Chapter 8
With it being the weekend everyone was at the pool. Sanae was sitting in the shade, watching Leo stretch and sighing happily with a tint of pink on her cheeks. The girls were having fun on one side, while the boys were preparing for practice. All the guys were looking at Dr. Chigusa, who was wearing a bikini. Several of the girls were swooning over Leo, much to Sanae's dismay. Several other girls were watching Kyo, much to Mahiro's dismay. This was the first time they had had swim practice since the girls arrived, so no one realized how muscular Kyo truly was. It wasn't bulging over-sized muscles but lean muscle. Leo was the same way. He was more of an athletic build. They also noticed something else, a large cross-shaped scar on Kyo's back. He quickly removed his sunglasses and replaced them with goggles that hid his eyes. "Hey, Kyo, what's with that scar?" asked Kat.
"I'm not really sure," replied Kyo. "As far as I know it has always been there." Kyo dived into the water.
Wakaba walked up to Sanae and asked, "Too hot, Sanae-chan?"
"No, daijoubu," replied Sanae. Wakaba set Togemura next to Sanae. Togemura had a yellow transparent water ring around his container.
"You look after Sanae, Togemura-san," said Wakaba. She then turned and went toward the pool.
Sanae smiled, "Togemura-san, let's practice swimming together once I get better."
Bacchi-Gu slid toward Dr. Chigusa, and I mean slid. He was covered head to toe in suntan oil. "Dr. Chigusa! Please use my body to rub on some oil!" He leapt at Dr. Chigusa, but she just moved out of the way. He crashed and slid until he plowed right into Tenjin, who was too busy looking at Sanae to notice.
"Hey, Leo?" Yuusuke began.
"Hai, Yuusuke-san?" Leo responded.
"What's with that tattoo on your shoulder?" Yuusuke asked, motioning towards the blue spade shaped tattoo on Leo's right shoulder.
"It's like a mark that identifies me as the Knight of Seiryu. The first time I changed, it appeared there. My onee-chan has a heart shaped tattoo on her left shoulder as well."
"I noticed," Yuusuke chuckled. A lot of the boys were staring at Leo's sister. She looked pretty good in the bathing suit.
Leo looked at Sanae who was sitting in the shade with Wakaba's Togemura next to her. He frowned sadly and sympathetically since she could not join in because of her health. It just wasn't fair but then again…'Okaasan said this; Life is not fair all the time, we just have to make the most out of it.' Maybe he could spend some time with her later to cheer her up. Or maybe help her build up her stamina with a healthy jog later on. He pulled his goggles over his eyes and dove into the water. Kyo came up out of the water just in time to see the roof of the locker room explode.
"What the hell?!" exclaimed Kyo. Leo and Kat appeared next to him. "Kat, get everyone out of here. Leo, I need you to get Tenro out of my locker. I'll hold off what ever this thing is till you guys get back with your cards."
"Hai!" replied the twins as they went to work.
Kyo got out of the water. Kyo then saw what caused the explosion. A large humanoid weasel appeared. Its sharp claws shined in the sunlight. It also had cannons mounted on its shoulders. 'Sharp claws, and shoulder cannons…'
'Can't get too close because of those claws, but you can't stay too far out because of the cannons. And from what I can see, its reach is about the same distance it needs to fire those cannons. This should be interesting, kid' said Demon Eye's Kyo.
"Kyo-san, here!" Leo shouted out as he threw the sword to Kyo who caught it expertly in his hand. Leo was dried and wearing a blue shirt and also had his Advent Buckle on. Leo stared at the monster and asked, "Kyo-san is this one of the Mibu's creations?"
Kyo blinked and stared at Leo in disbelief, "You mean this isn't one of those Beast Spirits you fight!?" 'Okay, not good…'
Leo narrowed his eyes. "Maybe, maybe not, but if it's threatening everyone here then I'm going to fight it alongside you."
Kyo grinned and said, "Then get into your fighting clothes because we're going to party!"
The weasel creature noticed them and hissed before bowing down and had its cannons aimed at them. It then opened fire.
"Watch out!" Kyo screamed as he pushed Leo out of the way and the missile just caused another wall to blow up. "We have to get this thing away from here!"
"Hai! Henshin!" Leo's belt buckle split open.
"CHANGE SEIRYU!"
Clad in his armor, Draco charged and immediately began attacking the mysterious creature. Kyo drew Tenro and his eyes narrowed while glowing a little. He charged at the creature. The creature knocked Draco away and launched a missile at Kyo. Draco got up and began slashing at the creature. Kyo leapt out of the way, only to realize that the missile was heading toward Midori and Yuusuke, who had yet to get away. Kyo ran, catching up with the missile. "Only got one shot at this…" Kyo grabbed the missile and began to change its trajectory. "Leo! Get out of the way!" Kyo let the missile fly. Draco leapt away and shot a powerful bolt of electricity at the creature, paralyzing it. The creature sent out another missile. "Perfect…" said Kyo with a smirk. He slashed his blade, "Mizuchi!" Kyo sent a powerful attack behind the missile. The two missiles collided. The creature roared in satisfaction. Its victory was cut short however, as the Mizuchi tore through the creature. It screamed in pain then fell to the ground in a heap. Kat then showed up.
"Aw man, I missed all the fun," said Kat in disappointment.
