Dedication: To Tad Rednouer, for spurring my imagination at a young age. Here's to you old friend… I hope you've found peace.
Chapter 16
The Chariot's Broken Heart awakens Lover's Fury
"I was meticulous about EVERYTHING in my life!" The man shouted in a near shrieking voice, "So how, how is it that you have everything that I don't?!"
"Could it be that I haven't made a habit of killing those who irritate me?" Another returned, "I mean hell, take me for example." He said, gesturing to himself, "With everything you've done, especially to her, you expect me to let you leave here alive?"
The man let out an animalistic snarl as he sped towards his target. The sound of metal on metal rang out as sparks rained down between the two figures. Both were dressed in black as the one with a cape, whose eyes blazed with crimson hatred, met his opponent's stare while wearing a mask of absolute fury.
A red serrated blade was caught between a short sliver blade and the barrel of large pistol. Meeting his foes eyes with a snarl of his own, though his face was twisted in a maniacal grin as though he was having the time of his life.
"OooOOoo that's a neat trick, very intimidating… come to think of it… I can do that too…" He whispered as blazing blue light emitted from his eyes with the same intensity of his adversary.
"Tell me something…" He continued, "How does it feel to know of one who is your better… what do you say, you think the third time will actually be the charm?"
"You're trash! You're nothing but trash who lives in attic! You're nothing compared to me!" The man screamed, nearing the edge of sanity, "You hear me!? NOTHING!"
Futaba bolted up right with the man's terrifying shriek ringing in her ears. Taking a few breathes to calm her heart, she cleared the remaining sleep from her eyes before stretching to the sound of a low groan.
Her blanket tumbled to the floor as the familiar cat pillow stared back at her with a small drool stain under one blue eye.
"That's it…" she mumbled, "No more cold curry before bed…"
She stared at the blank computer screen with blurred vision while reaching out for her glasses. In truth, she could see to a certain degree without them, though she felt better with them on.
It was a little after ten in the morning as she looked at the blank computer screen as well as the reflection staring back. A week ago, she would have turned away in fear of seeing a vision even though there haven't been as many lately. The dark circles under her eyes had all but disappeared and, apart from last night, there haven't been any nightmares that she could remember.
This last one seemed to have nothing to do with her, as far as she knew anyway, instead it was about two men fighting over… something? She couldn't remember.
Booting her computer, she had the sinking suspicion that she was forgetting something. She saw a folded piece of paper with a small message written in careful handwriting.
You looked so peaceful,
I couldn't bring myself to wake you.
Well try again later… maybe tonight,
if there's time.
let me know.
R. A.
Futaba blushed, realizing that Revland must have been the one to prop her head up on a pillow as well as draping the blanket over her.
He might have even…
The image of Revland kissing the top of her head as she slept nearly caused her heart to burst from her chest.
Hold on- hold on… he's not the kind of guy to go around stealing kisses from sleeping girls… right? She thought standing up with both hands on her desk for support.
Right?
She placed the tips of her fingers to her lips as if she felt the phantom presence of another's against hers. Or so she thought anyway… as she paced the length of her room while her imagination started to run wild.
What if he did that… or… maybe he did that? Do I want him to do that? Would I let him?! She screamed internally.
Her ramblings were cut short in a shower of loose papers of varying topics as she slipped on the very same pile the last time her imagination took over.
She stayed there with her arms out to either side, staring up at the ceiling.
"Then… what did he do…?" She whispered to herself.
She closed her eyes to vent her frustration as the image of her bedroom door came into focus. Revland opened the door and paused before carefully continuing into the room. She saw him check on her and begin to clean up her area to make it more comfortable by placing a pillow under her head as well as covering her with a blanket. He wrote a quick note before whispering in her ear "Sleep well" with a light hand resting on her head.
She opened her eyes with her face aflame with equal parts embracement and wonder.
How… and why… am I seeing HIM… just what is going on?
She sat up and tried to think about it scientifically with little success.
It's almost obsessive how much I think of him… is this just a simple crush…
As if on que, her mind wondered back to the thought of her and Revland kissing which caused her face to flare up once more.
"Do you wish to speak to him?"
"Okay fine! I'll text him, HAPPY?!" She screamed out to the ether while grabbing her phone but hesitated when deciding what to say.
After about a minute of staring at the blinking text line, she lowered the phone along with her head. "I'm pathetic… I can't even say 'Hi' to the guy I like…"
The sound of an outgoing message came from her phone as panic washed over her. She lifted her phone to see that a voice to text bubble had been sent with the words "I can't even say Hi to the guy I like."
The room started to spin as her hands began to shake.
"Oh… My… GOOOOOOOD, why my baby? Why have you betrayed mommy?!" she yelled as she sprang for her computer with every intention of hacking into his phone to delete the text, hesitating when she saw the handwritten note still sitting on her desk.
"Should I just leave it…?"
"Would it be so bad?"
"I don't know… I've never done anything like… like this before…"
Letting out a sigh, Futaba leaned back in her chair to stare at the ceiling. She felt her lips with the tips of her fingers as she began to fantasize.
"I wonder what he's doing right now…?"
The image of Revland wearing a strange outfit came to mind along with an overwhelming sense of anxiety as the scene became violent.
