An Old Tale

By: Esuna

Chapter Ten: Fusion Monster Jutendouji

Kurando slowed down as he noticed Anastasia gasping weakly for breath. She hung her head and shut her green eyes tiredly. She brought her left hand over her heaving bosom. The girl was practically dragging her feet as they walked. If not for the young man, then she would have likely crumbled down to the ground at once. Blanca whimpered agitatedly at them.

Alarmed, the young swordsman released her hand immediately and placed both hands on her drooping shoulders. "Anastasia, are you alright?"

The girl opened her eyes slowly as she twisted her head to the side at him. She nodded feebly.

Kurando frowned at her. "Let us rest by that tree over there," he suggested softly.

With that, he scooped the startled girl up into his arms and headed for that huge, shady tree. Blanca darted after the young man with an "Awwwrrrrooooo!". He placed the blushing girl down on the grass gently before he too sat down as well. Blanca squeezed in between them. A gentle breeze blew against their faces as they sat there in silence.

Anastasia was still recovering from Kurando's sudden choice of action. In truth, she had never been that close to the young man before. She stroked Blanca's thick fur coat as he rested his forelegs and head over her lap. The silence stretched on for so long that she rolled her eyes shyly to Kurando, wondering what he was thinking about. When his eyes suddenly flickered down to the side at her, she looked away immediately. He had caught her staring up at him.

Although he was leaning the back of his head against the tree trunk, he turned his head to the side in order to smile at her. She turned her head slightly to him, hesitating to look into his eyes but not at his face.

"I…heard you…," she murmured slowly. It was the first thing she could think of saying to him after they had left the Mikasa harbor.

He blinked confusedly. "Eh?"

She shut her eyes slowly as she remembered that particular evening, just before she fell unconscious on her bedroom floor. "…I heard your…voice…from a distance... telling me to…wait...for you," she said softly.

Kurando's bright, cheerful face had suddenly darkened to that of a scowl as he turned away from her. It was as if there was something tormenting his perturbed mind. The girl frowned. What did she just say to upset him like that?

"Anastasia," he stated with a sudden seriousness in his voice as he turned to her again, "back in the waterfall cavern, I...I have…seen some…things," he forced out with much difficulty. "It was my fault that it happened in the first place."

'Some…'things'? What 'things', Kurando?'

Just as Anastasia was about to ask those questions out loud, Kurando had already jumped to his feet with blazing red eyes. He clenched his knuckles so tightly that they cracked rather disturbingly. The girl's bright green eyes had widened to that of alarm as she swung her head left and right in order to see what he was glaring at. She had never seen him look this angry before. What was it that angered him so?

"…Kurando?" she stammered, hoping he would respond to her somehow. Blanca shifted to his feet as the girl began to climb weakly to her shaky ones.

The young man did not respond. Instead, he darted away from them with one hand over the sheath of his blade. He was heading towards a familiar-looking man who had booze in his hand, taking that same path to go south. Kurando stood in front of him and stretched out his left arm in order to block his path.

"Hey! Just what the hell do you want?" the man demanded hoarsely.

Kurando stood gazing intently at this ruddy faced man. He had seen this face somewhere before. Where? Where was it? As he contemplated even harder, an image suddenly flashed across his mind. He could see himself back in the waterfall cavern at Inugami Village. The pool of water. He had studied it just as an image of a dirty looking man was dragging a beautiful girl into a dark bedroom… That was it. Everything snapped right there. His mind returned back to the present again. He tensed visibly in his spot as his crimson eyes darkened to that of sudden rage. If looks could kill, then this man would have dropped dead by now.

"You…," Kurando spat in disgust, feeling the blood rush up to his angered face.

The man narrowed his dark brown eyes at him. "…WHAT!" he demanded rudely.

The young swordsman had a scowl on his face now.

"Hmph. Get out of my way, boy!" he said, shoving him aside with a shoulder.

Kurando felt his anger rise tenfold as he watched this man stagger away. He was convinced that this was the exact same man he had seen from the image. And it was this very same man who had done some awful things to Anastasia. Yes, he had seen it all back in the waterfall cavern. Anastasia was crying. She had called out to him again and again. This man had slapped the girl viciously if only to render her silent. Such a violent conduct was unforgivable!