Kyo was breathing heavily and sat down. "I put too much energy into that attack. I'm completely drained. Hey Leo, why don't you just seal the damn thing already?"
Draco pulled out a blank card and threw it at the creature. It stuck to it but instead of the creature being pulled into the card, the card itself got pulled into the creature. The creature got up, recovered. Draco gasped in shock.
"Nani!?" Draco said in surprise. The creature snarled and lunged at Draco but…
"Henshin!"
"CHANGE SUZAKU!"
Kat's red energy field knocked it back and sent it crashing into the lockers as Kat ran through the field, changing into Advent Knight Mimic. She yelled, excitedly, "Alright, now to have some fun!" She ducked under a claw swipe and punched the thing in the chest before going for a roundhouse at the base of its neck. She then jumped up and landed a chop on one of its cannons' denting it as it was ready to fire one. The cannon exploded and green blood gushed out of the wound which was surrounded by singed fur. It hissed in pain and took a swipe at Mimic, only for her to block it with her Suzaku Arrow.
While Mimic was fighting, Kyo asked Draco, "How come you weren't able to seal it?"
"I don't know…" Draco said, shaking his head. Gripping his sword, he drew a card and slashed it through.
"TACKLE!"
Hearing the announcement, Mimic did the same and slashed a card threw her card reader. "CHOP!" She chopped down on the other cannon, rendering it useless.
Draco charged at the creature and tackled it in the chest, sending both of them crashing out of the locker room, making a large hole in it that led outside. Mimic and Kyo went after them as they watched Draco fight the creature. Blade met claws as Draco swung and parried, fighting the monster with the ferocity of the creature his armor was derived from. The creature also landed hits on Draco's arms and chest, sending sparks flying. He then landed a solid kick to its chest which sent it splashing into the pool.
"RAIJIN!" Draco called and a bolt of lightning came crashing down on the creature. It screamed in pain as electricity coursed through its body and in the water it would be deadly. It then exploded, sending water flying everywhere. Draco heaved and panted as he undid his transformation.
Kat, now out of her armor, and Kyo joined him to see if he was okay. He was sweating and panting heavily. There were some claw marks on his arms and chest where the creature had scratched him. Midori and Yuusuke ran towards the three.
"Are you three okay?" asked Yuusuke.
"We're fine," said Kat.
"Just a little worn out," added Leo.
"I'll be okay after I rest," said Kyo.
"That's good," said Midori with a smile. "But the pool is out of water…"
"I'll take care of that!" exclaimed Kat. She filled up the pool with ice, and then used her fire powers to melt the ice, filling up the pool. "There!"
"Nice work, Kat, and I guess that we can just come to the pool in our swimming clothes for a while," said Kyo. He laid back. "Damn, I'm tired. That thing was pretty tough to take down." He then noticed Mahiro walking up to them. "Hey, Mahiro-chan."
"Maybe this will give you some more energy…" Mahiro bent down and kissed Kyo on the fore head. Kyo leapt into the air.
"Okay, I'm ready to go!" exclaimed Kyo. He now seemed to be full of energy.
"Good…" said Mahiro. Kyo then moved closer to Mahiro and tried to kiss her. She pushed him into the pool and he fell with a splash. "Cool off, Kyo… You seem to have a little too much energy." Kat snickered at this. Soon everyone returned and began swimming as if nothing had happened. Yuusuke jumped in and began doing laps. He swam up to the block. He looked up and saw Midori looking at him. Yuusuke turned around and swam off. Half way through his lap he saw Midori beneath him making a face at him. This caused Yuusuke to swim even faster. Midori surfaced next to him.
"Did I surprise you?" asked Midori with her normal cheerful voice.
"Swim properly!" scolded Yuusuke.
Leo decided to sit with Sanae to keep her company along with Togemura. The girl frowned at seeing the fresh wounds that Leo was treating with salve and bandages, but she smiled again when he gave her a smile.
"Ano, Sanae-chan?" Leo began.
"Hai, Leo-kun?" Sanae responded.
"Would you like to go for a jog with me later? It might help you build up your strength and stamina. If you want, we can do it early in the morning when it isn't too hot."
"Sure," Sanae smiled at him and he looked away blushing.
Tenjin watched this and fume. Oh, he was going to teach Leo a lesson for stealing away his Sanae-chan!
Futaba watched Yuusuke and Midori. She seemed sad at the sight of Yuusuke being with someone. Wakaba watched her sister. 'Onee-sama looks like she is lost in thought.' thought Wakaba.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later…
Leo and Sanae were out jogging and having a good time. Sanae wore a white t-shirt with black sweatpants and sneakers while Leo was dressed in a blue short-sleeved hoodie with matching sweat-pants and black sneakers. He also had a bag strapped to his back with bottles of water.
Leo had to make sure to keep a steady pace for Sanae's sake. She was still a little weak because of her health and Leo wanted this to be beneficial for her. She could only improve on her health is she exercised regularly and a healthy jog around the campus was a good way to do that.
Sanae jogged by Leo's side and smiled serenely. She then stopped and panted a bit. Leo stopped as well and said, "Let's take a break." He handed her a bottle of water. "Here, drink this."
Sanae wiped the sweat off her brow and smiled, "Hai."
Both of them sat down on a bench and drank their water together while talking.
Meanwhile, Tenjin growled as he followed after the two. Oh…now he was going to give Leo what he deserved…
"Narukawa!" Tenjin barked. Sanae yelped in fear and cringed at the sound of the voice. She scooted closer to Leo for protection. Leo blinked and saw Tenjin.
