• Part 3: Gracia
    Chapter 1: Darkness

    I was looking myself in a mirror in my room in a dream once. Mom and dad were behind me, staring at me and smiling... But then they vanished, and were replaced by Nero and Kiri. I couldn’t figure out what it meant, no matter how hard I tried. I heard a noise outside of my confusing dream, and I jumped up, alerted.

    “What’s going on?” I asked tired, looking around the room for Nero or Kiri. There was a really bright lady here instead. “... Who are you? Have you seen my brother?” I asked her.

    “... Gracia, you must come with me.” She said, ignoring my question. She stood up and came to my side gracefully.

    Just then, someone kicked in the door hard. “Here she is! We’ve got her!” He said into his radio... They must from the branch; they have the same type of armor as them.

    “Get her out of there! Mission accomplished people, we’re going home!” Another man said on the receiving end of the radio.

    “I need you to come with me... All of you, now!” He commanded.

    “No they don’t.” Oh, thank God, Nero!

    “... I’m guessing you don’t remember me?”

    “Does it really matter?” … This is really confusing!

    “Nero, you need to think back to the legends you’ve read. Most of them had to do with someone named White Tiger, right?” … I’ve read those… Who is this guy?

    “What does that have to do with right now?” Nero asked. I could tell he was losing his temper.

    The other guy started to take his gas mask off. I can see his face… White Tiger was real… I KNEW IT!!! “… I’m not here to harm any of you; I’m here to ask for help. The battle outside was real, but they don’t know I was going to turn on them in the next five minutes.”

    “… So these guys are from the Branch of Demonic Elimination?”

    “… No… They are from the Assassin’s company, the head of the other Branches… The Hydra’s head, if you will.”

    “Hmm… I’m guessing we should follow you.” … This going to end badly, but I’m pretty bad at predicting, so I guess should wait and see what happens.

    “That’d be a good idea.” He suggested rudely.

    I jumped up, but I felt a little lighter all of a sudden. “… Uhh, where’s Snow?” Ok, don’t panic! I looked at the bright lady, and found Snow with her… That was close! “… Oh, never mind!” I giggled awkwardly. I skipped over to Kiri’s side, trying to hold on to myself, so I wouldn’t start yelling because I get to meet a legend…! I started feeling week all of a sudden, and a pain rippled through my body like I was getting crushed a meteor and an elephant at the same time. I held my head, trying to keep it from exploding… Then it became pitch black, like the sun was extinguished… Then, there was a thud.

    “Gracie! Gracia, say something please!” I heard Nero yell… It sounded like his voice was miles away… It sounded faint. “… Can’t you do anything, Whitetiger!?”

    “… Is she still alive?”

    No sound… Please don’t let me die yet!

    “… Yeah, her heart’s still beating.” Nero said. Was he crying?

    “Then I can do what I can, but there’s still a chance that… Is she a demon?”

    “Yes.” That bright lady said. Her voice sounded clearer than Nero’s.

    “Then I suggest you hold Nero back.” Whitetiger said, as if he was commanding them to… They were fading even further away… I can barely hear them now. I didn’t hear any sound, but a crushing pain stampeded through my body, but I could see everything that was going on now.

    Something must have stabbed me, because I started to see red. I screamed as another pain- a different type of pain- covered my body. I still couldn’t hear anything, but, through the red in my eyes, I saw Nero yelling and struggling to get out of the grip of the bright lady. I could see his spiritual body holding him back too, like it knew Nero couldn’t interfere. Kiri was standing by the door, with Snow in her arms, facing Kiri’s chest.

    Then it was dark again.

    Chapter 2: Guardians

    I woke up again in a different setting, a hospital room-like place. I feel really bad. “… Morning princess.” I didn’t have to look to know that was Kiri whispering. God knows I wanted to hug her, but I already in too much pain to think seriously think about anything. I blinked and sighed- I think- in response.

    “…Mommy… Where’s Nero?”