Peaking around the corner of a worn-out suit of armor, Revland could see two guards dressed in gold plate. Focusing on the two's aura, he was able to verify his suspicions that these two were stronger than the guards he fought last time he was here.
"Did you feel that earth shudder?" One guard asked.
Earth shudder… Does he mean the earthquake I caused?
"I don't think there's anyone in the castle that didn't feel that… you think it was one of the intruders from the other day?"
So, they do remember us… means they'd probably recognize me on sight… but what about Shiho?
"If it is… I don't think I'd want to encounter them a second time."
"Are you turning craven on us?"
"I would never dream of betraying his majesty… but if one of those lads shook the entirety of the castle with just a single strike… wouldn't you feel nervous about being tasked to deal with them?"
"The one with wild hair lost his fight with a Bicorn… didn't seem contain such skill."
"But before that, the very same lad had torn the honor guard apart before locking his majesty in a cell… are you certain the Beast didn't just get lucky?"
"It wasn't he who defeated the creature… it was the small one, the one who appeared to be feline in nature."
"Never did like cats… always seems like they're up to something…"
That struck Revland as odd, both shadows were having a full conversation with one another and not only did they express fear, but nervousness when faced with the possibility of danger.
Could it be that they share their thoughts with Kamoshida? It would make sence in a way, this "is" his heart… we'll roll with it as a running theory… or until proven otherwise.
Revland crept back to where Shiho was hiding to let her know what he saw, "We have two guards and both look like elites, no doubt they'll try to put up a fight…"
"Which means…?" Shiho asked reluctantly.
"We need to get you to a safe place before I go anywhere near them."
Shiho's skin grew pale at the thought of being left alone as she shook her head in utter defiance.
"I understand you don't want to be left alone right now… but I'm not strong enough to protect you and fight at the same time." He said while resting a gentle hand on the top of her head, "We just need find one…" he trailed off looking at the walls and doors for shimmers of distortion.
As if on command, one of the many doors in the hall began to fade into the shape of a classroom door than back to the Victorian style double door.
"Excellent timing, come on… stay close." He instructed as they left the shadow of the stairwell they were hiding under. He placed one hand on the door and pushed on it lightly. The well-oiled henges allowed the door to open noiselessly as the pair snuck in and closed it behind them.
As before, the classroom came into focus and faded. "Was that…?" Shiho began to ask.
"A classroom? Indeed, it was." He said with a small smile. "This place is what Morgana referred to as a saferoom. A place where not even the shadows can enter, you'll be safe here till I get back."
"Get back?" She asked, worry evident in her voice. "You're not actually going to fight them, are you?"
"If we want any chance of escape, then I need to clear the way or at least buy time for Liana to get back with Morgana." He said as he inspected the edge of a gleaming knife. "Only then can we start making our way towards the exit."
Shiho hesitated to say more, she never expected from the normally kindhearted boy. The shine of his eyes and the way he spoke had an edge that was a sharp as the knife he held in his hand.
"I know I haven't been very good at keeping them… but I promise you, We Will get out of here… besides, I'm sure there's someone you want to talk to." He said with a knowing smile that hid his darker intentions.
Ryuji immediately came to the forefront of her mind as tears began to form on the rim of her eyes as her gaze went to the floor.
"What if-" she whispered through a small sob, "What if he doesn't want me anymore…?"
Collapsing, Revland came and knelt beside her, "What do you mean?"
"What if he doesn't love me anymore… now that I'm not… that I can't…" tears were flowing freely now.
Revland sat next to Shiho as he placed one arm over her and gently lifted her clinch fist with his own.
"I've only known the guy for just over a week now." He began to explain, "During that time, he seems like the type of guy that doesn't really care about something like that."
He turned her hand over and slowly managed to relax it, "Especially when it was so far beyond your control."
"Then what about… the-" a shudder went through her body at the memory of her freefall.
"Once you explain… I'm sure he'll understand… if he doesn't already, just like I do." He said softly.
She leaned into his shoulder as she began to weep, sobs racking her body as her she began to hyperventilate. Her body nearly going into shock in an effort to contain the realization of what she had nearly done.
"Shhhh, it'll be alright… I'll get you back to him so you can tell him everything… important parts and all."
All she could do is repeat the same words over and over until her voice gave out, "I'm Sorry…"
Revland was seething, he stared in the direction he believed his "lordship" was currently and made another vow.
He rubbed her shoulder as he sang a quite tune to comfort her.
She could see tears in the corner of his eyes and knew then that he was being genuine. She laid her head on his lap as the music began to fade.
"Sorry" he whispered, "Guess I got carried away."
"Thank you… it was beautiful."
She let out a light giggle, "Still, I liked it."
She let herself relax for the first time since waking up in this strange world. She almost fell asleep when Revland stretched and made to stand.
"Well… Time to get to work."
Ryuji led Ann to the ally where he and Revland first discovered the castle. After another failed attempt to dissuade her from coming, he pulled out his phone and opened the mysterious app. The menu opened with 'ping', showing his search history and desired destination.
His finger hovered over the travel button as he hesitated once more before deciding to try talking Ann out of going with him somewhere he knew was dangerous.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay here…?"
"I already told you I'm going, Shiho's my friend too… I want to make sure she's safe and not from a third party. I owe her that much." Ann replied stubbornly.
"Is it for the unul tânăr… or for you?"
