Opening Song: "Holy Diver" by: Dio/Killswitch Engaged
I prowl around the building for Octavian, but I can't find him anywhere. He's not in any of the rooms and none of the girls have seen him. The only one I haven't asked yet is Mr. K. Maybe he knows where Octavian is.
Mr. K is sitting at his desk. He's got a loupe jewelers use when they examine the cuts of a gemstone. The beam of light from his lamp shines down on his hands, and a bright shade of red covers the front of his face. He rolls the talilbasha around in his hand and inspects every side.
"Well, is it real?" I ask as I sit down.
"Yeah. It's real. The blood inside has a perfect shape. If it were a decoy, the blood inside wouldn't look like a tear drop. It would be all misshaped and jagged with deformity." Mr. K replies as he holds it up to the ceiling light and gives it one last look. I pull out the files I stole from Gessen and slide them over to Mr. K. He takes the loupe off and lets me look it over.
Just like Mr. K said, in the very center is a perfect teardrop of solidified blood that is softly radiating with a weak purple light. There's no way someone could cut that in there without damaging the exterior of the stone.
"I heard you and Ayame caused quite a ruckus at Gessen." Mr. K teases.
"Well you can just deduct the points from my good behavior board."
Mr. K lets out a small chuckle, "When have you ever received points for good behavior?"
"Never."
"I do have to say I am pleased with you both. I really didn't want to receive a call from the Gessen about how Yumi and her group were hurt."
"I'd never raise my hands against those girls unless I had a reason." I reply. "Speaking of which, have you seen Octavian?"
"I think he's spending some time with Jonathan. They don't get time together like a normal family." Mr. K says as he looks the documents over.
"Makes sense. I was just needing to talk to him, but it can wait until tomorrow. Anyway, I'll take care of Oliviera. Maybe after that, everything will finally go back to normal." I state.
Mr. K puts the stone in a special container sealed with magic. That way it won't be sapping the strength from people like Ayame. He hands it to me, and I toss it in my side satchel. Now all I have to do is wait for Alice to come back and she can take me to Oliviera. Before my departure, there is one last thing that needs to be done.
"Hey Ayame! Come here!"
"Yes Alan?"
Ayame is still dressed in her Gessen uniform as she walks into the office. A heavy duty bandage sticks to the gash on the side of her face. She grabs the red ribbons that hold her hair in a bun and pulls them out. A wave of onyx strands float down. She grabs a handful and starts to comb the knots out. I dig through my bag and grab the money I counted out.
"Here. As promised."
Ayame's face lights up as she slowly reaches out and takes it. It's almost like she wasn't expecting me to hold up to my end of the bargain. She thumbs through and slowly counts it. A surprised look comes over her face when she realizes there's more than I originally promised.
"Alan, you said two million. There's three."
"Consider it a Christmas bonus. Operations aren't cheap. Then figure in the two-month recovery in the hospital, three meals a day from the cafeteria, physical therapy, how are you going to buy gifts for your family with all those bills?"
Ayame looks at the money and tries to contain the joy swelling up inside her. She takes a deep breath and collects herself by placing her hands together.
"Thank you." She says.
"You're welcome kid."
Katsu pokes her head through the door and knocks from the inside, "Hey Alan, you have a couple of visitors."
"Okay. I'll be there in a minute."
Ayame exits the room and heads to the bathroom while I follow Katsu back to the living room. The sound of Minori and another girl squealing with laughter floods down the hallway. It's enough to cause Katsu to giggle just from hearing them laugh.
Gehrman is sitting in his wheelchair while Hibari shows Minori and Shiryo how to get a reaction out of the doll. Minori sits down, and the doll claps her hands. When she moves, Shiryo bows and the doll bows, and all three of the girls laugh. The doll reaches out and touches Shiryo's face and looks into her eyes.
"I sense you are a beast, but an anomaly. Most beasts only seek bloodshed, but you relish peace and promote joy with the creatures called shinobi. Tell me, are you one of Alan's creations?"
"No, but Alan and his friend Ryoki saved me from becoming a beast, and I get to live with a hunter and a group of shinobi." Shiryo answers.
The doll tilts her head to one side and attempts to think of a way to process the answer Shiryo gave her. Although I don't know if she is capable of critical thinking.
"Minori! Shiryo! What are you two doing here!?"
Minori spins around and takes off after me. Shiryo isn't far behind. I bend down, and the both of them wrap their arms around me.
"Lawrence and Homura said Shiryo could play with me since this is my last day before heading back to Gessen, and we decided to spend this time with you!" Minori says.
"Well I'm glad you two came by! I was going to go deliver a present but that can wait!" I say as I pick both of the girls up and sit them on my shoulders. Gehrman turns into his koukla, and the doll hands him to me.
