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TTLG: First Doubts

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February, year 1595 on Angelopoulos.
Again that dream. It's started appearing more often now, I fear I'm loosing more than just comrades in this war. In that dream, I seem younger than I am now, it always starts with a memory of my world and while everything seems peaceful I suddenly end up in the middle of a lake. Despite the falling snow and low temperature the water isn't frozen, I take a step forward and look around only to see familiar bodies floating around me. I shout and cry out of despair, questioning each decision they made and blame them on forcing this fate upon me. Then a strange yet familiar feeling fills my head and I look back. In the shadows of the white forest trees I see a little girl with long raven hair and golden highlights among. Her lips were moving, but I can't hear a word and when I take a step closer her eyes turn red and blood drips on the white ground, before her body falls into the lake.

That's when I wake up. In tears and fear, but why? Is my sanity already lost? Or do I really blame my family for the mistakes I make, without even knowing? It's not death what I fear the most, but loosing myself as I walk this path. Despite my skills and knowledge, 
I'm not suited to be a leader. I never was. But people follow Annika, like a shadow. She's the one who makes them raise from the ground, I'm then one who makes them fall. Maybe I should continue this fight alone? Which path is right, which wrong? How many deaths will I leave behind as I walk further? Today I have more questions than answers and my ears don't hear anything except the cold whisper of the wind. But all I know is that my story is one of many and the wold will not suffer if it ends too soon. 

Golden Raven

Akira closed the journal, then placed it back on the shelf. He sighed, walked to the bed and lied down lost in his thoughts. He tightly hugged the necklace in his right hand, then turned on this back and stared at the roof. So many question and mysteries. Each of the Shadow Hunter are truly amazing, so how could they have been wiped out so easily? In less than a day all hope was perished. How strong is his opponent and will he ever manage to end this war? Those were the question left in his heart. Before he knew it, he fell asleep and woke up in the morning. It was a musty morning when Akira woke up. He stretched and yawned before getting up to meet with Vulmar.

"Good morning" He said and sat near the table. 

"I get it that you want to know as much about the past as possible, but if you spend the whole night reading those journals, you won't have the strength to fight." Said Vulmar while preparing breakfast. 

Akira groggily rubbed his eyes. "Then how else will I know about the hunters?"

"Not when you're staying up the whole night, that's for sure. Sooner or later, I might have to keep a watch on you to make sure you're actually sleeping." He chuckled 

"It's your fault for not telling me more about them"

"Look" Sighed Vulmar "I'll tell you in the right time. Now eat and get ready. I'll be joining a party tonight" 

"Where's it at?" Akira asked. "Who's going to be there?"

"The party is a Noble ball. There will be a nobleman, who I want you to meet" He said "His name is Ivan Altomare, formerly known as Ikasu Nimmyo-no-uji. Note that he is not the easiest person to approach, don't let his smile distract you, it's an act and he can been seen unfriendly, but once you get to know him he's a kind guy." 

"Wait! Nimmyo-no-uji?" Asked surprised and excited at the same time Akira "You mean one of the most powerful sorcerers!?"

"Yeah, he IS the most powerful sorcerer I've even seen, but also as crafty as your mother. He was taught combat skills by your mother and her brother, in exchange for the knowledge about magic" 

"Wow! They really are as amazing as the journals write" Akira exclaimed. "What does he look like? Can we trust him?"

"Well. He's young and you'll notice that he attracts a lot of women, he treats them nicely but I don't think he's keen on them. He has light blue hair like the sea and yes, can be trusted. After all he was a hunter as well. Also from what Lucia told me, he knows about the others, maybe even about those who survived"

After explaining the details about how to behave on such a ball, Vulmar showed him the new clothes for the event, then continued their training as they do everyday. The training session was long and hard. Learning efficient combo moves and applying it was hard for Akira to get a hold of, even when taught in a different way. His biggest advantage is his speed, but even it wasn't enough to make the one armed man fall on the ground. It only proves how much he needs to learn and how strong each of the hunters is. Even without his left arm Vulmar was able to move efficiently during a fight and teach Akira, to not rely only your strongest move. Eventually the day came to an end and it was time to meet the Nimmyo-No-Uji.

