Chapter III: The Escape
"Onisan… Onisan…" She closed her eyes and Ban saw a smile form on her face. "He said… I really… I didn't mean… I'm sorry!"
Her hug tightened and Ban almost felt his heart break as she did so. He could no longer feel the anger and hatred within the girl. Instead, these were changed with the pain and sadness of someone who lost a loved one. Ban could tell, Himiko was no longer mad at him. He was saved. She wouldn't kill me anyway. He thought. When Himiko finally let go of him, she wiped her eyes and muttered, "I've been such a wimp, my anger got the better of me and I'm really sorry…"
"I know," Ban said, rustling her hair as he said this. "Everyone becomes one these days. I wouldn't blame you though because even you're brother acted like one every time he had the chance."
Himiko laughed at what he said and Ban answered back with a smile. Everything was slowly going back to normal except for the fact that both of them were stuck in a building surrounded by Isan's men, ready to bring them down when they're given the command.
"Ok then," said Ban finally. "I think the next think we should do is think of a way to break through these walls and meet the others."
"The others?" asked the girl, while looking for the right scent to use on the soldiers they would be meeting on their way out.
"Hevn-san and Shido", said Ban, throwing the remains of his cigarette on the floor and stepping on it.
"Shido?" asked Himiko. "He is our enemy, one of the VOLTS' four kings."
"He was our enemy. He's on our side now."
"But what on earth is he doing here?... unless…don't tell me…"
"VOLTS is launching an attack on the system tonight," answered Ban, reading Himiko's thoughts. "Those guys could never forgive the Eclextia command after killing off innocent people for the sake of that stupid nuclear power plant they were putting up…You weren't there when they did so, by any chance?"
"No, I was busy disintegrating the foul system virus put up by that twerp Saitotsu."
"That little girl?" asked Ban, looking outside the door for signs of enemies. "Kamori-chan? I thought she's on our side, Eclextia I mean?"
"She is of course but she had a row with her aunt," answered Lady Poison while turning off the security system of the system.
"I see. Who's her aunt again?"
"Isan-sama," Himiko said while pulling down the main defense switch of the building. "Saitotsu ain't any girl when she argues with someone else. I guess she couldn't directly offend the person who holds her life. She poured out her anger on the poor system."
"Are you finished there yet?" Ban asked. He was hearing footsteps approach the room though he could not see anyone coming.
"Just a minute Ban," Himiko said, sweat trickling down her face. "You know the code of the central command? I can't turn off the security system there. I've done the rest of the commands but I can't here. I think only Isan's able to put it off."
"Of course she's the only one who can do so," came a voice behind them.
Himiko and Ban, who was walking towards her, looked around and saw the owner of the voice.
"You…" glared Himiko.
"It's me alright."
"What are you doing here?" asked Ban who positioned himself for his snake bite tech.
"Checking up on traitors," answered Saitotsu. "I was surprised to find out all the system security suddenly shutting off. I thought that the culprits would be here sabotaging Isan-sama's plans."
She raised her hand above her head and muttered something the two could not understand. Suddenly, a 3-meter long scythe appeared out of nowhere with its blade shining, reflected by something Ban and Himiko could not see.
"Too bad you won't be able to shut off the command entirely because I'm shutting you off first!" said Saitotsu darkly as she rushed forward with blinding speed to attack Himiko.
"LADY POISON! YOU'RE DEAD!"
"You'd think she'd stop moving around," retorted Ban, blocking the scythe aimed at Himiko. He was successful in doing so but he did not anticipate the chain coming from the end of the scythe's wooden handle. He was hit squarely on the back and fell down before Himiko.
Saitotsu was laughing as hard as she can. Himiko catched Ban's limp and bleeding body as it felt down. He tried to find a pulse but could not find one. She looked angrily at Saitotsu as she put down Ban's body and stood on her feet.
"What now missy?" mocked Saitotsu. "I've heard you lost your brother years back because of that man. You should be thanking me for killing him but maybe you're mad I got rid of him, stealing from you your revenge."
Saitotsu began laughing again but when Himiko stared at her, she abruptly stopped doing so. Himiko's gaze made the blood circulating inside the scythe girl suddenly stop. Her heartbeat was hammering and her breathing became faster, as though she ran miles and miles and came suddenly to a halt.
"D-don't look at me like that…!" shouted Saitotsu. She's gone mad. Hell she's crazy…
But Himiko would not cease gazing at her straight in the eyes. Saitotsu can make out flames blazing from her eyes. Hate, anger, despise, vengeance,… These elements burned within her. Saitotsu saw Himiko's eyes say: You killed him. You think I'm happy? No you wretched creation. I'll kill you… no… I'll destroy you!
