FAN FICTION: Nightmares and Dreams SERIES: Bubblegum Crisis STORY 1: Sylia's Choice part 2 by David Lindquist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: Bubble Gum Crisis and all characters are the copyright of AIC. All Oriental adventures are the copyright of TSR. They are used without permission. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORWARD: This is part 2 of my fan fiction. Unfortunately I won't be able to begin writing part 3 until after March. But to make up for it, I might make a timeline based on this fanfiction. Enjoy! This story takes place one week after BGC video no. 6 (Red Eyes). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sylia sat and stared at her half-eaten meal while she regained her composure. *I must keep my mind on our job, * she thought as she started to finish her meal.* If Mason is alive, I will need all my abilities to defeat him. I can't afford any distractions. * She quickly finished her meal. * I've better get started,* she thought. Setting her teacup back upon the tray, Sylia slowly bowed her head and closed her eyes. "I AM DONE WITH ALL YOU PROVIDED," she spoke, then Sylia clapped her hands together twice and commanded, "BEGONE!! " At her command both the tray and futon disappeared in a flash of white light, leaving nothing behind to indicate their existence. "Again you have my thanks," she whispered. Sylia then stood up and walked towards the small shrine of Walakomu, at the far end of her small bed chamber. On the shrine laid her weapons and the various parts that made up the O-yorio armor she wore into battle. She stopped a few steps from the front of the shrine, untied the belt that secured her night clothes and let them slide down into a pile at her feet. Her nude body shivered slightly despite the warmth of the chamber. She knelt on one knee and bowed her head. "Walakomu, again I must ask you to grant me the use of your armor so I may defeat my enemies?" she spoke. Sylia lifted her head to look at the small statue of an o-yorio armored warrior set in the middle of the shrine. In her mind, the weariness she felt a few days ago again resurfaced and a part of her hoped that Walakumo would not grant her request. That hope vanished as statue gradually begun to give off a golden glow. The glow expanded until it covered her katanas and every piece of armor on the shrine. *The die is cast,* she thought, *Walakomu has granted my request and I must succeed in my goal.* "My thanks," she sighed. Sylia leaned forward, and picked up the undergarments she wore under the armor. She quickly put on the various garments, slightly thankful for the distraction from the emotional turmoil that plagued her. The task finished, Sylia gave her clothes a final check. Satisfied, she began to don the O-yorio armor. As Sylia put on the armor, she carefully adjusted each piece, until it comfortably set in position. *I think I'll put on the kabuto before I leave,* she decided, while she made a final adjustment to her hachi-maki. She then reached for and retrieved the two scabbards that held her katanas, Kotetu and Muramasa. *I have gone through a lot of battles with these blades,* she reminisced, *but I think this is going to be the true test of my skill with them.* Sylia proceeded to strap the katanas on her back. "Tap.....tap....tap." "Come in Nene-chan," Sylia said. She watched the chamber door slide open and her student enter. Nene wore her normal journey attire; blue pants, a pair of high boots, and a pink blouse with the opening tied all the way up to the nape of her neck. Attached to her belt hung the two tai-fa. Her blue hooded protection cloak perfectly accented her clothing. The hood folded back, showing Nene pinned back pinkish-red hair. * She looks so mature in those clothes,* Sylia thought with a bit of pride. * Like a true sorceress of power. She has learned well.* Nene bowed then spoke. "We are ready to leave, sensei," she stated in a level voice. "Excellent," Sylia replied, "I want you to get three necklaces of adaptation from the armory then meet me at the entrance." Nene turned to comply with her order. As Sylia watched her leave, her mind came to a decision. * I'll give the brooch to her before we leave,* she thought. She retrieved her kabuto and put it on. Sylia then concentrated her thoughts on the O-yorio armor. A second later, she felt the mempo appear in place over her face. "Perfect," she said to herself. With a thought, she dispelled the facemask. *I won't need it until the battle,* then she remembered. *I almost forgot.* She grabbed her pouch of holding and hooked it on her belt. *Now I'm ready.