"Forgive us Alan, but it would be best if Gehrman went with you. The Queen's patience has been wearing thin here lately, and I don't want her making any assumptions regarding you know who." The doll says.
"I understand. Besides, I think the old man will enjoy it."
"I will let the shinobi, and the Queen know you and Gehrman went out."
The doll walks to the back while I activate the secret passage leading to the very back of the academy. Before I get too far, I make sure I have Oktitohbi's stone in my side satchel. There's a faint glow of blue that highlights the initials on his stone. Yup, he's here. Good. There's a park with a playground that isn't far away from the city walls. The two of them can play or do whatever as Gehrman and I causally sit back and enjoy the company.
Both of them are clothed appropriately. Since this place is outside the walls, it's going to be significantly colder. Minori puts on a pair of pink ear muffs and some mittens while Shiryo throws her hood over her head and slides her hands into some gloves. Both of them have backpacks, but we can just store those in the saddlebags.
All of us get outside and I throw Oktitohbi's stone down. There's a flash of light and he appears. The first thing I do is make sure his leg is okay. Although he's had plenty of time to recover, I don't want to push him if he can't run.
"How's your leg Oktitohbi?" I ask.
"It's good now Alan. I can run." He replies.
"Do you think you can carry three people?"
"Nothing I can't handle."
I step into the stirrup and balance myself. Minori and Shiryo sling their backpacks off and hand them up. I stow them apart from one another and reach down. Since Shiryo is younger and a little smaller, she'll go up front. That way I have a better chance of catching her if she starts to fall. Because Minori has rode with me before, she knows how to hold on and keep her weight centered.
I pick Shiryo up and sit her in front of me. She tries to find her balance while I reach back down and help Minori climb on. Minori centers herself and grabs hold around my waist. I pick the reins up and spur Oktitohbi. He starts moving and Shiryo loses her balance and bounces off of me. I put my arm around her and help her get readjusted.
"Wow! This is so cool!" Shiryo states as she finally gets the hang of matching the movement and rhythm of the horse.
I spur Oktitohbi again and he builds up into a trot. Shiryo's excitement gets the better of her and she squeals with laughter. Shiryo's reaction causes Minori to burst out laughing, "Faster Alan!" They cheer.
I spur the horse one last time and his trot escalates into a full gallop. Oktitohbi weaves in and out of trees and hops a small creek that separates us from the park. The place I am taking Minori and Shiryo is in full view of the city, so if something happens out there, the shinobi and any hunters within the city will rush to our aid.
I pull back on the reins and slow Oktitohbi back down to a trot. Now that Shiryo knows how to ride as a passenger, I release her and let my arm dangle off to the side before we come to a complete stop. Minori slides off and grabs the backpacks while I lower Shiryo down to the ground.
Minori hands Shiryo her backpack and both of them take off running to a table. Minori swipes all the snow off of the top and the seats before they sit down across from one another and pull out their kits. I sit down at a bench that overlooks the entire playground and kick back. Gehrman takes form next to the bench I'm sitting at.
"Is the one with the brown hair your sister?" Gehrman asks as he props himself up with his cane.
"Step sister. I have a real sister, but we don't get along."
"I see. Do you still love her?"
"Of course, but just because we don't agree on something doesn't mean I hate her. Although the same couldn't be said for her. Speaking of which, you were talking about someone special the other day. You ever going to tell me who it was old man?"
Gehrman chuckles and rubs his nose like he's trying to avoid the question. The old man leans all the way back in his wheelchair and looks up to the grey sky. Small flurries of snow coax their way down and collect on the brim of his black top hat.
"For the countless years I've been in that horrid hunter's dream, I've been thinking about writing a poem about this special someone. Then when you mentioned it, I decided it was time."
"Well let's hear it." I say.
Gehrman reaches into a carriage on his wheelchair and pulls out an old leather journal and flips through the yellow pages. Some have drawings, others have symbols that correspond with the alphabet. It's probably the writing the Honored Elders used, and he's one of the few that knows how to still read it.
Gehrman turns to the desired page and tries to find his place. The fact that he nearly wrote an entire book with nothing more than some ink and a quill is impressive. I've helped the girls write papers for their classes before, but that's with a computer.
All we had to do is type the words, and the computer did the rest. Gehrman had to manually dob the quill, write a couple letters then do it again. The fact that everything is spelled correctly and written in elegant Old English astounds me.