    “I’m here, Gracie… Damn, I wish I could touch you.” Nero was a few feet away, but as long as he was near me, I didn’t have a problem with that. “Is the barrier necessary, Whitetiger?”

    “Yes, as long I’m convinced that you’re not calm.” Whitetiger retorted

    “I’m calm, alright? I wouldn’t hurt my own sister!” Nero shot back quickly.

    “… Fine, stand back.”

    There was a not-so dim flash and a slight touch on my hand that let me know that it was a Nero. “See, was that so hard?” Nero asked rhetorically.

    “… Nero.” I tried to say in excitement, but sounded like I was on death bed.

    “Yes? Do you need something? Are you ok?” He sounds like Kiri right now… Ha!

    “… What day is it? I mean the date.” Come on, you can do it!

    “… Happy birthday, Gracie.” Well, at least he didn’t forget! “… What, you didn’t think I’d forget did you?” … A little bit.

    I shook my head- I think- and smiled. “… How long was I asleep?”

    “Three days, I think.” Kiri answered. I was pretty sure I could move my head, so looked in her direction… EWWWW!!! KIRI’S BREASTFEEDING!!!!! I looked away immediately… I hope this isn’t going to become a routine or anything, because I’m never getting used to that!

    “Err, Kiri?” Nero said silently.

    “Yeah…? Oh, sorry!”

    “I think you’re starting enjoy that!” Nero joked.

    “Do not, I just keep forgetting!” Kiri laughed back, pulling her shirt down. I looked back and saw Snow wiggle a little bit. I guess she was done anyway.

    “… Well, since everyone is awake… Except Snow maybe, I can explain what’s going on… I believe you deserve that much.”

    “About time…! Why do you need our help anyway, you’re a legend!” Nero asked.

    “… In about a months’ time, I will die.”

    “… I’m so sorry to hear that.” Kiri sympathized.

    “It’s ok… I’ve accepted it, but there’s a complication… Celeste, I think you should tell them the rest.” Whitetiger advised, assuring himself of something.

    “Of course… Whitetiger’s wife, Arras Shantou of the Shingobu clan, is pregnant with a set of twins.”

    “Congratulations!” Nero said.
    “Not just yet, they're still about three weeks-“

    Whitetiger closed his eyes thinking.

    “Hello…?” Why is he talking to himself?

    “… What’s he doing?” Kiri asked Nero silently.

    “Telepathic communication... It’s like a phone in your head. The branch has been experimenting with it for about a year or so… Seems like a success to me.” Nero answered.

    “Ok… Stay calm, I’m on my way!” He opened his eyes quickly. “… It’s time!”

    Chapter 3: The Assassins

    “What, are you sure!?” Celeste asked surprised.

    “Positive as I could be.” Whitetiger replied.

    “Then we need to go!”

    “Wait, what’s going on? Was that your wife?” Nero asked in a rush.

    “Yes… Nero, my children are of the most importance to not only me, but the fate of the world may well lie in their survival.”

    “What are they in danger of…? Never mind, tell us on the way there.” Nero said, picking me up. I couldn’t feel my left arm for some reason, but I hugged Nero’s neck tightly- I think.

    I felt Nero running like we were in danger again… I hope we’re not! I don’t want to be on the run again!

    “Are you alright sis?” Nero asked concerned.

    “… My arm, I can’t feel it.”

    “… Can you move it?”

    I looked down and tried to move my arm… It moved just like it normally would. “Yeah, I guess I can.”

    “I might just be numb; you’ll feel it in a moment.”

    I nodded and took a deep breath, relieved that nothing was wrong with me. About twenty minutes later, my left arm started feeling weird, but it felt like normal after a few seconds. “Hurry, we’re almost there!” I heard Whitetiger call to us. Man, he can run!

    I balled my fist for some reason. “Mom.” I whispered to myself in personal thought. I knew was thinking out loud, but I didn’t care. “… Don’t ever leave me, ok?” … I think I’m going crazy!

