Disclaimer: I do not own Taimanin series.
Five Days Break – 17
At the slam of her fist, Su Jinglei opened the aft door.
As the Task Force members ready to engage in battle, waves of wooded creatures were fleeing, swarming throughout the forest.
"It's like disorganized ants spilling out of their nest." Anna Winchester said. "Plus, those giant branches are moving."
"There are too many." Eleonor shared the uneasy feeling among the group. "Can we fight them all?"
Kamimura Maika aimed the large scope of her bazooka and pulled the trigger. Consecutive cannon balls unleashed another series of explosions, wiping out their enemies.
"Don't fret." Grinned Maika as she hurled the weapon over her shoulder. "The more they are, the easier and faster to clean them up in one blast. We'll show those creatures what it means not to mess with the Task Force!"
"However, do please exercise cautions."
Emily Simmons pushed up her glasses and looked at the lines of data available on the hologram made by her Exoskeleton. Kotaro's drone, which was retrieved on their way to the Ashen Tree's dormant, connected directly to her armor suit through a wire.
"Data extracted from Mister Fuuma's device has stated that the true culprit possesses the ability to rebirth their body within those creatures." She voiced her opinion. "By the time this message was recorded, Mister Fuuma deduced that the Ashen Monster can come back as many times as he wants. Reducing their number may have been the only chance to defeat this monster, given that it cannot be killed by conventional means."
"That sounds like the Wraths." Kannazuki Sora said as she listened.
"Mister Fuuma considered that possibility. He made it clear in the note that these wooded creatures are nothing like the Wraths. They are formerly human turned into hideous existences by the Ashen Tree. Their flesh, blood and soul have been fully consumed." Emily pressed her lip bitterly at the detail. "They are just empty vessels now. There's no way to save them."
"It can't be helped. All we need is to reduce the number and the culprit will show their face, correct?" Mizuki Yukikaze stepped forward and cocked her guns. "In that case, I'm ready to shoot my lightnings at them. No holding back!"
"Me too." Together with the twin tails Taimanin, Akiyama Rinko also readied her sword. "My skills and my sword will open the way to Fuuma."
"Fufu~, how energetic." Mizuki Shiranui giggled. "You two are so eager to reach him. However, be on your guard as Emily-chan has advised. Those things may be slow, their grip strength is not to be underestimated. Fuuma-kun mentioned that also in the message. If one manages to catch you, it's over."
Shortly, Fuuma Saika tapped her heels on the floor to examine the mechanical legs. The gears were in perfect condition. She reached for the strap on her neck and activated a small camera attaching to it.
"HQ. How is the feed?" Saika spoke into the earbud.
[This is Tokiko. Connection's stable, the screen is online. We have a clear visual.]
[Amane here. Communication lines are crystal.]
Since the strongests of Gosha were willing to go in their places, Fuuma Tokiko and Fuuma Amane stayed behind at Gosha to monitor the operation.
"Ingrid, is over, there." Noah Brown addressed a large dark fire that exploded not far from the aircraft. "She's...using her flame, to destroy them."
"I don't see Master anywhere." Momochi Nagi scanned the sight. "He's not with her?"
"It's no use pondering to that question." Yatsu Murasaki spoke up. The great axe dangled by her shoulder. "You want to know Fuuma's whereabout, you go and ask her directly. If they are working with each other temporarily just like he mentioned in the note, she will definitely know the answer."
"Yes. I will do that."
"Good. You team up with me, Nagi." Murasaki suggested. "I also have a couple questions for Ingrid."
"Sheesh, Fuuma-chan sure has it roughed." Igawa Sakura nonchalantly said as she checked her equipment one more time. "He's probably sweating from head to toes all the time being near one of our most dangerous enemies."
"Tell me something I don't know about. Look at this situation, he's already put himself in too much risk. Makes us worrying sick." Onisaki Kirara let out a sigh. "I'm going to demand him a favor for compensation after this."
"Oh! Like a date?" Sakura grinned.
"Of cour-Oh come one! Will you give me a break!?"
"Su. As the vice-captain, you know what to do." Igawa Asagi gave Su a nod of approval.
"Yes, Master Asagi."
Su raised her voice to gather the attention.
"Listen up, everyone! Our objectives are to rescue the Captain and diminish the enemy's number. Make every hit count with the best of your abilities. As we have planned, to prevent these creatures from escaping, we will split into two-person squads. Each squad will cover a section of this forest, use the environment to your advantages and push them back. We'll leave no gap for them to slip through. You can do this!"
Everyone nodded in sync.
The aircraft descended and hovered right above the tree lines. The pilot in the cockpit showed the team a thumb up. Green light flashed above the cargo door, the Taimanin Task Force was set to go.
"Commence the operation!"
Fuuma's message reached the others as predicted. Ingrid had noticed the reinforcement when the aircraft briefly flew past her location.
After dropping a certain group filled with familiar faces in the distance, the military plane ascended and fire missiles at the targets around the forest.
Multiple gunshots repeatedly echoed. Green lightning sparks continuously shook the earth. Cannon balls unleashed merciless bombardments. Slashes that cut into the void splintered all things in the way. Ice walls rose, barricading every single attempt of reaching the outside world. Streams of water, born of magic circles floating over the sky, pushed many down the cracks. A pair of Aura Wings dispersed and swept through the wood. A bloody heart with thorn on its body darted past the enemies along with a child-like silhouette carrying shapeshifted claws.
The Taimanin Task Force was going all out.
The wooded creatures were mindless puppets by nature, they didn't have any piece of consciousness left to understand the overwhelming force that was tearing through their number.
Having done wiping out another horde of wooded creatures with her flame, Ingrid moved on to the next part of the area. However, quick footsteps were coming to her direction. She fixed her grip on the Hell Knight Sword and stood waiting for a figure in white, who zipped past the trees in front of her.
Yatsu Murasaki's killing intent soared once her fierce gaze met Ingrid's.
