Chapter 24: The Duel/ Leifang's Awakening
Disclaimer: All rights reserved to KOEI TECMO, TECMO and Team NINJA. I am not Yosuke Hayashi.
A/N: Happy about the reviews that I'm getting for SC!:)
Finally, the duel between the queen and Leifang! Do you think that she'll win?
Oh, by the way, I'm sorry for being unresponsive for months. It's the stress of finals, but I'm finally done!:D
Small fact...I just found out that 'Buchfink' was actually not Hitomi's surname, because a 'Buchfink' is actually German for 'Common Chaffinch'...which is a bird if you didn't know. 'Buchfink' is the name of the bird on her soccer top, since her university is Kuppe (Austria). Well, I don't really mind because I'm going to continue using that surname for her.
Just wanted to share!:P
Don't forget to R&R and WTSPH is next:)
"Are you crazy?" Jann Lee seethed as he paced around the room accommodated to them. Leifang calmly looked at him, looking as serene as ever. She seemed insanely calm for someone who would fight to the death.
"I believe not, Jann Lee. I'm doing this for you, so I think you should be a little more grateful that." He scowled at her. He did not find this funny, nor did he want her to find it funny. She could die any minute. He hated that.
"This isn't a game, Leifang!" He hissed, "do you realise what you've done? And you can't get out of a duel unless you die! Just go and tell her that you don't want to do this anymore and would rather trade me. Because I would rather do that then having to blame myself for your death!" Finally, she looked enraged. Her hands trembled and her eyes suddenly shone a bright yellow.
"You can't tell me what the heck I can or cannot do! Why do you always have treat me like a child?!" She screamed, "I'm only a year younger than you, Jann Lee! You have not right to tell me what I can do. I'm doing this for you! And this is how you thank me?!"
"You don't have to do this! If giving myself as a slave means saving the ones I care for, I will do it willingly!" He replied swiftly.
"No, you know that's not fair to the ones that care for you!" Leifang growled.
"Is this what you feel, Leifang? Or do you just feel sorry for me? It's pity isn't it?" He glared at her. She looked hurt for the moment, and did not reply for quite a long time. He smirked victoriously.
"I knew it! I don't need your pity!" Jann Lee spat in return.
"It's not because of pity!" Leifang roared suddenly, the ground trembling for a brief moment. Jann Lee's eyes widened, "you know what? Never mind. Get out," the Chinese martial artist tried to protest but was cut off, "get out! Get out and don't come back!" He briefly saw tears in her eyes before she slammed the door in his face.
Jann Lee watched the door for a few instants before he heard the whimpering. Sighing, he made his way to where he was accommodated. Guilt shook his whole being, while one thought roamed in his head, what did I do wrong?
And as if to mock him, his subconscious replied, literally everything.
Ryu Hayabusa was a really experienced ninja. While everyone was forbidden to see Kasumi at all, he had managed to get past the guards who were ordered to keep an eye on her. He wanted to see her. All he was thinking of was her, and how she was doing. Ever since her sudden 'death', he wanted to keep her safe all the time. At the time, when Eliot had announced her 'death', it was as if he had died a little with her. He never wanted to feel that feeling again.
He quickly and quietly sprinted inside the house, hiding by the inside of the door. He sighed and slowly and silently locked the door. To not cause a shock, he took his mask off, placed it on the table near him. Then he entered the room, where Kasumi was lying on a bed, but was not asleep. Her big, amber eyes shone even from where he stood. She was fiddling with her thumbs impatiently, as if she was waiting for the day to come.
"Should I really just tell him?" She whispered in the dark, "what if he truly loves Irene and abandons me and...it?"
Is she talking about me? What is 'it'? He questioned in his mind. Determined to find out, he entered the room.
"Kasumi." He said softly. She startled, sitting up. All colour drained from her face as her eyes widened. He frowned at her reactions.
"Why are you here?" She whispered with fear lacing her voice. He looked, at her, confused. Why was she so scared? There was no one else but him.
"I was worried about you," he continued, sitting on the edge of her bed. She backed away slightly. His heart dropped to his stomach. What was wrong with her? Had he done something wrong?
"You should go back to the others. I'm fine, I don't need your help." She replied, turning her head away. Ryu frowned, placing a hand on her face so that she could face him. Kasumi froze at his touch and slapped his hand away.
"The last time you touched me, it didn't end so well," Kasumi snapped viciously. It was Hayabusa's turn to freeze.
