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Aili was greeted at the door by worried and panicked shouts.

"Mother Aili!"
"High Priestess Aili!"

"Somebody tell me what is going on!" Aili's authoritative voice silenced the clamour on to have a bunch of voices trying to tell her what was going on.

Aili held up a hand for silence. The high priestess made eye contact with one of the higher ranking priests. "Tell me what's happening." Aili started running towards the living quarters with the priest next to her.

"I'm not sure what really is going on, but there seems to be fighting going on the High Priest's living quarters. Tale made box lunches for Kurai and two others. We have reason to believe he is providing refuge for a wounded patient."

'It's probably Seyla,'Aili thought.

"There's been an abnormal amount of spiritual pressure building up. I heard others have sensed tainted beings entering the church. I'm not sure if it was for confessions or..."

Aili interrupted him, "I'll be heading in on my own, get a list of those who sensed the presence and give it to me when I'm done."

The priest fell back and Aili proceeded to the living quarters.

Joy bit her lip,her back showing to the others still. Her cat ears twiched slightly,hearing someone approaching. The scent was one Joy recongized. Aili-mama. Her eyes were hidden,and the tears stopped. She wondered what she would do when Aili found out. Her image was ruined,though that wasn't what Joy was really worried about.

Joy thought..maybe..she could lose against Kuri-chan. Because..only Death can break this chains. Joy fists tighened so tightly,that her claws digged into her palms so deeply,that they bleed.As the guilt starting to weigh her down,almost making her drop to her knees.

What kind of person am I if I just let one of the most important people in my lives DIE! I can't I CAN'T!" Joy heard Kurai start laughing,laughing like this was all a big joke. A comedy playing for him. And he was in the act as well.

Joy lifted up her head,and let her hands relax,as small beads of ruby red blood rolled down her fingers,falling like rain and staining the ground. Giggling like an innocent child Joy spun around on her tipy toes. "Joy won't trouble herself,playing with this little girl. Besides..it takes two to tango. Joy just thought..before.." Joy smiled warmly to herself,her eyes distant,like they could only see the past. And this world passed her by,as she sat in her own little one.

"Joy thought,it wasn't Your God,or my father who wanted me alive....but maybe. Just maybe..it was Kuri-chan who actualy wanted Joy to live..but were both wrong Joy guess ne? "Though her voice sounded cheerful as her hands squeezed where her heart was, her black dress creasing, almost singing the words out like she was in the choir,there was a hint of sadness that Joy couldn't hide,no matter how many hours she practiced infront of the mirror.

**************

Joy still in her School uniform skipped her way to the playground,her pet Sybertooth Giddy following her with contempt. Ella,dressed in a black leather drench coat,and all black as always followed but not so willingly.

How long has it been since I..her..we..left home?After "It"happened of course but how many years?months?Weeks?Days? And yet we havn't changed.....we are linked to each other,by invisble chains. Ella took another long drag on the cig,cracking open one eye,the blood red color of them unveiling themselves.

But in a way,we are linked to each other because of our pain,created by different reasons,different causes,different meanings,but we carry this pain every where we go, even when she erased her memory it was still there,that pain that shakes you to your very core and threathens to shatter it..... At this moment Joy looked up,a ligth snowfall coming down,a particulary large snowflake landed on Joys nose,as she foolishly tried to lick it off,to no prevail. It was pathically adorable,sickning even.

Looking over to Ella,Joy smiled a warm,soft smile,her eyes softning but due to what emotions,it was uncertain. The wind blew both of their long silky hair,one the color of blooming leaves and blowing grass,the other the color of fire and blood.

"Ella..and Joy..Carry such a hard burden of Pain..don't we Ella?"
*************************

Joy was about to say more,intill another figure took place standing high on the top of the blood stained wooden cross. Though her eyes told her it was Rene, it couldn't fool Joy. She had spent hours on making that voice,sound like a curious girl. Young and pure,and adorable. She had put all her hopes,dreams,and selfish wishes into Mint. Hoping that atleast Mint could find happiness.

