Opening Song: None
"Is he going to make it?" Raesetsu asks.
"Yeah. Just give him time." Daemogina replies.
"I knew I should have gone with him."
"You wouldn't be here if you did." Rutur adds to Raesetsu's statement.
"It doesn't change the fact I'm the one responsible for protecting all of us." Raesetsu answers.
"Don't go beating yourself up my child. All of you made it back alive, and that's all I could ask for." Annalise states.
The first thing that comes to mind isn't how I'm alive, but how Raesetsu, Rutur and Daemogina are okay. That tiny feeling of relief is quickly eat up by the major problem. The thought of what happened fills my head with white noise. So much so that it causes my forehead to swell. The liberating feeling of laying in an eternal sleep helps me cope with the idea that Hanzo Academy is no more. Mr. K is no more. The Hanzo girls? Prisoners to a force I could not stop.
A force that is impossible to stop. With all the power I have acquired throughout life, it still wasn't enough. Yumi was beaten to the point she willingly gave up her scroll to save me. Just as Paladin predicted. Cavalier and Knight Belum? Despite the injuries and having Ikaruga and Yagyu as hostages, I still don't think it would have been possible to beat either of them. As a result, Knight hurled a ballista bolt into Mr. K.
Of all the people Morabis could have chosen, why didn't he pick someone who could actually do something? I would have happily followed whoever that harbinger was into battle because at least I could have some kind of hope of actually winning. The victory over Cataphract was nothing more than having an un-conventual weapon that even I didn't understand. Maybe the nightmare about joining Paladin's cause really was a sign of a future that can't be changed. Maybe that's what Morabis actually wants. That's why he chose me because nobody else can see how pointless it is to continue against such an overwhelming force.
"Enough shilly shally. Wake child." Annalise states.
A lump of dust hits me in the face.
"COLD!"
Shivers follow the streaking water that rolls down my body. Sheets of snow that have been tightly packed hit the wooden floor and shatter. I grab the blanket off the bed and throw it over me to try and combat the cold atmosphere inside the castle, and the snow.
"Troubling thoughts child?" Annalise states.
"You could say that." I reply.
"What ails you?"
I rub some stress off my face and sit down on the edge of the bed. How would it be possible to explain the situation to a vampiric queen of a dead kingdom without it coming off as whining or questioning existence?
"You're afraid. Aren't you?" Annalise asks.
"Yes."
"Of what?"
"The future. My existence. I fear that I'm not powerful enough to overcome what lies ahead, or protect my bride and her loved ones. That terrible dream from the other night? It feels like that's the reality I am heading towards."
"Is that the reality you desire?" Annalise asks.
"No, but it feels like that's what it is."
"Is that the reality you want?"
"No, but what if my harbinger intentionally picked me because he knew I was destined to lose?"
"Is it his destiny, or is it yours?" Annalise questions.
"I don't know."
"Then let me ask you this, who's will be done? Your harbinger, or yours? Do you wish to kill your bride?"
"No."
"Then your harbinger has no say in what the outcome will be. Only you can decide that. I do not wish to hear your quiet excuses of 'but I was created from nothing. Therefore, I have no say.' You and you alone are responsible for the decisions and consequences that follow."
"But I can't hold the form capable of doing damage for more than a couple seconds. How am I supposed to fight against something that is immune to everything else?" I ask.
"Then you must be clever about it. The answer may not be obvious now, but when your bride is in danger, that's when you will find a solution." Annalise states.
"When your bride is in danger" surfaces above all the other nonsense swirling around in my head. I sit up straight and think. Clarity pushes all the garbage out of my head as seeing Asuka with those rope burns on her neck causes me to boil within. That image gives way to the memory of when Asuka was teaching me how to dual wield swords.
"So if dual wielding is considered impractical by most sword wielders, why do you do it?" I ask as my kendo sticks glide off hers.
"You're about to find out." Asuka states.
"Is it like a cultural thing? A type of heritage from your bloodline?"
"Why did you choose to use a scythe?"
"For the reach, and the ability to be agile."
Asuka puts the little wakizashi shaped stick behind her and twirls it around. The way the tip pokes out catches my attention. A sharp pain strikes me right between the eyes. I stagger back and shake my head to clear up the blurry vision. Asuka trips me to the ground and pins my body down.
