Disclaimer: This one owns only Kurrama and Nightmare… Nothing else…
Ch.4 Hells Gates opened
Sheba awoke the next morning in a bed at the Inn in Suhalla. Of course she didn't know this she thought she was asleep on a rock like she slightly remembered. Of course she noticed the strange guy sleeping in a wooden chair. 'How did I get here?… I could have sworn I fell asleep on a big rock… Or… Did he carry me here?' Sheba sat up and started contemplating this thought… 'Is that even right? I don't even know him very well and yet he's carrying me around… Wait! Didn't he say he didn't know the way to Suhalla. I don't remember telling him how to get here, let alone how to get to an Inn… Was he lying… Does he know his way around… Then why would he travel with me to Vale if he might know how to get there himself… or is he setting me up for something!' At this Sheba got suspicious again and gave his sleeping form a stern glare. 'Doesn't he know who he's dealing with!' At this the memory of him totally obliterating the Tempest Lizard returns to her. 'Okay maybe I wouldn't be able to fight him, but I could surely run away now… Maybe that's the safest plan.'
She began to slowly get out from under the covers of the bed and quietly step on the floor. "The answer is no you know." He spoke softly but loud enough for Sheba to hear and this startled Sheba enough to fall to the floor with a loud thud she also almost shrieked, but was able to hold it in. Was he asleep? Was he awake? If it was the ladder was he reading her mind AGAIN?! He shifted uncomfortably as he rubbed hid eyes with his fingers. "Isn't it still to early to be sending suspicious vibes towards this one?" Sheba was really hoping he was asleep as she hid behind the opposite side of the bed. "I'm sorry if I startled your trying to sneak out of bed with the suspicion that I'm some kind of guy who sets children up to be kidnapped, or something along those lines." With this Sheba stood up quickly and was about to speak, but the guy interrupted by speaking first, "Answer to question one: I'm sorry if my carrying you on my back was upsetting for you I'll remember that for next time. Answer to question two: I can sense the presence of people even at long distances, but it doesn't help in mazes like that dessert. Your third question: It's easy to ask a guard of the city entrance the way to an Inn. Next: I don't know my way around at all… I might as well throw a stick in the air and follow where it points too. Oh and for your last question…" Sheba was sure her questions had all been answered so she raised a questioning eyebrow, "I'm actually a big pansy at fighting women… goes against my code if I remember things right… So you could possibly beat me in a fight. This of course is considering your blows hurt at all."
Sheba had only one question on her mind, " What is a pansy?"
"Huh… You don't know?" Kurrama who had had his eyes closed till now opened them a little enough to see Sheba's questioning face. That's when he answered, "It means a wuss." Sheba still didn't get it, "sigh How bout' wimpy?" At this Sheba nodded her head in understanding. First thought Kurrama had other than the all important fact that he should tell her his name, 'Guess that means no slang words are usable wherever I am.'
"So how long have you been awake ?" Sheba asked calmly as he stood up and stretched.
"Heh… I never went to sleep." (Okay if you can picture how you'd vision Kurrama in your head with puffy bloodshot eyes, a dorky ass smile, and Sheba staring at him like she questions his sanity. That's what this seen would be. XP)
"So you were up all night?"
"Kinda comes with the package of not sleeping." At this Sheba knew her question was a stupid question and wasn't exactly what she wanted answered.
"Okay let me re-ask my question, WHY were you up all night?"
"Hmm… I was thinking…" he spoke in a kind of far off voice.
"All night long?" (picture that scene again. XD)
"Yep."
"On what?"
"My name…"
"Did you remember it?"
"Kind of…"
"Kind of???" Sheba spoke with an even more questioning voice than usual along with slight surprise.
"You see I didn't really remember it off the bat… I kinda listened intently to your mumbling in your sleep." Kurrama spoke this with a voice that completely matched his tiredness.
