#The two species were coexisting perfectly fine before hand.

[blue-kyber]

How quickly people can turn on one another when one of their own is attacked by another group, and that group wants a target to focus their emotions on. When the source of their pain is something they can't fight, they find an avatar to paint its face on, and take that anger out on them, then come up with lies to justify their brutality. They then believe their own lies in a heartbeat. That avatar, that scapegoat, is often an innocent person or group that has nothing to do with the originator of the attack group's pain.

All because they can't punch the face of what caused their pain in the first place into the ground and destroy it.

It wound up in my book as a topic we need to face. One we need to see the evil and futility in, and stop it in reality.

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Their beloved Princess Siffon Nirenthi Giniviette Kala, the Sunlight of Ilthall, and heir to the Kala dynasty, was dead. Murdered by a human. Fights between the two species - yondi and human - broke out among small groups who had no outlet upon which to direct their anger and grief. Lines of discord formed through glares, heated arguments, and aggression, even among those who were friends, and those who married into a yondi family.  A handful of humans used that added betrayal to group up to protect each other and fight back.  This fueled the accusation from the irrational yondi - and some aliens easily swayed by the loudest rage-filled idiots - that humans were less evolved pack animals. ‘Justice for the Princess!’ they shouted.  The cry to avenge Siffon’s death by taking it out on the humans steadily gained traction to the point where those of other species stood up with the yondi and humans who could still think clearly. They defended the innocents of both species, with numerous people attempting to quell the fire of hatred before it could spread.   The local security forces were called in to break up brawls all over town. By nightfall, small pockets of anti-human sentiment peppered both major cities of Cos Besta and Cos Arda. Most understood that the rioters were wrong, angry, and already looking for a reason to fight, and that they could do better.  Leaders of various spiritual groups, and the magistrates of different sectors urged those starting the fights to consider the impact their actions had on the Light of Ilthall - a fragment of which all born on the planet had within them. The yondi had stopped warring among each other long ago due to how it hurt the planet and thus each other.  They brought up the Hundred Year Isolation that occurred four thousand years ago, where the suffering became so bad that Ilthall cut off anyone fanning the flames of war as punishment. The loss of that connection among so many plunged their society into chaos. Those who retained their connection figured out how to use Ilthall's Light to protect themselves against the Isolated. It took a century for them to learn how integral that connection was to their well being.  They reminded the rioters that the actions of those in the past are the reason Ilthall blinded the yondi people to the beauty of her Light. One day, she would return that sight to her children. They reminded them that those they attacked now were their friends, families, and neighbors, and to not judge a group by the actions of a few. They were all hurting. They should mourn together and be united. Not divided by hatred.  But the angriest and loudest of the yondi didn’t care. They didn't believe in those stories, calling them fantasy tales to frighten children. Only those who had been offworld believed in that connection after having experienced it. Being away wasn't enough to hinder their lives, but it was enough for them to notice how much better they felt once they returned. The rest discounted it. All of them wanted a target. And all humans - native Ilthallans or not - were it. Fortunately, the majority of citizens were smart enough to not join in, but the damage was done.  The humans - who made up about thirty percent of a populace of mostly yondi on the small, sparsely populated world - now lived in a state of heightened anxiety.  The Alliance forces along with the local planetary law enforcement made it their priority to handle the instigators, and protect all innocents of all species caught up in their mire.

[yuri-or-death]

”Black Star” SayaJuri OS (Rated M)

Main Pairing: Yamamoto Sayaka x Matsui Jurina

Characters: Yamamoto Sayaka, Matsui Jurina, Watanabe Miyuki, Matsui Rena, Miyawaki Sakura

Summary: A hot blooded dhampir and a subservient knight–Sayaka and Jurina are students at North Star Military Academy, partners, and rivals. They are soldiers who swear by the oath to protect humans from any threat. From the moment they met, there was a clear distance; a rift. But in the wake of an oncoming threat, they grow closer, and new feelings emerge.

Warning: Violence, gore, sexual themes (SMUT ALERT!!!)

Authors’ Notes: So this is me and @rukakikuchi wishing you guys a happy new year! This fic is quite spontaneous, after finding a post on tumblr about anime titles based on names we decided to make a SayaJuri OS. Personally, Sayaka x Jurina is a crack ship i’ve been meaning to try and i’m super starved of content. 

P.S. It is a REALLLY long one shot. It includes slight hints of Wmatsui, SayaMilky and Jurisaku. We hope you enjoy! 

++++

2XXX, August XX Known in infamy as the day the sky fell… Meteors rained down mercilessly from above, as if punishing humanity for some crime. That day, the world we had always known…

Was decimated.

New Star Calendar 00-34, Spring

The Council of Vampires formed an alliance with the humans. We vampires swore fealty;

We vow to protect humanity from the shadows of the Night.

We coexist, we thrive, for without them we would lose ourselves;

And neither specie would survive. Our oath. One that we forged with blood.

And now, I…

New Star Calendar 15-351, Winter

Present Time:

Snow covered the large tract of land like a white ocean, it was captivating—a flawless winter dream. Where was the end of this white horizon? It was almost as if the earth and the heavens were in congress, bound to each without end or beginning.

The pool of red against the pristine ground was shocking to the senses. Blood seeped into the layers of snow. Two figures decked in military uniforms reminiscent of the French revolution, were at the center of the scenery. A woman with chin-length hair, black as the wings of a raven, was crouched down, cradling a fragile body of another female sprawled on the ground, the latter’s long chocolate-brown tresses already viscid with blood.

A few feet away from them was a large corpse of a serpentine creature whose features were more like a dragon. Two swords impaled the cadaver’s head as black liquid oozed out from different parts of its wounded body. Slowly, it began to disintegrate into ebony dust and ash.

 The brown-haired woman coughed out blood, staining her lips. Her skin was a deathly pale color.

“Hold on. Help is coming.”

“It’s o-okay…I’m j-just glad…you’re safe, Jurina.”

Yamamoto Sayaka was dying.

“Please,” Jurina��s voice shook as she fought the mixture of despair and anger consuming her. She was resolved to track down and kill The Necromancer, their sworn enemy, even if it takes her a lifetime, even if she must search every corner of this decaying earth. The Necromancer will pay for this, blood for blood.  

In Sayaka’s consciousness, there was nothing else but a song, a silent tune that drifted to the very core of her being. Beyond her, no words were spoken, no meaning or reason. And yet every letter seemed to float, forming sentences that slowly burned the edge of her consciousness. Like dying embers floating with the wind, scattering about towards anywhere and nowhere, musical fragments whirled around the oblivion that was her thoughts. She recognized each beat, the broken refrain and the unfinished coda. Each breath drawn was a memory of things that were, that are and that would never be.

Her eyes were open, but only dancing shadows greeted her vision. The firm hold of interwoven fingers, the cold tears staining her cheeks, the pleading whispers—everything else was a dull sensation. Disconnected. Abandoned.

The weight upon her chest suppressed her and it grew more painful to breathe.  

Jurina’s warm hand traced the outline of her face, fingers weaving through the strands of her brown hair. The embrace tightened with desperation. But in her mind, there were only fractured images of people she once knew, fleeting recollections of the past and echoes of a song never sung.

“Stay with me, Sayaka.”

.

.

.

.

.

Everything is cold,

Empty.

So this is what death is like.

Are you crying, Jurina?

I don’t want to hurt you.

I…lo–

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 13-94, Summer

Memory I: Initial Contact

2 years ago…

“A dhampir arrived last night, they say she’s going to start attending classes here at the Academy.” A nameless student started to stir the threads of gossip. North Star Military Academy was a closed-up elite unit. As the best military training institution, its students were carefully handpicked and the community was tightly-knit.  It was impossible not to get a wind of new developments.

“Half-bloods shouldn’t be trusted, they’re volatile and weak.” The other student replied, gaze not leaving the flurry of swords in the arena below them.

“You think so? This one was specifically sought after by the Commander. Rumor says her skills are top notch.”

“Whatever, she’ll never be on the same league as us.”

The clinking of metal against metal filled the atmosphere. Matsui Jurina was fencing in the training hall, gripping her rapier tight as she performed quick assaults against her opponent. Her slender figure, clad in her white military uniform, seemed to dance amid the battlefield. Swift, ethereal, deadly precise–she was all those as a fighter, earning her the moniker “The White Knight.” As she was delivering blow after blow, a familiar voice broke her concentration. “Jurina! Come here!” She looked up, seeing her human master, Rena, on the upper platform gazing down at her from the audience balcony. She bowed to her sparring partner before sliding her sword to her waist and walking up the stairs. All the eyes in the room followed Jurina, her every movement was fluid as a gallant soldier.

