Chapter Text
Flames started to enrapture the surrounding, as the castle structure started to slowly collapse by each second has pass. Fallen chipped woods of crackling noise were soon to swollen down the whole building, as the two individual who were stayed in the chaotic surrounding for one was impaled as the other individual decided to not evacuate from the horrendous surrounding to befall her. As Every second’s pass before they be engulfed in flames with the building that is soon to collapse. The impaled individual started to spoke first….
“Such a sentimental send off”
“I should have done this long ago.”
“Still, don’t expect me… to go away… like this…”
“That’s why I used the dark arts rampage to banish you into another dimension, once and for all”
“Oh… the human drama… never bore…” “Well… let me… share something sweet with you… on account of… your noble efforts…”
“No one is keeping you.”
“Yae Sakura’s soul… hasn’t been in this vessel… for quite some time…”
“…”
“The experiment… that you risked everything for… succeeded… long long ago…”
“Can it be…”
“The reason why… all other vessels failed… was… that her one and only soul…founds its home in the very first vessel…”
“So it is… Part of me already knew it when I first saw her. If only I could see the night Sakura once more…just like I told her that ignorance is a bliss…now after hearing this…”
The uniformed figure started to stifle up her sobbing emotion, as she tries her best from releasing out her inner emotion which she tries to keep it lock in. After years of years of her harden and void less thoughts had consumed, but just right at this moment where she sees the future of her, to finally able to end her own life. The death that she very wishes to finally happen… the surge of her bottled up emotion finally flowed out from her caged up lock in her heart.
“I been so tired…bearing the punishment that seem for me…I couldn’t save her that time…now knowing that her soul lived…I miss her so much” crackling voice strive to resist to flow out from her shivering mouths.
Kallen the woman who had gained immortality from the Deva rune,as she soon to finally meet death which she wished so much, but the affection that she has for knowing her loved ones survived from the soul transferring experiment. Made her very happy but at the time the guilt that have been build up from inside of her on how horrible of her to do this. She, the one who despise the action that her fellow childhood friend did, who leads on human experiment. In which she ended doing the same as what her friend did when it comes to person her love. Love can be a very powerful but frightening emotion of what it could do to people. The thoughts of her finally embracing the death that she been hoping for,but to her wits ended up being dispersed by the light of hope that she heard about the survival of her loved ones.
“You really didn’t want me to end my life peacefully huh…”
“Hmph…this is at least I could tell…before we both be…departed from this world.”
The condition of castle has now crumbled to much more disaster state, as the fire finally almost reached their area of where the two individuals have huddle together. Burning woods from the flames which went more high heat from materials construction of the castle, the smell of the heavy dense ash that flows around the airways. Fallen structured of the castle are fastening cracking to breakdown anytime soon, which will make them be submerged underneath the concrete and planks that bound to break down as it reaches it peaks.
Kallen who now hitching up her last breath before the final moment, let out a soft whisper of her own true wish…
(I wish I could have a better reunion with her and truly stay by her side forever)
As a small tear stray out from her eyes…she closes her eyes to meet her ends
Then in a distance she heard a faint mumble of words from someone…with a gush of wind.
But by the time she tries to process out on what happening, her minds and body were already engulfed in deep spiral of darkness.
The space wrap lasted a whole night around the castle. By dawn, the once formidable castle had reduced to ashes. After taking Kasumi out, Rita left in a hurry, perhaps to report to her master for further instructions.
she wandered aimlessly around the ruins, trying to find any proof that Kallen was still breathing.
As her searches continue, she unconsciously called out the name of the woman.
“Kallen…Kallen…” even when knowing that she won’t even get a respond. At some point she try to pry a few of the concrete debris for a small hint of hope of her remains, clawing a bit by bit of the crumbled debris for a least of a sign. Not even caring of getting her fingers stained with the ashes from the result of the fire aftermath. As by that time, she felt something inside of her…it’s as if a part of her is telling herself that Kallen could still be alive, the bits of hope on wanting to see the woman again after knowing the truth that was concealed but now reveal to her. Even though, she wants to grasp the belief in a higher hope but seeing how the wreckage of the castle condition and unable to sense any living presence.
She knew it’s an effort in vain, after retrieving the Preta and Deva runes, the reality that Kallen was gone forever began to sink in. Though overcome by grief, her ninja sense still picked up the approaching footsteps and the creaking of wood plates. As her eyes caught the tip of the familiar black cloak,a relief took over her mind.
“You came,How is… Mei?”
“I settle her in the shed of the old town. She woke up, but her memories, didn’t. Can’t even remember anything about her father.”
“The work of the Preta rune… Might actually be a blessing in disguise for her.
