“Lord Loki?”
The lord, including several of his vassals and Lucas wore surprised looks. That Scarlett was capable of identifying someone at first sight. The man Scarlett recognized as Lord Loki was a man dressed in archaic armour and anachronistic hakama. It was old-fashioned which had gone out of style in the era of modern age. Scarlett often questioned her master about his queer dressing. Ten years later, his reason was finally revealed.
This man originated from the hidden realm.
“Loki, who is she?” the lord was amused.
“It must be fate that we are to reunite under such circumstances, Scarlett.” Loki spoke. “My lord, the person before you is Scarlett Ko.”
“It seems we have intruders,” the lord was not worried in the slightest. With a wave from the lord, guards and knights surrounded Scarlett and Lucas, their sharp spears making way towards their throats.
It was then, an anomaly came into play. The guards and henchmen at the palace were veteran and experienced warriors. For them to collapse before they could launch their first strike, the lord had to conclude Scarlett was someone who wielded special abilities. For a human, Scarlett was a rare breed.
“Don’t touch me.” Scarlett had huffed, brushing aside the perpetrators. Lucas had paled. He had drawn the short end of the straw. Once snapped, there is no way to calm the enraged Scarlett until she got what she wanted. She was vociferous and aggressive, resembling her father in the weirdest ways.
“Don’t be reckless!” However, Lucas’s warning fell on deaf ears. Scarlett was a warrior with an incredible terrible temper.
The lord was appalled and puzzled. Curious of what she had done that rendered the guards and warriors vulnerable against one little girl. He saw no movement, nor did she draw her weapon. From the looks of it,his men had collapsed on their own.
“Such arrogance! As if half-assed power like this will be able to stop me.” Scarlett snarled.
Lord Loki had stepped forward, his sword drawn andready to strike Scarlett. The lord had expectations that Loki would finish his enemies in one, swift strike, just like he always did. He was astonished when Loki’s sword clashed with Scarlett’s own. It was the first time he had seen Loki fail to finish his foes in a single strike.
“Scarlett, do you remember my warning before you descended Mount Haku?” Loki’s rough and gruffy tone bellowed. “It was fate that brought you here. And it’ll be your destiny that will become our lord’s servant.”
Never heed whispers of the devil.
“I could say the same for you, Lord Loki.” Scarlett bit the bottom end of her lip. “Lord Loki, these measly guardsmen are not enough to stop me. You know that more than anyone, don’t you?”
“That’s right,” Loki agreed. Loki and Scarlett were locked in a stalemate. It was frustrating, but Scarlett’s prowess granted recognition. Just one girl had overwhelmed the lord’s personal elite unit. Only Loki, Scarlett’s mentor, could stand toe-to-toe against Scarlett.
Scarlett pulled back, leaping several feet into theair, and landed gracefully behind Lucas. As a pair who were involved in amaster-student relationship, they both had similar thoughts. It was a wise decision, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and agony.
The lord was crestfallen after he saw Scarlett sheathed her sword. “Oh? You’re not going to fight? That’s disappointing.”
“What’s wrong?” Lucas whispered. Scarlett had grabbed onto Lucas’s hand.
“Lucas…. Run!” Scarlett turned on her heels, pulling Lucas along behind her. They were on their feet and swiftly escaped from the royal palace.
“Look at that. They’re gone.” Loki was amused. Although they had a brief clash, Loki could tell Scarlett was no longer the little girl he took care of all those years ago. Her prowess was tremendous, strong enoughto make Loki a run for his money. The next time they meet, it is possible the heavens will roar, and lands would perish.
“Where will they go? I am the lord of Zion. There is nowhere to hide.” The lord’s tone was icily cold and emotionless.
They were left with a sour aftertaste. It left a stain of loss on their victorious pride. No human had survived the ‘festival’ and survived. Even if it was a woman, a child or a man of his blood and flesh. They were foes of Zion.
“They will be back,” Loki assured the lord. He was sure of that. Considering Scarlett’s aggressive and tumultuous personality, her desire to protect, above everything else would become the key to her return. Itwas fate that she would become the one destined to bridge the connection between two worlds.