"Okay boy, here it is." Gehrman clears his throat and begins,
There was once a fair maiden from Cainhurst
A land brimming with nothing but the worst
Her hair was that of the sun
Hair that made my heart overrun
Her eyes were the color of the sky
Eyes I hated to see cry
Oh, the days I did certainly feel weary
You were always there for me, my sweetest Mary
I give a small clap and nod of approval. Damn. That was actually really good. Or at least I think it was. I certainly couldn't have come up with anything better if I was trapped in a seal Kagura forced me into for the last eight hundred years. Then again, I could probably write one about how big of a nag Asuka can be, but how I still love her regardless of all her flaws. Although I don't think her poem would be as forgiving towards me.
"That was really good Gehrman, and the fact you wrote this with nothing more than a quill and an old ink glass makes the poem even more meaningful to this woman named Mary."
"You think so?"
"Sure. Nowadays we got ink pens that eliminate the need to re-dip your writing utensil and computers basically do all the writing for you. In fact, you will have to show me how to write in old English with a quill so I can write Asuka a poem."
"It's not going to be about her nagging is it?"
"NO! But let's say for some reason if I did, which I never would, I'd be sure to include that I love her madly."
"I don't believe you, but I'd be more than happy to teach you how to write old English with a quill." Gehrman chuckles along with me as we watch Minori and Shiryo make their necklaces.
Right now, Shiryo has just finished one that's completely pink, so I'm going to say that one is for Haruka. Shiryo digs through her box and pulls out some green beads and begins on the next one. That one is either for Yomi or Hikage. Minori is making an ice white one. Yumi. Definitely Yumi.
"Hey Alan! Do you and the old man want to learn how to make jewelry?" Minori asks as she holds up Yumi's finished necklace.
"I suppose so." I say.
"You can never be too old to learn something." Gehrman adds as I get behind his wheelchair and roll him over to the table Minori and Shiryo are sitting at.
"You can make one for Asuka and give it to her for Christmas!" Shiryo states as she picks out some beads for me to use.
"I don't know about that. Asuka's been on my naughty list, but I suppose I can make her something. Maybe if I give Asuka four beads, her attitude will improve."
Although I'm not going to complain if she's on my naughty list. I sit down beside Minori and watch how she puts the beads on and attempt to do it myself with the stuff Shiryo gave me. I slide a red bead down, follow with a white and a green until I form a pattern. Gehrman causally watches as I finally get the amount of beads I need to form the decoration.
"Now all you do is put the connectors on and you're done!" Minori says as she helps me attach the interlocking pieces of metal to the ends.
Something catches my attention and I look to my right. Out from the city gates walk two people dressed in armor similar to my old set. One happens to be a girl about my age while her male partner is very muscular.
The guy has hair similar to mine and is dressed in a dark blue blazer and a white-collar shirt. His pants are neatly pressed and he's got some yoma scale shoes. As for the girl, she's wearing a black duster similar to what I used to wear along with under armor that conceals her street clothes.
A solid platinum badge of the Greek letter gamma rests on the edge of her duster. Her friend has one too, but it's made of silver. Whoever these fools are, they aren't shinobi. Shiryo immediately scrambles under the table. Her sudden outburst leaves Minori confused at what's going on.
"Such fine young women you are raising here." The red head states.
I put my arm around Minori and push her behind me as the two people come to a stop a couple feet (two meters) away from the bench. The man has some kind of musketeer rapier on his waist while the woman has a katana similar to what Ikaruga uses.
Except it's nearly eight foot (2.4 meters) long. I don't know the terminology for all the different katanas, so I'll call it the BAFS, the big ass fucking sword. The edge is facing down so she isn't here to fight. At least, not today.
"Alan isn't it?" The girl with short red hair asks as my green eyes lock with her gold irises.
"Who's asking?"
"Yes. Alan Hellwalker." She points to herself, "The name's Ange, head of GallowGlass Conducere, and this is Mr. Scarlet. We know a lot about you."
"Is that a fact?"
"You're wanted in the North you know? Two-hundred and fifty-million-yen for you alone."
"Well I personally think I'm worth two-hundred and fifty-one million."
"Oh, aren't you a comedian!? You see Mr. Scarlet? I told you he has a silver tongue!"
The guy named Scarlet let's out a trapped laugh while Ange pulls out a black and white wanted picture of a girl that has a price on her head that's one-hundred million yen higher than mine. She kind of looks like Homura, but her hair is grey in the picture, so it has to be white in real life. She's got a pair of googles covering her eyes and a bandana draped over her face.
She's wanted for the same things I'm responsible for. Only she's been labeled a heretic by the shinobi council. That must mean she was a shinobi at one time, but has either renounced her ways or was found guilty of protecting hunters.
There is also a picture of Hikage, but luckily, they don't have a name or facial identity, and she's worth the same amount of money I am. However, her face is covered up so her identity is safe.
