~CHAPTER 2~
“She could not have gotten far.”
Eri called out as the two of them were now taking chase after the women. Ryuu had remained quiet and followed Eri's lead. He knew that in the state the women was, that she would not be far as well. Within minutes the two had found her. Collapsed on the ground against a brick wall. She looked like a doll that a child just threw away. Golden curls hung disheveled down her shoulders. The dress which could have been a sight to see at one point now looked like tattered rags. She could easily fit with the riff raff of the streets by just her appearance right now.
“ She sure doesn't look evil in anyway...she really could be a civilian Ryuu.”
Eri sighed softly as she looked at the poor sight before her. With her weapon gone and her hands free she closed the distance between her and the women. Kneeling down she pulled the cloak free from her shoulders and wrapped the poor girl in it. Before she could lift the women, Ryuu was there. His hands already wrapped about the women. Lifting her with no hesitation.
“Where shall we take her Eri?”
Eri glanced around. They were pretty much alone. Gathering her surroundings. She was positive there were no akuma anywhere near them. Or so she felt. It would seem there were akuma that can hide from her detection.
“Our hotel seems like it is the only place for the time being. I do not believe it will attack us right away. This will give us a chance to question the women, before we go after the akuma again.”
Ryuu lifted his gaze to the clock above them. It was still ticking. The sound leaving an unpleasant feeling in the pit of his stomach. Without a word he jumped straight up. The power of his legs easily took his to the roof top where he landed. Not a sound escaped him when he did. Almost as though he never really landed at all. Eri though was right behind him. Landing just next to him. Like him, no sound escaped her landing.
“Let us hope....we do not have to dispose of her as well.”
As those words left his mouth, he was off. Bounding from roof top to roof top. Leaving Eri with a sinking feeling as well. Taking off right behind him she kept her eyes watching. Just in case....it was watching them.
Her body was heavy. As though she had been drugged. Finding it so hard to even lift one arm. The women threw a daze, continued to force her body to listen. Each movement was harder then the last. But her determination was strong. After some struggle, she was finally in a sitting position. Eyes open to look about the room she was in. If memory served her right. This was not her place. And the last place she had been was the ally. The instant memory of the ally made the women jump. Half tumbling off the bed. Two hands extended out and caught her. Before she fell to the floor. With no trouble the hands set her back upright in the bed. They even fixed the blankets that were on her legs.
“I do not think you need another lump on your head.”
The voice was soothing and kind. So gentle in its tone the women could do no other but lift her eyes to the one who had spoke. Eri stood there with a smile on her face. Though the smile felt forced. Yet it was there all the same.
“Who...are you.”
Eri stood upright and glanced to the corner. The women followed suit. Turning her head to the man who she had not noticed was there till this moment. Two toned eyes were staring at her intently. Like she had grown a second head. But her blood seemed to kick in at just the right moment. She instantly turned her head. Eyes closed and chin slightly high.
“It is so very rude to stare you know. Have you no manners Sir.”
Eri felt her eyebrow lift as she looked from Ryuu to the women. It took all her concentration not to laugh. Eri had never known anyone to say such a thing to Ryuu. He was far to kind for such talk. And just as stubborn. But at least they knew the type of lady this women was.
“Well next time I shall leave you were you belong. With the trash.”
A gasp escaped the women as she turned her head to Ryuu. Eri could not explain why Ryuu was being so cold. Unless he really did believe this women to have a part with the Akuma. The women narrowed her eyes to Ryuu and spoke. Her words came out like ice. And colder and you would be able to see her breath.
“At least have the courtesy to give me your name. So I know who it is that is so uncivilized.”
Ryuu grinned. Not a grin that one would consider friendly. It was more like a monster that had found its prey. Closing the distance between him and the women. He placed his hands on the bed. Making sure they were close and whispered.
“Ryuu.....don't forget it.”
The women had backed up quite a bit from the closeness of their bodies. Almost in fear. Yet her pride refused her such a look. So she kept her eyes narrowed and a sneer on her lips.
“It's a real pleasure to meet you....Ryuu. I at least owe you my gratitude for saving my life. Yet it feels wasted on you.”
