POW!
"GURRAAGH!"
A massive shock wave shook the ground beneath us. And if I wasn't mistaken, I also heard Master beetle's painful screaming. What came to me was not the embrace of death, but warm sunlight shining brightly on my eyes.
Confused at the fact that I still wasn't dead, I opened my eyes to see Master beetle's body flying in the air. Master beetle kept flying back and back, and it's body grew smaller and smaller until it downright smashed into a small building. It looked like Master beetle went flying at least a mile away, and still we heard the sound of it crashing the building.
"What the?!"
'What... the?!'
Me and Chihiri looked at each other with sheer confusion. Chihiri couldn't get her mouth to close, and her jaw dropped down like she was about to scream at any moment.
"Itou, did you just see that?! I mean, I didn't see anything, but we're alive! And why?! How?! I should be happy, but at the same time I'm so confused!"
Chihiri was freaking out of control right now. Like me, Chihiri didn't doubt that it was the end of the line for both of us when Master beetle struck down it's arm. We thought there was no way getting out this time. So it was understandable that there was hundreds of questions inside her head, like the most confused person in the world. It wasn't like she wanted to die or anything. But the back and forth between life and death situations were happening so constantly, that it was starting to take a tole on her.
Before we could be happy that we were still alive, we wanted to know what the hell just happened. And the answer for that question came from a flash of red light. Along with a single, cheerful laughter.
"Yeah! Now that's a direct hit!~"
A small figure landed right in front of us. It landed with quite an impact, brushing the dust around us with a loud thud. We were in so much shock, that at first, we thought it was some kind of monster.
But we quickly found out that it was actually a small girl, with long black hair reaching her shoulders. She wore a long white T shirt with black stripes, that almost went down to her knees, and wore black shorts which actually did cover her knees. Right after landing along with a gleeful laughter, the girl turned her head towards us.
"Wh, Who are you?!"
"Me? Well I'm.."
"S,Stay back! Don't come any closer!"
Chihiri quickly stood up and jumped right in front of me. She and I were cautious, and for good reasons. The little girl that looked no more than twelve, was clearly not 'human'. Master beetle wasn't pushed back. No, it went flying even with it's gigantic body. Someone, or something was responsible and we only saw one standing.
Not only that, when the girl landed, we didn't see it but the impact she made was at least the same as someone falling straight down from the top of a building. which would easily kill/break a person like dried up twigs. But her legs, her feet with red sneakers were perfectly fine, not even limping for what seemed like a lethal fall.
Ally or not, the girl was strong. Chihiri might not know, but I could see and feel enough that I was sure. A flood of spiritual energy so strong, that the little girl was like an atom bomb incarnate.
I couldn't run from here. Not while I was bleeding to death right now, and Chihiri wasn't going anywhere without me even if I begged her to. So the question was this.
Was she our hero?
Or was she our worst nightmare?
The answer was swift.
"It's okay! I'm here to help you guys!~"
"R, Really?"
"Of course! Kuran Shiina, at your service!~"
The girl did a little salute and smiled. A smile warm and bright like the sun.
"T, Then please! Help Itou!"
"You got it!"
The girl immediately rushed towards me. She knelt to take a good look at my injuries. She looked in shock on the gaping hole in my chest, and the red river coming out that just won't stop.
"Whoa! That is a seriously big puncture wound! Did he get stabbed or something?"
"Yeah. Well, it was actually Amaterasu who got stabbed, but Itou was the one who got wounded, and..."
"Oh, 'that'! Yikes, that must've hurt like hell! Trust me, I know!"
"But y, you can do something about that, right?"
"Yeah! Wait, did I make you worry?"
"...Kinda?"
"Then don't worry about it!~"
Okay. Hero or not, this girl was weird. Cheerful, yes. But maybe a little too cheerful.
"Guhak!"
"Itou!"
Chihiri cried out as I coughed out blood.
My ruptured lungs were soaked in blood. Everytime I exhaled, my mouth, my nose and my throat was filled with a bitter and metallic taste. I coughed again. There was nothing I can do to stop this. I don't want to worry Chihiri, but I had no choice, since it was the only way I won't drown in my own blood.
It was getting harder to breathe. The smell and taste that filled my mouth and nose made it harder to do so. My eyelids were getting heavier and heavier. Only this time, it was a slumber I couldn't return from. My mind was like a dimming candle in the middle of a hurricane. It was slipping away, as fast as the blood leaving my body.
Help was right in front of my eyes. But I'm afraid it might be too late. It's like a bad joke. Life throwing one last laugh at me.
"Chi.. hi.."
"Hang in there! Y, You'll be all right in no time!"
"S, So..rry..."
I didn't want to die, but my body was saying otherwise. If this is my final moments, then I'm at least glad that I get to see Chihiri's face before I...
