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Waves crashed along the shoreline, soaking the desolate sands. A griffon screeched as it soared in the skies, circling the unconscious body laid out below. The sands scattered with the harsh winds, covering him. "Ugh, ugh..." Leon stirred in his sleep. Cold water slapped his face, his eyes shooting open.
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The sun blinded him when he rolled onto his back. Where am I? Shouldn't I be dead? Leon's arm trembled from the effort of trying to block the light. He fell back as he tried to stand. Why does it feel like this has happened before...Was it three years ago? During the cruise when I met- UGH! His head blacked out as a horrible shock ran through his brain.
Something doesn't want me walking down memory lane, apparently. ...I can't move? Where did-? Memories flooded his mind. That fire was no coincidence. Was Death planning to isolate me from the start? Or is it Iris? Was my sister just some evil mastermind all along?
He took a moment to breath. His throat felt raspy, but not piercing or any sort of pain. Not snapped as it had been. ...My neck was crushed, but it feels fine now. I can't even remember how I got here. I must've passed out... Diablos, are you there?
Unfortunately. To be dwindled to this extent, I see that my powers have been torn to cinders. We won't live long in this world if you do not grow stronger, Diablos said. As much as it pains me to say it, I'll be stuck in this pathetic body until you find a way to separate us. Or die, which is much more likely.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Leon's eyebrow twitched, fighting the urge to retort. He was too tired to argue. The waves continued to smack him. Fuck off Poseidon. I'm getting up alright? After a few minutes, he mustered the strength to roll onto his stomach again. He cursed under his breath, his blood boiling. Everything was hot.
His hands planted into the dirt. Leon gritted his teeth and pushed as hard as he could. He'd finally managed to rise enough to lean against his knee when the skies grew dark. He looked up to the angel's silhouette towering over him, her bangs covering her eyes. The sun reflected off of her white sweater. Where is this sense of dread coming from? Leon grimaced, gripping his knee.
"Hey-" He had blinked, words hardly escaping his lips when her fingers locked around his throat. He didn't even hear the slightest hint of movement. Sparks burst as a violent, burning pain ran rampant throughout his body. The angel raised him over her head.
He choked and sputtered as her fingers pinched tighter on his lungs. Ugly, yellow eyes stared into his own. "Die, you wretched traitor. You disgusting, filthy wretch! Just go out quietly like the dog you are..." she hissed, her voice shaking with every syllable. Her cool brown hair shifted into a snowy white as her cheeks broke apart like glass.
Diablos! If you wanted to take control, now'd be a good time! Clouds surrounded the once clear sky, spiraling above. Sands and waters around them flew up in a dance. The world grew darker. His vision blurred and heat engulfed him. It overwhelmed the pain, numbing the burn of it all. His hands caught her wrists. The angel's grip tightened in response; her sharp teeth bare. His foot slammed into her chest.
Leon leaped away, landing in front of her. The world was crimson, fire rising from every inch of his arms and legs. There was no sting from it, no burn. A horrible smile formed on his lips. He felt strong. Invincible. The fatigue from earlier is gone in an instant.
"Good. My chance to destroy you hasn't been robbed from me yet!" A deep, powerful voice erupted from Leon's lips. It was Diablos. His fists tightened as the fire danced around him in waves. "I will kill you and that damned Death. With that, this meaningless existence will finally be complete."
The desire to burn this girl to cinders with every inch of his being was consuming him. He took one step forward. The palm trees behind him stopped rustling. Wind calmed as the girl's eyes shifted to an emerald green. She fell to a knee, clutching her face. "L-Leon..." she muttered, rising to her feet. Her lip quivered. She reached a hand out to him.
In that instant, a cool brown replaced his crimson gaze as he took control again. "Don't you touch me! Get away from me!" He snapped, glaring at her.
What are you doing? We need to destroy her! Diablos snapped.
The girl flinched, freezing. "Please let me explain! We weren't supposed to meet like this!"
Leon scoffed. "Hah! So, trying to kill me wasn't part of your master plan, huh? I knew I couldn't trust you!" He turned his back on her. I've been waiting a year to meet this girl. I'm not going to kill her when I don't even know who she is!
What does it matter? You threaten both of our lives every second she draws breath you insolent fool! His body twitched with every attempt to turn and attack. Leon took deep breaths, resisting it.
"That wasn't me! It's the same when Diablos took control of you. We have entities sealed within our bodies," she said, stepping toward him. The sand crunched underneath her boots. "Your... Iris is being controlled by Death too! That's why I need you."
Leon's eyes widened at the mention of his sister. "What? How do you know her? Who the hell are you?" The question he'd repeated every meeting within their dreams. An answer he had asked for time and time again. His heart thud against his chest.