Her feet kicked the ground, she jumped high with the great axe held over the head for a fatal blow. Weapon swung down, Murasaki let out a war cry. She shattered the ground behind Ingrid, the sharp blade of her axe crushed a wooded creature that crawled underneath.
"Hell Knight Ingrid." Murasaki greeted with a glare shot over her shoulder. "That's quite a new appearance you got there."
"Taimanin Yatsu Murasaki." Ingrid responded as coolly. "You need not to interfere, I saw the creature coming."
"I have questions for you. What are you doing here? And where's my student?"
"..."
Murasaki went straight to the point. Ingrid didn't give a reply.
Instead of words, her sword moved in respond, causing Murasaki to raise the axe in defense. Ingrid skipped past Murasaki with a thrust of her arm and impaled an enemy close to them. Dark Blue Flame burst and ignited forward, burning the large branch in the way.
"Your student is not with me." She finally answered. "It is best that you-"
Ingrid wasn't able to finish her piece. The moment she turned around, Murasaki's smashed her fist into another wooded creature, sending it flying. Ingrid titled her head slightly by reflex to avoid the broken body tossed her way. Murasaki earned a glare for that action, yet her lip curled into a wild grin.
"Hoh. I see that you are eager to pick a fight." Ingrid said.
"Don't blame me if you happen to be in my way. There's ton of enemies in front of my eyes, after all."
"I suppose it is none of my concern if you happen to be caught in my flame."
Sword readied. Great axe bounded off the shattered ground.
"What happened to him? Thought you both are having a truce. His message."
"We still are, but it is more than a truce. As of now, he and I are companions."
Murasaki threw the weapon and dashed toward Ingrid. The Hell Knight stood still in place and lifted her sword briefly. The vertically swinging axe in midair barely missed her and struck a different horde that rushed out from behind the trees.
Ingrid made a simple wave of her arm. Dark Flame appeared from thin air, it came at Murasaki who dodged by sliding under the intense heat. The otherworldly fire hit another group in the distance by the time Murasaki made her way behind Ingrid.
"You have not been dull at the slightest." The Hell Knight remarked.
"I can keep up with your all days." The white Taimanin picked up the axe. "By the way, elaborate on what you just said."
"I do not see the obligation in doing so."
Murasaki's eyebrows twitched while Ingrid showed a smirk.
"He's my student, you know. What did you mean by companions? Why withholding something that doesn't prove you any worth?"
"It has nothing to do with Fuuma being your student. You do not know enough to deem my words unimportant."
Blinking. Murasaki caught something interested within those words.
"Did you just address him by his name?"
"I did. What of it?"
"What exactly happened?"
"Oh. Why is the curiosity?"
Sparks flew from their gazes. As rivals in strength and enemies against each other on the battlefield, this has always been the way of their interaction.
A figure shot through the tree lines and reached them.
Double swords in hand, Nagi made quick work of the scattering creatures around the area before she catches up with Murasaki, who had gone ahead to get the answers out of Ingrid.
The atmosphere between those two was tense, and yet it didn't show a sense of hostility. It made her aware that this was how things become between the two of them. The conversation hardly progresses if Ingrid and Murasaki let their long-stemmed rivalry get in the way.
"Pardon me, Lady Hell Knight Ingrid. Can you tell us where my Master is?" Nagi asked. "We are here to rescue him."
She had gone through the trainings to mask any real emotions in her voice. Yet, Nagi couldn't hide the urgency leaking from her words despite her expression remained unchanged. Ingrid picked up the hint easily and nodded her head. She pointed at the tallest peak of the withering Ashen Tree.
"Fuuma Kotaro is currently over there by himself."
"By himself?" Murasaki's eyes widened as she repeated.
"Indeed. It's part of his plan, you all best be hurried."
"Thank you!" Nagi bowed her head.
She dashed past them, aiming her way to the giant tree. However, Nagi paused her steps and jumped back at the appearance of many hordes flooding the area. In a short time, the three were completely surrounded.
"Hey." Murasaki grunted, looking at Ingrid over her shoulder as they stood back-to-back. "Why couldn't you just straight up tell me that?"
"I was going to, you did not let me finish. Besides, I do not appreciate your killing intent, Yatsu Murasaki."
"I was directing it at the other enemies."
"It did not help while you were staring at me."
[Woah! That one almost got me! It suddenly stopped running and attacked us out of nowhere! Thanks for shooting it off, Yukikaze-chan!]
A new development rang from the earpieces. Murasaki and Nagi heard clearly the situations from the other squads.
[This is Akiyama. We're cleaning up a large group west of the hidden town. But something strange is happening, the creatures stop running and are now fighting back!]
[Everyone, be careful! Their behavior is changing!] Su announced.
"Tch!" Murasaki was mildly annoyed. "Now they're focusing on us?"
"Perhaps it is best this way." Ingrid stated. "Let them come to us so we can deal with them once and for all instead of constantly doing the goose chase. Save the time."
[This is Emily Simmons reporting. I'm scanning the area, visual appears many scattered groups of the creatures are changing directions. They are heading back to the Ashen Tree! I'm seeing small dots leaving the group by going on the opposite routes, some are trying to escape while using their large number to stop us!]
"They are countering our advancement!" Nagi realized.
The crowd charged at them. Before Nagi and Murasaki could act, Ingrid once again cut off the enemies with her flame. A circle of Dark Flame sparked around them, preventing the creatures from getting closer.
"I assume you have expected this situation."
"We did." Murasaki revealed.
They didn't come here just to push through the battle with brute force. They had had Fuuma's message thoroughly analyzed.
"Um, this is Sora. Onisaki-senpai and I are on the other side of the forest. A large number of those creatures is approaching us. We'll set up an ice wall here to trap their movements."
As she updated her team status, Sora was hurrying to the furthest south of the forest together with Kirara, who was already up ahead. The ground shook lightly as a tall glacier rose past the trees. Everyone could see it, the sight resembled an ice building built in the middle of the wilderness.
