please all those sick fangirls? Forget it, Ky already got Sol-"
.
Sol suddenly sneezed. "Damn it, nobody dares to say my name," he mumbled and rubbed his nose. Kagura giggled at him, much to his dismay. "What are you laughing at?"
"You're so cute when you sneeze, Sol-kun," she remarked.
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"And I don't know with whom Rock should be paired with," she commented, much to their mad embarrassment.
"Tadaima!" Everyone looked at the door and saw John entering the house, together with Hibiki and Yuu. "I've brought Hibiki and Yuu as promised. Miss Hibiki, Miss Yuu, you may have a seat." Both Hibiki and Yuu bowed thankfully to John and took a seat at the sofa.
Zofeah coughed once again. "I'd like to have your attention. My agent has also reported to me that the Author, Lone Wolf SIX, has been defeated by Kusanagi #102796. I've been told that the NESTS warrior is no more, but what I want to know is," he spoke and breathed out. "What happened to Lone Wolf?"
"No idea," Yuuki spoke. "I… no, we know that Lone Wolf is still alive, but we don't know what happened to him. For your knowledge, Zofeah-san, my agents are also investigating the case, and so far no trace of Lone Wolf is found."
Loki elbowed Yuuki's body. "You're not supposed to discuss this matter openly, remember?" he whispered.
"But we're talking with the organizer," Yuuki replied. "And you're telling me not to say it in front of him, Loki-kun? Come on, we should share the information with him, at least."
"Anou…" Hibiki suddenly interfered, "I don't really used to interfere, but Yuu and I are supposed to see Hikki, right?"
"He's in his room," Dizzy spoke and stood up. "Please follow me, I'll bring you to him." Hibiki and Yuu followed Dizzy to the upstairs. "He's been depressed for days, and he always mentions both your names. I think that he'll be very happy to see you again."
Zofeah suddenly stood up and looked at the three women. "Can I come along, too? I need to meet speak with Hikki."
.
"Excuse me," Dizzy spoke as she opened the door. "Sorry for disturbing, but Hibiki and Yuu want to see you."
"Ah, it's okay," Hikki spoke from the bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes. "I just woke up from sleep."
Dizzy watched at Hikki's body and suddenly blushed. "Err… Hikki, you're not wearing anything…"
Hikki looked at himself and gasped in shock. "Crap. I forgot that I slept with only trouser," he exclaimed and covered his naked chest with blanket. He laughed silly and smacked his head in silly manner. "I'm going to change for a minute. Tell them to wait, Dizzy."
Dizzy quickly shook her head and nodded. "Haii."
After several minutes, Dizzy entered the room and saw Hikki sitting by the window, fully clothed. "Goodness. I thought…"
Hikki laughed. "Don't be so naive, it's my fault for sleeping with nothing," he spoke. "Ah. Tell them to come in." He watched at the door, as Dizzy entered the room first, followed by Hibiki and Yuu. He quickly stood up and approached the two. "You two came all the way from the Magnolia Village only to see me… thank you."
"Hikki-san!" Hibiki spoke in relief. "Yokatta… we thought you were hurt."
"I… I'm very sorry for not fulfilling the promise," he spoke and sighed. "It's my fault for following Yuuki in the first place. I guess I'm still ignorant as ever."
"Chigau!" Hibiki exclaimed. "We've heard everything from Yuuki-san. It wasn't your fault after all."
"Hikki idiot…" Hikki looked at Yuu who was frowning before him. "Hikki, you idiot… idiot…"
Hikki approached Yuu and held her shoulders, looking at her face. "Yuu, what's the matter?"
"Hikki… you…" she spoke and lifted her face, showing her tears-laden eyes. "You stupid jerk! You could've been killed! Had you lost your mind and went to challenge the NESTS warrior?" She fell onto his body and cried on his shirt. "I was worried because of you! Look at you; you're disabled because of the Chrono power, and you're no longer able to fight again. Don't scare me again, Hikki. Don't scare me…" she begged and clung onto him.
Slowly Hikki embraced her and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry, Yuu… I'm so sorry…" he whispered. "The truth is I don't want to involve you in this matter. Really."
"You always say that to me! You always tell me not to worry of you, but I'm very worried at you!" Yuu exclaimed and hugged him tightly. "I don't care whether you want to involve me in all your matters or not, but… please, don't force yourself…" Hikki said nothing but to embrace Yuu closer.