    *************

    It was about five minutes later when I felt Nero skid to a stop. I turned around to see what was going on. He stopped in front of a house that wasn’t too much bigger than ours… If we ever go back to it, I’ll have to compare the two, but I put that thought to the side for later. “Wait here; it’ll be a while, so feel free to come in and walk around if you wish.” Whitetiger said, hurrying inside.

    I heard someone-a woman- breathing really hard, like someone was literally taking the breath out of her. I heard the same thing when Kiri was in labor… How long ago was that? A week, maybe, I don’t know!

    “… It’s getting cold… Maybe we should go inside?” Kiri suggested pulling on Snow’s blanket- it was on her for a while- to where it covered her head.

    “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.” Nero replied. He sounded worried for some reason. I hugged him tighter so he could feel better.

    We started walking inside, but something didn’t feel right, like someone else someone else was here. I decided to sound like an idiot, just in case someone was following us. “You know, there’s really no need trying to hide from us.” Oh, God, please let me be right!

    … Why do I already regret saying that?

    Part 4: Nero
    Chapter 1: Higher Power

    I thought Gracia really was going crazy, but when I saw that guy pop up out of nowhere, I knew something was about to happen. The reappearing act wasn’t too special- I’ve seen it in action before- but that insignia on his chest made me uneasy for some reason. “Kiri, take everyone inside.” I said calmly. I don’t need anyone panicking right now.

    Gracia jumped down from my grip and ran over to Kiri… Did she get faster all of a sudden?

    “Ok… Come on, sweetie.” Kiri said, hurrying inside the two-story home.

    I turned around and faced the specter- the name given to those who wear the ghost suit, which makes the wearer able to phase through solid objects and become invisible at will. “… Why are you here?” I asked, getting ready to fight as adrenaline pumped through my body.

    “... I’m here for the children… All of them.” He replied in voice that made my skin crawl.

    “What are you talking about!?” If he’s talking about Snow, I swear I’ll…! I don’t what I’d do!

    “… Snow, Bluetiger, Izumi… They’re all to be taken away, just like any other child here.” He answered.

    “I don’t remember anywhere I’ve been that has that law,” I said to myself. “Where the hell are we?” I want answers, and I hope he’s smart enough to give them to me!

    I don't if it was just coincidence, but the wind started blowing as soon as I asked. “... Hmm, that was strange... Anyway, you’re in a village called Teachen.” The Specter answered my earlier question.

    “I wonder why I should care.” I was getting more and more uneasy as time passed. I grabbed Loving Bloodshed tighter than I ever thought I could. I was taught never to grip a weapon as if it was grip an enemy, or your weapon can never trust you, no matter how much you trust it. I loosened my grip, but I kept my hand on it.

    Suddenly, the Specter disappeared.

    I had a feeling I knew where he was going. I ran even faster than my already fast panther run- I was more like lightning- toward the house, breaking down the door.

    “Nero, what's going on, what happened?” Kiri asked in a rush quietly. I took in the environment quickly; it was peaceful at the moment- Gracia was asleep on Kiri's shoulder, next to Snow, who was squeezing Gracia's finger.

    I caught my breath, my hand getting tired from holding onto my blade for so long. “Err, nothing really. Stay here.” I answered. I doubt she really believed me, because she gave me 'the look'. You know, that look your wife gives you when you took too long to do something, or when she knows something’s up... Most of you who are reading this know what I'm talking about!

    “... Ok, whatever you say.” She said calmly. Yeah, I'm so in trouble after this is over!

    I ignored it and ran up the stairs.

    ***********

    I followed the screaming up to a room. I heard the clash of swords from the other side of the snow white door. I opened the door quickly; - I caused enough damage already- unsheathing my blade just a little too fast. I lost my balance for a moment, but I caught myself.

    “Nero, please protect the others!” Whitetiger said in a weapons deadlock with three other Specters. I looked to the left and saw two newborns and a pale woman holding them both in her arms, even though she looked a weak.

    “I'm on it!” I replied, not really thinking about it... When it comes down to it, protecting someone isn't really something you think about; it’s something you just do.

