Neo Geo Heroes: Odyssey

by Mortos

Two groups of fighters are gathered to fight for their survivance in a unknown part of the cosmos. Only one of them will obtain victory and make their wishes become true!

24. Chapter 24 - A Dusty Road

Chapter 24 - A Dusty Road

A vehicle is seen driving on what appears to be a desertic zone of the planet

—I don't get it, why would they take this crystals? —Asks Terry as the group are seeing being the ones inside this ship

—For what Dr. Brown said, the crystals of the Terraxians have this incredible energy... Just think about it, what kind of weapons could they create with them at hand. —Athena

—In my short time working with Rugal and his group, I learned the man is more smarter than what he looks, him and Mizuki must be planning something with the crystals they stole —Krizalid

Just hearing the name of Mizuki makes Chizuru become silent

—How are you feeling Chizuru? —Asks Kyo

—Fine... I don't feel any strange hunger if that's what you mean? —Chizuru

—Look, I know I'm not the best friend but I want to apologize... For what happened back there in the castle —Kyo

—No, no. It was my fault, you and Athena were right. I was acting selfish and full of anger. I know I have been a huge pain in the ass, I have been too a bad friend. And I said something I shouldn't —Chizuru

—Could you ever forgive me, Kyo? —Chizuru

—Eh, is alright. I have been called worse, don't worry. —Kyo shakens hands with Kagura

—Athena, how long do you think this desert is? —Asks Kyo curious looking at the window of the spacecraft

—Large as the Sahara desert, Kyo —Athena

—If what Siruu told us was true —Athena

—It has been a peaceful quiet road... Then again, is only the desert. Just a few more kilometers to cross it. Siruu told us there was a tribe of people ahead that maybe could help us, the Velcans. —Thinks Whip as she drives the ship

—Just the mere thought that we have spend weeks, probably months here makes me worried. It took quite a time to find the cure for Chizuru, but is as they say, resolve one problem and be prepared to face the next one. So true as life itself. —Whip

—In moments like this I wonder what Ralf, Clark and the Commander must be doing? They must be searching us across the planet, Heidern is the type of man to keep his soldiers intact. Of course he must be searching desperately for Leona —Whip turns to look at her partner who is sitting in the co-pilot seat

—I can't believe what I'm saying but for once, I miss the Colonel's awful jokes and nicknames... —Whip

—And of course the calm attitude of the lietunant Still... *Sigh* —Whip

—Now Diana and Foxy, the two must be so worried for us too. Especially for Kula, ever since the fall of NESTS. They have been trying to give us a normal life, to think all this started when we crossed a strange door in the middle of the park —Whip remembers how she and her family got involved into this

—I'm glad you're feeling better. —Athena sits next to Chizuru

—I am. Thank you for asking —Chizuru

—Listen if we come out of this alive, we need to take this whole teraphy sessions together —Athena

—Heh! You want me to take teraphy? —Chizuru

—Both of us need it Chizuru —Athena

—I'm not going to bring it out there but I know you live with a burning guilt —Says Athena talking with Chizuru telepathically

—Listen. This may be a bit of a personal question... But how was your childhood? —Athena

—Why are you asking that? —Chizuru

—Because alot of problems start from there. Listen nobody is perfect, I never knew what was like to have parents. I grew up with my Master being the only fatherly figure I had. He educated me, told me that I had these powers and they should be used for good. But that is more easy say than done, you know what is like to hold yourself from doing or get stuff that you want? —Athena

—I can get an idea —Chizuru

—So I ask you this not as me trying to psychic-study your life but as your friend... What is what makes you be like you are —Athena

—Well seeing as you were being honest here. I had a pretty normal childhood from the most part. We lived happy, me, Maki and my parents... Or at least that's what I say to myself —Chizuru

—You barely talk about your parents. Were they bad with you? —Athena

—No, no they weren't. The thing was that, I wasn't the center of their attention. Everything always was about Maki, Maki, Maki! She had eight years but she already displayed a great potencial at that age, everyone in our family had great expectations of her and were proud of her. My sister was a hard worker and it was obvious she was growing up to be the pride of our clan. —Chizuru

—But? —Athena

—Compared to her, I was a zero at her side. I wasn't as talented, strong or smart as my sister. Everything always revolved around her, while I was-I was just made aside. My parents were focused on her training, our Grandfather Mugihito was so proud of her, he used to say I would grow up to be nothing but a burden to Maki —Chizuru