Ryuu opened his mouth to speak but Eri was there. Her arms around him, pulling him back and towards the door. Ryuu allowed this. Knowing Eri was right and he was getting to angry with the women. His gut told him she was evil. That she was apart of what had happened. And his gut was never wrong.
“Please forgive Ryuu he is very tired after everything that had happened. Ryuu just needs a bite to eat and some rest. I assure you. He is normally very kind.”
Eri shoved Ryuu out the door and spun around, her body now pressed to it. The women on the inside. Leaving Eri right up against Ryuu.
“What are you doing. Trying to scare her half to death. She wont be of any help if you back her into a corner.”
Her tone was stern. Like a mother scolding a child. Normally Ryuu took this with a laugh but today he glared at her.
“Were in the middle of a ticking time bomb and you want to play nice with a women who reeks of blood and akuma. For all we know she is the reason it is here. And haven't you noticed, but that level akuma is far greater then we have ever taken on.”
Eri reached out and touched Ryuu's arm. Brushing it gently. Her eyes held an emotion Ryuu had seen but never truly understood.
“I know. But we can't just assume she is the enemy. There could be a number of reasons for the way she smells. After all we found her running from the monster. Not embracing it. Please eat something and rest. I will talk to her now and see what I can learn.”
Ryuu sighed. His anger leaving him quickly. Eri always had a way with him. She alone could calm the beast that every now and then came to the surface. Nodding in agreement he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. Releasing her after a moment. Eri was shocked as she stood there. His arms releasing her. She could not speak. All she could do was watch him walk away. Her cheeks were hot. A soft shade of pink colored them. Even her heart was beating a bit faster. Drawing in a deep breath she turned around and entered the room. It would appear the women though had made herself comfortable. Sitting at the vanity she had raided Eri's things and was currently brushing her golden curls.
“Are you feeling alright?”
At Eri's words the women turned around and looked at her. One eyebrow raised.
“Do you see this hair...I'm far from alright. I need fresh cloths and a hot bath.”
Eri could see this girl knew nothing of the real world. She was born into a life where everything was done for her. This thought alone pushed all the thoughts from before away. Maybe Ryuu was right and this women was evil. But not in the way he was thinking.
“Right now you have questions to answer....”
Eri was instantly cut off by the women. Who stood up quickly and stormed up to her.
“I will answer nothing in the condition I am in right now. If you think for a moment I will let a commoner like you boss me around you have...”
The crack echoed the room. Eri had smacked the girl across the cheek. Hard enough she was sure she would be able to see a hand print there.
“I do not have time to waste on a women such as yourself. If I had thought for even a moment that any answers from you would be a waste I would have left you. Now I have an akuma on the loose and the thing was hunting you. So either help me protect you or go protect yourself.”
The womens hand now covered her throbbing cheek. She was left in stunned silence by what had just happened. After taking a moment to contemplate her next choice of actions, she returned to her seat on the bed. With a sigh her hands fell into her lap. Her head hung low. Eyes casted to the floor.
“It was my twenty first birthday tonight. The party my mother and father had set up for me was extravagant. I knew it would be nothing less. The dress that I wore was beautiful. A peach color, made only for me. My mother always loved the color peach. She said I was born to wear it.”
Eri had now moved to take a seat on the bed. Taking note in how she spoke of her parents. Something was off.
“The party was truly wonderful. The man I have liked for so long attended. He even danced with me tonight. I swear my heart was in my throat the whole time the song played. Everything was absolutely perfect. It had been months since we had such a wonderful night. And then he came. He was dirty....and smelled like death.”
The women wrapped her arms around herself. Shivering but not from the cold. No she was scared of her memories. Scared of what she was thinking.
“ I remembered him. He was the doctor who had helped me so long ago. He swore to protect my secret. Swore to protect it from the world. And he stormed in shouting it out to everyone inside the building. And as soon as his words faded....he turned into that creature....that horrible horrible creature.”
Tears were falling down her cheeks as she curled into herself. Drawing her legs up and onto the chair, her arms wrapped snuggly about them. She rocked herself back and forth. Loosing herself to the pained memories.
“I watched as it slaughtered my family.....my friends....my love....and all it kept saying was mommy...mommy....mommy...”