"Shut up! Don't you fucking dare say you're sorry! Kuran, please! Save him!"
"All right!"
I had only a couple of breaths left. After that, it was the end. As I was making my dues, Kuran reached out to a little red case that was connected to a belt on her waist. She opened the case, and quickly pulled out something from it.
It was a single card. Not medicine, or any kind of medical equipment. I thought I was already dead, to see something that is so ridiculous. At first.
Then I saw the card itself. A vanguard card with the back colored black and gold, instead of black and blue.
Exactly like the one I have.
"Come on out, Genjo! It's healin time!"
Right after shouting out loud, a burst of light shined in Kuran's hand. The light faded instantly, and the card that Kuran held disappeared from her hand.
Instead, there was now a second figure standing next to her. A Female monk, wearing ceremonial robes with bead necklaces and all. Along with a bronze made hat while holding a staff, just like the one from an old Chinese tale.
The monk stood still for a second, blinking her eyes a few times until she turned around to face Kuran with a smile.
"Greetings, Kuran. I suppose you seek my assistance?"
"Yeah. I'm kinda in a pickle here. We need some healin! And you know that I SUCK at healing arts."
"I understand. But, could you please not call the sacred arts of our holy lord Nouvelle Vague, 'Healin'? As one of his believers, it is painful to being called by that."
"C'mon!~ That's too long and boring!~ You're too awesome to be called in the 'traditional' way!~"
"Ugh... Lord Nouvelle Vague, please forgive this young soul..."
Kuran was casually talking with the monk that just came out of nowhere. Me and Chihiri were dumbfounded at their interaction.
That monk Genjo, was a Kagero unit. We even had the same card in Chihiri's backpack. A card materialized into life form. Not even a hologram of some sorts. She existed right in front of our eyes.
There was no mistaking it. The black haired girl Kuran was like me. A pioneer.
"Anyways, I need you to heal Itou san! He's the guy with the white hair over there."
"I see. Oh my, that is a serious wound. Miss, why haven't he called his own heal unit?"
Genjo sat at the ground and asked Chihiri for answers(since I was in no condition to speak).
"H, Heal units? You mean heal triggers? But they're just normal cards! Itou only has Amaterasu!"
"What? Only one unit?"
"Uh, Genjo? I think this is the first time Itou san ever materialized a unit before. That wound there, happened because he overrode."
"Y, Yeah that! I heard Master beetle saying that to him."
"Oh you poor soul... Do not worry. I shall heal your wounds immediately."
After hearing that, Genjo quickly chanted an unknown spell. I felt a strange energy coursing inside her body. It was some sort of spiritual energy, but felt cleansing like the scent of a pine tree.
Then, Genjo grabbed the staff with both of her hands, and immediately raised it above her head.
"Iwa-jin(Nest of healing)!"
Suddenly, we were all surrounded by a mint green light. It was a large circle made purely of green light. I could see strange writings shining beneath my hands, that clearly wasn't there before.
This light was the same energy that I felt from Genjo. Speaking of which, I could now clearly see this green energy flowing out of Genjo's body. But I wonder, how is this going to cure...
"Itou, your chest! Look!"
Chihiri yelled in amazement. I turned to my chest and couldn't believe what I was seeing. The blood, flesh, skin on my chest was moving by itself. It looked, and FELT like several red worms were crawling all over my chest. It was a shocking feeling that it almost made my heart stop.
"Ahh!"
"Why, does it hurt?!"
"No! But it's super weird!"
"Well, you do have a gaping hole in your chest. Severe injuries tends to be more sensitive."
Personally, Genjo's explanation didn't help at all. But the circle she made around us was doing wonders.
The weird feeling was literally my punctured chest putting back itself together. Ripped blood vessels reattached to each other. Punctured lungs and organs grew itself back, with my ribcage soon following. One by one, a new layer of skin covered the blood soaked one as if it was absorbing it. The overwhelming pain, along with the hole on my chest became smaller and smaller, until it was completely gone.
"There. All done."
"Perfect as always!Good job, Genjo!"
Kuran raised both thumbs while complementing Genjo with a big smile. Genjo smiled back at her and lowered down her staff. And at the same time, the circle of green light that surrounded us vanished without a trace.
I touched my chest several times. No blood. No pain. Except the touch from my hands, I felt nothing. I couldn't believe it. I was completely healed. It's an honest to god miracle.
"N, No way..."
"How do you feel? Does it still hurt? And don't you fake it this time!"
"Chihiri, I'm fine! It doesn't hurt anymore! Hey, look at your scars! They're gone too!"
It wasn't just me. Chihiri had a couple of scratches on her body when we had to run from Tail joes, and debris was flying everywhere from their joe's attacks. But now her skin was clean, as if she hasn't been hurt at all. She did stay inside the circle with me, so I guess Genjo's healing affected her too.