Upon arriving at the top, she saw another girl standing with Rena. This newcomer had short brown hair and an unpleasant scowl on her face. “Who is this, Rena-sama?” Jurina’s tone was reverent. She reached for her master’s hand to kiss the crystal ring that adorned Rena’s finger. The sight of the two of them was like a spectacle lifted from a victorian portrait. Rena’s features were regal and mysterious. Her long black hair and delicate smile made her look like a princess straight out of a fairytale. “Her name is Yamamoto Sayaka. She’s going to be your partner starting today.” “Is that so?” Jurina smiled, turning toward the girl, her short hair bouncing softly. She reached out for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you, Sayaka-san.” There was warmth in her words. Sayaka, however, just clicked her tongue and slapped the hand away. The hypocrisy of nobles irked her the most. In her mind, this girl before her was being nice for the sole reason that she was ordered to. “No offense, but do I really need a partner?” Sayaka asked Rena, rather brashly. “I’m perfectly fine on my own.” A lone wolf doesn’t need a pack, it would slow her down. “Sayaka-san, I know you are very skilled. But I think it would be beneficial if you work with Jurina. Use her experience and rigorous training to your advantage. After all, I’ve heard that you never had formal combat classes and she’s the perfect person to help you adjust here in the Academy.” Rena’s composure was infallible, as expected from the master of the famous White Knight. “I’m fully willing to be your partner,” Jurina’s smile did not falter. People would kill for Sayaka’s spot, but the dhampir just gave her an annoyed glare. “I’ll let you two be; I have some matters to settle.” Rena motioned to leave, then looked back and said, “Jurina, you start showing Sayaka the ropes!” She was definitely optimistic. “Of course, Rena-sama.” After Rena left, Jurina started walking down the stairs but noticed that Sayaka was still bent against the railing, disinterest plastered on her face like a huge ‘do not disturb’ sign. The honor student pouted as she dashed back to the top, leaning beside the other vampire. “Hey~ aren’t you going to train?” Sayaka’s face scrunched up at Jurina’s sing-song voice. “I’ll train when I want to… I don’t want to right now.” Who the hell decided she needed a partner anyway? These haughty purebloods were all the same and she wanted none of their false pretenses of camaraderie and kindness. “My, my, you’re a stubborn one…” Jurina sighed. “Oh well.” “Huh? What’s that supposed to–” Sayaka glanced over and saw Jurina hold a pendant in her hand. It was a cross that looked like a star; the Polar star, to be exact. She furrowed her brows, “What is that?” “My Polaris Cross. To pray to Astraea.” “Astria?” “Astraea!” Jurina firmly corrected her. “He’s the God who created the universe. He painted the void full of stars and galaxies. I pray to him every twilight when I wake and before dawn when I lay to sleep.” “Huh…” Sayaka was not getting any of this. “Don’t you know? The great star Polaris was created from the core of Astraea’s soul! It was his blessing to grant us magic, and–” “I don’t care about your make-believe God.” The newcomer said bluntly. “Eh?!” “That story of Asta-whatever creating the stars is just a fairytale that you’d tell a child. I would never believe something like that.” Jurina was appalled, gripping her cross. “How dare you! Talking about Astraea-sama like that!” Everything around them came to a halt as the tension spiked. The occupants of the training hall grew pensive. Matsui Jurina rarely lost her cool and this new student straight off pushed her buttons. “Ahh, Astraea, Astraea, he’s not real.” Sayaka retorted. “Listen, I never had faith in God, he was never there when I needed him. I won’t put my faith in him now.” “Such insolence–!” Jurina pulled out her sword, angrily aiming the blade at Sayaka’s neck. The dhampir just scoffed. “Please,” she taunted as she pulled out a gun, pointing it back at Jurina’s head. The suspense was too heavy for the occupants of the room to dare make the slightest movement. “Excuse me~!” A sweet voice interrupted their short dispute. They both looked confused at the young woman that came between them. She looked at Sayaka, grinning, “Yamamoto Sayaka-chan, right?” “Uh… yes? And you are?” “My name is Miyuki. I’m your master.” Sayaka raised a brow, drawing back from Jurina. “My what?” “Your master. Your ruler, your boss. The one you must swear to protect and obey with your life. Basically, you’re my knight, and I’m your queen~” “Huh? When did I agree to–” Sayaka ceased mid-sentence when Miyuki pulled her for a torrid kiss on the lips. “What is wrong with you?!” The dhampir pushed her away, a hand covered her mouth as she glared back defiantly. “You are bound to me Yamamoto Sayaka. Now lower the gun,” Miyuki then said, holding up a white crystal ring on her middle finger that was similar to the one Rena had. “We don’t need you killing your new partner.” Against her own will, Sayaka’s hand clutching the gun fell to her side. Her eyes widened seeing her sudden action. “What…?” There was confusion, panic and boiling irritation muddling Sayaka’s mind. She was being controlled. A rhythmic giggle, “You can’t disobey your master. Not while I have this Lacryma crystal~” Miyuki teased, sticking out her tongue playfully. Sayaka could only hiss. She knew she was powerless against the Lacryma. It was a relic from the shattered Polaris star and it held complete control over a vampire’s immortal soul. Humans possessed the Lacryma to ensure the loyalty of their vampire protectors. It could force even the strongest vampire into submission. “Now, I hope you two can get along! Rena-chan thinks so, too.” Jurina heaved a deep sigh, she lowered her sword. “As you wish.” “Whatever…”

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 13-201, Autumn

Memory II: Friction

“What the hell, Jurina?!” Sayaka’s angry voice roared as the doors to the Academy flew open from the brunt of the swing. Jurina walked ahead as the dhampir stormed toward her. “Hey, are you even listening?! What was that earlier?! I could’ve handled them by myself!”

“No. Because you were just being reckless,” Jurina retorted in a cold tone, sharp as an ice dagger and twice deadly.

“You were assigned as my ‘partner’, weren’t you? Wouldn’t you trust your own ‘partner’ to get the job done?!”

“You were acting out on your own; don’t think I’m the one at fault,” Jurina stopped walking and turned around. “Your course of action was highly risky and you could’ve gotten yourself killed and drag us with you. You’re in over your head. And more importantly–”

“Oh, great, what?! Tell me! I dare you!” Sayaka scowled.

Jurina took a deep breath, turning to stand right in front of her.

“You desperately need to control that temper of yours.”

“Okay, that’s it!” Sayaka took out her gun, aiming it at Jurina. “I’ve had enough of–”

“Stop.”

Sayaka felt her body freeze as Miyuki and Rena came up from behind her. Miyuki snatched away her gun while Sayaka stood, her muscles tense and her head pounding.

“Sayaka~ If you keep this up, I’ll have to confiscate your guns,” Miyuki pouted. “Rena-chan, I’ll get Sayaka something hot to drink and calm her down. You talk to Jurina.”

“Of course.”

Miyuki took hold of Sayaka’s shoulders, releasing the tension from her arms and making them drop to her sides. Sayaka still had an unpleasant look even as she was taken by her human master and ushered to the cafeteria.

Rena glanced over at Jurina as she rubbed her temple.

“What happened?”

Jurina frowned. “Can we have this debriefing later? I need a cold shower.” She was too drained to even recount the events of her first official mission with Sayaka. The girl was a handful.

“Very well. Take all the time you need to clear your head.”

….

The sound of water hitting the tiles finally stopped. A few more shuffling and the door swung open. Jurina emerged from the shower clad only in her white bathrobe, tendrils of black hair still dripping wet.

Her gaze fell on the girl in front of her, demurely sitting on the king sized bed as she waited for the vampire. “I’m sorry it took a while, Master.” Jurina muttered before motioning to the dresser. That shower definitely released some tension from her muscles.

“Now would you tell me what happened?” Rena rose to stand behind Jurina as she fumbled with the contents of her drawer, possibly looking for a dryer and a comb.

“If I must,” Jurina acquiesced as the whirling sound of the hair dryer filled the room. The vampire ran her fingers through her ebony tresses, her gaze fixed on their reflection in the mirror.

“Hey, it’s just that I’m concerned…For you to be riled up this much. I need to know how we can improve your team work with Sayaka-san as this will be beneficial for all of us in the long run.”

“But why must we insist our methods upon someone so resolute on doing things her own way? To tell you plainly, Rena-sama, that girl has negated all my commands as Squad Captain during the scramble earlier.” Jurina sighed, positively miffed. “She charged into a den of Shades sans notice and proceeded to engage combat without authorization.”

Shades were monsters deprived of reason, vampires that fell from grace. They terrorized humans and other vampires alike. Their proliferation is one of the reasons the vampire-human alliance came to be.

“A bit trigger happy, I presume.”

“My sniper and saboteur have both been decommissioned for a week’s length because of her obstinance.” It took every bit of the vampire’s patience to not lash out and make a scene the moment they arrived within academy grounds. “We were all almost buried in debris, Rena-sama.”

“There, there.” Rena tried to soothe her. She took the comb from Jurina’s grasp and began to brush the vampire’s hair with protracted, delicate strokes that massaged Jurina’s scalp. “I know I’m asking too much from you, but please do consider that Sayaka-san has been operating rogue for the past years. She’s not a team player, as expected, but it doesn’t mean she won’t grow to be one.”

“I don’t understand why you’re so invested in her affairs, Rena-sama. Miyuki-chan told me that you specifically asked the Council to make me her partner. Why is that?”

Rena placed the comb atop the dresser. She patted Jurina’s head. “A selfish wish maybe?” She smiled.

“Eh, should I be jealous?” Jurina pulled her master’s wrist, straining Rena to bend down and receive a chaste peck on the lips.

Rena cradled both sides of Jurina’s face, deepening the kiss. She only broke away when oxygen grew deficient.

“Don’t distract me from the question.” Jurina pouted.

“You started it first.”

“Are you fond of her, Rena-sama?” The vampire persisted, it would not quell her heart to be left guessing.

“She simply reminds me of myself.” The human spoke honestly, “Before I met you, that is.”

Now, Jurina was confused, “You are nothing like her, Rena-sama.”

“Well, not squarely of course. But loneliness, Jurina. I think both of us has seen it eye to eye.” For a moment, Rena’s eyes were glazed with nostalgia. There was fondness in her voice, a rhythmic cadence to her tone as she uttered the next words.