"Oh, Tenjin, Konnichi-" he then saw Tenjin charge and then swing a fist at Leo. Leo, however, caught it expertly in his hand. "Nani? What do you think you're doing!?" He stood up after letting Tenjin's fist go.
"I'm going to beat you up for stealing Sanae-chan from me!" Tenjin yelled out angrily and swung his fist again, but Leo side-stepped it. Sanae watched them. Tenjin kept swinging at Leo, but Leo just kept on dodging. Sanae knew Leo very well by now, and knew that he wouldn't strike back at Tenjin. However, Tenjin was quite large and knew that if he could actually hit Leo, he might hurt him. So, she decided to put an end to it.
"Ano… Tenjin-san…" Tenjin stopped fighting Leo and looked at Sanae with a large smile.
"Hai, Sanae-chan?" asked Tenjin.
"Could you please get me some water?" asked Sanae.
"But, you have water right there…" said Tenjin.
Sanae smiled and blushed slightly, "Please… onii-chama?"
Steam exploded from Tenjin's ears. "Onii-chama!!!" He ran back toward campus screaming, "Onii-chama, onii-chama, my darling Sanae-chan called me onii-chama!!!"
Leo blinked and turned to Sanae with confusion. "Nani? What was that about?"
"Tenjin wanted me to call him Onii-chama. I just thought it would make him stop. I knew you could handle him, but still…" Sanae said, looking away. Leo held her chin and turn her to face him.
"Arigato, Sanae-chan," he leaned down and kissed her forehead. She blushed a bit. "Ikuzo, let us continue with our jog."
"H-Hai!" Sanae replied, blushing red.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyo and Mahiro were walking around in the forest. "I love it out here, it's so peaceful" said Mahiro. Kyo nodded in agreement. They didn't notice that they were being followed.
"Kyo… Why is it that Kyoshiro is so interested in you…?" asked the figure to himself. Kyo then turned to the forest. The figure believed that he had been spotted.
"Come out now," ordered Kyo, ready to draw his blade. The figure was about to oblige when a second figure exited from the trees. He was a very large man. He wore black pants and combat boots, but no shirt, revealing his large muscles. He had gold rings circling his arms. "Bikara, why are you here?"
"Isn't it obvious? I came to kill you, Kyo," said Bikara. Kyo and Mahiro were silent. "No, actually, I'm just lost in the woods! But to think I'd run into Kyo! It must be the power of love!" Kyo charged at Bikara. He slashed at him but Bikara blocked.
"Bikara, we don't have time for this," said a voice from the forest. He stepped forward. He had long black hair. He was wearing a black robe that covered his entire body, save his head. "You know that we are to report to the Crimson King about that creature."
Kyo stabbed out his sword, stabbing the figure in the chest. "You left yourself open… Shindara."
Shindara grabbed the sword. "Nice thrust… but you can't kill me like that." Shindara sent a blast of wind from his hand, knocking Kyo back and smashing him into a tree.
"As immortal as ever I see."
"Bikara, it is time we depart. We much report to the Crimson King." Shindara and Bikara then vanished.
Mahiro ran over to Kyo, "Are you okay, Kyo?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's keep going. I have someone I want you to meet."
"Really, who?" Kyo and Mahiro continued to walk. They were now standing in front of a rather large hut and were several miles away from the school. Kyo walked up and opened the screen door.
"Hey, old man, are you here?" asked Kyo.
"Hello, Kyo-san," said a kind voice. Kyo smiled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just like Leo and Kyo, Kat wasn't having a good time either. She was fighting a large group of Dark Roaches.
She had just been taking a walk when she was suddenly ambushed. However, Dark Roaches, even in numbers, were just small fry to her.
"Henshin!"
"CHANGE SUZAKU!"
Donned in her armor, she smashed the Dark Roaches away with punches and kicks before summoning her Suzaku Arrow and started firing at them with ice and fire arrows. They were immediately destroyed.
Suddenly, a large buzzing sound invaded her ears. She rolled out of the way before whatever it was came down to strike.
It looked like a humanoid bee and it had stingers attached to its wrists. Its skin was yellow with black stripes and it wore a black chestplate with shoulder-guards. It buzzed its wings as it flew in the air.
"Time to exterminate," Mimic said as she took aim and fired, but it dodged to the side before shooting a spike at her. She leapt back and it imbedded itself into the ground. She aimed up high again, but it had vanished. "Kuso! Coward!" The Dark Roaches came at her again and she said, "Well, I better take my frustration out on you lot before I go after that thing!" She slashed a few Dark Roaches to pieces, killing them instantly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It sure has been a while, Kyo-san," said the man. He had short blond hair and kind black eyes.
"It sure has, Muramasa-sensei," replied Kyo. "I would like you to meet someone very important to me. This is my girlfriend, Mahiro" said Kyo, introducing Mahiro.
Muramasa stood and bowed to Mahiro, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mahiro-san."
"Wow, you're so polite. So unlike Kyo" said Mahiro smiling.
"You know I can hear you," said Kyo. Muramasa chuckled slightly.
"So, Kyo-san, what did you come here for? Certainly not to just visit an old man like me," said Muramasa, his smile never disappearing.