Lucas was immersed in deep thoughts as he found Scarlett began acting strange after the clash. They ran, huffing and puffing, out of breath. Wandering aimlessly in a foreign land, they dove deeper into the dark. They didn’t know how, and when. When they recovered their bearings, the pair found themselves standing in a long, dark tunnel. It was chilling, cold breeze at their feet had sent chills down his spine.
“Where are we?” Lucas frowned, trying his best to make sense of his orientation.
“Who knows,” Scarlett shrugged. Her disinterest of concern was something to be reprimanded. Thinking back how she had saved his ass, Lucas thought otherwise. Without her, he probably would have perishedduring the clash against Loki, the Master of Thousand Blades.
Scarlett and Lucas crouched against the wall for a short rest. Although terrified of what is to come, they felt at peace in each other’s arms. “Say, don’t you feel nostalgic? Despite the dire situation, thefeeling that we can overcome obstacles was just like that day.”
That night of the silver moon.
Both were still powerless children under the tutelage of great sages residing deep within Mount Haku. Loki was one of them. Back then, Scarlett and Lucas always fought at moment sight. Scarlett was aggressive and reckless; Lucas was calculative and astute. They were polar opposites. However, due to their constant dispute, they began to accept one another. Following their growth into adulthood, it was evident that they began to embrace things rationally. There was one common trait they both shared.
The desire to protect the powerless communities. Those who were tossed aside in this world. Their belief that only their power was meant for protecting the weak. They who possess tremendous strength, and they who were capable of love.
“……” Lucas had known Scarlett long enough that even without words, he was certain Scarlett felt the same.
“What happened between you and your master? He seemed hell-bent on killing you. Did you commit a grave crime or upset him in the wrong way?” Lucas continued.
Scarlett sighed.
Loki Collins was a renowned swordmaster. He was the legendary warrior who stopped Yannagi’s ambush of ten thousand soldiers alone. His marvellous feat gained recognition and fame. Because of his outstanding skills, he was nicknamed the Master of Thousand Blades. As if possessed bylighting, a single swing from his spear was like a slash of a thousand blades. He was said to be the mightiest warrior of Wisteria. An acquaintance, and Qing An’s close advisor, Loki took Scarlett under his wing at some point.
When Scarlett turned eight, Loki vanished on Mount Haku, Leaving only a warning, possibly a premonition or a prophecy. It was then, Scarlett’s life turned upside-down by her half-sister. Without her master to protect the young Scarlett, she was left to fend for herself.
She was abandoned by Loki.
With her own power, Scarlett paved the path with her own skills. Just as Loki had stated, it must be fate that they, as master and student, would be reunited in such an astounding manner.
“Yannagi?” Lucas was appalled. “That Yannagi?”
Scarlett nodded. “Yes. The clan of assassins. They were callous killers who dye their victims crimson in their wake. They are the epitome of villains of our time. And they were our enemies who were after the emperor’s seat to rule Wisteria.”
They are traitors of the rulers of Wisteria, the depraved vassals of Asakura Yoshinari.
Lucas gulped. His throat was sandy and dry. Scarlett’stale was an eye-opener. He could not believe how ignorant and reckless he was. He had underestimated Loki’s abilities, taking advantage of the time they spent together on Mount Haku. Having felt he could read all of Loki like the back of his palm, he presumed that Loki was someone he could be dealt with within his power.
To think he had the right to reprimand Scarlett for her reckless tendencies in a death match. He was an ignorant fool!
Having rested enough, they continued on their route, gradually approaching the small glint of light from the other end. Upon reaching at the end of the dark tunnel, they were overwhelmed by surprise and fascination at sight of bones and remains.
“This must be the reason why Zero was nicknamed the Land of Souls.” Lucas commented. Scarlett nodded. Lucas couldn’t be more dependable at a time like this. For a moment, Scarlett saw a different light in him.
His smile bathed in the holy light from the bewitched skies made her heart flutter. Da-dump, it went, much to her displeasure.
Among the pile of bones, a gigantic pile of skeletons stood out from the rest. Lucas and Scarlett were meagre in comparison to the great being that was being laid to rest here.