“And I want you to be her light, just as you are mine.”

Jurina intertwined their fingers together. “Hmmm….all but for a hefty price.” She teased while pulling Rena to bed. “But if that is what you wish, I’ll try.”

…

“Just to confirm, the Commander has issued orders directing my squad to investigate a high value target?” Jurina spoke to a member of their 2nd battalion, the unit specifically assigned to make profiles of their ‘marks’.

“Affirmative, Matsui-san. Our target is called The Necromancer, an extremist pureblood adept at using blood magic and curses. We believe he is behind the recent surge of Shade activity.” The human responded.

“Will permission to engage be granted?” Jurina wanted to make sure whether or not direct confrontation with the said entity was authorized.

“The Commander wishes to gather more information before we commence full execution. For now,  avoid contact as much as possible.”

“Roger that, is there anything else on the target’s portfolio?”

“Well, this is yet to be confirmed, but our intelligence cells have reported that aside from controlling Shades, The Necromancer is also able to summon beasts corrupted by magic.”

“Familiars?” Jurina clarified.

“No, it seems he is capable of altering the life links of both flora and fauna. Please exercise extreme caution.” The member of the 2nd battalion retired for the night and Jurina was left standing alone at the balcony. She was thinking of killing time in the gardens when she chanced upon Sayaka in the corridor.

At first, Jurina considered avoiding any type of interaction with her for the time being but the vampire’s good nature got the best of her. “I hope you’ve been well rested, Sayaka-san.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry and all that,” Sayaka said. “Miyuki scolded me about what I did, and then she treated me to tea when I said I’d apologize.”

“I hope next time, you’ll be a bit more careful in a situation like that.”

Sayaka sighed. “Yes, ma’am, senpai.”

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 14-120, Summer

Memory III: Mutual Need

A bullet whizzed past Jurina’s face by a centimeter, hitting a Shade that was poised to attack her from the back. She was surrounded by the vile monstrosities and had been fending off hoards of them for hours while awaiting reinforcement.

“What would you do if you injured my beautiful face?” She blurted out, a playful smirk on her lips as she eyed the new comer who had just joined the fiasco.

The White Knight was deployed for a scouting mission to observe and gather information on the western side of the Weeping Woods. The forest had been unpassable for months due to a severe build up of Shades in the area.

At first, she effortlessly disposed off the Shades that attacked her but was caught off guard when she found a heart-like matter, beating while connected to a colossal tree. The cocoon-like objects dangling from its branches served as pods for ‘new born’ Shades. It was horrifying how the creatures came out of the mounds of flesh.

Everything about it was sacrilege. The Necromancer finally found a way to create Shades without turning vampires into mindless beasts. This black heart was directly spawning monsters and leaving it be would endanger the nearby villages.

“Oh shut up J, I could put a hole on your cheek right now and it would still heal up quite nicely.” Sayaka proceeded to shoot down the Shades within Jurina’s radius as the latter elegantly slashed her way through to reach the dhampir’s side.

Jurina rolled her eyes.

“What the hell is that hideous thing?!” Sayaka eyed the black heart mounted on the colossal tree.

“A power source? It’s creating all these Shades in a matter of minutes.”  As if on cue, Shades began to emerge out of the pods, instantly multiplying their adversaries.

The two fighters stood back-to-back, entrusting their lives to each other. They began to wipe out their attackers in perfect synchronization, . Each movement was deadly precise it almost seemed like a divine waltz amid the carnage.

“By the way, you’re bloody late, Sayaka.” Jurina shot a menacing glare at the Shade that attempted to bite off the dhampir’s neck before slicing the creature in half. Her once pristine robes were now covered in grime and blood. Her hands holding her rapier was dripping with black liquid.  

“Yeah. And you’re f*cking enjoying this!” Sayaka gripped the neck of the Shade that lunged at her and snapped it. She reached for the vial inside her coat pocket. It held crimson liquid–fresh blood to renew Jurina’s strength.

She was sure her partner was at her limit, it had been almost 8 hours since Jurina left the campus and judging by the looks of this onslaught of undead and Jurina’s own countenance, Sayaka could deduce that the pureblood had been fending off these things incessantly.

“Thanks.” Jurina muttered after drinking from the vial Sayaka gave. Her eyes glistened with a crimson hue as power surged within her.

“Is there any end to this?” The dhampir grumbled while smashing a Shade’s face with the grip of her gun.

Jurina laughed almost heartily. “I wouldn’t dawdle around if it was that easy.” She wouldn’t need to send a distress signal if this predicament was something simple.

“If this draws on, we’d be stuck here until the crack of dawn.”

“That’s not quite your problem.” A slash here;

“Of course it is! I can’t have you erupting to ashes in front of my face.” A bullet there;

Sayaka was a dhampir, and dhampirs, unlike purebloods, were immune to sunlight. They were also faster in regeneration, physically stronger and more durable. All these were things Sayaka took pride in and would certainly boast about in front of Jurina whenever she had the chance.

“And besides, the whole Academy would probably stake me to a pyre if I let anything happen to their favorite student.” Both of them seemed to revel in the heat of the battle. There was no experience of seamless harmony greater than this with any other ally. Matsui Jurina and Yamamoto Sayaka were equals.

Sayaka felt intoxicated–the slicing shriek of Jurina’s sword, the reverberating echo of each bullet fired from her gun, their panting breaths, the outcry of each fallen Shade as they bit the dust–the adrenaline rush was a sweet nectar.

“As much as I fancy fighting with you, we have to think of a way to destroy that heart and get out of here.” Jurina winced as a sharp claw struck the side of her abdomen.

“If I clear a path, could you cut it down?”

There was no other word spoken; Jurina changed her fighting stance, her sword in a perfect horizontal line as she brought her right foot forward in a full offensive posture. Her blade glistened just beside her cheek, light reflected from the steel as she twisted her hand guard.

Sayaka smirked while firing a barrage of bullets as bodies started to pile up, the Shades were dropping like flies. She kicked a few of them senseless as they tried to lap on her.

The White Knight weaved her way amongst the corpses, crushing their heads beneath her heels as she advanced. If she had Sayaka beside her earlier, this would have been over and done with in an instant, instead of wasting half a day battling an army of oddities.

Jurina abruptly broke her sprint and used the speeding Shade as a springboard to thrust the blade into the black heart beating at the core of the rotting tree. Her sword glowed an unearthly silver color as she managed a full on strike.

Two halves of flesh cleanly cut in the middle almost fell from their attachment on the trunk before the muscles mended themselves and reconnected.

Sayaka cursed out loud. “Damned thing,” She shot down the shade that pulled on Jurina’s ankle as the latter stood atop the pile of carcass, just in time before the vampire could lose her balance.

Jurina glanced back to her partner’s direction, “Physical attacks are in vain.” There was a dark edge in her tone as she hurried back to Sayaka’s side, plowing through the Shades that obstructed her path.

Sharp pain shot through Jurina’s senses as she clutched the wound on her abdomen. The sensation was too strong that she almost fell to her knees.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine.” Jurina whispered while trying to heal the laceration.

“Watch out!” Sayaka pulled Jurina’s hand to impale a Shade that attacked the pureblood in her moment of vulnerability. She almost cursed her own heritage for not being able to wield magic. It would have been damn easier if she was a pureblooded vampire.

The dhampir’s fingers lingered on Jurina’s hand which was starting to lose its grip on the rapier. “Concentrate on regeneration first, I’ll watch your back.”

Jurina shook her head. “At this rate, we’ll both die.” She barely suppressed a whimper as the gash burned with white-hot pain. She planted her sword on the ground so it was poised in a cross-like fashion.

“Shut up!! You’re not doing any self-sacrificing stunt again, you fool!!” Sayaka could almost see where this was heading, she had know her partner long enough to predict the girl’s line of thinking. The dhampir would admit the she fought recklessly more than often but Jurina, was someone who would take a bullet for someone else without batting an eyelash. She almost had no sense of self-preservation and it irked Sayaka to no end.

“Listen to me, Sayaka.” Jurina gripped the forehead of an attacking Shade and crushed it with her bare hands. Dawn was fast approaching, she could almost feel it on her skin.

“No! Enough of your grandstanding–” There was every bit of irritation in Sayaka’s response as she furiously took down the creatures swarming them.

“It seems The Necromancer has proven to be a dangerous opponent. Destroying that heart would be impossible with normal attacks and you know it. My magic is barely enough to heal my wounds.” As she spoke, Jurina’s eyes alternated between blood red and amber in split seconds, she was wavering and they were both certainly aware of it.

“Whatever you’re planning, it’s a no.”

Jurina raised her hand, casting a protective sphere around them that could only last a few seconds. The shades within 2 meter radius exploded as they touched the barrier.

“I need to drink your blood.”

Sayaka swore her heart skipped a beat at that proposition.

“What the hell! No! That’s the most important prohibition in the book!” She grabbed Jurina by the collar.

Vampires drinking from vampires was the greatest sin.

It drove them mad;

Made them forget who they were;

Made the thirst unquenchable–

Like mindless beasts.

Shades were vampires once.

But they…

Lost their souls.

“I only need enough to cast one more spell.” Jurina reasoned as she firmly held Sayaka’s hand on her uniform. Her wound was burning; time was of the essence and once the barrier breaks, she wasn’t sure if she could fight again.

She had full faith in Sayaka’s abilities but against a legion of Shades that multiplied to no end, it was a losing battle no matter how many they cut down.

