Metsuhai breathed out, relaxing his shoulders. He was finally in the capital once more, after not being here for a month and a half, if we don't count rushing in to a helipad only to go out again. And instead of going to Chizue who he really misses or to Yamius and Alex, whom he hadn't seen since Johns funeral, he had to waste his time coming here. Delivering a verbal report to Ando. In essence, they are gonna discuss Metsuhais performance in battle and other military related subjects. Metsuhai expected to be scolded for completing relatively less missions than usual. The armor slowed him down after all. Even if there would be no scolding, the report, supposedly monthly but often delayed was a tedious matter. Ando made sure to go through every item on the questionnaire, with the same monotone voice and uncaring attitude.
The best Metsuhai could hope for was to be done with this fast, and maybe he'll get a bit of time in the capital before heading back to battle.
But as he approached Andos office, wearing civilian clothing, to his surprise the door was nearly closed. Someone must have entered and didn't bother closing the door to the end. Metsuhai stopped, considering whether to enter, knock or wait when the voices from inside reached his ears.
"…Why do they keep sending me from one bureaucrat to another?" spoke a nervous voice, unfamiliar to Metsuhai. "This is important information, and I'm certain of the validity. Can someone take me seriously?"
"Now, now, Yakurama the future teller, the Future Tellers guild job is to deliver information. The commanding officers than decide on the action. You have done your job marvelously. Leave the rest in our hands."
"Don't you get how rare and important this is? An energy reading that resembles nothing we know. It could be an A class opponent messing up with our sensing abilities, or an alien and who knows what else. It's not a demon, yet it's not a human either. The energy, it is so dominant, I've never seen anything like it!"
"I see how important this matter is to you. I promise to send someone to investigate as soon as possible. But please, don't harass my superiors with this any longer. It's you who'll get in trouble for it."
There was only a tiny moment of silence before Yakurama stormed out of the office. Raging in fury, the old purple bearded man pushed Metsuhai aside. "Get out of my way you clown!"
Walking fast the future teller soon disappeared beyond the corner of the corridor, not noticing he dropped one of the important documents he was carrying. Metsuhai picked up the document, letting go of the momentary resentment for such rudeness. It was after all an old patriotic man under a lot of stress. Metsuhai examined the document. It was a map of a familiar city, with a large red 'x' mark on one of the streets. Metsuhai was about to take a step to Andos office direction as he was required, when he realized exactly what he was holding.
This is exactly where I chased Phaulin-Junior. Could he still be around?"
Metsuhai looked at the entrance to Andos office. Then looked at the map. Thinking fast he folded the map, placing it in his pocket and ran. He was out of the building in no time. Ando was so immersed into some document he didn't even notice Metsuhais quiet steps.
…
Metsuhai walked through the crowded streets. The Japanese people on their way to and from work and to other errands were mostly in a hurry and didn't pay attention to the heavily armored lad, who was clearly looking for something. Metsuhai already wasted two hours scanning the street both with his energy sense and true sight. He even turned off his battlephone camera and ignored two calls from Ando. If I don't find him soon I'll go back empty handed. I'll have to lie and get in trouble for nothing. Hopefully they'll believe me I was fighting, and still, I'll get punished for sure. I'll try one more time, looking as far as I can. Sorcerers Eye level two!
Metsuhais sight expanded, coloring his view with light-blue and revealed more aspects of reality. He looked far, his wandering gaze flying through the crowd, focusing his sightline where he thought Phaulin-Junior might be. At the very edge of his extended sight radius he finally spotted him.
Roteah was sitting on a broken bench not far from his home, holding a baguette with bite marks on it. The look on his face was sour and demoralized. On his belt (made from some strange skin) was a thin blade with a curved edge. A symbol of a face with fangs decorated the sheave. Nearby stood the invisible familiar, 341, holding his staff. Trash lay around them in this backyard.
"I can't believe we now have to steal food so we won't starve! I was eating bread and water for a whole week now. I also need wine for mother."
"In the inferno there is no food at all. We stayed hungry for days, sometimes months. Those who are bigger devour little guys like me. The infernal energy of the realm sustains us so we won't die there, but it won't quell the hunger, it's unbearable. That's the rules of the game. Generally- no bread, no fruit, no nothing."