"STOP! STOP!" screamed Saitotsu. Why am I so scared? I shouldn't be… but I can't help it… She felt the scythe from her hand fall and shatter into pieces as the Lady Poison approached her. She could no longer bear to meet her eyes. Whenever she tried, inexplicable horror came upon her, crushing her soul and her mind. She heard a raucous laugh echo around her. With eyes blurred from fear, she tried to look around and saw the traitor's dead body and Himiko… still steadily approaching her, eyes burning with rage, the disintegrating scent on her right and a gleaming sword in her left hand. The laughter came from the Lady's mouth. She was laughing, laughing fit to burst. She can no longer stand what was happening. Scared, frightened, close to driving her crazy… She put her hands over her ears and closed her eyes. Tears streaming… voice uttering plea…
"Please stop! Don't kill me! I beg you! Stop it! Stop it…"
3…2…1…
"Did you have a good dream?" asked Ban standing behind her, lighting his cigarette.
"A d—dream… only?" asked Saitotsu who was very weak and shaking. The aftermath of the dream was still taking effect, making her collapse on the floor and start crying.
"You were tough to handle Kamori," said Himiko. She sat beside her and brought out a Sleeping Scent. She shoved the bottle below Saitotsu's nose, making her doze off. Himiko catched her as she slid side ways to the ground. Tears still trickled down her cheek as she did so.
"That should do it…" muttered Himiko, half to herself and half to Ban.
"Five more seconds in that lethal dream and she could've died," said Ban while taking something from the pocket of the girl.
"Was she that hard to deal with?" asked Himiko, while checking her watch… 10 to 6… ten more minutes before the VOLTS arrive…
"I wasn't supposed to do it that way but she asked for it…" explained Ban while typing in the security system password of the central command from the paper he got from Saitotsu. "The soft treatment is just for weak-minded people. Her mind was way beyond what I expected so I had to double the effect of the dream. Like what I said, if she still didn't give in and she carried on with the dream a little longer, I could've killed her."
"But she'll be okay, won't she?" asked Himiko, checking for Saitotsu's pulse. She was worried though she did not actually know why.
"'Course she'll be," assured Ban. "With that aunt of hers, she'll be out of that slumber in no time. I expect she won't be able to remember anything though."
Himiko stood up and carried Saitotsu to the chair. She removed the bangs from the girl's face and looked at her.
"She's such an angel when she's asleep," whispered Himiko to Ban. "That witch Isan really turned this girl's life around…"
"Well, you hope she stays that way for now or we won't be able to handle the devil inside her when she awakes… Come on, no time to lose. Isan's men will come looking for her any minute now."
Sure enough, as soon as the two got out of the room, Eclextia soldiers came flooding in the corridors from both directions, trapping the two.
"We've found the traitors…!" shouted one of the robe clad man. "They're here!"
As soldiers filled in, they saw the familiar black shiny robe with matching hat walk towards the center front of the soldiers. In his right hand, he drew his bloody sword and from his left, out came three neon-like knives pointed to the ground.
"Well, well, well," said Akabane. "Looks like Mido-san managed to get Lady Poison on his side."
The two said nothing. Ban was clearly forming a strategy in his mind on how to defeat 50 men without actually killing them and surpass this great creep in front of them. He made signs to Himiko which they alone could understand.
Akabane carried on, without noticing anything.
"Working for Isan-sama really is fun," he said while slowly walking towards the two. "I thought I would just get to work with you two. I never imagined I'll have to fight you in the middle of my mission."
"Mission? You never told us this was just a mission. Besides, with a mission or not, whether we're on the same or different sides, you'll never miss any opportunity to slash us on our backs when you're given the chance…"
"Too true, Mido-san," said Akabane with his creepy smile across his face. "Now, without further ado, let us start the most awaited battle of our lives."
"NOW!" came Ban's voice. Himiko drew her two bottles of Sleeping scent across the room for everyone to inhale and after a few seconds, Isan's men one by one dropped to the ground with a loud thud. Ban used his jagan on the few soldiers who looked in his eyes while Akabane made his little speech. Several bodies fell to the ground, some shaking with fear, others clearly knocked out.
The only man left standing was Akabane. During the commotion, he did not even bother to help his comrades. He simply stood there, with his bloody sword and knives thrusted on the ground. To Ban and Himiko's surprise, Akabane clapped and gave them a less creepy smile. (He meant well but his smile's just so creepy. I can't do anything about it, can I?) He pulled his sword from the ground and turned his back on the two.
"Chotto matte!" shouted Ban.
"Nandeska?" replied Akabane, with an expression of indifference on his face. "You're not going to stand there, are you? We have to get out of here. VOLTS is going to attack right? You don't want to be caught in the middle of a battle, do you?"
"Aren't you going to stop us, or anything of the sort?" asked Ban with amazement.
"Why should I?" answered Akabane with that creepy trademark smile again.
