Well finally decided to post the rest of the chapters after so many months of delay... Sorry about that =.="
Anyways here's Phase 18 the second last phase.
Though this probably won't happen, please do comment/leave a review on what you liked/disliked or if there are any errors in any parts of the chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Guilty Crown or any of it's characters and story plot/arcs. What i do own is my ideas if any, that are incorporated into the fic and the few changes that I've made.
Guilty Crown - Sins of an Emperor
Phase 18: Reawakening
"Shu, behind you!"
I turned and brought up Inori's Void to block my attacker just in time as a equally huge sword slammed into Inori's Void, despite the size of the Void, its look was a whole lot simpler.
Behind me where Tsugumi was standing, I heard a gasp and only then I took a good look at my attacker only to feel as if hell had frozen over…
"Hello, Shu… We meet again…"
My eyes narrowed, "Gai…"
Despite how I stared at Gai with narrowed eyes, I was honestly stunned by his appearance… What the fuck was he doing, appearing so suddenly when the last time Inori and I had seen him was when he dispersed into particles along with Mana-Onee chan.
As everyone behind me took in the situation… I began to ask, "So Gai, mind explaining just what is going on here?" as I continued to lock blades with him.
Gai applied more pressure as he began to say, "I have no need to explain myself to a fool who stays ignorant of what could've been his…"
My eyes widened at the scorn evident in his voice but not even a moment later, I stared with narrowed eyes as I was reminded of Yuu… The words that came out of Gai's mouth were eerily similar to what Yuu had said...
Just as soon as I thought about that, Gai pulled back his blade before jumping back. We both eyed each other and I took the moment to note the changes in his appearance…
My apparently revived best friend who had just tried to slash me from behind had a complete wardrobe change, with the color of his outfit being white and the clothes being a overcoat with straight cut pants and the most noticeable change would have to be that his once blond hair was now a slivery white in color… Also I noted that his complexion seemed a bit paler than normal.
As I, along with my friends behind me were dealing with Gai's appearance, he suddenly dashed towards me and raised his blade for a strike which I hastily countered as we began dancing with our blades. Gai's impassive expression bothered me… and my mind was buzzing with thoughts about how Gai could have come back to life…
My inattentiveness nearly cost me as I quickly ducked from a slash that almost decapitated me, quickly backing away as I cursed beneath my breath… I had better pay attention to the battle first before doing anymore thinking.
With that we both dashed at each once again and our blades clashed with a loud clang before a sound similar to glass breaking was heard … Inori's void had cut through the blade in Gai's hand and it had cracks running all along the length of the blade before it suddenly burst into particles …
Suddenly a scream resounded over the area; I followed the origin of the sound, as I heard Ayase gasp… What I saw… was not pretty.
A GHQ soldier was on his knees, holding out his hands as they along with his legs began crystallizing, he was shouting at his fellow soldiers who had appeared along with Gai for help but they just stood there, stoic and unmoving as if they were statues and that the scene before them was insignificant.
The soldier gave out one last scream of anguish before he too burst into crystal particles… My eyes widened as I saw that… It was similar to what we had seen when we went to save Souta … Did that mean… that the rumor was true? That if your Void got destroyed… you would begin crystallizing until your eventual death?
I stared in shock at Inori's blade… my hands were shaking… If this blade were to get destroyed somehow… Inori… Inori would-
I snapped out of my thoughts as I noticed Gai raising his hand up causing the soldiers behind him to aim their rifles at us and three Endlaves appearing with their guns trailed on us as well.
I quickly backed away, moving towards the group behind me as I brought Inori's Void in front of me in a defensive posture while willing a shield to appear confident in its defensive ability rather than take the risk of damaging Inori's Void, the shield did materialize but it was flickering…Was it because I was shaken by the information I had just received?
It didn't matter though as Arugo suddenly shouted, "Everyone close your eyes right now!"
Without any hesitation and with the knowledge that Ayase and the rest would listen to Arugo's order, I closed my eyes just as a bright light shone dimly through my closed eyelids followed by a loud bang that practically caused me to be deaf for a moment.
Slowly opening my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of soldiers rubbing their eyes after taking off their visors and the Endlaves moving around not able to find their targets, even Gai was caught off guard as he too had his eyes shut.
I turned to check on Ayase and the rest of the group and was relieved to see that all of them were okay, Ayase tried to say something but I could not hear it as my ears were still ringing.
I felt a tremor and turned to see the three Endlaves fallen on the ground, it seemed that Sudou and Namba had taken care of the Endlaves while they were still dealing with the flash bang. Despite that, I didn't want to take any chances for Gai to call for reinforcements so I raised my hand and made a gesture for Namba and Sudou to come over as I shouted, "Let's move now while we have the chance!"
Apparently they heard me or at least understood what I was trying to say as we quickly began moving away from Gai.
As we moved, I shouted unintentionally to the mike, "Arugo, grab a vehicle and meet us at the place where we first encountered the enemy forces."