Before Roteah could say it doesn't make him feel any better, the two felt Metsuhais presence.
"He's back!" Roteah called out, "Stay behind me."
"Roteah -sama, fear not," 341 obeyed his master, "this time it will be completely different. You have gotten more mature, and possess an exceptional weapon, that rivals the best swords of the underworld."
Metsuhai walked into the backyard of middle of nowhere with a drawn sword. "I have you now, monster. Draw your sword!" Metsuhai tapped on his own helmet twice. Magical symbols lit up across his heavy armor and a moment later the armor widened, opening up and falling to the ground behind Metsuhai, revealing the chainmail beneath. Metsuhai breathed in relief. His body was as light as a feather.
"I'll get him from behind while you draw his attention," whispered 341, "two on one he stands no chance." Roteah drew the unusual blade and stepped forward.
Metsuhai charged at Roteah, closing the distance fast. Roteahs sword struck the shield, sparks flying from the impact. Metsuhai used the opening slashing at his foe, cutting nothing.
He got faster. The blades collided, sending shockwaves around the combatants. Metsuhai expected to outmaneuver this inexperienced fiend in no time, but it wasn't the case. This guy had amazing instincts, guiding him through the battle. It was raw talent, competing with Metsuhais skills. The blades clashed again and again, reaching a locked standstill. Both fighters pushed against the other, trying to subdue the opposition. Metsuhai used every bit of his strength, using his height and technique to his advantage. But ultimately in this contest of power there was no winner. Both fighters jumped back at the same time, realizing there was no progress, preparing for their next move.
Air cut! Metsuhai sent his famous magic forward, the same magic that worked so well last time. Roteah knew exactly what to do. Roteah raised both arms, raising a wall of flames. The air cut slammed into the fiery wall and was deflected. Now it was Roteahs turn. Roteah sent forth a huge red energy beam. Metsuhai deflected it with his shield, sending it to the sky. The beam detonated with a powerful blast. 341 was now standing behind Metsuhais back. He had a vicious look on his face. He was preparing a small but mean-looking crimson energy ball.
Keep him busy just a bit longer Phaulin Junior sama, The familiar thought, and I will get him torn to pieces.
Just as the familiar was about to launch his devastating spell, Metsuhai turned around 180 degrees and pierced the small grey guy with all the power he could put into his sword. I was quiet aware I am fighting not one opponent but two. The force he put into the sword was more than enough. The body of the little grey guy was soft and vulnerable. The blade went in through his chest all the way up to the handle.
Metsuhai rushed to pull his sword out and get away from the defeated enemy. That energy ball, even without a direct hit, was dangerous. Metsuhai jumped backwards instinctively, raising his shield. It could have been considered a good move if he didn't expose his back to a direct blow from Roteah. But Roteah wouldn't attack. His shocked eyes wide open, his cross-eyed gaze focused at one point. At the place where 341 stood. Roteah was not in a state to strike, realizing his only existing friend just received a mortal injury. Roteah maybe was the fiercest fighter, but he was also a little kid.
The familiar chocking his own blood could maintain control on the energy ball no more. 341 dropped the crimson ball, as well as his staff. The ball became unstable and exploded as it touched the ground with a massive blast, resembling an atomic explosion, engulfing everything with smoke and fire. Metsuhai got pushed backwards as the blinding red light was passing through the street, the shield defends his body. Roteah just defended with a double block of his arms, and for him it was more than enough.
As the roar of the blast died-out and the smoke began to clear, Roteah ran helplessly to the heart of the explosion. From what he knew about 341, there was nothing more he could do for his little companion. Tears formed at the edges of his eyes. When the smoke finished clearing tormented 341 lay there, his body taken apart. His hands in one place, his torso in the other. The familiar forced himself to speak. "I have endured various torture in the Inferno realm, and later in the Inferno academy, but nothing even comes close to what I feel now…" Roteah bent over 341. "…and now I will make you suffer just like me."
"I am suffering," called out Roteah, his tears now flowing non-stop, "believe me!"
