Ok, ok. You guys win. I WON'T delete or discontinue this story, okay? I'll blow it up! Just kidding~. Now this is probably one of the most darkest part of the story (the title says it all). And yes, I got the Chess Game from Tsubasa (manga) but I changed it a bit. So, please, enjoy this 'game'. I DON'T own anything, really. WARNING: I'M TERRIBLE AT ACTION PARTS!
Wish Upon A Wing
The Chess Game of Blood
Amu sat on the stone bench, in the thorny abandoned garden, with her eyes closed. A gentle breeze blew making her long pink hair dance in the air. It's been about 3 days now since she got captured by Hydrin, although strangely he's been treating her as a guest. Suddenly she heard familiar soft footsteps crossing the dried up lawn.
"Are you alright?" asked Ryuu as he sat down next to her.
Ever since Amu arrived here, at Hydrin's old castle, Ryuu has been caring for her and treating her nicely as for Ikuto… they didn't talk much, only giving each other silent glances.
"I just miss my friends," Amu sadly replied.
Ryuu stared at the thorny bushes in front of them.
"What do you tell me about them?" he suggested, "Then it'll feel like they here with you."
A smile appeared on Amu's face.
"Alright, let's see… well, there's Yaya. She's the childish girl in the group. She's always cheerful and hyper. Then there's Kairi. He's probably one of the most mature young boy that I know. Since he reads and studies a lot, Kairi's really smart. Um, then there's Kukai. He's really sporty and competitive but at the same time a good sport. Rima's the short quiet one. When we first met she seemed quite cold but in the end she really warmed up to me. Oh, and Nagi. He's sensible and gives good advice. Masayoshi and Chie are probably the oldest ones. Masayoshi is a gentleman while Chie is quite a tom-boy," suddenly a light blush came to Amu's cheeks, "And last of all, there's Tadase… he's a really nice person yet determine at the same time which makes him a good leader."
Ryuu smiled.
It seems like she taken a liking to that boy…
"Wow," Ryuu mused, "I'm quite jealous. You have so many good friends with you, Amu."
Amu nodded. "We always look out for one another…I really miss them," she added quietly.
Ikuto was watching them from the window.
"Jealous?" said Kitsune as she came over.
"No," he muttered.
She pouted.
It's so hard to provoke him.
"Hydrin's been quiet recently," she remarked deciding to change the topic, "It's been 3 days and he hasn't spilt any blood. Must be a record or some sort."
"No," Ikuto said, "I bet he's lying low, plotting something sinister."
Tadase quickly blocked Nagi's attack. He broke away and swiped at Nagi. Nagi quickly jumped back and dodged the blade.
"Okay, that's enough."
Both boys stopped and looked up. Princess Mia was on the side was the dirt field that they were fighting on.
"That'll be enough training today," she announced, "All of you take some well-earned rest."
She then walked inside. The friends grouped at a bench where Yaya sat waiting.
"Oi Yaya!" called Kukai, "Why haven't you trained? All this time you've been sitting on that bench."
"I can't," Yaya replied with a grin.
"Why?" Chie asked.
Yaya turned to Kairi for some help.
"She can't guys," Kairi explained, "Her powers are...too dangerous."
"Yaya's?" Rima repeated.
Kairi nodded, "It's best to show you when we're in battle."
Amu was sitting on the windowsill inside, in the hallways. Ryuu, Kitsune and Ikuto were at a meeting with Hydrin.
"I can't believe it!"
She quickly looked up to see Kitsune stomping down. Amu leapt off the windowsill and hurried to her new-found friend to see what's wrong.
"What happened?" she asked worriedly.
Amu then looked up to see Ryuu and Ikuto appearing from behind Kitsune.
"He had to do it without telling us!" snapped Kitsune.
"What's going on?" Amu tried again.
Kitsune brushed past her, "Damn chess game!"
Amu watched after her in defeat, she then turned to Ryuu and Ikuto, hoping if they could answer her.
"Apparently Hydrin made us compete in a chess game," Ryuu replied.
"What's wrong with a normal chess game?" Amu asked.
"It isn't a normal chess game," Ryuu explained, "You see instead of normal chess pieces, humans replace the pieces. At the start of each round, each opponent sends a person, representing the piece, to the board. And they fight…"
"So it's just duel," Amu smiled.