“You’ll destroy yourself Jurina!”

It wasn’t entirely correct. Madness would not consume you in one breath. The progression of becoming a shade was a slow and agonizing process. It was actually ironic, catharsis: the term for the liberation of the soul was used to call the spiral into lunacy of purebloods.

“Just a bit won’t harm me.”

“You’re not even sure of that.”

The barrier started to crack, it was slowly giving out. “Trust me, Sayaka.”

“Ugh!! I hate you!” The dhampir shouted in resignation, she released Jurina from her iron grip and proceeded to unbutton her overcoat then undo her blouse.  

Jurina smiled despite the fatigue. She caressed Sayaka’s cheek, “I’m sorry for being so troublesome.” Her breath was hot but her touch was almost frigid.

“You damn sure are.” Sayaka closed her eyes as Jurina drew near.

In one swift movement, Jurina’s fangs sank into Sayaka’s neck. Upon drinking the dhampir’s blood, the vampire’s eyes shot open, her irises shone in the brightest shade of red. Black veins started to form under Jurina’s eyes as she fed.

She could discern that the taste of Sayaka’s blood would make her delirious if she did not break off…

But why did she not seem to care?

Jurina’s eyelids grew heavy as pure bliss enveloped her. Why should she stop? How could she pry herself away from this tempting warmth filing her mouth with sin? How could she turn away from this radiating energy coursing through her veins like hellfire? Sayaka’s blood…she needed nothing else in this plane of existence.

Lust ached in her bones, greed filled her lungs like poison and passion gripped her throat breathless.

Was this hunger? Was this desire? Why was something that felt so dreadfully good forbidden? It was unfair, it was the height of idiocy to constrain one’s self from this kind of pleasure!

“Jurina!” Sayaka cried out, pushing the vampire away in sheer panic.

Jurina slowly came to, eyes glistening like blood rubies and lips tainted crimson.

She gulped, the exquisite flavor lingered and it was honestly so, so heart-rending to stop.

“You’re…” Sayaka was at a loss for words, moisture started to well at the side of her eyes.

The White Knight took a step back, she turned away from the dhampir’s scrutinizing gaze. “I’m sorry.” She repeated the apology before setting her hand on her sword still impaled on the ground. Was she ashamed?

Jurina closed her eyes, feeling the air shift around her, the barrier fell completely.

In the same moment, hail and ice surged, covering their whole surroundings in frost despite being in the middle of summer. All the Shades that besieged the two fighters, including the dark heart and the colossal tree, was frozen solid.

In a blink of an eye, everything shattered–vaporized.

Sayaka was on the verge of trembling at the overwhelming demonstration of power. Only the two of them stood untouched by the white flux. She held her breath as she watched Jurina’s figure fall but caught the pureblood in her arms forthwith.

“H-hey!”

“My…wound,” came a weak reply.

Sayaka could see it clearly, the laceration the Shade inflicted, the gash that did not heal was tinged with black and purple.

It was poison.

Her partner would be incapacitated for the time being, but that was not their biggest concern right now.

Sayaka examined the sky, it would only be a few minutes until sunlight seeped in from the verdant roof of the Weeping Forest. She needed to bring Jurina to a safe location lest she truly perish.

The dhampir wrapped her coat around Jurina before hoisting the wounded girl on her back and carrying her across the woods.

…

Sayaka couldn’t remember the last time her heart pounded this wildly in her chest. The feeling of dread was a hanging shadow as she ran to beat the sun, Jurina in tow.

Was it when her mother lost all reason?

Was it when her father and sister died?

Was it when the world failed her?

Was it when god abandoned her?

This kind of fear left a bitter taste in her mouth and she swore to herself she would never fall so weak.

She thought her heart was already entombed in stone but why does the thought of losing this reckless vampire, this irritating being she started to call her partner, shake her to her very core?

Gradually, the rays of the sun seeped out from the clouds as dawn broke.

Jurina’s flesh started to parch as sunlight hit her skin. What small consolation it was, that it was not yet the height of day. Otherwise, she would have been reduced to ashes and embers.

Sayaka could feel and hear her writhe in pain. She pulled on the coat enveloping Jurina’s frail body closer to shield the vampire’s face.

She was helpless against the forces of nature, against time and space.

Yamamoto Sayaka, the strongest blood legacy of the Dhampirs, the prodigy, the abomination, couldn’t save a single life when it mattered the most.

With all her strength, Sayaka could only run.

.

.

.

.

.

The doors of the Academy’s main building burst open, surprising and confusing those who were present as they saw Sayaka fall to her knees, exhausted. In her arms, was the White Knight herself, Jurina, barely conscious.

The vampire’s scorched skin started to repair itself as soon as contact with the sun was lost.

“Someone! Please help!” The dhampir pleaded, although she was disheveled and grimy, she was wholly unscathed.

“Jurina’s been poisoned!” Every bit of anguish crushing her heart was made visible on her face as her hands shook while holding her pureblood partner. Murmurs spread through the hall quickly, everyone concerned for Jurina. Three women in white uniforms came, two lifting Jurina from Sayaka’s arms and placing her onto a stretcher, while the other bowed to the dhampir. “Please… save her…” she said in between her heavy breathing. The nurses left, Sayaka watching them roll her down the hallway. Other students whispered voices of concern, but Sayaka couldn’t hear any of them.

.

.

.

.

“She’s in stable condition for now. However, the poison was very strong. We don’t know when she will wake up.”

“This is my fault…If I wasn’t so weak…” Sayaka said bitterly as she and Miyuki stood at Jurina’s bedside. The famed knight was sleeping on a pure white mattress and sheets, an IV injected in her arm, and a mask easing her breathing. At least the darkness helped her heal her burn wounds from the sun, but Sayaka still felt immense guilt. “It wasn’t,” Miyuki said, reassuring her. “You’re the reason she’s still here.”

“But it should never have come to this… I didn’t want her to die. Ha, even though months ago, I wanted nothing to do with her, in that moment…”

As the dhampir’s master, Miyuki understood the discordant emotions flooding Sayaka’s heart. “You’re not a bad person, Sayaka. I’m sure Jurina knows that, too.” “Huh, you think so?” Miyuki nodded, her sincere smile comforted Sayaka immensely. Soon after, the door opened, and Rena stepped in. “Miyuki. We have been summoned.” Although her tone was firm and dutiful, her eyes were obviously glazed with worry as she glanced at Jurina’s unconscious form.

“You wont stay by her side?” Sayaka always felt like Rena was hiding behind a mask, a fortress even. Despite being nothing but kind and supportive, Rena’s true emotions, her heart, was unreadable to the dhampir.

Jurina’s master did not reply. “I’ll see you later, Sayaka.” Miyuki bid farewell.

“Please take care of her.” Sayaka could almost hear the desperation in Rena’s voice. Whatever the reason for Rena and Miyuki’s departure, she swore in hell it had to be terribly important for Rena to chose to leave Jurina’s side at this dire moment.

After the two humans took their leave, there was only silence.

Sayaka pulled up a chair and sat down, still staring at Jurina and vividly recalling everything that had just happened. She remembered a pain in her chest, a tightness, when she saw Jurina growing weak from poison. As if her own body was screaming in denial. A fighter as strong as Jurina shouldn’t be writhing in pain. The sight of her partner suffering felt like a claw grasping her throat, straining her breathing.

She felt like her heart was sinking, like the ground she stood on could cave in any minute.

And she didn’t understand why. Was it some sort of instinct? A whim? Or just some deep feeling in her she had never realized was there..?

Sayaka didn’t know anymore. But she didn’t want to think of anything else. Her main concern was Jurina. The White Knight, who she had disputed and argued with many times, the one she felt deeply that she would be better without.

Someone everyone else in the Academy saw as strong and almost inviolable… was now laying in front of her, vulnerable and fading.

“Jurina… please…come back,” Sayaka whispered, closing her eyes tight as she clasped her hands together.

She glanced up again, her gaze falling on the cross necklace resting on Jurina’s chest. The transit and all the shuffling must have exposed the necklace out of her regalia.

“Astraea…” Sayaka invoked the name of that God, the one she had lost faith in. And with no other reason, she bowed her head.

Deference,

Despair,

Hope.

“If… if you’re real.. Astraea… then I beg of you… spare her.. Spare Jurina’s life. Please… please…”

What am I doing now? I’ve become so desperate to rely on this deity just for her…

Suddenly, she felt something cold. She lifted her hand and touched her cheek.

“You’re… crying?”

Warm fingers tapped her other cheek twice, wiping away fresh tear drops.

Jurina managed to smile faintly under the oxygen mask.

“It doesn’t suit you.”

Sayaka didn’t know if she would cry harder or laugh. The only thing she recognized was the absolute euphoria that washed over her at the sight of Jurina regaining consciousness.

Sayaka was close to breaking down, “I hate you!” Despite her callous words, they both knew it was a lie.

Right then and there Yamamoto, the strongest blood legacy of the Dhampirs, the prodigy, the abomination, all powerful and dense, Sayaka absolutely knew she was screwed.

Matsui Jurina, her fool of a partner, was the reason for this torrent of emotions: fear, insecurity, attachment, loyalty, fondness, longing and perhaps even more.

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 15-40, Spring

Memory IV: Understanding Your Heart

“Ah, I thought I’d find you here.”

Without even turning her back, the dhampir knew the owner of such voice. It was the source of both her annoyance and vivacity.