Ann paused in her rant, Who…?
"Is it because you feel guilty for not noticing sooner… he took from her what he couldn't gain freely from you… doesn't it hurt… my persoană iubită … to know that you may be the cause?"
Shut up…
"O vei răzbuna?" The voice purred in a thick Romanian accent with a hint of excitement.
"Ann?" Ryuji asked with worry evident in his features.
"I'm sorry?"
"I was asking if you're ready?" he repeated.
"Oh, ready for what exactly?"
"It's kinda hard to explain… best way to describe it is we're heading for the castle."
She nodded in acceptance then paused as she processed what he just said. "Wait, like an actual castle? You weren't joking?"
"You'll see…" he said with his thumb hovering over the activation button.
Come on you fucking coward, just do it. Shiho's waiting for you!
Ryuji closed his eyes as he felt his thumb relax and touch the screen. At that instant Ann's head twinged slightly at the abrupt shift while Ryuji didn't feel any pain. He opened his eyes to see that a few feet away looked like a shimmering wall between them and the school.
"Alright… let's go get her…"
"Aye matey… let us rid the world of this cankerous swine… the Captain should have everything well in hand."
Closing the door behind him, Revland walked calmly down the hall to where he saw the two guards.
I'll hit one with a blast of magic to even the odds a little. Classic divide and conquer.
Crouching by the suit of armor, focusing his will before stepping out with his hand extended, "Eiha!"
The guards jumped before turning towards Revland. One held a spear while the other carried a shield and both carried a sword on the hip.
"Halt, identify yourself!" The one with the spear demanded before leveling it at his target.
He stood there, stunned. Nothing happened when he tried to cast the spell, but he knew that he did it right. He felt the power build in his hand and knew his intent was to distract if not disable. He starred down at his hand before looking at the two, no longer oblivious, guards.
"Well… this is awkward… hell of a time to get performance anxiety." He said with a nervous laugh.
"Wait, I know him. He was one of the intruders!" the one announced.
"Seize him in the name of the king!"
"Oh… Fuck…"
The pair charged him as he readied himself. He sidestepped the thrust of the spear and pivoted on his heel to get behind the other.
"Let's try this again, Eiha!" he yelled as he summoned his magic.
"Hold still blast you!"
A shiver ran through his body as the guard drew his sword and swung for his head. Everything started to move slowly as Revland bent backwards with a pivot to avoid the strike before countering with a closed fist to the guard's helm. The shock of the blow made it stumble back a few steps but left Revland shaking his hand in pain.
"Damn it, it felt like punching a wall…"
"For the King!" a spear came fast but, as before, a shiver ran down Revland's spine as he twisted around to grab the shaft of the spear. Using the momentum from the spin, he threw a kick to the side of the guard's head, causing it to stumble.
It felt like kicking a cinderblock as his foot started to go numb.
Damn it, I'm not getting anywhere… Any ideas? He asked internally.
No response.
Hello, earth to Arséne. Could use a little help right about now.
Still nothing.
"Oh, for fuck's sake. I'm about to die and you're choosing now to have a teaching moment?!"
Silence.
Something's wrong… why isn't he responding… Hades?
…
Wait… Liana… she's out on an errand… can I only access one persona at a time?
His thoughts were interrupted as the guards flanked him and struck. Focusing, his world slowed as he ducked under a sword swing, spun to avoid a thrust before levering the spear to Intercept the sword's return swing.
Could this be one of the pixie's strengths? She's not as strong as Arséne or Hades but agile as hell, making it easier to move… I wonder…
Revland focused again on the guards but this time he purposely opened his third sight. It felt weird at first but showed him what he suspected to see. Not only were their movements slow, but also saw how they intended to attack.
"Well, time for plan B then." He drew his knife with a twirl before sprinting toward the spear wielder. Ducking under its thrust, he spun into a jump and brought his blade down hard on the head of the spear. Catching the broken piece in midair, he caught a sword strike for his neck in a cross guard. He guided the blade over his head before gliding the crossed blades down the guard of the knight's blade.
Can't use force, go for the joints. Where the armor is weakest.
Using the knife, he directed the blade down. The sudden lack of resistance left the guard's arm extended as Revland completed his counter. He spun the broken spearhead in his off hand and buried it in the crook of guard's arm before twisting it to disarm him. He finished by stabbing the guard under the chin where the armor was weakest.
Without missing a beat, Revland released his weapons to catch the fading guard's sword and swung upward to deflect a downward strike meant for his back. He stepped back a few paces before bringing the blade up by his head with it pointing down at a near forty-five-degree angle in preparation for another attack.
He wasn't disappointed, he blocked the strike with a spin and stuck the guard's exposed back. The sound of screeching metal rang out in the hall but only showed a light scratch for his efforts.
Well, it was worth a shot… the neck is the weakness, it's too exposed.
The guard spun to find him already on him, striking quickly with the heavy sword to put it on the defensive. He went for a faint, to which the guard bought as Revland went for the kill. There was little resistance as the sword passed through the guard's flesh. It fell to its knees with gurgled gasps as it tried weakly to remove the obstruction from its throat. Revland kept the blade in place for a few fleeting moments before ripping it out, spun once to build momentum and cleaved the guard's head from its shoulders in one downward strike.