"Not yet…" 341s face took on a smile, "I'm gonna tell you a story…"
I graduated becoming one of the most powerful mages and best future tellers in all of the dark army. An asset to the Inferno you may say… then your selfish father came to me and told me- me! A master of the forbidden arts to come here and guide you into darkness. Baron Phaulin saw you as nothing more than a pawn positioned on the right square in his games with the order of the sun." 341 caughed blood and forced himself to proceed. "…Baron Phaulin is not somebody you can say no to, so using my magic I came here, easily crossing the border. I came to teach you the way of the inferno- the way of darkness. I was never your friend. You never had any friends…" Initially Metsuhai stood there with his sword drawn, his gaze locked on Roteah, waiting for the familiar to finish speaking only out of honor. But now he was stunned. Roteahs care for his servant contrasted with Metsuhais experience of demon behavior on one hand, and the cruel familiars sinisterity was far beyond Metsuhais expectations on the other. Metsuhais grip on the sword loosened, feeling compassion for Roteah who appeared to be a kid like him.
"…Now I failed. I will die knowing I caused as much suffering as possible. To you and to everyone. Goodbye Roteah-sama." 341s gaze became empty.
Now Roteah turned to Metsuhai. His conflicting feelings of rage on 341s betrayal and the fact he- Roteah still considered 341 a friend. A friend who was now for ever gone, taken from him-overwhelmed him. Roteah bleated, his eyes becoming red from blood. His power rising with an unbelievable speed.
Not good, very not good.
Metsuhai already had his experience with Roteahs 'special gift'. Last time Roteah hit him with that red lightning. A power Metsuhai could neither match nor understand.
All Metsuhai had time to do was raise his energy before Roteah was all over him. Roteah fenced with Metsuhai at an incredible rate. Showing unseen fencing levels. Metsuhai could barely keep up. And every blow was so heavy. Carrying unreasonable power. Basically Roteah was pushing him back all across the yard. Metsuhai desperately used every move, maneuver and strategy he could think of while blocking, parrying and counter attacking from time to time, but there was no opening in this devastating assault. Metsuhais shield was badly damaged. Metsuhai landed a lucky blow on Roteahs chest. The flesh wouldn't get cut. Roteah head-butted Metsuhais face, cutting him, then kicked his balls with his hoof. Roteah finished by sticking his sword through Metsuhais chainmail and deep into his stomach.
Roteahs eyes slowly returned to normal as he stopped in place, breathing hard. His rage was over, and he was exhausted. Roteah took one step back, his blade left behind, still stuck in Metsuhai.
Metsuhai, out of air as well, was in pain. He looked at the narrow black blade piercing into him. He just barely missed my vital organs, only grazing my intestines. The pain is something else…
Metsuhai was about to reach for the blade when a new kind of pain gripped his body, making him dizzy and confused. It was like he was drained into the blade, like his body and spirit blended together into an incoherent mess, gradually taken away. He didn't understand where his body ends and the blade begins. He would have been in panic but couldn't quite reach his feelings. It was like a fog crawling into Metsuhais mind. Metsuhais feelings, his childhood, his memories, practically his essence, were all getting sucked into the black sword.
As if from very far away Metsuhai heard Roteahs voice "me and 341 forged The Soul Eater together. It will take the inner self of whoever gets cut, and deliver these elements to the last one who held the sword. I presume the feeling is unlike anything you ever felt. It seems you had a full and satisfying life…" Roteah kept talking, but Metsuhai couldn't hear him anymore.
He watched powerless as his memories were taken away from him one after another. His birthdays. His crush on Chizue. Then his memory of John. "No!!!... I'm not letting Johns memory go to waste!" Metsuhai powered up and closed his fingers around the hilt of The Soul Eater. With a desperate push and incredible effort Metsuhai pulled the blade out of his body, placing it on his belt.
Metsuhai and Roteah looked each other in the eyes, both tired, sweating and hurt. For a moment it looked like a standstill, where neither fighter had any strength left. Then Metsuhai took a deep breath, pointed his sword and charged. Tired Rotreah was still fighting back. He covered his arms with red energy, blocking Metsuhais sword repeatedly. But he was clearly at a disadvantage. Metsuhai simply had more reach. Roteah couldn't counter attack and protecting himself this way only bought him time (and took a lot out of him). Metsuhai concentrated on the task at hand, postponing his worry for the psychological damage he endured and possibly forever lost memories.