“What do you want, J?” Under the night sky, with these many stars, Sayaka felt at peace.  Perhaps her choice of the roof top as a place to unwind and reflect alone was cliche? Or perhaps, deep inside her, she did want to be found?

A few months ago, a lot of people would claim that Yamamoto Sayaka was a cold-blooded killing machine–rigid, antisocial and distrusting. However, her association with Jurina and Miyuki definitely breathed in new life into the once outcast. Her scheming master and her pesky partner gave her more and more reasons to smile these days whether or not she cared to admit.

“You’ve been avoiding me, Sayaka.”

“You’re so narcissistic.” The dhampir huffed.

Jurina sat beside her partner. She pulled her knees closer to her chest and rested her chin on them. “So what did I do this time?”

“Nothing, leave me alone.”

“Come on, we both know you can’t resist me.”

“Get over yourself.”

A long sigh, “Why do you insist on being difficult? Such a tsundere.”

“What?!” Sayaka finally turned to Jurina irritably, she pulled the pureblood by the collar. Effectively riled up by the allegation. “I am not a tsundere!”

Jurina held the dhampir’s gaze with infallible calm. She searched Sayaka’s dark eyes for some kind of reaction.

Sayaka’s eyebrow twitched. Jurina’s amber eyes seemed to engulf her and she almost thought the other girl was reading her mind. Suddenly, the close proximity between the two of them, their faces barely an inch apart, the ability to notice every detail on Jurina’s face, grew very disorienting.

“Are you so bored to come to me? Why won’t you play around with your fangirls?” The dhampir abruptly looked away, pretending to scrutinize something, anything out there in the dark horizon. Why was it so awkward now? She would have brushed off the pureblood’s antics under normal circumstances.

“Are you jealous?” Jurina let out a melodic giggle.

“Oh for heaven’s sake Jurina, what do you want?” Sayaka swore she could rip out her hair any minute if this mind game between the two of them persisted.

“As I said earlier, you’ve been avoiding me.”

“I’m not, whatever gave you that idea?”

Jurina frowned childishly. “Since that incident in the Weeping Woods you stopped spending time with me. You refuse to eat lunch with me, Miyuki-chan and Rena-sama. You decline every chance to be my sparring partner. You don’t show up to our midnight jogs around the campus and that’s like the only quality time we have left, you know. You also haven’t spoken more than five words to me that isn’t school or mission related. Now, tell me again you’re not avoiding me.” The pureblood proceeded to drone on, hearing her use that immature tone would surely surprise the other students who idolized her. Jurina was amusingly clingy and doting that Sayaka swore she was starting to act like a spoiled girlfriend or something.

“And it’s not like I’m being possessive or anything. I mean, I know you hate being my partner but I thought you finally got over it and we were finally getting along.” There was genuine hurt in her eyes.

Sayaka breathed deeply. “I just have a lot of things in my mind.”

The Sayaka from before wouldn’t apologize, wouldn’t even give a hint of an explanation. “I’m sorry if you felt like I was pushing you away.” But the Sayaka right now was more compassionate, more patient, more honest and refreshingly…more human.

“Tell me why.” Jurina was persistent, that was a fact. Sayaka was so tempted to shut her down, but some part of her absolutely hated the idea of upsetting the vampire. Funny, she used to enjoy provocation and petty squabbles.

Tell you what? That I’m so conflicted with my feelings? That I feel so confused it’s almost difficult to breathe? That your presence or absence affects me? That I can’t forgive myself over the thought of almost losing you? Damn it Jurina!

She wanted to say all those things but couldn’t even begin to weave the words. The last time she let people in her heart, they failed her miserably.

Sayaka scratched the back of her neck. “I’m scared…of getting attached.” She blurted out. It was a neutral statement–it was the truth.

“You’re my partner,” Jurina held on to the other girl’s shoulder. “I won’t leave you, whatever happens.”

Sayaka’s gaze fell to the floor, as if suddenly finding her own shoes captivating. “My mother said that once.” Her tone was laced with sadness and yearning and regret. “But she left. My father and sister too.”

Jurina knew she had opened the floodgates of something, something deep, dark and painful and she could not find it in herself to press on. “I’m sorry for overstepping my boundaries.” She respected Sayaka’s solitude. “If you wish for me to leave–”

“No, I want you to hear this.”

“Very well…” Jurina grew silent as she let the dhampir speak of her past.

“I was abandoned by my real parents but the mother and father I came to know loved me with all their hearts. Regrettably, life has a way to mess us up even further. Mother became a shade and was locked inside the attic; despair ate her inside out. Father tried to kill her before she lost it completely. He couldn’t do it; he was overcome by love and fear and vain hope that she would come back. So mother mangled him and my sister to pieces. Can you imagine how it felt when I came home to their innards painting the walls, mother smiling at me?”

Jurina gave her a look of absolute melancholy. Was it empathy or just pity? “Maybe. After killing so many of them. Maybe I could.” What did a pampered pureblood know about despair?  

The dhampir’s hands shook as she examined them, as if seeing all the blood spilled by her own feats. “She was my family and when I pulled that trigger, when her head exploded, I didn’t feel anything.” She let out a bitter laugh, “The Council summoned me after and since then, I’ve only kept killing to survive. I’m a monster who finds no remorse in death.”

It was clear to Jurina now why the incident of her drinking the dhampir’s blood left a strong response. Sayaka was afraid, mortified of history repeating.

Jurina locked her in a tight embrace. “I’m sorry.” Sorry for what? For letting Sayaka go through that fear again? For not knowing the dhampir earlier to ease her burden?  If she could pour out all her strength, all her devotion and kindness to Sayaka, she would.

No Jurina, you turning into a Shade isn’t the only thing that suffocates me; the fact that I can’t even begin to fathom the thought of losing you scares me to death.

If this is love, I don’t want it.

Before Sayaka could respond, Miyuki appeared behind them. “I apologize for interrupting, but Jurina-chan the Council beckons you. Rena-chan is already at the Shrine of Memories.”

Miyuki and the pureblood exchanged knowing glances before her gaze fell on her own servant, a million things already running in her mind.

.

.

.

.

.

They say love makes us strong;

Makes us hopeful,

Makes us whole.

They say love can conquer odds;

Despite time or distance;

I have only loved you completely,

passionately,

chastely,

But why does it hurt so much?

“Why?!” Jurina cried out, her voice resonating against the walls of the shrine building. Beside her, Rena stood silent, clasping her hands together while staring at the floor. Surrounding them were statues of white stone, their eyes obscured by pieces of red cloth. “It has come to our attention that you have both been showing signs of romantic affection. And though it disheartens us to arrive at this decision, we are merely acting according to the Laws of–” “Why?! Why is that so wrong?!”

“Jurina-sama, you should know very well that harboring romantic feelings for your master is forbidden. And you both have been shown guilty of this very act.” One of the Council members retorted. “These affairs you’ve been having are a violation of the vows you have sworn as only master and protector. You, Jurina-sama, are nothing more than her knight. To fall in love with her is simply–” Another tried to reason out. “Simply what?” Jurina would not hear any of it. Tears welled in her eyes. “What’s wrong with loving her?”

“Affairs between humans and vampires are proscribed because they produce dhampirs–those vile, disgraceful creatures.”

“You know nothing about them!” The young vampire took offense. “Jurina…” Rena attempted to placate her servant. Jurina’s emotions were all over the place and she feared it would do the vampire more harm than good to rebel against the Council.

“Rena-sama is beautiful and kind, she’s diligent with her work, and she cares for others. More than anything, she cares for me.”

The Council grunted and grumbled in disappointment.

“To not fall in love with her…is impossible.”

“Jurina, that’s enough!” Rena’s voice rose, she held the vampire’s shoulder. Although her heart almost leapt out of her chest, although every part of her was breaking, she was the rational one, she was the responsible one, she was the obedient one.

“R-Re…na?”

The senior member of the Council spoke, “Matsui Jurina, you are sentenced to 50 years of isolation in the Labyrinth of Shadows. Your release will be conditional. All your activities are put on hold as of this moment and you will be relieved from this institution until further notice.” Anti-magic chains were cuffed on Jurina’s wrist.

“Please stop.” Rena asserted. “I’ll take responsibility for this… So, don’t say anymore.” Her voice was calm and unwavering, even though Jurina could see droplets of tears forming at the rims.

Jurina felt Rena’s grip tighten on her shoulder.

“I’ll accept the punishment.” Rena would do anything within her power to protect her knight, at least this once, it was her turn to save Jurina. “Rena-sama, you can’t! Please don’t do this.” The chains that bound Jurina rattled as the council members fought to subdue her.

“It’s okay… It’ll be okay,” Rena coaxed, trying to reassure the crying vampire. “I don’t regret… loving you, Jurina.” Rena kissed her cheek, her lips touching the tears that streamed down. She gave a bittersweet smile before walking past Jurina’s inconsolable form, facing the Council. She pulled back the band holding her hair in a ponytail and allowed the raven locks to flow down her back. “As atonement for my actions, I shall relinquish myself as Matsui Jurina’s master. With this, I abdicate my family’s seat in the Council.” “No! No…you can’t! I refuse to accept it!” “Very well. Hand over your Lacryma ring.” Rena removed the ring from her finger, handing it to the senior member. She was then handed a small blue bottle. “With this elixir, you surrender all your memories. Everything will be as if it had never been. And you shall leave this place.” “Don’t… please, don’t leave me alone…Rena…” Despite the strong metal binding her, Jurina fought to stop the ritual. Rena turned back, wiping away a single tear as she gave one last smile.