* Sylia left her chamber and walked through the hallways towards the main entrance. As she strolled around the last corner, Sylia couldn't help smiling slightly. By the entrance stood her student, with the necklaces in her hand, waiting for her arrival. "Sensei!" Nene said, an eager look adorned her young face. "I have the necklaces you wanted." "Thank you, Nene," Sylia replied. "Take one for yourself and give the other two to Priss and Linna. We may need them on the job." "Hai, Sensei," Nene confirmed as she took one of the necklaces and placed it around her neck. "I'll do it as soon as I see them." "Nene," Sylia said, her smile replaced with a slight frown. "I want you to wear this." She reached into her pouch, pulled out a small emerald brooch and handed it to her. "It's enchanted with a one charge teleport spell. It will take you to a place near Raven's knoll." Nene looked at the brooch with a confused expression. "Thank you, Sensei," Nene responded then asked, "But why give this to me?" "If we fall into a trap and there is no way to overcome it," Sylia said, her face expressionless, "I want you to use it to save yourself." "I can't do that, Sensei!!!" Nene wailed, her eyes wide with shock. "I have a responsibility to you....." "And _I_ have an responsibility as your sensei to protect you," Sylia replied, cutting Nene off in mid sentence then she sighed. "Nene, "She said," It would put my mind at ease to know that you have a means of escape so please don't argue with me on this point." Sylia noticed her student's resigned defeated expression. "O..o-kay," Nene said. She brushed back her cloak and pinned the brooch on her blouse. She then returned her cloak back to its original position. "Besides," Sylia said with a sly smile. "If anything happened to you Mackie would never forgive me." Sylia watched Nene as she lowered her head and blushed furiously at her remark. "Are you ready to go?" Sylia asked after it looked like Nene regained some of her composure. "Hai, sensei," Nene said still showing some redness in her cheeks. "Let's go then," Sylia replied as she opened the door. Nene followed right behind. They walked through the opened entranceway and exited the cottage. She noticed the red hue of the dawn casting its rays over all of the countryside. *Another bad omen,* Sylia thought glancing at the red sky. "It's about time you two showed up," Linna said, as she held three of their mounts, "The horses are getting restless." Sylia turned and looked at her fellow kensai. Linna wore her forest green chainmail, her razor chain coiled and attached to her belt. Her blue hachi-maki keeping her front bangs out of her eyes. In her left hand she held the reigns of Sylia's and Nene's horses. With her right hand she held her own steed. Next to her, Priss already sat in the saddle of her horse. Her blue leather armor creaked softly as she leaned forward in the saddle. She wore a very amused expression on her face. "Nene," Sylia said, "would you go and relieve Linna of our mounts?" "Hai, sensei," Nene replied. She walked over to their horses and took the reigns from Linna. "Here," Nene said," Sensei wants you and Priss to wear one of these." Linna took the necklace and placed it around her neck. She then marched to the side of her horse and lifted herself into it's saddle. With an angry expression, she turned and glared at Priss. "You could have at least went to see what was keeping them! " Linna hissed. "They're here now aren't they?" Priss responded with a smirk on her face as she slipped on her own necklace . Sylia ignored the bickering that developed between them and turned back to the cottage. She smiled as she raised her right arm to the sky. "ORIGAMI COTTAGE!!" She commanded, "REVERT!" As Sylia finished the command words a blue light surrounded the cottage. The cottage shimmered slightly changing into a colorless version of itself. It then folded itself in half. It continued folding itself until it was the size of a teacup. The storage process done, Sylia walked over and picked up the small paper replica of the cottage. As she walked to her horse she pushed the paper replica together, flattening it out entirely and placed it in a small bag that hung on her horse's saddle. "I wish I could create things like that," Nene sighed. "Keep studying and someday you will," Sylia said, settling herself in the saddle. " Now get on your horse so we can be on our way." Sylia watched as Nene climbed onto her horse, petting its neck gently after she settled into the saddle. Sylia then looked at the others. "Everyone ready?" Sylia asked them. "Hai!!" the other three Knight Sabers replied almost in unison. "Knight Sabers! Sanjo!!" she shouted, digging her heels into the horse's ribs and galloping down the road. The other three followed right behind her. They traveled for most of the morning noticing the gradual change in the countryside from flat green fields to rocky brown hills. As they rode, the moods of the Knight Sabers changed with the terrain, becoming grim and determined. The sun approached midday when they neared the rendezvous point. "How much further? " Linna asked, wiping the sweat from her eyes. "It should be just over this hill, " Nene replied, pointing at the hill in front of them. Sylia looked around the area as they rode towards the hill. *Something's not right, * she thought. "Knight Sabers! Stop!!" she ordered. The others halted their horses, slight confusion shown on their faces. "What's wrong?" Priss asked. Sylia didn't