An angry womans voice came from behind the wall of the nearest building.
"You horned idiot! You interrupted my beauty sleep with all that noise. You children just couldn't behave! I hate it! I hate you! Why I'm gonna come out here and slap your ugly face!... and where is my breakfast?!
Metsuhai looked for a moment towards the wall, speaking without much thought "Someone you know? This attitude needs to be taken care of."
Almost human horror was expressed from the once goat-like eyes of Roteah.
A vain swelled in Roteahs forehead, his eyes reddening, his muscles expanding. It felt as if Roteah was going to explode. The veins now expended throughout his body.
Roteah said with a roar like voice "leave my mother out of this!!!
What have I done, now we are both goona die. He will kill me, and then die from exhaustion.
Metsuhai spoke automatically "your mother has nothing to do with this. I hunt demons, not humans. I didn't want to hurt her in first place."
"Do you promise?" Roteah roared on him.
"Yes, I only came here for you."
Roteahs muscles shrank back to normal and the red color left his eyes. Roteah was completely exhausted, and with a broken fighting spirit. He could fight no more.
Metsuhai was on the assault, and there was no one fighting back. Metsuhai cut Roteah twice with his sword, and finished by stabbing Roteah with his own sword, The SoulEater. He had it coming. Roteah collapsed on his knees. Metsuhai raised his sword to decapitate Roteah. But then something unexpected happened. Now it was Roteahs memories flowing into Metsuhai.
Pictures and sounds flowed incredibly fast, in a confusing, out of order mess, revealing feelings and memory pieces Roteah experienced throughout his short and painful life. But part of the flow actually went chronologically, starting from the beginning.
The first clear memory Metsuhai witnessed was actually before Roteahs birth.
Baron Phaulin pushed a young lady, clearly not an adult yet, against a building wall "you're going nowhere."
"Please let me go" she cried out. The baron tore her clothes off her, enjoying her suffering. Metsuhai tried to look away but he couldn't, still, his desire not to see the memory did make it pass faster.
It seemed the sexual encounter with the devil was very traumatic.
The next memory was Roteahs birth. Generally pregnancy in that age is very problematic, but this was on another level. It was like being torn to pieces. And when the horned infant came out, into what seemed like a dark almost empty room, seeing his gout eyes, hoofs, and tiny horns has destroyed the shaken as it is psychology of the poor mother. Metsuhai could see it on her face. It was as if whatever was left of her sanity had faded away. When she looked at the little one she did not see herself. She only saw baron Phaulin. She shouted in agony and turned to look away from the abomination. Metsuhai couldn't really see it, but clearly all family members, friends and even Roteahs mothers neighbors turned their back on her. They couldn't stand Roteahs sight, or perhaps were ashamed of the out of wedlock infant. Those who saw a more accurate picture of the truth had many theories. Incest, exposure to radiation, poisoning while pregnant. The mother couldn't explain what she herself could not understand.
The next array of experiences Metsuhai felt were some of the worst he had ever endured. As Roteah grew, he received from his crazy mother only insults, unreasonable ever changing demands, and abuse. Due to the effect of the SoulEater, Metsuhai experienced this as if it was him, as if he was that suffering child who had no one else. The child that no one gave him a chance. Other children didn't like him either. Most didn't see his true nature, yet felt he was different. They laughed at him and threw stones at him, and when he retaliated for the first time, his mother screamed on him and beat him up like never before, though his skin was starting to become indestructible, so he felt no physical pain. Later when the children figured out how powerful and dangerous he is in rage, they simple stayed away. Which eventually felt worse than having stones thrown at him. Metsuhai experienced Roteahs life, Roteahs living hell. Then on a cold rainy night when Roteah sat alone on a cold steel bench 341 appeared "I was sent by your father. You are my master."
At the end Metsuhai felt the horrible pain Roteah recently endured when Metsuhai took 341s life.
Metsuhai cried, rivers of tears coming out of his eyes and shouted "make it stop!"
With great effort Roteah pulled the sword out of himself. When Metsuhai regained his senses it was all over. Roteah and the SoulEater were gone. Metsuhais arms were still shaking. He was far from okay, and the true sight wouldn't work. Metsuhai just couldn't regain his composure.