“Goodbye… Jurina.”

With those words spoken, she lifted the elixir to her lips and drank in one swift gulp.

Jurina wept bitterly, still trying to reject the reality that was unfolding before her. Why was she so foolish? Why did this twisted restriction exist? Why could she not be free to love who she wished? How could something so pure and innocent be a sin?

Setting the vial down, Rena slowly walked back to the crying vampire. “Jurina…” She spoke lovingly, raising her hand to hold the vampire’s cheek and wipe away the fresh stream of tears. “As my last request… please don’t cry for me anymore. Someday, I want you to be happy.”

Even though it was against every fiber of her being, everything that loved Rena, even as she cried, Jurina could not deny her or disobey. She knew she had to fulfill Rena’s wish, even if it only brought her anguish.

“As you wish…Master.”

Rena’s eyes then sealed close as she collapsed.

Jurina caught her before she hit the floor, kneeling down as she cradled the most important existence in her life. She choked on a sob, “Goodnight, Rena-sama.”

…

As Sayaka returned from the rooftop, she saw Rena down the hall, being led by a much older woman. Her once sanguine eyes were now downcast as she headed toward the main doorway of the Academy.

“Rena-san?” Sayaka called out, catching the human’s attention. “Where are you going?”

Rena gave her a puzzled look. She ignored Sayaka and continued her regular course.

“Hey, wait!” Sayaka ran to her, grabbing her by the arm. “Did you see Jurina? What did the Council have to say?”

“W-what are you talking about?” Rena answered, backing away slightly at the sudden intrusion of this nameless stranger. “Who’s Jurina?”

“Wh-?”

“Excuse me,” The old woman forced Sayaka to release the former master. She then nodded at the human, “You may go, Rena-sama. I’ll have a word with this student.”

“All right.” Rena quickly left, heading towards the exit.

“What’s going on here? Why doesn’t she–”

“Matsui Rena-sama has relinquished her duties here,” the woman explained. “The Council has performed an Overwrite.”

Sayaka furrowed her brows. “Overwrite…? What the hell is that?”

“To put in simple terms, she had her memories of her time here as Matsui Jurina’s master wiped from her.” “What? Why would you–Jurina wouldn’t…”

“I know you’re new and you probably weren’t informed, but I will tell you now so the same mistake would not be made. Rena-sama and Jurina-sama acted against the Laws vowed between master and protector, and as punishment, Rena-sama took it upon herself to step down from her position and abandon her memories.”

“So what now? Jurina’s without a master?”

“Don’t fret. The Council should be preparing a new master for her, as we speak.” …

The silver moon was the witness to her cries of misery. Jurina wept under the night sky, holding her knees as she bitterly cried over Rena’s departure. She was on the verge of letting herself waste away until sun rise. Perhaps, it would be less painful to burn to death than to endure a life without her master.

“I know you wanted me to be happy… but, Rena-sama… I… I can’t…do this….”

While drowning in her thoughts, a new voice broke her from her reverie. “Will you be okay? Dawn is approaching.” She looked back and saw a young girl, a high schooler? Short brown hair framed the girl’s face like a japanese doll. Jurina quickly wiped away her tears, she hated being seen in such a vulnerable state.

“I apologize for my unsightly appearance, my lady.” She struggled to maintain composure. “Would you unburden your heart upon me?”

“I-I… don’t want to talk about it.”

“I understand. But still, here, take it.” The girl pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to Jurina.

As she accepted, that’s when she saw it;

A ring on her finger, white stone glistened like the brightest of stars. The very same one that Rena once wore. The vampire lifted her chin, her eyes wide. “…Who are you?” “Forgive me for not introducing myself first.” The girl bowed. “My name is Miyawaki Sakura. As of this moment, I am bound to you, Jurina-san.” This dainty girl, Sakura, was her new master.

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 15-281 Autumn

Memory V: Retribution

Jurina’s actions were not without punishment, of course. But, thanks in part to Rena relinquishing herself and fully accepting her fate, the burden of Jurina’s punishment had been lightened. Instead of 50 years in an ever-changing and mind-scrambling labyrinth, she now only had to spend one month wandering in there.

All alone, with only her memories of what once were.

She cried for her until her eyes were sore, red and puffy, and her voice grew hoarse from her bitter weeping. Every moment she closed her eyes for sleep, she dreamed only of Rena. Those dreams which once made her heart warm and brought her serenity, not only gave her heartbreak and restless nights.

She began to think years in the Labyrinth of Shadows would be far less painful than this. That letting her mind shatter from multiple dead ends and ghosts of the past haunting her, would cause her less suffering than a life without Rena by her side.

Chains at her wrists, curled up in her own corner of the maze, she grasped onto the Polaris cross around her neck.

“Astraea-sama… give me salvation… before this despair claims me…”

….

Miyuki sat comfortably, drinking her afternoon tea and browsing through the book she sequestered the last time Sayaka raided an old church library turned sanctum for Shades. She enjoyed getting trinkets from Sayaka’s missions.

The dhampir emerged from her master’s chambers, elegantly wrapped boxes of clothes stacked like a tower in her arms. “Where did you want these annoying textiles?”

“They’re the latest parisian fashion Sayaka, don’t be so tasteless. Put them in the corner and join me for some tea.”

“Oui oui, Mademoiselle Belle!” The dhampir jested. She accomplished her task before sitting beside her master.

“Why have you been spending time in my room so often?” Miyuki raised a brow, her tone highly inquisitive. “It’s quite unusual, are you ill?”

“I am not.” Sayaka was quick to rebuff. She poured tea for Miyuki before having her own.

“Hmmmmm, are you love sick then?”

Sayaka almost coughed out her tea. “Hell no!”

Miyuki’s fingers fumbled with a french macaron on her plate. “I’m your master, I know your heart, Sayaka-chan.”

“Of course you do, Miyuki. You’ve been playing me for so long.” The dhampir snorted, she was stopping herself from guffawing.

“You have to give me more credit. With a thick-headed servant like you, other Masters would have forced you into submission long ago.” Miyuki was every bit correct. Her relationship with Sayaka was unheard of. There was no formality between them, no honorifics or docility. The dhampir enjoyed her freedom much fully than others but she was unmistakably loyal to her human custodian.

“Well, if it wasn’t me, any other minion would bore you to death.” Sayaka knew Miyuki’s preferences, things she disliked, small nuances in her personality that other people would gloss over. It was surprising, the dhampir was not one to follow any authority figure but Miyuki was special, Miyuki was fun and interesting.

“True, you provide me much needed entertainment in this mundane life.”

“You make it sound like I’m just a tool, I’m hurt.” Sayaka feigned being offended.

The human snickered. “Well, so what’s really  bothering you?”

“Why do you and Jurina always assume something’s up when I get all friendly?”

“Because Jurina-chan and I find it highly suspicious.”

“How’s Jurina?” Sayaka turned serious, it has been three weeks since she last saw the pureblood after the latter’s punishment took effect.

“She’s holding on. The Labyrinth of Shadows is a torture chamber, but it only manifests the darkest parts of your soul. It won’t show you what’s not there.” Miyuki opposed the vampire’s punishment but she could not gather enough support to veto it.

“I hate these archaic laws of your people. Those purebloods too, they’re all fanatics.” Sayaka tried to fight her way into the Labyrinth to haul Jurina’s ass out of there one time. But she was greeted by a whole delegation from The Sect and it was impossible to resist.

“Me too.” Miyuki sighed deeply. “But we’ll see her soon. Besides, her new master has been religiously visiting her everyday. Don’t think that Jurina would falter that easily.”

“New master, huh?”

“Sakura-chan may be inexperienced but she’s genuine.”

“She’s young, only 16 summers or so. I guess something like that would be natural.”

“Still, I’m worried. It won’t be easy for Jurina to open up to Sakura-chan, moreover, let go of her feelings for Rena. But, if she doesn’t soon…” Miyuki frowned, setting down her tea. “She could very well become consumed by despair and enter the first stage of catharsis.” If Jurina allows the Labyrinth to consume her, the Council would dispose of her without second thought.

“I’ll kill her before that happens.”

“I’m sure you’d be ordered to.” Miyuki held Sayaka by the chin, urging the dhampir to look at her. “I know you feel for her quite strongly, so hear me out when I tell you this…” She wasn’t hard to figure out, really.

Sayaka was at a loss for words at the sudden intrusion to her personal space. Talking about her emotions was something she would never be well-versed in. She did not know how to respond to her master’s insinuation.

“Rena is an existence you cannot eclipse. But you give her strength in a different way, Sayaka. Jurina will come back to us.”

The dhampir’s gaze fell to her side, as if embarrassed. “Why are we having this conversation, Miyuki?”

“Because I’m the only one you’d listen to. You should be more honest with yourself. It’s all right to want something…or someone, Sayaka.”

…

Sakura crouched down to her servant’s body sprawled out on the stone floor. Gently, she lifted Jurina’s head to rest on her lap.

The vampire’s eyes languidly opened, she was greeted by her new master’s earnest countenance. “Sakura-sama, is it really you? Or am I still dreaming?”

“You are indeed awake, please don’t overexert yourself.” Sakura prevented Jurina from rising up, as the other girl attempted to pay respect.

“I apologize that you have to see me like this.” Jurina’s time in the Labyrinth broke her spirit; the pallor of her skin, the dark circles around her eyes, the fragility of her hair and weakness in her voice–all of it was alarming. “I have only brought you discomfort since,”

The human tried to wipe away the dirt that sullied the vampire’s face. “Jurina-san, I cannot replace what your heart has lost. But I will try with everything I have to ease your burden.”