She was the first... while Cynthia was the second. Death's words rang in Leon's ears and he screamed as violent shocks struck his mind. He fell to his knees, clutching his eyes. Memories were flooding his vision, leaving him trembling. His eyes looked up at the angel once more, his gaze making her flinch. "Your name is..." It was as if asking the question materialized it in his head before she said it out loud.
The girl sighed and averted her gaze. She met his eyes, piercing him in a way only she could. "My name is Katie Rose. This is not our first meeting." Katie kneeled, putting a hand against her chest.
Light flashed in Leon's eyes, and a pang erupted in his head. He scowled and clutched it. It was a familiar name. Everything about her felt like something he should've known. His face whitened and he took a deep breath. This was the most important person to me once... Once? Isn't anymore?
"Death said something similar yesterday," he said, rubbing his chin. "This is not our first meeting..."
Katie offered him a hand. He took it, and his heart dropped. I didn't hesitate... even after what just happened. It was my first instinct. "Katie, Death told me you were my... you were my first. What did he mean by that?"
"First? I'm not sure what that implies, but does that mean there's a second?" she asked, frowning. He avoided her gaze as she helped him to his feet.
Why does that make me feel guilty? Leon shook his head. "There was once... But now isn't the time to talk about that."
She frowned, crossing her arms. "What do you mean?"
"I waited a year for you to give me answers. I don't know you enough to understand that what I tell you won't get me killed. How can I trust you?" Even as he said the words, they left a bitter taste. To call this situation a pain in the ass is only scratching the surface.
As Katie looked to the ocean, he grasped her hand. His face blushed when he realized it was instinctive. "Don't misunderstand me. I don't understand myself or my so-called powers either. I understand that you and I aren't the only ones listening when we're talking. ...There's more to this, but I think we should focus on what's important before diving into ancient history. On a separate note, can you even control that other angel? Not exactly trying to wake up being choked every morning, as kinky as that sounds."
For a second, the emerald green switched back to the violent yellow as a sadistic smile formed on her face. Leon knew it was Jalaiya taking control, a lilting and intoxicating voice coming forth. "Oh I like you, boy. I shall enjoy taking my time-" She was cut off as Katie shook out of it, her face burning.
"Don't tease me... it makes controlling her more difficult. I can't promise I'll always be able to stop her, but I will never let her kill you. You and I are the only ones who can save this world."
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"What is our goal? What are we fighting against?" he asked.
Coughing into her free hand, she said, "Our focus is Death. As long as he lives, we will never be safe."
"I figured as much." He sighed, imagining the dark figure as he'd towered over him. The image of those cold violet eyes on his sister's face. So all this time, Death had been inside of my sister. That explains why she went missing. I get the feeling it's not that much different than you and me, huh Diablos?
It is similar, but not the same. There is no negative effects in our coexistence although your stupidity may be the end of us-
-Hey!
Their partnership is more parasitic. Possessing Death's power is nothing short of unfathomable, Diablos said. He harnesses his power from the worst emotions any living being possesses. In return, he is consumed by it, unable to feel anything but pain, misery, and hatred. She may very well lose her very existence. You will have to destroy her, it will be a mercy at this point.
Leon's fists tightened. I doubt that's the only way.
"He doesn't have the strength to fight us as he is now. He'll be searching for ways to grow strong again and rebuild his army," Katie chimed in, making Leon jump.
"You can hear Diablos?" Leon asked.
She giggled. "I can hear anything in your mind, as long as I'm choosing to focus on it."
When she saw his eyes narrow, she added, "I don't listen in all the time! Sometimes I can't help it, when you're being so quiet..."
A sharp wind cut across the beach, making them jump. "Come, we shouldn't stay here," Katie said, turning to the field. "I'll explain along the way."
A bird cawed above them. Leon looked up as he pondered. "This is probably a stupid question, but this isn't America anymore, is it?" The bird above looked more like a griffon. It flew higher and higher out of sight, its cry echoing from the skies.
Katie shook her head. "No, this is Xenova island." Her pace was swift, dust trailing behind every step. Her eyes scanned around them as if she were expecting something. The winds were calm as they walked away from the beach. A long path stretched along the grassy fields. Tall trees surrounded the area ahead of them. Deep and low cries bellowed from everywhere.
"How did you know where to find me anyway? Were you listening to the direction of my thoughts while you were flying for hours or what?"
"As funny as that sounds, it doesn't work like that. Thankfully Diablos has been growing restless within your head, so I sensed your powers growing and followed it. I left as soon as our last Ascension ended."
"Our Ascension?"
"Those dreams we have with our connected minds. We would call it Ascension," she answered.
"So, you've known me for years," He asked, sliding his hands in his pockets. "Iris clearly erased any memory of us or of using my so-called powers. How do I use them?"