"The Mibu have been becoming more violent. I just fought against Bikara, and earlier I fought against Hotaru. And there is something new…" He explained to Muramasa about the Beast Spirits and the Advent Knights.
"Interesting, I remember hearing legends about the Beast Spirits. I would like to meet these Advent Knights."
"We're heading back to school now if you'd like to join us," volunteered Mahiro.
"Arigato, Mahiro-san," said Muramasa. They got up and left the hut, only to be met with several Mibu soldiers. Muramasa's smile faded, "an assassination squad." He turned to Kyo, "Could you please fight them? You know I dislike fighting."
"Sure…" said Kyo. He drew Tenro and warned, "leave now or I'll be forced to kill you." The troops simply charged. "I warned you…" Kyo's blade began to ring, "Mizuchi!" A powerful attack sped at the troops destroying a large number of them. The rest retreated. He sheathed Tenro and said, "Let's go meet the others…"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyo and the others were now at the school. People had already started rebuilding the lockers. They heard a voice of the intercom. "The weather today is beautiful. Now, I, Ichiban-Boshi, would like to announce my hot, gleaming love… I love you, Futaba-chan! I am in love with you! Next up is a love song I wrote on a long, sleepless night…" Ichiban-Boshi began to sing.
"You certainly go to an interesting school, Kyo-san," said Muramasa.
"Gomen, please excuse me for a moment… Mahiro, please introduce him to Kat and Leo." Kyo sped off to the A.V. building to 'talk' to Ichiban-Boshi.
Ichiban-Boshi's song was interrupted as Kyo and Futaba showed up. Over the intercom you could hear him begging for mercy. "No, please stop!" You could also hear the sounds of Ichiban-Boshi being beaten up.
Mahiro saw Kat running around, looking like she was searching for something frantically. She called, "Kat-chan! Kat-chan!" Kat heard her and ran towards Mahiro and Muramasa.
"Oh, hey, Mahiro," Kat said. "What's up?"
"Oh, I just wanted to introduce you to Muramasa here," Mahiro said. "He's an old friend of Kyo's."
Kat bowed, "Nice to meet you." Muramasa bowed back.
"You must be one of the Advent Knights that Kyo told me about," Muramasa said. Kat's eyes widened with shock.
"Um…ah…"
"Don't worry," Mahiro assured her. "He can keep a secret."
Kat didn't look too pleased but nodded anyway, "Well, if you say so."
"Where is Leo-san?" Mahiro asked.
"Oh, he went and took Sanae out for a little jog," Kat answered. She then looked behind the two. "And here they come." Mahiro and Muramasa turned around to see Leo and Sanae running towards them. Actually, Sanae was on Leo's back as he carried her, piggyback style.
"Leo-kun, I told you I'm fine!" Sanae insisted.
"You sprained your ankle, Sanae-chan!" Leo protested. "We need Dr. Chigusa to check it out!"
"Hey, otouto-chan!" Kat called to get the couple's attention. "Here's another old friend of old Red Eyes!"
"Konnichiwa," both Leo and Sanae greeted.
"Ah, you must be Leo, the Knight of Seiryu," Muramasa said kindly before bowing. This caused Leo to freeze with shock.
"Mahiro here said that he can keep a secret," Kat assured her brother, though she wasn't very convinced.
"By the way, you looked like you were searching for something," Mahiro inquired, "What was it?"
"Got ambushed by some Dark Roaches, plus there's a new Beast Spirit in the area!" Kat replied. A needle flew at them but was caught by Muramasa. Kat's eyes widened. He held the needle in his hand.
"Does this belong to one of those Beast Spirits?" asked Muramasa.
"Just how much did Kyo tell you?" asked Kat, irritated. Muramasa just smiled in response. They heard a loud buzzing as the Bee Beast Spirit landed in front of them accompanied by several Dark Roaches. "Now I can finish him…" said Kat with a smirk.
"Leo-san, may I please borrow your bokken?" asked Muramasa politely.
"Ano… sure" said Leo, giving his bokken to Muramasa. Muramasa smiled. With the blink of an eye, Muramasa decimated the Dark Roaches, who disintegrated before hitting the ground. "Sugoi…" was all Leo could say.
"Your bokken worked wonderfully. It has great respect for you" said Muramasa, handing the bokken back to Leo. "I believe it is your job to deal with these Beast Spirits, so I shall watch after the girls."
"Hai," Leo nodded after putting Sanae down and put on his buckle after sliding in his Category Ace. Kat did the same. They placed the buckles to their waists and allowed the belts to wrap around them.
"Henshin!" the twins cried in unison.
"CHANGE SUZAKU!"
"CHANGE SEIRYU!"
The Beast Spirit noticed and attempted to fly away but ice arrows struck its wings and left it grounded.
Draco was the first to strike as his fist made impact with the creature's face, sending it staggering back. Mimic grabbed it by the shoulders and continued to slam it in the stomach with her knee before slamming her helmeted head onto its own head. She went into a reverse roundhouse accompanied by a side kick from her bro. The Bee Beast Spirit aimed its stingers at them and fired. The twins drew their weapons and knocked the stingers away before. The thing then charged and attempted to stab at them with its stingers but they dodged out of the way and then got behind it before sending it flying with kicks. It was sent tumbling over the ground before standing up again.
Draco drew his sword and drew two cards. One was his Tackle Boar and the other was Rush Rhinoceros. He slashed both cards through.
"RUSH! TACKLE!"