Somehow, that wild, untamed power that lurked in those dark crimson eyes had erupted at once and the young samurai lost himself to this sudden hatred. He gnashed his teeth together and doubled over in pain just as he released that spiteful life form from his body. The ogre, Jutendouji broke free with this new found power of Kurando's. He let out a frightening roar of triumph to the skies above before he bent forward with the large heavy sword held down by his side. Most of his thick, silver hair had tumbled over one fiery red eye, leaving the other to burn intensely with primal rage.

With such an unearthly cry hollering behind the man, he spun around immediately. The sight of this dark skinned fusion monster was simply too much for him to bear. He let out a pathetic shriek of horror, dropping his booze down to the ground and shattering it, just as his eyes widened to that of complete shock. Before he knew it, he had whirled around and made a mad dash away from this vicious monster.

Jutendouji stood gazing at his 'prey' for one short moment. A malicious smile suddenly crept over his lips. He let out a fearsome snarl before he dashed after the man with his tanned, muscular legs.

Anastasia brought her trembling hands over her mouth as she tried to absorb what just happened there. She remembered Kurando saying just a few minutes ago that he had seen some 'things' at the waterfall cavern. 'Things', he said. And now he was chasing that man – that same man who had tried to force her to couple with him. Suddenly, it snapped. Could it be? Could he have seen the image of her the moment when that man had pinned her down on the bed, ready to climb on top of her? No!

"Blanca!" the girl cried all of a sudden. The startled-looking wolf whimpered in response. "You must help me find Kurando! Please!"

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Anastasia placed a trembling hand over her agitated chest as she sprinted after Blanca in pursuit of Kurando. They had ran for a while now. Her breaths came out raggedly and she would cough once in a while from some of the pain that still dwelled in her bosom. She hardly cared about her health right now. All that mattered to her was to find Kurando before it would be too late. Luckily, with her loyal friend, Blanca, she would be able to find him in no time. Considering he had a good sense of smell and hearing. Yes, she was sure of it. She was sure they could find him right away.

The girl could see Blanca disappear behind a corner to the left of the main Yokohama Streets. Nevertheless, she forced her aching muscles to run faster. By the time she had reached that corner, she could see the big white wolf positioned close to the ground, as if he was ready to pounce on his prey. His thick fur coat was bristling against the sunlight as he growled deeply.

Anastasia followed her companion's gaze. Up ahead, she could see an all-so-familiar man collapse pathetically on his bottom in the middle of the street's pavement. He broke out in a sweat and started panicking. He inched backwards with his hands and legs as the ogre approached him slowly, dragging the heavy weapon by his side. An eerie scraping sound of steel against pavement could be heard. The man was simply horrified beyond belief.

Jutendouji finally stood before the panicking man. The fusion monster's shadow hovered demonically over him. He raised his large heavy sword high above his head, ready to swing the huge weapon down to tear the man in half.

The girl had managed to reach them in time. She gasped in alarm at the sight of Jutendouji who was readying a gory execution. Without another thought, the girl raised an arm into the air to summon as she ran slightly past Blanca in order to get closer to the ogre and the helpless man. "Heed to my call and come forth, Orobas!"

The ground had begun trembling just as the lord of warps and distortions was summoned to the surface, breaking loose from his imprisonment. He let out an unearthly scream of freedom as he stretched out his many wings in the air. The demon's large, purple torso was supporting his bulky mass and he hovered over the girl, awaiting her next command.

"Hold off Jutendouji's attack and do not retaliate!" the girl demanded. But no sooner had she given the command, she began to shiver in fear of what would come next.

As quick as a flash, Orobas had flown high above the girl, towards the ogre and the man. He hovered over the pathetic man, whose eyes widened further in seeing this creature. The summon monster thrust his weapon forward just as the ogre swung his weapon down. Orobas defended the attack with his long sword and a loud 'clank' could be heard as both weapons met.

Jutendouji was furious now as he pulled his large heavy weapon back. The ogre raised it again and began slashing at the flying demon with a loud, irritated roar. A new hidden strength emerged now as he continued swinging the weapon repeatedly at the demon. Orobas still had his sword held outstretched before him as the ogre kept swinging his weapon at him. However, he dared not return the attacks. Anastasia, his Master, had clearly commanded him not to hurt Jutendouji.