Her hands shot up and covered her ears. As though she was blocking out the very voice that haunted her mind. But it would be no good. The voice would still ring in her ears.
“What was your horrible secret....”
The women lifted her head and stared at Eri. Her eyes shadowed with unspeakable pain. For a moment Eri was sure she would pass out. Her skin had paled so quickly it was frightening by itself. But when Eri was sure she should collapse, she moved towards the women. She was stopped by her words instead.
“My name is Amelia Veness Dulafur. I am the heiress of a fortune. And I carry the weight of my family's honor on my shoulders. I was eleven when it had happen. He was suppose to be a kind uncle. One that you could turn to in times of need. But it was all lies. I was twelve when I had daughter. A child of my birth with a baby. Unheard of. It would have destroyed my family. The doctor agreed to take the child away. Find it a family far from here. Where she would grow up with no knowledge of the blood that ruins in her veins. The secret he was swore to keep.”
Amelia broke down in tears. Crying so very hard. Eri could say nothing to what she had just heard. Her stomach was rolling at the thought of what had happened to this women. Neither women heard Ryuu when he had entered. He too had been listening at the door. A painful guilt washed over him from how he had treated her before. Her stubbornness and snottiness were all just an act. To cover up the horror of what had happened to her.
“I...”
Eri could not think of a thing to say. All she could do was stand up and turn away from the women. Her eyes now seeing Ryuu.
“I won't let another monster hurt you. That akuma will never get you.”
She made her words firm. Swearing them to everyone in the room. Ryuu could do nothing more but nod in agreement. He would protect her as well.
“Amelia there are cloths in my bag. I will make some food. Clean up and change. We do not know how much time we have.”
Amelia lifted her head and silently obeyed. Sliding off the chair she began to rummage threw the bag. Pulling a shirt and a pair of pants free. Eri and Ryuu left her to change.
“I'm still not sure why it would be the doctor. He was just a middle man. Why would he be so attached to Amelia....I would think the child. We don't even know if the child is still alive though.”
Eri nodded as the two were now standing in the kitchen. This hotel was amazing. It carried all the comforts of home. Maybe because they don't get many people asking for rooms. They then rent some out. Either way there was a small kitchen in the room. Big enough to cook a small meal of the sorts.
“Lets just try and force some food in us. We will need all the energy we can get Ryuu.”
Ryuu agreed and the two set out to work on food. But just has they had begun, there was a knock at the door.
“Room service.”
Eri shrugged and walked towards the door. Opening it just enough to see who the person was. There was a kind looking older women. The kind that probably baked the worlds best apple pie. A full smile on her lips as she looked at Eri.
“I have fresh towels for you. And would it be alright if I grab the trash from your room.”
Eri smiled back to the kind women. Nodding her head she opened the door completely to the older women who's hands were full of towels.
“Oh let me help you get all the trash...”
Eri was cut off as a thin rod shot out from the towels and pierced her in the shoulder. Blood dripping down from the now opened wound.
“RYUU!”
Eri cried out as she was pinned to the wall. The towels the women had held, crumpled to the floor. There was her arm, mutated and disfigured. Where the fingers on her hand should be were nothing but elongated claws. One of which was inside of Eri now.
“Mommy....mommy I have found you.”
Ryuu appeared in the hallway in time to see the old women change. The once kind smile was now larger, belonging to that of a predator. The teeth were yellow and broken in odd angles. Her back popped as she hunched over. It was like watching a snake loose its skin. Only this skin belong once to a living human being. She could have been someones grandma.
“Eri!”
His blades where in his hands already. Dashing forward to slice at the claw that held Eri to the wall. Though he would continue forward as he sliced the claw in half. Straight at the monster who had yet to finish its change. Slamming his body into its. His blades piercing in deeply, as the two fell out into the hall. Making it a clean cut he brought his hands up, slicing all the way up to the shoulders of the creature. Blackened blood sprayed everywhere. The creature was dead. Ryuu slowly rose only to find that down either direction in the hallway there were people. Tons of them. Filling every crevice completely. All at once they began to say.
“Were is my mommy....where is my mommy.”