But her smile dropped when Ryuu's and Ikuto's expression remained frozen.
"Right?" she asked. Ryuu sighed.
"Not really," he continued, "They fight until one surrenders or…"
"Or one collapse dead," Ikuto finished.
Amu stared at them in horror.
"When will the game take place? And who's the opponent?" she worriedly asked.
Ryuu turned to Ikuto.
"The game will take place tomorrow," Ikuto replied, "And the opponent… is the Kingdom of Light's ruler, Princess Mia."
'It was as if fate was on our side because I happened to bump into that boy from the ball again today. He's the son the one of the faraway kings, prince, and it could be seen. His intelligence is matched by the gentle strength he possesses. I think I have fallen in love and he has too for he has already started courting me.'
Amu sighed. Although the journal entry was quite intriguing, she couldn't help but be distracted. Both her mind and heart were filled with worry.
Both Ryuu's and Ikuto's words kept echoing in her mind; "They fight until one surrenders or…"
"Or one collapse dead."
She sat up in fright.
W-What would happen if one of the ministers didn't...didn't make it?
She thought about.
If Kitsune died, Yuki would be in ruins. If Ryuu died, Amrita would be left all alone. If Ikuto died...
She stiffened.
...Utau would be devastated and...
Amu blinked
...Why do I feel pain at the thought of Ikuto dying?
Amu placed the journal down and picked up her lock. She stared at her trembling hands.
Ryuu was wearing his black tight shirt with a red belt at his hips. Kitsune was wearing her black Chinese top and her shorts with black knee-high boots. Ikuto was wearing his usual wear; the black V-neck shirt and long pants with belts wrapped around his legs. Amu watched them with concern.
They're all wearing their battle outfits.
Suddenly she felt a slender hand on her shoulder.
"No need to worry Hinamori," said a familiar chilling voice.
Amu didn't need to turn to know it was Hydrin himself. He was wearing a black top with long white pants and a long brown jacket over.
"Come now!" Hydrin said cheerfully, "To the games!"
He walked off. Amu turned to the ministers.
"Please take me with you!" she pleaded.
They all looked shocked.
"Why do you want to go?" Kitsune asked.
"It'll be better instead of me waiting for you and you might not come back!" Amu reasoned.
Ryuu stepped forward, "And it be better if you didn't see the blood being spilt," he said firmly.
Amu shoulders dropped, she couldn't argue with that. Kitsune walked forward and gave her a warm hug then turned to leave. Ryuu gently squeezed her hand the left as well. All was left was Ikuto. Amu opened her mouth to say something but no words came out.
I want to say... I want say please don't die... but I can't. I'll just say it silently; please...please don't die.
"I won't," Ikuto replied. Amu looked at him in surprise. He then turned and walked off. She clutched her chest.
H-How did he know?
Amu paced back and forth in her room.
I must go but I don't know where they went. Argh! I wish I can go to the Chess Game!
Suddenly the lock glowed.
"What's going on?!" Amu gasped.
The light then enveloped her.
She slowly opened her honey golden eyes. Darkness was surrounding her.
Where am I?
Suddenly she saw light and Amu quickly ran towards it. She gasped. In the light was a large stage with black and white squares like a giant chess board.
Could this be the Chess Game?
Amu then spotted a familiar group. It was Hydrin, Ikuto, Kitsune and Ryuu!
"Ryuu!" Amu called, "Kitsune! Ikuto!"
But they didn't seem to hear her. She placed her hands on the light but it was as if there was glass blocking her.
I can only watch.
"Team Black has arrived!" announced a white rabbit with red eyes who was wearing a black and white robe.
The rabbit then noticed a girl with gold hair stepping on the stage.
"Team White has arrived," he announced.
"Mia! It's so good to you again!" Hydrin smiled.
Mia's green eyes narrowed, "I wish I could say the same," she replied.
Masanori appeared beside her.
"Players take your seats!" shouted the rabbit.
Hydrin sat on a black egg-shaped seat that hung from a chain. There was a crack in it revealing blood-red velvet, providing a comfortable seat. Mia took the other seat on the other side. Hers was similar except it was white and the velvet was a soft pink and it hung from a strong ribbon.