"We're trying to escape and double cross Eclextia and you're not doing anything about it?" retorted Himiko.
"I said I had a mission," said Akabane, facing the two again. "My mission was to deliver the nuclear reactor safely to Isan Eclextia. I had done that a long time ago. I'm just extending my stay in Eclextia due to Isan's insistence. She said though that I could leave anytime I wanted to. It was only yesterday I got a new mission. It doesn't involve you two so why should I hurt you?"
The three heard I bomb go off on the other side of the building. The VOLTS must've started their attack thought Ban. They needed to get out as soon as possible and show themselves to Shido before he destroys the West Command, where they were, completely.
"Who're you taking---" started Himiko but before she could finish her question, Ban already pulled her.
"We have to go you know," he said. "Save your questions for later. We don't know how on earth he was able to learn of VOLTS' attack on Eclextia but what's more important is we get out of here quickly before Shido blows up this place."
"Can we go now?" asked Akabane, shifting his hat to the right to see his two companions better. "We've stayed long enough if I'm not mistaken."
"Yeah, you're right," said Ban. "Let's get the hell out of here."
The three ran in the corridors of the building, occasionally taking out soldiers who block them on their way out. Ban was not performing his best because the wounds inflicted by Akabane that morning were opening again due to their incessant fighting and running.
"Ban," asked Himiko while she put to sleep three soldiers at once. "Are you still alright?"
"Never been better," said Ban with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Let's get the hell out of here," he repeated. "I hear the bombs going off are getting closer to us."
The three made their way through the final corridor leading back to the hallway where Isan had tied him hours before. There they saw Ginji in a rough match with Isan whose hood was covering her face. The latter seemed to be giving the former a hard time. Ban saw Ginji standing infront of her, down on one knee. He did not know what happened to his partner that time. Why was he losing? No one has beaten the Thunder Emperor before… well, except for him… he thought with pride. He saw Isan approach Ginji slowly. Eclextia did not seem to notice the new arrivals. She continued to walk towards Ginji with caution though perfectly unscathed.
Ban would've given everything to stop and watch the fight between the two heads but he had to leave before Shido blows up the whole place. Akabane seemed to be thinking the same thought that he voiced out, "Well, are we watching this to the end?"
The jagan heir looked at Dr. Jackal as though surveying him but at the same time, nodded. He looked at the two battling enemies one last time before he and his companions ran towards the main door. Himiko and Akabane had run outside when they heard the Steel Gate close behind them. Himiko's eyes widened with fear and Akabane turned his hat around, covering the girl from view.
"Ban!" shouted Himiko as she banged her fists on the gate. "What do you think you're doing? Do you want to get killed!"
"Shut up Lady Poison," said Ban while leaning on the Steel Gate on the other side. "You listen to me for once, OK? I know you don't know this Shido guy I keep on talking about. He's an animal trainer, the Beastmaster to be specific. He's destined to bring down your side of command, Western Command. I expect half of your men's down already by now if not everyone. You'll know him by his animal army. Tell him to give me about an hour. I promise I'll be back around that time. If I don't, well, he'll blow the hell out of this place anyway. Actually, he's not used to explosive jobs so I don't know why on earth he agreed to work on this one."
"I don't under---"
"Of course you understand," cut in Ban while smoking his cigarette. "You're a clever girl. Besides, I'm telling you, everything's going to be alright." He added in a whisper so that she barely heard what he said over the thick wall, "Yamato would never want me to let you die you know… You're still young and God knows what's in store for you out there…"
"Stop joking Mido!" retorted Himiko. "You open this gate this instant! If you don't,… if you don't come back… if you die in there… I swear, I'll never forgive you! NEVER!"
As Himiko said these words, tears filled her eyes and she felt her knees collapse to the ground while she faced the cold steel gate. She leaned her head on the steel barrier between them and Ban and dug her nails to the ground as she continued to bang her right hand on the thick gate. On the other side, Ban threw his cigarette, stepped on it and walked away the Steel Gate.
"Don't let anyone lay a finger on her, doctor," addressed Ban to Dr. Jackal as he walked towards the two figures of Raitei and Isan whose fight was getting to its highest point. Akabane stared at the steel gate unblinkingly. Ban swore he could feel the man's stare penetrate his back.
Raitei and Isan's outlines were blurred as Ban approached them. He found his hand swabbing his cheek which he swore to himself never to do again.
I know you'll never forgive me Himiko… even Yamato wouldn't… I promised him I would take care of you and I'll never abandon you… but at least, he'll know I did my all to free you of this bond… and I'll do it, even if it costs me my life…
"I didn't expect this to be so easy," said Shido as he kicked on the behind one of the soldiers of the Western Command. "I wonder where their boss is though. She's not showing up. Maybe she's just too thick to come and show her face, scared I suppose."