—That grandfather of yours sounds like a harsh person —Athena

—But he was right! Maki was growing up to be the pride and leader our clan needed, I was nothing at her side, isn't wonder our parents focused more on her training. At one point, I felt I wasn't even worthy of being called her sister. My parents were so busy with her, that it just came to a point where only our butler Haru was who took care of me during those two years until Maki was 12 —Chizuru

—Chizuru —Athena

—Do you resent your parents? —Athena

—There's alot of things I never told them, probably-kinda! I just remember the last time I saw them, they were leaving on this business trip to thailand, then two days later. Maki awakens me during midnight only to give me the news that our parents' airplane had been found crashing nearby a mountain —Chizuru

—I'm sorry —Athena

—I wonder from time to time, what would they say to me. You know, their words of wisdom would come in handy for moments like this hehehe —Chizuru

In that moment, the vehicle stops

—Seirah? —Krizalid

—It wasn't me, I don't know why the ship suddenly stopped. Is almost as if it had turned off. —Whip is about to open the door of the ship

—Wait! Seirah, something isn't right. —Leona

The group becomes silent for some moments when suddenly

—Ah what is going on? —Chizuru realizes the spacecraft is being sinken to the ground, as if this one was slowly starting to be buried into the sand

—Quick! Everyone we need to get out of here! —Whip

The group breaks the door managing to jump out of the ship seeing this one being crushed inside this sand hole

—Well well, what do we have here? —Says Yashiro who appears alongside Ron, Shiki, Asura, Silver, Kusanagi, King Leo, Allen O'Neil, Setsuna and Maju the demon pet of Mizuki

—Just as Mizuki predicted, you all came here like pigs to the slaughterhouse! —Says Ron who is standing next to Maju, using his powers to completely crush the ship of the group

—Damn it! —Whip pulls out her voodoo and revolver

Both groups stare at each other before engaging in a fight

—Die! Stupid pest! —Yashiro is seem attacking Athena with such anger

—Looks like someone is mad, let me guess with Iori out, you need need to take your frustation with me now for outselling you guys the last time in 97? —Athena dodges the attacks

—Don't play innocent with me, I know you were who took out Shermie and now I'm going to return you the favour by murdering you like the fragile doll you are! —Yashiro punches the ground making a spike come out, he manages to hit Athena's shoulder with this one reacting at the cut

—Oh that's only the start of what I'm going to do with you, I'm going to sent you to hell, Asamiya! —Yashiro

—These two don't talk much isn't it? —Asks Kyo to Leona seeing both of them were engaging against Shiki and Asura

—No, just focus on not being hit by their blades Kyo. This two are going with all the intention to finish us —Leona

—Frankly their extreme silence makes me uncomfortable —Kyo lits on his flames

While the rest of the team are seeing dealing with King Leo, Setsuna, Silver and Allen. Chizuru, Shigen and Nakoruru confront the evil Ron and Maju

—So you survived, Kagura? I'm impressed. Mizuki said that you were left for dead in that forest but to see you here, alive and well. I guess that means is my turn to end her job! —Ron

—You don't scare me, Ron? Isn't it? Athena and Seirah told me everything I should know about you, you betrayed your own people! You are nothing but a sneaking coward who wants to steal the powers of others... You're wrong to think I would be so scared of a man like you! —Chizuru and Shigen move to attack Ron, Ron moves back sending Maju to hit Shigen, while Chizuru attacks Ron

—Frankly Ms. Kagura, I don't care what a pathetic woman like you can think of me. —Ron uses his powers to create two bone hands to hold Chizuru in the air

—Argh! —Chizuru screams as she is holded with alot of force, she feels her body being crushed with such force

—Chizuru! —Shigen uses his powers to throw a crystal rock towards Ron, he manages to hit Ron freeing Chizuru

—Ah! —Chizuru looks at Shigen nodding as she returns to attack Ron

—If this is all you have then you're nothing but a disappointing insect! I'll be glad to finish with your misery now! —Ron dodges Chizuru's Rimen 1 Katsu: Sanrai no Fujin
Chizuru is hit by Ron again with this sword but for Ron's surprise Chizuru dives into the crystal rock that Shigen throwed, entering inside it for the confussion of the old head of the Hizoku clan

—What? —Ron searches for Chizuru approaching the rock confused, only for several shadow copies of her to come out striking him, with the real Chizuru striking Ron coming alongside the copies

—Mizuki never mentioned any type of technique like that! —Ron realizes his chi has been sealed

—I bet she did, isn't it? Where's your bravado now? Didn't you said you were going to kill me? —Chizuru

—This trick might be impressive but you shouldn't sing victory yet... Ms. Kagura! —Ron manages to break the seal of Chizuru using his own claws to cut his chest for the shock of Chizuru seeing blood coming from the now bare chest of Ron