"How do you know that?" He asked, his eyes wide. Suddenly, Kasumi laid on the bed and snorted.
"Irene told me," she spat, "and I understand now that touching you will only cause trouble." Her eyes held so much hatred and spite that for a moment, he thought he saw steam come out of her ears. This sent Hayabusa's mind to that faithful night...
"I remember." He said simply. Kasumi sat up and looked at him strangely.
"What?" She asked, confused.
"I remember that night."
All the frustration left Kasumi's face, only to be replaced by horror and sadness.
"It meant nothing."
Hayabusa's eyebrows shot up.
"I know it meant nothing to you. It was just a release, wasn't it?" She asked softly, chuckling bitterly, "I had hoped that you had forgotten. You usually don't remember unimportant things." Although Kasumi was not saying directly, he knew she was speaking about herself. His stomach twisted in an uncomfortable manner.
"Don't say that. It did mean something to me." He replied quietly. Kasumi watched him, her eyes growing bigger by the second.
"I...it did?" She questioned as quietly. Hayabusa nodded, a small blush coating his cheeks, contrasting with his slightly tan skin. Kasumi's frail hand reached to touch his face. He looked at her. Time seemed to have stopped for the two. Kasumi saw everything that she had always wanted to see before. Care, slight embarrassment, a speck of sadness and perhaps...something else? Kasumi's heart jumped. Could it be? Did he reciprocate her feelings? Could she finally tell him about the baby?
"Hayabusa, I...I have something to tell you..." She muttered, her hands moving from his face to her lap. Hayabusa raised his eyebrows.
"Tell me." He looked at her expectantly. Kasumi battled to say anything, played with a strand of her hair, wringed her hands together, then finally decided to hold his gloved hand.
"I'm...I'm...I'm having a...a..." She struggled, wanting to answer, but both were rudely interrupted. There was Rona, a very angry Rona, by the door, holding a broom stick.
"What are you doing here?! Out! Get out! I have already denied anyone for them to get here. Now out!" She hit Hayabusa with the edge of the broom, Hayabusa grunting slightly as he grabbed his mask, giving a longing look to Kasum, then he sprinted outside into the night. He thought about what she was about to tell him. What was she going to tell him? She seemed so nervous, shaking, and a hint of sadness, just like the day after they'd... Ryu blushed under his mask, dismissing the thoughts immediately. Sighing, he made his way to the small hut where he was to sleep. Looks like he was not getting any sleep tonight...
From a corner leaning against a tree, there stood Irene, red eyes glaring at Ryu. Next to her, was none other than a demon. However, she did not look like normal demon. This woman had terrifying neon yellow eyes, blood red hair and ghostly pale skin. She was devilishly beautiful. Irene felt her body tremble in anger as fleeting images of Ryu and Kasumi locked in a tight embrace appeared in her mind. She could not get them out of her head...them kissing...them touching, smiling at each other, laughing...her eyes turned green, the colour of jealousy.
"If we manage to get Kasumi...we will get Hitomi. She would sacrifice herself for her. Then, Ryu is all yours...I don't care about him. Afterwards, you can do anything with him with her out of your way. Just listen to my voice, Irene...listen to my voice..." The demoness finished, whispering in her ear.
"Ryu...mine..." Irene whispered vaguely, then she gripped the tree, her claw-like nails digging into the bark. The demon smirked, then pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, making her go limp instantly. Satisfied, she walked away, her body changing with each step. Her hair changed from blood red curls to dark brown waves, her eyes going from yellow to a chocolate brown. More colour was added to her skin, and slowly, her revealing outfit changed to a simple blue hoodie with dark jeans and sneakers.
Mingyu smiled an evil smile. Everything was going according to her plan.
Saccra Terras
"Look out, Dante!" Gwen screamed as the demons followed them. It almost seemed like years - they had been fighting for a long while, their muscles aching. After shooting so many arrows, Gwen's normally nimble fingers were almost numb. A thin sheen of sweat covered their bodies as four similar looking demons ran after them. Dante dodged the fire attack of the dreaded demon and snapped his fingers, a blue ball of energy coming to hit the demons from behind. They screamed as blue fire scorched their multicoloured skins.
Both sighed in relief as the demons disappeared. This had to be the last ones following them. Gwen leaned against a tree, exhaling loudly, sliding down to sit on the grass. Dante collapsed next to her.
"We're okay," he said, panting,"we're okay now...we're home..."