Blood erupted from the stump as it began to fade as he never took his eyes off the disappearing corpse. He couldn't find an ounce of pity for the beings he faced after seeing the shape that their auras had taken. Both looked just like Kamoshida, confirming his theory that the shadows of the palace and the ruler share a similar emotional mindset.
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes as well as his third sight. When he opened them again, everything seemed to have returned to normal.
He didn't realize that they managed to push him back into the hall where he hid Shiho as found that she witnessed the whole fight. He looked down at a now fading pool of blood and bent to retrieve his knife, tossing the bulky sword to the ground. He started towards her, slowly at first, with his hands up in a placating manner.
She was shaking and looked ready to flee in an instant, "Easy… I mean you no harm… remember… I'm a friend."
"You killed them…" she whimpered.
He tried to come up with an excuse but found none.
"You're right, I did… I told you I was going to fight them… what were you expecting to happen?"
The scene replayed in her mind and all she could see was the coldness in his eyes. The calm calculation that unnerved her when they were in the saferoom.
"You… how could you…?"
The truth escaped him before he had time to filter a more pleasant response, "Easier than you might think… after confirming that they were part of Kamoshida's psyche, it felt like pay back for what he did to you… and the others." he said, looking into her eyes. "It was going to be them… or me, would you have preferred that instead?"
The coldness in his voice disturbed her, but that question shocked her. "What… what do you mean by…?"
"Would you rather that I had died instead?" he repeated.
"But… no… that's not…"
"Listen to me Shiho..." warmth returning to his voice, "I will do what I must… to make sure you make it out of here. Still need to see Ryuji, right?" he added with a small smile.
Despite what happened, how is he still able to smile…
"I confess, I'm not all that comfortable with it either… but I would do it again if I had to." He said, patting her on the head.
Her face flushed red as she swatted at his hand to make him stop, causing him to laugh.
"Come on, let's get moving before more show up."
She nodded as he turned down the hall.
To be honest… I don't think I'll be able to keep this up for much longer… my body can't take much more of this.
Ryuji and Ann were in the study that he and Revland escaped through the last time he was here. Everything doesn't seem to have changed but the room itself felt different to him. Ann has been nothing but a nervous reck since they arrived. Her nonstop questions, to which he had none of the answers to, were beginning to grate on him.
"As I told you before, I don't know how or why this is here. Revland and Mona-Mona seem to have a better grasp of this place. Something about cognition… after that they lost me." He tried to explain.
"But what about Shiho, what about Revland?" Ann asked.
"My guess is that after he saved her, he came here in the attempt…most likely using that the weird app."
"You said you knew where they were."
"I do… they're in here… somewhere"
"Om prost, does he know or not?"
"Ryuji… Where…?" she asked impatiently.
He thought for a moment, he focused on his image of Shiho as he felt a slight pull deeper in the castle. When he looked in the same direction, he could've sworn her saw a thin golden thread that passed through the door and down the hall.
"A map to lead you to your treasure… use it well mate."
"She's this way…" he muttered in wonder.
"Then what are we waiting for, let's go." She said as she stepped towards the door.
Ryuji blocked her path with worry and fear plain in his features, "Takamaki… no, Ann… I need you to listen." He began, visibly shaking, "Beyond this door… it's dangerous. There are guards with 'real' weapons. Monster's that are twice our size that make those guards the least of our worries."
"Then why are you hesitating?" Ann asked briskly.
"Because they'll try to kill us." He stated while grabbing her shoulders. "They tried to kill me and nearly killed Revland."
"Copil drăguţ… how long has he been suffering?"
Ann paused; all thoughts of his cowardice faded as she looked at her friend. "You faced them?"
Ryuji shook his head, "Hardly… Mona and Revland were the ones who fought them off."
"I didn't know…" she whispered, "You're still going to go in there… aren't you?"
He nodded, "Just like you… I need to know she's safe… I don't know what I would do if she got hurt and I sat doing nothing…"
Ann stared at Ryuji's bowed head, not entirely sure what to say next. Out of all the years they've know each other, she had never seen him look so defeated. Even with his leg broken, he always had a glint of defiance in his eyes.
"You love her… Don't you…?"
"With every fiber of my being." He answered without hesitation.
Her heart ached at his response though she wasn't surprised, what's not to love about her best friend. But could he have looked at her that way if she had been faster?
"Then let's go get her." She said through a forced smile.
"Ann… are you sure?"
"Of course. You as much as said it yourself, we can't leave her in a place like this."
Ann, following Ryuji's caution, cracked the door open to catch a glimpse of the other side as a form blurred past the door.
"The intruders are in the main hall!" one cried out.
"Don't let them escape or it'll be our head in their place!"
Ryuji's heart sank as they were running in the same direction as the thin golden tread.
Revland and Shiho had managed to find their way toward a familiar enough part of the castle to where he could guild them the remainder of the way.
"We're almost there, hang in there just a little longer."
The last few minutes had felt like hours being full periods of rest and dodging patrols. Exhausted was an understatement, worse for Shiho after all the healing her body was put through.
"Come on Liana… I need you…" Revland said under his breath.
The fight with the guards had taken more out of him than he'd readily admit to Shiho. He remembered Arséne had said that he'd be able to help but was limited to what 'his' body could handle. Even the cognitive version of Sojiro had mentioned that his Spirit had been depleted when they healed his wounds and thus, why it hurt so much. Some of it was beginning to make sense to him, Kinda funny when experience becomes a teacher. He thought as they made their way past another group of guards.