"So that's why you were up all night." Sheba could no longer remember what she had dreamt about but her thoughts turned to the diary she had stashed away in a satchel she always had with her. "So?…" Kurrama slightly raised an eyebrow at Sheba's "So" comment until she continued, "What's your name?"
"My name, it's Kurrama…"
"Kurrama huh…" Sheba tried to think of something to say for a moment, until, "Is that it? No last name?"
"Huh?… Oh, if I remember it correctly… my full name is, Kohto Kurrama Lamboardi."
"…"
"What surprised I can remember the whole thing?" He spoke this with a smile that betrayed his weariness.
"No!" Sheba spoke quickly, "I just don't think I've ever heard such a strange name. Wait, if Kohto is your first name then why are you called Kurrama?"
"I don't know?" Kurrama looked up towards the ceiling wondering the same thing, "I think Kohto is a weird name though as well, so that's why I probably just go by my middle name."
"Weird alright…" Sheba thought for a moment then asked, "Is there anything else you remember?"
"Nope, not really just my name and a few others but I don't know which name to put on which face… I hope that by continuing on to this Vale place, enough time may pass so that I may gain back another memory or two… Or if I'm really lucky, all of them."
"You say not really… but maybe I can help." Sheba glanced away as he gave her another questioning look. She then proceeded pulling out her diary from her satchel. "Maybe reading this can help you in some way." She handed him the diary while saying, "I've bookmarked the page the dream is on… I don't think it's complete but…"
"No… Thank you Sheba. This may be just what I need to spark another memory." Kurrama spoke gladly.
"Well we should probably get moving," Sheba began walking to the door of their room, "Faran said there would be a carriage to take us to Tolbi here."
"Ok." Kurrama spoke as he began walking wobbly to the door.
'He almost seems like a kid who stayed up all night not knowing what they were in for in the morning.' As they began heading to the front door of the Inn Sheba also began wondering how Kurrama paid for their night there.
Of course her answer would come in the shape of an Inn owner standing at the door blocking their way. "Where do you think you're going?" Kurrama ducked behind Sheba. I told you last night no pay, no stay, and yet you stayed anyway." Sheba wondered if he was rhyming on purpose, "Now pay up, or man up." He stood menacingly over them.
With this annoying rhyming… Inn owner glaring at them, Sheba took this quick chance to turn around and glare daggers at Kurrama before she turned around with a sigh, "How much?" It didn't cost much, but at the same time Sheba didn't plan on having to pay either.
After they left Sheba decided to start looking around for the carriage that would take her to Tolbi. They eventually found it, but didn't expect someone Sheba knew to be there as well.
"Ivan?! That you?!" Sheba asked in surprise.
"Yep!" exclaimed the young wind adept, "How are you doing Sheba?!"
"Fine, but… Why are you here? I thought we were to meet in Kalay?"
"Hammet had some business to do here. He was originally supposed to pick you up on his own for Faran, but I decided I should go too."
"Why?" Kurrama asked questioningly.
"Huh?… Uh, who are you?" Ivan asked with a slight suspicion that was unusual of his person.
"Me?" Kurrama pointed to himself, "My name is Kurrama. And who are you?"
"Ivan… Do you know Sheba?" Ivan seemed unusually suspicious to Sheba.
"Well first I would like you to stay out of my mind." With this Ivan turned slightly pale, "Second, yes I do know Sheba. We met when I was in that prison." Sheba had never seen Ivan turn as pale as he did.
"Ah…" Ivan spoke shakily as he started trying to communicate to Sheba through their mind reading powers. "Sheba who is this guy? And you met him when he was in jail?!!"
"It's ok Ivan he's harmless, he has a case of amnesia and he's… Well he IS following me to Vale, but I guess I'm fine with at as long as he doesn't do anything funny or try to make me pay for a room at an Inn after I didn't even want to sleep inside." Sheba tried to get Ivan to settle down a bit.
