A/N: This part will be back in Ren's perspective again and will be when the Disciplinary Squad arrived. I hope you liked the last chapter. Now let's do this!
Ice Chronicles
Chapter 18: Final Entities Pt. Three
I just barely avoided death and saw the attackers clear as day. Both were girls around the same height. One had pink hair with a side ponytail with two daisy clips. She was wearing a kimono-like shirt with a sleeve missing. She looked my age. Like Musubi, she was also wearing red combat gloves. The other was a slender female who bandage-wrapped form is covered by a tattered dark kimono. She had disheveled grey hair, a studded choker, and narrow eyes. She wore a pair of gauntlets and metal bracers that shield her arms up to the elbow. They were none other than sekirei no. 104 and 105, Haihane and Benitsubasa; the Disciplinary Squad.
Matsu told me specifically not to anger them, but with my luck I might do just that by accident. I tightened my fist and looked at the girls.
"Can you girls excuse me for a second?" I asked. They only looked at me as I cleared my throat and took a deep breathe.
"WHY DOES THE UNIVERSE HATE ME SO MUCH? DAMN IT!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. I was breathing heavily, trying regain my composure. I cleared my throat again and saw the girls staring at me like I was insane.
"Okay, now I feel better."
"What the hell is your problem?" Benitsubasa asked. I held up a finger as if trying to prove a point.
"I have the worse luck when it comes to walks. Something always happen when I'm out on strolls," I told them. "Now to what do I owe this honor? I'm sure the Disciplinary Squad is too busy to speak with a lowly human."
"You're right about the busy part; however, we were asked by Karasuba to come find you," Benitsubasa told me.
'Karasuba? So now she has decided to kill me.' I thought. Benitsubasa pounded her fist in her palm, getting ready to fight.
"What does Karasuba want from me?" I asked them. Both girls smiled.
"She wanted to test you on how you would deal with this situation. She gave us orders to attack you and see how long you can last," Haihane stated. "She even gave us permission to go all out."
I crossed my arms and stayed near the pole.
"Then you must know that you can't kill me," I said.
"And why's that?" Benitsubasa asked. It was my turn to smile.
"Because if you do kill me, then my sekirei will also be terminated; and your blood will be on Karasuba's blade for killing the one she desires to fight," I explained confidently. That's when both girls began laughing for some reason.
"Don't worry; we won't kill you. We'll just leave you barely alive so that your sekirei won't die," Haihane declared. "I hope you're as smart as Karasuba say you are because you're gonna have to think to get out of this one."
'I already have an idea.' I said in thought. 'I just need to get them hit this pole.'
"I guess running is out of the question," I stated. Benitsubasa answered that question by charging straight at me. She threw a powerful haymaker that I could barely see. I tilted my head to the right, making it pass right beside me. I could feel it scratch my face and even leave a mark. It's only been a few seconds and I'm already bleeding. She pulled her fist back and smiled triumphantly.
"Not too bad a reaction. I guess your reflexes aren't too bad after all," she said. I stepped back as quick as I could, but Haihane soon jumped at me with her claws and slashed them downward. I jumped to the side, only to see a straight punch coming my way. I quickly ducked and avoided the punch; its power was incredible, just like a fist-type should be. I dove out of their range and got in front of the pole. Benitsubasa ran forward, but I waited for the right moment.
Benitsubasa launched a right hook. I turned sideways and watched her hit the pole, making it shake vigorously and me smile.
"That's one; only two more to go. I can get out of this yet," I stated. That's when I heard and felt something rip. I looked down and saw my shirt tearing apart. My eyes widened in surprise.
"Damn, I forgot someone."
I turned my head and saw Haihane smiling and laughing.
"You didn't forget about little old me did you?" She teased. "Don't forget that I'm also your opponent."
"I can see that you're more relaxed than Benitsubasa," I said. She continued to smile.
"She's always a pain in the ass, but I find it fun to tease her; especially about her breast size," Haihane replied laughing.
