Chapter 21: Battle of Wits
{Shinjuku Streets: July 18th, 2020, 4:40pm}
"What's this? Someone's got their eyes on us," said Ferid.
"Who is it?" he looked down a bit and to his left.
"Never mind nothing for you to worry about. So how are you feeling? It's been awhile since you were last here. You probably have some bad memories of this place, but even I must admit that the humans built themselves a pretty impressive city. Plus, you may even get a chance to see your beloved Yuu while you're here. What a bonus!" Akane looked down.
"Hmmm…." Ferid gave her a slight look.
"You're going to drink his blood aren't you Akane? Go ahead," he stated.
"Shut up…" Ferid laughed a bit as she narrowed her eyes as she kept her face down.
"You should take advantage of being on the battlefield. Since its forbidden to drink directly from a human back home," he informed her as she scoft.
"Ha! And why should I follow those rules? They didn't stop you from drinking Mika's blood. You didn't hesitate." Ferid smirked a fraction.
"Oh! Don't say such things or you'll hurt my reputation, Akane. Besides, it was dear Mikaela who came and offered me his blood. Though, it was surprising that he could steal a gun, and map from my mansion. But, how did that work out for all of you?" Akane bit the inside of her cheek.
"We had no idea that we were playing into your hands… or that our family would be killed to amuse you," she said harshly as Ferid glanced to her.
"Hmm…" while Akane returned his look.
"How many humans have been slaughtered just because you got a little bored?" she questioned as Ferid smiled.
"Oh Akane, why are you still upset about ancient history? What does it matter anyhow? You're a Vampire yourself now!" she looked away.
"Hmmh." Ferid smiled as he tilted his head back a bit to look at the sky.
"But, you should know… his blood was delicious. I never got to try your sweet angel's blood. Dear Yuuichiro, was off limits because Mikaela always kept him out of the way… he was a good brother to you, and Yuuichiro. But you know what I would do if I got the chance to taste the blood of the shadow seraph?" Ferid said as he leaned in closer to her ear. Akane knew she had no choice but to listen, and she needed fuel for her ire towards him, and the other vampires later.
"No, what?" he smiled, she could feel it.
"I would make sure that he was quite the enjoyable feast. He has such beautiful eyes as well. I would love to savor the pain, and watch the tears well up in those pretty emerald eyes… I bet his skin is like silk, and he has the sweetest scent… akin to ginger and honey… maybe even the faintest scent of roses and earth. I bet most females of your age would find that intoxicating… don't you want to savor his blood? The spark of life he has that has you so wrapped up in him… if I find him first…I want a taste of that sweetly dark blood," he said as Akane shot him a dark glare.
"Don't you dare touch them!" Ferid smirked.
"Then, you take a taste for yourself. After all, I'm sure Yuu is a virgin, and we all know that a human like that is absolutely worth taking a moment for," he mentioned, Akane narrowing her eyes once more, jumping down from the street light she was sitting on.
"I don't care, and I'm not upset about what I've become. At least, not at Yuuichiro and Mikaela. I'm angry with myself because I didn't have the power to protect my family." Ferid smiled.
"Hmm… you're a glutton for self-punishment. So, how are you going to protect Yuuichiro and Mikaela? They're the last of your family in this whole wide world. That's love! It could be eternal, but seriously, Akane, you really need to drink a human's blood soon! You know what happens to Vampires who get to thirsty… I'd have for that to happen to Yuuichiro or Mikaela… that'd be so tragic," he mentioned.
Akane kept walking away from the obnoxious bastard, doing her best to reign in her aggression. How sick could one person be? She was going to tear him to pieces when she got the chance. Akane paused in her walk as she glanced down at the corpse of a human who had bled across the asphalt ground, causing her breath to catch in her throat, forcing her to grind her teeth together before marching forward at a quicker pace, her throat becoming sore and her teeth aching. She had to think, and she had to be prepared.
