Three days have passed since Kasumi and Ryusen’s encounter with Shuu. Everything had seemed to return to normal for Ryusen… or so he thought. “Good morning Miss Tsukiko, Ka…su… mi…” “Oh, good morning Ryusen.” Tsukiko said cheerfully. “Yo, what’s up man?” Shuu said stuffing his face while sitting next to Kasumi. “Wh-what is HE doing here?!” Ryusen yelled baffled and confused. “Hm? Oh. While I was watering the flowers at the church I found him sleeping in a tree, so I asked him to come here and eat.” Tsukiko explained. “Whatever, I’m going to back to my room.” Ryusen said as he stormed off. “What’s wrong with him?” Tsukiko asked a little concerned. “He just a little jealous of Shuu from our encounter in the woods.” “Oh, I see. Well I’m going back to the church now.” “Ok, Miss Tsukiko. Take care.” “You too Kasumi, and Shuu.” “Yes, ma’am?” “Please don’t think harshly on Ryusen, he’s really a good boy once you get to know him.” “I’ll keep that in mind ma’am.” “Good, well I’m off now.” “Bye Miss Tsukiko.” “Goodbye ma’am.”
Fifteen minutes later, Kasumi and Shuu are sitting in the living room with Ryusen glaring at them from the kitchen. “Jeez, how long does he plan on doing that?” “Just ignore him like I do. Anyway I want to ask you a few things.” “Ok, go ahead.” “Well I’ve never seen anyone dressed like you before.” “Heh, I was told the same thing by Miss Tsukiko. I’m a taekwon student.” “taekwon?” “Yeah, it’s a type of martial art, and the staple of my village.” “Ah, I see.” “So why aren’t you going back to that village?” Ryusen said butting into their conversation. “Because, I’m on a special mission.” “Oh, what is it?” Kasumi asked intrigued by this mission. “I’m going to assassinate the orc lord for killing my parents.” Shuu looks down. His melancholy mood fills the room. “I’m sorry Shuu. I didn’t mean to…” “No… it’s ok. I was still a baby when it happened so…” “So the you have a bone to pick with the orcs too, huh?” “You mean, Miss Tsukiko isn’t your mom?” “No… Are parents disappeared when our old village was attacked ten years ago…” Kasumi said sadly. “Then why don’t you two come to Geffen with me? I was going to resistance camp near that town.” “As much as we’d love too…” Ryusen said solemnly. “Miss Tsukiko would never let us do something like that.”
Meanwhile as Tsukiko reached the church gate she sees a mysterious man heading into the forest from the church. “Who is that?” She thought to herself. “I’d better follow him.” Tsukiko carefully followed the mysterious man, making sure not to make a sound. Twenty minute later he stopped, looking around making sure he wasn’t followed. “You’re alone I presume.” A dark voice bellowed. “Yes, master.” the man replied. “That’s Hirokai’s voice.” Tsukiko thought to herself shocked. “Good. How are the plans going?” “Things are running right on schedule master.” “Good, good. I can be assured that you’ll keep me informed on the progress of “The resurrection” correct?” “Of course master.” “Resurrection? What could they be planning…” Tsukiko continued to think to herself while staying well hidden in the bushes. “Go back to your post Hirokai, before people start to get suspicious.” “Yes, master.” Hirokai leaves the forest with Tsukiko close behind. “You did a good job staying hidden from Hirokai priestess, but you should have just stayed at the church like a good girl…”
At the church Tsukiko goes to confront Hirokai. “Bishop Hirokai.” “Yes? What is it Miss Tsukiko?” “I want to find out a few things.” “Ok I’m all ears.” “Who was that you were talking to in the forest?” “Shit, when did she find out…? I was sure no one followed me…” Hirokai thought to himself nervously. “Th-that was my old master.” “Your old master?: “Yes, you see he has very sensitive skin, and isn’t very people friendly so that why we met in the woods.” Hirokai said successfully lying to Tsukiko. “So what’s this plan about a resurrection?” “You see, he plans on rebuilding his old church. But it‘s a secret project so keep your quiet about it ok?” “Oh, I see. Don’t worry Hirokai, I won’t tell anyone.” Tsukiko leaves satisfied with Hirokai’s lies. “Tsukiko, you have no idea the danger you could be in right now.” Hirokai thought to himself. “If Master Juro, noticed that you followed me…”
6 p.m. Kasumi, Ryusen and Shuu arrive at the gate of the church and see a new face at the main door. “Hey Kasumi, have you ever seen him before?” “I was going to ask the same to you Ryusen.” “He seems to be waiting for something. Let’s hide and find out what he’s up to.” Shuu suggested “Good idea Shuu.” Agreed Ryusen. “The trio hide in the bushes being as quiet as possible as not to gain the mysterious man’s attention. Ten minutes later Tsukiko exits the church and is confronted by the man. “Excuse me, sir.” Tsukiko said politely. “What’s the rush?” the man said. “Why does his voice sound so familiar?” Tsukiko thought to herself. Peering from his window, Hirokai sees the man and Tsukiko. “Oh, no.” Hirokai said to himself. “He did notice her after all.” “Bishop Hirokai!” one of his assistants yelled. “A weird man is confronting Tsukiko!” “Go tell everyone to stay inside.” But sir what about…” “Do it now!” “Y-yes sir.” Hirokai’s assistant leaves to tell everyone in the church what he said.