“After all, she is just a simple and stubborn girl… Simple minds tend to resort to extremity under great pressure. Surprised to find you still caring about others. Kallen, She…”
“I knew you’ve been watching me all along. Don’t mind me, I’ve been alone my whole life. It changes nothing.”
“But your swollen red eyes beg to differ.”
“…Ferryman, your inconsideration never ceases to amaze me. Besides, I don’t know who these tears are for”
(Although at the exact moment, she knew deep in her heart for who the tears is actually for…)
“Oh?”
It’s just, right at that moment, she was struck by an overwhelming sorrow, as if someone was weeping in her body. Kasumi not exactly a believer of souls. Even after the drift souls and Hephaestus, she rather see them as obsessions. But the tears and grief bursting out the moment Kallen went away…if she had to put words on them…they’re emotions from deep within, and she couldn’t tell it’s her or someone else.
“So…is it a curse not able to see light?”
“…”
“Perhaps the crave for light is the real curse. She created me and send me to the Overseer put of her own obsession. I was perfectly fine on my own as an Anbu ninja, until she crashed into my life. She gave me an origin story and asked me to carry the name Yae Kasumi. Willful and hellbent till the very end.
“Without knowing my past, maybe I won’t be troubled by something I didn’t have?” interpret the clothed individual.
“If I hadn’t shown up here, maybe she could still be alive & well… After all that’s said and done, I…”
“Maybe you could come with me.”
“You?...By the way, if Rita was being honest, she is the Overseer’s eye here, not you. I recall she said I was the second one breaking into her mansion. Knowing the Anbu codes, breaking into Rita’s mansion, stealing the Ninja Arts, and posing as the Schicksal Liaison…Who…are you really?”
“I’m merely a boat runner, running a boat of homeless misfits and rebels like you.”
“…Sorry, but I’m not a cuddling animal. In the end, you’re just like her. Reaching out and spitting irresponsible words like “find peace with yourself” …False hopes only bring shaper pains. People like me who were born to be tools tend to stomach the hard truth early on. Guilt and self loathe are like aged smears impossible to wash off.”
“Maybe you’re right. But it’s exactly the hard truth about my wretched life that brought me here. Luckily, when I was whining, someone told me there were people who needed me, and that I just need to find them. People like us can only accept ourselves when we’re appreciated and recognized by others. Maybe it’s just an occasional gesture of kindness, but it did warm up my heart twisted by regret and resentment. And now, I want to be the person to reach out my hand to you. I need you. Are you coming with me?”
“Huh… from someone with a mystery identity and nothing but sweet talks…””
“I need you. Are you coming with me?” repeating the same words as earlier.
“…You’d take me in… even though I’m a trained killer?”
“I need you. Are you coming with me?”
“….I am.”
Why… are people forever obsessed with how to be loved?
The question has been troubling me for ages.
The reason must be, we inevitably abhor the way we’re this moment.
She told me so back when she was still… “her”.
But to this day, the meaning is still beyond me.
So, all I can do is to watch you… who came to this world because of her.
Till you can say something that she meant to say but didn’t
Afterall, you are my past, and I am your future…
No answer has come to me, nor do I know what to say to you.
Be it as it may, if I have to say something to the yesterday me…
“Tomorrow, please keep on… living with your shame and sins.”
As they were inside the so called “boat”, being carrying up inside a cube structure which seems to be going up.
“Oh right. Now that Raksha’s Rage is retrieved, I feel there’s more to it than we’ve known.”
“Oh? Why do you say that?”
“The other five runes are simply energy containers, but the Preta rune appears to be a crystal shard. See?”
“Huh? This is…Oh right, that’s what it is. No wonder the Preta rune can open up portals to alien realms.The five paths of Naraka,Tiryag,Manusya, Asura and Deva. Each representing consciousness, binding, domination, destruction, and creation. So, the Far Eastern ancestors crafted five faked divine artifacts to hide the only one real?”
“What are you talking about?” As the ninja ended giving a confused look, towards the clothed individual reply.
“No, don’t mind me. It’s not important anymore. And here we are, Kasumi. This is my boat, and your new home. Welcome on board to the Hyperion!”
As the cube structure finally stopped at their destination, the glass door opens revealing the inside interior structure of the so called “boat”. Turn out the Hyperion they are currently resided in is actually a spaceship that was under the command of the clothed individual that named “Ferryman”, which of course was seemed to be the person’s other name as most of the people inside the Hyperion called the individual as “Captain”. What’s more of a surprised that the individual was actually a female captain, the captain wore her disguise, so well that even Kasumi went awe and a bit surprised to the reveal but also at the same time amaze for how the individual was able to conceal it well. Captain told her that this ship purpose was to allow travel across over universe for a certain mission, there’s also a bit of an odd job that were done by the crew as well. The captain gave a bit of a tour while explain a bit of the layout of the Hyperion as well as what do they usual do in this place. Kasumi also discovered there were several of the individual that resided inside the ship were also recruit by the peculiar captain which they claim that they also came from a different timeline world.