Somehow managing to hear a response from Arugo, I noticed that Gai raised his hand in our direction and saw more Endlaves on their way, I noticed Kanon and gave Ayase a nod which she understood as she quickly made her way over to Kanon and grabbed her before continuing to head towards the meeting point.
I slid to a stop while the rest ran past me, I quickly shouted, "Go on ahead, I'll just buy us some time."
Hearing them continuing to run, I stared at the approaching soldiers and mechas before looking at the two buildings on each side of the road. Nodding to myself, I let loose a shockwave at the Endlaves' legs causing them to crash to the ground before releasing two more shockwaves at the parallel buildings on my sides causing them to crash down to the road, blocking the path.
With my work done, I quickly dashed away but not before recalling the sight of Gai raising his right hand… I did not see any symbol behind his palm showing that he had the Void Genome… if so then where the hell did he get the Void… was it Yuu?... Perhaps
After a minute or two, I caught up with the rest of the group as we saw the GHQ vehicle that Arugo had somehow gotten.
Not bothering to ask him where he got it from, we quickly boarded it and as Arugo began driving, we all relaxed at the back seats... The adrenaline from the fight was running out and we were all tired… Hare and Kanon had already fallen asleep next to each other.
Ayase and I were seating next to each right next to Arugo who was driving, I was nervously looking at the side view mirror, worried about any pursuers, and I then felt a hand grasp mine and looked away from the mirror to see Ayase's worried expression as she said.
"Shu… Are you okay?"
I looked at my hand which was being held by Ayase before letting out a sigh as I replied.
"I…I guess I'm just a little shaken from what just happened... From Gai's reappearance to the rumor being true, I just can't help but worry about what's gonna happen from now on..."
I felt the grip on my hand become firmer as I looked at Ayase who surprisingly had a smile on her face.
"Baka."
"Eh?"
"Haven't we all gone through all of this already? You're not alone; you can count on us no matter what."
A frown appeared on her face as she continued," Sure Gai appearing was totally unexpected that even I still can't believe that was Gai, but at the very least, I know that wasn't the Gai we all know. "
She rested her head on my shoulder as she placed our hands on her lap before continuing.
"For now, don't think about anything, we can all figure it out later on, so Shu, rest…"
She gave me a peck on the cheek before placing her head back on my shoulder and eventually dozed off.
I smiled as I looked at her sleeping, before turning my head to face the windshield of the vehicle as I saw a building in the distance. Arugo had mentioned that, that building was where some of the remaining Undertaker members were gathering at and that was where we were heading.
Gai…
I was about to close my eyes and doze off when I thought of someone that should be with us right now… Arisa… I turned to ask Arugo, " Hey Arugo… What do you think made Arisa betray like that?"
Arugo frowned and replied as he continued driving, " While I can't be sure… There were rumors back when Gai and Arisa first met… Gai had asked us to keep survilience over Arisa for a few days and for those few days that we've observed her… She has shown some sort of obbession over Gai… Perhaps that obsession turned into infatuation which was what caused her to side with Gai.
While I was surprised at the information… I agreed, that was probably the most likely situation given the things we know. Telling Arugo to wake me up if anything happens; I looked at Ayase one last time before leaning on the side and fell asleep.
Scene change: Somewhere in the city
The search for Ouma Shu was still going on as GHQ members were roaming around the area.
Kuhouin Arisa who was in a large vehicle along with some GHQ members who reported directly to Gai was suddenly halted by a limousine blocking their path as armed men suddenly approached the GHQ vehicle.
The GHQ soldiers immediately announced that it was an ambush and gunfire began to rain from both sides.
Arisa took out her pistol and was about to go out and help when she noticed one of the men shooting from behind the limousine, she seemed to know who the man was and was surprised.
Suddenly a commanding voice sounded over the gunfire
"Stop shooting!" and just like that, the armed men who had ambushed the GHQ halted their assault.
Similarly as the door of the limo opened, Arisa asked the GHQ soldiers to stop shooting, as she made her way towards the limo.
Stepping out of the limo was Kuhouin Okina and as he saw his granddaughter, he gave her a disappointed look as he said.
"I didn't think you would be this foolish, Arisa."
Granddaughter and Grandfather were facing each other, one with a pistol and the other with two katana's strapped to his waist.
"Grandfather…"
"Tsutsugami Gai is a man who considers nothing but his goal. No matter how much you serve him, you will see no reward."
Three soldiers approached Okina with one of them carrying a rifle aimed at him. One of the three then said.
"That's enough; we have an important duty to fulfill."
Okina narrowed his eyes as he said, "Why are you chasing for a boy whose powers, your leader has already obtained?"
"You are wrong, our priority and main target is not Ouma Shu but Yuzuriha Inori."
"Either way, I cannot let you have your way anymore."
As he ended his sentence, he drew one of his katana and threw it so fast that the soldiers didn't have time to react until it had stabbed one of them.
Instantly causing his death as it was aimed at the heart, the other two remaining soldiers quickly tried to draw their guns as Okina dashed with speed no one would expect an old man like him to have as he was about to draw his final katana.