"Hey! Keep your mouth shut and focus!" Benitsubasa yelled. Haihane ignored her and continued laughing, making veins pop into Benitsubasa's head. I was about to tiptoe away, but Benitsubasa noticed and charged at me. She punched the wall beside and left a big gaping hole. She purposely missed to intimidate me.
"Did you honestly think you can escape the Disciplinary Squad?" She interrogated. "You may not like it, but you better take this seriously. That's if you actually want to live to see tomorrow and all your girls."
I couldn't escape and the pole was only several feet away. If I did want to live to see my girls, then I need to hit that pole two more times.
'I hope they saw the first shake.' I said in thought. It was time to get serious.
"I can't escape so I might as well take this seriously. Since you are also a fist-type like my Musubi, I know how to handle you," I stated. She grinned and replied.
"Then let's see how long you last."
I waited for the perfect moment. I saw Benitsubasa pull her arm back, signaling me to make my move. I jumped to the side, making her miss her punch by a mile. She noticed I moved positions and gritted her teeth.
"It takes a moment to throw your punch after pulling it back. The moment you pulled your arm back I knew I could get out of range in time before you could push it back," I explained. "You may have the dominate strength, but that doesn't mean a thing if you can't hit someone."
"Grrr, don't get cocky. That was pure luck," she replied. She continuously threw several punches, but I saw them coming and could dodge them accordingly.
"While you have the monstrous strength, the speeds of your punches are too slow, making it easy to see them coming and dodge," I said still blocking her attacks. I just dodged another one of her punches, and we threw each other a kick.
"Your strength comes from your fists so your legs aren't as strong!" I said enthusiastically. Our kicks collided with mine winning the power force. We stepped back, but I saw Haihane jump over Benitsubasa and slash downward. I jumped back, and she came up with an uppercut that grazed my chin.
"As for you Haihane, your gauntlets are similar to that of my Yomi's scythe. The only difference is that her range is wider, but you have the faster attribute. While I can't block your slashes…"
She ran forward and stabbed the gauntlets; but I moved at the right moment, and she hit a wall and made her gauntlets sink through. She tried to pull them back, but they were stuck in there pretty good. I walked in front of her with my hands behind my back like a gentleman.
"I can still dodge them and use my surroundings to my advantage, like this wall for example," I finished. I turned back and saw that she freed herself so I positioned myself at the right spot.
She attacked head on, and I quickly ran back then saw her and Benitsubasa attack at the same time; however, I smiled and jumped back with my arm stretched out behind me. I grabbed the pole, spun behind it, and kicked off it to let it take the damage. The combined force shook the pole even more than the first time.
'Great; now I just need to hit once more. Hopefully, they haven't found out what I'm trying to do.' I said in thought.
"Hey, why do you think he keeps using the pole to absorb our attacks?" Haihane asked Benitsubasa.
"I don't care; he can't do anything without his sekirei," she replied. She attempted to run forward, but Haihane stopped her.
"What do you think you're doing? You're in the way."
"Wait a minute small breasts; what you just said earlier, that's it," Haihane stated. "He's using the pole to signal his sekirei to this location."
"What?" Benitsubasa said. "And who are you calling small breasts?"
They looked at me, making me sigh as a result.
"I guess that secret is out. I was hoping you wouldn't figure it out," I replied. "Now I have to extra careful not to stray too far from it."
"So all we have to do is keep him away from the pole. Piece of cake," Benitsubasa said arrogantly. She and Haihane rushed forward, but their speed has suddenly increased. I couldn't see them, allowing Haihane to get up close and pushed me against the wall. She had the fingers of her gauntlets around my head. Two hit its mark and cut my cheek and an area above my chin.
'Crap; I have to think of a way out of this.' I thought. I saw Benitsubasa charge at me with her fist cocked back. When she got close enough and threw her punch, I tripped her and made her fall forward. Then I put as much force as I could in my knee cap and kneed her fist. I hit it up and made it hit Haihane in the jaw. She released me on contact and I got out of the way. My knee though was in pain from doing what I did, but I had to endure it.