"It's done! *Huff* Someone can take care of the east side while I'm getting these persistent wooded monsters off my back!"
Kirara couldn't catch a breath. She had consistently generated ice magic to strike back the aggressive mobs chasing after the two of them.
"Jeez! They keep coming!"
Arrows fused with Taima particles rapidly shot from the top of the ice wall. Sora positioned herself at a high-vantage point and made every shot counted using her archery skill.
"I got you covered, Onisaki-senpai!"
"Thanks a lot, Sora-chan!"
Kirara stopped and took a moment to inhale deeply. She could feel her momentum again. Magic circles spawned around her with great speed, she pointed them at the next coming wave of the mob in the distance and discharged a storm of icicles at them. Hundred of solid crystallines pierced the trees, the ground and many staggering humanoid creatures, keeping all pinned in place.
Done. Kirara dusted off her hands, approved the result with a satisfied nod.
"Seriously." She murmured. "After this, I'm going to make him compensate me for a whole day."
[We can hear you, Kirara-senpai~!] Sakura's sing song voice came up. [You want a date with Fuuma-chan that much?]
"Eh!? Heh!? I didn't say that out lo-I mean I've never said that! How come this device is so sensitive!?"
[I heard that.] Yukikaze blurted. [I also want that Idiot Fuuma to compensate me for this too.]
[Well, I need Fuuma-chan to carry my shopping bags, alright? I call dib first.]
[Everyone focus on the mission!] Su shouted. [Now is not the time for this! Save your talk until we're done here!]
[S-Sorry, Su-chan!]
[Uhm, sorry.]
Kirara was glad they finally got off the topic.
[Also, always remember this.] Su continued. [The Vice-captain is first in line.]
[HAH!?]
After Yukikaze's outcry, a green flash zapped the air.
[That's not very fair, Su-chan! There's an order of things itself outside of work. I go first, then Kirara-senpai. Yukikaze-chan and you both can play rock-paper-scissor to decide who goes last.]
[What do you mean by that!?] Yukikaze and Su shouted together.
"Ah, such is youth. They are so energetic in the middle of the operation."
Shiranui giggled as she was listening to the conversation. The polearm swung, switched hand and spun with little streams of water flowing at the single-edged blade. Shiranui engaged the enemies alongside various water clones she had created using Water Art.
"It will be dangerous if they keep distracting themselves like this."
Joining her, Asagi's blade swiftly cut through bodies. She had returned from dealing with the deserted enemies. The wooded creatures were too slow in her eyes, their movements barely kept up with the automatons' speed, which used for basic trainings back home.
"I'm sure they know the risk, Asagi-chan. If anything, they really want to reach him as soon as possible, like you do."
Shiranui moved out the way to avoid a grab from one of the enemies and lightly lifted her weapon, passing the blade through the creature's torso in front of her.
"With your speed and my clones, we're handling this area pretty smoothly. It's a good thing these creatures aren't acting so erratically in their behaviors and moments."
She stood in tip-toe, water floated under her feet. Shiranui glided past the gaps between reaching arms and swung the polearm in a series of movements that made her look like she was dancing. Every precise hits left nothing else standing.
"Still, it doesn't seem like this is everything they are capable of doing."
Asagi combined the environment to her steps. Using a wooded creature as a stepping stone, she kicked on its shoulder and slashed her enemies away while she was leaping over their heads. Asagi steeled her way through the crowd as she used the trunks and branches to launch herself at them, her blade continued slicing off bodies without signs of stopping.
When most of them fell, another mob appeared. The more they pushed forward, the harder it became to maintain the position.
"It hasn't been that long since the operation started, though I didn't expect there would be this many attacking at once. We can't stay on the defense all the time." Asagi retreated to a safe distance and contacted the other teams. "Emily, how is the preparation?"
[It's done! All coordinations received! Ammunitions fully distributed! Deploying extra tactical drones to all squads!]
In a different part of the hidden forest, Drone Orbiters scattered, firing lasers and bullets as they made their ways to designated locations.
"This will hold them off for a while, now we just need to wait for Murasaki."
"Take this."
Murasaki reached into her utility belt and tossed an object to Ingrid. The latter's eyebrows raised up as an earpiece was given to her, already activated and linked to the Task Force's communication line.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"In his message, Master mentioned you had helped him. We would like to return that virtue with this." Nagi explained.
"It is not within my position to work with the Task Force." Ingrid asserted.
"We're not asking you to work with us. We are here as your supporters." Nagi reaffirmed. "With your flame, we can quickly put things under control."
Confused, Ingrid turned to Murasaki, who shrugged.
"Don't misunderstand. This is neither my choice nor Asagi-sama's decision." She frankly said. "The others agreed to this. Look, just this once, I'm setting asides our differences."
"In another words, you came to me to offer your help?"
"Yes. Though, just this once." Murasaki stressed the words.
"Very well. I accept the good will." Ingrid attached the device to the ear while Murasaki rolled her eyes at the respond. "You could have told me about this sooner, Yatsu Murasaki."
"I was going to until an enemy happened to appear behind you."
"That is such a weak excuse."
"Hah!? Are you picking a fight!?"
Nagi couldn't help but shaking her head. As if sparks continued to shoot out from their eyes, the two let their own rivalry get in the way again.
A portal opened up high in the air.
From an area far away, Rinko used Void Art to leap through the distance. She reached to the earpiece and reported.
"Headmistress, Su's squad has regrouped with Aina and the drones. The pilot is currently providing them air support."
Eyeing the location ahead, which swarming with enemies, Rinko clutched the katana tightly. She won't let any of them flee.
"I can handle the east side from here."
Using Ninja Art, she leaped again. As her feet touched the ground in the next instance, a massive horde was already waiting. Rinko immediately shifted into battle stance, sword briefly left the scabbard by the flick of her thumb.
The wooded creatures began to move, some came up faster than the rest. Soon, all of them were in unison, charging at her with an eagerness that would do them no good.