Ange pulls out a picture of Lawrence and lays it on the table. For a moment, I have to rub my eyes and do a double take because his bounty is nearly double what mine is. Half a billion yen for Lawrence. Jesus Christ Lawrence, what the hell did you do!? He was only worth three-hundred million over a year ago!
"The council wants Lawrence, and this woman right here."
"Lawrence? I haven't seen him in years, and this girl? I don't even know her."
"Really? I heard that Lawrence and this woman, along with several other criminals ambushed and killed a bunch of shinobi that were on their way to clear out some hunters that were posing a threat to the city of Alcava."
Alcava? That area is completely controlled by the extremist good shinobi. What the hell was Lawrence doing up there? The last time the both of us were in Alcava was three years ago. We took Hikage up there so she could kill the rival gang responsible for her step mother's death.
As many criminals, good and evil shinobi as well as asshole hunters we killed up there, we swore to never go back North because they would never forget. Apparently, that was no exaggeration.
"Clear out? Doesn't that seem a little barbaric for such sophisticated shinobi from the north?" I reply.
"Nothing is too barbaric when it deals with savages." Ange states.
"You know, that's funny coming from someone like you. Tertium (third)."
Ange folds her hands and sighs as she sits down across from me. I know what she's going to ask and she knows what I'm going to say.
"Oh Alan. Nihil mihi praeter te percuterem, sed maiora sunt occasiones ego vobiscum. Hoc tempus (Nothing would please me more than to kill you right now, but because there are bigger opportunities, I'll let you go. This time)."
"Bene utique aliquando experiri (Well you can certainly try someday)."
"I'll be looking forward to it Mr. Hellwalker. Good day." Ange calmly replies as she picks the documents up. The man named Scarlet was here just to oversee, but I have a feeling the next time I see these two, there's probably going to be three more, and it's not going to be all calm and peaceful. I'm just glad they didn't try and hurt Minori or Shiryo.
Ange and her partner head back towards the tree line that separates the barren land from the wasteland. They must be traveling town to town trying to find Lawrence and this other woman. Speaking of which, who is this girl and how does Lawrence know her?
"Who was that?" Minori asks as she tries to coax Shiryo out from under the table with a package of gummy candy.
"No one important. Come on. Let's get you girls home." I reply as Gehrman and I pack their things up.
Minori finally gets Shiryo to come out from underneath the table. Shiryo is violently shaking in fear to the point she can't stand. I've never seen the girl so scared. Ever. Minori picks Shiryo up and holds her face with both hands.
"Listen to me Shiryo, those bad people are gone, and they aren't going to hurt you. I promise I'll protect you." Minori says as she hugs her.
I climb up on Oktitohbi and store the girl's bags. Gehrman transforms back into his koukla and Minori hands him up to me. I grab Shiryo and put her in front while Minori climbs up. Shiryo centers her weight and gets a firm grip. I spur Oktitohbi twice and he trots back towards the city.
"Alan, what do those people want with Lawrence and aunt Hikage?" Shiryo asks.
"I don't know sweetie."
"Are they going to hurt Homura and my sisters because they live with us?"
"I don't think so. Just try not to think about it. You'll be okay. Anyway, where am I taking you?" I ask as I check over my back to make sure we're not being followed.
"Yomi and Hikage are working today so you can just drop me off at the store." Shiryo says as I lower her down at the city gates. Minori slides off, then me.
"Thank you for the ride Oktitohbi." Minori and Shiryo say.
"You are welcome." He replies as I hold his stone up. Oktitohbi flashes and returns to his seal before the three of us enter the city.
Minori and Shiryo both grab ahold of my hands and lead me through the crowded streets. Each day that passes, the more hectic the streets tend to get. Still though, it's really nice to spend some time with Minori and Shiryo. The fact that they helped me make a necklace for Asuka may help bridge the gap.
Yomi and Hikage are inside the store. Hikage is restocking a shelf while Yomi works as a cashier. Shiryo takes off after Yomi first since she's the closet.
"Yomi!" Shiryo yells as she pulls out a jade colored necklace.
"My precious snow blossom! How are you!?" Yomi replies as she bends down. Shiryo flies into Yomi's arms and she caresses her like a mother to her daughter.
"Alan took me and Minori on his horse! While I was gone, I made this for you!" Shiryo states as she holds out the necklace.
A huge smile grows across Yomi's face as she takes the necklace and marvels over it with excitement.
"I made aunt Hikage one also!" Shiryo adds as she pulls out a second one. Hikage takes the other one and examines it.
"I wish I had the feelings to tell you how much I love it, but it is beautiful." Hikage says in a monotone voice.
"I love you too!" Shiryo states as she wraps her arms around Hikage's waist.
"Did you thank Alan for the trip?" Yomi asks.
"No need. The girls had fun, and that's all that matters." I reply as I give Yomi a concerned face that says we need to talk.