"Players, tie your ribbon or connect your chain to your neck ornaments!" the rabbit ordered.
Hydrin hooked his chain to his spiked collar while Mia tied her ribbon to her necklace. There was a rumble and both seats were lifted into the air, about 3 to 5 metres high.
"Now, place your pieces on the board!"
Hydrin nodded and Ryuu, Kitsune and Ikuto stepped on. Mia nodded and... Tadase and the friends stepped on.
Amu gasped.
Tadase! Everyone!
Ryuu, Kitsune and Ikuto looked slightly surprised. Tadase and friends were surprised at the sight of Ikuto.
"I-Isn't that Tsukiyomi Ikuto?" Tadase muttered.
"What's Amu-chii's guardian doing there?" Yaya asked.
"He betrayed us," Tadase realised, "And Amu..."
Utau looked down to the ground. She didn't look shocked, just guilty.
"My," remarked Mia, "It seems that I have more pieces than you."
Hydrin smiled sweetly at her. "Well, my other pieces can't be shown right now," he replied. Mia stared at him in confusion.
The rabbit held up a black and white flag in the air, "Let Round 1 begin!"
Amu gulped.
They're going to fight my friends...
"Please send out the piece you choose!" said the rabbit.
Hydrin smirked at Mia while she frowned back at him.
"Knights!" they both announced at the same.
Two figures immediately leapt onto the stage, causing dust to fly. When it cleared, Ryuu and Kukai were standing.
Amu stiffened.
Ryuu vs. Kukai?!
The rabbit lifted both flags into the air, "Start!"
Kukai leapt into the air and thrust his leg forward at Ryuu. Ryuu's scythe appeared just in time to block the kick. Kukai jumped back and swiped his hand through the air. Ryuu quickly countered the blade or air with his scythe.
"Hey!" called Kukai, "You're not bad!"
Ryuu blinked then smiled, "Thanks," he replied, "But you need to put some more power into yours."
Kukai grinned, "Ok! You ask for it!"
He did a small spin and a fierce wind wrapped itself around Ryuu and lifted him up in the air.
Amu stiffened.
"Ryuu!" she cried.
When the wind stopped, gravity pulled Ryuu down. He quickly straightened himself and blew. A mighty gust inflicted damage on Kukai.
"That's it!" gasped Kukai.
A harsh light cloaked itself around Kukai. He then charged at full speed. Ryuu reacted quickly and he sent out red energy that took shape of a dragon at Kukai. A cloud of dust erupted.
"Time to finish it," Ryuu muttered.
He thrust his hand up in the air and comets were summoned down from the sky and onto Kukai's section of the stage.
"Kukai!" Utau screamed.
The dust cleared, revealing Kukai lying on the stage. Ryuu cautiously walked towards him. He stopped when Kukai slowly picked himself up. A sound escaped of his mouth; laughter. Ryuu stared in amazement as Kukai threw his head back, laughing. He then thrust his hand at Ryuu.
"That was a good game!" he grinned.
Ryuu remembered Amu's words; "He's really sporty and competitive but at the same time a good sport" and smiled.
Both 'knights' shook hands.
The rabbit held up the black flag, "Round 1 goes to Team Black!"
The knights returned to the ends of the stage, both receiving gentle pats on the back and compliments.
"Let Round 2 begin!" announced the rabbit, "Send out your piece!"
Hydrin and Mia stared at each other.
"One point for me," Hydrin smiled.
"But there's still time for me to catch up," Mia replied, "Queen!"
"Pawn!" said Hydrin.
Rima leapt onto the stage and Hydrin threw a black pebble. The black shape quickly took shape of a human.
"An Akuma," Rima gasped.
"Is that even allowed?!" demanded Mia turning to the rabbit.
The rabbit nodded. She turned back to the stage.
So that's what he meant by 'other players'.
The rabbit raised both flags, "Start!"
The Akuma charged. Rima quickly and skilfully wrapped her rope around its feet, causing it to trip. It swiped at her with its claws. Rima quickly took a step back, narrowly missing the deathly rippers.
I don't have anything to kill it with she frantically thought I only have my rope… I can strangle it but can that be possible, if only it's a human…
She suddenly remembered the time when an Akuma shape-shifted.