"It's a little different for everyone, but it comes from a need and emotion," Katie said. "Your flames would usually come when you were angry or protecting something."
He closed his eyes, trying to imagine the things that made him angry. Thinking of his sister instantly lit a spark around his body. The way she disappeared and always left him in the dark was an easy means of getting angry. Well, that was easy... With a deep breath, the flames subsided. "I'm still trying to remember, but you and Iris met years ago too, didn't you?" Leon asked.
"You're probably referring to the cruise, but it was more recently that I learned of the burdens she bears. It was half a year ago. I don't know how she found me... last time I saw you both, she told me to stay away."
Leon cursed under his breath. "Of course she did. Always doing things and never explaining why..." Fireflies drifted around them. The trees towering over their heads skimmed the clouds. Everything grew dark as the sun set behind them. His gaze shifted as bushes rustled. Small animals scurried about, scaly and furry.
"What are we doing in this place?" Leon asked, eyeing their surroundings. "Are you ever going to explain where we're going?"
"For now, we're heading to Salem Town. Wandering the forests this late isn't a good idea."
"What can we expect? Monsters?"
"Monsters are at least predictable. I'm sure Death has sent his army looking for you the moment I took you away," Katie said, glancing back at him. "The chills you feel whenever danger is near is our bodies sensing the powers of every living thing around us. The deeper the chill, the stronger it is. Iris erased your memories so you'd never know about the world around you until you were ready."
Guess that explains why standing next to Death feels like I'm sitting in a freezer.
Leon leaned against a tree, saying, "Nothing will ever be simple I suppose. Death, Jalaiya, and Diablos. Monsters and armies. Why couldn't it be sunshines and daisies?"
She giggled, but then grimaced. "I wish things didn't have to be this way either... It took me a long time to get used to bloodshed. Without your help, I would've been a naive fool until the day I died."
Used to bloodshed... It made Leon stop in his tracks, pondering on the thought. He thought about that vision of the bodies he saw back in the old art building. He was shocked, but it didn't make him flinch. Maybe there's more memories Iris is hiding than just blissful ones.
"I wouldn't say that I'm used to it, Katie... to be honest, I don't know why fighting doesn't scare me. I'd like to think it was because I trained with Iris so much, but even before that I never feared the sight of blood. I believe there's more to my memories than just you and me. Until the day they come back, I won't be able to explain it either."
Katie saw the look on his face and said, "I know this is a lot to take. It wasn't easy for me either," She grasped his hand, giving a weak smile. "You might even be safer staying away from me... but, you're the only hope I have, Leon. I can't do this alone."
He looked at her. Despite the situation, he grinned. "You won't have to. I was getting tired of doing homework anyway."
What pathetic motivation... Diablos said.
"That's not my actual reason, dumbass!" Leon shouted, making Katie jump and giggle.
They moved on. Some of the plants and flowers illuminated the path in the dark. Water dripped from the branches above along with a light drizzle in rain. This place is huge.
"What is this place? Does this forest have a name?" Leon asked.
Katie glanced at him. "Rodrick Woods. It's known for leading to Helia Beach, the one we came from." She ducked under a large leaf. "Stay close. These aren't the safest paths to walk in the evening."
"Right. Monsters" His words came out muffled as she covered his mouth. She dragged him behind a group of bushes, crouching. "Shh, look," she said.
Static from a radio sounded ahead. Heavy footsteps cracked branches and thud in rhythm. Several lights came from troops in heavy armor. Leon's eyes narrowed, looking between them and Katie.
Is Katie a fugitive? Was his first thought.
No! She hissed, making him flinch. Their telepathy made her voice echo in his ears.
So these must be those Death troops you mentioned then. She nodded. A large animal was being pushed by the troops; a collar pulled by some sort of electric chain. Leon had to blink twice to register what it was. The animal was a velociraptor, twice as tall as every soldier there. Katie gasped and muttered, "King."
"You know that thing?" Leon whispered, leaning against her. She nodded and grimaced. His eyes darted to the pistol she pulled out of her bag.
"Which way?" one trooper asked, smacking its head. Leon glimpsed an emblem on the side of their helmet. A sort of crimson skull with a visor to match. None of their eyes were visible underneath their helmets.
Am I even in the same time period? Leon wondered, peeking up to get a better glimpse. That armor looks high tech. Way more advanced than any military back home...
The raptor snarled, glaring at him. "Aye, do ya' have to be so rough? I'm quite the delicate specimen-" Another soldier smacked him with the butt of the gun. "Alright, alright!" The raptor knelt to sniff the dirt.
"The wee angel is close!" He said, his claws digging into the ground. His snout peeked up as he asked, "Do any of you tikes have a bite to eat?"
One of the shorter troops stormed up to him. They cocked their pistol, aiming at his head. "Enough of this crap!" A woman's voice this time, her voice cracking with fury.