"I have ten days of Krul's blood… and I'll have to make that last. But, I'm not about to take a drop from them… I have to keep myself from drinking human blood… if I do, I'll never be able to become a human again…"
{Shinjuku Streets: 5:07pm}
A clash of metal, sounds of explosions and the shouts of their comrades. The group of six sitting in the back of the truck that was taking them across the way to the western side was silent despite the noise and the clatter of rain starting. Shinoa looked at the group momentarily and knew with little difficulty that their own strength was going to be lacking in what they needed. Yuu shifted a bit where he sat and glanced her way before sighing – he seemed uncomfortable about something – Shinoa turned her eyes to Mika who was silent, his bangs hanging in his eyes much like Yuu's were. The war zone they were in had nothing but trauma to offer – no experience could really be gained from this fight and they all knew it.
"I have something I want to give your four – I don't mean to sound cliché, but it's time to take your medicine!" Shinoa said. The others glanced at the person next to them in questioning.
"Are you in charge of handing out vitamins now?" Yuu gave Kimizuki a look that told him not to give her ideas and he fell silent.
"Actually, I hate to say it, but the entire Moon Demon Company is doping in a way… we're taking supplements that give us a near complete synch rate with our weapons," Shinoa told them.
"What? Really?" she held up a pack of blue tinted pills.
"This is something to boost our synch rate. It takes ten seconds to get into the system and only lasts for fifteen minutes. But it can help you control your weapons better and for Mika and Yuu this can also boost their gifts compatibility with their bodies," she said.
"Okay, but what are you not telling us?" Mitsuba sighed. Mika sure was an observant one.
"If you take more than one there's a high risk that you'll end up sending your body into shock. The pills boost your power up a lot for just fifteen minutes, but take two and your body can receive damage," Mitsuba explained.
"And I know that we have Yuu who can heal you and Mika who kind keep you from dying immediately but I don't want them using either of those gifts unless they have to…" Yuu glanced to Mika and then to Shinoa.
"What do you want us to do then?" the periwinkle haired girl locked eyes with him.
"Your Psychometry gift is your best bet. Keep yourself focused on it and see if Asuramaru can give you some help. Mika when you find a Noble vampire, I want you to copy off of them and fall back with Yuu at that point, so we can regroup. Any other vampires I want you to take them down. As for the pills, I'll give them to you now but don't take them until I say so… and don't take more than one," Shinoa stated.
"Right… but… what can we do? If we just step into the battle we're going to get ourselves killed and I don't know how well Yoichi's shield is, seeing as he was only able to get it up once." The brunette looked confused.
"It worked, but I couldn't even get it to barely flicker the second time," he said.
"Like with Yuu and Mika's gifts they had to learn control and endurance. The Psychometry gift is straining, and the Naturopathic ability is the same. There are rare exceptions where someone can just use their gift without it backfiring after a certain point." Yoichi nodded.
"You just need more practice," Yuu said.
"Alright…." Shinoa smiled as she held out the pill cases for everyone.
"Remember, don't take them unless I say so, and don't take more than one," she reminded them. Everyone nodded as they pocketed the pills – Yuu said nothing about the color differences and put it in his pocket before looking around them.
"We're almost there." Nagai had informed them of the information and had let them know that they were nearing the western area.
"Make sure to stay together when we get out – we're more than likely to be stepping into hell," said Mitsuba. Everyone nodded again bracing themselves for the next step in the war they were fighting.
{Western Streets: 5:19pm}
Akane kicked a stone that had fallen in her path as she tried to reason with herself why things were so insane at this point. Ferid was a bastard and she would enjoy watching him die, but the fact that he had said she might get to see Yuu and Mika again almost as if he knew where they were in all this mess. She felt her eyes burn – she hoped and prayed that they weren't in Shinjuku – Akane took a deep breath and heard none other than Ferid laugh as he came over to her.
"Oh dear, are you worried about something Akane?" she glared.
"I just don't like all this mess…." She could keep up her act in front of him – she had to if she was going to find them.
"Ah! I can't say I blame you – it is a messy business war… I hope that your precious angel isn't in this mess… and Mikaela, the poor boy was always so sweet tempered I doubt he could handle this kind of carnage… but your dear Yuuichiro… he may very well revel in it," Ferid said.
"Yuu isn't that kind of person." She prayed they weren't here.