"Is something wrong Alan?"
"Where's Lawrence?"
"Oh, he's out of town. Why?" Yomi asks.
"Alcava is in town, and they want to pay us visit." I pull Yomi and Hikage into an empty aisle, "They know about the north, and they know I'm here!" I whisper as loudly as possible.
Hikage shakes her head and sighs as she motions for us to disperse before the wrong person overhears us.
"Okay, I'll let him know when he gets back." Yomi causally shakes her head like we are having a normal conversation. Although I can sense dread within her.
"Thanks Yomi. Now if you'll excuse me, I got to take Minori to the train station she can get home."
"Alright. Take careful out there." Hikage and Yomi say.
"That goes for all of you as well."
We wave each other goodbye and go our separate ways. Minori takes the lead again. However, I keep her really close because we aren't alone. From the rooftops above, Alice is staring at us both with a bloody smile. She must know I have the stone and is preparing to take me to Oliviera. Where ever that maybe.
Alice drops directly behind me and casually follows from a distance. Her bare feet touch some snow, and she disappears completely out of sight. Minori stops in the middle of the stairway leading up to the platform and looks back in the direction Alice is.
"Alan, did you hear that?"
"Just ignore it. It's nothing more than the wind." I reply as I urge her to keep moving. Alice was over joyed in harassing Asuka in her sleep. Now she's trying to mess with Minori in anyway she can. If I ever figure out a way to get rid of this pest permanently, or if I ever discover a weakness, I'm going to use it.
"Well, I guess I'll see you again around Christmas time." I say as I bend down.
"I'll miss you Alan." Minori says as we wrap our arms around one another and hug.
"Yeah, I'll miss you too Minori."
We break away and Minori hands her two-way ticket to the conductor. As she steps on the train, Minori is greeted by some adult teachers dressed in Gessen uniforms. I guess Minori has a train all to herself on the way back.
At least she's got some teachers that will watch after her. I was half tempted to buy a ticket and ride with her until she reached her destination, but because Minori is under adequate attention, she will be safe.
Minori sits in her seat and pulls her window down, "Bye Alan!"
"Bye Minori! I had a good time!"
The train's brakes release a huge hiss of compressed air, and the train slowly rolls forward. I stick close and follow the seat Minori is sitting at until I reach the end of the platform.
"I love you Alan!"
"I love you too Minori!"
We wave as the train leaves the station and starts its trek over the wasteland. Please be safe.
"What do you want Alice?"
"I was going to remind you of how much time you have left, but it appears you possess the object of my master's obsession."
I reach into my side satchel and pull out the talilbasha, "You mean this?"
"Come and I will show you lady Oliviera's living quarters." Alice states as she wipes the crimson from her mouth onto the sleeve of her white dress.
She heads down the stairs and walks toward the part of town where the cost of living exceeds logical reasoning. Manors, mansions in the hills, and stilt houses built over the edge of the river serve as shining examples why money can't buy common sense.
Alice and I cross a bridge that stretches over the river and leads to a private stilt house hovering over the bay of the river. It's the nicest one here, and the one closet to the edge of town. Figures. I would do the same thing if I were Oliviera. That way if anything happened, the girls could escape while I dealt with the threat if it were something they couldn't handle alone.
The cobblestone path leads up to the front. Alice knocks on the door, "Lady Oliviera! Ryona! It's me! Alan has something for you!"
Several locks and tumblers rapidly turn and click. Jesus, it sounds like they are opening a bank vault with as many locks they have on the front door. The door cracks open and Ryona pokes her head out. Water drips from her soaking blonde hair and down her wet body. A white towel covers her massive bust, and she is steaming like she's just climbed out of a sauna.
"Well what a surprise! I was hoping you should show up!" Ryona states with a mischievous smile as she grabs my arm and pulls me into the house. "I was beginning to worry you weren't going to find the stone, and that naughty girl Asuka was going to have to be punished!"
The house itself is nothing shy of burned money. A golden chandelier that hangs above the living room, multiple televisions, a huge kitchen with a liquor bar, a gaming area that has a pool table and dartboard, three bathrooms, four master bedrooms and that's only the first floor. There's even a small spa located next to the living room.
Miyabi and Murasaki are relaxing in a jacuzzi, Imu is tossing darts at the dart board while Soji and Ryobi casually gamble during a game of pool. Ryona takes her towel off and steps back into the pool. She sinks up to her chest and let's out a sigh of relaxation.
"Little brother…" Miyabi says with a straight face.
"Big sis…" I reply as calmly as I can.
Murasaki slides deeper into the boiling water to try and hide her body from me. There is even a hint of sorrow in those eyes when she does, and it hurts me seeing Murasaki like this because we still care about each other, and neither of us have any desire to hurt each other's friends and family.