"Never mind that! You sure you're okay?"
Chihiri was still skeptical. To tell the truth, a small part of me is afraid this might be an illusion or something. But I'm 90 percent sure I didn't pass out, and the pain finally being gone is always welcome for me.
"Do you SEE a giant hole on my chest? Honestly! I think I could just stand up now, GAGH?!"
I tried to pick myself off the ground. But when I lifted my upper torso, a shocking pain stabbed right in the middle of my chest. I let out a high squeal and collapsed right back on the ground.
"Itou! W, What's wrong with him?"
"Whoa. Genjo, he is okay, right?"
"Yes. I've only healed his wounds, not the fatigue his body was holding. The side effects from override is not something that goes away quickly. He has used a large amount of spiritual energy, and on his first time no less. So it's only natural that his body will react like that."
"Well, you heard her! You should rest, Itou san!"
"G, Got it... God, I feel pathetic..."
"Better than dying, dumbass."
Crossing her arms and chuckling, Chihiri kept an eye on me to make sure I don't do any sudden movements. Chihiri was finally smiling again. Seeing her laughing again helped ease my pain a bit. It almost looked like she was about to cry. And if there's one thing I can't stand, is her crying because of me.
Fwoo-
All of a sudden, I could hear a strange echo. I thought it was the wind, but it sounded a bit heavier, like a gust of wind howling when it blows through a small opening. I was lying down, so I couldn't see where the sound came. Close? Far? I don't know for sure. Maybe I'm just overthinking it.
But why do I get the feeling the ground slightly shook when I heard the sound?
"Oh boy. Looks like it didn't give up~"
"...It seems so. Should I make a barrier?"
"Nah. We got this."
"Kuran? What are you and Genjo talking abou..."
Chihiri suddenly went silent. Her expression froze, and I lifted my head towards where she was looking.
"Chihiri? What's the matt..."
The evening light that shined on our faces, suddenly grew dark. The sound that I heard was the wind. The kind when you throw a ball real hard, that you can actually hear the wind blow. And the 'ball' in this case,
Was a half crushed giant truck. Spinning in the air, and falling down fast right towards us.
"Oh my god!"
"Chihiri! Kuran! Duck! If we're lucky it'll go past us!"
"R, Right!"
Chihiri immediately took cover. But only her. Kuran didn't move a single step from where she was. She was even smiling, while the falling truck was closer than ever, and was looking two times bigger than before.
"What are you... Are you nuts?! That's a freaking truck! Take cover for gods sake!"
"C'mon, Itou san~ There's no need for that~ Not when we have a 'guardian angel' on our side~"
"You wanna take care of it Kuran, or should I?"
Suddenly out of the blue, a deep roaring voice came out of nowhere. Kuran responded to the voice with glee.
"You started it, so the honors all yours!~"
"Roger that!"
Then, a shadow of something bigger than the truck covered up all of us.
CRASH!
The sound of crushing metal violently rang. The falling truck stopped. Hanging in the air, barely a few meters away from us.
Kuran and Genjo were smiling. A huge object stood alongside them. Me and Chihiri stared in silence, at the 'thing' that stopped the truck.
A giant red hand had grabbed the truck. The truck was big enough, but the hand that grabbed it was bigger. The hand were covered in armor like scales, with every single one of them in crimson red. It's black claws were big and sharp, almost like drills which sank into the truck's metal frame with ease.
"I, Itou... L, Look..."
Chihiri pointed straight up. It wasn't a hand that was just floating in the air.
The hand was connected to an arm. And the arm was connected to a red building... Wait...
"Chain blast! Nice catch!"
"Ah, it's nothing. I could catch this in my sleep, you know."
The deep voice that we heard, came from a gigantic jaw of teeth. White hot steam was fuming out between the narrow opening of hundreds of razor sharp teeth.
For a while, I just thought there was a red colored building right next to us. You know, the ones that are made with red bricks. Well, THAT is no building.
What I thought as red bricks, were two humongous legs surround by plates of crimson scales. The same one the giant hand and arm was covered in. It was tall. So tall, that I had to look straight up at a 90 degree angle. What I saw next was the biggest armor I've ever seen. It was the size of a four story building, with gold waved spikes attaching to the sides, which stood out from all the red surrounding it. On the back were eight blue blades, each one about the size of a large tree. They were fused together and looked like a giant pair of wings.
"Hey, you guys okay? I hope you didn't get a heart attack from that!"
"N,No..."
"W, We're fine..."
A reptilian head covered in red scales, with two blade sharp golden horns on each side and a cone like jade horn on the middle, looked down right at us. It had a huge smirk on it's face, and we could see all the sharp teeth in it's huge jaw.