Of course! In order for it to shape-shift… it needs blood. I need to pretend to lose blood then wait for my chance.
The Akuma suddenly vanished into the ground as a mere shadow that's moving. Rima's orange darted around, following its quick movement. Suddenly, from behind her, a shadowy claw surfaced and scratched the back of her leg, leaving bloody marks. Rima screamed in pain. The Akuma resurfaced but in the form of Rima, except with an evil glint in her eyes.
Rima took this chance and wrapped her rope around its neck. She then yanked it with all her strength. Taken by surprise, the Akuma gasped and fell to the floor. Rima walked over to the body.
"Knowing myself," she said, "My little lungs wouldn't have survived that tug."
The Akuma then faded. Hydrin gave a small applause.
"Round 2 goes to Team White!" shouted the rabbit.
"Bravo Mia!" Hydrin complimented, "You didn't waste anytime at all!"
Mia pulled on a fake smile, "I like to get things over and done with," she smiled.
"Send out your pieces for Round 3!" cried the rabbit.
"We'll see who's going to win this game," Hydrin smirked.
Mia frowned. "Bishop!" she called.
"Queen!" said Hydrin.
A whirl of flames appeared on Hydrin's side while there was a whirl of feathers on Mia's side. The flames burst revealing Kitsune with her arms open wide, theoretically. The feathers scattered across the stage revealing Utau with one hand on her hips, standing strong. Both eyes met.
"So you're that famous singer," Kitsune remarked.
"And you're the one that started that fire at spring," Utau shot back.
"Let Round 3 begin!" called the rabbit, "Start!"
Utau's angelic wings transformed into black leather wings and Kitsune untuck her nine tails, her saffron eyes sharpened and an iris slashed across her pupil.
Utau waved her arms above her head and a hurricane of red butterflies, made from red energy, swarmed towards Kitsune. Kitsune thrust her hand forward, sending fireballs towards them. Both attacks collided.
"Not bad for a singer," Kitsune commented.
Utau smirked at her, "I put in a lot of effort to be ranked as Bishop," she replied.
"We'll see about this!" cried Kitsune as she swiped her arm through the air.
A fierce vortex of fire swirled around Utau. Utau raised her wings up high and opened them up again, breaking free of the flames. She took a breath and hit a high note. Dangerous music notes and sound waves were blasted at Kitsune. Gnashing her fangs, Kitsune took a deep breath and exhaled.
An extremely hot wind blew at Utau. She gasped and quickly clutched her arm. A burn had appeared. Kitsune's ears were drooping, Utau's sounds waves were pretty strong and her ears were quite sensitive. Utau held out her hand and a black triton appeared. Kitsune held out her hand also and flames burst out, forming a claw.
This decides it… they both thought.
They both charged; red energy appeared at the tips of Utau's triton while Kitsune's claw flickered.
BAM!
The collision caused dust to erupt.
Yuki slowly opened his ice blue eyes. He had fallen asleep while playing chess with himself. He stared at the board. The white bishop and the black queen were facing each other. Yuki leaned forward.
"One move will decide each other's fate," he murmured, "But…"
He flicked the black queen causing it to fall forward and hit the white bishop, making it fall as well.
He leaned back, "…both pieces fate can be the same."
The dust cleared. Both Utau and Kitsune were lying on the stage.
The rabbit held up both flags, "It's a draw!" he announced, "One point to both teams!"
Kitsune slowly sat up, her body covered in bruises and cuts. Utau brought her herself up, her arms were covered in burns. Kitsune's eyes returned to their normal state.
"Good match," she weakly said.
Utau gave a small smile and nodded. Both girls climbed down the stage.
Amu silently watched.
Both teams are now tied…
Round 4 was Kairi (as rook or castle) battling Hydrin's stronger Akumas (rook as well). With his sharp senses, quick-thinking mind and master swordsmanship, Kairi won the match.
Round 5, Hydrin call
ed his queen again, Kitsune and Mia called Chie which was her second bishop. Both Kitsune and Chie had animal instincts so the match was a close one but Kitsune won. Chie escaped with only minor bruises and burns.
"Let Round 6 begin!" called the rabbit, "Send out your pieces!"
Hydrin and Mia frowned at each other. The scores still tie.