With a quick draw, narrowed cuts appeared on various places of their bodies. A few of them got past her, Rinko wasted no time dashing after them in a blink.
Swordsmanship combined with distorted energy bubbles, she continued to cut the enemies apart while sending those bubbles to cover the surrounding gaps. The moment a wooded creature touched it, the thing disappeared. It caused the creature to leap out a portal right above her. Rinko slammed the sword back into the scabbard, hundred cuts shredded the air. Bodies that used to be whole laid on the ground in parts.
Itto-Ryuu Master and Taimanin, Akiyama Rinko. No one can bypass her sword.
The next wave was about to come. She drew a line on the grass, displaying the longest length her sword could reach. She would make sure none of them can get through this line. Teleportation bubbles generated at her fingertips, setting up traps that would lead them into the cracks. Preparation done in seconds, she tapped the earpiece to get off the communication line for a moment.
"Phew! I didn't expect some of them to already have their own plan with Fuuma during the break. It's like I'm the only one left behind the curve."
Unlike Yukikaze, Rinko has great self-control. She wouldn't point out her emotions so easily to others. However, Rinko won't deny that she also has a plan in which she would like Kotaro to take part.
"If it's just trainings, it'll be no different since others are there. Su is always there. If it's Yukikaze, it can work. But in that case, it's nothing personal anymore."
She muttered nervously.
"I really need to find my pace in this. Stop these things and save Fuuma first."
She would try her best so others can bring him back safely. And she would strive to fulfill the plan of her own five days break, with him included.
[Yatsu Murasaki, reporting. We have Ingrid join in the comm.]
[Good work, Murasaki. Ingrid, can you hear me?]
[I am listening.]
[Thank you for helping our Captain.]
[There is no need for you to express such gratitude towards me, Igawa Asagi.]
[Although he may not seem like it, Fuuma Kotaro is the backbone of the Taimanin Task Force. It's proper that I show you my appreciation for helping him survive this ordeal.]
[You overestimated my action, there is more to the story.]
[Even so, regardless of how small the intention was, you did help him. I won't make light of that virtue.]
[So what is the plan?]
[We got your info. We'll hold the positions and support you in anyway we can until the true enemy is defeated for good. In the mean time, a team will head to the Ashen Tree's Peak. I'm part of that team.]
[I see. You will be surprised.]
[By what exactly?]
[Fuuma has reached a milestone.]
[!?]
[However, beware of our enemy's antics. He is a very cunning being. The Ashen Monster does not care how much it will takes or how shallow he can be to fulfill his goal. That is the type of opponent he and I are up against.]
[I'll keep that in mind. By the way, did you just address our Captain by his name?]
[I did. What of it?]
[Never mind.]
Saika rotated in the air, her pair of mechanical legs spun a whirlwind. Each sweep of her kick knocked the enemies away.
[Saika, are you ready?]
Asagi's voice echoed in her earpiece. Before coming with a respond, Saika struck down the remaining wooded creature. All targets in the area had been wiped out.
"Eleonor and Kamimura Maika have made their way to Akiyama to provide support. All squads are holding positions. I'm ready."
[Now it's up to the two of us to reach Fuuma-kun.]
The Young Master was by himself at the Ashen Tree's Peak. Saika heard it during the updates, she was shocked to know he was already inside the tiger's den, it was a part of his plan according to Ingrid. The Young Master was never the type of person to put his life in danger for nothing like that.
Something must had happened, something that made him see the solution in taking the risk.
"Ah yes, Asagi-san. About that..." Saika giggled. "I'm already half-way there."
[What?]
Asagi's neutral tone may looked like she didn't feel surprise by Saika's course of action, what the latter was doing was still within the scope of their operation. However, the subtle hints failed to sneak past a woman's intuition. Saika could almost picture Asagi's eyebrows knitting together for a brief moment.
[Saika, you didn't wait for me to regroup?]
"I'm not going to keep the Young Master waiting. I'm heading there first."
A new mob came up, she sprint towards them. Saika effortlessly gained a big jump that launched her into the sky.
"Our speeds are closely matched, Asagi-san. You can catch up to me in no time."
Traversing through the big cracks, splitting surfaces of the earth was child play. The ground shook as the giant branches began to move. Saika won't let it cut off her speed. The ground beneath her collapsed, Saika speared for a falling tree and ran along the trunk, jumping from one place to another and skipped the ruined hidden town by sticking along any path she could find to keep her pace.
It took a while. The base of the Great Ashen Tree was in sight.
With one last push to throw herself over the large rift, Saika put more force into the mechanical legs. She went for the next big jump, easy obstacle.
Asagi was nowhere to be seen. Saika wasn't concerned much about waiting for the Almighty Taimanin. It has always been Kotaro's well-being that was her priority.
"It seems I'm here first."
Just as Saika finished, a purple silhouette rushed past her and landed at the edge ahead. Dirt kicked off in a puff, dark-blue hair tossed back with a confident face showing a faint smile, Asagi has reached the place before she could.
Saika kept her composure. She had expected Asagi to be incredibly fast, but not to this extent.
"Is that your full speed?"
"Not really. The path I took was clear, there wasn't much in the way."
Asagi stretched her body, releasing the tension built up in the muscles. Saika noticed that wasn't the whole truth. The earthquake was happening, parts of the ground leading to here continued to fall down the dark abyss below. Asagi would not be able to have a straight shot from her previous position.
"Had we regrouped, no doubt you would leave me in the dust. Isn't that right, Asagi-san?" Saika beamed a knowing smile.
"Well, since we're both Elite Taimanins, we can look after ourselves. Supposedly I decided to head here first, I would have no doubt that you will eventually catch up." Asagi simply nodded.
"You know me so well."
"Even I don't want to keep Fuuma-kun waiting in danger, I understand your feeling."
[Can you two hurry up and get on with the mission? We're almost there.]
Both startled. Amane's voice came through the earpiece like a reminder. She was watching the conversation from Saika's choker.