"Err… mister Hikki," Dizzy called. "Sorry for calling you, but…"
"It's alright, Dizzy." The four of them looked at the door and saw Zofeah standing by the door. "I don't really like to be a bother, especially when it's involving Hikki."
Hikki stared at Zofeah in intrigue. "Do I know you?"
"Before you get the idea wrong, I must tell you that I'm not your enemy," Zofeah assured. "Unless I'm a noble and truthful rival, I wouldn't have to force myself to come here."
"Just who the heck are you?" Hikki demanded. Zofeah sighed and inserted his hand into the pocket and took out the jade amulet. He, the, showed the amulet at Hikki.
"I presume that you still remember this amulet," Zofeah uttered, "brother Chrono."
Hibiki, Yuu and Dizzy gasped in total surprise. The news of Mriya was shocking enough, but to know the fact that Hikki had a brother? Surprisingly, Hikki didn't show his reaction. He merely stood at his place and stared at Zofeah.
"Zofeah, it's… been a long time," he spoke.
"Yes, I know," Zofeah answered. "I'm very sorry to hear what happened to you and… I shouldn't say that in front of you. My apology for disturbing big brother's privacy."
Hikki merely sighed. "You told them about our relationship?"
"No," Zofeah said. "It'd be better if we keep this secret. Of course," he uttered and looked at the three women. "We can't keep it from them, but I guess they can be our witnesses." He smiled at them. "My apology for not telling you who I am. My name is Zofeah Falken, Chrono's younger brother. Well, unlike my brother-"
"He's not carrying the Chrono magic," Hikki continued. "But… I had heard from oneesama that you inherit the Sacred Belt, isn't that right?"
Zofeah nodded and took off the buckle, showing it to them. "I'm still not allowed to reveal the true reason behind this, brother Chrono. I'm very sorry."
"Huh, I don't care about that," Hikki spoke. "Anyway, it can't be really helped. While we're at it, why don't the five of us go to the park this evening? Zofeah can be our guide. What do you say?"
"I'd like to, Hikki-san," Hibiki spoke.
Yuu just nodded.
"Should I tell Ky and Rock, Mister Hikki?" Dizzy asked.
"Unless you want to take Elde and Hotaru along," Hikki said.
"Aw, why can't we take our hubbies?" Dizzy demanded. "And why Elde of all people?"
"Because they might be fighting again, you know." Jokingly he insisted. "Besides, Elde is more trusted than those two. Oh, please drop that 'mister' off my name, please." Dizzy pouted in dismay and walked out of the room. Hikki looked at the Gear and laughed at himself. "Whatever. Come, Yuu, let's go to the park right now."
All but Zofeah left the room. The organizer stayed inside and breathed out. "Brother Chrono… I knew what happened to sister Mriya. I knew why she went berserk and massacred the people at the facility," he whispered. "I'm sorry for what happened to her."
"Daijoobu desuka, Zofeah-san?" Zofeah turned around and saw Hibiki standing at the door. "I thought you might not be coming, so I come to tell you…"
"I'm fine. I'll just come by later," Zofeah uttered. "Hibiki."
"Haii?" Hibiki asked.
"While we're at it, can we have a talk at the park?" Zofeah requested.
x-x-x-x-x
"Sou, desuka…" Hibiki spoke.
"Yup," Zofeah said as the two of them sat at the park bench, enjoying cup ice-cream bought by Dizzy. "You may see brother Chrono as the type who always ignores everything around him and cares less about it, but in reality he's the kind of guy every girl would dream of."
Hibiki giggled when she heard the comment. "Honto? I never thought of that. Ne, you might not have heard this, but Hikki-san's a very talented cosplayer. You should see him cosplaying of Jam-san, he looks really like her. And he's very cute when he cosplays, too."
Zofeah broke into laughter. "My goodness. Brother Chrono's talented in impersonating other people since we were kids." He looked at Hikki who was chasing around with Dizzy and Hotaru, while Elde watched at them beside the lake. "Hmm, he seems to be very close with Yuu."
"Haii, I know," Hibiki said. "Anou, Zofeah-san, I was wondering. Why did you organize GVS2 in the first place, and why Lone Wolf-san is among the invited?"
"To tell you the truth, Hibiki," Zofeah spoke and looked up to the sky, "it's also my task. However, unlike what had the council ordered me to, it's all but a request."
Hibiki looked at Zofeah in curiosity. "A request?"
