Aarin's Return ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Setsuya grinned devilishly at his former training partner, his long time rival. Aarin Highland. It had been two years since they had last seen each other, but if Setsuya's memory was accurate, then Aarin hadn't changed much. Still blonde, still quiet, still fashionably late. While Setsuya couldn't stop smiling, Aarin's face was still as cold as stone. He had been waiting for this for a long time. Two years. Two whole years. And not once during that time, did Aarin have a half decent challenge to test his sword skills. It was the shameful truth. Setsuya was the only swordfighter on earth that could give him a true challenge. And after waiting for so long, that is exactly what he would get. After a few seconds of silence went by, Setsuya decided to speak for the two of them. "What's up, Aarin? What brings you to this neck of the woods, eh?" The small gusts of wind around Aarin's feet began to die down a little. "Do not joke." He said bluntly. "You know exactly why I am here. Because you are here for the same reason." Setsuya nodded. "Yup. To send off the master, and to pay our respects in the process. But I doubt that's the only thing you've come here for... right?" If Aarin could smile, he would have. "Yes... I assume you have the same problems as me?" "Can't find a good challenge?" "Correct." Aarin uttered. "Your deductions are sharp. Lets just see if your skills have followed the same path!" The wind around Aarin's feet picked up again, as he lifted his sword into the air. Like lightning, he spread out his feet and steadied his position, tightening his grip around the hilt of his blade. In an instant, Aarin span around on his heels, branching out his sword-wielding arm in a spinning motion. The blade cut through the air quickly, rending molecules and stray traces of dust, but not Setsuya. The dark-haired man swiftly jumped off the ground, sailing over Aarin's horizontal slice, clutching at the hilt of his own sword as he travelled through the air. Setsuya flipped over in a quick motion, then landed a few metres from Aarin. He landed in a crouching position, his head lowered, then slowly his head rose, pulling back the locks of dark black hair out of his eye line. Aarin took note of the grin he saw on Setsuya's face, watching his movements keenly. While Aarin stood away, watching him, Setsuya stood, drawing his sleeping sword out of its confining sheath at his waist. It was time for this. Instantly (upon drawing his sword) Setsuya rushed toward his rival Aarin, holding sword in a lower diagonal dragging position, the tip of her blade facing behind. His sword dragged along the ground in a streak of static, making a vivid 'clish' sound as his feet pushed him across the courtyard. As Setsuya ran towards him, Aarin brought up his sword, a new gust of wind booming around the courtyard as he did so. The two swordfighters were before each other once more, and as Setsuya swung his sword forwards to strike, Aarin brought his around to counter this motion. The two swords of the fighters crashed against each other, the sound of the impact echoing into the dense buildings surrounding the courtyard, and frightening the restless crows perched on the rooftops of those said buildings. Setsuya and Aarin withdrew their swords from that clash, and attacked each other in that same way once more. A swing from Setsuya's blade came at Aarin's neck. Upon his instinctive desires, Aarin's body swerved out of the way from the waist up, lashing his thick ponytail of blonde hair around the frame of his cranium. Aarin's upper torso leaned backward, under Setsuya's viciously moving sword. Rather than grumble on his lack of position to strike, the Englishman capitalized on this, by launching his leg out. Setsuya was unprepared for this, and lost his balance as Aarin's brown-shoed foot rammed into his ankles. Setsuya dipped forwards, stumbling along as Aarin slithered back up into a better position. He lifted his windy sword into the air above his head, and then grabbed onto it with his other hand. A grounded Setsuya looked up to see Aarin about to bring his sword down on him, and leapt into alertness. Using one of his arms as support for his body, Setsuya balanced himself off the ground and deflected Aarin's overhead blow with the back of his sword. The swinging motion was so swift and powerful that the force of it knocked Aarin's sword back, though the blonde managed to maintain a grip on it. Setsuya saw his chance and span upwards to gain from Aarin's distraction thrusting his sword upward, stabbing through the air with all of his speedy skill. Aarin didn't wait to long to