"So, speaking telepathically are we!" Kurrama announced snapping Sheba and Ivan back to attention, "sigh Oh well………!" Kurrama quickly turned around like he had heard an explosion, but was met with nothing. Just the usual town of Suhalla, the people and a quiet morning stillness. He raised an eyebrow, he was sure he felt something go boom like a shockwave tore past him, but there was nothing.
Sheba and Ivan looked at him questioningly, until Ivan quietly whispered, "Are you sure he's safe?"
Sheba answered back in the same quiet voice, "He was until we met you."
"Maybe we should go." Kurrama spoke suddenly out of nowhere. He couldn't shake this eerie feeling like something bad was approaching him from behind, but every time he turned around he saw nothing and the feeling remained. He finally gave up searching around and jumped into the wagon Ivan was standing next too.
Sheba and Ivan watched Kurrama's movements closely until Sheba began laughing hysterically as she saw Kurrama crawl under something in the back of the wagon. Even Ivan couldn't stifle a laugh. "What's gotten into you Kurrama?" Sheba spoke while laughing.
Kurrama popped his head out from under a blanket in the back of the wagon and looked at Sheba before he jumped out from his hiding place and jumped back with a yelp. Behind Sheba stood a tall figure in a black overcoat, and though his hood was up Kurrama knew he was smiling. Sheba and Ivan had yet to notice the figure before he lowered his head so it was level with the back of Sheba's neck. Sheba was still staring at Kurrama, now in confusion, until the over coated figure began to softly blow air against the back of her neck, instantly sending chills down her spine and spooking her enough that she was rendered stiff and unable to move.
"It would seem… You are still alive even after all this time Kurrama-san… How… …fortunate…" A startled Ivan quickly turned to see the figure standing directly behind Sheba, his head at the back of her neck. Unlike Kurrama though Ivan could see this figures face entirely. He had red eyes and a malicious smile, and even though Ivan couldn't really tell how long it was he could tell the man had long hair. "Heh… stunned speechless Kurrama-san… Maybe you could tell me how long it has been?"
Kurrama though scared to the point he was visibly shaking still had the voice to answer back though waveringly, "Maybe you could… tell me?" Kurrama could feel an evil aura come from this man… This man who had no life force… This man who Kurrama could already feel trying to read his thoughts.
"I would tell you if I knew myself…" with this Kurrama lifted his eyebrow as he tried to steady his composure, "You see Kurrama-san, the Door of Darkness rarely spits people out… and if it does it's either that, that person is too pure of soul, or so much time has passed your soul itself can't remember who or what it is. An infinite amount of time may pass living in darkness where all traces of individuality is erased, leaving nothing but a shell… a body that doesn't age or rest. Then if it does releases you, you could end up anywhere, anytime you could even be thrown into an inaccessible dimension or a black hole… That is what lies on the other side of the door to darkness… It would seem that you are no exception either… And it would seem you have forgotten me. Hell you've forgotten everyone! Just wait until that beautiful flower hears of this, oh and I'm sure the fallen king and the traitor will love to hear it too… Heh… heheheheahaha! Oh well, moving on," with this he turned his gaze from Kurrama to Sheba, he even made a quick side glance towards Ivan, "I guess I shall leave my mark on this world as well… The death of someone so well known or the fact of your heritage… It doesn't matter."
"You know about my heritage… my past! Why am I here?! Tell me!!" Sheba began demanding of the one who stood behind her.
"Now, now… No need to waste words on someone about to die!" With this he unsheathed a sword that he summoned into his hand and held it to her neck. Sheba saw the shimmering metal sparkle in the mid-morning sun almost completely out of sight. "Now world! Remember my name… Nightmare Bowsacondor! Now smile Crimson Nightfall!"
Kurrama saw the world around him crawl to a halt as he watched Nightmare prepare his sword to slit Sheba's throat. Sheba clenched her eyes shut as he pressed the sword closer to her neck. His sword began its glide across Sheba's throat… Something snapped in Kurrama as he saw the fear on Sheba's face and the bloodlust on Nightmare's. The next thing Kurrama knew, he pulled away Nightmares Crimson colored blade with his bare hand from Sheba's neck.