Another pushed her arm down. "No!" Killing him now will destroy our only lead."
The woman scoffed, smacking his hand away. "Or killing the stupid pet lizard she loves so much might send her running to us! We already know she's soft hearted!"
Leon glanced at Katie and his eyes widened. She was gone. Not a sound, just like before. When did she- The thought hardly crossed when he heard a snap overhead. He blinked.
A body crashed on the path. The soldiers' lights aimed up; guns held tight. The raptor twisted, his jaw crunching the female trooper next to him. She screamed, her arm nothing but a bloody stump. His tail smacked the others aside before silencing her cries in a single bite. Leon watched as her headless body crumbled against the dirt. Guess I'd better help too...
Blood was everywhere. Bullets sprayed in every direction. He jumped up behind the tree, shots inches from where he'd crouched. Snarls and shouts ensued as he peeked around the corner. Katie dove from the branches above. Her heel slammed down on a helmet, sparks bursting. A blood curdling snap from his neck followed.
A massacre. Katie swerved amongst them one by one. Every fist she threw shattered a helmet. Their bodies broke like twigs. Their limbs and armor may as well have been plastic. She stopped as one aimed behind her back. Just before she twisted to meet him, Leon leaped after him. His heel burst into flames, ripping through the neck. It was a short dance. He landed, looking down at his kill. "That was... You're a natural at this," Katie said, shifting her gaze to him.
I can't believe how easy that was... Embers still clung to his leg until he sighed. "That's my superpower, Katie. I'm always pissed off," he said with a grin. "That being said, I wonder why this barely materialized now- ugh, I'm going to be sick."
His stomach churned as a meaty slurp came from the raptor. Chunks of blood, shards of armor, and meat fell from his jaws. "King, this isn't the time to be eating!" Katie said, turning to him. "You're going to make us puke with this mess!"
King dropped the body, licking his jaws. "Aw come now, mum! Just having a lil' bite is all!" His head turned to Leon, tilting his head. "So, you're this demon boy I've been hearing so much about, eh? You're shorter than I imagined."
The sight of the bodies didn't do it. It was the stench. The stench of decaying flesh from King's mouth, like rotten fish and moldy cheese stuffed in a blender. He grinned as Leon puked a day old breakfast onto a bush.
Sulfuric acid burned his throat. Leon clutched his gut. Good thing barf is biodegradable, he thought. Would hate to desecrate such a beautiful forest.
"Leon, please forgive him. King might be a little... barbaric, but he means well," Katie said, handing him a napkin from her satchel.
He took it gratefully, wiping his mouth. "He's a freakin' dinosaur. I didn't imagine he would eat chopped carrots and broccoli."
The raptor chuckled. "Actually, I ain't a stranger to some good ol' cabbage."
"Anyways, it wasn't the blood. We just need to find him a dentist," Leon said. "I wish it wasn't so messy though. That armor could've been useful." He picked up one of the pistols they'd dropped. The clip was a glowing red, like magma. At least their belts are intact.
Those soldiers were weak. Do not expect all of our fights to be easy, Diablos warned.
Wasn't counting on it, Leon replied.
"You'll need one of these as well. Diablos specializes in swords," Katie said, picking up one of the largest blades he'd ever seen. It had black steel and a silver hilt.
Leon took it, trying to find the hilt among the bodies. "Don't tell me I'm going to have to carry this all the way to town... Ugh, Iris would call this strength training."
And we both know strength isn't your strong suit, Diablos said.
Leon chuckled. Shut it, you dickhead. I'll get plenty strong, and then smack that pretentious look off your face.
You can see my face?
No, but I don't need to. Being the strongest obviously makes you cocky. I'm sure losing your body must've hurt your fragile pride pretty bad, Leon thought, taking extra clips of ammos from the corpses. The wave of heat he felt told him Diablos was pissed from that comment. King the raptor watched them taking supplies silently. His eyes turned to his tail wagging before chasing it.
Branches rustled above them. They huddled together, their cheeks burning as they realized they'd gone back to back instinctively. After a moment, a raspy chirp came from the leaves. Katie aimed her pistol up, scaring a blue bird out of it. It crashed into a tree.
They turned to look at each other and bumped heads. "Oww..." they both said.
Sharing a smile, Leon said, "Sorry, I know we used to be together... I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be around you."
She giggled, stepping closer. "We never stopped being together, at least in my eyes," Katie clasped his hand. "This is not a bond severed by something as fragile as distance and time. My feelings for you never changed... not once."
"...Neither have mine." He was shocked how quickly those words came out of his mouth, yet he knew they were true. At that moment, his stomach growled. He sighed as she laughed. "This town we're going to has food, right?"
Katie smirked and nodded.