However, without returning any attacks, Orobas could easily succumb to the fusion monster's continuous attacks. Anastasia didn't want that. She studied the battle for a very long time, unsure what to do next, as all the summon monster did was hold off Jutendouji's powerful blows. The battle between the two seemed to be endless. As she continued watching, the ogre had finally managed to slice the demon's torso as dark red blood oozed out of its fresh wound. Horror struck the girl clear through. Immediately, she raised her arm again as she hollered, "Return, Orobas!" The demon vanished unexpectedly in a dust of light, being summoned back into the crest. Jutendouji had taken a wild swipe at the open air when Orobas had disappeared from sight.

Now, he was standing before the horrified man again, gazing down at him with two crimson eyes that have long been set ablaze in a wild fury. He screeched pathetically as Jutendouji dragged his heavy weapon forward. All this fusion monster could think about in his mind was to execute this bastard. Yes, he would finish him up right now. Once and for all! He raised the sword over his head again…

Suddenly, a pair of arms had encircled his bare waist, pulling him back roughly with a desperate "No!"

Jutendouji's sword fell forward as the tip of the blade sunk deep into the crack of the pavement, right between the frightened man's trembling thighs. He hollered insanely. The fusion monster swung his angry silver head over one shoulder. A sickly but still beautiful girl was gazing up at him with two green eyes. They were clearly filled with a sea of sorrow. Tears were whelming up in them as she pleaded to him to stop this insanity. Just who was she anyway? He hardly knew who this girl was and not like he cared. All that mattered to him was to slice up that wretched bastard in front of him into bloody bits and pieces. He yearned for the thrill of that! Yes…to kill…

Jutendouji turned his head back to that man again, flinging the girl coldly away from him. She gave a sharp shriek at the violence as she fell to her side. The ogre placed his dark hands on the hilt of that large weapon thus embedded vertically in front of him. The girl tilted her head up at him in alarm. He was going to yank the sword out of the ground! She mustn't allow him to kill! She mustn't allow Jutendouji to take over Kurando's body and soul!

Before Jutendouji could even tug at the weapon, the girl had already tackled him from behind again. She managed to yank him back by a step. Sliding in front of the ogre, she thrust her entire weight against him with as much strength as possible. However, she was too weak to even push him back by a few steps. The ogre retaliated and struck her aside again. She gave a startled cry as she fell to the ground once more.

Jutendouji let out a hideous grunt as he staggered forward by a step. Amidst the chaos, Blanca had appeared in front of the ogre and leapt forcefully towards him, so hard that the ogre finally fell to the ground. Just as the wolf scuttled past the fusion monster, Anastasia flung on top of him, trying her best to pin him down to the ground like a wrestler would do during an aggressive match. If only she had acquired some wrestling tips from Joachim before! Jutendouji was writhing wildly under her grip. She couldn't hold onto him any longer.

"Go! Get out of here!" the girl bellowed to the horrified man. When he did not act at once, she screamed aloud, "NOW!" Finally, he jumped to his feet and fled for his ungrateful life.

Seeing the man escape, Jutendouji flung the girl away from him but before he could even get up with the help of his elbows, the girl had already collapsed on top of him again. She hugged her cheek against his heaving chest and placed a trembling hand over his thumping heart. Tears were flowing down her cheeks now. "Please, Kurando! Revert to your true self!" She didn't know who this ogre was anymore. No, it wasn't Kurando. It was a part of him but no, it was not him. She just wanted Kurando back.

None of her desperate pleas had reached Kurando. Instead, Jutendouji struck the girl violently across the face, so hard that she literally flew several feet away from him. She gave a startled shriek at the pain and planted her hand over her swollen cheek as blood trailed down the corner of her mouth. The inside of her cheek had been cut and was now bleeding. Tears flooded her eyes and ran down her cheeks. The fusion monster grunted coldly and staggered towards that monstrous sword again, reaching for the hilt… Anastasia's stinging eyes widened in alarm as she lay sprawled on the ground. Jutendouji yanked the weapon out with a hideous screech. Slowly, he turned menacingly around and fixed his wild eyes on the girl's frightened face. He dragged the weapon forward, the sound of steel against pavement sounding horrifically to her ears. A fearful smile crept over the ogre's twisted lips as he hoisted the weapon over his head…

Blanca growled deeply as his thick fur coat began to bristle. He bent close to the ground just before he made a flying leap towards the fusion monster again. He snapped his jaw at Jutendouji's right arm, causing blood to spurt into the open air. The monster bellowed in sudden pain. The weapon fell forward once more, sinking deeply into the ground, right beside the alarmed girl. Blanca did not let go of his injured arm even when the ogre had yanked his arm back and forth in order to loosen the wolf's painful bite. Anger rose tenfold now. Jutendouji took Blanca by the throat with his left hand and squeezed tightly, causing the wolf to let go of his injured arm at once and squirming wildly under the firm, death grip. The fusion monster was going to strangle the life out of Blanca!