"Dante! Gwen!" Simultaneous screams erupted from very familiar voices. The two heros looked to see two little girls, both alike in eyes, but different in hair. It was a sure sign they were twins.
"Mikan, Miharu..." Gwen smiled at the two girls. Mikan, the brown haired one, quickly let go of Miharu's, the blonde's, hand and quickly went to hug to Gwenwyn.
"Gwen! You're okay!" The little girl whimpered. Gwen let go of her bow, wrapping her arms around the small girl. Miharu ran over Mikan, agitated.
"Mikan! You know you're not supposed to let go of my hand!" She scolded, tearing her away from Gwenwyn. Mikan scowled.
"I know, I know..." She muttered, "but you can't blame me! Ever since we were in hiding, there is no sign of human life anywhere we looked! Besides, I missed Gwen and Dante!" She stuck her tongue out, to which Miharu rolled her eyes. She walked towards the pair of them, grabbing Mikan's hand once more, giving her a death glare. Mikan sighed.
"Sorry about my sister. She just has a weird way to express herself. I feel that she lost sight to everything that's good because of this war." Miharu glared at her before snorting and looking away.
"By the way, is Andra with you? I heard that she has the Electus with her." Miharu said, which grabbed Gwenwyn's attention.
"No, unfortunately," Gwen said bitterly, "we hoped that she was already here while we were held captive. Maybe something is stopping her..." She sighed, closing her eyes. Dante placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright, Gwen. We'll find her soon enough. Right now is wound healing time. Running is tiring and I'm pretty sure thunder makes the same noise as your stomach when it growls." Gwen sent a murderous look to him, to which he just chuckled, "sorry but it's true."
"Then come with us! Aunt Greta has been worried sick over you, Gwenwyn!" Mikan grinned. Gwen smiled softly.
"Okay then let's go h..." Her words were cut off as she fell on the ground, unconscious. Dante yelped, jumping on the floor to her.
"Gwen? Gwen! Gwen, this isn't right, wake up!" He cried, panicking. He looked back at the twins, about to yell at them for not helping, but then he saw what they looked like. Their feet had left the ground, their blue eyes glowing- in fact, their whole bodies were glowing. They were staring at the pair of magicians, a vacant look in their eyes.
"What is this, sister? A change of destiny?" Miharu whispered.
"Yes...the scepter...the pendant and...love of two souls?" Mikan replied blankly.
"But wait...it's not just two...it's three!" Miharu exclaimed.
"Impossible!" Mikan countered.
"The course has changed...it is not about just the Electus anymore...truly incredible..."
"The time is near. The final battle will come soon enough...the end of this phase is near..." With that, they both dropped to the floor, falling asleep instantly. Dante sighed.
What do they mean? He thought, sitting down, leaning against the tree, watching as the three girls remained immobile.
And more importantly, he thought again, eyeing the girls tiredly, how am I going to bring those three to Ms Greta?
Leifang pressed her palms against themselves. Closing her eyes and crossing her legs, she proceeded into breathing in and out focusing especially on shutting her mind down. The duel was about fifteen hours away, and the only weapon she was allowed was a sword. She thought about it over and over, and calculated this: there was little to no chance that she would win. She thought about her little brother back in Shanghai, her cute eleven year old little brother, who was too mature, even for his age. Liao Jun, or Jun, the only boy that looked exactly like Leifang. She opened her eyes in contempt, a memory slipping into her mind. It was before she went to Germany. Maybe she should have listened to him when he said these words to her...
-Flashback-
"I don't want you to go."
Leifang turned to her younger brother, who was frowning at her. She rolled her eyes as she zipped up her bag.
"Don't be a baby, Jun. I know it's hard to survive because you love me so much," Jun wasn't smiling, "but you have your friends and Mom and Ba." She said, placing her hands on her hips, "beside, since when are you so worried when I travel? It's just visiting Hitomi, and you love Hitomi. Do you want to see her or something?"
"It's not that, Leifang...I have a bad feeling about this. I don't think you should go at all. I think something bad is going to happen to you. Please, Leifang, I don't want to lose you." He whimpered. Leifang smiled softly.
"Jun, please calm down. I travel every time and nothing has ever happened to me. So chill, it's really nothing." She turned back to her bag, stuffing the necessary- for Leifang, it's called make-up.
"Do you promise to come back?"
Leifang paused at his tone. She turned back to him, frowning. He nearly had tears in his eyes. Jun had to be the most affectionate brother, but she couldn't help but also think; what was going to happen to her? She then replaced her frown with a smile, then leaned to kiss his forehead.
