Author's Note:

Hey guys. With these chapter, there will also be a series of retcons to a few of the past chapters, so as to streamline the relationship between this fanfic and the main story, as well as to solve any confusions brought up before. They're nothing major, you guys can go back and reread them, if you want, though it isn't really needed.

Chapter 24: Chasing The Valkyrie

For a moment there, there was only darkness. Weight and strength pushed down on me, the pressure almost unbearable. It took me a while to actually recall what had happened, and that did not make it any easier to believe. Still, there must be a reason. I could feel dust and sand at my palm, my fingertips. Kiera, why did you react like that? All the thoughts and emotions masked the fact that my arm and hands are already reaching for Fenris. Or maybe, I already did. There must be a reason for those actions. Was Kiera injured? Whatever it was, there seemed to be something upsetting her, that much seems clear from her looks. I need to find her! My fingers gripped harder at Fenris as my mind decided.

I did not know how long a time had passed. In the sound darkness, I hear a howl of the wolf.

No names invoked, no word from my mouth, as energy filled my body. Pulsing strength began pushing out to my surroundings. The power fills the brink in an instant, and in a flash of light, the rubble was pushed aside in a wave of force and energy. I think I Awakened, though I could not know for sure. Strength fills my body, I could feel senses sharpening even as I stood up. There was one thing that points towards Awakening, though. A feral snarl, or a growl, began emitting from my mouth.

Is it anger? I don't blame Kiera for what just happened, so why am I angry? Maybe this is more of a reflex? An feral instinct?

I find myself walking through smoke clouds and dust bunnies, probably produced by my Awakening, before coming into the main hall. Footsteps rattled from the steps leading towards the upper levels, and I caught sight of Dante and Vito walking towards me as I shifted my eyes. How long was I in there, buried? The sunlight showed no from of change, so I assumed it wasn't long. "Something the matter?" Dante asks out, while Vito looks around, apparently distracted. Or maybe it was on purpose, still this isn't time for that.

"Where's Kiera?" I ask out, making sure not to get too excited. I don't want them thinking there's danger if I am not so sure about it yet.

"Oh right, you're looking for her. She just went out." Dante replies calmly, at the same time, a hint of curiosity appeared on his face. I still find myself distracted by his dark-blue hair though, I mean really, dark-blue hair!

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts from distraction, I made it a point to think of only the situation at hand. Before I know it, my hands are already on the two main doors, ready to push them aside. "I'm going out for a bit! Vito, Dante, take over!" I just splurted out as I pushed the doors aside, revealing a bright, warm day. The streets was fairly quiet and empty, the sunlight soft and gentle. "!" My last look of Dante suggested he had questions, but by then, I had already broken out into a dash. Sorry, but this is important.

After running around a bit, I got tired of asking the questions, especially if it was all in my mind. Why did Kiera do that? Judging from her reactions all this while, she could be injured. But Kiera's no mere grunt. She's the Black Valkyrie, her shield a sign that intilled both fear and confidence in the battlefield. No way she could get injured, especially not until she'd be weakened. And.. It must be something that kept on happening. So that must mean something's going on behind my back, something that is hurting Kiera. "Time to use that noggin." I told myself, my steps now dashing towards the Shopping District. Think! This must be Mafia-related. What's the current situation of my Famiglia? It may be connected since Kiera is technically afillated with us.

"As of right now, the Famiglia stands on the verge of annihilation."

Out of nowhere, that line came up. It was something Kiera said a few months ago, back when I hadn't accepted the title. What if.. What if people didn't approve of Kiera still helping out with the Zanna? Considering the state we were in? No way... We recovered some of the resources already... We're slowly recovering... My eyes pushed themselves open as a possible answer came into my mind. No, that can't be... It can't be them...

"Kiera!" I called out as I finally see her, standing by a store. My steps were quick, but within an instant, Kiera disappeared from where she was. I only find myself baffled as I stood at where I saw her just a second ago. A cold wind then blew against my body, and as if prompted, I turn my head searching. Then, within a heartbeat, I heard footsteps moving once again. Flashing back to where I was, I turn towards the rooftops to see Kiera dashing away. I had little choice but to continue after her.

Soon after, I was running through the busy streets, desperately trying to keep my eyes on Kiera to make sure I won't lose her. Why is she running? Questions surfaced in my head as I pondered about what's happening or even, what's already happened. Keeping my eyes closely on her, I could see her keeping her head down and her eyes closed, for the most part. The chatter of the street was making it hard to concentrate on what I'm doing, the lights and sounds an annoyance. I ran with feral eyes, gripping on to Fenris, but, making sure it wasn't obvious. I don't want to bring panic to the streets. Thmp. Thmp. Thmp went my footsteps, each pace faster than before. Kiera was slowly increasing her already-fast footsteps, and I had to adjust myself to keep up. "Grrr..." The growling continues with mere instinct. As you can see, it's not so easy controlling my Awakening, though I must say, it never felt so strong before...