He slashed the first soldier while easily disarming the second one while causing him to slam into their vehicle before falling to the ground.
Okina turned to face his granddaughter as he announced." I shall clear the shame on my name with my very hands!"
He then ran over to Arisa as he said, "Die, Arisa!"
Arisa screamed as her Grandfather approached her with his katana poised for a strike and reacted.
The sound of a pistol firing rang throughout the whole area just as the katana was about to touch Arisa.
"I have-"
Arisa gasped and looked at her grandfather as he continued to say.
"Become soft…"
With a final look of regret, Kuhouin Okina fell to the ground, dead.
Blood began pooling and the remaining of the three soldiers stood up, massaging his hand as he praised Arisa.
Arisa narrowed her eyes but didn't retort, they boarded their vehicle and continue on their way as Okina's loyal men ran over to their boss's body and began to grieve.
Inside the moving GHQ vehicle, Arisa stared at Inori's picture while thinking.
"Yuzuriha Inori… If Gai wants you, then I shall…"
Her hands clenched into fists as she gritted her teeth.
Scene change: Inside an airport terminal
P.O.V change: Shu
When we arrived, I surprised to see quite a number of people gathered, not that it was a bad thing… After we greeted each other, we all had a meeting… About Gai and about Arisa's betrayal… We also had to explain it so that Kanon, Hare, Yahiro, Sudou and Namba could understand why we were all so frantic about Gai appearing all of a sudden.
Namba added that he had heard rumors about Arisa being obsessed with Tsutsugami Gai but it was never proven, we thought about that and theorized that it might have been the reason why she acted the way she did… a infatuation.
We couldn't think of any reasons for Gai's revival though we were all certain that Gai… had changed. I then noticed that Oogumo was not present and asked if anyone knew where he was. One of the members answered saying that Oogumo was at another base together with Kuhouin Okina's men and that they were to gather here tomorrow afternoon.
We were then told the new that Kuhouin Okina had passed away… this caused Arugo to clench his hands, we all then had a small prayer for Okina and the rest of the students who were murdered.
After that we all separated after having dinner and went about doing our own thing, Ayase and I went out and watched the night sky with our hands held while we both chatted about what we should do tomorrow… And soon enough we headed back in and fell asleep.
Scene change: the next day, inside a GHQ base.
Haruka, who was wearing a plugs suit of sorts for some reason, was leaning on a wall as wires were connected to a device she was holding in her hands, she was apparently hacking the security system to gain access to something.
A screen showed the words 'UNLOCKED' as Haruka placed the device on the opened panel before muttering softly, "I'm sorry, Mana."
She entered through the opened doors as she took out a pistol. She grimaced slightly before gathering her resolve and pointing the pistol in front, only to receive a surprise as she exclaimed.
"What?! She should be here!"
Suddenly a voice said, "Mana's not here…"
Haruka instantly turned to face the voice with her pistol aimed at the source as well.
The voice continued to say, "She never was…"
Haruka gasped as she saw it was Shuuichirou Keido standing in front of her, Keido then muttered.
"You never change, Haruka, you're honest with yourself, and you're an idealist who never gives up."
"Just like him…"
A brief pained expression appeared on Keido's face but it quickly vanished as he continued,
"Just like Ouma Kurosu."
Haruka looked at Keido with a flash of malice in her eyes as she stated, "You're the one who killed him, weren't you-."
She focused her aim as she continued, "Brother…"
Keido raised his eyebrows for just a second as he said with a somewhat tired voice, "So you know..."
Haruka couldn't believe it… her brother really did kill her husband…. "Why?! You were best friends!"
Keido scoffed as he closed his eyes saying, "Best friends? Me and him?"
Suddenly Keido took out a pistol and fired.
Scene change: with Arisa and some soldiers
Arisa who was checking something on a tablet of sorts, was surprised when an announcement popped up saying,
" Haruka has committed high treason and is now on the run. Anyone who finds her is to arrest her on sight. I repeat…"
"Ouma… Haruka…"
Scene Change: GHQ's Main Head quarter's Command Centre
Keido, Segai and Rowan were all watching a video feed from a security camera and the feed was showing Haruka acquiring a suit case of sorts, the scene seemed to interest Segai as he commented.
"That's one of the cases Sephirah uses to transport top secret…"
He suddenly had a huge grin on his face as he began to chuckle causing Keido to glance at him and ask.
"What's so funny?"
Segai turned away as he began snapping his fingers saying, "Its all clear now…I'm afraid that it's all clear to me now!"
Officer Rowan seemed to stare at Segai confused before Segai requested.
"Mr. President, about ..." He gazed at a distance with an insane grin as he continued, "I would love to be the one you send to track her."
Keido continued to stare at Segai who turned and awaited his superior's answer.
Keido then said, "Alright, I'll leave it up to you."
Segai bowed before saying, "I'll deliver satisfactory results, that I assure you."
With that, he left the room…
Scene Change: Outside of the late Kuhouin Okina's mansion.