"I never turn back on any fight if I can help it," said a voice from the stairs behind him. He saw the young commander of the Western Command on the stairs with a man clad in black robes whom he did not know. They were silhouetted by the full moon above, hiding the girl's face and making the man behind her look darker and more dangerous.
"Well you showed up pretty late missy," said Shido as he stroked the raven perched on his left shoulder. "I'm through with your men. After I finish with you, the next thing I'll be taking down is that system of yours."
Shido made a deafening whistle, calling for his hawks. Two of them with sharp talons tried to swoop over Himiko and cut into her skin but suddenly, they fell with a loud thud on the ground. A small J was etched on each of their necks.
"Two for fifty," said Akabane with a smile as he turned his hat. "Two of your pets for fifty of our men… It's not fair in any point of view but that should do it."
Shido was stunned for a moment. He could not believe a human being as fast as the wind did exist because he was not able to see Akabane move (if he did move) from his place. It was just one second ago when he was behind the girl and half a second later, he was in front her, with bloody sword drawn from nowhere. Himiko walked down from the stairs with eyes fixed on Shido.
"I'll spare your life this once," said Himiko. "Listen to me Beastmaster. Mido Ban sent me to tell you that you are free to destroy the Main building if you like. He said you just give him a little time before blowing up the whole place… especially the central chamber…" Himiko's voice trailed off and she fought herself as she felt tears try to trickle down again on her face.
"Ban… you mean," said Shido with bewilderment. "He's locked himself up again, didn't he?"
Himiko did not answer but her eyes answered Shido for her. Her eyes started to water and she felt her tears for Ban again. Ban, why is it?
Shido snorted and whispered something to the raven perched on his shoulder before it took off.
"That guy," sighed Shido. "Always playing hero, I didn't know he'll be that tough," he said while passing beside Akabane and Himiko on the stairs. "I'm blowing up the place. If you still value your life, move out before I set the whole system blazing."
"You're destroying the System building?" asked Akabane. "Don't you know your boss's in there? You sure you're bringing down the house with him?"
"I'm destroying the building, whatever you say. After an hour, I'm blowing the whole quarters into smithereens. You said Raitei's there, right? The bombs I'll be using won't even give him a scratch. Something as pathetic as this won't get him wiped out from the earth, OK? It pains me to use bombs if you want to know, because it's not my thing. If ever, it's Ban who's going down with the house…"
"And you're not doing anything about it!" glared Himiko. She tried to approach Shido but Akabane grasped her arm, which she pulled right away.
"You're not doing anything, are you?" asked the Beastmaster. "He owns his life, miss. You and I can't do anything about what the heck he's planning. You go save him if you want, though I'll doubt he'll thank you if you do. He wants to act like hero, can't you see?... Good thing my boss's isn't that desperate to die in there. Listen here, I've sent one of my ravens to give him useful information. That'll help him out more or less."
Shido walked towards the building, leaving Akabane and Himiko in the dark. Akabane put in his bloody sword and turned his hat to the left, hiding his sinister eyes.
"What now, Lady Poison?" asked Dr. Jackal while staring at the moon. "Do you really think he'll still come back?"
"I don't know. It's just that, never before did he break any promise he made to me."
"So he'll return… Is that what you're saying?"
"That's what I'm saying." He promised onisan so I believe he will.
In the building, the situation has turned around and it seems that the Thunder Emperor's almost through with his work. Raitei, though not in his best shape, stood up and tried to walk towards Isan whose hood was still on, covering her face and her true identity. Her hand was bleeding and her hood has been terribly burned. One of her legs had violent but fine slashes all over, making her unable to stand.
"Give it up Eclextia," said Raitei, while covering his neck. Isan managed to wound him on the left part of his neck when he was drained of his power. "There's no use fighting. It's clear who has won. Order your men to move out from Mugenjyou and take with them your nuclear reactor plants and I might spare your life."
"You're threatening me?" mocked Isan. Her voice sounded like deep thunder in the hallway. "You think I'm falling for that? Kill me if you like, but I'll never remove what I've started. Hear that Thunder Emperor? I'll never abandon your Mugenjyou. Though you kill me, my men will make Hell out of your nice home…"
"YOU--!" Raitei started and ran towards her who was down on one knee. He wrapped his hands around her neck and tried to suffocate her. Isan could not support his weight so she fell to the floor, Raitei above her, trying to choke her. In that same moment that she started to gag, Raitei shook her, and her hood fell behind, revealing finally her face.
"You're a woman!" asked Raitei unbelievingly. He took his hands off her neck and stood over her. In her position, he could see her chest shaped beneath the badly burned hood.
"Why the sudden reaction, Raitei?" scorned Isan. "What? Scared to kill a woman?..."
To be continued…