Anastasia jumped to her feet at once and lunged her entire body against the ogre, causing him to stumble backwards a little. However, his bare feet got tangled together and he fell flat on his behind. This action had freed the poor wolf from a terrible death. Anastasia took advantage of this situation and threw herself on top of the demon, causing him to fall flat on his back now. Jutendouji was writhing under the pitiful girl, ready to shove her away from his body once more. She held his face between her trembling hands and finally looked straight into his blazing, crimson eyes. "Kurando, please!" she begged. "Return to your senses!" He growled at her like a mad animal and struggled even more violently from under her. Then came the unexpected. He heard the girl sob out in complete distress, "Kurando, you're scaring me!" Somehow, those words echoed loudly in his confused mind. All at once, he stopped his violent struggles and simply glared up at this terrified girl. "Please! Return Kurando to me! I-I just want Kurando back!" She dug her face painfully against his heaving chest now.

It was the girl's pleading voice and her desire of having Kurando returned to her that slapped some senses into him. What did that mean though? Had she at last, forgiven him? Perhaps, she did. She wouldn't have become so distressed…so terrified that he had lost himself to this fusion monster. It was rare that he would even allow Jutendouji to take over his body since he did master the ability to tame and control the creature within him. When the fusion monster took over, Anastasia had declared straight to his face that she wanted Kurando back. Her face was filled with pain, sorrow, and anxiety. His unexpected transformation to Jutendouji and the sudden urge to kill that pathetic man, was proof enough of his feelings for her. She had finally believed him. Why else would he go as far as to transform without a single thought and attempt to slice that pitiful man into shreds? Yes. She definitely believed his words when he said he had feelings for her.

At last, the burden he had felt deep down in his heart had finally been resolved. The sadness, the pain, the anger, the frustration, everything, they had completely vanquished right that instant. Shutting his eyes with a gentle smile creeping over his lips, Jutendouji silently retreated back into the depths of Kurando's soul. A bright light had enveloped the young couple. When Kurando opened his eyes again, he glared up at the morning sky for a second. He riveted his gaze back on the girl thus sobbing over his traditional wear. A warm, gentle smile crossed his lips. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around the girl's trembling body and just held her there in hopes of soothing her distress. The girl sniffled from her tears as she murmured weakly, "...Kurando?"

"Yes," he said softly.

The girl flicked her eyes up at him just as he peered down at her. Their gazes locked at once, leaving them both feeling warm deep inside. Anastasia felt the pressure in her bosom lighten and she blew a sigh of relief because he was back. She began to relax in this nice embrace, knowing fully well that Kurando had finally returned to her. She clenched the soft material of his new outfit in her hands, assuring herself again and again that yes, he was back indeed. How good it felt to be in his arms again.

They remained that way for a very long time. Until the girl finally broke the tranquility and explained to him, "What you saw back in the waterfall cavern, I want you to know that nothing happened…"

He tightened his arms around her and whispered, "I believe you. But I want you to know one thing, Anastasia."

"Hm?"

He did not hesitate to say it. "No matter what happens, it will not change my feelings for you."

Kurando had indeed, spoken from an open heart. She nodded as tears of joy ran down her cheeks.

As they remained that way on the ground, Blanca finally approached the young couple and plopped down next to them. He rested his chin over Kurando's left shoulder as his eyes wandered from left to right at the people who glared confusedly down at them on the ground in the Yokohama Streets.

THE END?

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Notes: I know I said this was supposed to be the last chapter. But since I started off with a prologue, I might as well end it with an epilogue. To compensate for misinterpretation, I will include a teaser as well in my last update. I'm officially one step away from the actual conclusion of this story. I hope you all won't be disappointed. Again, I want to thank those people who have R&R. It was a pleasure reading them.

P.S. I forgot to mention that the scene where Anastasia summons Orobas was not like the actual game itself. Rather, it was in the style of Final Fantasy but I thought it would be cooler that way. Also, I might be inaccurate with all the descriptions of Orobas. To be honest, I don't remember much about this sidequest. Eh…