"Are you certain? Yuuichiro shot me in the head and told me to die… he had such cold eyes when I looked at him. It still gives me chills!" Ferid told her as he rubbed his upper arms.
"Despite what you say… Yuu and Mika aren't the kind of people who are fighters like this… they aren't here." The silver haired vampire walked forward and shrugged.
"You never know, they may be somewhere in this mess. We don't really know which city they live in," he said. Akane stiffened despite her efforts.
"I don't think they're in Shinjuku… why are you so insistent on pestering me about them?" Ferid shrugged again.
"I merely questioned what you'll do when or if you see them. I already told you what I wanted to do if I found your dear Yuuichiro first. I can almost taste that dark spice… the blood that runs in his veins is rich and sweeter than the finest of wines. I know you would so desire to keep him safe, but I sense an idea. I know you love him… but his blood may be what you so desire in the long run," he stated.
"I don't want his blood. I want him and Mika back – they're my family." Ferid hummed in thought.
"Well, I suspect you'll be prepared for what is to come… Akane," he said.
"I will…." Before she could finish the ground burst around them with a shake similar to an earthquake.
Standing amongst the rubble was a man in a Moon Demon Company uniform – with red detail and metals on the right over the heart – instantly they knew he was the commander. He had black hair combed back away from his face and dark eyes that seemed to have a dark purple tint to them, but were certainly a burgundy shade. Ferid laughed a little as he looked to Akane who kept a glare on the human. Would she have to fight them? The man drew a black sword with a bright red line going down its center showing Akane that the man intended to kill her. She reached for the hilt of her sword and prepared for a fight that Akane knew could cost her the life she had so carefully guarded since Krul had turned her.
"Betrayal in front of Ferid is suicide, not fighting is just as bad… and if I were to kill him who knows what will happen to the humans… I have to fight him and hope he can listen to me if I can get Ferid away… until I can talk with this guy I have no choice… I'm so sorry… forgive me…." Akane drew the sword.
"Your kind of young to be with the Vampires little girl," said the man.
"I'm sixteen… I'm not a little girl." He hummed and looked her over.
"Tell me your name," he stated.
"You first, manners dictate that a gentleman always introduces himself first." She felt the red thorn vines attach to her wrist and hand. She hated the feeling, but had little choice.
"But this is a battlefield – manners are often forgotten," Ferid mentioned.
"Stay out it! I can handle him Ferid!" she shot him a glare and he nodded.
"There's that haughty attitude again – you are worse than those two boys… very well…don't die now sweet girl!" Ferid stated as he walked away.
"That's your commander?" she locked eyes with him.
"Of this unit… not that I ever listen to the egotistical bastard… I have my own mission here…." She had to talk, her senses told her that Ferid was close enough to watch but too far to hear her. The big-headed jerk was hiding, and leaving her for the wolves. She mentally made plans to skin him when she got the chance.
"Oh? Your own mission?" the man asked.
"Yes, now tell me your name!" she posed to strike, and the man sighed.
"Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose Guren, Commander of the Moon Demon Company of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. And who are you miss?" he asked. Akane felt her heart leap into her throat. What were the odds that Akane would run directly into the very person she was looking for? This kind of situation didn't seem logical, yet, here she was, and now, Akane had to find a solution for what had just happened. What could she say? That her name was Hyakuya Akane, and she was looking for her brothers Yuuichiro and Mikaela? That she had information and wanted to bargain with the Lieutenant Colonel to help her become human again in return for the information she had? What could be done? Panicked, Akane's mind started working in overtime, thinking of a way that she could get this information across to him without getting herself killed.
"What do I do? Shit! I never thought I'd find him and end up in a fight!"
"You can do it little princess!" Akane growled under her breath at Ferid's comment, letting her know that he was watching her.
"So, you're their princess? You're pretty for a blood sucking fiend," he stated.
"I was adopted…" Akane was going to kill Ferid, no matter what the damn silver haired twit did at this point he was dying.
"Well then, your mother will be sad when you don't come back." Guren lunged at he and she parried his strike.
"She turned me just because I was important to someone else she was interesting, in getting her hands on," she stated as she blocked another attack. Guren just smiled.
