Kings Of The Midnight Congregations: 8 Kings Arc Volume 2 7 Epilogue: Sakazuki No Yoru ? A Bond Transcending Blood

Capitol Site, Alexandrian Territory 30th of January 2013 – 3:00AM

Placing the blame on the rebellious knights of Alexandria and a few treacherous elders of the Yamato the case was eventually pushed to a close.

With plea from the liege of Yamato and as one of the persons who fought the CHIMAERA to stop it from wreaking havoc, Yamato was safe from persecution for using developed weapons, biological at that. The blame was s.h.i.+fted to all who had tried to use the chimaera to a.s.sa.s.sinate the two princesses of the two kingdoms.

The use of developed weapons is considered a capital crime in the Midnight Congregation, especially if the developed weapon is biological, a scenario much like what happened in the Alexandrian Library at dawn, was an exact scenario which could have led to another JUIDICIUM REBELLION, and it would have been difficult to conceal the events from the public or the government.

An official doc.u.mentation was filed by Alexia, King of Alexandria and witnessed by Sakuya, King of Yamato would give this incident the name: MIDNIGHT REBELLION.

Since the Midnight Congregation did not want to a.s.sociate anymore with the elders or the rebellious knights, it was agreed upon with a unanimous decision from the whole Congregated Kings to hand down the worst type of punishment to them, The PENALTY –that is to eliminate their memories. A large scale Memory Modification Operation can be done in the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital which host one of the machines needed to conduct the operation of changing the memories of individuals. Money was needed to cover the usage of the machine as well as the making sure that none of the staff especially those who are not members of the Midnight Congregation would talk an ample amount was going to be needed, but a sacrifice the congregation can handle.

The process of arresting took a bit of problem, sure the rebellious knights were easy since all of them were on site, but the Elders of Yamato went to hiding the moment the event went to a closure. Mitamiyajou, palace of the Kingdom hailed as the Land of Solidarity and the Kingdom of True Power, YAMATO did not host any of the elders except for the regular INHABITANTS and some of the clueless warriors, they were gone.

A search party was sent but, they have yet to succeed…

"I think we can help with that problem." Adachi, one of the few people that Sakuya can vouch for loyalty walk in gave his a.s.surance. "Hanzo and his ONMITSU Squad were deliberately sent to gather information from the other kingdoms, they probably did it to ensure that they could not a.s.sist her Highness, they have returned just this morning, and I on the other hand was also sent to negotiate with the King of Atlantis probably the same intent with Hanzo and the ONMITSU Squad, returned last night and found out that none of the elders were in the usual meeting grounds…"

According to Akagi, the Elders who were clear on their a.s.sa.s.sination was also adamant with their stand, whether they could have succeed in a.s.sa.s.sination of the current king of Yamato or not, they will have to run and go into hiding. After all, they never could have controlled the Chimaera, chaos would ensue and as the one who responsible for its' released, punishment will definitely follow, so they have come into hiding so that they could not get the penalty. 'Such cunning old men' Akagi added a tone of regret in his voice.

After that, with the full force of the ONMITSU Squad headed by Hattori Hanzo, who has also given his loyalty to Sakuya, the head hunting of the elders became easy. Not only were they familiar with most of the secret temple of the OLD JUUJIKA cult, Hanzo had also somehow marked some of them with GPS beforehand to ensure he can track them anytime her liege gives an order to eliminate them.

Eventually All 27 of the elders were caught, along with of their sympathizers 10 Warriors in total, including the 6 who had directly attacked Sakuya.

As for the Alexandrian side, s.h.i.+n Kafra and his entire cohort, 23 knights in total. The 23 knights which was considered the whole fighting force of the kingdom and rendered a heavy blow to the Kingdom of Alexandria… as of the moment only the 42 Scribes who are all magicians and are just people who record events that happen in the Midnight Congregation remained their loyalty with Alexia. Should an attack come by from any of the other kingdoms they would be vulnerable.