"Pawn!" called Hydrin.
"Knight!" called Mia.
Another Akuma appeared on stage while Masayoshi calmly walked on.
"Go Masa!" cheered Chie.
Masayoshi gave her a small smile before turning to face his opponent.
"Start!" yelled the rabbit.
The Akuma immediately charged at Masayoshi, claws all sharpened. Masayoshi just stood. The Akuma swiped its claws at Masayoshi. In slow motion, Masayoshi crouched down and the claws missed him. Masayoshi smiled, a dagger was in his hand.
"I got you at the hip," he said.
Hydrin chuckled. "That doesn't matter," he laughed, "Akumas, when they're in their shadow form, they don't feel pain!"
Masayoshi frowned as the cut the Akuma's hip grew back together.
This might be a problem. I don't want to lose any blood so…it there another way to defeat it? He thought as he nimbly dodged all the Akuma's attacks.
It's made of darkness…
He then had an idea.
I, myself, am a Dark Power Element so I can be able to absorb the darkness for my own energy.
Masayoshi gave a quick twirl as the Akuma lunged at him. He leapt into the air, did a somersault to straightened himself and thrust his hand forward.
In order to absorb the darkness, I must place my hand on its face.
Hydrin watched with an evil smile on his face.
"He went for it," he whispered, "Do it."
Suddenly the Akuma lung its hand forward onto Masayoshi's face. Its shadowy hand was covering Masayoshi's right eye. His other eye widened. Then a scream of pain cracked the atmosphere like an axe.
Amu's wide golden eyes reflected everything; the silhouettes of Masayoshi and the Akuma. The Akuma withdrew its hand, holding something. Masayoshi's body fell to the floor. The Akuma placed its hand to its mouth. Amu's whole body trembled. There was a sickening crunch as the Akuma closed its mouth. Amu heard Chie screamed.
She pressed her lips together.
The Akuma... it took Masayoshi's eye...and ate it.
She helplessly watched as Kukai, Kairi, Nagi and Tadase ran towards Masayoshi's limp body and carried it off stage. His brown fringe fell over his eyes. They laid him down; Masayoshi's right eye was closed with a river of red flood out beneath the closed eye lid. Lulu immediately appeared at his side with a worried Chie.
Mia, who was watching, glared at Hydrin.
"How could you do that?!" she snapped.
Hydrin merely smiled, "There's nothing wrong with that," he replied sweetly, "Besides, since we didn't much pieces to be injured, I decided to put someone to death…well, put them on the line of death."
Mia clenched her fist and frowned.
The rabbit turned to Hydrin, "Sir," he called, "Will you be withdrawing your pawn?"
Hydrin looked down at the rabbit. "No," he said, "I'll like to use on the next round."
"Very well sir," nodded the rabbit before turning to Mia, "Please send out your piece."
Mia paused for a moment. Masanori noticed her nervousness.
"Pawn," she called.
Yaya looked up, "Oh, that's me!" she cried.
She quickly scrambled onto the stage.
"Oh no," groaned Kukai, "She's gonna get killed, especially with the Akuma that just ate Ito-kun's eye!"
"No," said Kairi loyally, "She won't. None of you have seen her in action yet."
"Let Round 7 begin!" shouted the rabbit, "Start!"
"Yay!" cheered Yaya.
The Akuma had taken form as Masayoshi and is now licking its bloodied fingers.
"You're gonna be very sorry that you've taken the form of my friend!" scolded Yaya, "Coz you have to deal with me now!"
She pointed to herself and gave a cute wink. The friends stared dumfound.
"It that supposed to be like…some cosplay pose?" muttered Kukai.
"This is going to be easy~," hissed the Akuma after it cleaned its hand.
It swiped its sharp claws at Yaya. She ducked just in time.
"Hey! Watch it!" she cried, "I like my hairstyle, you know!"
Throughout the battle, the Akuma kept attacking Yaya. She only managed to dodge by ducking or accidentally tripping.
"Stop running away like a chicken!" hissed the Akuma.
Yaya pouted, "Alright! If you want a fight, take this!" she cried.
She pointed her finger at it and a small beam of mysterious energy was emitted to the Akuma. It held out its hand and a stronger beam of darkness completely destroyed Yaya's attack. A sweat drop appeared on Yaya's head.