There's no mistaking it. This was a dragon. Not the traditional four legged dragon you see in books. This one was standing on two legs and had weapons and armor like a warrior would. But this made it look more dangerous. With it standing on two legs, it's towering size looked even bigger. The size alone made it incredibly intimidating. Even though it was on our side, me and Chihiri couldn't help but be afraid of the titan watching us.
"Well then, I shall make my leave Kuran."
"Okay, thanks for your help, Genjo!~"
Meanwhile Genjo was saying farewell, as she had done what she was called for. Kuran nodded and thanked Genjo again for her help. Genjo replied with a smile, and suddenly her whole body began to fade. I was surprised at first, but then I felt Kuran severing some kind of connection on her end, and quickly figured out it was just her calling Genjo back. Which made sense, since there was no reason to keep providing unnecessary spirit energy.
Unlike when Amaterasu was forcibly cut down from me, Genjo was in no pain and acted natural. Knowing Kuran was the one cancelling the materialization on her own request.
As a same pioneer, if Kuran could do it, it meant I could do it also. I just hope I'd known it sooner. If I did, I wouldn't have lost Amaterasu.
Before she disappeared, I went up to Genjo and thanked her for all she did. It was the least I could do for the person who saved my life.
"Genjo. Thanks for saving me. Really, I'll never forget what you did for me."
"Hey! Same goes for me! Thanks for saving my dumbass friend!"
Chihiri also yelled out to her. She didn't, or couldn't stand up, but didn't forget to also thank Genjo.
"Huhu. Always a pleasure."
Genjo honestly deserved more, but she seemed to appreciate our gratitude, and gently bowed at us in an almost saint like manner.
She was now barely visible. Before her form completely disappeared, Genjo turned to Chain blast and said her last words.
"Oh, and master Chain blast, your opponent is standing."
"Opponent?"
"She doesn't mean..."
"I WILL FUCKING KILL ALL OF YOUUUUU!"
A hateful shriek rang loudly through the air, like nails on a chalkboard. We could feel the raw hatred just by hearing it. And soon, the origin of the scream showed itself to us.
About seven blocks apart from where we are, there stood a titan covered in black blood. Master beetle returned, this time more furious than ever.
"Oh, shit... That bug just won't give up!"
"Damn! He's determined, I'll give him that!"
Seeing it's revolting figure again was like a nightmare coming back to haunt us. However, something seemed off of Master beetle. It's body was constantly shaking and looked like it had a problem of standing up straight. It's limit was now close. Master beetle was limping it's final moments.
But despite that, it's killer instinct hasn't died out even the slightest. Due to the certainty of death, it seemed to be worse than before. It had nothing to lose now.
Me and Chihiri were genuinely afraid of it. We couldn't believe it was still standing after all the abuse it got.
But the dragon, Chain blast took one good look at the undying beetle. And chuckled as if it was a joke. Soon, Chain blast shouted out to it.
"Hey! Are you really gonna do this? Fighting you is going to be like kicking a corpse! You might as well give up and save the trouble! I'll at least make it quick for ya!"
"Oh, aren't you FUNNY! You know what happened to the last bitch who said that? I shoved a blade at it's belly! And that's what I'm going to do to you!"
"Oh boy..."
Despite Master beetle's terrifying screams, Chain blast didn't seem to care, not even a bit. To his eyes, Master beetle was just pathetic. Chain blast sighed in disgust as he began to crack his knuckles, like he was eager to get this over with.
Chain blast was confident of himself. Master beetle seemed to be dying, but it was certain that it had some tricks up it's sleeves. Even if Chain blast was strong, an opponent like that is not to be messed with.
"Don't underestimate that bug! There's no way what it'll do! You have to..."
Kuran smiled and raised her hand before I can continue. It was strange how Kuran could be so calm, when she's sending her unit to battle a dangerous monster.
"Okay, I know that you're worried now Itou san. But trust me. Chain blaster's got this."
"But!..."
"If you're so worried than sit back and watch! And see how awesome Chain blaster really is!~ Ain't that right, Chain blast!"
"Heck yeah!"
Kuran really believed in Chain blast's victory. There wasn't a single doubt that crossed her mind. Chain blast responded in kind, and only saw victory in his eyes. I don't understand how they can be so confident. Are they being cocky believing in their strength alone? Or am I being too afraid after what happened to Amaterasu?
Whatever it was, I was about to find out. But there was certainly something different to them compared to me and Amaterasu. They had a genuine bond. A strong one that nobody can understand except for each other. They seemed practically family.
Also, power. A tremendous burst of almost bottomless spiritual energy. It felt like a super volcano ready to erupt. And it wasn't just one side being strong. Kuran and Chain blaster, they were BOTH strong.
"Alright, I'll end this in five minutes tops!"