It didn't take long and in the late evening they were ready. They got a wagonette carriage, which took them towards the center of the capital. It allowed Akira to notice that only humans walk down the streets and guards are probably never getting any sleep. So many walked down the street, each turn the boy was able to notice their military uniforms. After a short while, it stopped in front of a huge and european looking mansion. 

"Whoa...." Akira gaped at the dainty mansion. "This place is huge!"

"Seek for a man in a white suit and blue sea hair." Said Vulmar, while they entered inside after he showed the invitation.

Not too long after did they see a tall man with hair that was as blue as the sea. He was talking with a few other people in which they seem to enjoy. Just as Vulmar said, he was surrounded by giggling women in victorian dresses and expensive looking accessories. Oddly the man seemed to quite enjoy his time. When Vulmar walked to the man with a greeting smile, Ivan's eyes looked straight at Akira, which seemed to question what he just said. Unfortunately Akira wasn't able to hear the conversation.

"So you're Akira, huh?" He said, when they walked closer.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir" Bow the young one.

"My pleasure as well. Unfortunately, this is not the right place to talk. Walls have lately grown more eyes and ears" He said while looking at bit to the left at a man.

The man seemed to be enjoying his time as well. He had medium long hair and reddish brown. As everyone in the ball room he was elegantly dressed and looked like a typical nobleman. Also unlike others, he was wearing a black red hat. Soon Akira could feel his eyes on his back, while Vulmar took a few steps and stopped in front of the boy for precaution. Ivan didn't even say a word as he lead them through the entire dancing crowd straight to an office, where he locked the doors.

"Is that...really him?" Said Ivan as he faced them "Akira was suppose to be dead" 

"He's standing right here, isnt he?" Vulmar said, while crossing his hands "He was protected by Sachiko this whole time in the underground dungeons. Unfortunately only he returned" 

"Another death." He sighed "That's why I've been lately sensing a very familiar energy around. I see what Lucia was talking about now, though don't just come here expecting me to suddenly blow my cover and start fighting again"

"I understand. However, we were wondering if you know anything about the surviving hunters. Also Akira must know a few things about magic. I can't provide him with such training, because of obvious reasons" He said, while raising his left arm a bit.

"Yes, I do. I feel their energies still remaining in this world." Looks at Akira "You must know that Princess Annika survived."

"What of Aki and Boris? Did they make it out too?"

"I don't know, but if they did survive, they'll be with her."

"HAH! And you don't want to help!" Shouted Akira and hit the table. "What kind of hunter are you!?" 

"I'm helping you by telling you where they are, boy." He sighs. "Just because you're her son doesn't mean the world will suddenly start following you. You need more than just boiling blood of hers" 

"Coward! Just because you're scared of coming back!? Then those who trained you? What about them? You'll just let their deaths pass as is was nothing!? Throw away their dreams and desires, with hopes, like a rotten apple!" 

"Calm down, Akira" Said Vulmar "You're young, I understand you are ready to fight, but if we don't take it slowly and patiently, there won't be left who to save"

Akira looked down. He knew Vulmar was right. He always was. But he doesn't want this world to continue any much longer. Ivan only looked at the boy in pity and sighed.

"You didn't even know your mother, yet you carry her dreams as if it was a dream"

"What's wrong with that?" Said Akira angry.

"You picked up her dreams without a thought. Your feelings are borrowed, based on hers. I warn you though, those same dreams brought death upon as well"

"Shut up!" Yelled Akira

"Enough! You too Ivan, the boy is you-"

"That's exactly, why I'm telling him. You know best what happened that day, how it all ended. It best for him to know, that life is not a fairy tail and there are not happy endings. Her dreams might have been beautiful, but in the end Raven herself abandoned them"

"Wait. What?" Said Akira surprised "It's a lie, right Vulmar?"

The look moment Akira looked at him, was when his eyes widened from disbelieve. Vulmar's expression was enough for the boy to understand what really had happened. The boy ran out of the room, then head downstairs. He didn't even bother with Vulmar, who shouted after him. He wanted to leave. Not the world, but this life. It was horrible. Over and over, and over. Again, again and again. Each day brings more pain and loneliness, each days makes him realize how unfair the world really is, leaving simply unanswered questions. 