Mia bit her lip. She had never seen Yaya trained before so she isn't really confident about her powers or strength.
"This is just a waste of time!" it snapped.
It fell into the floor, as shadow form. Yaya frantically looked around, panicked. Suddenly the Akuma resurfaced right in front of her and send a hard blow at her head. Yaya fell to the ground; her orange fringe fell over her eyes.
"Yaya!" cried Amu.
The Akuma placed its foot on Yaya's head, grinding into the ground.
"Such a weak person," it spat, "And you were so full of yourself. Weak, just like a pitiful, helpless BABY!"
Kairi's eyes widened, "It said it," he gasped.
The friends blinked at him, not understanding.
Suddenly Yaya's mouth slowly opened, "Get your filthy foot of me."
The friends, Mia, Hydrin's ministers and Amu stared in shock.
"What?" said the Akuma.
Yaya's orange-brown eyes flew open. There was something different about them. They had lost their innocent look and are replaced with a hard, steely look. They had also sharpened and an iris slashed down her pupil.
"I said," she repeated, "Get your filthy foot of me or I'll cut them off!"
The Akuma hesitantly obeyed and Yaya stood up. Her voice was no longer cute or playful but firm and cold. Her iridescent pink pendant had turned a deep pink.
"You'll regret that you took Masa's eye," said Yaya.
She then swiftly moved forward to the Akuma. She gently blew and the Akuma, collapsed asleep.
"Now time to take back that pain I felt," she muttered.
Yaya held her hand in front of her mouth and a pinky-purple cloud drifted out of the Akuma's head and into Yaya's mouth.
She closed it and licked her lips, "What delicious dreams," she smiled, "Now, time for some torture."
She held out her hand towards the Akuma and the atmosphere became heavy. A black symbol hovered above the Akuma before fading.
"Sweet nightmares," Yaya cooed.
The Akuma sat up and screamed.
"Make it stop!" it screamed, its eyes were still shut.
"It's better to die while sleeping," Yaya remarked.
She swiped her arm through the air. A blade formed from psychic powers tore the Akuma in half. It gave a final scream before fading away.
"Round 7 goes to Team White!" called the rabbit.
There was silence as everyone stared at Yaya. She then turned around to her friends with a smile. She leapt up into the air.
"I won everyone~!" she cheered.
Mia gave a sigh of relief.
"What an interesting individual," smiled Hydrin.
"I won! I won! I won! I won!" Yaya continued to say after she leapt off the stage.
"Nagihiko," called Mia.
Nagi walked over to where the princess was sitting. Rima was watching him. Masanori whispered something into his ear and his bright orange eyes widened. Nagi looked up to Mia, who nodded. He nervously nodded back then walked back to the group.
"What was that about?" Rima asked.
"Nothing," he bluntly replied.
She pulled on his sleeve, "Don't lie to me," she said firmly.
Nagi looked away.
"Send your pieces out!" the rabbit ordered.
"Knight!" called Hydrin.
"Rook!" cried Mia.
Ryuu took to the stage again while Nagi nervously climbed on.
"Let Round 8 begin!" the rabbit announced, "Start!"
Nagi slowly swiped his finger through the air and a trial of water followed.
"I didn't know you were a Water Power Element," Ryuu said kindly.
"I discovered it when I was training," Nagi solemnly replied.
Kitsune's ears twitched, "I found a new enemy," she muttered. (A/N: Kitsune hates water. Get it?)
Ikuto sighed.
"Well, let's put those new-found powers to the test!" said Ryuu.
He launched a vicious tornado at Nagi. Nagi quickly countered it with a violent swirling whirlpool. Water and air spray all over the stage. Nagi charged forward through the spray, his spear in hand.
Ryuu quickly dodged.
"Why do you have guilt in your eyes?" he whispered.
Nagi slightly and swing his spear at Ryuu. Ryuu leaned back to dodge. As he did, Ryuu quickly lifted his leg. Nagi stepped back and Ryuu did a small somersault to straighten himself.
"Your actions seem reluctant," pointed out Ryuu.
Nagi thrust out his arm, "I'm sorry," he muttered.