"Sorry, Amane." Saika sheepishly replied.
"We heard you."
They approached the burnt shrine, observant gazes casted on the majestic size of the burning Ashen Tree.
"It's hard to believe a tree of this size actually exists in our world." Asagi commented. "The former Elder knew about it, yet he kept this place a secret."
"Ingrid's flame has covered nearly most of its trunk. How are we going to reach the top?" Saika wondered.
It's a long way to the peak. There has to be a way up, one that shouldn't take too long.
BOOM!
Ground-shaking explosions rang at the Ashen Tree's Peak. A large fireball shot through the thick smoke and detonated over the sky. The heated battle took place at the top caught everyone's attention.
[What the heck is that!? Is that a fireball!? Is that my Ninja Art!?]
[Did that came from the Tree!?]
[Who made that!?]
[Master Asagi, are you alright!?]
"I'm fine, Su. I just reached the base of the Ashen Tree. We'll head up there to investigate."
Asagi and Saika shared a nod. They started dashing, at full speed, then jumped off to the vertical surface of the Tree. Not letting the momentum die out, Saika often dug her heels into the trunk to maintain the flow while Asagi used the sword to push herself upward each time she could feel gravity's pull slowing her down.
The wall-running is not a skill. It is a feat not many Taimanins can achieve. It requires one to have a thorough understanding of their own movements. As each individual possesses different rhythms in the way their body moves, the wall-running is considered an advanced technique only the Elite Taimanins can learn and pull off without falling due to misstepping.
In a short time, they were more than halfway along the Ashen Tree's height. Ingrid's Dark Blue Flame burned slowly and spread. It was in their way, and they knew how to get through it.
"Saika!"
Asagi gave the signal.
She tossed a grappling iron to Saika, who caught it and jumped off. Extending wire locked to the belt, Asagi waited for the right moment. From the inner back of the mechanical legs, by the calfs, mini propellers fired off. Saika spun with force and speed. The wire stretched out to full length, yanking Asagi up high in a circular motion.
Hawk Art slowed down everything in the world and hastened all of her senses, Asagi found the right place where they could continue the wall-running without problems. Sword thrown, she pin-pointed the exact spot where the blade pierced through and left hanging. The body of the sword left enough for one person to stand on.
Saika's Evil Eye had followed it, she understood Asagi without the need for words. Mini propellers behind the legs stopped, Saika whipped the wire toward the big trunk, steering her aim to the sword.
Asagi successfully landed on top her sword. She continued to grab hold of the wire. For a split second, the propellers on Saika's legs burst for a double jump, pushing her back to the Tree. Her heels thrust into the vertical surface and kept running, giving Asagi the necessary push for one last sprint to the top.
As another impact occurred at the Ashen Tree's Peak, the dense smoke was blew away by a strong gust of wind. They had no idea what kind of battle was happening, it certain helped clearing the obscured view.
Reaching the top, they passed through the dried, leafless branches and into a flat area at the center. Tinders scattered in places, the air reeked of burning wood smell. A humanoid figure that had been scorched to a crisp remained standing. It stood in the aftermath of a battle no one could determine the outcome.
[Oyakata-sama!? Is that him!?]
Shaken by the sight, Tokiko nearly lost her calm.
"No. Watch the texture, it's not flesh. That's not the Young Master." Getting closer to examine, Saika reassured. "It's something else, could be one of the wooded creatures."
"Seems like the battle took place just now is already over." Asagi's gaze swept the surrounding. "I don't see Fuuma-kun anywhere."
There was no sign of another body. They had expected Kotaro to pop out from somewhere in the smoke, or get out of hiding among the branches, and hopefully with no serious injuries. But any traces of life was unfounded.
Next to the burned figure, a group of wood pillars bending together stood out. It made a dome-shape mound. The sight didn't fit into anywhere as if that place has never been a part of the Tree. The exterior was burned just as badly as the strange humanoid figure.
Suddenly, faint noises came from inside the mound.
They heard it. Asagi had her sword. Saika entered a combat stance. Both were ready to intercept whatever that was moving.
Crack!
Much to their surprise, the burned figure ruptured with a crack opening on its chest. A pale young man crawled out like snakes shedding a new skin and fell into the ground.
"Damn you." He muttered harshly.
The pale young man appeared exhausted, he didn't notice two new presences were eyeing him with caution. He struggled to get up while multiple shining crimson rifts were visible, running across his body. With ragged breaths, he clutched at them like holding back the bleeding wounds. It was a gesture ended up in vain. None of it would heal to his will.
"Well played."
He chuckled. He accepted the lost of reason to justify what had happened.
"Did not think you would pull a suicidal move. I caught that blasted sword when you severed the pathways, you couldn't pull it back. You had no choice but to create an explosion at point-blank to scorch my everything. But I'm back, Fuuma Kotaro! I'm still alive! These wounds are not enough to kill me! I win this battle!"
He screamed his lung to the sunny sky. After a moment drunk in delirium, he snapped back to reality. Kuchiki finally took notice the new faces.
"Oh! Would you look at that. Beautiful ladies, the same of his kind, here to burn down the Great Ashen Tree. I cannot have that, you hear me?"
"From the look of it, you are the Ashen Monster." Asagi said.
"Heh. Is that really the name you should address me? It is Lord Kuchiki to you! I am the second coming of the Great Ashen Tree!"
"Where is Fuuma Kotaro?"
Kuchiki faked a baffled expression to mock her question.
"This again. Why is my words always falling on deaf ears!? I said my piece but you lots never want to listen. You have to come up with an irrelevant question to test my patience! I will be sure to thoroughly lecture you when you become my followers!"
"We would rather not." Saika retorted.
Shooting a feral glare, Kuchiki pounced. Asagi was the first to anticipate the attack, she swooped in, seizing his fist with her sword. The roughed armor-liked skin of Kuchiki became an impenetrable wall, impossible to make a cut. Asagi sensed it, the faint trace of Taima particles was coursing through that steel-like body.