Ryuu backed up slowly. Could this whole town be invested with Akuma. Impossible. They should have been able to feel this many in a single town. Everything was not making any sense at all. Eri pulled the claw out of her in time to hear the voices from the hallway. Her skin began to crawl. They were surrounded. She watched as Ryuu moved back into the room slowly. Trying not to draw attention.
“Eri...”
His voice got low, but she could hear her name easily. Extending her hand out she prepared to call forth her weapon. But Ryuu's hand movement stopped her.
“I will hold them off. Take Amelia and run for it. There are to many out here for all of us to make it anyway. Go now!”
Eri shook her head back and forth.
“I will not leave without you Ryuu!”
Ryuu looked over his shoulder at her and smiled for the first time all night. There was a roar in the hallway. So loud that it shook the very walls. Eri could not hear what he was saying. But she saw his lips move and his hand reached the door knob. Slamming it closed.
“RYUU!”
She took a few steps to the door. But she knew he was right. She could hear the fighting. The cries of pain. She could hear the slicing of blades and bodies colliding. They had a mission and there was no way they could fail now. There were to many lives at sake from the time bomb above them. Turning around she dashed towards the room where Amelia was. Tears fell down her cheeks but she would not turn back. No matter how much her mind was screaming at her. Her heart ached as she continued towards the room that held Amelia. She needed to keep going. Ryuu would have wanted that. Bursting into the room in time to see Amelia tyeing her shoes.
“We have got to go.”
Eri closed the distance between them in a few steps. It was then she heard the door burst open. They must have finally gotten past Ryuu. Instantly her mind went to the worst. But she forced on. Grabbing Amelia she pushed open the balcony window. Amelia instantly wrapping her arms about Eri. Almost as she knew what was coming.
“ERI! BEHIND US!”
Eri didn't turn back she just ran forward and leaped clean off the balcony. Amelia watching with appeared like zombies chase after them. A few taking the plunge too in a pitiful attempt to reach them, but they would not make it. Eri controlled the fall landing loudly on a building top. But she would not stop there. Keeping her grip on Amelia she kept running. Jumping from roof top to the next. There would be only one place safe in this city now. In the distance Eri could see the staples of the church. Each roof top got them closer. At least there she could buy them some more time.
“Eri where are we going?”
Eri stayed quiet for a moment. In truth the church could easily be just as dangerous. But what choice did she really have at this point. Anyone in this city could easily be the enemy.
“The only place I know that could be safe....even for a short time. “
Amelia glanced behind her to the direction Eri was running towards. She instantly understood the church was the destination.
“Eri where is Ryuu?”
Eri felt more tears threatening to fall. Forcing them to stay at bay she whispered softly. Causing Amelia to barely hear what she had to say.
“He is not coming...”
Amelia said nothing after that. She simply held on tightly and cried. Cried for everything that had happened and everything that still has not happened. She felt the weight of the situation. They would all die this night and even though they were going to the church. No god would be saving them.
Eri landed softly in front of the church. Everything was silent. No one was around which was not a good sign. But either way she released her grip on Amelia and took her hand. Dragging her into a fast pace walk. They needed to get inside. Just as they would open the doors of the church, the doors would open themselves. There inside was an older nun. She had a stern face but one could see the wrinkles at her lips and eyes meant she smiled often.
“Come inside. There is evil out there this night.”
Eri instantly moved in front of Amelia. One hand extended to protect her. The other now wielding her scythe. Blue eyes narrowed as she stared at the nun. No one said anything for a moment. The nun was the one to break the silence first. Pulling free from under her robes a silver chain. At the end of the chain hung the symbol of the organization.
“I work for you.”
Eri stared for a moment and nodded in agreement. Instantly she pulled Amelia inside. As soon as they were in two younger nuns shut the grand doors. Locking them down tightly. The older nun was already walking past them and talking rapidly.
“I am unsure of what were really up against. But so far it has control of the city. I know you can see the clock in the sky. I guess its counting down till this city falls.”
The nun stopped talking and turned instantly on her heel and looked at Eri who had been following her the whole time. Eri stopped instantly her trust not fully there yet. But for good reason.
“I was told there would be two sent to aid me.”