follow, and preformed the same move in a downward, lowering variation. The two halted as both their swords came within a centimetre's range of the other's throat. For a short while, the two just stood there like that, the sword of one ready to bloodily skewer the neck of the other. Then, after a short pause, the two Yuuga swordfighters smiled at one and other. Setsuya withdrew his sword and stood up. "Sweet. I didn't think you'd still be this much of a challenge after two whole years. You've been eating your vitamins, alright..." Aarin withdrew his blade also, sheathing it. "Is that your way of saying that I am still in top form? Then you are right. And I admit... that you are too. But... I am surprised that you didn't use any of your energy." Setsuya rubbed his nose arrogantly. "Me? Heh, heh! Not likely! Not unless you want this place blown up in smoke." Aarin nodded, remembering just how destructive the Chi of a Yuuga swordfighter could be. "I think we would be better off conserving our full strength. For now. We still have to finish our duel." "Yeah. Plus... Yurunosuke isn't really after any battles in the school right now. He gave me orders not to start anything. But you know how it is with orders and me. I can't follow 'um worth a damn." "So Yurunosuke is here?" Aarin asked. "I suppose I should greet everyone then." Setsuya shook his head, sheathing his sword and placing his hand on Aarin's shoulder. "That can wait, my friend. We need time to catch up and get up to speed. It's been a long time." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sendou-rin Ramen shop, Osaka, Neo-Japan True to his word, Setsuya and Aarin decided to get re-acquainted with each other. The last time they had seen each other was the day they both left the Yuuga school of Sword Arts, two years ago. A lot had gone down in that time, most evident of all was the death of their sword master. While Setsuya left to explore the rest of the world, Aarin left the compound to find a better sword. One that would put him on equal terms with his rival. And after constant searching, trudging through market after market, seeing arms dealer after arms dealer, Aarin finally found the weapon that suited him best. The sword that gave him a real chance at surpassing Setsuya. The two swordfighters of Yuuga School left the training hall and took a short walk into Osaka. Like the rest of the cites inside the Japanese Safe-Zone, Osaka was bristling with life and vigour. Many people scattered across the city relished the nightlife and glamour, while others remained faithful to the aging Shinto beliefs and maintained the shrine created in Pre-Impact Japan. But this indulgence was hollow and meaningless. In the torn world that was 2081, life was short and hard. Which meant that you had to enjoy it while you had it. When death was constantly hanging over your shoulders, it was only natural to enjoy what little you have. Shortly after they left the training school, Setsuya and Aarin came to a small ramen shop, known as Sendou-rin. Back in his days as a young trainee at the school, Setsuya always snuck out to partake of the fine noodle dishes here. Aarin didn't care much for Japanese foods but he had eaten them before, this time would be no different or anymore harsh. The two took a seat at the front of the shop, below the overhanging banner of the shop, scripted with the Kanji for Sendou-rin. "Hey!" Setsuya yelled for the attention of the cook standing behind the counter. "I'll have an order of ramen over here, throw in some pork and don't be skimpy with the ground pepper." Then he looked at Aarin. "What are you having?" Aarin just sighed indifferently. "Whatever." Nodding, Setsuya looked over at the cook and spoke again. "The same for my friend here." The cook nodded, trying hard to ignore Setsuya's rudeness. "Gotcha. That'll be about ten minutes, gentlemen." The cook of the ramen place scrambled round the back to prepare the bowls of noodles for the two. While he got to work, Setsuya span around on his seat, facing the road and looked up into the starry night sky. No matter what happened to the planet, the sky would always be beautiful. Though Setsuya spoke, he didn't look away from the stars hanging above. "So... what have you been doing with yourself all this time?" Aarin slouched a little, still facing forward. "That's not hard to answer, really. I've been searching for a better blade. A weapon that I could be proud to call my own." Setsuya grinned. "Let me guess. You've got a thing for travelling across the world to pick up a weapon?" Unusual as it was, Aarin managed to smile. "I suppose it really *isn't* that simple. In truth, I believed that I could