—You clearly don't know me well —In that moment Ron tosses his own blood at Chizuru staining Chizuru with said blood

—What are you trying to do with this? —Chizuru is confused, only for Ron to hold his two hands together

—Cursed blood link! You're mine now, Kagura! —Ron doeas a seal making Chizuru become static unable to move

—What is going on? My entire body has become paralyzed? I can't move anything, not even blink! What is going on with me... Argh! My blood! Why I feel as if my blood was boiling? —Chizuru

—When I cursed you with my own blood, I managed to take full control of your entire body, every single part of your body belongs to me now! —To demostrate this, Ron makes Chizuru move her arms and legs, she makes her fall to her knees and look at the sky for Chizuru's frustation unable to oppose resistence

—And now I'll put an end to your misery, right here and now! —Ron starts breaking the bones of Chizuru one by one, he makes Kagura fall to her knees as all her bones are heard cracking accompanied by Chizuru's screams

—Hehehehe! —Yet despite the aggraviating pain, Chizuru rises her head to look at Ron

—What is so funny? Don't you see it, you're going to die here! —Ron becomes indignant of Chizuru's reaction

—Are you sure about that? You were so busy and entertained breaking me piece by piece that you never realized if you actually captured the real deal! —Chizuru
Chizuru's words make Ron stop with him turning behind feeling a presence, he sees the real Chizuru coming from the crystal rock that Shigen throw

—That means you're nothing but-Argh! —Ron is hit by Chizuru who manages to deal a devastating punch that knocks Ron away

—You damn stupid woman! —Ron gets up seeing the fake Chizuru disappearing

—I had enough of this game! —Ron manages to capture Chizuru with this two giant arms made out of bone

—Chizuru! I'm coming! —Shigen hits Maju back with him jumping to try to help Chizuru

Chizuru sees how Shigen tries to attack Ron while she tries to break free out of the hands that hold her, in that moment Ron has an idea taking a quick look at her back

—I have enough of you for a lifetime Kagura, now disappear! —Being forced to confront Shigen and now Nakoruru at the same time, Ron is forced to create a portal and a third skeleton arm that strikes Chizuru with the heiress of the Yata being hit with such force that her body is seen flying alot of meters in the distance losing herself from any sight after having crossed the portal

—Chizuru! —Scream Shigen and Nakoruru seeing Chizuru being sent flying very far apparently death after passing though that portal

—Where did you sent her? —Nakoruru and Shigen

—I wouldn't worry about that anymore, she is gone now. There's no way she could had survive that last attack and now with one of your group less, is only a matter of time before all of you fall like insects! —Ron decides to call Maju back at his side

Meanwhile

A young figure is seem walking in the desert on her way home when suddenly she crosses upon a strange figure buried in the sand apparently death, she approaches the figure realizing is the body of an apparently death woman of black hair, white headband, sporting a white vest and black pants. The young female shadow reveals herself to be a young Velcan girl of red skin, two small horns coming from her forehead, dressed in this brown and red clothes

The strange figure has no other option but to take the unconscious body of the strange woman

In that moment, the heiress of the Yata clan, Chizuru Kagura opens her eyes seeing herself being dragged by this river

—I need to come out to the surface, I'll drown if I stay here some more time! —Chizuru makes her way outside with her feeling the turrent of water dragging her with such force, she stretches her arm as fasr as she can to hold on to a branch of a nearby tree

—Kyo! Athena! Terry! Someone! Help me! I won't be able to resist anymore! —Screams Chizuru trying to get out of the river fighting against the force of the turrent
When the branch is broken, Chizuru opens her eyes feeling she will be dragged by the river but another hand comes in to hold her

—You! Kaya! —Chizuru stares at her saviour, the same woman from before who sports such great strength to bring Kagura out of the river to the shore

—What are you doing here again, Chizuru? —Kaya

—You could said I made a big mistake —Chizuru

—But you're not death yet... I would have know —Kaya

—Look everyone makes mistakes but you need to remember you made a promise —Kaya

—I know. I can't give up yet —Chizuru

—But I need to know, why are you helping me? —Chizuru

—Because I can see myself reflected on you.. Perhaps it is time I present myself, the real me to you —Kaya

—My name is Kaya Yasakani... Yata, Kaya Sayakani Yata —Says Kaya surprising Chizuru

—Yata? You're one of the ancestors? But also a Yasakani? —Chizuru

—Yes, I was born into the Yata but I'll always be a Yasakani clan member by heart —Kaya

—It all started ages ago... Before the pact that would make the Yasakani become the slaves of Orochi —Kaya