look at Priss when she answered. Her eyes fixed on the top of the hill in front of them. Trying to get some clue as to what lay beyond it. "There are no sentries posted," she said. "So?" Priss replied testily. "They probably think everyone's too scared to bother then, The arrogant bastards. " "No, Priss," Nene interrupted. "It is standard procedure to post them." "Nene is correct," Sylia said. Taking her eyes off the hilltop, she turned to the others. "Ready your weapons but don't draw them unless I tell you to, " Sylia ordered as she reached back and undone the loops that held her two katanas in their scabbards. Her preparations complete, she watched Priss adjust her battle ax for easier access. The predatory smile on her face told Sylia that she hoped for the chance to use it. *Always eager for a fight aren't you Priss?* she thought. *Well I think you will have more than enough opportunity to satisfy your bloodlust before this is all over.* "We are ready Sensei," Nene said, her hands nervously fidgeting with the ends of the her horses' reigns. "Excellent," She replied. "This is what we will do. I will take point. Linna, you're the rearguard. Nene, prepare a fog cloud spell to cover us in case we have to retreat and Priss," Sylia said looking at the blue leather armored bushi warrior, "your with me." The others quickly agreed to the plan then moved into their positions. After they signaled their readiness, the Knight Sabers began their trek up the hill. As they rode up, Sylia tried to mentally prepared herself for the worst. When they reached the hills summit, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw on the other side. The torn and mutilated corpses of numerous soldiers and their mounts littered the hill slope. Their blood created small streams that flowed to the bottom of the hill. Among the remains laid their weapons, most of them shattered and broken. The trail of death and destruction continued through the remnants of a large military encampment. Blood from the hill pooled near the various shredded tents deposited around the destroyed carts and shelters. Beyond the camp, they spotted about forty stone statues, all facing the same point in the road that led to the abandoned temple. The statues appeared as if they were attacking the same area, and some even rode horseback. At that point road sat a small chest with an unidentifiable, severed head place on top. "Who...what could have done this?" Nene asked, eyes brimming with tears. "Mason," Sylia replied, her face emotionless except for a fiery rage building in her eyes. "Let's move." They carefully trotted down the hill and through the camp, trying to avoid corpses and scanning the scene in an effort to spot a possible ambush. The stench of the bodies would have overwhelmed them if not for the necklaces Sylia given them. Sylia glanced at the statues as they rode past. *I should change them back,* she thought. * They might provide some useful information if nothing else.* Her stomach felt ill with the very thought of her giving aid to any Genom troops. * On second thought ,* she mused, *I think I will wait until after we deal with Mason. At least we won't have to worry about an ambush when we leave the temple!* Satisfied with her decision, Sylia shifted her thoughts when she noticed they neared the gruesome marker to the temple road. She suddenly felt the aura of several powerful mystical spells emanating from the head. "Halt," Sylia commanded, stopping her own horse about 15 feet from the chest. The others also stopped their mounts, still on watch for a possible ambush. "Nene," Sylia said turning to the young mage. "Take a magic reading on the severed head. I felt some enchantments emanating from it." "Huh...Oh! Hai, sensei," Nene replied, her eyes red and puffy from the tears she cried at the Genom Gaurd's fate. *Nene,* Sylia thought, as she watched her pupil draw her staff from it's place, * I sometimes envy your nativity of the way the world truly works.* She continued to observe Nene as she prepared to attempt the reading. Nene turned her horse length wise and aimed the tip of the staff at the head. "STAFF OF DETECTION," she said, "REVEAL THE NATURE OF THE MAGICS SET AGAINST US." At the finished of her words, a blue beam of light streaked out of the staff tip and enveloped the severed head. It pulsed around the head but the color never changed then it shut off. Sylia knew what that meant. "I'm sorry, sensei," Nene said, her eyes downcast, "There's an obscure spell among the magics. I can't get a reading." "Damn," Sylia said, a slightly disappointed tone in her voice." I should have expected the spells would be shielded somehow." Sylia returned to her thoughts as Nene placed the staff back in it's storage area. *What are you up to Mason?* she mentally asked herself. * Unfortunately there is only one way to find out.