    I ran over to the bed, kneeling down by the women, and lying my blade down on a nearby wall. I looked back over to Whitetiger and the other three Specters. Out of nowhere, another specter appeared, and swung a blade- a normal katana, it looked like- and cut Whitetiger deep. Everything in me wanted to run over and help, but my spiritual body spawned held me down, while it ran and helped Whitetiger out.

    “... Your name is Nero, right?” The woman asked weakly.

    I hesitated. “... Err, yeah.”

    “... Thank you... For helping my husband... But you don't-”

    “Yes, I do.” I interrupted. “I made a promise that I'd do whatever I can to help. I can't just walk out of here unless-”

    A scream stopped me in my tracks.

    “KIRI!!!” I yelled, standing up quickly.

    “Go, I'll do what I can until you get back!” Whitetiger barked tiredly.

    I left my spiritual body behind and ran downstairs.

    Chapter 2: The Devil Blade Lucifer

    “RELEASE!!!” I yelled as I ran downstairs, releasing Loving Bloodshed into its white-hot form. I saw another Specter looming over Kiri and Snow; blade raised beside his/her head like an archer with a bow.

    And that's when I lost it.

    I started seeing red, like I was in some kind of blood-haze. I looked at my hands; they were glowing and pulsing. I felt my blade change, as if its entire structure was going through some kind of metamorphism. And, gliding just over the floor, I thrust Loving Bloodshed and stabbed straight though the Specter's heart. Then, as if on cue, I stopped without even having to skid on the floor.

    “... Nero?” I heard Kiri say, probably scared out her mind.

    I inhaled as if I was choking. I felt myself change back; I started seeing things like I usually would and the glowing stopped with a final flash in an effort to stay alive and radiant. “Kiri... I-I don't what just happened... Did that just happen, though?” I was shaking like I was standing an ice bath and was two seconds from hypothermia. I was surprised... More than surprised; I was scared out of my mind, and I couldn't think about anything other than 'I can't believe they had to see that!' Damn... I really am a demon! I fell to my knees shaking harder and harder every second, staring at my hands like I'd actually find an answer there. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and someone was hugging me. I immediately hugged whoever it was through tears that I didn't even known was there.

    “... Its ok, Nero... It's ok; we'll get through this, like we always do.” Kiri tried to assure me. She hugged me... I felt four arms, so I guessed Gracia was hugging me too.

    “Don't cry, Nero... Please?” I heard Gracia plead, sobbing.

    I held them both tighter. I felt Snow wiggle and make a noise in protest. I loosened my grip on Kiri, but kept bear hugging Gracia. “Ok, but only if you stop.” I joked, sniffling. I felt her smile. I picked her up as rose off the floor, helping Kiri up. I walked to a nearby couch and laid Gracia down- I didn't have to think to know she was asleep.

    “Nero, a little help here!” Whitetiger yelled from upstairs.

    I looked over to Kiri. “... Duty calls.” I said.

    “Go.”

    I hesitated, picking up my blade, which transformed back to its original state. “Wait for me.”

    “Always... I'll be right here.” She replied.

    I nodded, smiling, and started running upstairs.

    ************

    “How many of these guys are there?” I asked rhetorically. I killed at least twenty- literally- Specters, and it didn't even look like they were halfway done! “You'd think they'd give up already!” I said, slashing another Specter's arm off.

    “Now that I think about it,” Whitetiger said, spin kicking a Specter in the ribs, making him/her fall back. “I never really told you why they won't give up, did I?”

    “Nope! So how about spilling it!” I barked back, stabbing a Specter in the throat, and kicking him/her backward into a wall.

    “You already know that I'm a mixture of both angel and demon, right?” He asked, in a deadlock with two other Specters.

    “Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?” I said, flipping two Specters over.

    “Yeah, well, it's said that my son would be the next one,” He said. “... And that's why my life was cut short... Only two Demonic- Angels, as the Elders call them, can exist in this world... At least, in this generation.” He said, stabbing a Specter that was behind him, cutting him in half, and, with his sheathe, smacking another one over the head.