Sheba could see the look of pure hatred on Kurrama's face in a glare that frightened her in its ferocity. She was also stunned however to see Kurrama, who was shivering from head to toe a minute ago, now holding off the sharpest sword she'd ever seen with his bare hands.
Rage and anger towards this new foe was the only thing running through Kurrama's mind. He was not clouded however by these emotions. He had caught the blade by its back ,its dull side, so he would not get cut by it either. He also knew though, that he could not fight this battle without a weapon of his own… Nothing came to him though as Nightmare jumped back pulling Sheba along with him and his sword from Kurrama's grasp.
"Not bad Kurrama-san… Your memories it seems are returning slowly yet steadily. Perhaps soon you may yet be a challenge. Until then please, allow me to give you a reason to hate me." He prepared a second strike against Sheba. This time though Nightmare planned to impale Sheba from behind. As he drew back though he saw Kurrama already speeding towards him and Sheba, but Nightmares movements were faster and his sword was already at Sheba's back and rushing forward to impale her through the heart.
Kurrama's reasonful mind shattered in an instant as he screamed, "Reflect, TSUKI!"
In an instant Nightmare jumped back and withdrew his sword from sight as he saw Kurrama holding a sword of his own in his hand. A sword Shining blue with a gem on the hilt with the Kanji for "Moon". "So It would seem Kurrama-san has found his weapon…" Nightmare spoke spiteful with a glare, "You can leave now I am withdrawing!" Kurrama's curiosity rose higher than his rage now as he wondered who Nightmare was talking to. Even Sheba and Ivan were wondering what could make someone who seemed to live to kill just abandon his attempt at Sheba's life. "I said leave Tsuki of the Moon."
"Such a high demand of someone who shouldn't even be allowed to live." A feminine voice rang out from seemingly nothing at all, "I had you in the palm of my hand too!" At this the sword Kurrama held began shining a bright blue color. The light temporarily shined brightly like the sun, but after it dimmed there was something else that caught everyone's eye. A small petite girl with light blue hair and light blue eyes. To some she would seem like a child no older than Sheba and she carried a small mirror in each hand.
"Real shame isn't it. If I had struck and killed Sheba you could've struck and killed me in the exact same way… of course, the only sacrifice on your part is Sheba." Nightmare sent a glare out of the corner of his eye towards Tsuki, but Tsuki brushed it off.
"If only Taiyou was here… Then Kurrama could've killed you in an instant!"
"Tch even if he called on your combined powers he couldn't have beaten me!" Nightmare spoke with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
Sheba and Ivan retreated from their positions to the wagon and they both grabbed their weapons. Sheba's had been firmly set on her back where Ivan had to quickly grab his from the wagon. The blue haired girl levitated off the ground and rushed towards Kurrama's side.
"Hmm… Seems I won't be able to have much fun. However I can still fulfill my true goal and kill Kurrama-san." Nightmare spoke with an astranged joy.
"You think you can take on all of us at once!?" Sheba shouted towards Nightmare as he began to rise into the air.