improve upon my skills if I got a stronger weapon to fight with. And fate brought me to this." Aarin's fingers rubbed along the sheath of his new sword. It was a broadsword, a much more sleek than Aarin's old Claymore, and its design was positively beautiful. Almost unearthly. Setsuya frowned, shutting his eyes. "Y'know, a sword doesn't make the man, the man makes the sword. Any strength you obtain, its because of your own skills and desire. The weapon is just an extension, as the master would have said. Still..." Setsuya's blue eyes opened and he showered Aarin's sword with curious glances. "That's one sweet blade you've got there. Better take care of it." "I assure you, I will." Aarin confirmed. "So what have you been doing? Counting the days?" "Ha, ha." Setsuya said sarcastically. "I've been training. And I've been on the move. Exploring the world, seeing sights, running in bounties, and corrupting innocent women. I've always been a bit of a heartbreaker." Aarin rolled his eyes. "You satisfy your loins when you could be improving upon your skills. That is just like you, Setsuya." "Hey, to deny physical attraction is to deny the one thing left untouched in this screwed up world. Besides, lifetime expectancy says I only have about 11 years left to live. Might as well make the most of it. Even if I can't do anything to help the world." Aarin snorted indignantly. "Makes me wonder. Is there really anything worthwhile in this world? What's... what's the point of it all when it's all beyond redemption?" Setsuya looked over at Aarin from the corner of his eye. "I happen to agree with you. Life is weak, and easy to lose. Makes it pointless to exist. But still... I can't believe that the people left should have to suffer like this. They deserve a better world than this... something we won't get but... at least we can set it on its way." "When did you appoint yourself as the world's overseer?" Aarin asked challengingly. "I thought that enjoying yourself was key?" "That doesn't mean that I don't care what happens. If I could do something, don't think that I wouldn't. We're not all stone hearted here, y'know." Aarin lowered his eyes. "I... want to care... but..." "No, I understand." Setsuya said. "Its ironic. Yurunosuke and me were talking about the exact same thing. He has faith but I'm still curious about how things will get better. I know one thing though, things won't get better if we hide behind crap like religion." Aarin smirked. "Another thing we disagree on." "Don't tell me you believe in all that?" Setsuya said disbelievingly. "...I'm not sure." Aarin said. "If there is a supreme master, I'd want to know why all this happened. And what purpose my life has. But if it makes people happier... I suppose it's only natural for them to attach themselves to it." Setsuya sighed, dropping his arms to his side. "I guess we're both searching for something we lack, eh?" "I would appear so." Aarin agreed. "I need a reason to care more, and you need a little more faith in what's left of humanity." "I dunno if I can do that. But for now, I'm just gonna go with the flow. Soon as the funeral is over, I'm going back to China to meet up with someone special to me. What about you?" Aarin thought about it. "I am... not sure. I suppose I will..." "You have plenty of time to think about it." Setsuya said. "And I don't think Yurunosuke will mind if you stay at the compound for a little while longer." Just then, the cook arrived with two steaming ramen bowls in each hand, placing them both before Aarin and Setsuya. "Dig in, gentlemen! That'll be 14 credits." "Finally!" With a watering mouth, Setsuya quickly handed over a couple notes to the cook and stuck into his meal. Aarin, breaking apart two chopsticks, followed suit, using the two wooden sticks to slurp a ration of noodles into his mouth. No matter what happened in the future, it was for the future. Aarin would focus on the here and now, even if it meant hunching over a bowl of ramen. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Highland Mansion, Manchester, Neo-England In a large room, furnished richly with fine things and decorated with a rich man's touch, a solitary girl shined off something you'd never expect a rich girl to wear. A suit of armour. Not just any old suit of armour, it was actually quite significant. A replica of a suit of armour made back in 11th Century England. The girl was currently wearing a long satin white dress; her hair left hanging loose in a waterfall of soft blonde. And as she finished polishing the chest plate of her armour, her baby blue eyes gleamed with cheer and happiness. It was fitting. Anything that was to be worn by Ingrid Highland in battle