Haruka, who was on a motorbike and had the Sephirah suit case in the sidecar, had just entered Kuhouin Okina's mansion's location.
As she gazed at the mansion from outside the wall, she thought to herself… "The Kuhouins… I have no one else to turn to besides them right now."
Just as she ended that train of thought, she had to quickly brake as someone was standing in middle of the road near the entrance to the mansion.
It was a female soldier, she was carrying a rifle of sorts and she addressed Haruka…
" Haruka, am I right?"
She then took out the sunglasses she was wearing, as she commented, "It's been a long time, Haruka-san."
Haruka's eyes then lit up in recognition as she exclaimed with a smile.
"Kurachi-san?
The female soldier now known as Kurachi approached Haruka as she explained, "When I heard you were on the run, I thought you might come here."
Haruka grimaced as she said, "I do have a slight problem, don't I?"
Kurachi looked down as she informed Haruka, "I'm afraid that this is no longer the Kuhouin mansion."
"Then, Mr. Kuhouin…?"
"It was a hero's death…"
They both looked at the ground, no doubt remembering the strong elder who was the head of Kuhouin Group for a long time.
After a moment, as they remembered that Haruka was still on the run, Kurachi took a seat in the side car, carrying the suitcase as they made their way to a hideout that Kurachi knew the location of.
There, they were met with various remnants from the Undertakers along with a few of Kuhouin Okina's men.
They both sat down as someone brought them coffee, they then began talking. Haruka began with explaining what exactly she did that had caused her to be on the run from GHQ.
"I tried to kill Mana to prevent Daath from carrying out its plan, but I failed."
This seemed to confuse Kurachi as she exclaimed, "Wait a moment, I thought Mana was-"
Haruka nodded as she answered the unfinished question, "She's my daughter."
This seemed to cause Kurachi to be taken aback while Oogumo who was in charge of the hideout said.
"In other words, Shu's older sister?"
His inquiry seemed to surprise Haruka as she asked, "You know Shu?"
Oogumo explained that he was a member of the Undertakers.
That certainly explained everything as Haruka relaxed ever so slightly.
She let out a soft sigh as she asked, "What was Shu like?" She looked down and began commenting, not waiting for Oogumo's answer.
"I'm his mother, but I neglected him…" Her eyes widened slightly as she came to a realization, "No, that's not it… I've just been running away from him, haven't I?"
Oogumo and Kurachi glanced at each other, both not really knowing what to say.
Meanwhile…
Scene Change: Just outside the hideout
A vehicle is seen parked under a highway and a loud impact sound was heard coming from inside.
Inside the vehicle, Segai was sitting down as he asked, "Are you certain that this building is a hideout of the Undertakers?"
A soft voice was heard weakly saying, "Yes."
Segai who was wearing a snowcap closed his eyes as he dramatically commented, "I can't hear you!" and shot in front as a small gasp was heard.
A female member of the Undertakers was being held captive and was chained as she screamed, the shot missing her by just a few inches.
"I-I'm not lying! Please believe me!"
A beep was heard, coming from a soldier right next to the captive female and Segai, the soldier manning the computer reported.
"I'm picking up a signal, Sir it's the real thing."
Segai put away the pistol as he smiled at the young teen in front of him, commenting.
"Magnificent, you're an honest woman."
The teen sagged in relief, guessing that the worst was over; tears were flowing from her eyes when suddenly Segai pointed the pistol right in the middle of her forehead.
"This is just a small token of my thanks." was what he said as the teen's widened eyes stared horrified.
A gunshot was heard and Segai looked at the now dead teen in front of him before asking someone to dispose of the body as he got out of the vehicle.
Scene Change: Back with Kurachi, Oogumo and Haruka.
Just as Haruka was about to say something, Kurachi held her hand out gesturing for her to wait a moment as she listened to her earpiece.
"Someone's here."
Apparently footsteps were heard climbing up the flight of stairs. Everyone inside the hideout got ready with their guns aimed at the door.
Oogumo who was by the door tensed when he noticed a shadow approaching the door through the translucent glass.
The person outside the door knocked and said.
"Excuse me, we heard that there was vaccine here…How much would you charge for some?"
Outside… A group of civilians were standing by the door, all looking worse for wear as the man by the door continued to speak.
"We heard that the government stockpiles are running out."
A woman exclaimed, "I have two young children at home! Please!"
Segai who had just arrived unnoticed suddenly announced. "You want to keep it all to yourself, don't you? Despicable!"
This caused the civilians to shout in rage causing Oogumo inside to grit his teeth as he gave the signal to lower down the weapons.
He once again stated that the civilians were mistaken and that there was no vaccine.
However the people continued to shout, saying that they should show them proof.
Oogumo then said, "All right, I'll open the door, so come and see for yourselves."
He released the door's lock and stepped away back to where Haruka and Kurachi were as the civilians began to enter the room.
As Oogumo began speak, multiple sounds were heard and someone shouted, "Grenade!"
Oogumo quickly moved in front of Kurachi and Haruka as multiple explosions occurred in rapid succession.