"Note to self; don't knee a fist-type's fist," I said. I looked back up; only to have a thrown haymaker hit me in the stomach. The force was too strong that blood made its way out of my mouth. On instincts, I held my gut with both arms and dropped to my knees. I couldn't move, which earned me a kick to the face and sent me crashing to the ground. I tried to stand up, but I think my ribs were broken and the pain refused to let me get up. I managed to finally stand up, but my vision was starting to get blurry.
I shook it off and regained focus. Haihane then charged forward launched an attack where the haymaker connected. With my superior reach, I stopped her attack by grabbing her wrist. I saw Benitsubasa jump over her and came straight down with another kick. I used Haihane's gauntlets and blocked the kick then kicked off her to get back.
"Grrr, what do you think you're doing?!" Benitsubasa shouted at Haihane. "I would've had him if you weren't in the way."
"How was I supposed to know he would grab my wrist and use it against me?" Haihane asked back. The two continued to argue, creating an opportunity for me to move to the pole. Benitsubasa took noticed and tightened her fist. With tremendous power, she slammed her fist in the ground and shouted.
"Extreme! Quake!"
A powerful rockslide came my way and knocked everything out of the way. I held my arms in front of me to block the debris that continued to pelt me. I was being cut by many sharp objects that made more and more blood ooze out. When it was over, I lowered my arms; but Haihane dragged her gauntlets against the ground, generating sparks and slashed upward. I was too slow and it cut me in the stomach. I fell back to my knees and looked at the ground. I was breathing heavily and blood continued to drip to the ground.
'I knew they were strong, but I didn't expect this. At this rate, I'll end up dead.' I said in my head. I shook my head no, trying to get rid of the negative.
'No. That kind of thinking will only make things worse. I have to stay focus and hit that pole. One more, I can do this; just one more time. If only I was faster. If I was faster, then I can definitely hit it once more; I just need to be faster. I can't give up; the girls are waiting for me to return. I promised I would make it back to them; I can't let them down. If only I was faster.'
"Hehee, now let's finish this," Benitsubasa stated. She stepped forward; but,
"I won't give up," I declared under my breath. At that moment, a big impact crashed and a small ring of dust spread out with me in the center. The sudden impact caused Benitsubasa to stop right in her tracks.
"What the hell was that?" She questioned.
"I won't back down," I stated under my breath. Another impact crashed and this time caused a small but powerful gale to kick up, blowing Benitsubasa back to Haihane's side.
"Seriously; what the hell is happening?" She interrogated. "This is not normal for a human."
"Wait; I think I've heard of this before. He's beginning to utilize his ashikabi prowess," Haihane spoke up.
"So what are his abilities?" Benitsubasa asked.
"Don't know; every ashikabi has certain abilities. It can either be a mental or physical ability, but it depends on the ashikabi themselves," Haihane explained.
I continued to look down. I could feel something rising. Something I didn't know I had in me. This only happened once I realized what I needed to do. I put my arms down beside me and held them out a little. I looked up at the girls and smiled.
"Hey what's with the smug grin?" Benitsubasa interrogated. "Just because you have released your 'hidden prowess' doesn't mean you can beat us."
I leaned forward, as though I was about to take off running.
"You can't run past us; especially in your condition."
I didn't respond. I looked at the pole and then the girls. I couldn't think of anything that would help me, so I'm gonna wing it from here on.
"Benitsubasa; when are you ever gonna shut the hell up?" I questioned.
"What did you say?" She asked back as she tightened her fist. Haihane was laughing at my question.
"I didn't stutter," I stated. She gritted her teeth.
"You better watch what you say; I have no problem beating you to bloody pulp," she replied.
"Then your blood will be on your leader's hands," I told her. "Face it; you know Karasuba will murder both of you if I die here. Because after all, you're nothing but MBI's hound dogs; and you know I'm right."
That last sentence sent her over the edge. Benitsubasa charged head on at me and threw a devastating haymaker that caused a dust cloud to pick up. When it cleared, I was nowhere to be seen.
"What?" She asked confused. "How did he get away? I know I made contact; it's impossible."