was going to have to look good. Not that it mattered much. What Ingrid really wanted only her brother Aarin could provide. A rematch. Though she was very different to Aarin, the two similarities that they had were contempt for the aristocracy and a desire for the sword. Ingrid had been drawn to the sword all her life. When Aarin left for Neo-Japan and became a swordsman, Ingrid knew what her purpose was. To become the world's greatest swordswoman. It was a difficult idea however. Most sword masters in England were extremely misogynistic. They would just laugh women out of their training halls most of the time. After a great struggle, Ingrid found a willing teacher, named Roundsman. He was pretty skilled, to boot. After a strenuous training session, Ingrid developed the skills that Roundsman believed she could obtain. Then finally, Ingrid realized that being a swordswoman is what she wanted to do. Her ultimate goal. To become to greatest swordfighter alive. And in the process, she would surpass her brother, Aarin. Soon after Ingrid's training, Aarin returned to England. Though she was happy to see her brother, what she really wanted was a battle with him to test her skills. Eventually, even though Aarin was reluctant, he agreed to this, and the two did battle. Ingrid was defeated. Aarin left Neo-England, leaving Ingrid behind with wave after wave of questions. 'Why did I lose?' 'What more can I learn?' 'Will I ever become the strongest swordswoman?' Ingrid searched herself, knowing that she could not answer her worries. However, one day, while she was walking through one of the markets in the city, a strange man dressed in dark black robes confronted Ingrid. He offered her a sword, a rather powerful sword that was called 'Lightning Tooth'. It possessed great power, strong enough to rival the strength of Aarin's blade. Knowing this, Ingrid gratefully received the sword and decided that she would confront her brother once more, and defeat him. Fire burned in Ingrid's eyes. "Brother! I will defeat you!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Bio-Technological Research Department (Neo-Japan Branch), Nagoya Simon McAmish had been right about one thing. The Bio-Technological Research Department of Nagoya was no reflection of modern society. It was fully decked out with the technologies and designs of the Pre-Comet scientific world. Right from the pallid white of the walls and the hi-tech automatic doors, to the tight security systems and surveillance cameras. It was full of miniature labs that were meshed together to create one gigantic lab, half of it in plain view, the other half deep underground. The two sections of the lab were connected to each other by means of an elevator. That was Ayame's target to reach before she could hope to get near the lower part of the Research Facility. The Dark Katana stood poised in one of the many simplistically long corridors of the grounds. It was morning. Last night she had met up with the Scottish foreigner, Simon McAmish at the nightclub, Black Star. They had talked over what they both wanted. Simon wanted a mission taken care of. To rescue his daughter. And Ayame spoke with cash worries. And they quickly came to an agreement. With the first instalment of her payment given upfront, Ayame was duty bound to find and rescue the daughter of Simon, and her name was Julia. Once that had been agreed on, Ayame left the club to return to her apartment to get some shuteye. After all, one thing she had learned was that taking on dangerous missions was a bad idea if you weren't well rested. She had come to understand that lesson the hard way. As soon as morning hit, Ayame took a shower, had something to eat, got dressed and left for the Bio-Technological Research Department. Simon had given her the details for the location but it wasn't too far out of the city. A few years ago, Ayame was knee-deep in the gang land battle between two crime lords over a weapons deal. Throughout all of that chaos, she had acquired a motorcycle. A cycle that had been built before the landing of the Genesis Comet, which was very rare. It still worked like a charm, and Ayame had christened it 'Megumi-chan'. That very same bike had taken Ayame to the Research Facility. The drive itself was not that long, only a hour or so, but it took her outside of the city as a whole. So far that the outer grasslands were the main topic of view outside of the lab. Now Ayame was inside the place. She had snuck in easily enough, and as long as she stayed one step ahead of the security cameras, she was safe. There was a significant lack of man-power in this place too. Ayame could estimate that there was about fifty scientists