He charged at the Beast Spirit and then struck at it with the tip of his weapon before electrocuting it with his powers. Mimic decided to finish it off by attaching her card reader to her weapon and drawing a card before slashing it through.
"TORNADO!"
She aimed her Suzaku Arrow and fired several spiraling ice and fire arrows that struck the creature in the chest. It staggered back and then let out a loud screech before falling on its back. It exploded but remained intact.
Draco threw a Blank Seal card at it and then it flew back into his hand after successfully sealing it. He read it. "Category 2 of Clubs: Stab Bee."
"Can't believe a Category 2 was so much trouble," Mimic said before changing back to Kat.
"Hai," Leo nodded in agreement.
Muramasa applauded the twins. "I can see why Kyo has so much respect for you two."
"Muramasa-sama, how do you know Kyo-san?" asked Leo.
"I was good friends with Kyo's father. I am also the one who taught Kyo how to fight."
"Nani? So you taught Kyo the Mizuchi?" asked Kat.
"Hai. Kyo was always such a stubborn boy…"
"That hasn't changed at all," interrupted Mahiro. Muramasa laughed at this. He pulled Leo aside for a moment.
"Leo-san, you are quite the swordsman, and remind me a lot of Kyo. I was wondering… perhaps you would like to learn the Mizuchi?"
Leo blinked in disbelief. Kyo's former master was offering to train him. "H-Hai!" exclaimed Leo excitedly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyo was dragging Ichiban-Boshi towards Yuusuke and the others. "So that was your plan?" said Kyo understanding. It turns out that the Baka Trio was trying to get to the girls by getting advice from Midori.
"So since singing didn't work, let's try getting physical. When words can't reach her, go for it physically!" said Midori
"It's my turn now!" said Bacchi-Gu.
They now stood outside Dr. Chigusa's office, waiting for Bacchi-Gu. They heard him scream and run out of the office, his pants pulled down and a needle sticking out of his butt. "I don't want a needle!"
Dr. Chigusa pulled out a giant needle. "If you ever need another check-up, I'll be glad to help." Bacchi-Gu ran away, screaming.
"Well, that was entertaining" said Kyo. "I gotta get going, try not to do anything too stupid."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyo walked up to the others. "Hey guys," said Kyo. Kat punched him in the face. "What the hell, Kat?!"
"That is for telling our secret to someone," said Kat.
"Kyo-san, Muramasa-sama said he was going to teach me the Mizuchi!" said Leo, excitedly.
"Hai and you are all invited to my house for some tea," offered Muramasa.
"Arigato, Muramasa-sensei," said Kyo as he bowed to his former teacher.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later…
It was now getting late at night. Leo's training had gone well and Kyo had explained to the others how he knew Muramasa. Leo came in from his training exhausted, while Muramasa didn't seem any different. "You did quite well, Leo-san."
"Arigato," bowed Leo. Muramasa poured him some tea.
Muramasa looked outside, "It is getting quite late. It will be mid-night by the time all of you get back to campus. I insist that you stay here tonight."
Kat, Sanae and Mahiro looked unsure. "Don't worry," reassured Kyo. "I used to live here. You girls can take my parents' old room." Kyo got up. "I'll show you the way."
The hut was even larger on the inside than it seemed on the outside. "Sugoi, I can't believe you used to live here," said Kat.
Kyo smiled, "It was always kind of fun. But I was always freaked out about the stories…"
"What stories?" asked Sanae a little scared.
"The legends of the Ochiudo…"
"The what?" asked Kat.
"They are a group of fugitive warriors. After the Battle of Sekigahara four hundred years ago, the losing side retreated and became fugitives killing to survive. They say that the warriors never died, that their hatred kept them alive and that anyone who wanders into the forest will become their captives and will never be seen again…" Sanae was definitely scared now but Leo took her hand and comforted her. "Here is the room," said Kyo, pointing to an open door. "Have a good night sleep." Kyo smiled and then walked away.
When Kyo arrived, Muramasa was alone. "I told Leo that he could use your old room, since I know you hardly ever used it when you lived here."
"Yeah, I was always training at night."
"Or you would just sleep on the roof," added Muramasa with a smile.
"Speaking of which, it's time to go to sleep." Kyo walked outside and climbed onto the roof.
"That boy never changes." He slipped some tea. "He reminds me so much of you, Nozomu."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning…
Leo and Kat were up early and had their Advent Buckles on. They slid in their Category Ace cards and stared at each other.
"Henshin!" the twins cried in unison as they snapped their buckles open and charged straight at each other.
"CHANGE SEIRYU!"
"CHANGE SUZAKU!"
Draco swung a fist but Mimic leaned to the side before swinging her arm down to land a chop to his shoulder but he grabbed her arm before it could reach him and then swung his leg, kicking her repeatedly in the midsection. She staggered back and looked to see Draco swinging his fist again at her. She created an ice shield and he shattered through, but she had moved quickly behind him to kick him in the back. Draco stumbled but got into a stance again before sending a blast of air at her. She held her ground, digging in her heels as she attempted to create a fireball but the wind was far too strong for her to do that.
Draco then drew his sword and then charged at her, but she blocked with her bow and they began swinging at each other, weapons clashing and sparks flying as they both sparred.