After a while he stopped breathing heavily, since the wold suddenly became silent. Not even the wind made any sound. He looked around and noticed that a long while ago he left the streets and crossed the walls of the city. The woods were dark and cold, but it didn't bother him as much as the uneasy and painful feeling in his chest. 

What's wrong in wanting to be like my mother? He thought, while wiping his tears What's wrong in carrying on the same dream she wished for? I know I can't save everyone! I know! But still, is it still wrong to keep trying? Is it wrong that I want to be close to her? Even a bit...Why did she abandon it? Why did she have to die!? 

He turned around only to see the glimpse of silver glowing in the dark, before someone pulled him back. Akira tried to scream but he heard a familiar voice. 

"Vulmar?"

"Shh! Brat!" He whispered. "Your run attracted unwanted attention."

He cautiously looked from side to side at all angles. A dark figure dashed amongst them, without making a single sound. However, Akira caught a glimpse of it and grabbed his dagger. He tugged at Vulmar's cloak.

"Vulmar, I think I saw something." He whispered.

"Where?"

Akira pointed upwards. Vulmar looked up and saw a dark figure in the branch before it disappeared. Akira jumped back, but he lost balance over something and was knocked over a pile of leaves. The ground gave way beneath Akira as he was about to fall into a pit. But soon a hand grabbed his wrist to which was Vulmar's. He pulled him back to his feet and took a look at the deep hole. 

"A trap?" Asked Akira.

"Seems li-" 

A figure of a well-built man jumped out of the hole and stroke. But Vulmar was fast enough to dodge the attack and grabbed his enemie's hand then throw over his body. The stranger hit the ground, but quickly got up. Akira used his distraction to throw a knife, then successfully attack. When ran towards the man and aimed with a blame, but the man noticed his intentions and block the attack. The young boy quickly slid through his legs and attack from behind, then kept the blade close to his neck.

He truly is your son, dear Raven Smiled Vulmar. 

An arrow shot through Akira's hair and got stuck in the tree in front of him. Akira looked back and saw another figure with a bow and arrow. While being distracted, the man knocked Akira off of him making him fall to the ground. 

Vulmar took notice and began to charge at him but unknowingly stepped into another trap. A rope placed in front of his ankle got caught in it and lifted Vulmar up high and in an upside-down position.

"Vulmar! Hold on, I'm coming!"

"No! Don't take another--"

As Vulmar did, Akira stepped into another trapped and the same was repeated. He accidentally dropped his knife as he hoisted up into the air. He moves around frantically trying to break free.

"Let us go, you bastards!" Akira shouted. 

The man with a bow and arrow leaped down to the ground next to the other figure.

"Went exactly as planned. Nice one, Boris."

"Heh, works every time." Boris puts away his bow and his arrow in his quiver.

"You morons" Said Vulmar "Don't you recognize one of yours when you see one?" 

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I'm Lonely Panthera, idiotic Boris."

Akira looked around trying to find a way out. He was determined to help his mentor and friend. He decided to no give up, not matter the cost and pain, if it's his mother's dream he won't abandon it. Never. Then he suddenly felt a strange cold feeling, as if someone gently placed their hand on his shoulder, he looked back but no one was there and a quiet whisper filled his head with one word.

"Esserker?" He said out loud and confused, while the feeling slowly vanished as suddenly as it came.  

Something began to glow brightly in Vulmar's scabbard, the weapon reacted and freed itself, Esserker turned into it's animal form and growled. Everyone starred at it surprised and Esserker's tail moved along the walls of the hole. Akira grabbed it and climbed, then stared at the creature unaware of it's intentions. 

"It cant be..." he looked at Akira. "You summoned Esserker. Who are you?"

Akira looked at him determined. "My name is Akira Ashida-No-Uji! The son of the Samusagi Ashida-No-Uji, also known as huntress Golden Raven!"

"What?! Then that means...you survived!"

"In that case...Boris, go cut down Panther." Aki ordered.

When Boris freed Vulmar from the trap, the man commented that some things never change. As soon as he walked to the confused boy, he smiled and patted his head.

"Consider it a gift from Raven, Akira. Something that will protect you, just like she would" He turned to others "Since we have the welcome parry behind, take me to Annika. We all have old business to finish"

Akira stilled, "Who are those people?"