I swerved from stall to stall, with crowds of people amidst. Each turn and twist, I try not to even touch anyone, for I don't know if my strength in Awakening would hurt them or not. "Hey!" A stall-owner shouted out at me as I hopped over his display of pottery, barely landing to the side and nearly breaking one of his ceramic bowls. I only managed to return a quick bow of apology before returning to the chase. It felt hectic, as I had to keep up with Kiera while making sure I don't break anything or hit anyone. As I reached the fountain in the middle of the square, eyes still on Kiera, street performers came into my view, scattered across the square.

"Darn..." I whined to myself as I push my way past the jugglers and the unicylists, each of them doing a stunt of their own. I had to twist, turn, leap, and even crawl my way through. Some of them.

!

All of a sudden, Kiera went for a sharp turn, disappearing from my sight. " Wha-What?" I called out in my surprise. My eyes darted to a number of directions, eager to locate where she has turned to. As soon as I caught of sight of her, I basically forced my steps to shift direction. Unfortunately, that was a mistake, as there, walking into my sight, was two guys carrying large load on their back. A box with a huge 'Fragile' sticker stamped over it. "Whoa!" I called out, at that moment losing control. Or rather, it felt like I relinquished the control from my body, hoping I would stop. What happened next surprised everyone, even myself.

There was little time to think. Heck, I wasn't thinking at all. As if by reflex, by instinct, I slid down under the box right as it appeared. As the soles of my shoes skidded across the stone floor, I turned my body around and dashed forward on all fours. I could feel my palm smacking against the stone, yet, it didn't hurt at all. "What the? Hey, Be careful!" The men in jumpsuits yelled out at me, but by then, I was already a distance away. As I got back on my two feet, all while still dashing, they were already slipping from my view.

"Sorry!" that was about the only response I could give. Still, I didn't know I could do that, I must be really into my Awakening today.

"Huff.. Puff... Huff..." I was out of breath as I stood, finally halting my steps after what felt like more than a few hours of running. The sound of the sea, the waves crashing against the shore, resonated hard against my enhanced hearing. The smell of salt floated gently in the air, dirfting past my sense of smell. I find myself atop of a stone cliff, overlooking the open sea. In the middle of this pretty painting, stands Kiera. She looked at me with eyes that shows both strength and weakness. Like conflicting emotions. "Kiera.. Huff.. "I asks out, with bated breaths. Kiera stands as still as she was. I could barely hear her breathe, she's not tired at all. "Why'd ya do that?" I continued.

"I... knew it wouldn't hurt you.." Her words came out soft, like she was uncertain.

"And that makes it okay for you to do it?" I say out, almost yelling. My feral instinct was taking over. The pendant still showing the name, I was still in my Awakening. Immediately after those words, I could see Kiera turn and look away with sadness.

"I'm sorry." I... shouldn't have said that. Strangely, it doesn't feel so warm right now, the sun looks like it's covered by clouds. Without thinking, I find myself walking towards her. "Exactly what's going on Kiera?" My question came softly and slowly. Was I afraid? Worried? I don't know. Though, I have a pretty good answer in mind already... I could see Kiera tense in her movements. Her eyes then showed uncertainty, before she shuts them up and shook her head. Then she began wiping or maybe dusting off her shoulders. That was when the answers came. Huge, blunt marks were littered all over her skin. Bruises as dark as shadows appear scattered all over. I stood at a moment of disbelief, before calming myself.

"So it really is them..." I muttered out under my own breath. Kiera stand surprised at my words, before she reacted to my touch. Though she tensed, I made it sure to pull her and put her over my back.

"Eh?" I heard Kiera's voice behind my ears.

"You're injured, right?" I gave out as I began walking back towards the mansion. Kiera blushed but didn't give any form of objection. I couldn't let her walk when she's injured like that. My mind was twirling in a sea of thoughts as I paced myself with each step.

"Zzz.." Before I knew it, Kiera had fallen asleep. Hah, I guess she was tired after all. Getting a good look at her face, I knew what I had to do, no what needs to be done. Looks like studying will have to wait...

It's time for a little visit.

The new arc is already heating up! Exactly what's happening? What was the answer Amato thought of? Just how did someone as strong as Kiera got injured? We'll, you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out!