Eri glanced to Amelia who had crumpled to the floor. Hunched over and crying loudly.Her blue orbs soften. She felt pity for the women who lost so much and now was hunted for a crime that was not her fault.
“I am the only one left.”
The nun sighed softly. A sigh that expressed her condolences to Eri. Yet Eri refused them. Heated eyes glanced to the women.
“I need you to protect her. I will hunt this Akuma down and kill it myself.”
Eri turned to leave the nun and Amelia. But it was the nun that stopped her. Grabbing onto her wrist and halting her progress.
“Don't bother looking for something that is looking for you. The wise thing right now is to prepare for an all out attack. After all I am assuming it is after that girl. Why else would you keep her with you.”
Eri knew the nun could see even more then what she had stated. But she was being kind and not saying anymore. The nun of course was right. What was the point of just charging out. Loosing Ryuu was effecting her judgment. Something she could not afford to have right now. Lives were depending on her.
“You are right. I'm sorry I am just a bit out of it this night. There has been far to much going on.”
The nun stepped forward. The wrinkles showing her age threw. But her smile was kind and heart warming. She could truly make you believe everything would be alright if she said it would be. There were few in this world that held such a warmth as her.
“Go rest...we should have some time....”
Eri's eyes widen as she watched the old nun freeze. Threw her chest three claws erupted. The nun shoving Eri out of the way just in time so that Eri would not take any of the attack.
“I WANT MY MOMMY!!!”
The old nun was lifted up. Her body held by the claws that were slowly tearing threw her. Eri looked past her to one of the nuns that had shut the door. From the ground where Eri was the young nun looked frightful. Her arm twisted and appeared to be broken in many odd angles. No of which seemed to bother her in the slightest. She was holding the nun up.
“Run....exorcist...”
The old nun gasped out as her hand lifted slowly to extend out to Eri. There was pain in the old womens eyes. Eri chose then she would run no more. Jumping to her feet she dashed forward. Her scythe at her call. She would tear anyone down who stood in her way. Her scythe tearing threw the claws that held the old women. The nun would fall to the ground. Crumpled in a heap. Blood coming from her body.
“COME OUT AND FACE ME”
A loud crash came from the entrance door. She could hear them. The people of the city were laying siege to the only sanctuary left in this god forsaken town. Each time they slammed into it. There were just that much closer to breaking it down. Eri had little time. The zombie like women's other arm, exploded into another twisted mess. Bringing about both arms she extended them out towards Eri who was closing the distance. The claws erupting in odd angles. All in an attempt to strike Eri down.
Yet Eri was far to skilled for such an attack. She easily weaved threw them. Not a single one hindering her speed. Just before reaching her target, she leaped up. To gain momentum. Hoping to finish her attacker in one swoop. Yet this creature was indeed smarter then it looked. From its chest erupted another twisted hand. This one wide open. Grabbing Eri and lifting her higher only to slam her down again. Its grip so tight she could not help the scream it squeezed out of her. Gritting her teeth she heard Amelia cry out something. Yet the words never reached her. Her body was slammed into the ground. Eyes going black as the darkness set in. The extra arm lifted up again. Claws extending outwards till they came together in one lethal point. Eri was helpless to it as she lay unmoving. This would be the death strike.
“GET UP ERI!!! PLEASE GET UP!”
The entrance door came down and the only nun remaining had no chance against the crowd that swarmed her. Her life forfeit the moment it had fallen.
“I AM HERE. I AM YOUR MOTHER!
Amelia cried out. Coming to her feet. All the people that had entered froze. As though those were the magic words. In unison they spoke.
“Mommy I found you.”
Amelia turned to see the one attacking Eri. It had not stopped. The huge dagger like claw shot downwards. Eri wide open to the attack.
“ERI!”
Amelia cried. Running towards her. Arms outstretched. A futile attempt to save her. As the claw was about to pierce Eri it crumpled to pieces. Cut in so many different directions. The monster cried out as its newly formed hand lay in chunks upon the ground. With a heavy landing a figure was there in front of Eri. Cloaked one would not be able to see who it was that saved them. Amelia reached Eri and drew her up into her lap. In time for Eri to open her eyes.