"Oh it's possible," I stated. The girls shot their heads towards me and found me leaning against the wall with my arms crossed.
"How did you get over there so fast?" Benitsubasa questioned. She gasped loud enough for me and Haihane to hear. The reason why she gasped is because I mysteriously appeared behind her.
"Does this answer your question?" I asked back. I heard her grrr at me.
"Don't you mock me!" She yelled. She turned and threw a straight punch, but I appeared behind her again. She then repeatedly and rapidly threw punches trying to hit me, but I could easily dodge each one. Haihane then jumped in and tried her hand, but she too couldn't hit me. They attacked at the same time; however, I jumped out of their way. They nearly hit each other, but stopped about an inch apart from their faces. They lowered their weapons and turned towards me, who was wearing a pleased smile.
"Hey! How are you dodging us so easily when a few moments ago you could barely move?" Benitsubasa questioned. I continued to smile. There was only one thing I wanted to say.
"Zonin Thunder."
I charged at them; however, my speed was like that of a jet's. I appeared in front of them, making them jump back in surprise.
"I don't know how it happened, but my speed has exponentially increased. I can see things at a leisurelier motion and counteract based on their movements. In other words, you two are too slow and nothing you throw can hit me."
Benitsubasa gritted her teeth again while Haihane just smiled and raised her gauntlets. I put my foot forward and waited.
'I can't blow this chance. I have to get them to hit that pole. That is my main target; but now that they know of my prowess and my plan I need an alternate plan of action.' I said in thought. It was time for me to make my stand.
"Let's do this," I stated. Benitsubasa was the first to attack and threw several quick jabs. Through my eyes, her attacks were slower, making it possible for me to evade them. I went for the leg sweep and managed to trip her, but she used her hands to catch herself and swung her legs. I dashed and got behind her then saw Haihane charged forward with her claws held out.
"Claws of Execution!" She yelled. Haihane slashed her claws full force. I was about to move, but then I heard,
"Pulverizer!"
Benitsubasa came up with a power resonating haymaker. I was in between the two with little space to move. If I did, Haihane's other claw would just hit me. That's when I got it. I rushed at Haihane and when her claws came down, I stomped my feet on them to hold them in place. My leg was bleeding, but I didn't care. I kicked off her gauntlets and landed behind her. She turned her head, but forgot about Benitsubasa, who landed her punch dead in the jaw.
Haihane flew back and passed me. Her back hit the wall and knocked the breath out of her. She sat on her butt with her head literally spinning. Suddenly, I felt a sharp in my entire body and stood on my knees. The wounds I've gotten have caught up with me. I was losing too much blood and didn't have anything to patch my wounds up.
'Crap; I'm wasting away. I'm practically kneeling in my own puddle of blood.' I thought. I stood back on my feet and looked at Benitsubasa. I held my stomach, which is my most damaged area.
'Akitsu, Tskumi, Musubi, Matsu, Yomi, Uzume, Kazehana; I tried, but I couldn't signal you in time. Even though I promised to return, I can't keep it.'
I moved my foot, but the speed I've received has completely diminished. I barely had any strength left at all and I was panting heavily. I looked behind me; and found out that I was only several feet away from the pole.
"Awww, did that incredible speed of yours go out. Then I guess it's time to finish this," Benitsubasa stated. She pulled her fist back and generated a crimson energy that engulfed her entire fist.
"I'll admit though; you gave us more trouble than I anticipated. But this is where the test ends."
"Wait; I have a message I need you to pass on to Karasuba," I stated. I took a deep breath and looked at Benitsubasa as serious as I could.
"The next time you want to test someone, get off your ass and do it yourself."
Benitsubasa looked at me surprised. She was speechless, but smiled again. Honestly, I was stalling to regain some strength. She rushed forward, her speed back to being barely visible.
