Tetsuya felt darkness all around him. It was all he could see and hear.
He tried to speak but no words could be heard. But at last a thin line that was red
showed up in front of him. "Blood?" He thought to himself.
Then an aura showed up in front of him. At first he was unable to make it out, until
he noticed who it was. "Is that me?" he asked to himself, now finally able to talk.
The being in front of him looked like Tetsuya in many aspects. But the most visible
aspect was the eyes. They were blood red and narrowed. Tetsuya could feel a tingling feeling
run down his neck. His hair stood on end, his heart beat just like it did in battle.
Slowly, the other Tetsuya drew his sword. The real Tetsuya could do nothing but watch.
"Is this it? Is my time up?" he wondered aloud.
As the blade was about to be swung down over Tetsuya's head he could hear a voice.
"Tetsuya-kun, Tetsuya-kun wake up please."
His eyes shot open. It revealed a dimly lit room, Tetsuya noticed he was covered by a bed sheet.
He peeked under it to notice many bandages wrapped around his chest. "Lei-san? Where are we?" he said.
"Away from Osaka my friend." Lei replied.
"Von Blade…..Saya is she?"
"The girl is safe, her wounds are being tended to as we speak." Lei said in a calm tone.
Tetsuya laid back down on his futon. He sighed as he said "What happened to Von Blade?"
"He took advantage of you passing out and beat a fast retreat. Edward-san has taken us with his troops to a forest about a day's travel from Osaka." Lei replied.
The monk then turned to leave when he said to Tetsuya "I'll let Edward-san know you have awoken."
Tetsuya nodded and stared at the ceiling. Every part of his body ached and felt numb.
He wanted to plunge into it's depths and dig the pain out.
After about two hours he heard a rustle of his tent door opening and Edward sat down next to him.
"It's been a long time Tetsuya-kun." He said.
"Yes that's correct Edward-san. I just wished we met on the field of battle rather than in this situation." Tetsuya said.
"So you've met Von Blade at last." Edward said.
The 17 year old nodded "The guy who stabbed me from behind. He was about what I expected."
Edward sighed and stood up "I suppose you want to know the reason for why I'm in Japan."
"I would like to know yes." Tetsuya said.
Edward nodded and said "It was to find you Tetsuya-kun."
Tetsuya's eyes went wide. "To find me?! Why?"
Edward sat back down and said "I'm at war Tetsuya-kun. My former Master Graf Dumas has turned evil in many ways. The troops I have are loyal to the bitter end. However Von Blade is hunting me. I came to seek your help. I still remember the battle we had that year. You are the ally I need. Please aid me Tetsuya-kun."
The 17 year old lied there in thought. The two had battled a year ago, it was fair and with honor. It seemed strange, but Tetsuya could not view the man as his enemy. Rather he was someone whom he could view as a friend. Perhaps it was because of their honor code being similar.
"Very well Edward-san. I will assist in your battle, on one condition." Tetsuya said.
"Let's hear it." Edward said.
Tetsuya slowly rose up and said "When victory is ours I request a rematch from the battle we had so long ago."
Edward smiled and said "Very well my friend. Provided we both survive this then we shall duel."
"I take it you have a plan?"
"Of sorts yes. Quite a few people we saved from Osaka have been thirsting for revenge. I plan to recruit those who are willing. I then plan on travelling to visit a few of the lords in this country. Share what I've seen and gain aid in fighting Von Blade. Then we take the fight to him."
"What about your former lord. Dumas was his name?" Tetsuya asked.
Edward went on with "I have an underground resistance back there. They'll keep things bogged down until we deal with Von Blade, which we will soon I hope."
"I see, so what now?"
Edward stood up and said "For now you need to rest. You should be okay in the morning."
Tetsuya then said "Could you tell Saya-chan something for me?"
"Yes what shall I tell her?"
"Tell her….That I'm sorry."
Edward nodded and said "Will do. Now rest my friend, the road will be long but we will journey it together."
With that Edward left the room and Tetsuya allowed sleep to wash over him.