"That's why. All it takes is a small distraction to make a big move. Now that you have seen my trick, it will not be as effective. So the main philosophy of us shinobi is to always be looking for a new way to stay ahead, and never give the opponent the chance to learn from that mistake."
"I'll keep that in mind."
The place Asuka hit me on the forehead grows warm from where she kissed me after that bit of advice. I touch the place as the memory returns back to where it came from. An idea comes to mind, but as of now, I am in no shape to go fight Cavalier right. Not to mention twelve days' worth of food must be collected and burned in order to open the portal to where he is staying.
"Have you made your decision?" Annalise breaks the silence.
"You said that I would come up with a solution when Asuka would be in danger. You're wrong."
"How so?"
"I just came up with one to keep it away from her." I answer Annalise.
Raesetsu and Daemogina clap as Rutur taps the ground with the tip of his rapier.
"So you have the will?"
"Yes."
"That's my child. Now before I send you on your way, there is a matter that needs to be attended to first."
"What is it?"
"I sense ill will between you and Daemogina, and I hereby declare you two make amends before I allow either of you to proceed."
"Yes Annalise." Daemogina and I answer.
Annalise, Raesetsu and Rutur exit the room. Daemogina wastes no time and sits down by the bed.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"About Fubuki? Because I didn't think your heart could take it." I answer as I try to figure out a way to keep Raesetsu out of the conversation.
"And what makes you think that?"
"Because your heart is as pure as my little sister Minori's, and my friend Hibari. I tried hiding it from you in the hope I could find a way to resolve the issue without you finding out about it."
"If you would have told me sooner, then I would have been open to helping you find a way to save her." Daemogina clenches her fists and gnashes her teeth in anger, "That moment I saw my daughter in pain when you hurt her made me so mad. And when I finally got an opportunity to confront Fubuki, she wouldn't even listen."
"You can blame me all you want. I am not going to deny any wrongdoing, but Fubuki and I have fought multiple times. She admitted to me on top of a skyscraper one night that her sole purpose is to exterminate the shinobi."
"That's not true! I raised my girl better than that!"
"Fubuki fell into the wrong hands and was used as a farm to harvest blood stones. That's where her hatred stems from. Even if you showed someone like her what little good is left in the world, it will do nothing to change their mind."
"If the world is so devoid of good, then why do you fight to prevent its demise?" Daemogina asks.
"What do you want from me?"
"You are willing to fight against an apocalyptic force to stop Armageddon, but you treat Fubuki like there is no hope for her!"
"She's on the wrong side."
"That doesn't mean she can't come back!" Tears well up in Daemogina's eyes as she struggles to keep her breathing under control. "Please…don't kill my baby. She's all I have left. The only reason my life has any purpose."
"I'll do what I can, but I'm not going to lecture Fubuki back to the right side, and if comes between Fubuki or my bride, I'm not going to hesitate. For your sake, I hope it doesn't come to that." I state.
"Then take me with you from now on. I can bring her back." Daemogina confidently says.
"If you think you can save your daughter, then you are welcome to come and help out."
"I don't think I can, I know I will." Daemogina replies.
"Is it all water under the bridge now?" I ask.
"Yes. If you'll excuse me, I have to come up with a plan to save my daughter." Daemogina stands up.
"Hey Daemogina?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for saving me. Despite what's happened." I say.
"You're welcome." Daemogina shuts the door behind her and disappears.
I put a pillow over my face. Goddamnit. This is only going to end badly. Yes, Daemogina is going to join the cause, but on her own terms. The problem is how many times is she going to talk to Fubuki before she realizes there is little hope? Daemogina will be the one responsible for what happens to Fubuki, and with as unstable as Fubuki can be, I get the feeling it will end up falling on me to handle the problem. That's not taking into consideration if Fubuki and Shokudo try to kill Daemogina.
I always heard that a mother's love is stronger than anything in all of the world, but this is one of those occasions that old poster quote is going to be put to the test. However, with the quarrel between me and Daemgoina out of the way, it's time to think about the next major issue.