“I do not deserve my lady’s kindness.” Jurina grasped the hand that lay on her cheek with all the life left in her.

*~*~*~*

New Star Calendar 15-287, Autumn

Memory VI: Passion

Less than a week had passed like nothing. The air was starting to turn crisp from the coming winter, and the clouds in the night sky hid the stars and the moon. Finally, Jurina’s confinement in the Labyrinth of Shadows came to an end. Sayaka was informed by the head sentinel that Jurina was ready for extraction.

She was led by the guard clad in black armor, the maze shifting its pathways to make a straight path to Jurina’s location. Sayaka looked past the guard to see her partner, collapsed on the ground.

“Jurina!” Sayaka quickly ran to Jurina’s side, distraught with what she saw. The vampire had lost weight, and was deathly pale. The bottoms of her feet were covered in dirt and scratches. The anti-magic chains left red ring marks on both her wrists.

“Damn old bastards! How can they do this to you?” Sayaka supported the vampire.

“At ease, Sayaka” Jurina rasped, still trying to maintain military decorum. “Let’s go home.”

…

Miyawaki Sakura sat on the divan, her hands tightly grasping the fabric of her skirt as she waited for Miyuki’s next words.

The older master paced to and fro her suite’s salon adorned with an old oak center table and a leather chesterfield. She rubbed her chin. “So, what you’re saying is that you inherited Rena’s consciousness?” Miyuki was a bit skeptic of Sakura’s claim, in all honesty.

“Indeed, Miyuki-san… I was given her strategic expertise, her archives, her memories…everything.”

Miyuki stopped pacing, “Everything? Even her feelings?” Her words were almost tinged with exasperation. “I don’t know how The Council does their ‘Overwrites’ but–”

“Not her emotions; it’s impossible to absorb that. Still, I ‘remember’ her fondness towards Jurina-san.”

“That saves us the effort to teach you how these battles are fought.” The older girl sighed in relief. “And also saves us from a rather sticky situation…”

Sakura looked at her quizzically.

“Sakura, you see…my servant has become quite attached to Jurina. And as her Master, I would do anything to safeguard her feelings. I can’t have you complicating things…”

“I don’t understand what you mean. They’re partners, it’s only natural to be so attached. I cannot grasp just where I stand in that equation, Miyuki-san.”

Miyuki flopped to the seat beside Sakura, holding her by the cheek.  “My dear girl, it’s amoré.”

“A-amore?” Sakura’s cheeks flushed a bright shade of pink. “You mean ‘love’?!”

“Philia, Pragma, Mania, Ludus, Storge, Agape, Eros. Whatever you call it, darling.”

“E-e-eros?!” Sakura blushed even harder.

Miyuki chuckled. “Could it be… you’re a virgin?”

“Miyuki-san, I’m sixteen!”

The older woman smiled, seeing Sakura get so embarrassed, her ears were turning red. “Sweet sixteen, I see. You’ll find the garden of roses quite enticing.” She then stood. “Well, I’m glad you took some time to visit me. Sayaka and Jurina will return soon, shall we make our preparations, Sakura-chan?”

“Preparations?”

Miyuki pulled her by the hand as they made their way to the kitchen.

Sakura stopped from walking, “But you know Miyuki-san….with Rena-san’s memories… It almost felt like she knew The Council would do this and that she was trying to make Jurina-san rely on other people in her absence.”

Was that why you were adamantly requesting for a partner for Jurina? Despite the fact that she didn’t need one? Did you know you would leave, Rena? Miyuki speculated in her mind.

….

Sayaka lifted her gaze from polishing the barrel of her handgun as loud knocking echoed. She proceeded to receive the person at her doorstep. “Who is it?”

She found Jurina in the corridor, covered only by her sleeping robe. Her expression was one thing Sayaka couldn’t quite piece together, but she was sure the vampire was mildly shaking. “What’s wrong, Jurina? Have you reported to Sakura already?” They parted ways a few hours ago after arriving at the academy. Sayaka resolved that it was proper for Jurina to confer with her new master first, the pleasantries between them could wait.

Jurina did not speak, without the dhampir even inviting, she walked into her partner’s quarters.

“H-hey,”

When the vampire lifter her gaze, she did not look Sayaka in the eye. Suddenly, the decrepit old world map that hung on the wall was more captivating. “I thought I wasn’t coming back.” Jurina whispered.

“But you did. You’re just too stubborn to kill.” The dhampir tried to make light the stifling atmosphere around them. It was their first real conversation after Jurina’s time in the Labyrinth. She could only imagine the horrors that haunted the girl there. “Take a seat, I’ll get you something hot to drink.”

Before Sayaka could even take another step, Jurina grabbed her by the wrist. “I dreamt of you. Well, it was mostly about Rena, but you were there…many times.” The vampire finally locked gazes with her partner. Her amber eyes glistened against the light of the fireplace.

What was this girl doing? Did the Labyrinth mess her up too much? A few screws loose? Sayaka was bewildered. She attempted to play it cool, “Was I trying to slay you?” She let out an awkward laugh.

“No… you were…we were…” Jurina’s voice trailed off.

Sayaka breathed in deeply, as if trying to compose herself. “You’re tired. Get some rest, J.” She fought hard to sound neutral, Jurina’s fingers interlocked with her hand and a jolt of electricity shot through her spine. Her mind could barely register what was happening.

“Sayaka…I…” It was then and there that Jurina’s facade shattered. She started sobbing uncontrollably. Her shoulders shook as her and Sayaka’s twined fingers unraveled.

“What did they do to you? Tell me? I won’t forgive them–” As Jurina buried herself in Sayaka’s chest, the dhampir felt her blood boil, the sight of her partner suffering, breaking down, filled her with indignation that she was sure she could go out on a rampage. That torture chamber should be outlawed, she would burn The Council to the ground if she had to.

“I want to die…I want to die…” Jurina repeated over and over again as Sayaka enveloped her in a tight embrace. She felt like a hole was being burned through her heart, like her lungs were flooding with water. Was she spiraling into catharsis? Was she finally losing herself?

Rena’s departure, her family’s unbelievable expectations, the Council’s disappointment, everyone’s judgment, the thought of failing Sakura, her new master–Jurina wanted to just disappear.

“Look at me. Look at me, it’s over. Those ghosts won’t reach you” Sayaka tried to calm her. She urged Jurina to meet her gaze. “You promised you won’t leave me.” Her hold on the vampire did not falter.

Jurina’s whimpering eased for a moment. “I’m so afraid…that you’re not real too.” The Labyrinth of Shadows chained her to her misery, showed her what she wanted, gave her what she feared. It was a realm of illusions, a dungeon that broke her over and over again.

“Sayaka, I need–” Before she could speak further, Sayaka captured her lips. The kiss was scorching and impatient, slick with lust. The dhampir’s lips were soft and disarming that Jurina swore she would melt and drop on her knees if not for her partner’s grip on her back and hips.

Jurina caressed the sides of Sayaka’s face, fingers trailing from the dhampir’s cheek to her clavicle. Tongues battled for dominance as threads of saliva hung from their lips each time they plunged and withdrew from each other’s mouth in an almost animalistic frenzy.

Sayaka’s real, she’s warm, supple, fragrant; she’s here.

The vampire was panting breathlessly while undoing the buttons of Sayaka’s tunic. Deft fingers trailed circles on the dhampir’s toned abdomen. “Stop me now.” Jurina leaned in so that their foreheads touched. A little more and she swore it was the point of no return.

“No. Tell me you want this.” Sayaka moaned as her partner sucked on the sensitive flesh just below her ear; fingernails digging into her arm and hips. Carnal desire filled her with unbearable wanting. Her hand found its way inside Jurina’s nightgown, proceeding to disrobe her. “…as much as I do.”

Jurina pushed Sayaka to the bed, falling just above the older girl forthwith. Her lips hovered over her partner’s face, her knees buried on the mattress on each side of Sayaka. “Let me lose myself in you.” She finally discarded Sayaka’s blouse and dove into her chest, leaving red marks in the wake of her kisses.

“As you wish.” Sayaka yanked Jurina, skillfully maneuvering her body so that she was now on top of the vampire. “Tonight, you won’t remember anything else.” Her fingers sank between Jurina’s thighs, stifling the vampire’s moans with feverish kisses as she worked her body senseless.

Over and over and over again, without time to think or to speak, without time to resist– waves of pleasure tore Jurina’s body apart. Her mind was a rupture of colors, her senses filled with their mingling scents, her hands fisting on the bed sheets. The vampire’s body grew hypersensitive that the mere brush of Sayaka’s fingers made her quiver.

Back arched, mouth agape, eyes tightly closed.

Her body trembling and her breathing all frantic.

Each time she rode her high, she could only moan Sayaka’s name.

Yamamoto Sayaka was her damnation.

Yamamoto Sayaka was her salvation.

Whichever it truly was, she did not seem to care anymore.

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When the sun rose, their limbs were still tangled beneath the sheets. Sayaka couldn’t remember how many times they made love last night, her body ached in all the right places and love marks were scattered about on both their skins. She glanced to her side and found Jurina still sleeping. Although her strength was spent, for the first time in a very long while, Sayaka was at peace. She closed her eyes again, willing herself to submit to the lullaby of Jurina’s soft breathing.

When she awoke the second time, Jurina was watching her.