—I was born as a membert of the Yata, during this time prosperity reigned with the Yata family. I liked to escape from our home time to time in order to contemplate nature, I used to dream I was one of the birds flying away into the sunset. My mother was serious about wanting me to be a priestess like her, so I trained alongside my brothers and sisters. But things started the change the fateful day I discovered about my powers —Kaya shows Chizuru her younger self learning the ways of the Yata clan only for one day realize this strange headaches manifested with the abilities to read minds, make objects float and manifest a strange purple energy around her

—During this time, my brothers and sisters were freaking out... They thought something wrong had happened to me, they thought I was posessed —Kaya

—Everyone was afraid of me, by suggestion of my mother, she told to me hide this out of the public eye... In secret she trained me to learn how to use this powers —Kaya

—But the clan was worried about something indeed being wrong with me, it was a rare condition. This talent made them worried that I could use it for something terrible, so my mother complied with their demands to train me how to control my powers. As I growed up, I became the assistant of the head of the clan at the time... Minazuki Yata. —Kaya

—Yes, I recognize her —Chizuru reacts remembering having seen a portrait of Minazuki Yata in the family tree of the clan

—However, as calm as my life was with my own clan, I was felt kinda empty. —Confesses Kaya

—But you lived in very calm days, Kaya. What happened for you to feel like that? —Chizuru

—I felt lonely. Minazuki was my friend but her father Majima Yata didn't liked me very much, he was jealous and angry because of my hidden talent. He hated the mere thought that I could be more stronger than his daughter. The clan knew I was a useful asset for them but deep down, people started to resent me and think of me as a freak.

—Kaya surprises Chizuru

—Even in modern times, people who are different will always be look upon with strange eyes, face to face they gave me a fake look of kindess, but in my back they were very cruel. There was rumors that my mother had sleep with a demon to concieve me —Kaya

—I understand now —Chizuru

—I wasn't truly happy until I meet him —Then Kaya continued

—Who? —Chizuru

—My husband... Magai Yasakani —Kaya goes on to show the fateful day where the clans Yata and Yasakani have a reunion, Minazuki brought Kaya and a couple of Yata crom the council to meet the great of the Yasakani clan, Magahito Yasakani... The brother of who would become the husband of Kaya, Magai Yasakani

—It was love at first sight. Magai wasn't shy about what he felt, unlike me. He broke the ice approaching and making it sure to express that he had been enchanted by me. I felt strange, I didn't know what to say other than be happy deep down because I knew my feelings weren't one sided. —Kaya

—Magai and I started to date and we became closer to each other, unlike my clan. He wasn't scared of my powers, he saw them as a unique talent... Magai was the first truly honest person I met —Kaya

—So you can imagine I was quick to answer to his proposition —Kaya shows Chizuru the day Magai proposed marriage to her

—I gave up my former clan's name, to adopt the one of Magai's family... The truth was that this was when I finally started to know what hapiness was —Says Kaya surprising Chizuru as her wedding was celebrated with happiness and joy... Except for someone Iori Gohyaku Yasakani

—The Yasakani treated me like a family. They loved me. Even after I explained about my hidden ability —Kaya

—It was with them that I truly was happy, sadly fate had different plans for our clan-For our family —Kaya shows Chizuru what happened later, from the death of Magahito, Yakumo's mistake breaking the seal where the Hakkesshu were trapped that let to him to become the body of Goenitz and the final fate of Magai and her dying with only their son surviving but being nothing but a victim of the infamous curse that would fell upon the Yasakani when they became the Yagami

Chizuru is horrorized by this finally understanding who Kaya was

She falls on her knees

—Now you see, Chizuru? —Kaya

—I understand it... —Says Chizuru hidding her face looking down as some tears are seen falling

—I'm so sorry Kaya —Chizuru

—Promise me you won't let my clan perish... Promise me you won't let the Yasakani die, Chizuru —Kaya

—I'm counting on you, because I know you're just like me —Says Kaya hugging Chizuru as both women are surrounded by a sandstorm

The strange Velcan girl is seen having finished doing something, she puts a shovel away with her planting some flowers on the grave of the poor woman she found death in the desert

—I don't know who you were, but I hope you can find happiness in the other side of the stars —Says the Velcan girl in front of this grave when suddenly

—Ahhhh! —A figure emerges from the sand screaming, not other than Chizuru Kagura finally awakening from her apparent death

The Velcan girl grabs the shovel scared seeing this woman spitting some sand from her mouth and getting up from the grave

—What happened? And who are you? —Asks Chizuru to the strange girl as she crouches panting realizing she is nowhere near the rest of her friends

To Be Continued...