“Amelia....your ok right.”
Eri whispered softly as she looked up to the cloaked figure that was standing up now. The figure lifted one hand and pulled the hood down. Revealing a mess of orange colored locks. Ryuu looked over his shoulder and blew a kiss to Eri.
“ Sorry I'm late. So many people wanting my autograph. You understand how it is Eri. Us pretty boys you know.”
Eri smiled. But the happiness was over as the monster before them froze. An odd choking noise was coming from it. Its body began to twist about till finally it exploded. The sound of bones snapping echoed in the church.
“ Such a bad mommy. To leave her beloved daughter to strangers. Strangers that only wanted to hurt her.”
All eyes turned to the entrance. There in the door way was a small girl. She could have been no more then eight or nine years of age. Hair like the sun in big curls that framed her porcelain like features. Eyes so bright they were the color of the sky. Pale colored skin and pale pink lips. She was a living doll by sight. But her cloths were all torn and dirty. Blood stains so old they were brown in hue. Scars decorated her arms and legs and bare feet. Bruises still lay fresh enough to be in shades of blue and purples. The only thing of value that she held was the doll. It lay in perfect condition. The doll looked just as she did. Or at least how she should have looked. But the voice they heard could not have come from the girl. It was deep and almost sounded like a growl.
“So...this is my mommy.”
That was the voice of a small child. Her eyes lifted and stared at Amelia, who had went silent. Her hands at her chest as she shook visible. The little girl tilted her head to the side confused.
“Rose why is she so scared of me.”
The little girl lifted the doll and looked at her. Speaking to only it. The doll should have been just that. A toy and nothing more. But the three of them watched as the doll turned its head away from the girl. Its eyes widen as it stared at Amelia.
“Because she hates you and wants you dead.”
Amelia's head shot up. She was crying again, shaking her head from side to side.
“No I love her. She is my daughter...SERA!”
The doll opened its mouth. A row of jagged teeth could be seen. The doll was laughing. Eri and Ryuu realizing that the doll was the Akuma. But it did not explain the people. How could an Akuma control all of them.
“If she meant anything to you, you would not have abandoned her....left to her monsters....far worse then me.”
Eri rose slowly. The doll was paying them no heed. As though they were not a threat. Ryuu watched her move. His eyes flicking back and forth between Eri's slow movements and the doll.
“ I could not care for her. I was only a child to. Just a few years older then she. I could be no mother for her. I was sworn that she was placed in a safe home, with a loving family that would dote on her endlessly. I sent money every month so she could want for nothing.”
Amelia cried harder. Now on her hands and knees, crawling towards the daughter she had never once laid eyes on. To the child she had never forgotten. Yet the doll only laughed. Laughed at the women's attempt to reach her child.
“She lies Sera. She is just afraid of your power. Strike her down like we promised each other. For all those nights they feasted and left you starving. For every beating they gave you. For all the nights you lay to broken to move, only crying to die. Kill that b***h!”
The doll was growing quickly. Becoming the size of an adult. And yet it kept growing. Sera though was not hearing her toy. Her eyes were on Amelia.
“mommy....you really loved me.”
Sera whispered. Tears were coming to her bright blue eyes. One tiny dirty foot stepping forward to Amelia. Her arms lifting. All the hatred was leaving her at the chance to feel real love. The Akuma would allow no such thing. Its huge hand slamming down between them. Causing Sera to fall back.
“Rose!”
She cried out as she hit the ground. The dolls head turned completely around once and stared at her.
“My little puppet master...be good and do as your told. You do not want me to take you back there again...do you.”
Memories flashed in Sera eyes. Her body beginning to curl up. Trying to protect herself from the memories of the pain she suffered. Using this moment of distraction, Ryuu shot into the air. His blades extended to strike the doll. One hand met Ryuus attack. The sound of metal on metal rang out. Yet Ryuu's blades did nothing to the Akuma. Still slightly unstable Eri went to pull Amelia back. But Amelia was already closing the distance between her and her daughter.
“I'm so sorry. I should have protected you better. I should have never let anyone hurt you. I should have protected you.”
Ryuu continued her attack. Keeping the Akuma occupied with him. The akuma though found his attacks nothing and finally flicked him away.