"Hah! You'll be dead in three!"
The first one to attack was Master beetle. It lifted it's only arm, pointing directly at Chain blast. The tip of Master beetle's deformed wrist blade began to overflow of dark energy, the same one when it tried to attack Amaterasu. It looked like currents of black lightning, and left huge sparks flying everywhere.
"Graviton bolt!"
A huge sphere of dark energy formed at the tip of Master beetle's blade. With the violent sound of lightning ripping the air, it shot straight out with extreme force. The projectile moved fast, but other than that it seemed like a basic attack. And it was small, only about five meters in length which was tiny compared to Master beetle's size.
However, the word 'gravity' of Master beetle's attack wasn't there for nothing. As the dark ball moved forward, it sucked in debris that was left on the ground. Things from pieces of tar and concrete, to entire cars and trees, it sucked in everything it lifted like a black hole and grew. In mere seconds, the sphere's size had tripled and was now almost half as big as Chain blast.
There was another problem. Especially me, Chihiri and Kuran. The graviton bolt sucked in cars with no problem, so it meant we could also be sucked in if it came too close.
"Impressive! Looks like you have some juice left in you after all!"
"Now's not the time to be admired! We have to stop that thing before it gets to close!"
"Get crushed along with your fucking brats!"
"I don't think so."
Chain blast folded his right hand's fingers, as if he was holding something. And all of a sudden a great red fire roared in the palm of his empty hand. The fire burned even stronger, and it's size instantly grew threefold, covering almost all of Chain blast's hand.
The fire began to move as if it had a mind of it's own. Flames twisted and turned, forming into something new. From the flaming source, a long line of fire stretched out all the way to Chain blast's left hand.
In his right, was a giant vortex of rapidly spinning fire, releasing hot winds of molten heat.
SHLOKKK!
Chain blast struck with his right arm in a full swing. The red and the dark finally clashed into each other. With equal size, the power of two sides seemed to be also equal.
However, this wasn't the case, as the fiery vortex slashed the fifteen meter sphere with a single swing.
The cut down sphere soon went up in flames, as the dark energy was now fuel for the fire. When the fire had been extinguished, there was nothing left of Master beetle's energy.
"W, What?! H, How?..."
"You must be out of your mind, if you think that measly attack can work on my Barbarossa!"
The vortex of fire. The long line of flame. They were no longer in Chain blast's hands. Instead, it turned into weapons of hardened steel.
In his left hand, several black long chains had covered around Chain blast's fist like brass knuckles. The chains were massively thick. Bigger than the ones giant ship use to drop anchors. It looked unbreakable. The line of fire must've been the chains all along.
And in the right hand where Chain blaster held the vortex, was a behemoth of steel. A gigantic silver wheel with blood red blades.
It was so thick and heavy, it looked more like a blunt mace. The wheel had three carved blades making it resemble the shape of a vortex. Two silver dragons were engraved on the center of the wheel, like they were being sucked into a vortex.
The three blades were indeed sharp, but the weapon's true strength came from it's thickness and massive weight. It was purely designed to completely annihilate things even way tougher than itself. The blade's red color was the perfect example of a dragon's tooth. The overwhelming strength and dangers of it. Sending a message to anyone who dare stood against it, that the blades will soon be soaked of their own blood.
Basically, it was the most dangerous looking chain weapon that ever existed. It looked like it could cut down a building in own swoop. And I believe it can. Blocking that thing is never an option. It's either dodge or die.
"My turn, bug brain!"
Chain blast threw his Barbarossa with full force. The giant weapon flew swiftly straight to Master beetle. And as if it couldn't get anymore dangerous, the wheel started to spin.
KUREEEEEEEE!
Barbarossa spun rapidly like a circular saw blade. The chains connected to it was like a giant snake slithering through the air. It already flew far away from us, but the sharp ripping sound of the wheel rang loudly even from here. I had to cover my ears just to hear myself think.
"Hah! What an, idiot!"
Master beetle laughed after quickly ducking. Despite it's size, the giant bug was quite agile.
"It, dodged?!"
"Huh, it's faster than I thought!"
Barbarossa was indeed big, but not enough to cover up all the areas. The metal wheel went right across and completely missed Master beetle's head, and kept flying with no sign of stopping.
With the threat gone, Master beetle kicked the ground and rushed towards Chain blast with no hesitation. It lunged it's sharp arm blade right to Chain blast's head.
"Without your weapon, you're history!"
"W, Why isn't he moving? He's going to get killed!"
"Ah, he's fine!~"
Chain blast wasn't trying to block or even dodge it's attack. He just stood there, counting down his fingers one by one. Then, I heard a strange sound coming closer and closer.
"Three... two..."
When there was only one finger standing, a loud ripping sound rang my eardrums.
KREEEEEEEEEE!