Their numbers only grew the closer to the front door they become which made Revland nervous. If it was just him, he was certain he'd be able to sneak around undetected. With Shiho, it was either run and hope not to get caught or leave her in search for help. With the latter not even being considered he when with the former. Taking Shiho lightly by the hand, he led her from shadow to shadow in the hope of avoiding any more fighting. Little was said between the two other than quick confirmations of status and when they were about to move.
He held up a hand as he peaked around a corner as he saw a welcomed sight. The front hall was not only just down the hall but looked clear of any guards.
Perhaps we finally caught a break…
Waving to Shiho, he slipped down the hall at a low crouch before stopping at the entryway to the main hall. As before, the hall was lavished in wealth. The only thing that was different was the painting on the wall of Kamoshida. Last time her was here, it was of him looking stoic in full plate mail armor. Now, he looked as if he was laughing in nothing but his red, fur lined cap.
Come on dude… you really can't be that full of yourself…
Shaking the thought from his mind, he surveyed the hall to find it empty. Nodding to himself, he waved for Shiho to follow but as he did so; the hairs on his neck stood straight up and a familiar cool shiver ran down his spine. He franticly looked for the cause and found nothing.
"What's wrong?" Shiho asked.
"I…" he paused, thought for a moment, then continued, "Something's not right… it's dangerous. We need to fall back for now."
"But to where, they're everywhere?"
Much like before, a door materialized next to them.
"As much as I hate the idea… I may have to set off their little trap…" Revland muttered to her as he made his way to the door.
"You're going to put me in another safe room?"
"Safest place for you."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine, done this kind of thing before you know." He said with forced confidence. "Just stay here and I'll be right back."
He closed the door, resting his head against it as he let out a breath. "This… isn't going to be easy… wish I could talk to you Arséne… kinda got use to your words of encouragement."
He pushed off the door, making his way back down the short hall to the arch. A chill ran down his spine as he blatantly walked into the middle of the hall, his eye scanning for what the cause of his anxiety. He didn't have to wait long.
"So, you're the one causing such in uproar. Can't say I'm surprised; I knew you were trouble from the start."
Kamoshida appeared from behind a pillar at the top of the stairs with Ann and Shiho wrapped around his arms. Ann was in a black and purple bikini and cat ears and Shiho in a skimpy white bunny outfit complete with fluffy white ears.
"Wait… how did…?" he started to ask but stopped.
It's a cognition… isn't it… the real Ann doesn't know about this place and Shiho is in the safe room. Just like Ryuji, they're just what he sees them as.
"Hmm? What, are you jealous?" the mad king asked.
Might as well play along… can't give up the game just yet. "Kinda, yeah. You have a hottie on each arm. How can a mere child such as I even begin to compare?" He said with a bow. "Forgive me, I was just taking my leave of this place… but before I go, I thought I'd see what you had in store for the likes of me."
"You're a wordy brat, aren't you?" the king muttered.
"I guess you can say that…" he said with a fake smile, "Though I must ask… what did you do to Shiho Suzui?" his smile gone, replaced with a tone that made both girls flinch in response.
"What on earth could you mean?" he asked with a knowing smile.
"Well… how could you have someone so beautiful on your arm… I'd like to know your secret…" He said, waiting for a response.
Kamoshida scoffed, "I only took what was already mine." Tracing his finger along the fake Shiho's chin.
"And what makes you think that?" he responded coldly, "Wait, let me guess… because you the king and this is your castle, right?"
"Of course, as it's always been and will continue be." Laughing in response.
"Then why not admit it… it's just us here… and not like anyone would believe it if I said anything anyway."
"And to what would I be admitting to?" he asked with a wide grin on his face.
"That you raped Shiho Suzui… and nearly caused her suicide."
"Nearly caused… so, she did survive then?"
A low, cold "Answer me…" was his only response.
He chuckled, "Fine, you want the truth?"
Revland didn't respond.
"I took her, ravaged every inch of that tight little body and listened to every second of whispered pleas for someone to save her. Can't have someone like Sakamoto have all the fun, right?"
Revland closed his eyes to keep his emotions in check. "So… it was you then… all those wounds… they were your doing…"
"I only gave her what she wanted… all women want me, just as the men envy me. Has it sunk in yet?"
Revland breathed in a cool breath, "Nothing allows you to rape countless woman… not as a king or a God will ever grant you that right." He adjusted his mask as he summoned his knife and threw it, just missing the smug bastards face, to stick in the painting behind him.
A trickle of blood ran down the king's cheek, causing him to squeal.
"Hear me… you piece of filth… I'm coming for you… I'm going to burn this castle to the ground and piss on the ashes… then… and only then… will I tear you apart…"
The two girls tried to console their shaken king only to be shoved away, "SEIZE HIM! KILL HIM! END HIS LIFE THIS INSTANT!"
Think I may've upset him…
The ground around him erupted in shadow as the castle guards began crawling out.
"In the name of his majesty, your life if forfeit!"
"And I think today is a good day to die…" was his only reply, his grin widening as he readied his weapon.
Morgana was nearly out of breath following the now frantic pixie.