"So sad! I'll end, your misery!" the blade came to closer to her head for comfort and Akane rolled out of the way.
"Sorry Lieutenant Colonel Ichinose but if I die then the two people I love will be in danger…" Guren frowned.
"And why is that?" he asked.
"If I say….I die…..my only reason for even coming here…" she blocked his attack.
"Is for what? Annihilation of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army?" he questioned as he nicked her arm. She hissed and stepped back.
"No… it was to keep them away from the other vampires and finally see them again… I'm sorry, but I can't die here! If I do I lose them forever and I leave knowing that they're in danger." She struck out at him and Guren parried her attack as she had his before barely catching her on his blade again.
"Mind telling me your name?" the girl flinched as the blade tore a hole in her cloak and nearly catch her in the side. Akane paused and unbuckled the cloak before tossing it aside. The same buckle she had worn on the outside clasped to the lapel of the jacket she wore.
"My name is Akane…." She looked to him and he smiled.
"Akane? Is there a last name to that pretty name of yours?" She gripped her sword tighter and prepared for an attack. She had no choice – this was one chance but just revealing herself like that would end up getting her killed. She took a steady breath.
"Yes, and if you disarm me… I'll tell you my name and who it is I'm looking for," she said.
"Alright…." The two locked blades and her eyes burned with tears as she realized that in doing this she may have given up her only chance of finding her brothers.
"I have to risk everything to get everything back and even then, I might still die. If I don't see the two of you again – I love you both… Mika… Yuu!"
{Streets of Shinjuku: Western Center Area: 5:51pm}
Shinoa and the others had been walking along the street when Yuu had stopped and Mika had turned to look at him. The boy had a hand fisted against his chest almost as if he was in pain. Mika went to reach for him and the boy shook as if he was cold – the others had begun to fear that something had caused him injury – that was until a tear ran down his face and he held a hand up to his right eye as if he had no control over the action. Mika looked him over as he kept his eyes downward and tried to wipe the tears that had started to fall.
"What's wrong?" Mitsuba started towards him and he felt ill suddenly.
"Are you alright? Yuu?" Shinoa said as she grasped his shoulders. He shook himself.
"I'm sorry I don't know what… that was just then… I thought I…" he looked around the tears stopping.
"Thought what Yuu?" asked Mika.
"I thought that I heard someone say my name… I heard someone call for me." Mika felt a similar spike in his body of sorrow and fear but hadn't had the same reactions – but he had heard someone say his name and could taste salt in his mouth like tears.
"I heard someone to but we could be tired is all. This has been intense, and we're not done yet so just take a deep breath and keep walking," Mika told him.
"Who was it that called you Yuu?" the black-haired boy shook his head.
"I wish I knew…" he glanced to the side feeling strangely weighted by the sensation. His body felt so heavy compared to earlier.
"Is everything okay?" he nodded as he started walking next to Mika who was unconvinced.
"Are you sure?" Yuu rolled his eyes.
"I'll be fine Mika I just have to get myself sorted out. I didn't expect something like that to hit me so hard…I don't even know what it was… or who said my name…" his brother nodded.
"Yuu… I heard someone to but… I can't pinpoint who said our names…the voice… sounded familiar… but…." Yuu looked forward.
"We don't know who it was for sure. Our minds may be playing tricks on us," he stated.
"I know…for now let's try to stay focused on getting to Guren and the others."
"Yea…"
They walked forward for quite some time until they reached a corner and were able to stop for a moment to get their bearings on the surrounding area. Since arriving in the western area, they had been unable to figure out a plan for the area. The vampires were centered there where they were now, and it meant that the group would be in need of a new plan. It remained that Yuu and Mika would be their vanguard while they would be their rearguard, but it was only to utilize their Psychometry gift, so Mika could copy off a Noble and Yuu could be his decoy. It was risky but with two of them being able to use it hopefully they would be able to cut through the masses and get to Guren and the others. It was their only option.