Miyabi and the rest see me as an enemy, so they don't care if they hurt me or the Hanzo girls just as much as I don't care fighting my own sister and her crew to protect Asuka and the Hanzo girls. Murasaki being the only exception. Maybe Ryona but probably becomes she's a weirdo.
"How are you Alan?" Murasaki nervously combs her violet hair.
"I'm fine. I think I found what your master has been looking for."
"Well good. As much as I love it here, I'm ready to go back to Hebijo." She replies.
"How have you been Murasaki?"
She puts her arms on the edge of the tub and lays back, "I'm doing good. Better now that you've found what was stolen from Olivera. By the way, where did you find it?"
"It wasn't Asuka or any of the Hanzo girls like Olivieria speculated."
"I tried to tell everyone Asuka wouldn't steal from Olvieria a second time, but no one would listen. Then when Alice tracked the perpetrator here, she automictically assumed it was Asuka." Murasaki sighs.
Miyabi scoffs at that statement and stands up. I look away as she wraps herself up and walks off to the back. All that's left is Ryona and Murasaki, and Ryona seems to be half asleep from how relaxed she looks.
"You can join us if you want." Ryona offers.
"Thank you Ryona, but Asuka's the only one I can share a tub with."
Upstairs, a door shuts and Oliviera walks out of a room dressed in a satin sleeping gown. Her white hair flows freely and is free of the violet highlights she normally has. I haven't seen her like this in a long time. It appears she is talking to someone within the room, but I can't tell who it is. Oliviera leans on the railing and looks directly at me.
"Alan, my dear old friend, Alice brings me good news."
I reach into my side satchel and pull the talilbasha out. Oliviera walks downstairs and motions for the both of us to sit at a nearby table under the light. I pull a chair out for her and sit down in the one across from her
"Thank you, Alan." Oliviera says as she sits down.
"You're welcome. So, this your place?"
"Yes, but it will eventually belong to Miyabi and Imu when they graduate from Hebijo. I buy all my graduates a gift of their choice. Miyabi and Imu happened to want a house they could share with their group."
I place the stone on the table and back off. Oliviera takes it and holds it up to the light. She doesn't appear to be done just yet. Soji brings a loupe over and Oliviera gives the stone a deeper examination. The first thing she looks at is the blood drop within. She then rolls it around her hand and checks every crevice and all the way down to where it looks like the dripping fluid was frozen solid.
"Asuka didn't have anything to do with this, but I know who truly stole the stone."
Oliviera flips the stone up into the air and catches it with her fingertips, "You mean this?"
She squeezes her thumb and index finger together, and the stone turns to red dust. My eyes take a couple seconds to register what just happened. Although I wish I never would have. My heart sinks like a bag of bricks being tossed off a bridge.
"The talilbasha is indestructible, and it has the ability to create less powerful but potent stones that can be destroyed. What you found was one that bled off the original and created itself. However, you are on the right track. Asuka will be safe. However, I must ask where you found this."
"What exactly are you planning?" I ask with a heavy heart.
"To deal with the people who allowed them to hide it there."
"Only if you give me an extension to find the real talilbasha before you go."
"And you'll get your extension along with clean slate for your bride after you tell me where you found it."
I sit back in the chair, "I do not agree to these terms. Therefore, I am withholding the information unless you abide by my standard."
Oliviera sighs in disappointment and stands up. She places her hands behind her back and causally paces back and forth. As cool and collected as she seems, she is seething with rage. If I truly wanted this woman off me, I'd tell her that it was Gekko, Senko, and Fubuki. End of story, but I refuse to tell her because Oliviera won't just seek those three out.
Gekko and Senko were students of Gessen and if Oliviera finds that out, she'll take her anger out on everyone at Gessen. I have nothing proving Gessen or any of the elites weren't involved. Oliviera will take Yumi and hang her since she's the leader at Gessen.
Along with Shiki and Yozakura. Oliviera may let Murakumo and Minori go, but there are no guarantees, and I can't see Yumi and the others swing for something they may not have had part in.
"I was hoping you would see what's at stake here Alan. What was good for the sake of this world we live, but because someone's decided to get cold feet, this is my final offer, tell me where you found that stone, and you have my word the girls and I won't turn Hanzo Academy into a morgue."
"No."
Alice and all the Hebijo girls line up beside Oliviera as she puts her hands on the table, "Then we will have a fight tomorrow."
"I guess we will. I'll take my leave."
"Get out of here." Oliviera states.
Alice opens the front door for me and lets me out. God this is bad. This is really bad. I wasn't excepting the outcome to go like this. Why the hell is Oliviera being so damn difficult right now? Normally, she would have told me that I'm on the right path and gave me an extension regardless. I know this stone is important and she wants to protect her girls, but now it seems like her feelings towards Miyabi and them are obstructing her ability to reason.