Joy waved happily at Mint,who somehow was trapped inside Renes body. Their souls binded in two,as they fought for dominance over control. " Joys been expecting you...come down and give Joy a hug!!!" Joy swung open her arms,still not moving an inch closer,a big goofy smile spreading across her tanned face. Joy worked so hard,for them to achieve everything Joy can't even dream of having. Joy gave every one of them..a Ghost of a soul. Because without a soul..happiness is a mere fairytale.

Mint fell straight forward onto her face as Rene suddenly turned into sand grains. She fell with a wonderful splat onto the now ruined marble floor of the church. Mint then rubbed her face and looked about her. She was now trapped in the barrier that the person who healed Kurai made. She couldn't jump back up to Kurai's room cause it was too high.

"ita..." Mint rubbed her face and looked around. "What now... Rene! Nee-san! Where are you!? Come back!!" Mint cried helplessly. "... you looked hurt.."
****************
"Protect the one thats most important to you huh??"

Kurai looked back at Seyla with a disgusted look on his face, as if she was being stupid and all. "What do you think i am saying Seyla! I want you to live... The power of the spawn of the demon lord is much too strong for both of us! You should know this!" Kurai cried out with anger. He then lowered his blade and held it straight in front of him with two hands. He then looked over to his left where the strange holy figure healed him stood.

"And i have no idea where this gal came from... but obviously she's telling me to walk on..." Kurai then chuckled "suffer more from the daughter of the demon lord.. don't rest..." Kurai then brought his one hand back over one of his eye and gripped his forehead again. "So be it.. I will suffer and protect those who are innocent and suffering from Joy.. is this what your TELLING ME LORD!!" Kurai then looked up at the stained glass and shouted out at it. "YOU WANT ME TO SUFFER!?" Kurai gripped his forehead harder and then let out a laugh.

Soon this was broke by Joy's childish laugh. Kurai froze immedaitily and looked over at Joy with massive confusion. He then brought his hand back to grip his blade tighter and staring straight at Joy. The Giggles that Joy let out not only confused him, but absoutly disturbed him and angered him. It was as if it was the most irritating sound Kurai has ever heard. Kurai then Shook his head quickly. "SHUT UP! YOU SHUT UP!!!" Kurai yelled out to Joy as she giggled.

Each blooddrop that fell from Joy made Kurai tinge with anger. it stained the perfect blue lighted (from Seyla's flame) floor. Kurai then smirked at Joy's comment.

"Joy thought,it wasn't Your God,or my father who wanted me alive....but maybe. Just maybe..it was Kuri-chan who actualy wanted Joy to live..but were both wrong Joy guess ne? "

"me? Wanting you to live!?" Kurai swung his blade tauntingly at her with a firm swish. "You wish.. You saw what i wanted to do Joy.. i completely wanted you to die..." Kurai then brought his blade to strike right through the marble ground.

Kurai then saw her attention has changed. he looked upwards and then saw Rene standing there up on the cross, but with the strange Mint hair and arm. Kurai then looked back at Joy and his eyes widened in angry.

"you...." Kurai then rose his blade up into a fighting stance.. "YOU! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER!!" Kurai yelled out in pure anger. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO RENE!!!" Kurai demanded and then brought a hand up to his face and gripped his forehead tightly. Something was boiling inside him, he wasn't sure what it was, but each taunt he gave at Joy seemed to build up inside him. Soon after the sight of Rene on the cross something snapped.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!!" Kurai yelled out again not letting her answer.

CEASE THIS IMMEADIATELY!

Kurai didn't had to see who it was to know entered. Kurai just began to quicken his breathing as he stared straight at Joy. did she just.. change my sister!? My Only REAL sister into an andriod like Mint!? Was this some way of taunting me!? A way of payback!? Soon a strange transparent barrier formed about them. It was invisible to the naked eye, but every now and then the light shined off it and showed its form.