“Good morning,” the vampire greeted, a fresh flush of red tinted her cheeks.

What is she? A virgin? Sayaka almost laughed at her partner’s hesitant voice. “Good morning, are you well?” She responded.

“Why don’t you hate me?” Came Jurina’s abrupt question.

It wasn’t the best ‘morning-after’ debriefing Sayaka imagined.

“Look, I don’t feel like a rebound, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“But to suddenly ask from you this…this…” The vampire could not find it in herself to continue her own sentence.

“I wanted that…I wanted you. No more arguments.” Sayaka was always frank, never one to mince words just to appeal to others.

Jurina nodded then stared at the ceiling, “During my time in the Labyrinth, I would dream of you often. It confused me very much. Then, that night when you came for me, I was sure… I felt something strongly.”

“I don’t expect you to let go of Rena so easily. But I’m feeling what I’m feeling and it won’t disappear anytime soon.” Sayaka sighed, but her words were woven with understanding and patience. She knew how it felt to start over, to regain the feeling of your legs after a nasty fall.

“It wouldn’t be as troublesome if you hated me instead.” Suddenly, the turbulent days from the past, back when they were both still struggling to understand, more so tolerate each other, seemed less complicated.

“But I don’t. So stop stressing too much.” Sayaka shifted to her side, a bit annoyed at her partner’s brooding.

“Rena once said that she wanted me to be a ‘light’ to you.” Jurina drew closer and wrapped her right arm around Sayaka’s waist. “But it seems you’re the one who’s keeping me alive.” She buried her face on the dhampir’s back. Sayaka smelled like rain, and lilies and gunpowder.

Sayaka held Jurina’s hand on her hip. “Just get some sleep.” She interlocked their fingers. “I’ll stay in with you until noon.”

*~*~*~*

Present time: Winter

The smell of blood reeked in the air; death would finally end its long courtship.

How did it all come to this again?

Sayaka remembered being impaled by something, It was sharp and big, it came right through her ribs.

Was it a Claw? A tailbone? A fang?

Ah, we were fighting a snow leviathan conjured by The Necromancer. A mighty demon from the Book of the End.

We had him cornered, almost defeated but that devil escaped!

She felt its large tooth break through her flesh; she saw red liquid gush out of her body before collapsing. She wanted to fight, wanted to chase down the damned devil that played with life and death. But her body wouldn’t move. She couldn’t even lift a finger.

The kiss of the snow against her skin,

Jurina’s cries,

Her shaking hands;

Lingering feelings of warmth.

I saved her, I ran without even thinking…just to save her.  

Sayaka lost consciousness.

.

.

.

.

 There was darkness, infinite darkness like a cage that constricted her breathing. Light came to her in small flickering flashes.

“She won’t last another night.”

“You’re lying! Shut up, you’re lying!” Miyuki’s voice rang defiantly.

“Miyuki-san, please get a hold of yourself.” Now it was Miyawaki.

“Do something or I will destroy this campus. It matters not if they execute me.”

Then it was Jurina–full of rage,

Full of hurt,

Full of desperation.

“Don’t be an idiot, J.” Sayaka wanted to say, but darkness claimed her.

…

The next time the dhampir came to, she recognized the ceiling of her room. Her body felt like lead and her lungs burned. It was a pain to even try to sit up.

Her vision readjusted and she found Miyuki running immediately to her aid.  

“Sayaka, don’t move too much! You’ll re-open your wounds!” She noticed the bandages all over her body, bloodstains were particularly heavier on her torso area.

“Why am I alive?” Sayaka rasped; it almost sounded like she was irritated that her demise had been undone.

Miyuki swore she would hit her servant in the face if not for the dhampir’s injuries. “Can’t you be thankful instead? You jerk!” Although her words were harsh, tears were actually welling in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I was trying to be funny…”

“Don’t. Everyone’s on the edge just to bring you back.”

“How did you do it?” Sayaka was sure it was her final curtain call. There was no hope in cheating death, and yet her she was.

“I didn’t.” Her master’s voice was firm, “Jurina revived you.”

“What is she now? The Virgin Mother?” At that, Miyuki struck the back of Sayaka’s head.

“Ow! Easy on the hemorrhage, woman!”

The human handler was furious. “She gave a fragment of her soul to save you! You unbelievable heathen!”

“It’s alright Miyuki-chan. Sayaka’s alive, it’s all that matters.” Jurina’s voice interrupted their banter, followed by the slow closing of the door. Both occupants of the room couldn’t break their gazes from the new comer.

The vampire made her way to Sayaka and Miyuki. An eerie veil of calm graced her features. Her raven hair had grown out past her shoulders and her left iris was noticeably ash grey.  “You’re finally awake.” Her voice was leveled, almost frosted.

Sayaka was expecting a warm hug, a whiny chiding or some show of affection. Not this…not this empty reaction.

“Y-yo.” The dhampir greeted her with mixed feelings. If Matsui Jurina choses to put up her walls then Sayaka would respond accordingly. “Been a while Juri–” She was unable to complete her sentence.

Jurina collapsed on Sayaka’s bedside,  holding onto the latter’s arm in an iron grip; as if fearing that her partner would disappear. Tears rolled down from her normal eye. “I…I missed you so much.”

Sayaka ran her fingers through the vampire’s long hair, urging her to calm down. “I’m back.” She whispered against Jurina’s ear, her voice brimming with life.

…

Vampires have a fragment of Polaris in their souls,

It allows them to use magic;

Makes them immortal.

A full squad of soldiers carried out their offensive stratagem, reaping through the hoard of Shades that came to besiege North Star Academy. Spells and curses filled the air like fireworks; gunfire and clanging of blades echoed as the creatures of darkness fell one by one against the purest of snows.

“Maintain your positions, don’t let any of them get past the gates!” Sayaka bellowed, her succeeding orders were executed in swift, precise fashion by her subordinates.

I’m a dhampir; half-vampire, half human.

An Abomination, a disgrace…a weakling.

“Woah, looks like our lonewolf has finally matured into a leader.” Miyuki teased before releasing a flurry of slashes from her enormous scythe. Heads instantly rolled from each swipe. She stood beside her servant with taunting confidence as she smirked.

They’ve called me many names.

But it didn’t break me.

“What are you doing in the front lines?!”

“I can’t miss out on all the fun, now can I?” Her master proceeded to effortlessly behead their opponents.

“Captain watch out!” One of her members casted a fire burst against a frosted claw emerging out of the snow under them.

The dhampir gave a nod of gratitude before pulling out her guns and shooting down every hostile target within her perimeter–all head shots.

My fragment is supposedly broken.

But due to some twist of fate,

A gust of wind blew past them and instantly, the Shades shattered like crystal ornaments.  A familiar figure decked in an immaculate military uniform emerged out of the gale, cape drawn as if protecting someone.

A precious person gave part of her soul to save my life.

The fragment of Polaris inside me, the Black Star, has sparked anew.

“Always with the flashy entrance…” Sayaka groaned.

A bright grin was pasted on Jurina’s face. “Save some for us, guys!” Sakura stepped out of the White Knight’s cape. “Dance to your heart’s content, Master.” the vampire bowed gallantly.

Sakura nodded, her choice of weapon was a thin luminous whip which minced the Shades that tried to advance. “This is really exciting.”

Miyuki clapped, her eyes beaming with pride. “She’s growing into a nice Domina, isn’t she?”

“Don’t tell me you gave her that weapon….your fetishes scares me.” The dhampir side commented.

“Oh shut up! I’m sure Jurina’s enjoys it.”

Jurina frowned, covering her master’s ears. “Don’t say such embarrassing things, Miyuki-chan! Sakura-sama is too pure for this kind of talk!”

Miyuki couldn’t help but giggle.

Just then, a livid shriek caught their attention. All gazes were fixed on the approaching snow golem that plowed through the woods. It’s height could easily be compared to a grown Sequoia.

Sayaka and Jurina turned to their masters in perfect synchronization, as if waiting for their directive.

“Please destroy the assailant.” Sakura gave her order.

“I want it decapitated, fast.” Miyuki made a slicing gesture across her neck.

My name is Yamamoto Sayaka,

My partner is Matsui Jurina.

Both soldiers switched to full offense. They sprinted side by side, with weapons drawn, towards their target.

“Better not slow me down.” Sayaka remarked.

“You wish!”

We are soldiers, blood warriors.

We swore to protect this earth;

To destroy Shades;

Sayaka rained bullets on the fiends that tried to overwhelm them.

To hunt down The Necromancer;

To bring peace among all races.

The White Knight sliced her way through.

“This will be a feast!” Havoc boiled under Sayaka’s skin. The dhampir unsheathed a broad saber that she had customized with a gun muzzle, she had just began using it for close combat–not more than a week actually.

Jurina flicked her sword drenched in black blood. “I’m getting fired up!” The battlefield was a strong aphrodisiac after all.

They landed blow after blow against the snow golem, a barrage of assaults that brought it to its knees. The two warriors seemed like they were dancing, each hit was a continuation of a song. Some would fear that the two women were possessed, enjoying the heat of battle to their heart’s content.

Sayaka raised her free hand to the sky, as if summoning the heavens to open. Thunder rumbled, and the clouds began to swirl around her. A dhampir using elemental magic was unheard of. Then again, Yamamoto Sayaka, in her second life, was no ordinary half-blood.

The war against the darkness is upon us;

A bolt of lightning hit the golem, covering it with sparks of electric currents and flames.

And this is only the beginning.

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FIN.