The streets were present with only a small number of vampires here and there that had been taken down by Yoichi or Mika fairly quick, but they knew the closer they got to where the gate had gone down the more they would encounter. It was as they started walking again that it happened – the storm clouds rolled in and rain began to fall – but as they walked further into the city's western area they were swarmed. Their walk to get to Guren and the rest of the Moon Demon Company had turned into a struggle. Shinoa turned to warn them and blocked the attack sent her way only to be thrown backwards and caught by a familiar warm arm as Yuu swung Asuramaru outwards and black flames flew through the area and tore through a good chunk of the vampires.
The group ended up tag-teaming the vampires in twos yet they were still being overthrown. It felt like hell was breaking down every defense they had and sending them all to the point of no return. They were breathing hard, it was raining, they had the sensation of cuts, of sweat and water matting their hair and pain flooding them as they clashed with the vampires and tried to rush towards Guren's group to help them but the battles along the way were going to tear them apart. The fight they were in now was ripping through them like they were nothing.
Yuu and Shinoa were doing fairly well up until one of the vampires caught her in the leg and she went down with a gash running up her leg from the knee down to the ankle. She screamed in pain and went down. It was almost like a switch and the others took note of it when Yuu zipped past one of the vampires and snatched the one who had hurt her by the back of the head only to slam him into the ground with a bit more force than he should have been able to use. Shinoa stared as the boy destroyed the vampire and then swiftly struck another one who had come for her.
"What the hell?! Look at this one! He's a real freak!" said one of the vampires. The group clustered to keep Shinoa defended as Yoichi went down on one knee and posed to strike if he needed to.
"Yuu are you alright?" asked Mika. His brother nodded.
"Yea…let's take them out so we can get Shinoa treated…" the group nodded collectively and prepared to take down the vampires before them.
"Six humans against at least forty of us? What are you going to do? Look at you all – you're so tired, you should rest," said a vampire with a badge on his cloak.
"Do you work for Ferid Bathory?" the vampire looked to Yuu and Mika before humming.
"Good eyes… how do you know Lord Ferid?" he inquired. Swords went up.
"I put a bullet in his skull because he tore my family apart in front of me… if you're here… then he's still alive." Yuu narrowed his eyes as the lit up bright green and he smiled bearing his fangs.
"So, you intend on killing him? Even if you're coming undone from exertion?" the vampire asked.
"I'm going to fight until I fall apart at the seams… even if I need to become a monster." The marks of Asuramaru appeared on him and Mika felt alarm go through him before he took a steady breath, as blue ones appeared on his face as well taking on the forms of snowflakes and frost.
"Are you sure we can do this?" asked Mitsuba.
"Call out your demons… ask for their help… and attack in synch – together we can bring them down." They glanced to Shinoa who was standing with her leg bent and her scythe acting as a crutch.
"Can you handle it Shinoa?" Yuu questioned. She smiled.
"Please, I can make these stupid fangs cry for their mommas," she answered.
"Then let's go…"
The vampires attacked and as they nearly reached them, the group returned the onslaught. Emerald green fire laced with black flew throughout the area followed by sapphire and silver ash, Shikama-Doji trailing over them while teal hued arrows flew mixed with an energy wave of purple, and of yellow and tore through ten on each side. The group staggered as they gasped for air – the attack had taken a great deal of their energy from them; however, they weren't done. With a shout the group jumped into the fray and with their demon's assistance the group began to make work of the fangs. Ash and blood flew through the air as they tore their way through the vampires in a pace as fast as they were able to do while taking in gulps of air. Yuu caught one of them with Asuramaru's glowing emerald blade and went through them with Mika at his side. The Mitsuba and Kimizuki took the right while Shinoa and Yoichi were on the center. The vampires kept coming and their energy ran through them.
"I'm not running away… not this time…"
"ASURAMARU!" the blade practically burst with a pulse of black and green flames turning a large mass of the vampires into cinders. Yuu felt his breath catch in his throat as he hit the ground breathing roughly and shaking in pain as he took a moment to get to his knees while the others staggered to their feet, Mika's weapon giving him enough of a boost for him to strike back as a Vampire came towards them, and then the group prepared to attack one last time.
"Mika? You good?" Yuu asked as the blonde nodded.
"Yea… what about the rest of you?" the others glanced to them.