Ryuu blinked then gasped as a water twister twisted from beneath him and carried him up in the air. Kitsune and Ikuto gasped. Rima watched with wide eyes. Ryuu was thrown around in the water. Suddenly there was a brutal blow in his back, causing him to lose all his oxygen.
Nagi watched from below, his eyes were filled with pain. Rima immediately noticed and quickly turned to Mia, who was watching with a stone expression. Ryuu's limp body continue to be thrown about.
"If this keeps going he's going to...he's going to drown," Kitsune gasped.
Suddenly the water dispersed and gravity pulled Ryuu down. As he landed, there was an impact on his head and neck. Nagi shut his eyes. Ryuu lied there, still. Blood now seeps down from his head.
"Round 8 goes to Team White!" said the rabbit.
Nagi quickly walked off.
Rima approached him, "The princess told you to do that, right?" she said.
Nagi slowly nodded.
"I'm guessing you did for revenge of your knight who lost his eye," said Hydrin.
Mia said nothing.
Ikuto quickly climbed onto the stage with Kitsune at his heels. Amu watched with concern as they bent down beside Ryuu.
Ikuto examined him, "He's knocked out cold," he replied, "Help me to carry him off."
Kitsune nodded and they did.
Ryuu didn't even move as they carried him.
"This is going to be the final round!" the rabbit announced, "So far, both teams are still tied! Decide on your final piece."
Hydrin and Mia stared at each other. On each side, they had a severely injured piece.
Amu waited nervously.
Who will they call upon?
Hydrin lowered his head in thought. Mia did the same. The last round, the one that decides it.
They looked up and called out at the same time, "King!"
The friends turned to Tadase while Kitsune stared at Ikuto.
Amu gasped.
Don't tell me! Not those two!
Ikuto walked up and found Tadase already glaring at him. Amu watched, her hand was clutching her chest and they were trembling.
"Tsukiyomi Ikuto," said Tadase.
Ikuto didn't say anything.
"Is it true that you're also called 'The Black Cat?'" asked Tadase.
Ikuto stared at him with wide eyes. Amu blinked in confusion.
"How did you-" started Ikuto.
"Mia told me," Tadase replied, "You're called 'The Black Cat' because you bring misfortune, tragedy and death where ever you go."
Ikuto bit his lip.
"You even killed your own mother," Tadase finished.
Ikuto completely froze.
Amu stared in shock.
What?! But his mother died from an illness! She wasn't killed! ...Right?
The voices were returning in Ikuto's head;
"You killed her!"
"Cursed boy."
He clutched his head.
Hydrin looked at Ikuto.
Clever Mia. You know he's weakness isn't a physical object. Instead his weakness is his own memories.
"The final match is about to begin!" called the rabbit.
Ikuto straightened up, his head was pounding. Tadase pulled out his sword and pointed it at him.
"I won't forgive," Tadase said, "For capturing and betraying Amu."
Ikuto clenched his sword. He remembered Amu's dreamy gaze when she looks at Tadase, her excitement when she thought she was going on a date with him (A/N: chapter 8), her flushed face when he confessed to her;
"Will you accept my feelings for you?"
"Yes"
and how she described him; "he's a really nice person yet determine."
He closed his eyes. Amu's smiling face appeared in his mind. I can't hurt the person she likes otherwise... Amu's crying face when she found out her brother died...
He opened his eyes to face Tadase.
I'm willing to put my own blood on his sword for you.
"Start!"
Tadase immediately charged towards Ikuto and he dodged.
I can't let him kill me straight away. Just dodge all his attacks then give him the chance when it comes.
Amu watched closely as Ikuto nimbly dodged all of Tadase's attacks.
Tadase is trying his best! As for Ikuto why isn't he attacking as well? He's just merely dodging! Why?
Then she realized the possible reason.
Could it be, he knows my feelings to Tadase?
She then remembered his presence during the Ferris wheel ride. Her shoulders dropped. She placed her hands on the invisible force.
Ikuto… you can't be losing purposely for me, can you?
Amu wasn't the only one that realized Ikuto's plans to lose. Hydrin slowly closed his hand into a fist.
"Fight Tsukiyomi!" taunted Tadase.
Hydrin's cold blue eyes narrowed, "You leave me no choice Tsukiyomi," he hissed.