“But, just what is this?” Scarlett stared at the colossal mountain of skeleton. She sniffed the cold breeze around the gravesite. The surrounding air was filled with magick, a form of power only chosen people were worthy of its strength. It was where the dense spiritualpower was at its pinnacle. It was a familiar sensation. No words could describeit.
It was magical.
“It’s the gravesite of the Great Nine-Tails Demon Fox.” Loki’s resonant voice resounded. His apparition appeared in front of the colossal mountain of remains. “I’m surprised you’ve managed to reach into the deepest parts of the Border. I should applaud you for yourachievements: As expected of Scarlett, I should say.”
Not a single detail bypassed Scarlett’s insightful observation. Her brows knitted together into a frown, followed by a cynical smile. Her sword was merciless pointed at Loki’s delicate neck.
“Start explaining.” She demanded, much to Lucas’shorror. Of all people, she should possess the greatest understanding of the extent of Loki’s capabilities. And yet, her behavior was the opposite of being conscientious and vigilant.
“Or else?” Loki challenged.
“You’ll become a pierced mush, needless to say.” She taunted. Scarlett accepted Loki’s provocations.
Lucas sighed. Despite being enemies, they were master and student who owned similar habits, including the tendency to stimulate foes. Like goes the saying, old habits die hard. Lucas decided to put a pause totheir squabble. He pulled Scarlett and Loki apart, tossing Scarlett aside.
“Stop it!” He huffed. “Lord Loki, I apologize for Scarlett’s imprudence. But what do you mean by that? You called this the ‘Border’, didn’t you?”
Loki nodded. “Indeed. This is the heart of Zero, the rift between two worlds: The Border Near Shore and Far Shore. It’s thanks to you that the entrance to the Border is finally revealed.”
“The remains of a fox spirit? Hn. What does that haveto do with us? I’m getting off this place. I’m boarding the next ship back to Amestris.” Scarlett frowned. “And I’m bringing you back with me, Mr. Serial Killer!”
Loki was appalled. “Is she a fool?”
“She is a fool.” Lucas confirmed Loki’ssuspicions. “But what do mean by those words, Lord Loki? You said Scarlettbrought forth the entrance to the Border.”
Loki mused. “I’ve waited ten years for this day. Your feelings don’t lie, Scarlett.”
Scarlett clicked her tongue. “Tch. I don’t care what you have planned. I hold no grudge for abandoning me at the foot of Mount Haku. All I want is…. your sin! You will repent for your crimes, Lord Loki!”
Lucas and Loki sighed. Scarlett was adamant once she made her decision. She would not back down. “You’re still onto that?” Lucasasked.
This great fox spirit behind us…is your grandmother, Scarlett. Luna, show yourself.” Loki spoke.
Scarlett and Lucas were petrified on the spot. “Wha-what? Say what?” Lucas was doubtful, questioning his hearing abilities.
“Correct. This is why I warned you. Do not get too attached to humans. You’re bound to return home, from where you came from. You must’ve realized at some point. The fact that you’re different.”
Scarlett wore a glum look. She hated to admit it, butLoki’s words was bull’s eye. Ever since she left Mount Haku, she was always at the centre of commotion. Although weaker and powerless, they have managed to make her days torturous and distressing as possible. Among them all, her half-sister and stepmother were the vilest of them all.
“Is it possible, Scarlett came from the ‘other world’ you often spoke of, Lord Loki?” Lucas was perplexed. “It is a long story. Luna, what’s taking you so long? Do you want to get fillet for our lord’s next meal?”
Eeep!
A melodious voice gasped. Loki’s threats earned himself a disapproving look from Scarlett. A dainty figure emerged from behind Scarlett. ‘Luna’ took on a human form, dressed in a turquoise traditional outfit much similar to Loki.
Scarlett had often talked to Luna, however, it was the first time she had seen Luna in person. Lucas was surprised, just as she was. Her appearance was breath-taking. Refined, graceful and magnificent.
Lord Loki, you lack class. How could you threaten such refined being such as I?
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