"But, I saw him die, Sakido! I saw him...get...what happened...happen." Korihime says, struggling to finish the graphic details of her sentence.
Sakido pulls his hands from covering his face and laments. "We've seen now, Korihime, that we can't trust what happens with these Ritter."
"Ritter?" Asked she.
"Oh, apologies, I learned from Izumi that the ones with power are called Ritter, from a dimension named 'Vorne'."
"I see. 'Knight'" Korihime said, debunking the tautology.
Sakido's eyes turned to her, as she leaned against the wall of his living room. "You can speak German?"
Korihime hesitated before saying "I believe so. I have no idea why. Every time I have heard of the terminology of this 'Vorne' I understand the meaning."
Sakido leaned against the wall on the other side of the room and thought to himself. "I just wonder...what you are, what does this have to do with you?"
Korhime took a soft breath and spoke "Whatever my place may be in this ordeal, I am happy to assist you in any way that I can. I have seen who you are, even from being with you this week. You've risked everything to save me...me... I have no relevance to you, yet look at this. Your compassion is quite expansive."
"I wouldn't say so." Sakido quickly shot back.
"Do not deny your nature, Sakido. It has gotten you this far." She lectured to him.
Sakido laughed and shook his head side to side. "So far huh? I haven't reached anything. I just put you all in danger repeatedly."
Korihime approached him and attempted to reconcile him. "Sakido, you stand when threatened, you hold close what you love, what more could any warrior or man ask for?"
"They could ask to actually fulfill those promises. I'm so weak. That guy, Hiru, I didn't stand a chance, not even a CHANCE!" Sakido yelled, slamming his fist into the wall behind him.
This action caused Korihime to be startled and began whimpering. A sense of compunction ran over Sakido and comforted her back to reassurance.
"Speaking of this. Izumi invited me tonight to teach me some things of my power. She gave me clearance for you to join me. We can learn together. It's important that we understand who we are."
Korihime let out a soft gasp and spoke. "How kind she is. For what price is this training?"
"Nothing, I assume. Izumi has always looked out for my safety, even when I didn't want it, or felt larger than myself. I suppose she has waited for as long as she could, but her doing it now shows that she believes this is a dire situation. We need to be vigilant, I mean, look at this whole Shizuka situation."
Korihime hesitated yet again and then responded. "I wonder what magic could repair such a grave injury. Surely, that mage is not human. I feel much sympathy for you, Sakido. Your emotions are being toyed with. It wasn't enough to watch him be desecrated in that awful way, but to have him suddenly resurrected, that is simply immoral..."
"Yeah...it is." Sakido looked downwards and started biting his finger.
"What did he say, what did you talk about?" She asked inquisitively.
"He talked about our past. You must understand, Korihime, when we were close, we had a sort of unspoken pact that our pasts don't matter. We believed what mattered was what we made of the present. We never cared about our stories."
"Do you still believe that, Sakido? About your past?" She interrupted.
"Well, if you would have asked me that only a week and some time ago, I would have said that it doesn't. But, considering all of these recent events, I'd say that it matters quite a bit. Does it define me? No. It does, however, affect the course of my life, that is the only way in which it has an impact on me."
"I see." She said, remaining laconic as usual.
"Anyway, he told me how his father is the vice president of Japan. In case you don't know, Korihime, that is the second in command of the actual president, the one who makes most of the decisions for the country."
"What is so tragic about this?" She inquired.
"It's a long story, but it's how he reached that position which is the despondent part. His wife passed from an illness, of which he tried to create a serum to heal her from. Obviously, it was to no avail. However, he became opulent once the pharmaceutical companies got wind of this drug. It's called X-Axis, and it's the best selling medicine in Japan, with deals to spread it across the world, to Europe, America, and over the rest of Asia. After he became opulent, his son became a distant memory, Shizuka harbors much resentment at him for this. As much as Shizuka wants to bury the past, he just can't seem to, it always comes back to him.
"As with you." She quickly remarked.
"NO! Not like me!" Sakido snapped at her.