Hydrin pressed a hidden button on his spiked collar. Ikuto stiffened as he felt a small electrical shock from his collar. His midnight blue eyes grew hazy.
Suddenly Ikuto pulled out his dagger and held it in his mouth. Ikuto then thrust his sword forward. Tadase leapt aside to dodge then he quickly ducked as Ikuto swiped dagger at him. Then, with his dagger back in his mouth, Ikuto swung his sword down. Tadase placed his sword in front of his to block it. Sparks flew as steel clashed with steel. Tadase struggled under Ikuto's force. He quickly broke away. Tadase was about to attack again when Ikuto sent a shadowy blob at him, knocking him down.
Hydrin smiled, "That's it," he whispered, "Now, kill him."
Dropping his dagger, Ikuto placed his foot on Tadase's chest so he couldn't move. He angled his sword tip so it faced Tadase's neck. Tadase could feel the cold hard steel on his neck. He drew it back and was about to thrust it forward when… a voice echoed in his mind; "Noooo!"
Amu pounded on the glass as she saw Ikuto pinning Tadase down.
"Noooo!" she screamed.
Tears poured out of her eyes and flooded down her face. The lock glowed softly.
"Don't kill Tadase!" she cried.
"Don't kill Tadase!" echoed in Ikuto's head.
He blinked, making his eyes return to their normal state.
That voice…Amu?
Hydrin straightened up, "Something's wrong," he murmured, "The connection broke."
Tadase looked at Ikuto then took this chance of hesitation by grabbing his sword and thrusting it through Ikuto's right leg. Ikuto gasped in pain.
Amu clasped her hands over her mouth from stopping her of screaming from what she saw.
Tadase pulled his sword out and Ikuto fell to the ground. Ikuto's eyes widened for a moment when he saw the point of Tadase's stained sword aimed at him.
"Enough," called Mia.
Tadase lowered his sword.
"The last Round goes to Team White!" yelled the rabbit, "Team White wins the Chess Game!"
Both seats were lowered and the prince and princess got off. Tadase gave Ikuto the last glare before turning away and joining the group.
Ikuto panted as he lay on the floor, he could feel the blood pooling at his leg. Kitsune hurried to him and helped him up.
Amu watched as Ikuto limped off the stage. Suddenly the light faded. Amu gasped as she felt a strange feeling in her stomach. It was as if she's falling down from a high building.
Her eyes flew open. Amu found herself lying on her bed. She quickly got up and raced out of her room. She stopped when she saw Kitsune and Ikuto carrying unconscious Ryuu. Her eyes looked down at Ikuto's right leg. She could see the dark red stain against his black pants.
"Ryuu's-" begin Kitsune but Amu cut her off.
"I know," she said, "I saw the entire thing."
Kitsune stared at her but Ikuto didn't seem surprised.
"Let me help you," Amu offered.
That night, Amu stared at the ceiling as she lay in her bed. Ikuto was sitting silently next to her bed.
"How's your leg?" she quietly asked.
Ikuto rubbed against the bandages that Kitsune had tightly bounded. There was a red stain on it.
"Sore," he replied.
Amu shut her eyes, to stop the tears.
"I'm sorry," she sniffed, "If I didn't shout out stop your leg wouldn't…"
"No," said Ikuto, "It's good that you cried out. You snapped me out of Hydrin's powers. So you don't need to apologise."
Amu turned her head and flushed when she saw Ikuto watching her.
"D-Do you want me to heal it?" she shyly asked.
"It's alright," he said with a small smile, "Just rest."
There was silence.
Amu closed her eyes.
Both Masayoshi and Ryuu are clinging onto life… if only there's something I can do.
"There's something you can do," Ikuto spoke up.
Amu opened her eyes.
"Pray and hope they'll get better," he said.
Amu turned and her blush deepened. She could see her golden eyes in the midnight pools of Ikuto's eyes.
"I will," she whispered.
To be continued…
Yep, Masayoshi lost his eye just like Fai from Tsubasa. And Ikuto got stabbed in the leg like Tsubasa (Syaoran, the real one). The next chapter will also be based on Tsubasa as well. You can hate me, curse me or kill me because I base this story from story lines of CLAMP. I don't mind. You can leave a review if you really want to...