Sanae yawned tiredly when she stepped out the door to see Draco and Mimic sparring. The way Draco moved as he fought made Sanae swoon a bit. She was so lucky to have met him…
Draco then did something Mimic did not expect and yelled out, "Mizuchi!" A powerful blast of wind shot at Mimic. She barely dodged.
"Excellent, Leo-san. You are becoming quite adept at the Mumyo Jinpu style" said Muramasa.
Kyo ran out of the hut and exclaimed, "Mahiro is gone!" Everyone turned to him.
"Nani?!" exclaimed Mimic.
"I don't know what happened, but I went to check on her and she was gone!" Kyo ran into the forest. "I have to find her!"
"Ikuzo, otouto-chan!" said Mimic.
"Hai!"
Muramasa turned to Sanae and asked, "Shall we join them, Minami-san?"
Kyo was running through the forest, "got to find her!" He then saw a young girl, no older than 11. She had her back against a tree and was surrounded by wolves. One of them lunged at her, but Kyo got in the way. The wolf bit down on Kyo's butt. "Are you okay?" asked Kyo. "Damn wolf, get off of me!" Kyo kicked his leg back, knocking the wolf away. A fireball got the wolves to back away from them. Kat and Leo showed up.
"Daijoubu desu ka, Kyo-san?" asked Leo.
"Hai, my ass just hurts a little," said Kyo, rubbing his rear. He turned back to the girl. "Daijoubu desu ka?" he asked.
She smiled, "You saved me!" She had short black hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a green kimono. A man ran up behind them.
"Mika!!!" he cried. He then pulled the girl into a hug. "Mika are you hurt? How many times have I told you not to go into the woods alone!?"
"But… father I…" began the girl, Mika.
The man began looking her over, "You may not be so lucky next time." He noticed her kimono was slightly torn. He turned to Kyo and grabbed his shirt collar. "What did you do to her?!" He then punched Kyo in the face.
Kyo stood back up. "Ow…"
They were now back at that man's hut and he was apologizing profusely. Sanae and Muramasa had joined them. "Daijoubu, daijoubu…" reassured Kyo. "I've taken worse hits than that." He looked around, "What is this village?"
"Hai, it seems strange that there would be a village this far into the mountains," added Leo.
"This is the Ochiudo village, isn't it?" asked Muramasa calmly. Everyone stared at him.
"Yes, it is," answered the man. Everyone was slightly freaked out.
"NANI?!" exclaimed Kat. Sanae was clinging to Leo.
"What happened?" asked a girl coming into the hut. It was Mahiro!
"Mahiro-chan!" exclaimed Kyo as he gave his girlfriend a hug. "Where were you?" Mahiro began to explain what had happened. Kyo turned to the man and bowed, "thank you for saving Mahiro."
"Please take a look around the village, we will bring you back to the school later" said the man.
Everyone was walking around the village. "This place sure is beautiful" said Sanae.
"I guess all the stories were just that… stories," said Kat.
"Hai, they are just the descendants of the Ochiudo" said Leo.
They then heard screaming, "I hate you! You're the worst father ever!" It was Mika, running from her father.
"Mika, wait!" yelled the father.
The group decided to follow her. They found her by the river. She absentmindedly threw pebbles into the river.
"Mika-chan, what's wrong?" Mahiro asked the little girl.
"I hate this place! I want to leave! And I told my father…" began Mika.
"Why would you want to leave this village? Believe me, the world outside is much worse," interrupted Kat.
"No!" yelled Mika. "No it's not! Nothing is worse than this place! Ever since our ancestors lost the war, all we do is run and hide! We are hated and hunted by everyone! They even murdered my mother!" Kyo's eyes widened. He was reminded of his mother, and what the Mibu did to her. "They called her awful names and killed her! And my otouto-chan got sick, but the doctors wouldn't see an 'Ochiudo' child! He died… He was only six years old!!!" She wiped the tears away from her eyes. "What did we do to deserve this? I'm sick of hiding! I want to wear nice clothes and have friends! I want my family back!" She hugged Mahiro, "Mahiro-san! Please take me away from here!"
They were interrupted by the village elder. "Mika-chan, we must go! The hunters have found us! Your father is distracting them! Flee now!" Mika ran towards the village.
"Wait Mika-san!" yelled Kyo. He grabbed her wrist, "I said wait!"
"Let go! I have to go… They'll kill him! They'll kill my father! I have to stop them! If they kill my dad… if they kill him… I'll be alone…"
Leo placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll save him" promised Leo.
At the village Mika's father was on the ground, holding his bleeding leg. A man held his blade against his neck. He had a face that seemed to be stretched across his head, beady, soulless eyes, and long white hair. They were surrounded by dead bodies. The village had been destroyed. "It seems that you are the last…"
"Before you kill me, tell me, who are you?" asked Mika's father.
"Genjiro…" The man, Genjiro, jumped back as an arrow narrowly missed him.
"Shit! How did I miss?" cursed Kat, holding her weapon, the Suzaku Arrow. She readied another arrow. "I won't miss this time…" Mika ran to her dad.
"Father!"
"Mika… I told you to run."
"I won't run! I won't leave here without you!"
The man looked at Kyo, "I found you… Kyo!"
"Do I know you?" asked Kyo, ready to draw his blade.
"Surly you remember the gang wars a few years back… You spared me…"
"So, shouldn't you be thanking him?!" yelled Mahiro.