Startled, she paced backwards. Immediately, Sakido had realized the irony of his own actions. He apologized immediately to her.
"Korihime, I do greatly apologize, there is just so much churning inside of me, I do not intend for you to be the source of my latent emotions."
"If that is what you need to feel better. You may act as you wish." She said, with a low and affectionate voice.
Sakido looked at her with a noticeable softness in his eyes. "Your kindness really is unmatched, Korihime. No one in this realm could replicate that."
A slight blush came over her face and she looked away.
"There is something I have needed to tell you, yet have had a hard time to corporealize it. Korihime, do you remember that day, after I fought Hiru, when I woke up?"
"Of course." She quickly replied.
"My dream, it was no ordinary nightmare, I saw things that I can't explain."
Sakido then began to recapitulate the events that took place within the nightmare that seemed to linger over every corner of his mind, in the darkest places which he believed he could hide from. As she listened, her eyes welled with tears and her skin turned even more pale than it already was as he explained the details of the events. Her first taste of gore was of watching Shizuka's 'death' and now, she heard details beyond what she thought possible. Multiple times through the retelling she had to pause and regain her mental stability.
Eventually, however, he concluded, she sat in silence for a long while, only thinking to herself.
"I do hope that you understand why I have been so temperamental recently. I haven't been able to forget this nightmare...or vision...or whatever it was." He told her, his voice shaky from the events that he had to recollect.
She shook her head quickly and began to speak. "I have never heard such things. I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart for this experience. Sexuality is not a thing I do understand, but I do not ask why this was not pleasurable for you."
"You can ask, we need total clarity if we are to continue this way. ...It was, but in a way that made me sick, in a way that...somehow frightened me."
"I do understand, a forbidden attraction, perhaps this can cause a myriad of emotions. Perhaps it can be related to the biblical text, the origins of temptation." Korihime noted.
"How do you know of that text?" Sakido asked, confused at her knowledge.
"I must do something while I wait here for you." She explained. "I do have a desire to learn of literature, of sciences, of the human arts, it is quite fascinating. I have learned much."
Sakido smiled slightly and remarked "Ah, I'm quite proud of your efforts. Perhaps you and I will grow to have more in common than I imagine. Regardless though, yes that was an excellent analogy."
"What is it that makes it so desirable do you think? Do humans crave what is wrong, and conform to what is said to be right?" She asked, in deep pensive thought.
"A keen observation, Korihime. The bible suggests that hedonism is a sin. But, that begs the question, why imbue humans with the potential for that desire, when they are told to not use it?" Sakido asked her, almost rhetorically.
"Whatever god is in that text, must be a cruel one. I wonder why so many worship him." She reflected out loud to herself.
"That exactly is the point." Sakido remarked. "But why rebel? When from birth you are told to worship 'him'?"
"Is that not...what do you call it...Gehirnwäsche?" Korihime asked, utilizing her German knowledge.
"Brainwash, yes, correct. Ah, if only more saw through eyes as yours. Bias does rule the world." Sakido spoke, in acceptance of her thoughts.
"Indeed it does." She spoke quietly.
Korihime again spoke up. "This other female that you spoke of. I seem to...be familiar with an appearance such as that."
Sakido's eyes widened "You do?!"
"Yes, but I hardly recall where I have seen it. The way she spoke to you, it was quite archaic was it not? Very uncommon, it's fair to assume that she is, was, or could be a Ritter as well...Ah! Have you discussed this with Irina?"
Sakido grew weary and took a long breath before speaking. "Well, that's the thing...I just can't bring myself to."
Korihime seemed taken back by his decision to not tell sensitive information such as this to her.
"Why, she is a historian, she would know!"
Sakido covered his face for a few moments and parted his hair over his eye before speaking. "Don't perceive me as less intelligent for this, for I do not give this answer often, but I do not know. I perhaps fear what she knows. I do not like to push her, sometimes, her demeanor just puts me off."
"You believe she knows more than she lets on?" Korihime asked, curious of Sakido's reasoning.