"Body Hardening. This is a Ninja Art."
"Yes!" Kuchiki was happy someone other than Kotaro has figured it out. He was proud to boast the achievement. "I took it from one of yours, long ago! "
From the left flank, Saika appeared and sent a kick to his side, knocking him away. Kuchiki didn't even look hurt, he shrugged it off.
"Asagi-san."
"I know. Our weapons don't work on him. This is going to take a while. You go search for Fuuma-kun while I'm keeping him busy."
"That brat is gone." Kuchiki laughed. "He's gone for good! He scorched me as a last resort and caught himself in it! But he failed, foolishness has been his own undoin-Argghh!"
Collapsing to his knees, Kuchiki hugged his chest in real pains.
"ARgghh! Damn it, these nasty wounds. Why now!? Why are they acting up now of all time!?"
Unable to endure, Kuchiki repeatedly slammed his body against the ground. It became unbearable as he screamed the same words like a mantra.
"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"
Wooded creatures emerged from the cracks he made, they came to hold off the Great Ashen Tree's enemies while Kuchiki was trying to get through the agony.
Asagi and Saika wouldn't let the chance slide. They attacked the reinforcement at the same time. However, the impacts bounded back. Asagi's sword recoiled as she struck once, it didn't pass through the body. Saika's mechanical leg shook heavily after hitting what it seemed like to be an extremely thick wall.
Both retreated. The wooded creatures had undergoing some changes, their bodies adopted the hardening ability just like the true culprit. Kuchiki had used it on them.
"Troublesome." Asagi muttered.
Though, she didn't sound annoyed at all. It took more than this to make her flinch.
"Looks like this calls for team's effort and accuracy." Saika suggested. "One at a time."
Despite having a full body armor, the wooded creatures were light.
Asagi became a blur. She instantly reappeared behind one of Kuchiki's minions. No need for the use of sword, Asagi did the roundhouse kick. She launched the wooded creature towards her partner. Saika accepted the incoming dried mass like handling a soccer ball, her back leg sweep connected the spot where Asagi had struck, stopped it in midair. She sent it off with another kick, at the exact same spot. A small cracks started to form. Asagi was already waiting at the other side and smashed the butt cap of her katana into it, fractured the skin entirely. Then, a swing of the sword, the blade made it through.
"Depending on Taima particles distribution, each part of the body can be as toughed as diamonds. However, Body Hardening Art is only efficient because we don't stand around tanking hits just for the sake of being unbreakable. Any Taimanin born with this Art tends to use it wisely rather than trying to show off themselves as sturdy as a wall." Asagi explained. "Like the woodpeckers, if you keep hammering away at the wood, the thing will eventually break."
The Almight Taimanin had fought those with similar abilities in the past, the enemies this time were no different.
While Kuchiki continued to endure the pain, dozen of the summoned wooded creatures were tossed around in a rapid series of attacks and ended up getting destroyed. Asagi and Saika didn't break a sweat, they merely relied on speed, precision and their weapons.
"Now, I'll ask again. Where is our Captain?"
Kuchiki swatted the pointing sword away. It couldn't hurt him, he didn't need to care. He wanted the pain to be over.
"ARRGGHEHEHEAAHHHHH!"
Laughters mixed in with screams, his behaviors derailed from common senses.
"Heal me! Make it stop!"
Both hands thrust into his chest, Kuchiki opened wide the cracks. He braced through the agony and started the rebirth ability. The new Kuchiki jumped out of the vessel, still covered in the crimson slashed wounds. He made a hole on chest and rebirthed again and again. Again. Again. Again.
[W-What's with him?] Amane was disturbed.
"Young Master mentioned he is somewhat of an immortal." Saika watched in awe. "But this ability is truly terrifying. If it wasn't for those wounds, he would keep coming back unscathed. How comes something like this went off our radar for so long?"
"We have the Elders to thank for that. Whatever the secret of this town, they decided to hide it for their personal agendas." Asagi said. "This rebirth ability may have been what they wanted."
Kuchiki just got out from his former vessel again. His whole body had been fully distorted into a heinous shape resembling a tree's bark. He wouldn't stop as the pain remained.
Seeing the monster was full of openings, Asagi dashed in to get the hits with Saika followed closely behind. The combined attacks did nothing to Kuchiki, his body armor was thicker than the minions. He was still in pain, yet the sword and the mechanical legs couldn't work on that weakness. The crimson slashed wounds reacted none to the physical touches.
The next instance Saika struck Kuchiki's body with an axe kick. He blew a shockwave, throwing her off guard. Saika dodged back safely while Asagi rushed in. A rebirthed Kuchiki came out from the crack on his previous body. The prominent changes in his appearance began to catch their eyes. The skinny body of a young man whose age resembling Kotaro had become much bigger without the excessive display of muscles.
"I won't let you stop me! The coming age of the Ashen Tree! MINE IS DRAWING NEAR!"
Kuchiki shrieked to the point his voice distorted in the undergoing changes. His half-shattered mind grew numb to the clinging consequence of Kotaro's crimson blade.
Suddenly, the comm link was flooded with information from other squads.
[Emily reporting! The mobs are changing behaviors again! A number of them come together as if they are forming into something! No, the bodies!? The bodies are reshaping!]
[I thought I was seeing things, that actually happens here too! They became a really big snake! How on earth can those dried bodies stick together like that!?...but anyway, Noah-chan got it under control.]
[I, got...swallowed.]
[Never mind! It got her! Hang in there, Noah-chan! Big sis Sakura is coming!]
[This is the Vice-captain! All squads be advised! The enemies has adopted the ability to transform!]
[This is Kamimura! We're intercepting a centipede and a huge bird, tough as nails! We could use some backups on this side!]
[Steer clear.]
It was Ingrid who spoke last on the comm link. A tornado of Dark Flame rose from the forest. The Hell Knight had reached Kamimura's team to deal with the new threats.