All the civilians and most of the armed men inside the room were killed instantly by the shrapnel and explosion caused by the bullet.
Segai entered together with two armed soldiers amidst the flames and noted the dead bodies that littered the floor.
Haruka and Kurachi, who had their eyes shut as they braced themselves for the explosion, opened them and were surprised to see their vision blocked and arms surrounding them.
They heard a cough and moved their heads slightly upwards and were horrified.
"Oogumo!"
Oogumo had used his body as a shield for both Haruka and Kurachi and due to that his back was badly burnt with large cuts all over it due to the debris caused by the grenades.
As Kurachi was about to suggest something, Oogumo released his hold over them as he said, "Don't worry about me! Just run!"
Haruka seemed distressed while Kurachi just grimaced before grabbing Haruka and began running. It was only then that Haruka remembered about the suitcase and knew it was too late to search for it; she could only pray that it was destroyed by the blasts.
Oogumo rushed out to meet Segai and the two soldiers and quickly used his arms to prevent the gunfire from hitting anywhere vital before performing dual lariats using both arms causing the two soldiers to sail through the air before crashing into the walls head first.
As Oogumo panted, he stared at Segai with rage before shouting. "You bastard!" and running over with an arm pulled back for a punch.
Just as he was about to break Segai's face, Segai dodged and Oogumo lost sight of him amidst the smoke and flames, he was about to turn around to see if Segai was behind him when he felt something metallic being pressed behind his head and the sound of a gun's safety being released. Oogumo managed to take a glance behind him and found that Segai had managed to get behind him and had him at gunpoint.
Oogumo was about to say something when Segai suddenly grinned insanely and said in a sing-song voice.
"Bye-bye, but don't worry, your friends will be joining you shortly."
Oogumo only had enough time to widen his eyes before…
-Bang!-
As his vision slowly became encroached by darkness, his final thoughts were about the rest of the Undertakers, more particularly: Shu's group and as his eyes were close, as his very soul drifting off to his final slumber, he prayed a brief prayer for his comrades and close friends while apologizing to Arugo and Shu for not being able to be with them…
"Sayonara…Minna…"
And with that… Oogumo went to sleep, never to wake again. All the while, Segai stared uninterestedly before noticing a sliver object reflecting the light coming from the flames; he went over and picked it up amused…
It was the Sephirah suitcase that Professor Haruka had stolen from them and apparently it had not been destroyed from the blast caused by the grenade… not that Segai had expected it to be, though it was a pleasant surprise to find it and he left the still blazing room together with the suitcase all the while smiling an amused smile.
As he exited building and headed into the vehicle he was sitting in earlier, he contacted GHQ,
"HQ? I have retrieved the stolen package and request immediate retrieval as the target has not been captured yet."
As he waited for a response, he found another group trying to contact him and he answered it only to find someone he didn't expect on the other line.
"Oh? Aren't you … I believe you are Kuhouin Okina's granddaughter, when did you join GHQ?"
True enough, Arisa was on the other line and she had a slight grimace as she heard her late grandfather's name but hid it as she informed that her group was near his location and that they could bring the package back to home base.
Smirking, he accepted and in a cheerful voice, said.
"Oh, my condolences about your grandfather by the way, I suppose it was a little too harsh of me to mention him earlier."
He then closed the line as Arisa looked down with a pained expression on her face.
Minutes later, he gave the package to her group with Arisa not being able to look at Segai which just amused him, he turned back towards his vehicle and as he entered, he opened up a map on his computer which showed a map of Tokyo with a moving blip heading towards the now abandoned airport terminal ever since that incident with the Undertakers.
Still with a grin on his face, he ordered for some reinforcements to meet him by the docks next to the terminal and proceeded to that location himself with thoughts about what would happen that night, running through his head.
Scene Change: With Haruka and Kurachi on about heading towards the airport terminal with Arugo.
The three of them had gone back into the building just as they saw that the coast was clear, when they saw Oogumo, Arugo grimaced before muttering a short prayer for his friend while Haruka wept a little before Kurachi reminded both of them that they had to rendezvous with Shu while they could to inform him of what had happened and what to expect.
So with final goodbyes given, they quickly exited the now burning building and headed for a boat that would bring them back to the airport terminal hopefully faster than Segai.
An hour later, they docked and were met by many familiar faces…
P.O.V: Shu
I smiled a little when I saw that my mum was alright and that Arugo had gotten them back safely, but my smile faltered when I noticed the mood that the three of them were in as they got out of the boat.
I then noticed that someone was missing and couldn't hesitate to ask… though somehow I had a bad feeling about this…
"Arugo… Where are Oogumo and the rest of the group…?"
Ayase looked on worriedly as Tsugumi who was beside Daryl asked when Arugo didn't reply.
"Where's Oogumo? He isn't with you?"
Arugo didn't look at us… he just softly muttered, "Yes he is."
That seemed to confuse Tsugumi but it just confirmed what I thought as I gritted my teeth in frustration…
"But…"
Arugo looked at her with a regretful but resolved stare as he replied, "He's with me… "
The message had finally got to Tsugumi as tears began falling from her eyes, I elbowed Daryl in the side and when he turned angrily to ask what that for was, and I just gave him a stare and gestured over to Tsugumi.