The spinning Barbarossa roared violently behind Master beetle's back.
"What?!"
The chains connecting Barbarossa wasn't there just for show. Just dodging the lethal part wasn't the end. It was a 'chain' weapon after all. Which were designed to be thrown, and than returned.
Master beetle's jaws shuddered. An unexpected attack from behind was a deadly blow.
"Argh!..."
However, it's legs haven't given up yet. Screaming with all his might, Master beetle managed to jump to the side and barely dodge the spinning blade.
"Thanks for running all the way here, dumbass!"
"Huh?..."
With a grin on his face, Chain blast stood right in front of Master beetle. On his hardened fist, was the weapon that Master beetle had just dodged. Chained up around his fist, the spinning Barbarossa quickly rushed to the face of the bug.
Master beetle froze up, while seeing the doom coming right for it's face.
POW!
KRAGGGGGAAAAKKK!
Chain blast's fist landed right in the middle of the bug's face. The blades cut through bone and flesh and something more. The sound it made was so deafeningly loud, there was no scream to be heard.
The impact of the punch sent Master beetle's body flying through the air, and landed to the ground with a big thud. When the sound stopped, we saw black blood splattered literally everywhere due to Barbarossa's blades.
It was a lot of blood. Barbarossa's blades were almost caked in black, and so was Chain blast's face. I heard the sound when his fist punched Master beetle's face, and it sent a shiver down my spine on just how bloody it was.
"Hmm... That bastard's body doesn't seem to be vanishing. I should check on it."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best~ But uh, try to tone it down next time? Itou and Chihiri san look a little sick, you know."
"Oh. Um, sorry you two."
Kuran worrying us, along with Chain blast's apology was appreciated. I mean, we(especially our stomachs) were not really in the mood, but it was still appreciating nevertheless. Surprisingly, Kuran seemed to take that gruesome scene pretty well. She's got guts, I'll say that.
We' on the other hand, were pretty shaken up. I was trying everything to get that scene off my head, while Chihiri didn't say a word and just blindly looked at me.
Well, she did but...
"Itou. That was freaking awesome, right?"
"Chihiri, just please shut up..."
At least I'm glad one of us were over it. I turned my head away from Chihiri and stood up to walk towards Chain blast. My legs felt like jello, but ignored it and kept going straight. Before Chain blast could act, I quickly shouted out to him.
"Hey, Chain blast! You're not going to walk over there and check it yourself, right?"
"Huh? Well, that is the plan, why?"
"If you're gonna check, why don't you just make sure? You know, like chop it's head off from here. You can do that, right?"
Chain blaster's eyes widened in shock. To be fair, this isn't the type of thing someone would say after experiencing a gruesome event. But that bug had it coming.
"Whoa! I mean... I can, but weren't you having a fiasco just now?"
"Yeah, but we'll be feeling a lot better if that fucking bug dies. Right Chihiri?"
"Off with that fucker's head!"
"You two! Languages, please! You're cursing in front of a middle schooler, you know?"
"Oh. Sorry."
"My bad!"
Still sitting on the ground, Chihiri shouted out from way behind me. Despite her acting like she was okay, it seemed she was still pretty shaken up. I couldn't just leave her there, so I walked back to help her get up.
"What're you gonna do?~ You could burn it with your breath?~"
"Nah, I'm gonna smash it's head. No need to make it painful and long, right?"
"Daww~ You're so kind~"
It was really a strange one to hear a friendly discussion about smashing someone, no something's head. Friendly and gruesome really isn't something that goes along with each other, and just sounds so weird when you're the one hearing it. But it sounded so natural to them, that I wondered if that's the relationship between a pioneer and it's unit. Something that only themselves would understand.
At least I'm glad they didn't decide to show mercy. Master beetle was a killer, down to it's bone. They knew well that it was not allowed to live.
"You okay, Chihiri? You didn't hurt your legs did you?"
Chihiri shook her head. She didn't seem to be in pain, since Genjo healed not only my injuries, but also possible injuries Chihiri had. But I guess tense muscles from shock aren't injuries that needs healing.
Considering the things that we've been through could be legit traumatizing, I'm surprised how well we were holding up. Compared to screaming your lungs out while going insane, just having trouble standing up is a whole lot better.
"I'm fine. Just a little rattled up, that's all."
"Need some help?"
"Nah, I only need a couple of seconds and I'll be standing up in no time."
"You better, or else I'll have to drag your ass back home."
"Oh? If you're going to by personal steed, maybe it's better NOT to stand up."
Chihiri snickered at my attempt to motivate her, and made fun by pretending to ride an invisible horse, even adding details of giddy upping. It's like Chihiri has a disease, that she'll die if she doesn't make fun of something.
Well, if I'm to be a horse, I'll have Chihiri know that a horse's kicks are pretty deadly.