"Hurry, we need to hurry, He's in trouble!"
"Slow down damnit, won't do him any good if we get separated."
"But I didn't know he'd be powerless if I left! He in a lot of trouble and can't cast magic!"
"Wait, you didn't say you were a persona."
"What's that?"
"Are you kidding me?!"
The two could hear fighting in the distance, "Hurry, he's just ahead! He's using a lot of energy just trying not to get hit."
They entered the main hall and found Revland on the defensive against fifteen guards. He side stepped a sword, spun under an axe and hopped back from a spiked mace. He placed a foot on the mace to use it as a step to launch off the guard's shoulder to then hop from one head to the other.
"He's pretty good…" Morgana muttered.
"Kitty! He needs your help!" Liana screamed as she dove for the guard closest to Revland.
"Will you stop calling me that!"
The yell got Revland's attention as flashes of blue light bounced from one guard to the next before circling Revland once or twice.
"Revland! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it!" she pleaded, nearly in tears.
Revland wasn't hurt too badly save for a cut or two. "Liana?"
A guard went to strike Liana while her back was turned. Seeing the danger, Revland grabbed Liana with both hands before dancing out of the path of the blade. Once safe, he uncovered his hands to release the flustered pixie as she spun around him to check on his injuries.
"Your hurt…" she whimpered.
"Not your fault." He said curtly.
"But…"
"Look I didn't know either, but with your power I've been able to avoid them. But I need to go on the offensive or it's over."
Her antenna perked up.
"So, come on back." He ordered with a smirk. "I won't throw you away, I promise."
Letting out a squeal, she flew around Revland once before planting a quick kiss on his cheek and vanishing with a flash of blue flame.
"Arséne!"
Azure flame erupted from Revland at the call of his persona's name as his form loomed overhead. He felt stronger than when he was using Liana's power but not a light on his feet and had energy to spare. He flexed his fingers as he summoned his knife in a backwards grip.
"You fuckers are in trouble now." He said in a two-toned voice through a smile of his own.
Morgana watched as Revland dashed towards the first set of guards, throwing a ball of dark flame at one, causing it to fall backwards. He dodged the blade of an axe as the persona grabbed a spear that was meant for his master's back. Revland's knife cut clean through its armor as the long talons of his persona removed the guard's head with ease. Taking the axe of the fallen guard, Revland swung down to end the prone guard's life.
"They're working so well together… I never expected him to come so far so quickly…"
"I'm not entirely surprised, he showed quite a bit of promise when we last met. It seems he has found his el más Preciado (Precious one)"
"How'd you figure?"
"He's fighting like a Demonio (Demon), one only fights like that unless they have something to live for. Let us assist him amigo. Strong he may be, there's still quite a few down there for one person to handle alone."
"Couldn't agree more, this way he'll owe us one."
"If he conveniently forgets that he let you out of that cell maybe."
Letting out a battle cry, Morgana dove at a guard with a sword at the ready. Burying it in its head, he threw gusts of wind to put the others off balanced and to give them some room to work with.
"Morgana! You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"
"A little pixie told me you needed some help." He said with a smirk. "Plus, I couldn't let you have all the fun."
Well done, Liana.
He felt a small warmth come from his chest from the praise.
"We have an innocent in one of the safe rooms, she needs to get out of here."
"How'd she even get here?"
"I brought her, long story." He stammered as he countered. "Tell you all about it when we get out of here."
"Go get her, we're leaving!" Morgana thrust his paw towards the floor as a pulse of green colored wind threw the guards in all directions.
"Shiho, to me! We're getting out of here!" He yelled as he ran for the hallway and saw the door open to his words. Shiho looked terrified but trusting as she ran to Revland. Morgana summoned Zorro to pin down the guards as they ran for the opposite door. More came from their escape route and had them surrounded in a matter of seconds. Revland put Shiho behind him, trusting Morgana to cover his flank.
"Well, well, well… look at who finally decided to come out of her hole… where have you been hiding my little rabbit?"
Shiho turned pale white as her body began to shake at the sound of his voice.
"You son of a bitch… Fucking coward…" Revland spat at the figure walking slowing down the stairs.
"Shiho!" Ryuji yelled when he finally saw her. He reached for his bag and pulled a small handgun, leveling it at the nearest guard. "Let them go or I'll shoot!"
"Ryuji, when did you get here?" Revland asked.
The king leered at Ryuji as he snapped his fingers and two guard pinned him to the ground, the gun spinning off on the floor. "God damnit, let me go!"
"Ryuji!" Ann cried out.
Ann too, what the hell is going on?
"Oh ho hoo… and you brought me a gift."
"Kamoshida?" Ann asked, "What's going on?"
"Bring her to me, she's a much better catch than Suzui."
"Don't you dare you bastard!" Ryuji shouted.
The guards grabbed Ann by the arms as they forced her towards their king who was wearing a devilish grin.
"Let her go!" Revland cried out.
Damn it, this went to hell quickly…
"Now why would I do that… you seem to be under the impression that you give the orders around here runt… someone needs to put you in your place." He said as Ann was brought to her knees in front of him. "Where should I begin…?"
"Kamoshida, what's the meaning of this? Let me go!" Ann cried out.