"Alan! Wait!" I hear Murasaki yell.
She ties her robe shut and takes off after me. I stop in the middle of the bridge and wait for her to catch up. The sun is about to set and night is fast approaching. The way the orange light shines through and paints the white vapors coming off Murasaki's hair makes it appear she is glowing with radiance. Within her heart, I can tell she is genuinely upset things happened the way they did before she even opens her mouth.
"Alan, I'm sorry. I should have done something."
"What reason do you have for apologizing now. It's done. I don't see a way out of any of this."
Murasaki nervously rubs her jade bracelet and tries to think of something to say. Due to the circumstances though, there is nothing to say. Olvieria and Hebijo are coming tomorrow and there is nothing either of us can do.
"I don't want to fight Alan…"
"Nor do I, but Oliviera and Hebijo have given me no choice."
"I'll talk to Oliviera when I get back. I can't change her mind about tomorrow, but maybe I can stop her from trying to kill Asuka and the others. It can just be a show of strength." Murasaki says.
"I'd greatly appreciate it if you did." I say as I brush some snow off a nearby bench and look out towards the sunset. Murasaki acts like she wants to sit, so I scoop the snow from and she sits beside me. If there's one thing I never get tired of is the sunrise and sunset. Although this evanescent moment won't prevent what's going to happen. All we can do is treasure what's left of our fractured friendship before it completely dissolves tomorrow.
"Remember the story your mom told us about the sun?" Murasaki asks.
"Like it was yesterday."
Murasaki giggles and wipes her eyes as she remembers, "Problems are like the sun, they rise, stay for a while and then they're gone."
"Mother always was more of a philosopher than a shinobi." I say as Murasaki lets out a stifled laugh leaking with sadness. I laugh as well to try and brighten the mood as we continue looking forward.
"I wish things were different Alan, but it wasn't us that changed." Murasaki states.
"Murasaki!" I hear Imu and Miyabi yell off in the distance.
"Go Alan. I'll see what I can do."
I nod my head and take off in the direction of the road. Murasaki heads back across the bridge and we wave goodbye. Small droplets of water leak out of her purple eyes and shine like gold as they run down her face.
"I'm sorry Murasaki." I say as I throw down Oktitohbi's stone and climb on.
"Master? Are you going to be alright?"
"I'll be fine. Let's just get out of here. I need some time to think."
I spur Oktitohbi and lead him down by the river. He breaks into a full gallop as we run alongside the bank. In a way, it looks like Oktitohbi and I are chasing after the sunlight because of the way the sun is falling behind the horizon. The dark valence quickly swallows us both in shadow, and the light posts along the river light up.
Thin sheets of ice float on top of the flowing water and empty into a small bay that sits in the middle of the river. There is a telephone booth and several benches set up along the lake. I step off Oktitohbi and take a seat.
"What are you going to do Alan?" Gehrman asks.
"I guess I'll fight tomorrow. I want you to go back and tell Mr. K what happened. He will know how to handle this."
"But Alan, every girl at Hebijo has superior abilities to almost everyone at Hanzo Academy. The only two that may stand a chance is Octavian and the girl named Yagyu."
"I know. That's why I'm going to deal with this." I reply.
"Alone?"
"Why not? I'm the one that made the deal. When they come for us, Mr. K can take everyone somewhere safe while I deal with Oliviera and the rest."
"Are you capable of that?"
"Guess we will find out. Now go. I need some time to reflect."
Gehrman's presence leaves and now it's just me and Oktithobi. I place my hand on my face and try to assure myself this isn't anything I can't handle, although my mind refuses to follow. Oliviera is going to be a handful herself. Then tack on all the other girls.
Every one of them have experience in the field on top of training more hardcore than Hanzo Academy's. Can I really do this alone? Not only that, how is Mr. K going to handle this? Is he going to tell the girls, or are we just going to act surprised when Oliviera and them come?
I give it a couple minutes before walking up to the phone booth. Gehrman should have had enough time to tell Mr. K about the current situation. I put a couple coins in and dial Mr. K's personal cell phone. I'd call from my cell, but with Ange roaming around, they've probably got my phone bugged. The tone dials Mr. K's number as I shut the door for some privacy.
The lines finally connect. I can hear Gehrman, the doll and Ayame all talking in the background. Hopefully he is in his office.
"Alan? Why are you calling from a payphone?"
"I'll explain later Mr. K but right now, we got a problem."
"I know. Gehrman told me. What happened?"
"The stone wasn't the talilbasha. Oliviera said that the real one has the ability to create copies of itself, but are able to be destroyed. What I found was a replica. Not only that, but Oliviera is losing her grip on reality."