His anger disappeared as he remembered the girl beside him who was in tears and I swore that I heard him curse himself before going over and hugging her, trying to provide some sort of comfort.
Arugo walked past us as I too allowed Ayase to cry silently on my chest before my mother came up to us and apologized solemnly as she explained.
"I'm sorry, he was protecting me…"
That only made Tsugumi and Ayase sadder as we all began to mourn for Oogumo's death…
Oogumo… thank you for protecting my mother… I owe you a debt that will never be paid.
We all went back in as Daryl and I continued to comfort our crying partners while I dealt with my own sadness and worry.
After Tsugumi and Ayase had calmed down a little, we all gathered around as mom began explaining the situation…
Scene Change: Back at GHQ's Main Headquarters.
Shibunji was chained and on his knees as he looked at Gai impassively with disappointment in his eyes.
He began to say, "How far you've fallen, Gai… Five years ago, in the hell of the African battlefront, I saw a natural talent in the child soldier who tried to kill me. I've worked to make you king ever since."
Arisa then came in carrying the Sephirah suitcase, while being escorted by two GHQ soldiers.
Gai got down from the pillar he was sitting on and approached Arisa, all the while being watched by Shibunji.
Arisa, who began to act very meekly in the presence of Gai, didn't say anything as she passed the suitcase over to him.
Gai wordlessly opened it and a red glow began emitting from inside the suitcase, Gai took out the object and revealed it to be a Void Genome! Shibunji was surprised and no sooner than he had reacted, Gai dropped the suitcase and injected himself with the Void Genome, Arisa gasped at the sudden action before they all stared in awe as metallic ribbons began streaming out of Gai's chest as a powerful aura began encircling him as he screamed.
In the background of those screams, Shibunji muttered to himself, "Is this what you've really wanted… Tsutsugami Gai…"
The screams then died abruptly as Gai stared at the ground, unmoving and silent…
He suddenly stood up straight and plunged his hand into a soldier that was moving to check if he was alright, extracting the soldier Void without a second thought and showing that he had indeed gained the power of the King.
He stared at Shibunji as Arisa watched in infatuation like a fan girl. Gai then announced.
"I've only ever had one goal, then and now. You and the people that formed the Undertakers chose to build dreams on it and then chose to be disappointed, that's all."
That seemed to infuriate Shibunji as he shouted, "Then… what were the Undertakers to you! What did we fight for?!"
Gai slowly made his way up to the top of the pillars which was were a crystal seed-like object floated, and he turned back to Shibunji as he asked, "Do you really want to know?"
Shibunji's eyes widened a bit before they closed and he gave a small laugh as he muttered, "Believe or not, I thought of you as a friend…"
Gai however coldly commented, "A king has no friends… He only has subordinates. Pawns."
Shibunji said a somewhat relieved tone, "Then as one of your pawns, I suppose I should express my gratitude." He then had a resolved look on his face as he announced, "Thanks to you, I now have a new wish… To kill you."
While Arisa wanted to shoot the man who had dared to threaten the king she served under, Gai simply looked away and asked the guards to bring Shibunji away. With that, Gai began to head for his transport that would bring him to his final obstacle in completing his true goal… Ouma Shu…
Scene Change: Back with Shu and the rest
P.O.V: Shu
"Mom… is that true? That Gai probably has the last Void Genome in his possession right now and probably has already obtained the power of the king?" I asked as Hare began using her Void to heal the gun wound on my mom's left shoulder.
Mom nodded apologetically knowing that if she hadn't forgotten the suitcase then there would be one less thing to worry about. But that was not the current issue, if what mom had explained earlier was true then GHQ would be heading here right now, knowing Segai, he probably already has tracked mom all the way here.
I stood up and told everyone, "Everyone should prepare for tonight, GHQ are going to be coming at any moment.." They must've come to that conclusion as well since there weren't any arguments. We then decided who would be on the lookout and who would be taking the next shift, I extracted everyone's Voids except Ayase's just in case and after that, I told them that I'd go take a walk and Ayase decided to accompany me.
We walked in comfortable silence until we reached a corridor where one side of it was totally made of glass and allowed both of us to gaze at the evening sky as the stars shone dimly.
I held Ayase hand as I looked at her while she did the same, I then began to say.
"I'm not sure If I can bring myself to fight … To use everyone Voids and putting you all in danger like that…"
I let out a sigh, a tad bit disappointed in myself when suddenly I felt Ayase's hand touch my cheek and made me turn to face her.
"Shu no Baka."
"Eh?" I looked at her confused as she smiled at me with her eyes closed.
"Haven't we already gone through this?" She took my right hand and placed in on her chest right where her heart was as she continued.
"We've already trust our lives to you, so don't think that you're putting us in danger… after all if you weren't there then we would've already not be in this world."