"Besides the ones, that you failed to noticed to follow you, they are the also Shadow Hunters" Said Vulmar.

The man pulled away his red bandit mask and hood, revealing his brown hair and red-streaked bangs. "The name's Aki Kurosaki aka the Lone Wolf. And that's Boris, codename the Sly Fox." He held his hand to him. "If you're really who you say you are, then we'll have to get White Foxtail to confirm it."

After a short explanation, given by Vulmar Aki nodded and lead the way to their hideout. They trekked over long distances of wooded areas and creeks, making their way downhill into a cavern in the end. They removed gigantic leaves from the entrance for they were used to keep hidden. 

After less than a minute, Akira saw a beautiful woman with long pinkish-reddish hair and crimson eyes. Surprisingly she look just like he imagined her to be, like a true future queen. Esserker walked along Akira's side and when it spot Annika in front of them it obediently lied down on the ground, recognizing her. 

Annika looked up, "Aki. Boris. You're back!" She soon spots Akira and Vulmar, making her eyes go wide. "Vulmar? Is it really you?"

He nodded. "In the flesh." 

"Then that boy..." She nears Akira, with Esserker by his side. "Akira... you're alive!" She hugs him causing Akira to blush with the shade of red in her eyes. 

"I was so worried. I thought I'd never see you again..."

"um...My apologizes" He started shyly "But why is a princess like you concern about someone less important" He looked down confused "I do not understand, the same as in the journals...you put yourself on the same level as everyone, yet knowing that your existence is more worth than ours?"

"Forgive this little companion" Said Vulmar "He's as confused as his mother was, but not lost. He knows his place, but needs help in understanding. You'll have your time with the princess to talk, but for now Annika. We need to discuss the important matters" 

"Yes. Of course." The princess lets go of Akira. "Come this way." 

She walks down further into the cave and they followed suit. Deeper in the cavern, there were more furniture and book shelves filled with spellbooks. The big one was held up on a pedastal. Vulmar took a seat at one their chairs and Akira did the same.

"Akira, go to their library section, see what you can find" 

Akira nodded, then left the room along with Esserker by his side. When the young boy left Vulmar turned to others, while Annika looked at him.

"Why don't you allow him to take a part in the meeting?" She asked.

"I don't want to give him false hopes. He already has his doubts. Today's words must not leave the room"

"As always, Panthera" Said Aki. "But why did Esseker react to the boy? Shouldn't a soul weapon die along with it's master? Also why did you hide such information?"

"I wanted to make sure" Started Vulmar sighing "I found Esserker among the ashes, exactly three days after the tragedy. It was in some kind of coma and even when close to the runes it was created from Esserker did not react. At first I thought it was dead and became a useless tool, until I found Akira. We lost Sachiko from the underground cities, since she helped the boy leave the dungeons almost ten years ago. I've trained the boy along with Luna, but that's not what I'm about."

"Sorry, to interrupt" Said Annika "But if Esserker 'woke up', doesn't it mean that Raven survived?" 

"Impossible princess" Said Aki "First of all no one could survive that attack, we all only barely managed to escape. Not even someone with her level could run, she was barely standing" 

"Then what explains Esserker's reaction?"

"Reincarnation?" Asked Boris, while looking at Vulmar. 

"I doubt it." He said "I've asked Ivan for help on that, but he refused to join us today. Reincarnation is when the soul with the exact structure and sense of energy is reborn once again in a new form. Meaning that Raven must have died before Akira's birth, only then it would be possible, but we all know Raven died after. I've been gathering some information through all these years, my opinion is that Raven did actually survive"

"This means we need to find her" Said Annika.

"Out of the question"

"Don't be so high of yourself, Panthera" Grumbled Boris. 

"I'm not, but we can't let emotions get in the way. Besides as Aki said, no one was able to survive that attack. Not without help from our enemy"

Aki hit the table out of anger and raised "You mean that they were captured instead of killed? You know what fate awaits those who aren't murdered by that bitch!"

"That's why I did not want Akira to take a part of this meeting. I fear that they were taken to Mythran Allanar." 