"I always do."
-End of Flashback-
And she would do it again this time. For Jun, for Hitomi and all the others...for Jann Lee, she would fight until there was no strength left within her. She breathed out, opened her eyes-which landed on the the sword- and stood up. She sheathed the blade out, and stared at her reflection in it.
She was Liao Leifang. The T'ai Chi Quan Genius. For the ones she loved, she could not lose.
With that, she started her training, incorporating her fighting style in every single of her movements.
From the window of her small hut, Jann Lee watched as she sliced a glass of water, watching as the water dripped down. She was finally training.
He huffed, shaking his head. Tomorrow was surely to be interesting. He just hoped that in that process, he wouldn't be the one with that would have the Queen's blood on his hands if Leifang supposedly lost, which was highly probable.
He sighed. He had to go back to sleep, and hopefully not picture Leifang dead in his dreams again.
Desirée watched as Hitomi and Hayate first entered the fully packed arena. Hitomi's eyes were rimmed red, as if she had been crying, and Hayate was holding her hand in comfort. The Queen felt jealousy rise slightly, then chuckled at how ridiculous she sounded. As if an Amazon Queen could ever fall in love. As soon as she was done here, that boy, Jann Lee would become her personal slave.
The others slowly entered the arena, their expressions gloom. After all, someone was going to die today-it didn't matter if it was Desirée or Leifang. Death was the worst thing that could happen to anybody.
Finally, there was Leifang. Her expression was stone cold. For a moment, the Queen felt a shudder of fear snaking up her spine. Why was she not scared? She glared back at her to hide her slight terror. Jann Lee was not here, surprisingly. However, that didn't seem to disturb Leifang at all. She seemed determined to fight. The Queen approached her.
"You could back out now, you know?" She mocked, smirking, "that would spare your life...besides, why do you care if that beautiful friend of yours fell into my hands? Oh...wait. Maybe you're...in love with him, aren't you?" Leifang shook in anger, however, Desirée thought of it as fear, and so laughed maniacally, "I'm right, am I not?" The Amazons in the audience started to laugh along with her, "pathetic! This is going to be eas-"
"So what?!" Leifang suddenly roared, making the ground tremble, "so what if I'm in love with him?! Is that a problem? At least, I have someone to love, while you have nothing! Do you hear me? Nothing! If I'm right, you're the pathetic one here! Your taunts are probably your only weapon...and I'm going to silence you forever!" A wave of noise pushed the Queen away, sending her flying to the wall nearby. She moaned in pain, while Leifang sprinted towards her. She took the opportunity to deliver a strong blow to her arm, which made it bleed-but only slightly. Desirée clenched her teeth, angered. She dashed towards Leifang, swinging her sword towards her. Leifang jumped away just in time. And so it went on, blades crossing, clothes tearing, skin broken, blood, and a cheering crowd. Because of her endurance, the Queen was currently the one with the advantage. Leifang, however, appeared tired. From above, Hitomi hid her face in Hayate's chest, crying, which was not heard because of the roaring of the crowd. Hayate did his best trying to comfort her, but it was no use. Even he could not do anything for her, as the only one who could actually comfort her was in the arena fighting for her life. Eliot had kept his eyes on his shoes. It was a shame that he could heal others but not himself. Leifang had become a close friend, and the last thing he wanted was to lose her. Next to him, Ayane looked at him in utter sadness. An unhappy Eliot was not what she wanted. If only she could do something...
A blood-curling scream from bellow is what made Hitomi stand up, almost pushing Hayate away from her. Her heart slammed against her heart, and almost came to a stop as she saw the huge gash of, the colour of blood on her side. Leifang dropped the sword, feeling the pain consume her as she let out another scream and dropped to the floor.
"Leifang!" Hitomi shouted, fear consuming her whole being. The Amzons were cheering on for their queen, who was breathing hard, many cuts on her perfect skin. The group stood up, dread in their stomachs.
"No!" Hitomi screamed desperately as she tried to move out of Hayate's arms, "don't kill her, please! Stop the fight! Stop the fight!" Hayate quietly told her not to look. The Queen was approaching Leifang slowly, smirking, although her face was full of blood.
"It was meant to be..." She said, raising her sword. Leifang closed her eyes, awaiting the upcoming impact. She smiled softly as the ones she loved went through her mind. Tears went down her cheeks.