    I looked over to the woman- who seemed to have regained some of her color. I looked at both children; one was actually a blue tiger, the other looked like a normal baby girl. I went for the more obvious name for the tiger... Bluetiger, maybe? “Ok, you lost me at 'Elders'.”

    “They're the overseers of this village. They control the way things are done, and, in my opinion, they're very annoying.” He answered to a mostly unasked question.

    I sliced the last Specter like a loaf of bread... Literally! “... Well, at least we get a break from these guys... Why in hell would they send so many these guys, anyway? There just here those two, right? I get that you're a warrior and all, but I doubt if this was all really necessary.”

    “Actually, it was, and still is... We have enough time to get everyone out of... Where the hell is Celeste?” He barked.

    “Not sure... Must have split up from us... I'm going to go check on the o-”

    “That treacherous little b***h!” Whitetiger interrupted.

    “What, what's going on?” I asked in surprise.

    “We need to get out of here, now!”

    “Not until you answer my question! I'm tired of running around here for no damn reason! I put my family through enough, so I'm not going anywhere until you tell what the (word of choice) really going on!” I demanded. I was tired... I think I can speak for everyone when I say that.

    “... Celeste used to be an assassin... At least, that's what I thought. I had my suspicions about her from the minute we met, but it's still quite a surprise.” He explained solemnly.

    “Now that's better.” I said, feeling a little guilty. I walked out of the room quickly, wishing, as usual, that all of this would finally end.

    Chapter 3: The Higher Angel Graciela

    Unless you're a slow learner, you should know that we started running our asses off... Except the pink haired lady- Whitetiger was carrying her. She was carrying the two children, Kiri was carrying Snow, Gracia was beating me in a race- amazingly, - and I was laughing my a** off because I was right behind Gracia, and she still ran funny!

    “Are really that out of shape, Nero!” Gracia laughed.

    “Do I look like I'm out of shape?” I retorted, laughing. I had just started catching up to her, so we were running side by side.

    “... Yes, you do!” She said softly.

    “Hey!” I laughed, picking her up playfully. She was laughing hard one second, but the next made me stop cold; a look of death overcame Gracia's expression faster than I ever could imagine- not that I would. I laid her still, pale form on her back, her head raised by my arm.

    “Nero, what happened?” I hadn’t noticed, but Kiri had run back to us.

    “I don’t know, we were just playing around, and then this happened.” I was still surprised and shocked, but that changed to severe relief when she started moving.

    “… Uhh, what just happened?”

    “You blanked out on me… Are you ok?” I answered.

    No response; there was no need for one. A light overcame her, like the sun fell to Earth and landed on her heart. I lifted her head slightly higher. The glow became stronger and stronger every moment that passed. Everything in me wanted to hold her tight until the storm passed, but something stopped me; Gracia was laughing as if at an old friend’s joke, or as if someone was tickling her playfully. Although faint and soft- to where no one but me could hear her- it was good to know she wasn’t in pain. The white light started to recede so quickly, if I weren’t looking, I would’ve missed it big time! With a final flash, the light was gone, and I gasped in awe; Gracia’s attire changed completely; an angelic white gown with those really skinny shoulder straps and radiant angel wings sprouting from her shoulder blades. If you can't get a mental image, please think of one!

    “Gracie?” Kiri said. I already knew she was frantic on the inside, but she seemed calm for now.

    Gracia sat up slowly, looking at her hands curiously. “... What just happened?” She asked. I couldn't answer her, I was still awestruck.

    Instead, I helped her up. She dusted herself off- not that she needed to. “Are you ok?” I asked after a moment.

    She nodded, jumping on my back. She seemed lighter. I felt her wings embrace me softly, like a mother would to her crying child, which is exactly what I thought of when it happened… If I was a half demon, how could Gracia look and feel like an angel…?

    Guess I’m going to find out… VERY soon.