It's very likely Sebastian got Mr. K and Katsu to safety. Mr. K was hurt pretty bad, and Katsu was likely going to need skin grafts on her hands. Regardless, they should be okay. The next step is finding out where Cavalier and Knight took the others. Since the only lead I have is burning food in order to go challenge Cavalier, he's the next one I will have to face since Paladin obliterated me, Yumi, Miyabi and Mr. K.
With Asuka's advice still fresh in my memory, I have an idea that will give me a more competitive edge since fighting the horsemen directly is incredibly difficult. The only thing that hurts them are their own weapons. Yet it's hard to hold onto Cataphract's halberd more than five seconds since it takes so much energy to use.
The main idea that's forming the plan is going to be nothing more than a huge dare that hinges on luck, and it will either win the fight or cost me my life. Yet there is one vital tool I need, but with Mr. K in the hospital, the only thing I can do is have Old Man Hanzo make me some smoke bombs.
"Have you come up with a plan yet?" Raesetsu walks into the room.
"I have, and I will need your help." I reply as I put my armor and clothing back on.
"What do you have in mind?"
"All I would need you to do is make sure my bride is safe when I go off to fight."
"You're not going to die on me, are you?"
"I don't plan on it, but you might have to carry me out when it's all over."
"And why is that?"
"The only thing that can hurt a horseman is their own weaponry. Problem is I can't hold the form long enough to deliver a fatal blow. The plan is give him the impression I've used all my energy at the beginning of the fight, hit him with a smoke bomb and go ballistic with everything I have left."
"So let me get this straight. Your whole plan for victory hinges on one move? One that runs the risk of ending in failure?"
"Pretty much."
"That is the dumbest, most incompetent strategy I have ever heard, and I am in." Raesetsu says.
"Seriously?"
"Hell yeah! Worst comes to worst, I'll just haul your ass back to Cainhurst, and we'll try again!"
"Are you sure?"
Raesetsu points to the horn sticking out of her forehead, "My parents bred me for one reason, and that was to raise a demon child with an unquenchable bloodlust. Something capable of being married off to a yoma general, producing the strongest, most pure blood demons possible and expanding my family's glory. As much as I hate fighting internally, my lustful body craves it."
"I can trust you around Asuka and the others, right?" I ask.
"Bring Rutur just in case. He had to knock some sense into me back on Caligula Island, and that shinobi academy. Him and Annalise are the ones that taught me how to suppress this bloodlust, but when my transformation kicks in, the influx of power slows my ability to interpret who's on my side and who isn't. For your sake, I will restrain myself to the best of my abilities."
"I'm going to take your word in good faith." I reply as I hold out my arm.
Raesetsu smiles as she slams her hand into my palm, "like a big sis to a little brother, you have a solemn oath."
"Well if we're going as far as otoutos and onee-sans, I prefer to make a pinky promise."
"Get out of here!" Raesetsu shoves me out the bedroom door. "So what's the plan?"
"I need to make sure Asuka is okay and gather a couple things. Once that's been done, then we can proceed to the burnt offering so I can go fight Cavalier."
The memory of Mr. K and Katsu is still fresh in my mind. I want to go check on them, but since Gallowglass will more than likely be investigating what happened at Hanzo Academy, it would be best to stay away until I can figure out an ideal way to see them privately.
I really hope that old man is going to make it. What is there to worry about? He's going to be alright. He's survived worse than a ballista arrow to the gut. Everything will be fine.
I do everything possible to hide that I'm still extremely sore from the previous encounter. Every step feels like my ankles are being twisted.
The places where Cavalier striped me with that cat of nine tails still pulse with pain. Even though one more day of recovering would do me a lot of good, there's no time for that. I don't have any intentions other than seeing Asuka and gathering supplies for the next encounter.
"You alright hop along? You got a limp going there." Raesetsu asks.
"Right as rain." I reply.
Rutur stands guard outside the room as Annalise stares forward with a book in her hands. Daemogina is standing at Annalise's side, but she seems to be in deep thought about something.
"Rutur?"
"Yes boy?" He replies.
"Is there anyway I can get your help for something?"
"What is it?"
"Raesetsu has agreed to help me, but she would like for you to come along."