The transformations led to an unexpected situation. They won't be able to hold out for long.
"Saika, look for Fuuma-kun. We're going to retreat." Asagi commanded. "As we are now, we can't make this monster stay down. The Task Force needs to come up with something else to defeat it."
[Fuuma Tokiko's Style: Evil Eye - Clairvoyance]
A bright orb appeared, floating over their heads. It helped the user observe the situation without being there.
[If we destroyed that body, he would come back in another body.] Tokiko spoke up. [To think such an ability exists, it's like his existence can freely move between astral and physical planes.]
"We lack the mean that's capable of bringing damage to him." Saika muttered, somewhat bitter at the fact. "I'm sure Ingrid's Dark Flame stands a chance, but she's already had her hand full down there."
Kuchiki had come out in the next rebirthed body. Instead of a fully humanoid body, he had a snake tail in the back, taking over the entire lower torso. He lost balance and fell down, continued to struggle in the deranged transformation of his ability.
While Asagi watched their enemy, Saika rushed off to search for any traces of the Young Master's life.
"Young Master! It's Fuuma Saika, where are you!? Can you hear me!?"
Despite the smoke was clearer than ever, Kotaro was still nowhere in sight.
They didn't believe a single word spouting from a mad man's lip. If the Ashen Monster has always been this dangerous, Kotaro will have no reason to try to fight it by himself. Charging right into the danger alone was never his approach, he was more of a "chess player" type, who'd like to observe the situation and respond, adapting to the changes with his fellow team members.
As a Taimanin, that was his biggest weakness. But as the Captain of the Taimanin Task Force, it was also his strongest point.
The moment they was informed that he came to the Ashen Tree's Peak alone as a part of his plan, none of this had made any sense to them.
An earthquake struck the forest. Giant branches hovering in the sky began to move. Trapped in another short cycle of rebirth, Kuchiki had undergone the new metamorphosis state. Human's hands and legs turned into claws and a bird's talons, the snake-like tail began spawning small legs of a centipede. Kuchiki ventured further into the territory of abominations.
Asagi tried to blend in a few hits of her sword. Once again, the blade didn't work.
"Tokiko, use your Clairvoyance to scan the place!" Saika quickly said. "See if you can find him within these branches!"
[On it! I'm going to need a moment to send over my vision.]
"Eh?" Saika widened her eyes as those words caught her attention. "You mean...you haven't used Clairvoyance?"
[N-No, not yet. I'm about to now.]
"Wait..."
Tokiko has yet to activate her Ninja Art.
At the realization, Saika turned to the bright orb flying above the Ashen Tree's Peak. She recognized it as Tokiko's ability, she thought the girl was using it to get a better perspective of the mission.
However, Tokiko hasn't used the Evil Eye.
Then...
Why was that orb there? Whose Clairvoyance was it? Who shared the same ability with Tokiko?
Fuuma has reached a milestone.
Ingrid's words resounded in her mind as she recalled. Saika's hunch tingled, there was one place she didn't check. The dome-shape mound made of wood pillars they first saw was very closed to the hideous form of Kuchiki, who'd become too far gone.
Immediately heading over to the burned mound, Saika slammed her fist on its surface, hoping the person inside could hear the knocking.
"Young Master! Are you in there!? Are you injured!?"
No doubt Kotaro could sustain serious burns from that big explosion. They didn't know how he managed to enter these pillars, all that mattered was she heard him knocking back. Unlike the Ashen Tree, the pillars was made of normal woods, naturally thick and sturdy enough to shield Kotaro in the nick of time.
"Fuu...ma! Ko...KO...TA...ROU!"
Kuchiki struggled to climb out of the new body. He tried to form words, to curse Kotaro's name while half of his mouth was gluing to the face. He found the flying orb in the sky. It came to him as a shock. He knew that young man was watching everything. Kuchiki darted a sharp glare to the dome-shape mound, he had noticed the same thing like Saika did.
"I...n th...e..re...! Hi...ding!"
As his enlarged torso popped a new crack, the snake tail filled with centipede's legs swung at the dome-shape pillars. Saika quickly leaped towards the incoming attack, changing the trajectory with a kick. She strengthened her swing by the mini propellers on the back leg.
Even so, it wasn't enough.
The kick made a weak impact on the tail, it shoved her off like she was a feather in the way and smashed the dome-shape pillars.
The bright orb made from Tokiko's Evil Eye ability vanished.
"Young Master!" Saika shouted in a jolt of fright.
The violence dented in the mound, the pillars weren't broken yet. Kuchiki raised his tail for one more hit.
Asagi appeared standing on top the tail, she won't let him have at it.
Using her superior speed, Asagi was already staring at him death in the face, her blade slashed away Kuchiki's vision. It didn't give him pain, it only gave him a minor inconvenience. The leftover half of his mouth curled into a grin, the snake tail continued to break down the dome-shape pillars.
Saika joined in. Both dashed across the evolved mass of Kuchiki's body to cause as much distractions and damages as they could. Kuchiki lost his eyes, but he was unfazed. Asagi knocked her sword into his face, he continued to laugh it off. Saika kept sending kicks, he enjoyed the pointless endeavor.
His back formed a budge. What lied underneath shot out, breaking open his current body for the next rebirth. A long pair of wings soared, blowing the Taimanins away.
[We lost visual!] Tokiko alerted.
Saika took off the strap on her neck. The camera's lens showed a crack, HQ's monitor had been cut off.
"What a disturbing transformation. He has a serpent's tail, the centipede's legs, the bird's talons and now he decides to grow wings? What kind of abomination he's trying to turn into?"
Asagi was right by the wings and struck it with the blade. The echo from the steel edge connecting to the feathers rang the same unpleasant truth.
"Tch! He also hardened the wings."
Asagi jumped off Kuchiki's back and dodged the sweep of his tail. She grouped up with Saika, who was trying to pry open what was left of the pillars.
"How is Fuuma-kun?"