"So…" She opened her eyes and looked into mine as a blue rune then appeared on the ground causing a blue aura to surround us, she pushed my hand into the glowing spot on her chest allowing it to enter and following her wish; I drew out her void and allowed it to materialize on her legs.
As the afterglow from the Void materializing dispersed, Ayase stood there with her Voids, hovering off the ground as she began to say.
"You cured me, allowed me to walk… then you gave me the strength to fly, to be able to help my friends and loved ones even without an Endlaves, this time… Put your trust in me just as I have on you."
Touched by her words, I couldn't say anything for a moment before I went up and grabbed her, embracing her, holding her in my arms… relishing the feeling of our bodies being meshed together.
Her arms also went around me and we stayed that way for a minute before we separated just enough to face each other.
"Ayase…"
She once again had a smile on her face that I returned as she asked.
"Yes, Shu?"
"Thank you."
We then grew closer and I gave her a chaste kiss before the building suddenly shook.
I held Ayase in arms until the shaking stopped; Ayase looked up with worried eyes as she asked,
"What was that?"
"I don't know…" I then turned my attention to the window and noticed a light flying upwards before heading for this building. My eyes widened as I contacted the lookout.
"Guys, what's happening out there?" I noticed dim lights on the ground approaching the building and narrowed my eyes wondering what they were when someone finally answered.
"Shu?" It was Arugo, "It seems that Segai is here and he brought some interesting people."
As the lights came closer, I began to dread the answer to the question I was about to ask but I asked the question regardless.
"Arugo… What do u mean by 'interesting people?"
The lights were close enough to see and Ayase gasped as Arugo answered my question… I was right…
"Shu, they're using Voids too."
I heard an explosion and felt the terminal shake once again before coughs were heard.
"Guys! You all okay?"
Arugo coughed a few more times before replying, "Yeah, we're fine though… Shu, what're we going to do?"
I turned to Ayase who gave me a smile followed by a nod before flying away, probably to go help others.
My resolve hardened, I stared at the oncoming wave of soldiers with narrowed eyes as I thought of what we could do.
I then remembered what happened earlier and quickly ordered.
"Everyone, lend me your ears. I know the situation looks bad but we have an advantage, I don't really know why Segai decided to do this but if all those soldiers are wielding their own Voids then all we really have to do is aim for those Voids."
I waited for that to sink in before continuing, " Use grenades and whatever range options we have to snipe them and only approach them head on when their numbers have dwindled enough, Daryl, use your Void to defend against any ranged attack coming from the soldiers and also Inori…"
"Yes?"
"I'll pass with using your Void this time instead, go and help out. I'll be a bit late but I hope everyone can buy me some time; I want to try out something… In any case, be safe and be careful… Remember everyone; this is a fight not to kill but one so that we all can live to see another day."
Receiving affirmatives, cheers and battle cries, I prayed briefly for everyone's safety before I closed my eyes and breathed deeply as I thought about what I was about to attempt.
I don't think I can deal with using other's hearts and risking their very lives… but what if it was mine… The thought that came to me in past came back… My own Void… I opened my eyes and stared at my right hand which contained the power of the king…
I narrowed my eyes and brought my right hand closer to my own chest as I went into New King Mode.
C'mon Void Genome… If you really contain the power that has the power to open up the realm of the gods, give me something that will allow me to fight and protect the ones I cherish.
I closed my eyes not noticing a special red rune appearing on my feet followed by a bluish glow appearing where my right hand was at.
I breathed in and out softly before plunging my hand, following my instincts and I finally experienced the sensation of having your Void drawn.
As I completely drew out my Void, I felt something materialize on my right hand and opened my eyes to a surprising sight.
My right arm was covered by what seemed to be red crystals that looked like crystals that covered Apocalypse Virus victims… except those were of a different color.
I moved my right arm and found that the crystals didn't really add much weight; I stared at it as I continued to clench and unclench my right fist, wondering what does my Void do…
The light of an explosion drew my attention and I noticed Ayase flying, dodging a few missiles… What also entered my vision was her Void which made my Void activate, my right hand opened and something began materializing on my palm… as it was about to finish, I was surprised to see a copy of Ayase's Void in my hand… Cautiously placing it over my legs, I felt the Void attaching itself and found myself flying… With that I knew what my Void did.
"A Copying Void… But can it only copy Voids that I see or can it…" I mentally envisioned Inori's Void and willed it to appear, I was satisfied when I felt my Void activate and the copy Void began materializing at a rate that was easily twice as fast as Ayase's appeared… I guess having the image of the Void in my mind helps.
Holding onto my copy of Inori's Void, I broke the glass in front of me with a swing and flew out and into the fray.
"Let's test something else…" I let go of Inori's copy Void allowing it to dematerialize before envisioning the image of the combo Void I used in the past, back when we wanted to destroy the Leucocyte.
The Void materialized and I grabbed it and aimed for the Endlaves that were the cause of the constant missile barrage, and fired.
The recoil from the shot should've sent me flying but apparently, Ayase's copy Void somehow allowed me to stay airborne at the same spot… probably accelerating as the Void fired to stop the recoil from sending me flying.