There also a certain thing that she notices, some of the recruit people have similar facial face that she recognizes, the captain who notice the gaze that Kasumi been giving.
“I know you been wandering, whether if these people are the same people that you met in your world. Like I explain before, they came from different worldline, and they may share the same facial but their memories and lifestyle would be different” explained the female captain. “In fact, I sometimes encounter a different version of you during one of my travel.”
“Different version of me exist?...then in that case could there be a possibility that-” as she somehow sounded a bit hopeful, but then seeing the captain expression as if the woman knew what the her finishing sentence was going to be. Just let out a disappointed nod… “Unfortunately, “her” in other dimension never seem to be able to survive in those several world line”
“Oh…”
“So you do seem to care for her a lot?”
“It’s nothing…I’m just curious only”
“Well,if you say so…”
Right at that moment, the captain saw Bronie pass by them and decide to call her over. Bronie who notice the wave of the captain, store away her handheld gaming console and walks towards their direction.
“Heya,Bronie…let me introduce you ,this is a new recruit…her name is Yae Kasumi”
“Hello,so you need me to give her a tour around is it” as Bronie made eye contact with the captain.
“Right on mark,as expected from Bronie you know what I was going to ask for”
“Well it’s always ended up being me giving most of the tour, when new people come in” as she felt slightly annoyed but wasn’t feeling that burden for the role.
“I mean you really give a good tour around,what about this I will find a time to spare to play a match with you toni—
“Okay,deal!....let’s go ermm….”
“Kasumi is fine” answered the ninja being not that bothered with the two individual words of exchange.
“Alright,Kasumi….Bronie will give you a tour of your lifetime”
Before Kasumi follow behind the girl for the tour….
“Oh yeah,I don’t think….i need this anymore and I’m sure you will keep it safe somewhere”
“Ah…thanks,I be sure to”
After passing the Rune that she possessed in her hands, Kasumi then proceed to go towards Bronie side and they both walk away for the tour. Seeing the two of them finally out of sight, the captain let out a sigh of relief, then right on time by the corner of the walkway the captain saw the person that she been waiting for.
“Great, I got the rune with me…how’s the situation for you?” said the captain
“It ended up as we planned, hopefully the rest of the plan will be okay but are you sure about this?” said the white-haired individual.
“Those two have suffered enough, it’s time for them to finally break off from the cruel fate and this should be the best outcome.”
“Okay, I got it…I already make sure to inform the others about the situation but shouldn’t you report this to the higher up?”
“Nah it’s fine, this would enough for me and beside if anything happens, I bare for the risk. Anyways Let go grab some grub Kong Ming, I’m so starve after all this ordeal.”
“Alright then, I be expecting a good gourmet for the stuff that I have to go through.”
“I got it, I got it…this would be a pre celebration if it goes well.”
They two of them then leads their footsteps to the dinery area…
After Kasumi was done with the tour, she finally settles down after getting her assigned room. The tour she had was quite comforting for her trying to get used to the area of the ship. Now being all alone again, started to raise herself some question about her own feelings that have happens. She was finally able to process the emotion that she has kept sealed when she is masking with other people, so many overflow emotion bare out. As she prop herself down on the floor and leaning her back at the side of the single bed in the room. The emotion of swirl anger, sadness, happiness but last and not least the tinge of bitterness separation again has swell right up to her feelings. Knowing about why she was created, after having her past revealed. Now the big question, that she been pondering for has been answered from the soul that she felt from within which is “her”.
Why… are people forever obsessed with how to be loved?
this question, was already answered within her soul, yes her separated soul. The soul within that was actually a part of her that is the memories which she lost, due to the soul transfer. Kasumi or to be exact Sakura now can finally admit…that the soul that was bound within her is also herself. Her past self that was kept lock away. Right at the moment, as her Will finally drained all her energy (present mind) ended up inside her body and finally facing out her (past mind) in form of an orb.
“It was you, that weep for the death of that girl…Yae Sakura”
“She is the love of my life, the one that saved me with her love….”
“…”
“Because of her love, made me finally realize that anger bring a downfall through corruption, Just as when I finally found it…it was too late for what I reap. The words of assurance that she said to me is what made me able to break off the chain of corruption. But it ended up too late. Forever I bare the guilt of the destruction that I befall onto the village due to my own feelings.”
“…”
“I know, this is just sort of ramble for you. But my true feelings stay true after I finally able to see her for one last time.”