    Chapter 4: Taken Away

    I helped Kiri off of the ground as I got ready to sprint. She grabbed my hand softly enough to where she could lift herself, but not break anyone’s bones. “Kiri, are you ok?” I asked, although I didn’t need to.

    She didn’t let go of my hand. “Let’s not split up… I have a bad feeling.” She said softly.

    “NERO!!! WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO PLAY AROUND!!!” I heard Whitetiger bark at me, not even bothering to run back to help. He was starting to majorly piss me off!

    “Alright, damn!” I barked back, but not as loudly. I turned to Kiri, staring into her eyes. That should have been a reply, but instead it turned into a love-filled staring contest.

    “NERO!!!” Oh, great timing, a*****e!

    I snapped out of her trance. “We should go, before he yells again.” I saw Snow stir as if she was having a bad dream. I picked her up from Kiri’s arms- she seemed relieved- as she started to squeeze my deep blue jacket. We started to run with Kiri by my side, just like always. Gracia dropped from my back and hit the ground running beside us.

    “… What is he doing?” Kiri asked squinting. “Why’s Arras on her knees?” I guessed Arras was the one I met earlier.

    I looked up just in time to see Whitetiger kick Arras straight in the chest. “Oh, HELL NO!!!” Two things I can’t stand: Someone messing with my family, and a guy putting his hands on woman, and that last one, makes me sick to my stomach! I handed Snow to Kiri. “Gracie, stay with your mom.” I said angrily… I hope knows that I wasn’t mad at her. I ran faster and faster, intent on kicking Whitetiger’s a**!

    I was two inches from Whitetiger, my fist ready to strike like a snake. I took a swing, hitting him square in the face. He flew back, landing on his feet. He tried to lunge at me, but I unsheathed and extended Loving Bloodshed faster than lightning. He stood up straight, circling around me with my blade in his face. “Nero… You said you’d help me.” He said defeated.

    “No… I said I’d help protect your children, but it seems you like putting your hands on their mother…! I can’t let that happen.”

    “You don’t understand, Nero! The only way to keep them safe is to separate them-“

    I interrupted before he could finish that sorry a** excuse! “That’s not your choice, nor an excuse…! It should be your wife’s choice!” I barked.

    “… Fine, Nero… But it’s them or me!” Whitetiger said pointing the sobbing mother.

    “… You are not taking my children.” Arras finally answered after a moment.

    “Arras, you may want to think about-“

    “When I found out that I was pregnant, I made a vow that no man but God would himself above them.” She said trying to stand up. I helped her up- I didn’t want her hurting herself.

    “… Fine, you deal with them… I’m done.” He turned away and walked off.

    “… First smart thing he did all day!” I exclaimed. I looked at Arras… She was bold and, from what I could tell, a very strong woman. I had no doubts that she couldn’t take care of them.

    “… Nero… Thank you… You’ve done me a great service… But I think I can protect them by myself now… If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

    “It was no problem... But I’m starting to get this bad feeling in my gut.” I admitted.

    “Your devil sense… It tells you when danger is near.” She explained.

    “Well, in that case, you should get out of here.”

    She nodded and, just like that, she vanished. I looked behind me; Kiri and Gracia had just caught up to me. “What happened? Did Arras leave already?” Kiri asked short of breath.

    “Yeah, she’s gone, and Whitetiger’s out of her life.” I looked up. “GET DOWN!!!” Something swooped down at us. I looked to see if everyone was ok. Kiri was gone. “KIRI!!!” I yelled. She wasn’t far, I could still catch up!

    I sprinted as faster than possible, chasing the flying… Whatever it was… She was so close. I wasn’t looking in front of me, but when I did, I saw a cliff in front of me. I knew I could jump it, but I was at a distance. When I got the edge, I stopped. It was too spaced out… It was a dead end.

    I fell to knees and immediately started crying. “KIRI…!!! KIRI…!!! KIRI…!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!”

    “I swear, until they kill me, I will look for you… And I will find you.”

    I started panting like crazy. “… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

    As howled my final scream, a crater formed in the ground where I cried.