"We're fine. But if we don't stop them, we won't be for long…" Shinoa stated.
"Then, what do we do?" the group drew closer to them.
"Strike together one more time. If we don't… we're done…"
"Alright then… Fenrir? Are you read?" Mika took in a deep breath as the white wolf quickly replied.
"Yes, I am ready, Mikaela…" the blonde nodded, and he posed his sword while Yuuichiro got to his feet.
"Asuramaru?" the demoness smiled within his mind.
"Why would I not revel in the carnage? Of course, I'm ready Yuuichiro!"
"Okay… let's go!"
The group jumped headlong into the Vampires, which momentarily startled them as they were unable to stop the Cursers from attacking them, the group using their demons to disburse their enemies, sending ash and dust into the air as strips of stained white cloth fluttered to the ground, and not a moment later the group found themselves dropped to their knees, using their weapons to hold themselves up, taking in some deep breaths as they felt relief flood them at defeating the amount of vampires they'd destroyed as they smiled to one another in relief as the group took into account that they had thus far, survived another attack.
{Western Central Area: 6:04pm}
A clash of metal was heard as Guren blocked another attack from the strong female vampire. He had been close enough to her several times now to note that though her pupils were slitted much like most vampires, her eyes were still very much brown in color. She was a pretty girl, sixteen, and terrified of dying. He understood that when he looked at her – she didn't want this life, she didn't even want to fight him – it was all for a reason, so she could get to the two she loved. He did his best to also keep up appearances, but he knew the girl would become desperate and more than likely hurt him. Shigure's trap had already failed thanks to the silver haired vampire watching, but he had been thankful for some reason that the girl had evaded it.
"This could go on for hours, I won't tire," Guren said.
"I don't care – I have to keep fighting…if I don't I lose everything!" she hit him again and managed to cut him. He knew the girl was starting to slip up and he felt sympathy for her because he was going to have to hurt her. Guren eyed her and hoped he could find some way to disarm her.
"Tell me your name," he stated.
"You haven't disarmed me yet!" she started to breathe a bit roughly.
"Akane is your first name, right? Why not tell me a little about your two friends?" he questioned. She narrowed her eyes.
"They're my brothers…." She took in a steadying breath and struck again. The man paused for a moment.
"Brothers huh? Tell me about them – are you three related?" he inquired this, and she slid back.
"No, but the director at the orphanage said we were all family so they are my brother's. And we've been family for a long time now…we lived together – eight of us….and we were the only three who survived…" Akane felt her chest ache at the memory. But she knew that slowly giving out information may buy her time.
"The director of the –" Guren felt a memory momentarily surface.
"I know I and Yuu aren't related, but the director at the orphanage said we were all family. So, we're brothers regardless of our blood relation."
"I love them both with all my heart! I want to make sure their safe and I need to be there with them….so I can help them and protect them," she said.
"Director of the orphanage? Two brothers? Wait… don't tell me she's…"
A sword scratched his cheek and the girl grimaced in sympathy at the fact that it had been to close. Guren took note of that and realized he needed to get this girl away from the other vampires – if they pretended to capture her then the other vampires wouldn't follow – not that Ferid seemed like he would let that happen when he looked at the silver haired vampire. However, Akane was beginning to peek his interest in a very important way; somehow, she had a similar if not identical background to Yuu and Mika and he needed more answers.
"If I disarm you then you will tell me your last name, right?" he asked.
"Yes… that's what I said. I don't go back on my word." She posed for another attack and he hummed.
"Then I will disarm you but every time I nearly knock the sword out of your hand or force you back you have to either tell me a letter of your last name or describe something about your brothers," Guren said. Akane saw a glint in his eyes and nodded.
"Fine, but I won't lose. I'll kill you…." though her voice was stern there was little malice in it and he took note of that.
"Not if I do first, vampire…."
Swords locked, and cuts were dealt – none deep enough to kill – as they fought. Guren did his best not to strike Akane and kill her while she did the same. Eventually Ferid would catch on and restrain her from fighting – she would have to get rougher soon but for now it was a good way of getting parts she needed to out to the man who seemed willing to help her. She dodged an attack from another one of Guren's men who was yelled at by the man who said that she was his target and to deal with the other vampires. They split off and Ferid laughed as he swung into actions on the field with the others letting Akane have her fun. The next strike caused her grip to nearly fumble on the blade.