"Then..." Annika looked down with eyes full of fear and sadness "They are all now under their control...a part of army, an tool or experiment" 

"I wish they were dead like everyone thinks, but we must prepare for the worse, we don't know in what state they are, but over ten years of torture and modifications, those we once knew may no longer be on our side. My thinking is logical, they knew our hideout and attacked just when we were about to strike. There was a spy among us. Gathering information about each our move, simply playing with us as they wanted"

Annika clenches her fists, making it hard for her to accept of what they may have become.

"Then...I guess there's no other choice. If we are going to defeat Victoria then we must plan our tactics carefully. Otherwise, everything we build up to would be lost."

"I'm sorry, my princess."

"There has to be a way, no one from the Ashida clan would give up. I know them, I know Raven. She can stand a lot, she's can't be broken!"

"But for how long?" Said Aki "Everyone has a weakness, everyone can be broken. You just need to pull the right trigger"

"Annika. You're right, because you can't break something that's been shattered. Remember her before the attack? Raven slowly began crushing loosing the sight of her target" Said Vulmar. 

"You're wrong. You two may have been close, yet you're still blind enough to not see." She said holding back her tears "She was like that, but remember how much she changed when Akira was born. Remember the look on her face, when she first saw him. 'I 
found everything I thought I lost before', in those words she described her son. I'm sure she's not the way you speak of her"

"Don't allow emotions to cloud you, princess. Raven always protected you from such decision, everyone needs to overcome their own demons." He sighed "Back to the plan, we need a good one. We need a strategist as good as Raven" 

"Then continue the plan mother had came up with" Said Akira, while he walked inside "By the way, can I borrow these?" He asked, while showing three books.

"Of course" Said Annika.

"Is it wise to continue the plan Raven had made?" Said Aki "They might know it, considering some fact"

"Then it's even better if they know it" Smiled Akira and sat on the chair "They expect you to come up with a new plan, since my mother's seemed to fail. So they'll look everywhere but not there we they think they'll expect us. Won't this give us the surprise attack? The most obvious places are always the hardest to notice, simply because they are obvious enough to not see" 

"Akira has a good point." Annika noted. 

"I agree as well" Said Vulmar. "We need someone fresh, that way they won't be able to tell which of us has a plan"

"Very well, we'll start gathering information about others and once again form the brotherhood among the shadows."

"I'll write down the names I've gathered up till now" Said Vulmar "Also, since you're here Akira from now on you'll be trained by Aki and Boris." 

"Why? I thought you were going to train me?"

"We, Shadow Hunters exchange our knowledge and skills. Boris and Aki are more experience with the North, than I am and I don't want you to go unprepared" 

"North!?" Said Annika surprised. "What are you planning, Vulmar?"

"We need to restore our old contacts and finally catch a glimpse of Nightingale."

"If her cover wasn't blown during these years, she should still be a servant of Deabru house." Said Aki "Meaning, that she'll also be visiting Mythran. You're planning on contacting the 
Amaterasu Clan"

"We know the location. Kyuubi knows us, besides she once tried helping her cousin. I'm sure she'll join us, since we want to free the Vyt'Lunaians ruler as well."


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Okay, the tittle is strange. I couldn't think of another! xD
And yes! Finally after such along while, I've finished the next chapter, in which many new characters appear! :D
I'll soon update the cards :D
Who knows who was the staring man in the hat? :eyes: 


Characters:
Golden Raven (Samusagi) (c): Samusagi
Vyt'Lunaian world (c): wolf12832
Ivan Altomare( Ikasu Nimmyo-no-uji) (c): Yuvena 
Nightingale (c): CrystalineTwilight 
White Foxtail (Annika) (c): The-WinterRose 
Slyfox (Boris) (c): The-WinterRose 
Lonewolf (Aki) (c): The-WinterRose 
Kyuubi (c): mitsuko-kitsune 

The rest OCs belong to me! ^^
© 2015 - 2024 Kazuhiku
Comments26
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Dorkus-McDingus's avatar
I think that little clue that you gave in the story can give a hint of who Nightingale is. I'm still not going to say who she is because I'll be cheating. :giggle: Other than that,  it's a good story. 

(If you need any help with her or the first commander,  feel free to note me)