“I-i…I actually understand, it’s just…it took me a while to make it all sink in. I assume you’ve been watching from within all this time?”
“Actually not quite, I was always been in slumber…..but I was recently resurface from my slumber due to a certain trigger.”
“The trigger that have cause…could it be…when I met up with the castellan Kallen?”
A flickering light of the orb shone for a sign of nodding.
“From the first meeting, I was just simply started to slowly reawaken…. most of the time was simply just a vague blurry view…I could hear the voice from the outside but it just sounded like a mumble instead. But as you started to interact more with Kallen, my conscious was able to be more aware. After the castle was burned down, I was able to grasp the event that has happen so my feelings was able to connect with this body. Now that i finally able to see her for one last time, it’s probably the time for me to depart”
“…Wait…what do you mean?”
“Well this body is no longer mine, also that woman is longer here anymore…it’s quite unfair for you to bear my guilt, you have your own free will now. I won’t want to chain you down with my burden, I will leave and the thoughts that you have about kallen will also be gone. Since that emotion started with my memory to begin with, after this you can live the way you’ve wanted. I guess this is goodbye…it was nice to have talk with my other self” orbs shone as it left out a soft laughter.
Normally she should be satisfied with the outcome, as this could make her finally live out her life. But as she saw the floating orbs started to fade away slowly from her, the surge feeling of anxious started to overwhelm as her hands unconsciously panicked to grab a hold on to the orb, which now took a form into a miko who was once called as Yae Sakura.
The form figure was in awe, to see her own form that she used to look like when she was alive.
“No...i won’t let you” said the ninja
“I’m sorry?” as the miko turned out to have feeling very confused of what is currently happening.
“I won’t let you slip out away that easily.”
“But why? Is it better for you to forget it all, which as this feeling doesn’t concern you, this would be the best outcome for you to having your own life?”
“Doesn’t concern me!? What makes you think THIS doesn’t concern me!!” the ninja finally snapped out, now the boiled-up rage has finally released out…the feeling of confusion then in a short span where her past self just simply doing decision without even waiting for her approval.Her breath also start to hitch up from the outburst then realizing her grip on the miko has tighten… she quickly loosens it a bit but still holding a firm grip on the miko arms.
The miko was in loss of words from the ninja outburst.
“I-i-I just thought it’s best for you, you shouldn’t need to bear the guilt that I have done.”
Now having to have her thoughts calm done a bit, having to unable to control her emotion shows how much this event have affect her.
“I get it, that you think it’s the best solution…but isn’t that just you running away?”
“….”
“Afterall, you are my past, and I am your future…” said the ninja
“What are you….”
“I have come to an acceptance, after a lot of thinking in a short span…everyone has their own guilt to bare and no one can avoid the sin that they have caused. That’s basically what human is…. So far in my life, I was only expecting to fulfill my job as a Anbu Ninja. Doing work as told, nothing sort of emotion matters as what I been through. Living the life as tool for work. But after this mission, I felt the emotion that I have never felt so real. The changes that I don’t dislike and then you were saying these event doesn’t even concern me, was such a cowardly way….what I’m trying to say is let me bare them together.”
“You don’t mean? But why…”
“Afterall, you are my past, and I am your future…” as the ninja repeated the same sentence. “You are me and I am you…this body belong to us together. We are the same but our memories are what create us into different personality. The burden and sin that you are shouldering, is what I wish to shoulder also…what more important is that…I don’t want to forget about the heroic figure of Kallen Kaslana. The name that must not be forgotten. Also, I may not know much about this emotion, but these feelings might be the answer that I always been seeking”
Hearing those words…. the Miko eye started to become blurry…as droplets of water seems to leak out at the corner of her eyes. Having to finally make sense of what her other self is saying was…. let the name of Kallen Kaslana to be never forgotten. As they both look at each other eyes, that came to form of mutual agreement of what they would do, grasping with each other’s hands as they both slowly merge together, Kasumi decided to reclaim the lost memories of Yae Sakura and Yae Sakura acceptance on being able to continue pave her memories of Kallen. As they together be baring the same guilt and sin,both as Yae Sakura and Yae Kasumi.
As their soul, manage to merge together…Kasumi minds now is surge with all the memories of the past of the person named Yae Sakura. The memories of the childhood…the memories of grief…the memories of happiness…the memories of anger and all sort of memories flow through straight inside her mind like waterfall. As the overload of memories that flooded her mind, made her felt the tinge of head shock from all the memories event, having to reach up her limit…. Kasumi ended up passing out from mental exhaustion. But before she passed out…a few mumble words escaped from her lips…
“I’m Yae Sakura, codename Kasumi….forever shall I remember this memories and her….”