"Unfortunately, that isn't how it works for samurai," said Muramasa. "Sparing someone after a battle is the ultimate insult. It is basically telling someone that they aren't worth the effort to kill."
"That's right…" A rock hit Genjiro in the head. It was Mika.
"Go to hell! People like you make this world shit! Those damned fights are over…"
Genjiro appeared in front of her. "Nothing is over! Nothing ends until… I kill him!" he swung his sword at Mika. Her father got in the way. The sword cut into him. The soldiers laughed.
"Mika… are you okay…? Mom… Yuuta… I could not save them… but you… you will not die. D… don't die. Promise me…" his pulse stopped as his hands fell to the ground.
"NOOOO! DADDY!!! Please don't go! Daddy!!!" Leo gripped his fist, drawing blood. Genjiro approached them.
"Such a touching moment… a father's love is such a beautiful thing. Looking at you just breaks my heart. It's revolting." He raised his sword. "Die!" The sword never made contact with Mika, as Kyo had gotten in the way, the blade stopped in his hand.
Kyo removed his sunglasses, his blood red eyes stared into the man. "You will die…"
Leo then charged ahead with his sister but Kyo stopped them from attacking the man. "This guy is mine… You guys take care of those soldiers…" Kat was about to interject when Kyo just glared at her.
"Fine…" she said. They charged at the soldiers.
"Why… why are they fighting?" asked Mika.
"Because Kat and Leo fight to protect people. And Kyo… He lost his entire family and wasn't able to protect them. He carries that weight with him every day. He never wants to see anyone face that kind of pain," said Muramasa.
Leo shouted out, "FUUJIN!" creating a powerful typhoon blast that sent several soldiers flying. "RAIJIN!" he then sent lightning bolts down to strike some more and knock them out.
Kat shot fireballs at them and then said, "You guys look a little hot…chill out!" She then sent a blizzard at them "Heh, too easy!"
Genjiro kept swinging at Kyo, but Kyo just kept dodging. Genjiro just stopped and sheathed his sword. "What about a drawing contest? Whoever can get the first cut after drawing their sword wins…"
"Sure," replied Kyo. They both prepared to draw their swords.
"That man is using a Hien Ken stance… he draws so fast that he can cut Kyo three times before Kyo can cut him once" said Muramasa. "But Kyo is still the better swordsman…" Both swordsmen charged. The man drew his sword and slashed, only to realize that his arm was missing.
He fell down and backed away from Kyo, "How… how!?"
"A piece of scum like you… doesn't deserve to be a swordsman." Kyo picked up the arm. "You are lucky that my friends are here, or I'd beat you to death with your own arm." He threw the arm away, as if its touch was contaminating him. He looked down on Genjiro. "You are worthless… that is why I didn't kill you before." He gripped his blade. "But now… you have ruined a little girl's life." He lifted Genjiro up and pushed him. "Now start running." Genjiro got up and ran. Kyo prepared to strike.
"No! Stop!" Mika begged. She wrapped her arms around him. "Please, no more fighting…"
Kyo sighed and sheathed his blade. He put his sunglasses back on. "Fine." He bent down to Mika. "I'm sorry, Mika… You are now left without a family."
Muramasa smiled, "You know, my house is far too big for just me. Perhaps you can stay with me, little Mika." The young girl smiled.
"Really, Muramasa-sama?" Muramasa smiled in response. She hugged him. "Thank you!"
A smile never came across Kyo's face. "Let's go" said Kyo. "We should get back to campus." Kyo just walked away.
Leo stepped up to Kyo, "Kyo-san, you weren't really going to kill that person, were you?"
"Would it matter anyway, otouto-chan?" Kat commented.
"Onee-chan! I don't like killing!"
"Are you kidding me Leo…?" Kyo turned to look Leo right in the eyes. "I would have destroyed him. That look in Mika's eyes when her dad died… it was the same look my sister had when she saw our parents. I never want to see anyone with that look ever again. And if it meant killing that piece of shit, I wouldn't have given it a second thought." Kyo turned and began to walk back to campus. Leo was speechless.
"Has he always been like this?" asked Kat.
"As long as I've known him," said Mahiro. "He never wants anyone to go through what he has. Wait up, Kyo!" Mahiro ran up to her boyfriend to try and cheer him up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They were now at school and Kyo hadn't said a word since they got back. As soon as they arrived he said that he was going to his usual spot and walked off. Kat was worried so she decided to follow him. "Why are you following me?" asked Kyo.
"Just worried about you, Red Eyes," Kat said.
"Don't be," Kyo said coldly and Kat quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, Mahiro's worried and everyone else is too. Need to talk about it?"
"No."
"I won't leave until you do."
"…" Kyo sighed. "Fine."
"Were you really going to kill that guy? I know he deserves it, but still…"
"As I told Leo, I would have destroyed him. My family was killed by the Mibu." Kat's eyes widened. "They were killed right in front of me. I swore vengeance against them. But what hurt me the most was the look in my imouto-chan's eyes. I couldn't stand that look. It was the same look Mika had. But I think the worst part of it is that it was my fault…"
"What do you mean?" asked Kat.
"A while ago my friends and I got entangled in some gang war. I fought that guy and nearly killed him, but like I said earlier, he wasn't worth the effort. Because I spared him, he killed Mika's father." Kyo rested his face in his hand. "It was my fault…"
"No, it isn't," she objected. "You couldn't have known…"
"I should have!"