Back in the church yard. “I have to meet my kids soon, we were supposed to go out to eat tonight.” “Is that so? Well you can go on your merry way after I ask you a few questions.” Tsukiko noticed that the man was trying to keep his face hidden from the sun. “Hey, are you Hirokai’s old master?” Tsukiko asked him. “Tsk, tsk. I haven’t even asked the questions yet. Oh well.” “Please don’t say the wrong thing Tsukiko.” Hirokai pleaded in his mind. “Please spare her life, Master Juro.” “I know this is supposed to be a secret, but could you tell me more about “The Resurrection?” “Seems as though I’ve found the one I’m looking for.” “Hirokai! Don’t you dare move from where you are!” Juro yell with the ferocity of a dragon. “W-what’s going on here?” Tsukiko asked almost trembling to her knees. “We’ve got to help her!” Ryusen exclaimed. “Are you crazy?! That guy’ll rip us to shreds!” Shuu exclaimed trying to keep Ryusen in the bushes. “I’m so sorry miss, but you won’t leave this place alive.” Juro takes off his cloak revealing himself to be a lord knight. “Any last words before I kill you?” “I thought the lord knights went abide to the chivalry code?” “I am abide to the chivalry code… My chivalry code!” “I hope you burn in hell…”
Juro charges at Tsukiko, drawing his weapon. Tsukiko jumps out the way just before he hit her with his blade. “Shuu let go! I have to help her!” “Ryusen, if you jump out now all you’ll do is become distraction or even worse a hostage!” Ryusen settles down trying not to think of the worst. “Kyrie Eilision !!” Tsukiko creates a protective barrier around herself. “All your doing is delaying the inevitable priestess.” Juro charges at her again preparing for an attack. “Haa! Take this! “Bowling Ba…” “Lex Divinia !!”
Tsukiko silences Juro, preventing him from using his special attacks. “So you prevented me from using my skills… no matter, I’ll send you to Nifflhiem! Juro starts swinging his sword violently trying to break the barrier that surrounded Tsukiko. Just before he could deliver the final blow that break the barrier, Tsukiko pulls out her long mace in an attempt to fight back. “And here I thought this was going to be boring.” Juro said intrigued by this new situation. “Impositio Magnus !!” I’m not going to die… not now!”
Tsukiko charges at Juro. As Juro prepare for her attack, Ryusen jumps out of the bushes. “Don’t you dare hurt my mother!” He screamed. “Ryusen, no!” Kasumi and Shuu scream as they ran after Ryusen. “It seems that this church has a few roaches. Let me crush them for you!” Juro rushes at the trio with the full intent of killing them. Stricken with fear, the only thing they could do was close their eyes. As Juro thrust his sword, Tsukiko runs in the way and takes the fatal blow.
As her blood drips on to Kasumi’s face, she opens her eyes and screams in terror. “Mom!” she screamed. “I’m so happy you two finally called me mom…” Tsukiko said slowly as Juro pull his sword from her back. “Don’t talk, save your strength!” “Save you breathe, she’ll be dead soon anyway.” “Why? Why didn’t you run away before?” Ryusen asked crying. “Because… if I were to have tried to run… he would have come after you three instead… I’m sorry Kasumi… Ryusen… I wish I could have been a better mother to you both…” What are you talking about? You are the best mother anyone could ask for.” Kasumi cried. “Momma please don’t die, please… we need you!” Ryusen sobbed. “I’m sorry you two… always remember that I love you… and that I’ll always be watching over you…”
Those were the last words Tsukiko said to them before she died. As Ryusen and Kasumi mourned over the death of their foster mother, Juro cloaks himself again and walks back into the forest.