Saika wasn't sure. The pillars were badly damaged, it might have collapsed on top Kotaro. Saika couldn't afford to break it with force.
"Asagi-san, your sword."
A precise, clean cut should do the job.
As Asagi sliced off a part of the dented mound, Saika quickly pushed it out the way.
"Young Master! Are you alright!?" She looked inside.
Empty.
To their surprise, no one was inside.
"A...SH...EN...T...REE! BL...O...SS...O...M!"
Kuchiki's rebirth had come to a stop. The mass made of too many distinct animal traits and shapes began to crawl towards them. Its grabs and tail sweepings were easily avoided.
However, they could do nothing against it.
[Saika, did you find him!?] Amane called through the earpiece.
He wasn't here. Their Young Master was nowhere to be found.
Ingrid startled.
She heard Grenier's whisper.
The Black Dragon was telling her a new connection has been established. Someone directly gained access to their source of power without a proper invitation or warning.
The unique Dark Flame of the Dark World has only ever been used by Hell Knight Ingrid. There was no one suitable to be the next in line for this power unless she personally gives them the right to inherit it.
This unforeseen spiritual link came and was gone as they please, it borrowed a piece of her and Grenier's power. It didn't elaborate on the reason for making such a decision.
She began to feel it. That borrowed piece of her Dark Flame manifested into the world.
Ingrid looked over to the burning Ashen Tree. At its top, a large disfigured mass with wings rose up. Asagi had informed everyone through the comm, that was Kuchiki transformed and fully embraced his demon.
Higher above the Ashen Tree's Peak, something was falling...no, it was diving through the air. It didn't look like a bird.
She finally spotted traces of her power. Fire sparks surrounded that existence, trailing along the steep descent.
"Once again, you continue to impress me."
It was him.
It was Fuuma Kotaro and the Dark Flame reaching out to his calling.
He made a slight miscalculation.
Originally, the portal gate should have appeared near the pillars. He wasn't supposed to teleport all the way to the sky.
Before Kuchiki tries to break down the pillars that shielded him from the explosion, Kotaro had optimized the teleportation technique as quick as he could in order to escape. Skipping through some of Void Art's hand signs had prompted this result. Despite Kotaro'd learned that, he didn't have enough time to complete the full set for a stable coordination.
This just goes to show how masterful Rinko-senpai is at her Ninja Art. She can leap through space and teleport to another location in the span of seconds and as precisely as the way she wants her sword to move.
Strong winds slapped the burns on his face and hands, Kotaro gritted his teeth and urged himself to hold back the pain. Spitting an explosive fireball into Kuchiki's face at close-range was definitely not a smart move. It wasn't like he had a different choice in that moment.
Senketsu's Water Stance required a steady tempo to build up the pace. It started to become a mismatch when Kuchiki's reflex began to adapt to his speed and blocked the crimson blade.
What happened was a close call. Kousaka Shizuru-sensei's Wood Art had certainly saved him.
The Nameless Evil Eye flickered between green and darkish purple shades.
Kotaro outstretched his arms. The chasing Dark Flame sparks gathered in the palm of his hands, he touched the concentrated fire and pulled, forming a shape.
[Dark Flame Control: Arrow]
This wasn't Ingrid's Style.
Having a bit of creativity did help Kotaro come up with this technique. This was just one among the many possibilities he could test out with the knowledge about her flame.
The wide margin which was not what he intended with Void Art gave Kotaro an opportunity for a stealth shot. By reducing the destructive nature to a small scale, Asagi-sensei and Saika won't be caught in it.
Kuchiki will never see this coming, and neither can he dodge in that huge form.
[Makishima Ayame's Style: Wind Reading]
This one arrow, he won't miss.
Asagi and Saika could sense it. The gathering Taima energy source was approaching closer by the seconds.
Asides from Kuchiki's nonsensical rambling, they noticed something was rushing against the wind. Even though Kuchiki was about to leave the ground using his wings, they realized the sound didn't come from him.
A burning arrow appeared and struck Kuchiki in the back.
It didn't cause an explosion. Instead, it spread out like fire meets oil. The Dark Flame soon engulfed Kuchiki much to his late shock.
Then, the person they've been searching came into view.
"That's...!?"
"Young Master!"
"YO...A..W..HH!" Kuchiki had tried. His mouth now barely moved. "...B...RA...T...!"
Gripping the crimson blade, Kotaro focused on the Ashen Monster's distorted face.
"In the end, you couldn't bypass the limit of your ability. The Ashen Tree's blessing couldn't help you heal all those wounds in exchange of reforming your most favorite vessels to stop my team."
The invisible pathways coming out of its back were suddenly cut off. Kuchiki lost the chance to transfer his consciousness out of there.
"You're proud of your rebirth ability. Now, it made you into exactly what you have become for a thousand years, a monster."
The serpent tail shot up, spearing towards Kotaro.
[Senketsu's Style: Wind Stance]
It met his blade.
Kotaro sliced off the tail as he continued to dive down.
The cut torn open a shining wound stretching along the way. Kuchiki fearfully ignored the pain, his wings soared once more. Strong gusts blown at each turning until it was swallowed by the Dark Flame. The monster baffled at how quick he had forgotten about Ingrid's power eating away the body.
Knowing Kotaro was going for the head, Kuchiki tried to move away from his aim.
However, the bird legs were pinned down. Asagi and Saika made sure he won't be able to go anywhere. A crack opened on his chest, the monster attempted another rebirth.
But Kotaro's blade finally reached it.
One vertical cut carved deep into Kuchiki's consciousness. They heard the same noise, the last piece of his mind shattered like a broken mirror.
The Ashen Monster stopped shrieking and collapsed. Around the forest, giant branches and root hovering the sky stopped moving.
Right away, an update came through the Task Force's comm link.
[This is Emily reporting. Enemies have ceased all activities!]
The battle at the Great Ashen Tree was over.
/
Author's Note: One chapter dedicated to the TTF in action and their dynamics.
Thank you for reading. Take Care!