"Kurai! Ease your mind and clear it! Toss aside any negative thoughts! Make reason!"

I just did Aili... and Joy is a MONSTER. not just a tainted one anymore! she just ruined my SISTERS LIFE! Kurai thought violently as his breathing became more heavier. Kurai then just blocked out all of the rest of Aili's word. Right now it was his own life Falling apart.

"What are you talking about Aili.." Kurai said turning slowly to face Aili. For once he didn't even address to her as Mother. "I already analyzed this situation.. I Know perfectly whats going on." Kurai then removed his left hand off his blade and pointed two fingers twoards Aili.

"IM NOT A CHILD!!!" Kurai yelled out and then produced a flame at the Tip of his fingers. "AND RIGHT NOW I AM IN NO NEED FOR YOUR LECTURES!" Kurai then turned his frown into a smile. His eyes slowly gained a chaotic look as he froze there with the flame still readingly to be launched at Aili.

what the.... Kurai thought a bit, his left eye twitched a bit as he didn't even let out a breath from his mouth. what the heck am i doing... Kurai then shook his forehead.

I KNOW WHAT IM DOING! AILI IS TRYING TO STOP ME! FROM WHAT I NEED TO DO!! Kurai then brought his right hand up to his face along with his flame blade. The blade itself sizzled on the side of Kurai's cheek and burnt him a bit. but Kurai didn't seem to mind as he gripped his head tightly with his right hand.

"GAHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Kurai let out angrily. something was consuming himself. HUman emotions overwhelming him. "MOTHER AILI!!!!" He yelled out in fear. He then threw his left hand twoards the ground releasing the flame to splatter against the marble. He then threw himself onto his knees and gripped his head also with his left hand.

"MOTHER AILI!!!!" He yelled out again. and then began to shake his head angrily in every which way possible. At this time he just wanted to shut himself from what was going on. His mind couldn't take anymore of what was going on. He wanted to keep his reason and his sense together. But the emotions were telling him to go opposite ways, ways that he didn't want to follow, destructive ways. He knew it was wrong, he should know it, as a high priest and a student of Mother Aili.

The double creature of Rene and Mint snarled as her creator Joy opened her arms so warmly to her. It was as if she didn't care what had happened. That it was nothing. That she was nothing. The girl continued to stay there, perched upon the smashed cross. Her blood painted eyes evaluated all present. This was the right action to take in battle. Kurai was ranting on about something done to his sister, but he ment Rene not the one that stood there now, and she knew that. Aili was there, the priestess who did not want to solve problems with violence, but a horrible death like this could not be avenged with speach of forgiveness. That other girl, she seemed to not pay attention to Kurai's other threat. And the lady that had defelected her shots, well she was not doing anything worth while now either.

Mint, she lay there, crying after Rene. Saying that she looked hurt, telling her sister to come back.

She's my sister. A pang of jealousy went through her. But maybe Rene got another sister when I wasn't paying attention.

"BAKA!" The girl yelled out in Rene's vocabulary. "DON'T FIGHT WITH YOURSELF!! YOU HAVE TWO HERE WHO WANT TO FIGHT WITH YOU!" She turned her head slowly. With narrowed dark eyes she looked at Joy. "You will not have the chance to fight with him!"

The girl vaulted off the cross, the appendages to her robotic arm where entwinned around the holy symbol as she did so. They tighted and there was a shocking creak and deep crack as the base of the dented cross ripped itself from the floor. The floating black rope-type wires moved in a swift motion and the large dented remainate of the cross flug through the air to Joy's open arms.

he walked up stares looking around "why am I even hear god hasent done any thing for me a proberly never will, with the sins I have comited in my life I dont even see why I would be let in here"

Silence is all that was heard from above the church, quiet wings of birds outside fluttered against the cool roof as a pair of sapphire eyes remained locked on the whole ordeal. Nothing was sensed, nothing revealed....for the darkness binds all senses except for touch. The lone figure simply waited, like a one-winged angel of death, perching above those ready to die. A glint of light hit a pair of obsidian glasses, reflecting a ruffle of ivory hair as an extension of the shadow moved slowly towards its back, it seemed to be an arm. Whatever this creature was, it seemed content simply being, exsisting to watch like a muse of destruction.