"It could be that, or perhaps I fear what she hides. Regardless, I suppose I will ask her tonight. It is imperative that we know as much as we can in the shortest amount of time, I fear what awaits us." Sakido said, seeming to reflect out to her.
Korhime then began with, "Sakido, if I may ask...how did Shizuka part after this conversation?"
Sakido closed his eyes and fought himself inside before telling her, reliving that event made him shudder more each and every time he remembered it. "He mentioned that he would see me again. I offered to help him with finding his father, but he dismissed that and assured me that wasn't an issue for him. I grow more and more worried as I ponder what he meant. I fear that his intentions are malicious. And I don't know how much blood he's after."
"He has no Ritter power does he?" Korihime asked him, nearly as an instinct.
Sakido grit his teeth and blinked his eyes multiple times. The thought made him shudder and chill his spine to each individual vertebrae. "I do deeply hope not."
Sakido had grown cold and flushed at the thought of this idea which he regretted to entertain at all.
Korihime began to speculate to him. "A human cannot gain the power of a Ritter, can they? The two are separate species, at least, I believe so."
Sakido started to pace back and forth through the living area and into the kitchen, ultimately returning back to his starting position. "I don't know the specifics, I'll ask Izumi, I need to know."
"Even if he decides to do something malign, you could convince him otherwise right? He was once a close friend of yours." The blue haired girl asked, seeking for assurance.
Sakido shuddered and gained his courage to speak. "I wish that I had that power, but Shizuka is anything but a static person, there's no predicting even his next movement. I'll see what Izumu thinks, she should better tell me what she knows, this could be detrimental."
With that conclusion, the two made for the door and hastily headed towards the location that Izumi provided them with. The night grew to a pitch black and an eerie silence stood before them. Soon, they would learn more of their nature, their origin, and their purpose.
At The Warehouse
At the Warehouse that had been used as Shizuka's rendezvous point, there waited three characters. Stationed there was an uncloaked Mizumi. To her side stood her love, Toshiro, standing with his right hand positioned on the hilt of his sheathed sword. Behind the two stood The Phantom, who stood obscured with his black opera mask. He brandished his claws and admired the glare reflected off of them given from the large electrical light of the strange room.
They were clearly inside of the Warehouse, within a room of the building, just outside of where Shizuka had awoken merely days prior.
Around the room were dilapidated file cabinets and empty tack boards. There were no objects other than what was reminiscently hung on the walls. The smell of still dust flooded through the room as the inhabitants prepared for their potential operation.
"Ohhhhhh Mizumi... how dare dich(you), you allowed such a Kretin (cretin) to wear my wertvoll (precious) mask." The Phantom said as he caressed the sides of his face with his elegant hand movements and flowing fingers.
Mizumi peered behind her with a look of disgust on her face. "Oh please, Lucifer, get over it." She then continued fiddling with a few syringes, pushing them up and down, holding them up to her eyes to inspect for cleanliness.
Lucifer made an exaggerated gesticulation and nearly fell to the floor, he put his hand to his forehead and began speaking. "Ohhhh, how indignant of you...meine liebe (my love).That's not very... ladylike of you." With those words, he raised his claws to her chin and attempted to caress it with one of the blades. As fast as an eye could move, before perception could be made, Toshiro's blade was pointed directly in between his eyes. The blade of his straight Katana was solid black, with a militaristic handgrip, mimicking a British officer's saber, creating a strange hybrid of two cultures.
"Don't even think about it." He spoke, his eyes obscured by the glint on his glasses.
The sword remained perfectly still in the air, not even budging slightly, Lucifer was more impressed than he was afraid.
"Oh, Mein Kind (my child) I would not be so irrelevant if i were you. You know not of myyyy...capabilities." Even though Lucifer's face could not be seen, his eyes held enough gesticulation in them to carry his feeling forth.
"Try anything, and my blade will be whet with your blood." Toshiro spoke sternly, not breaking eye contact even for a moment.