* Sylia looked at the other Knight Sabers as they continued on their watch. "Okay," she said, instantly getting the others attention. "The only way we will find out what spells enchant that head is to activate them. I need you three to get off your horses in case the spell spooks them." "What are you going to do Sylia?" Priss asked as the four warriors began to dismount from their steeds. "Try to activate the spells, "she replied swinging her right leg over her saddle and setting it on the ground. "by becoming their target." Sylia removed her left foot from the stirrup and turned towards the others. The other three held their horses, concern etched in their faces. "My armor will offer me some protection besides," she sighed in an attempt to reassure her team, "it's our only viable option." The other reluctantly agreed with her assessment of the situation. She walked her horse over to Nene and handed her the reigns. "Nene, I want you to watch the horses, If they spook, just let them go. We will retrieve them later." Sylia said. "Priss? You and Linna prepare to assist me just in case I need it." "Right," Priss said, as she confirmed Sylia's orders. While the two moved into position, Sylia watched Nene take Linna and Priss's horses. She still wore a concerned expression. Sylia barely heard the whispered words a few seconds before she started on her walk to the chest. "Be careful, sensei," she whispered. Sylia slowly walked towards the chest. Her eyes transfixed on the severed head in an attempt to detect any spell activation. About three feet from the chest, Sylia stopped. Her mind felt the various spell's activation. At the same moment, she heard the horse's neighs of protest and Nene's attempts to calm them. *Here we go,* she thought as she took a tentative step forward. Sylia watched the head stir from it's resting place. Then the head slowly rose until it equaled Sylia's height. Suddenly, the head's closed eyes flew open, the sockets filled with an eerie black light. Sylia unconsciously took a small step back from the gruesome visage. It stared at her for a few seconds then spoke. "Greetings Sylia. I've been expecting you," it said in a light tone."Sorry for the mess but my 'pets' and I got a little bored. We decided to go play outside." *That's Mason's voice!!* Sylia thought, a sick feeling rose within her at the recognition of his voice. It took a supreme effort to keep her expression neutral. "So you did survive," she said coldly. "You don't sound suprised Sylia," the head stated, his face in a mock pout."After all the time and effort you put into trying to kill me, I thought you would be more upset at your failure." "I've come to the realization that sometimes I don't mind being wrong," she loftily replied then a predatory grin spread across her face, "Just as long as I get a chance to correct my mistake." "Oh you'll get your chance soon enough," it said venomously, "but first I need to get rid of some excess baggage." The head rose up at an angle away from Sylia. It stopped about ten feet away from her. *Excess baggage?* She thought as she watched the head's ascent. *What could he mean...by.. oh no,* Her eyes widened the moment Sylia realized his intentions. "Nooooo!!!" She shouted. Sylia leaped towards the head, her katanas drawn. She desperately prayed she could stop it before the head carried out it's goal. The pulsing eyes told her she would arrive too late. "TRANSMUTE ROCK TO MUD!" it said as it's eyes emitted two cones of black light. The cones swept over the statues placed around the battlefield. The cones abruptly stopped when Sylia swung Kotetu down and cleaved the head in half. Her follow through caused Sylia to descend a good ten feet from where the halves landed. She came down in a crouch, not wanting to turn around. The slurping sound bitterly confirmed her guess. Sylia reluctantly stood up, turned around and walked towards the split head. She stopped when she saw the now melting statues. *Damn you Mason," she thought her anger rising within her. *This ends now.* She noticed the horses gone as the others walked up to her. "There went our reinforcements," Priss said, her face a mask of anger. "What do we do now?" "We finish this," Sylia replied."Once and for all." end of part 2 APPENDIX HACHI-MAKI= headband KABUTO=O-yorio armor helmet NECKLACE OF ADAPTATION= Necklace that protects the wearer from various environments. Including needing to breathe. POUCH OF HOLDING=A magical pouch that is holds far more that it looks like. TELEPORT BROOCH=a brooch that when activated instantly teleport a person to a specified location. It can teleport more than one person at a cost of one additional charge per person. It can NOT be recharged. WALAKOMU=The legends say Walakomu started as a pheasant who craved vengeance against the Dragon Lord, a tyrant who through a series of artifacts could transform into two powerful forms; a warrior immune to all magic and a sorcerer who was immune to all physical weapons. Not even the gods themselves could defeat him. Three of the gods, found Walakomu and taught him the ways of the kensai and the Wu jin. When the Dragon Lord began his assault on heaven Walakomu was waiting at the gate. They battled and Walakomu won. In gratitude they elevated him to godhood.