"Oh on the contrary, you are nothing to me in your current state Sheba-chan!" Nightmare began gathering energy into his sheathed sword and orange colored lights began rising and falling all around him. "Now, may you sink into hell. Burning Smile!" Nightmare unsheathed his sword quickly and began spinning it at an unreal speed above his head. The sword itself was burning and sucking in those small lights that surrounded Nightmare. Kurrama had little time to react and he knew something bad was coming he forced Ivan, Sheba, and Tsuki down to the ground as a large twister of flames erupted and attempted to suck everything around it in. The wagon and some nearby houses were being sucked in. Everyone watched in amazement as nightmare dropped down from the top of his storm and shouted, "Opposition!" He quickly spun his swords in the opposite direction of the cyclones spin and the cyclone exploded outward with the sudden equalization of force from the rotating winds, forcibly canceling them both out with explosive results. This resulting explosion threw everyone back along with debris being hurled at them as well. Sheba and Ivan were knocked away by debris and Tsuki withdrew herself into Kurrama's blue sword. Kurrama himself was able to drag his feet against the ground to slow his flying backwards down to a halt. He held the sword in front of him as he prepared to engage Nightmare. Nightmare came rushing in swinging his sword wildly at Kurrama, but Kurrama was able to defend or parry each strike. "Cruel Smile!" Nightmare jumped back and sent a red shockwave towards Kurrama which Kurrama parried and watched the wave go by, until he saw it headed straight for Sheba. He ran at top speed and somehow managed to outrun the shockwave and defend Sheba by taking the blow. "You're too soft Kurrama-san! I'll Burn it you all too ashes!" He lifted up his sword above his head and began twirling it again. The warm orange lights began circling everything again.
"I won't let you!" Kurrama jumped up and switched the blue sword from his right hand too his left while shouting, "Burn, TAIYOU!" A red sword appeared in another sudden flash just like the former blue sword. Kurrama unleashed a fury of blows upon Nightmare. Where the Red sword, with the Kanji for sun on its jem placed on its hilt, tore through Nightmares armor, the Blue sword just delivered crushing blows. Still it was effective enough to cause damage and ultimately bring Nightmare to the ground.
"Not bad Kurrama-san… Yet you've yet too see my entire arsenal of powers, let alone me take a memory challenged oaf seriously." Nightmare spoke in his casual tone but had the look of amusement plastered on his face. "It seems I must go before that traitor and the flower learn of my presence here and come to check things out. Can't have them finding out about you too early now!" Nightmare chuckled lightly, "This doesn't mean I can't have more entertainment though!" A symbol appeared on his chest and began to glow as several beams of light shot out. "Perhaps if we meet again you'll be stronger…" The many beams of light scatter across the sky and head in different directions as Nightmare himself prepares to leave.
"Stop!" Kurrama shouted, "Please give me answers?! Who am I? Really?"
"You… are a fool! A fool who believes protecting others is the source of ones power. What a naïve little lie that was. Now look where it got you… Perhaps you should find a new answer to fight." Nightmare spoke with a scowl on his face as he looked away from Kurrama.
"That tells me next to nothing. TELL ME SOMETHING IMPORTANT!!" Kurrama unleashed a shockwave with the red sword, but Nightmare easily brushed it away to hit nothing but dirt.
"You ask when it seems you remember. Your memory is coming back to you quickly. When you fist came here you forgot every attack and ability you knew. Your memories will do nothing but corrupt your thinking. If you need something to help you remember something then perhaps this will help!" Nightmare drew back his right fist as a dark aura began to surround it, "SINK INTO THE DARK ABYSS! WHERE FOOLS LIKE YOU BELONG!!" With that he charged Kurrama and delivered a crushing blow that could've killed anyone else in an instant. Kurrama was blown back several yards before he came to a halt on the ground. Blood oozed from his mouth as he struggled to breathe again. Sheba and Ivan quickly ran to him to check on him.
"Kurrama!" Sheba shrieked.
Kurrama's vision began to blur as Nightmare retreated in a beam of light. Kurrama could feel himself losing consciousness, 'No… Is it all over… Can't be………'
Silence overcame him as he sank into the darkness of sleep.
Okay this one really has no excuse other than I only get one hour of computer time (until there's a day off. Then time is unlimited until my mom gets home) and the fact that this one has a lot of math. So this one is sorry, but this one will see this story through to the end and this one nevers eats his words. So if your reading this this one just takes forever. But just in advance this one goes on vacation as soon as the final school bell rings for the year this ones gone until the twentieth. However I will try to update before then.
SAYONARA! ;D