"Is it that time yet?"
"Not yet. I still got a couple of things to do, but Raesetsu and I would feel more comfortable if you came along."
"Then I shall." Rutur replies.
The three of us enter the throne and kneel down in the middle of all the candles. Annalise runs her fingers across the page in an orderly way and reads a passage from her muffling mask.
"What is it my children?"
"Annalise, I have a request." I state.
"Yes boy?"
"I respectfully request a return to my world."
"To what end?"
"I need to check on Asuka as well as gather some things so I can accomplish my goal. I don't need long."
"So you have a plan?"
"Yes."
"Annalise, if I am able to make a request myself, Rutur and I wish to watch over Alan's bride while he gathers his things." Raesetsu adds.
"Very good."
Annalise shuts her book and puts it back in the nearby shelf. Daemogina grabs a tray and loads it with glass syringes, and a vial.
"Where is your bride Alan?" Annalise asks.
"I have a map of her location."
Annalise injects Raesetsu with a syringe and picks up a second one. Raesetsu goes along and flexes her arm as Annalise jabs her a second time. Maybe she's letting us go back for ten hours rather than five since I have a plan now.
Annalise injects two syringes filled with that compound into Rutur, "Alan? I want you to give that map to Rutur and Raesetsu."
"Sure thing, but where's my syringe?"
"Rutur and Raesetsu will watch over your bride until you are fully rested."
"But Annalise…"
"Just because you have no intentions of fighting does not mean the world will give you a free pass. You are in no condition to do anything other than die, and I will not have a child dying to something that could have been avoided with common sense."
"We won't let anything happen to your old lady." Raesetsu pats me on the back.
As much as I want to go back, there's no point in arguing with Annalise. It wouldn't do any good because she's incredibly hard headed. Yet, she's got a point. If Asuka and I were together, there's a good chance I couldn't protect her.
"Yes Annalise." I hand the map to Rutur.
Annalise dismisses Rutur and Raesetsu and they leave the room. Annalise sits back down in her throne and crosses her legs. "Now tell me Alan. What is your plan?"
"Plan?"
"Yes. Since you have a few moons to rest and recover, I figure it would be best to go over and refine your plan. That way you don't rush in and get yourself killed." Annalise states.
"I have to gather enough food for twelve days and burn it to confront the one I'm after."
"And how do you plan on doing that?"
"Buying it." I say.
"What constitutes as twelve days' worth of food?"
"I guess three cans of food a day, and that for twelve days would be about thirty-six cans."
"Then what?"
"I'm going to have someone make me some smoke bombs."
"Why?"
"Because the only thing that can hurt his kind are the weapons of their own kind."
"And how is a smoke bomb going to hurt him?"
"It will only serve as a distraction. That should give me enough time to land a killing blow." I answer.
"And what if you can't land a killing blow?" Annalise questions with an elegant authority.
"I guess I'll just have to try again."
"You don't sound so sure, but if victory hinges on one act, then I suggest you rest up and prepare for the upcoming battle. When the time comes, I will come to you. Dismissed." Annalise says as she leans back in her throne.
"Yes Annalise."
Ending Song: Schwazer Bogen by Harada Hitomi
I head back to my room and take all my armor off. She has a point about the plan. Victory depends on whether or not one action is successful. Talking to her about that made me realize that I'm going to need something more than just a smoke bomb. No. I need something more like a crude grenade. Something that's going to emit a lot of smoke, contain a lot of explosive material and disperse a large amount of shrapnel as well.
Whether or not I can throw it will depend on how the fight is going, or if it's even possible to use it as a distraction in the first place. I lay down in bed and cover myself up with the blanket. With as unstable as the main grenade needs to be, it would probably be best to only carry one explosive, and two regular smoke bombs. Depending on what the environment looks like will also play a pivotal role.
There are a lot of unknowns and not enough facts that make me uneasy about the upcoming fight. Yet, it's the only shot at hopefully winning. No. There is no hoping. There either is or there isn't, and unlike what happened earlier, this won't be an isn't. I have to save those girls. Hibari, Ikaruga, Yagyu, Ayame. Their lives depend on taking Cavalier, Belum and Paladin down….