I'm sorry Jun, I won't be coming back... I love you.
I'm sorry, Jann Lee...I love you...I think I always did. I'm sorry I couldn't save you...
"Leifang!" A voice from behind her was heard. Desirée stopped, looking at culprit. There was Jann Lee, trying to wriggle out of the arms of the female guards. Her mouth full of blood, Leifang muttered, "Jann Lee?"
"I don't need your pity!"
It's not pity...and I have to prove it to him...
"Guards! Take him away! This battle is as good as won!" Desirée was about to scream more, but stopped as she saw the yellow glow surrounding her victim's body.
"What?" The Queen muttered.
I have to protect him...I can't lose him when so close! Leifang stood, her fringe hiding her eyes, and suddenly she spread her arms wide and looked to the sky, her eyes closed. The sky's colour went from warm sunrise to dark, grey clouds. A yellow light shined upon her. The blood and cuts on her body disappeared, and the same happened to her rags of clothes. Instead, a soft yellow gown that could belong to a goddess appeared, transparent yellow sleeves covering only the underneath of her arms. Her boots changed to golden sandals and her hair loosened from its two braids, creating soft curls that reached her back. Her eyes seemed to be most shocking. A bright yellow on the right and white on the left, and her lips turned to a smile. She turned to the Queen, the smile dropping. She opened her mouth, and her voice came out in a soft melody. However, Desirée was the only one who didn't hear it. Instead, she heard a heart-stopping scream. She dropped to the ground and screamed in pain, begging Leifang to stop.
Leifang smiled and closed her mouth. The sky returned to its original colour, and stared at the Queen, before picking up both her weapon and her opponent's weapon, pointing both down to her. The Queen glared back at her.
"What are you waiting for? Kill me. You've won, haven't you? A Queen can admit defeat..." She muttered. Leifang stared at her, her eyes returning to her normal brown.
"Your pride overcame your senses," she said, throwing both the blades to the ground, "I know how it feels to be alone. When my brother was not born, my parents didn't pay attention to me. But it doesn't mean you can take away other people's loved ones for your benefit. I'm not going to kill you. I'm not a murderer," from above, Hayabusa flinched, "just give us the weapon, and we'll leave it to that." She then turned to the quiet audience, watching as the others watched her in awe.
"Leifang!" Hitomi yelled, wriggling out of Hayate's arms and jumping off the one meter balcony. She stumbled slightly and sprinted to her best friend, arms wide open," She almost managed to tackle her to the ground, "you dummy! I was worried sick! Don't ever do that to me again!" She sobbed, tears running down her face.
"Hitomi!" Leifang scolded, "what the heck were you thinking jumping off a balcony like that?! You're not an acrobat! I almost had a heart attack seeing you do that! What would your mom say?" She questioned, watching Hitomi worriedly. Hitomi laughed, Leifang joining her.
"Leifang!" Jann Lee ran to her. Her eyes widened as he effortlessly picked her up from the ground, then crushed her to his chest.
"J-Jann Lee! What are you doing, you big dummy?!" She stuttered. Jann Lee laughed.
"You were the dummy here, trying to be a hero." Jann Lee grinned. Leifang huffed, but smiled back.
"Well done," Andra said as the others joined them, "even in the middle of the battle you made sure you didn't let your anger take your spirit again. And you finally awakened your power. Since you're yellow then you must be Curiosity."
"Curiosity?" Leifang questioned.
"When Hitomi's eyes change colour, those powers reflect towards those close to her, but not on her. In your case, you have the power of Curiosity- The Cry Of The Wolf. Literally, your targets are the only ones that can hear that deafening scream you let out, but the others can only hear a sweet melody." She smiled.
"Wow." Eliot said, amazed.
"You know what?" Leifang interrupted, making the others turn to her, "the only thing I appreciate about this power is this dress! It's so pretty!" She twirled, while the others laughed at her.
"Typical Leifang..." Hitomi rolled her eyes, joining the others in joy. Although no one noticed, Leifang looked back at Jann Lee, who was indeed laughing and smiling freely. She smiled.
In the end, I did manage to protect you.
A/N: Wow, that was long...
Hope I didn't make you wait too long. Kai is coming back next chapter, and from then on, him and Hitomi might finally meet. We're approaching the final battle people!
I know how impatient you've been, but I finally figured out which songs I'm using for WTSPH!
Haha, anyways, stay lovely and...
Don't forget to R&R!:)