Fuente Osmeña, Nuetral Territory, 30th January 2013 –9:32PM

A bus was on route to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital; onboard the bus are the 23 Rebellious Knight of Alexandria, they were on their way to have their memories wiped out and a new memory will be replaced where the Kingdoms of the Midnight Congregation does not exist…

s.h.i.+n Kafra, leader of the whole Alexandrian knights, orchestrated a rebellion to oust the current king, Alexia Boromeo. He had connived with the elders of Yamato who were also in a similar situation as him: a certain discontent with their current leader. He did not know why the Elders scorned a strong willed and good fighter like Sakuya, but frankly he did not care, He only cared for Rena Torres, the previous King of Alexandria. He was in love with her, her strong willed and carefree spirit enticed him. He would have done anything for her… and yet she had been replaced by an incompetent brat… but he could have lived with it as long as Rena was there in the Castle Library… but a few days back while crying Rena had entrusted the brat to him, saying that she would leave for a journey. That was when he finally decided remove Alexia by a.s.sa.s.sinating her and enthrone Rena back. That should have been how it was supposedly ended, but, they failed.

s.h.i.+n Kafra, joined the Midnight Congregation when kingdom was in its height… true it was not the strongest, but as long as Rena was there, he felt that they will eventually rise… this was the reason why he does not know why the kingdom was made of scribes instead of warriors… Rena was investigating something… and she could not do it by brute strength alone, she needed the power of the scribes who could gather and a.n.a.lyze the information… He had unilaterally thought that the scribes were Alexia's influence… well he was not entirely wrong… after all Rena was investigating the whereabouts of Alexia's sister and Rena Torres' best friend, Elena Boromeo. This is where his fault got the better of him… not completely knowing the motivation behind Rena's action. But…

'It's her fault!'

Well it did not matter anymore; his memory would be eliminated along with all the affections he has pent up for Rena.

'It's her fault!'

If only he could see Rena again…

'It's her fault!'

If only… could kill that brat…

*vlgggggggg

Zodiac Drive St., Cebu City, 30th of January – 9:32 PM

At the same time another bus was also on route to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital; onboard the bus are the 27 Elders and 10 sympathizers of Yamato, just like s.h.i.+n Kafra���s fate they too were on their way to have their memories wiped out and a new memory will be replaced where the Kingdoms of the Midnight Congregation does not exist…

The Elders did not join the Congregation because they were forced to join… they were scared that all the things they have done will be pinned unto them… Especially since their Divine Leader, Kohouin Souichirou has gone missing. They needed to show a little loyalty to the congregation 'till they can recreate the OLD JUUJIKA into their own. They have some ideas as to what their Divine Leader had experimented, they have the old papers on how to turn animals into Chimaeras… now they only needed a place to hide, and the Midnight Congregation was the cover perfect place to do all the experiments without being noticed by the Philippine authorities.

The elders did not fully acknowledge the right of succession of the current head, the alleged daughter of the Founding Father, Divine Leader –G.o.d Kohouin Souichirou, Kohouin Sakuya. This was the reason why they had gone to the trouble of employing the aide of the rebellious knights of Alexandria, headed by their treacherous knight leader s.h.i.+n Kafra. UNknonw to them –or perhaps the they refused to accept it, Kohouin Sakuya is the real daughter of their Founding Father, and that she was actually someone who their founding father had left in order to become the strongest weapon against the Midnight Congregation, if they only knew…

But all their endless planning is going down the drain, should the transport reach its destination, there memories will be wiped out, they will lose their clues in performing the feats of their founding father, and worse of all they will lose all their ambitions…

"We got company boys?" Their driver spoke a stern voice. The guards who were employed for this escort were Retainers from the kingdom of Atlantis.

The guards then readied their HEIRLOOMs in a form of guns and other firearms. There were 10 guards all in all, but, they were no match for the 30 or so a.s.sailants who attacked them from all sides.

"Adachi-sama, how are you?" The man in ninja outfit asked the Elder who was one of the most who strongly opposed the ascension of Sakuya, Adachi Inoue.

"Aa, what about the other matter?" Adachi briskly asked the ninja.