A huge explosion was the only thing that one would see if they looked at where the Endlaves were standing.
I released the Satellite Rifle which was the name I decided to give this Void and materialized Inori's Void once more before I entered the battle below.
Inori's Void's Burst combined with Ayase's Void's speed allowed me to practically flash around the battlefield, causing havoc and dispatching countless of soldiers.
As I took out another soldier, I found a shadow looming above me and heard Ayase shout.
"Shu, watch out!"
I quickly turned and brought Inori's copy Void as a shield, blocking a huge hammer Void from making me into a pancake.
The force from the smash caused cracks to appear on Inori's copy blade, I saw that and nearly panicked when I remembered this was a copy and quickly backed away before watching the cracks cover the blade and eventually broke it.
I envisioned it and willed it to materialize… and it did! Letting out a sigh, I grinned before rushing at the soldier who was a bit disoriented from having his balance topple due to the resistance suddenly disappearing.
Using the blunt side of the blade, I smashed it right on his head, knocking him out.
I heard a cry of pain and saw of Kuhouin's men getting injured; I released Inori's copy Void before flying over and materializing Gai's Void, firing a barrage at any soldier I could see.
When I felt that it was safe enough, I went over to the injured man who was being tended by his friend but the wound was a little too deep.
I materialized Hare's Void and began healing the wound. As the wound began healing, I smiled, happy with what my Void was allowing me to do. When the wound was fully healed, I found that most of the soldiers were taken care of but heard shouts about a trailer…
"EH?"
I turned to the direction of the shouts and found that a trailer was indeed heading towards me.
Dematerializing Hare's copy Void, I materialized Souta's Void and took aim at the oncoming vehicle and fired!
The windshield and roof of the vehicle disappeared causing the driver's identity to be known… it was Segai and he was grinning crazily as if he had won the lottery or something like that.
I narrowed my eyes at the man who nearly cost my mom's life; I headed towards him as I materialized Yahiro's Void.
Entering the vehicle, I pointed the shears at Segai who just looked at me with a crazed look on his face as he said.
"So, the king has obtained a new power… but, do you have it in you to kill me?
I continued to stare at him with narrowed eyes as I answered, " You nearly killed my only parent, threatened my precious friends, even if I will go to hell for all I've done, I will do what it takes for their sakes."
I then pushed the shears into Segai and I saw the Red Line, I snipped it causing Segai to die and begin to crystallize as the vehicle lost control and began to head for the sea. I jumped off and landed safely, allowing Yahiro's copy Void to disperse.
It was then that I heard Hare scream, "Inori-chan!"
I snapped towards the sound of Hare's scream only to find a figure jumping quite a height and away from us.
I used Ayase's copy Void to chase after the figure only to find that the figure had stopped, allowing most of us to see who it was.
… It was Gai and he held Inori's Void in his right arm while Inori was unconscious, being carried by his left.
I shouted, "Gai! Let go of Inori!" as Ayase landed next to me, ready in case anything happened while the rest were behind the both of us, in battle stances and guns aimed at Gai.
Gai though didn't look worried as he replied, "That won't happen, I need her for the completion of my true goal…"
I wondered what he meant when suddenly Tsugumi shouted, "Everyone, look out above us!"
I looked and my eyes widened at the sight of thousands of what seemed to be crystal arrows about to rain down on us.
I gritted my teeth noticing that Gai was already walking away, knowing I had to make a decision and it was an easy one at the time. I materialized Arisa's Void and quickly expanded it to the largest size possible before shouting.
"Everyone! Brace yourselves!"
And they did as the arrows crashed onto the shield constantly while others went off mark and hit the ground surrounding us. The crystal arrow that was embed into the ground suddenly had spikes protruding from it, and would've pierced through anything that was close enough.
After the onslaught of arrows receded, I lowered the shield and was about to try and chase Gai when suddenly I found Yuu standing where Gai was previously.
He was smiling as he told us.
"Tsutsugami Gai will be the one who shall take the role of Adam, the one who shall revive our Eve using the false Eve."
His smile grew even larger, if that was possible as he continued.
"When our Eve has been revived… Ouma Shu, you and the rest of your group will be the first to experience the dawn of a new Era… Although it is a disappointment that we will not get to battle for the last time, this is good bye, Ouma Shu."
He snapped his fingers and a flash blinded all of us for a moment, when we could see again, he was no longer there and while I wanted to find out where Gai had taken Inori… Afraid of what Yuu had informed us… I suddenly felt tired and as Ayase's copy Void dematerialized along with my own Void… I was about to fall onto the ground when I felt someone catch me, with bleary eyes, I could barely make out Ayase's figure as she held me before saying.
"Shu, rest for now… We'll figure out what to do after you've waken…"
Managing to mumble out a "good night…" I fell asleep with worried thoughts about Inori.
And that's the end of Phase 18... I'll post the final chapter soon... Already have it written but I want to make a couple of changes here and there so... yeah. Cya all next time~
Chaoz Out~