"I hate to say this, but it was a request from Lone Wolf SIX," he answered.
"Lone Wolf-san requested you to organize it? I can't believe he would do that," Hibiki said. "Then why did he react to the word 'REVOLUTION' inside the letter?"
"For your information," Zofeah added, "both of us had agreed not to use the word for this edition's Guilty Gear versus SNK. But, for some reasons, the council ordered me to include it in the tournament. A bunch of stupid old men, I know what I'm doing."
"Hibiki, you may not know this, but Lone Wolf had a very deep relationship with our family," he spoke again and finished the ice-cream. "In fact, he knew our sister very much in a sense that they were once working with our clan's research team."
"He did?" Hibiki asked.
"I can still remember the day Lone Wolf and sister Mriya went out for a date," Zofeah added. "I was very surprised, because Lone Wolf wasn't the type of guy who would easily ask a girl to go out for a date, but in the end I realized that it was not him, but sister Mriya, who wanted to date him." He sighed and leaned against the bench. "The continued to date each other for the next two months. I must say, my sister was very happy with it and wished it would last longer. But it didn't."
Hibiki just frowned. "So, Mriya-san was Lone Wolf-san's first love. But how come her wish never came true?"
"Sister Mriya was forced to dump him," he explained, "but it wasn't her fault in the first place; it was the decision of the clan leader. Our leader forbad anyone from our clan to befriend, or partnering, with outsiders. Lone Wolf was okay with it, but big sister wasn't. She loved him very much, and she didn't want to leave him."
"Then what happened to them?" Hibiki asked.
"Lone Wolf left the family and travelled around the world. Sister Mriya was asked to conduct an experiment on Chrono magic's time-manipulating properties. She willingly offered herself to become the human guinea pig, hoping that she would forget Lone Wolf forever." Zofeah tsked and shook his head. "But that didn't work either. The experiment failed, and she suffered from Chrono magic's negative 'Chrono Install' after-effect. Brother Chrono couldn't accept the tragedy and ran away from the family."
"But they should've done something, shouldn't they?" Hibiki asked.
"They should, but then the council was only interested on the time-manipulating properties." Again, Zofeah tsked and clenched his fists. "I wanted to avenge her death, but then I realized that I didn't have enough strength to do so. That's why I've been waiting with ten years of preparations."
"Zofeah-san, what are you setting up for?" Hibiki asked.
He looked at the iaijitsu woman. "For eliminating the Chrono curse from our bloodline for good. That's why I got the Sacred Belt and entrusted with the task to awaken the sleeping dragon and restore the world to its proper state. I, too, am getting sick of my, my brother's and my sister's 700-years of status as the Children of Chrono. It's bugging us ever since…"
x-x-x-x-x
He abruptly stood up, disturbing Aurora's peaceful sleep. "Aurora…"
"Yes, Chosen One?" she asked and looked up at him.
He frowned. "I… I have to go."
She was partially surprised. "You have to go? Now? But why in a sudden…?"
He grumbled and clenched both fists. "I… I realize you still want me to stay, at least, for a longer time. I'm sorry, Aurora, but my heart tells me it's time to go."
"But Chosen One…"
"Aurora, please! I have to," he pleaded. "Besides… if I were to stay here, who will take care of her?"
Aurora stood up and approached him, cupping both his cheeks with her hands. "No, Chosen One, you've got it wrong." She answered. "I know you have to leave. I know you have to, because I can see from within you. But… are you sure you can face the outside world?"
"I don't care, Aurora," he spoke, holding her hands softly, "I don't care whether I can or not. As an Author, I'm still responsible for my universe and everything within. Everyone is under my responsibility, including you."
Aurora blushed. "Me?"
He stared into her sapphire eyes. "Yes. You, the Handmaiden of Fate, The Gentle Saviour, The Radiant Light of Heaven. The one whose smile every heart cannot deny. I'm really sorry for disappointing you, Aurora, but I-"
Aurora just smiled. "It's alright with me. To know that I was able to save you from the brink of demise and stay by your side along this time, I feel very happy."
"Aurora…"
She placed a finger on his lips. "Don't say it anymore. I know everything you're thinking. After all, I'm your Saviour, right?" She bent forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He was startled, yet could not do anything but let the kiss lasted.
Aurora pulled back and smiled. "You must make a promise to me before you go, Chosen One."
He stared at the woman in intrigue. "A promise?"
"Yes, Chosen One," she spoke. "A promise."