"Yeah, if you want a concussion on the rid..."
My lips froze. A shiver slithered down my spine, as a dreadful truth squeezed my heart. Chihiri saw my pale face, and soon she realized as well.
"No, is it... an image?!"
"Damn it!..."
This was no time to make jokes. I quickly turned back. Drank all the air I could get in my lungs to warn them, before it was too late.
"Chain blast! Behind you! Watch out!"
"Huh? Itou san?"
"What's he suddenly on about?"
Kuran and Chain blast both looked at each other, with no clue what I was talking about. It was just like the image. Time was ticking fast. The one they HAD to see was...
"Don't look at me! Master beetle! He's behind!..."
"HAHAHAH! TOO LATE!"
It didn't give a chance for them to turn around. With a joyful laughter, Master beetle with it's lower mouth shredded and chopped off, stabbed the back of Chain blast's head with it's sharp arm blade.
With half of it's face being shredded, black blood was leaking like a waterfall where it's lower jaw was once located. Master beetle no longer looked like itself, and more like a living corpse that just refuses to die.
Master beetle used it's painful blow as an opportunity. To look unconscious, defeated, dying to lower our guard for an opening. To strike at the perfect timing. And that's what it had done.
"No..."
My legs gave in as I fell to my knees. I saw it. I saw the image and tried to warn them, but I was too late. If I was fast enough, I could've saved him. Kuran's precious partner...
CLANG!
The sound of metal rang. However, it was strange. This wasn't the sound of a blade sinking in flesh. It was the sound of a blade being...
Broken?
Thud!
Something heavy had dropped to the ground. I looked and recognized the heavy object. It was the half of Master beetle's jagged and twisted arm blade. After seeing the blade, I immediately looked upwards between the two titans.
"N,No way..."
Master beetle was trembling in fear, while Chain blast was standing still like a huge unmovable mountain. I looked to the back of his head. But there was nothing.
The sharp blade had certainly stabbed at the back of Chain blast's head. But it didn't damage his head. Not even a scratch to be seen. And instead, the blade got cut in half by smashing into something way more sturdier.
Which was now proven to be Chain blast's head.
"Why won't you die!? DIE! DIE! DIE!"
It already lost it's blade. However, that didn't stop it from Master beetle to rush it's fist to Chain blast's body and face.
POW! POW POW! POW!
Even with only one arm, the impact on it's strikes were swift and powerful. The sounds of punches turned into an insane barrage, as countless blows landed at Chain blast. Master beetle's own muscles and bones cracked after every single blow. But it never stopped it's fists, even when it's arm started to twist into a horrible angle.
It's never ending fists. Master beetle's desperate attempt to bring down Chain blast,
was just pointless.
BLAM!
A devastating blow had landed. Master beetle's back sprung violently as it's barrage had stopped. And all it took was a single fist digging into Master beetle's stomach.
"Gaghk!..."
In one hit, Master beetle collapsed to it's knee. If it wasn't gasping for air, it was spewing up even more blood from it's mouth, or both at the same time.
Chain blast looked down at Master beetle. The gaps between their rivaled height was now different as night and day. But also, their skills as well.
While one fell covered in injuries, one stood still, without a single scratch.
"Gurhek!... H, How..."
"Did you really think you could win without a pioneer? Not only do their spiritual energy bring us to this world, they're the source that helps us fight at our full potential. Without their help, we're not even half of what we are able to do. So let this be a lesson to you and your bugs, that you can't win this fight alone."
The chains and wheel of Barbarossa that was wrapped around Chain blast's arm was undone. The undone chains dropped into Chain blast's hands and he began to swing it in a circle rapidly. The spinning Barbarossa quickly gained speed, growing stronger and faster by the second.
With every swing, strong gusts of wind blew and rang in my ears like I was inside a tornado. Our hair and clothes, the small debris around the area, and Master beetle's tar like blood. It all shook vigorously from the rapid winds.
A quick death. That's what Chain blast was preparing for, and his last mercy for Master beetle. A swift and powerful swing, for a swift and painless death.
"...over..."
"Hmm?"
"..not..."
Master beetle was talking. It's voice was muffled by the loud wind, but it was definitely talking about something. Chain blast didn't seem to care much as he changed his swing pattern, signaling the moment to strike.
And at that moment, Master beetle's muffled voice turned to a screeching scream.
"IT'S NOT OVER!"
Right before Chain blast could strike, Master beetle kicked the ground while kneeling, and quickly rushed forward to attack. It reached out it's only hand, ready to crush anything it could grab.
"What?!"
Surprised at the worst moment, Chain blast flinched. With his hand frozen in place, it was unable to strike with Barbarossa in time.