"But you didn't. It isn't your fault. Shit like this happens." Kat reached into her pocket and pulled out a box of cigarettes. "You might need this."
"Thanks," Kyo took one and Kat lit it up. Kyo smoked it.
"Well, stop blaming yourself. You spared him before because he wasn't worth it and he just proved it by being all vengeful," Kat said. "He was just pathetic."
"Still…"
"What did I just say?"
"I guess you're right, thanks." Kyo sighed and looked into the sky. "Sorry, Mika-chan…" said Kyo quietly.
"Nani?" asked Kat.
"Nothing," said Kyo. He pulled out a pocket knife and his sheath. Kat noticed that there were carvings in the sheath, they were numbers. He began to carve more into the sheath.
"Kyo, what are you doing?" asked Kat.
"Do you know how many people were killed today Kat?"
Kat shook her head no. "But that wasn't…"
"Two hundred, Kat. Two hundred men, women and children were killed today. That is two hundred more souls that I will carry with me…" He finished carving.
"What do you mean?" asked Kat.
Kyo held the sheath up to her. There were several numbers carved in then scratched out. Only one number wasn't. It read '1,530.' "These are the souls I carry with me. The souls of every last man, woman, and child that died because I didn't save them. It is my fault Kat, and nothing anyone says can ever change that." He walked away. "I just need to be alone. I'll talk to you later, Kat."
"Kyo…" said Kat.
Kyo was by the river. He didn't notice Leo training by the river and Sanae was watching him. Kyo sat down and became lost in his own thoughts, thinking about all the numbers that have been added to his sheath. Leo then saw Kyo.
"Kyo-san…" Leo sighed sadly. Leo felt the same sort of guilt for not being able to keep his promise. He'd promise to save Mika's father but then…he failed. Sanae noticed this and stood up before walking to him.
"Leo-kun? Are you alright?" she asked in concern. He shook his head.
"No, I don't know if I am…" he admitted. "Today has been…too bloody for my taste."
Sanae paled a little and almost fainted but Leo helped her to stand. He wouldn't let her fall. He helped her to sit down and handed her a bottle of water before she swallowed one of her pills. "Gomen, I'm still too weak…"
"You're doing excellent progress, Sanae-chan," he told her gently. "Your stamina has increased." He held the sides of her face. "Don't think so little of yourself, ne?"
Sanae smiled but then she realized the way Leo was holding her. Leo realized it too, but instead of backing away, he leaned forward and softly pressed his lips to hers. She responded, kissing him back. They then broke away, sighing…cheeks flushed red.
"Hey, don't stop on my account!" Kyo joked. Leo and Sanae blushed a deeper shade of scarlet. How could the Knight of Seiryu had forgotten about his red eyed friend.
"Gomen, Kyo-san," apologized Leo, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
Kyo turned to Sanae, "Hey Sanae, I just figured out who you reminded me of."
"Nani?" asked Sanae.
Kyo looked at his sheath, "Number forty five… I believe her name was Ayame, sweet little girl. She'd be about your age now. She had short black hair and blue eyes. The two of you could have been twins. Her death weighs heavily upon me…"
"Nani?!" exclaimed Leo.
"Some psychopath named Mekira, called himself 'The Reaper.' He used a scythe that had a dagger attached to the top. He attacked me when my back was turned. I couldn't sense him at all. Ayame got in the way and took the hit. She died almost instantly. Mekira disappeared after that. I've been hunting him down for a while now."
"You said 'Number forty five,' what did you mean?" asked Sanae.
Kyo admitted, "She was the 45th person I was unable to protect."
"45th?" asked Leo, confused. Kyo showed them his sheath.
"Yeah, she was number forty five out of the 1530 I let die." Kyo sighed. "I haven't had a good night sleep in years. I have nightmares about them every night."
"That sounds awful, Kyo-san," said Sanae sympathetically.
"The worst however are numbers one and two, my parents…"
"You never talked about them, Kyo-san," said Leo.
"That's because I don't remember much. I only remember what they look and sound like. My dad, Nozomu, had short black hair and blue eyes. And my mom, Sakuya, had long blond hair and green-blue eyes." Kyo stood up. "Your sister said that the others were worried about me, so I better go talk to them." Kyo waved good bye, "Take care, you two." He walked away.
Leo looked down and he began to cry for Kyo. Sanae was crying as well. There just had to be a way to cheer their friend up. But, alas, they couldn't think of anything presently. "How can someone suffer that much and still keep going?" cried Sanae.
"I don't know, Sanae-chan," replied Leo. "And not only does he keep going, but he reminds himself every day. He just thinks of all those people. He doesn't even think of himself."
"I think today hurt him the most, he thinks it was his fault that those people are dead," said a voice. They turned around to see Kat walking up behind them. "What do you mean, onee-chan?" asked Leo. Kat explained to them what Kyo had told her earlier.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kyo and Mahiro were now alone. "Are you okay, Kyo?" asked Mahiro.
"I'll be fine. I've just been thinking…" He looked at his sheath. "I thought I could have saved them…"
"Think of it this way, there are several people that aren't on your sheath. Like Mika-chan, you saved her."
"…And left her without a family to take care of her."
"Why do you have to be such a pessimist?"
"Because I need something to counter your optimism," replied Kyo with a smirk. Mahiro pulled him into a hug. They just stood there, holding each other. 'Genjiro, you better hope I never find you…'