"Perhaps I should start with her clothes…" he said with a perverted look in his eyes as the guards ripped open her jacket, tearing her shirt open to reveal a white bra with pink polka dots in contrast to her milky white skin.
Ann's eyes when wide at the sudden action then turned to horror as the humiliation set in.
The guards started to chuckle as their king stepped forward. "Not as obedient as my Ann but I've always wanted a taste."
Revland felt a strong presence to his right and saw that Ryuji was seething with hate. On a hunch, he opened his sight to see that he had two distinct auras. One was the shades of red and blue that he associated with Ryuji, but the other was a vibrant yellow that reminded him of electricity by the it moved. He also looked to Ann and saw something similar though it was closer to the flame of a raging fire.
The gun's too far for me to run for… Liana?
"Yes?"
When I call, go retrieve that object on the ground over there and bring it back to me.
"Are you sure?"
Positive, just hurry back… I'm about to do something awful…
"What are you planning?" Arséne asked.
It's just a hunch, but I think they just need one more little push to wake them up.
"You think they both are bearers of persona?"
There auras suggest as much… really hope I'm right.
He turned to Ryuji with little to no emotion in his features.
Forgive me…
"Are you seriously going to let him get away with this again?" he asked.
"What… what do you mean again?" Ryuji asked confused at his friend's tone. Like he was being blamed for how things have turned out.
"He's going to take Ann… just like he took Shiho…"
"He… he did what?" he asked, confused.
"He's the reason Shiho jumped…" he raised his voice so Ann could hear him, "Because Ann wouldn't put out, he took from her what she wouldn't give him. It's your fault, you weren't there to protect her!"
Ann's fear evaporated as both her and Ryuji looked at him then back to Kamoshida.
"You just had to go and ruin my fun, didn't you?" was his only response to the accusation.
Revland could see the shimmers of heat coming from Ann and the hairs on his left arm were standing on end.
"You… it was you… you made her jump!" Ryuji yelled as he struggled, gaining purchase.
"You made me wait quite a while. You seek power, don't yee mate?"
"You're the one who stole her smile?"
"Then let us form a pact. Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreak havoc...?"
"You stole her happiness?"
"The 'other you' who exists within desires it thus...I am thou, thou art I…"
"I will never forgive you…!"
"There is no turning back...The skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!"
"SO WHIPE THAT DISGUSTING SMILE OFF YOUR FACE!"
Lighting crackled around Ryuji as the guards convulsed with the current that was running through their bodies before being thrown from their feet. The coils of electricity started to surround him as a dark grey mask in the shape of a skull formed on his face. Shakely at first, he felt the object while staring daggers at the now wide-eyed Kamoshida. He gripped the edge of the mask and, with a yell of absolute fury, torn the mask from his eyes. Blue, azure fire erupted from Ryuji but became crackling lighting within moments as he stood there shaking.
He was now wearing a black leather jacket fit with elbow pads and metal armor that covered his vertebral column. Black leather pants, knee pads and a double-sided holster belt with what looked like 12-gadge shotgun shells on each side. A blood red ascot, combat boots and a pair of yellow gloves with metal knuckle busters.
He looked down at his new appearance before staring back at his target. The form of a ship appeared behind him with a tall figure standing with one foot on the rail in a full pirate outfit but with a cannon on one arm and a skull for a head.
"So… this is power… right on… Let's go Captain Kid… it's payback time… you're a dead man Kamoshida!"
Ann was glaring at Kamoshida, all manner of modesty forgotten. "You… you… heartless… son of a bitch… how could you…?"
His eyes came down to hers.
"How could do that to her!?"
"My... It's taken far too long. Forgiving him was never the option... Such is the scream of the other you that dwells within... eu sunt tu, tu sunt eu ... We can finally forge a contract... don't hesitate... Nothing can be solved by restraining yourself, understand?"
The two guards suddenly burst in to flames as a ruby red cat mask took shape, her now golden eyes promising death to the man who had hurt her friend.
"Scoateți-l!"
Grabbing the mask with both hands, she slowly torn it from her being, screaming in agony as it finally came free. As with Ryuji, blue flames engulfed her which cause Kamoshida to fall backwards in fear. The flame became crimson as the figure of a Romanian gypsy dressed in a black and red flowing dress with roses around her waist. Her black hair in spiral pig tails while wearing a black leopard mask with pink spots. Her own golden eyes bore into the man as two other men wearing heart shaped helmets were utterly infatuated with the women as they seemed connected to her with a green thorny vine.
Kamoshida's eyes went to her exposed chest where her strawberry cream skin was on full display before he was forced to cover them in fear of the heat.
Ann got to her feet in a red, skintight leather suit with dark red boots that came up to her thighs and pink gloves. Zippers ran up and down the length of her suit with one on her back that led to a tail that was long enough to barely touch the floor. Fires raged around her as she stepped towards the now cowering man.
"I hear you… Carmen… I won't give him the chance to hurt her, or anyone else, ever again."
Revland watched as he sent both his friends into a frenzy. "Perhaps I've made a mistake…"
"Revland!" Shiho cried out as one of the knights began to charge at the trio.
"Liana, GO!" he pointed in the direction of the gun with his left as he pulled Shiho with his right. The little pixie darted for the small firearm that was about as big as she was and flew unevenly back to Revland's hand. Seeing what he intended; she flew close to the floor before pulling up so the handle of the pistol would fit into his hand as he brought the barrel up, swirling with blue fire, to the white mask that acted as the shadow's face.