working here. And maybe ten or so men working as security guards. That number was quite small considering the great size of this place, but not surprising. The overall population of the world was nearly four times smaller than it was 30 years ago, thanks to the Genesis Comet. So a labour shortage was almost certain to be an issue with almost every company and business out there. Ayame's silver eyes stalked from one side of the corridor to the other. It was all clear. With one hand on the hilt of her sword (Nobunaga) she rushed forwards straight down the hallway to the other end of it. She proceeded to slow down as soon as she came to the doors of the elevator. The one that joined the upper lab with the lower one. According to the floor plans that she had received from Simon, the lower part of the complex was the one most likely to be holding Julia. It was a little harder to move around down there because of the tighter security, probably an indication of importance. It was a logical assumption to suggest that test subjects for the Shougatsu Financial Group's experiments would be there. As Ayame came to the doors of the elevator she was confronted with another keypad on the wall. Another security measure. The young woman exhaled, pulled out the ID Key and swiped it through the slight gap of space left in the keypad for that action. The videoscreen on the keypad brightened and projected the words 'ACCESS APPROVED'. And the white doors of the elevator opened soon afterward. Ayame strode into the small lift and leaned up against the wall as the doors began closing behind her. She crossed her arms and shut her eyes, taking the time to think. "So far... so good," She spoke aloud, "Now... I just have to hope that I can find Julia before the security teams get wind of my presence. If she's even here. Because the last thing I wanna do is get caught messing with the Shougatsu. They might have a pretty face in the public eye but I know full well what these people are capable of..." The lift began the slow process of shifting down the occupant to the lower levels of the lab. A good five minutes later, the lowering sensation faded and the doors began opening. Ayame opened her expressive silver eyes and clutched at the hilt of Nobunaga, looking to see if anyone had caught her out yet. No one was there. Ayame ran out into this new corridor before the doors closed on her again. Now she was in the lower level of the Research Facility. But it was quite a bit different from the upper level. That part of the building was obviously there for show. In a sense, a kind of mask for the public eye. But the real agony of science took place down here. The walls and floors were much like the above, but the ceilings were not furnished. They brandished the thick rocks of the underground. To each door around was a keypad lock, far more here than anywhere else. And the stink of abused chemicals hung with disquieting thickness in the air. This was the true side of the Bio-Technological Research Laboratory. It was unmistakeable. Though she kept one hand on her sword, Ayame sped up her run with less concern this time around. Something was telling her to get this over with quickly. And the Dark Katana was feeling in no mood to argue with it. She ran down the long main corridor of the lower level, darting around the view of each of the security cameras and blazing a trail straight down to a particular room. Upon it was a signboard. And the written phrase on that sign board was; 'Magi-019'. Normally, Ayame would have just run past such a thing. It didn't seem to matter much. But she stopped herself from moving onwards. She froze, and then took a deep look at the door in front of her. Something was niggling at her to check this out. Julia or not. Ayame took out the ID Key again, and swept it through the keypad lock at the side of the door. After being told that her access was approved once more, that automatic door began to open up in a slow motion. It was pulled aside to one point, revealing the innards of that room. But it wasn't so much a room as it was a cell. Across from the Nakagawa-girl was another young woman. Who was probably a year older than the Dark Katana herself. Clad in a long white dress, medical-looking, obviously given to her by the scientists, the girl had a chilled, quiet look in her deep bright green eyes, while her lengthy chocolate brown hair swayed at her sides. Ayame blinked. Was this...? "...Are you... Julia McAmish...?" "Aye..." The brown-haired girl acknowledged it, pushing forth a lighter, more feminine version of her Father's Scottish accent, "...but who are you...?"
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