But why? Master beetle's attacks were useless against Chain blast. It's not like all of a sudden it was going to work now. Chain blast was more stronger, and nothing about it has changed whatsoever. Then why is it still trying to attack Chain blast?
'Wait... That posture... It's too low for it to attack Chain blast.'
Master beetle threw it's body like it was trying to tackle Chain blast. However, it threw it's body even lower than Chain blast's knees, that the only thing Master beetle was able to attack was Chain blast's feet. But that's just stupid. Why would it...
'Unless...'
If it's not trying to attack Chain blast's feet, it's got to be something 'lower' than it... Which is...
"Kuran! Run!"
"Say goodbye to your precious Pioneer!"
It knew. If it couldn't take out Chain blast, it could take out Kuran instead. Since we were the source of our unit's strength, taking us down meant taking the units out.
Master beetle's hand already stretched out to Kuran. It was too close for her to avoid it in time. The shadow of it's gigantic hand consumed Kuran's body whole.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew. Following soon, was a deafening sound of a single quake.
In a blink of an eye, black blood splattered everywhere. Muscles exploded, and the tough endoskeleton shattered like glass until only shards of it remained. Master beetle's already damaged arm was obliterated in a second. It was like it's arm had been blown off by a powerful bomb. But the only thing that had came in contact with Master beetle's arm,
was Kuran's fist.
"Whoa!"
"The hell?!"
"G, GUHAAAAA!"
"Ha! Take that!"
Master beetle flipped and turned in the ground, while it screamed in agony. I can't believe it. Master beetle was almost 50 times bigger than Kuran. Yet, with her skinny arm, she blasted Master beetle's arm right off with a single punch.
'W, What is she?...'
But soon, a huge feet came down and stomped Master beetle's torso, pinning it to the ground.
"Ugah!..."
"You know, I'm not a guy that gets upset quite easily. But if there's one thing I can't stand, is pieces of shit like you trying to hurt my buddies. You, trying to attack Kuran? IS THE SINGLE WORST DECISION YOU MADE IN THIS PLANET."
Chain blast stepped on Master beetle with all his weight. Master beetle's ribs crushed like twigs to the massive pressure, breaking one by one with a violent snap. At the same time, Chain blast opened it's jaws. Opening wider and wider, until it was big enough to swallow Master beetle's head whole.
A certain orange glow was flashing inside his open mouth. The orange light was getting brighter. And if I'm not mistaken, so was the air temperature around him.
"Is he, trying to breath fire?"
"Whatever it is, we do NOT want to be a part of THAT."
I wasn't wrong when I compared Chain blast to a live volcano. Inside his body, was an ungodly amount of spiritual energy, boiling and whirling rapidly just waiting to escape. Now, it finally had the chance to. As the gate(mouth) was now open.
"Hell blaze(Burning hell)!"
"Ugh!..."
"Chihiri! Close your eyes!"
A blinding light and heat covered the area. For a second, it was like the sun appeared right in front of us. Me and Chihiri quickly covered our eyes before we went blind from the light.
FUUUUOOOOOO!
The sounds were loud. And I mean, really loud. Like standing close to a waterfall, we could hear nothing except the rushing flames.
Waves of red fire escaped endlessly from Chain blast's jaws. The giant flames engulfed Master beetle's body whole. The dark figure of the bug quickly disappeared. The head, the neck, the torso, the waist, and the legs. Everything was burned to a crisp. If Master beetle was screaming it was impossible. Since no air was left inside the flames to even vibrate. It burned and burned, until nothing but only flames were left.
A few seconds later, the heat and light seemed to finally die out. Me and Chihiri took caution, and slowly lowered our hands from our eyes.
Master beetle was gone. Not even ashes were left of it's existence. The ONLY thing left, was a pure black stain left on the ground.
Or so I thought.
"Is that a hole?"
"Holy shit! How hot IS your fire, Chain blast?"
The stain that we thought was actually a deep hole. Chain blast's fire not only burnt Master beetle away, but also the very ground beneath it, leaving a downward tunnel the size of a huge sinkhole. The hole was filled with the stench of burnt tar, and something worse which I think it's melted rock? Whatever it is, it was so foul that it already made us not want to go near it.
I don't even want to imagine how deep that goes.
"Anyways! Another job well done! Chain blast! High five!~"
"How about down low? You don't want to jump all the way to my hand, don't you?"
"Eh, I guess that's fine~ Anyway, down low!~"
"Booyah!"
Slap-
Meanwhile, Kuran and Chain blast celebrated their victory with a high five. Chain blast's gigantic palm, and Kuran's small hand slightly bumped into each other, as their faces were filled with a big smile.
God, it's good to write again!
Hope this part ain't TOO violent.
I Appreciate reviews!
Current Pioneers:
Itou Akasaka- Oracle think tank
Kuran Shiina- Kagero