"How so?"
"She wanted to know where I found it so she could kill the person in charge."
"Why didn't you tell her?"
"I'm not throwing my first shinobi friend under the bus. Not only that, me and Y go way back."
"Do you think the girls have any chance against Hebijo?"
"That's not going to be an issue because I want you to evacuate the girls when she comes. I'll deal with this."
"And what? Helplessly watch from the sidelines? I don't think so Alan."
"It's what's best."
"Don't tell me what's best and what isn't boy! You aren't doing this alone!"
"This isn't Hanzo Academy's fight Mr. K. I'm the one…"
"It doesn't matter if you made the deal or not!"
"Mr. K."
"I'm helping Alan and that's final. Alan, I'll see you when you get back."
The phone clicks and my end drops the call. I hang the phone up and leave the booth. Son of a bitch. As much as I say I have faith in the girls, I can't bring myself to admit it. There is no way Asuka can take Miyabi on. Even our strongest member Yagyu couldn't even do it. I want to believe they can, but a snowball in hell has a better chance of lasting longer than any of the girls, and I hate myself for thinking that way.
The Hanzo girls, they don't deserve to be in the middle of this. I don't care if we are family or not. Daigon and Astoreth can't refuse if I give a direct order. I'll have them take everyone away. By force if it comes to that.
I step in the stirrup, center myself in the saddle and spur Oktitohbi three times simultaneously. He breaks into a gallop and we follow the river to the edge of the city gates. The fact my friendship with Murasaki is over topped off with the fact the Asuka and the girls are going to get hurt pains my heart to the point that every pulse causes my chest to ache.
"Master?"
"Yes Oktitohbi?"
"I know I can't do much, and I'm only good for transportation, but I'm with you, and I always will be."
"Thank you Oktitohbi." I reply as I reach down and pat the side of his neck. "You remind me a lot of my old horse, Niauora (Black Sunlight)."
"I knew who Niauora was, and I consider it an honor to be compared to her. Have faith in what matters Alan, and you'll never go wrong."
"Have faith in what matters son…" The last time I heard those words was from Minori's father before he died. That memory comes back and plays in my mind like it was yesterday. As bad as everything is right now, I feel emboldened by that memory.
"I'll try for you all." I state as I look to the sky.
Oktitohbi brings me to the backside of Hanzo Academy and stops. Everyone except M is standing at the back of the building as I hold up Oktitohbi's stone and store him. Mr. K must have told everyone they could stay up until I got back. Katsu opens the door for me as I walk in.
"Alan?"
"Yes Katsu?"
"I got your back out there." She replies as she holds out her hand.
"I know you do."
"We'll make you proud. I promise." Yagyu adds.
"I will speak with the queen to see if I can lend my strength for the impending battle. If not, then I will be with you in spirit." The doll says.
"All of you need your rest for tomorrow." Gehrman states.
Everyone converses back and forth in agreement and heads back to their rooms. I sit down on the couch and rub my face in malice. Jesus, why did it have to come to this? I did everything right, and still, people I care about are going to get hurt.
"Your soul feels troubled. Are you okay?" I hear the doll ask as she walks into the living room with Hibari's cat Mojo.
"Of course, he isn't my dearest Maria. Alan has stumbled across something bigger than he could ever imagine." The cat replies with a sinister grin as Maria pets his tabby coat.
She sits down beside me and the cat jumps out of her arms into my lap. He uses his paws to knead a place on my leather leggings and curls up. His striped tail swoops back and forth as me and the doll run our hands down his body.
"Mojo, you seem to be somewhat of an oracle. Do you know what is truly going on?"
"I do."
"Do you know who stole the real talilbasha?"
"Everyone, Hanzo, Gessen, Hebijo, Lawrence and his girls, Kagura, even the Queen are playing a very dangerous game. The stone at Gessen was nothing more than a decoy, set forth to draw you out and provoke war."
"But why would someone do that?"
"I'll give you a hint; half and half, the world is daft. Divine chains and Hellish bane bring forth the Culprit of Pain."
"What does that even mean?"
"Only time will tell Alan. Well ta-ta Mr. Hellwalker! I best not keep you awake any longer!"
Mojo folds his tail and wraps it around his body as he closes his eyes. All of his weight disappears and he's gone in a flash. The doll stands up and motions for me to lay down.
"What did he mean?" I ask as the doll lays the blanket over me.
"Mojo has sealed me from revealing the truth to you or anyone else, but I will say this, be aware of what's to come Alan, but rest assured, My beloved Queen and I will see that you overcome. Now rest hunter. You have a big today tomorrow…"
Ending Song: "Way Down We Go" By: Kaleo