“Sera this is your last chance. Kill your mother and the two that protect her. Do It NOW!”
Sera's small hand lifted and as it did the mob behind her mimicked. It was then Eri realized that the girl was not just any human she had an innocent. She was controlling them hoard. Ryuu also noticed. The two of them could not believe what they were seeing. The child's hand swayed. Still unsure of what she would do. The akuma would give her no time. Its huge hand slammed down onto Amelia, making her cry out.
“I will hold her...just kill her you weakling.”
“Sera...”
Amelia cried out, the pressure so intense she could barely breath. Sera cried out. Her hand dropping down.
“MOMMY!”
A flash of light erupted behind the girl. Eri launched forward. Her scythe high above her head as she brought the blade down. Cutting threw one of the fingers. In front of her a mob of people came rushing in. Ryuu landed next to her ready to fight but the people were going for the Akuma's hand.
“Nooooo I finally found my mommy.”
Sera cried as her tiny hands began to move before her. Like she was weaving with the air. The people moved. Some attacking the hand, others attacking the Akuma everywhere people could reach. The Akuma roared as it tried to swing on of its hands to swipe people away. Ryuu though had jumped into the hair, piercing its hand to the ground. Eri swung her scythe above her head, bringing the blade down to piece its other hand.
“How dare you betray me.”
The Akuma was loosing power. The humans no longer aiding it with their life forces. The child was pulling away. The akuma was far from defeated though. Yanking its hands up with all its might, it pulled its hands free from the blades that had just held it neatly to the ground. Blackened blood dripping everywhere as both Ryuu and Eri were flung back. The once huge Akuma was slowly shrinking in size. Its power source gone.
“I will kill you.”
Sera screamed and covered herself with her arms. Eyes closed she felt her body flung back. The sound of skin tearing was all she heard. Yet she felt no pain. Lowering her arms and opening her eyes she saw her mother before her. Now on her knees, her mothers back was torn to shreds. Blood pouring out of her body.
“No...mommy”
Sera ran to her. Amelia sitting up enough to wrap her arms around her. Yet the moment last but a few seconds as Amelia collapsed over. Sera looking over her. Eyes wide in fear of loosing her.
“Nooooo NOOOOOOO”
Sera's voice echoed as she cried out. Hands outstretched her back arching. Without hesitating her brought her hands together. A set of visible strings erupted from her finger tips. All of them now wrapping about the Akuma. And though it struggled fiercely. But Sera held it tightly in her strings..
“Kill this monster!”
Ryuu and Eri were both on their feet again. Running as fast as they could. Leaping over body after body, till finally they both kicked off the ground. Raising high into the air, bringing their blades down. The Akuma had no chance. It's body being sliced three times. Sera was not finished. As Eri and Ryuu landed Sera closed her hands tightly. The pieces that remained were sliced to smaller bits from the thing ribbons that Sera controlled. The Akuma....was dead.
“Mommy, please don't leave me again. Please mommy. I don't want to be alone...”
Sera cried as her tiny arms wrapped around her mother. Tears pouring down her cheeks as she held onto the only women who ever loved her. Eri walked towards them. Ryuu right behind her. They watched as Amelia moved slowly, her hand brushing the golden curls back. Both of them knowing Amelia would would not live.
“This was all I could do for you my beloved daughter. Please live a life of happiness. And never forget....I will....always....love....you...”
Amelia's hand fell back down. Her eyes closing for the last time. Sera cried out. Her hands grabbing her mother tightly. Hugging her with everything she had. As though that would bring her mother back. Ryuu's hand lifted and touched Eri's shoulder. There was nothing they could do. This mission was over. The people around them began to move. Many injured. With no memories of what had happened to them. The giant clock above them was gone now that the Akuma was dead.
“You know....the organization will come for her Ryuu.”
Ryuu stood still as he looked around. They still had allot of work. There were many dead, and many more close to it. Sighing he released her shoulder.
“Right now...let us clean this mess. Leave Sera for now. Let her have time. We can give her that much.”
Eri and Ryuu walked away from Sera. Leaving the child to grieve. There were many in need of their help.