The man heard a small voice in the back of his head, his body crouched and one hand gripping the rafter like a panther. Is all of this...really nessecary? Why did you come back here.... Why are you still ali... he cut the voice off with a shake of his head, his mind traveling back to what he remembered before the ordeal, before Ria high....before the mission to assassinate Winter. To when he was still a rookie, and still the best...

Men!...this will be your final mission as a team. After this, the Mythril foxes will be dissolved, and you will all become members of the elite team known only as CHECKMATE. The mission... is to destroy the organization known simply as ESSET, an elite team of counter- demon slayers.... many of you may die... but as long as CHECKMATE lives, so do you! Various cries of approval and cheers filled the air as Dante simply stood there, lighting a cigarrette.

No...Why am I remembering this?!?!?!?!?
You have to... It IS your destiny to become a legend....
Please God.... no, leave my head! Please...cut me free.
NEVER!


Dawn breaking.... helicopters filled the sky like birds... men waiting to die took final vows as they leapt into the enemy stronghold...

Not this... please!
Bleed with me Dante....
I'll never again obey to kill! Even to save myself!

Three hours passed... in the end, The Foxes Stood victorious, losing only 4 members. Cheers went around as Dante simply sighed, shaking his head. How can they praise those that have died.... Suddenly... a strong voice came over the radio. Good work boys! You have all been promoted to CHECKMATE, Rank of ROOK. And as For Crimson Lotus.... Dante looked up... that was his callsign. He has been awarded the rank of QUEEN. Now men... Its time for you to snuff the queen, show your skills and loyalty to CHECKMATE... KILL CRIMSON LOTUS! The radio went dead... only static filled the air as Swords we unsheathed.... guns switched from saftey to auto... and grins to grim faces... Sorry Dante... but you're a dhampir... we cannot have you any longer.. you've served your purpose.... NOW DIE! Dante's eyes went wide as he pulled his sword from his back, his old bext friend leaping at him as he swung. Not enough time!!!
They all fell down...one by one....
By your hand, Crimson Lotus!
Don't you call me that!
embrace yourself again! Become invincible! Embrace me once more!
I will not! This isn't my fight anymore.... I fight for myself....
LIAR!!!!!!!!!


The nightmare was cut short by the crashing sound of a large wooden cross falling towards Joy. Without thinking, the shadow moved, falling with both arms spread, the glint of cold steel and deep red ripping through the veins of darkness on his way down, a violent display of wood splintering and steel biting as the man twisted around, the sword seeming to dance in his hand as he landed to the floor near Joy, the sword back against his spine while the trail of a crimson coat flowed around her. The cross was obliterated, over sixteen cuts in his one motion while the cross fell apart around Joy, not injuring her at all. The man's body moved slowly with his breaths in the now silent church, the only sound resonated from the lungs of the others as they drew breath....

Moments seemed to pass as the man stood slowly, his knees creaking and the wood under his feet waning against his weight as he turned nonchalantly, placing a soft hand on Joy's head while the murderous eyes from behind his glasses locked with Kurai, a solid grin on his face.... As the slayer of one thousand demons stepped clear of the derbris.... saying only one word to the entire congregation.

".........Yo...."

Dante....had returned.

Splitters shattered everywhere above Kurai and Ishoa. but neither of them seemed to mind. Ishoa was too focused on Kurai and Kurai himself was still busy trapped in his own emotions. Kurai didn't even feel when Ishoa layed two hads onto Kurai's back kneeling down trying to comfort him. Kurai just kept yelling at himself and shaking his head. He was scared and the blade which he held against his face certainly didn't help. Ishoa then looked over at Aili with some worry.