"Pulverizer!" She exclaimed. I tried to jump back, but my reaction was too slow and I acted too slowly. It was inevitable, so I held my arms in x-shape. Her fist hit me in the arm, but contained so much power that it sent me flying back so hard that I crashed into the pole and actually caused it to bend. I slid across the ground. A second later,
"AAAARGH! Damn it; my arm! AAAARGH!" I screamed in pain. I was rolling on the ground in agony. My arm was broken and my vertebral column felt cracked as well. I looked up and saw the pole falling towards me. I couldn't move at all. It almost slammed into me; until I saw a powerful slash that sliced the pole to pieces. Then suddenly many different streams started swirling around. There was ice, water, even light, wind, and veils. A powerful gale kicked from the combined vortexes. I continued to lie on the ground looking up at the sky, but I also continued to smile even though I was so much pain. I knew who was there. I couldn't sit up; but I could hear the vortexes disperse. The ice and water broke apart and out came Akitsu and Tskumi. The light flashed and Musubi showed her face. The wind and veils danced away and Kazehana and Uzume revealed themselves. The air current went back to normal and Yomi stepped out.
"So the girls finally showed up," Benitsubasa stated.
"As soon as we saw the third shake, we rushed over here as fast as we could. Now where is our ashikabi?" Yomi interrogated. I could hear Benitsubasa laughing.
"He's right behind you," she told everyone. "He put up quite a fight, better than I expected for a human."
I heard my girls gasp and run towards me.
"Ren! Ren; are you okay?" Everyone asked. I opened my eyes and turned head towards them. I saw all of them hovering over me and managed to smile at them.
"Hey girls; I'm incredibly happy to see you," I stated. "I'm sorry that I took so long to signal you, but I ran into some trouble."
"Save it," Yomi ordered in an angry tone. Her tone surprised me.
"When this is over, you will be thoroughly punished for making us worry so much," Tskumi stated in the same angry tone.
"For now, you are to rest," Uzume ordered me. The three stood up and looked at the Disciplinary Squad. Kazehana then cupped my cheek and smiled at me.
"Rest easy okay darling? You're wives will handle this," She said. Kazehana kissed my forehead, which was probably the only thing that doesn't have blood on it. Musubi and Akitsu did the same, and the three took their place beside the rest. I could only smile and laugh. I said loud enough so everyone could hear.
"Girls; I will accept any punishment you give me. I will do anything you request of me; I promise."
After saying that, I turned my head to rest against the cold ground. My vision was getting blurry.
"Ren; don't pass out on us. Just hold on for a bit," Uzume said.
"Easier said than done," I told her. "I've sustain too much damage and I'm positive that half my blood is gone."
"Then stop talking and reserve your strength," Yomi stated. I couldn't argue anymore and just kept quite like she ordered. I still couldn't sit up so I just had to listen in instead.
"Well I hate to disappoint you, but we completed our task. Now we have to report back to Karasuba," Benitsubasa stated. "However, the next time we meet will be a different story."
I heard the duo jump off and leave the area.
"Hold it! You two aren't going anywhere!" Tskumi yelled.
"It's okay Tskumi. Forget about them; it's over now," I told her. They gathered around me and had a worry look in their eyes.
"Thank you girls for showing up; I honestly thought I was about to die."
"How are you holding up?" Musubi asked.
"Well, I definitely had better days," I replied. I managed a small chuckle, but I immediately stopped when a sharp pain arose.
"Ren, stop pushing yourself; you need to reserve your strength," Tskumi stated. I sighed and looked up at the sky. My vision was getting blurry again. No matter how many times I try, I can't gain focus. I was losing strength at a rapid rate. It felt as though my entire being was made of lead. I managed another smile and looked at the girls. My eyes were forcing themselves to close.
"I'm…sorry…girls," I managed to say. My eyes continued to close as I heard the girls repeatedly call out to me. Everything turned dark and the entire world was silent.
A/N: Here's the next chapter everyone; I honestly was about to say 'The End' as a joke but I refused to not piss you guys off. *laughing ass off right now* I hope you enjoy Ren's encounter with the Disciplinary Squad. I figured that since he is now a target, a little test was necessary. I apologize for making the girls' arrival not the least bit interesting. If you want, you can decide the punishment the girls spoke of. Don't think of anything unethical. Well, this has been MalevolentDarkness16; I'm out BYE.