"My younger brother, has black hair," she said with a frown, worry evident in her eyes.
"Black hair, alright! Next!" he pushed her back, and she tisked.
"My older brother, has blue eyes," Akane answered. Guren kept pushing her back, and the girl growled before shoving him forward. He frowned, and swung, hurting the girl just a bit as he cut her arm, and she nearly lost her sword.
"Keep it coming, Akane." Chocolate-colored eyes narrowed.
"My last name starts with an H," she replied as Guren smiled.
"Alright, now we're getting somewhere!"
Akane knew she was playing with fire and was going to get burned but she hoped that there was some way to get her messages across. So far just talking about their hair color and giving off the first letter of her last name had been satisfying for the leader of the Moon Demon Company, but she knew that soon either she would have to start attacking more seriously or she would have to be defeated which meant she could still face death either way. If she came out and said everything she would be killed by Ferid, if she kept this up she was likely to be stabbed by Guren and die. She gritted her teeth knowing that her options were now limited, and she faced a great choice ahead: surrender, or die.
{Western Area: Abandoned Building: 6:40pm}
"Ouch! I have a new appreciation for you Mitsuba!" said Yoichi as he let Yuu tend to his arms. Both of which were covered in whelps from the backlash of his weapon.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he laughed a little as the girl looked to him.
"You're tougher than I am. This really hurts," the olive-eyed boy explained as the red marks on his arms started to fade under his friend's hands.
"I screamed my head off! How do you think I'm tougher?" Yuu glanced to her with a smile, and then turned his attention to Yoichi.
"Well, it won't hurt much longer. Personally, I think it's just because we put so much strain on your body that caused it to hurt so much. You had a crack in your bone too, so I healed that as well. Although, the whelps from your bow string were pretty nasty," he stated.
"The good news is that Shinoa's wound wasn't too deep, and I'm done cleaning it so when you're done with Yoichi, you can tend to her wound, okay Yuu?" Mika's statement had the black-haired boy nod as he removed his hands from Yoichi's arms, and the boy moved them a bit.
"All good?" Yoichi nodded.
"Thanks, Yuu, that feels better," he said as he rolled his sleeves back down, and got his clothes readjusted. With his cap back on his head, Yoichi turned to Yuu who was now tending to Shinoa while he sat next to Mika.
"It's still weird…" Mika looked to Kimizuki as he and the others watched his brother tend to Shinoa's leg.
"Really? I don't find it that strange…" Kimizuki looked to him.
"Well, the gift isn't… what's weird is his demeanor change," he said as Mika shrugged.
"Eh, he's always been that way."
"I can't imagine having that kind of ability, and responsibility on you though, it can't be easy," Yoichi mentioned.
"The biggest thing that bothers me is the chance of me not being able to save someone… other than that, the physical exhaustion is the biggest problem." Kimizuki looked to Yuuichiro as he finished with Shinoa's leg.
"Well, Mika's Abjure gift is nothing to laugh at either," Mitsuba pointed out.
"True… but like Yuu said, I'm not the one who has to decide whether or not to heal someone to save their lives or not. It was pretty damn hard for us to heal you Mitsu, it honestly scared the hell out of me, and I know drained him of all that energy to the point that he passed out… I didn't have that problem." The others agreed silently; however, Yuuichiro sighed as he leaned against the wall.
"God… I need to take a moment, sorry," he said as Shinoa looked to him.
"No problem, but we need to get to Guren's team soon. There's no telling what's happening at this point." The black-haired boy nodded.
"Just a second, I'll be fine… we can go in just a second."
"Alright, and then we've got fangs to kill," Mika informed him as Yuuichiro nodded once more.
"Got it."
{…..}
I'll use the light that comes to me…
{…..}
Author's Note: And we're getting somewhere finally! I hope everyone enjoys this story up to this point, and I hope you guys keep reading and reviewing. Have a great day.
Sincerely,
ShadowDragon94.