Mizumi slowly, yet gently rose her hand and placed it on Toshiro's arm. "Do not waste your time, my love, he only jests with you."
"Ahhh, meiiinnnn Retterinnn (my savior)." He said, as he peered towards Mizumi.
Toshiro promptly lowered his blade and sheathed it cleanly within a moment's sight. His dexterity was unmatched.
Mizumi paused what she was working on and turned to Lucifer. "What is it that you want with me now, Lucifer?"
The masked man came forth and spoke "Ahhhh I do love the ignorant game you play. How süß (cute)!"
Mizumi's look of forced optimism quickly spiraled into annoyance as she had to ask her question twice. She took a menacing step towards him and looked him straight into his dark eyes. "What. Do. You. Want? I don't have time for this charade."
The masked man laughed and asked "You desire to spark another war, do you not? Except now, you want to win it once and for all, unlike what the previous ruler before you was able to achieve."
Mizumi smiled a devious smile and said "He was weak. I will be the ruler that Answeisen needs. If that causes a war, so be it, peace is only the ending goal, until then, blood may flow as we see fit."
Again, Lucifer's hand flew to his forehead in a hyperbolic show of hysterics. "Howwwww grausam (cruel)!..." He leaned in closer and said "Ich liebe das (I love that). Perhaps there is hope for this kingdom after all."
"Where do your loyalties lie, Lucifer?" Toshiro demanded with his diamond slicing voice.
"Ohhhhh treue (loyalty) such a humorous concept. Loyalty, as life, will inevitably end, but is so beautiful, before it is broken before your eyes." He spoke, enunciating his words needlessly as usual.
"I do not wish for metaphors. I requested an answer." Toshiro demanded, the room seemingly shaking from his voice.
"It was a simile, du schändlicher Hanswurst (you disgraceful buffoon)." Said Lucifer, testing the patience of the officer.
Toshiro, unphased by this insult, asked "My Queen, your permission to eradicate this Schurke (scoundrel)."
Mizumi laughed a low laugh and responded with "No, Toshiro, Meine Liebe, it is not worth it. Let him go, we have other issues to tend to."
The masked man opened the door to the office room and appeared ready to proceed from the building.
He said in a gallant voice. "How generous you are, Mizumi, letting me live...OH you saint. You, however, need to work on your hospitality." He seemed to very quickly change his cadence and demeanor. "Oh and, The Phoenix sends her regards."
The masked man then proceeds to bring his claw to his throat, and slowly drag the sharp end through his flesh. The skin covering his neck separates as he pulls through the flesh. The veins and tendons separate as he pushes his hand through the tender flesh. He seems to grab something lodged between his trachea and pulls it out. His blood runs down his garments and spills onto the floor and forms a puddle.
"Ah, excuse the mess." He says, with an exasperated sigh.
As he pulls his hand downwards, he appears to be beholding a roll of paper, tied together with a red string.
The masked man then tosses it at Mizumi, she catches the paper and unwraps the string binding.
She sprawls the paper out, and reads the note etched onto the page.
"What the hell is this?" She said, gripping the paper tighter.
The wound that he inflicted on himself proceeded to pull the skin back together and close on it's own. "Ne tirez pas sur le messager (Don't shoot the messenger) ...mein Schatz (my darling)."
"You'd better explain yourself now, Lucifer." Mizumi said with a callous tinge in her voice.
The phantom smiled with a half hearted grin and remarked. "You have your father's eyes, my dear."
"You may kill him, Toshiro." Mizumi said immediately without the slightest hesitation in her voice.
"Adieu!" Shouted Lucifer.
The phantom had vanished before Toshiro could act on his orders.
"That Schlange (snake)!" Mizumi said, gritting her teeth and balling her gentle hands into fists.
"Shall I follow him, my queen?" Toshiro asked promptly.
"No, Toshiro, we will seek him out soon enough. For now, we shall await Shizuka." She concludes.
"Can you be sure, my love? Is there not a chance he does refuse?"
Mizumi smiles with her wicked grin.
"Oh Toshiro, I leave nothing to chance ."