"Now, show me your true form…" he pulled the trigger. A loud bang rang out in the hall as small hole appeared in the center of the shadows mask. A crack split it in two as it fell to the floor to reveal a skeletal face with glowing red eyes. The thing screeched as it started to claw at it's helmet like it was trying to remove it. It's body racking as it convulsed as two dark red wings sprung from it's back while carrying it into the air. Once it relaxed, the shadows features had changed to that of a porcelain angel.
"He who dares to challenge our lord, do you believe that what you are doing is just?" the Arch Angel asked.
"Well… that ain't fair…" Revland muttered in response.
"Give up… allow me to relieve thee-"
Revland shot him again before he could finish, causing the angel to fall straight to the floor in a heap.
"Well, that was easy."
"Get back here you coward!" Ryuji called to the fleeing figure.
Revland looked up so see that both Ann and Ryuji were facing multiple guards, but several were already burning or twitching at their feet.
"Ann! Ryuji! Leave him, we need to leave before more show up!"
"Like hell! He dies today!" Ryuji yelled as a bolt of lighting seared through one of the remain guards.
"This ain't good… Morgana, look after Shiho."
"What are you going to do?"
"Need to wake them up, bring them back before they do something they'll regret."
"Wait before you go, take this." He said as he attached something to his wrist.
"And this is?"
"A specialized thief's tool, I think you'll find it useful."
Flexing his arm, he tested the weight of the odd device before shrugging and ran for the stairs.
"Fling out your arm… aim for the railing…"
Why the railing?
"There's still time to stop them but only if you hurry, you must use the device."
"Alright, if you say so." He flung it arm in the direction of the top tier railing as a cable about as think as his pinky finger shot out and wrapped around his target. "A grappling hook!?" Before he could marvel at what he just did, the gadget yanked him towards the upper tier.
A quick tug on the cable was enough to loosen it as he came over the rail between Ryuji and Ann before turning to take a fleeting shot at Kamoshida who had already turned a corner to escape. He turned to his friends to try stop them, though Ryuji nearly ran him over.
"That's enough, he's gone!" Revland cried out.
"You're letting him get away, MOVE!" blinded by rage, he threw a right hook at Revland.
Mainly on instinct, he caught the punch as he brough his right knee up into Ryuji's stomach to knock the wind out of him. Ann brough her flames to bare on Revland while dealing with Ryuji.
Arséne's wings sprung from his back to protect them, She doesn't care if Ryuji's in the crossfire.
"This ends NOW!" Revland screamed as a pulse of his own blue flame with his wings flung wide, knocking Ann on her butt.
"Enough! He's gone!"
"Why are you stopping us?!" Ann asked.
"We had him…" Ryuji added weakly.
"We have more important things to worry about Right now."
"What could be more important that this… that fucker needs to pay for what he did…"
"You two even care if you hurt each other…?" Revland explained, panting. "There's an innocent here… she comes first… It's the whole reason you're here, isn't it?"
"She…?" Ryuji asked, triggering a memory.
"We need to leave… before more show up."
Getting up, Ryuji looked down into the hall to see Shiho staring back at him in part wonder and fear. Ann joined him at the rail before running down the stairs to her seemingly unharmed friend. Ryuji just stared as he stumbled back. Revland placed a shaking hand on his shoulder as the day's exhaustion was beginning to take its toll.
"I'm sorry… I needed you two to wake up… I didn't think it would turn so violent… I need you to know that it's not what I think at all… it wasn't your fault… and never will be… for either of you."
Ryuji simply nodded as his face went white.
"Come on… She's waiting for you…"
Romanian Translation (Via Google Translate)
unul tânăr (oo-nool ta-nar)
- a young one
persoană iubită (Per-swa-na u-bee-ta)
-Loved or precious one
o vei răzbuna? (O vA raz-boo-na)
-Will you avenge her?
Om prost (oom p-rost)
-Boorish/ stupid man
copil drăguţ (Coe-peel Dra-goot)
-Sweet Child
eu sunt tu, tu sunt eu (U soon-t too, too soon-t U)
-I am thou, thou art I
scoateți-l (Squa-tA-till)
-Remove it
Author's note
Finally… it's done…
I feel like I owe you all an apology for making you wait and a bit of an explanation.
Shortly after posting chapter 15 in December but before I had started working on 16, I had gotten news that an old childhood friend of mine was in the hospital due to an overdose… and that they were testing for brain death… He passed away shortly thereafter.
I took the trip down to Tennessee to attend his funeral and had brought my labtop with every intention of working on the chapter. I had a title and a rough outline of what was going to happen, but as I was sitting in my hotel room… all inspiration died… I had nothing and all I did was stare at a blinking screen for about an hour before giving up and playing a video game.
If you hadn't guessed, that's why there's a dedication at the top of chapter.
As some already know, I hold my work in high regard and don't want to give a half-assed performance and with there being a planned dedication, it caused some anxiety on my part.
The plan going forward is to have a chapter a month but no later than every other, in an attempt to keep some kind of schedule.
Once again, I'm sorry for taking so long.
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter… I myself am excited for what to come next.
JWS
April 9, 2023/ Edited April 26, 2023