You shouldn't be here Aili...your body can't handle so much. He thought not wanting to leave her. But Ishoa trusted her decisions and followed them swiftly. He nodded in agreement and quickly and swiftly picked up Kurai by grabbing him from under his arms. Kurai's arms flung out and he dropped his blade. The blade as usual without his touch evaporated instantly as it hit the ground. Kurai's face was already smothered with a burnt mark and tears were evident in his face. he was a complete mess. Ishoa just looking at him stung his heart.

Ishoa then turned over to Face Dante. Slowly he looked over to Joy then back to Dante. he then cracked a small smile.

"I trust that you will take care of her will you not?" Ishoa said simply. he could sense that Dante was no normal human especially from the display of shattering the cross. "the Children are in quite a mess now.."

Aldora herself slowly poured herself over Seyla resting a hand along her back. She then rubbed her gently trying to reassure her she was going to be ok. Then from underneathe her own shadow grew a small circular shadow which began to spread out. Ishoa quickly dashed over twoards Aldora and kneeled down, then slowly both of them sank down into the Shadow which swallowed the 4 up, taking them away from the Church.

((sorry couldn't stay here, it was getting too messy.))

((Thread continued here Seyla ^^ http://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?page=4&t=1588309#50221838 ))

Joy eyes turned to notice Aili step in,creating a barrier"Aili-mama...". Joy bit her lip,her knees shaking ever so slightly. Her body couldn't take much more of this,holy power. Taking in deep breaths,her body was searing in burning pain,it felt like she was burning from the inside. And her head throbbed with the most horrible head ache,and it didn't help that she felt like she was about to vomit uncontroably

....Joy hates to say this..but..but..in a way..Joy was having fun. And this scared Joy the most. Was it the blood,the violence, what excited her so?This glee that almost put out the pain. Kuri-chan is right..Joy is a monster.. Distracted By Aili speaking,for a moment there was a twinge of hope. Maybe her words will get to Kurai,he always listened to her. But not this time. As Kurai was about to attack his own teacher,his beloved Mother Aili, Joy in the corner of her wide green eyes noticed the large piece of the wood flying towards her. It would of been no problem to dodge,but Joy could barly keep herself standing.

Mint...Joys so happy she could see you again..this last time..Game Over. Closing her eyes Joy prepared herself for impact,but it never came,hearing the swoosh of a sword,and a scent she hadn't smelt in a long long time,so long she couldn't remember who it was exactly.

Joy opened her eyes when she felt someones hand on her head,cracking open an eye,there was slacks and splinters of the cross surrodning all thrown about her. Looking up she saw a face she didn't expect to ever see again.

"Dante-chan?""She was speechless,her mind raced,that she could barly hear what was going on around her. Why was he here,how,where was he all this time,was he going to turn on her? But the pressure from the barrier was coming down on her,feeling like she was a mere bug,being crushed by someones foot. Leaning against Dante Joy gripped his arm for support,her mouth open but she didn't know what to say.

The only time Joy took a step away from Dante was when Ishoa and Aldora appeared,and whisked away Kurai and Seyla,Joy reached out,calling out his name. "Ah!!Onii..chan.." But they were gone. Good..our dance was getting a bit dangerouse ne..Kuri-chan?

Looking over at Aili,her eyes softened,a weak smile on her tanned face. "Aili-mama..don't worry about Joy,she dosen't deserve this..besides Aili-mama is sick." Her grip around Dantes arm tightened,her knees almost buckling,her breathing heavy.Joys going to pass out soon..gotta..keep eyes open.. "Minty-chan... why??Don't you know Joy loved Minty-chan??" Looking up at Rene with blank confused eyes,the fight still going on for control over the body.Joy eyesbrows creased,and for once Joy wasn't all laugh and childish smiles,but her face a perfect picture of pain.