"We have reports that the bust they were on board has been rescued as well." The ninja promptly answered. "But, was it alright to rescue them, they are useless weaklings…"

"It's alright." Said Adachi smirking. "Idiots like those are what we especially want right now, I like it when people are easy to control." And just like that the Treacherous Elders and the Alexandrian Exiled former Knights were gone.

The kingdoms in the Midnight Congregations cannot be called a kingdom without its Castle, Usually it is hidden from the public, In reality, the civilians, people who are not affiliated to any of the kingdoms are able to enter them, they just do not know that it is the castle of any of the kingdoms.

A strong perception inhibition is being casted by the Dream Drive Device to ensure no one aside from those who possess the insignia of the 8 kingdoms is able to recognize it.

For example, Kingdom of Alexandria is actually the Cebu City Capitol Building, it is a bit daring for the Alexandrians since they are living in a place where a single mishap will lead the government to investigate thoroughly, I mean it is a government building… Well, when Rena was still the King, she had chosen it as a base of operation (Castle) because she believes that no one with a normal brain would try to desecrate a government building… like her. But, this is where she had been mistaken, after all a lot of crazy people were gathered in the Midnight Congregation and just like her desecrating a government building would be easy and they would get away with it, just like what just happened for the past days.

Thankfully, the current King who has a normal mindset compare to its predecessor has decided to relocate because the place would become more of a battlefield in the coming days and the danger of being found out increases. Alexia, wanted to find her sister and the clues she needs are in the archives of the library. They have yet to decide on a location so they are currently packing all Kingdom belongings.

All kingdoms are gifted with a CASTLE CORE, This CASTLE CORE is the reason one building can change into a Kingdoms greatest stronghold. This is also the reason why Alexandria can transfer their castle without having to build an actual infrastructure. The core will a.n.a.lyze the surroundings and adopt the image to the form of the infrastructure. All books in the Castle Library are made of Illusions, so there is no need to take them out one by one for the transfer, the only things that needs to be taken are personal belongings of the scribes who brought their non-illusion made things.

Another of the kingdoms is Yamato, their castle is located somewhere in Mandaue City and as of the moment hosting a certain ceremony for their guests. It had a j.a.paneseque air to it. It looks like a j.a.panese s.h.i.+rne, with a big 'Tori', a gate that announces the arrival of her guests.

Mitamayajou, Kingdom of Yamato (Mandaue City Area), 31st of January 2013 – 7:30

"Welcome to my home, Alexia and to all of you who have sworn fealty to the King of Library of Great Knowledge and Kingdom of Wisdom, King Alexandria." Sakuya made a humble curtsied to her guests Alexia and the 9 scribes who are acting as her escort.

True to her j.a.panese lineage, she was wearing an elegant dark shade purple 'kimono' embroidered with a lighter shade of purple flower designed, a touch of gold are also imprinted, which matched her golden tiara, a true Yamato Nades.h.i.+ko. Alexia wore a shade of emerald green 'kimono' embroidered with a moss green water lily design, it also has a touch of gold embossed, that matched her own Tiara, just like a princess from a fairy tale.

The two looked stunning as they are beautiful and behind them is an Albion Knight wearing a black 'kimono' with a contrasting white 'h.o.a.ri'.

Although the two princesses wanted to have a girl talk, they are not actually just here for socializing, but instead for a certain ceremony.

Mitamayajou, Kingdom of Yamato (Mandaue City Area), 30th of January 2013 – 10:30

While the bus taking the treacherous elder of Yamato was on route for the Memory Modification Operation, Sakuya was in the open garden in deep thought.

"What seems to be troubling you princess?" Akagi Ryuunousuke, a loyal aide of Sakuya approached her. "You should be a little happy; I mean we have finally rid ourselves with those troublesome elders."

With the previous blunder, the elders were now on route to have their memories wiped, erasing all their ambitions and hatred for her, she should be happy, but she couldn't bring herself to celebrate because of a certain circ.u.mstance.

She had read this from the report that her new friend Alexia had written just this morning, and was just confirmed by Hanzo. Apparently, the Kingdom of Alexandria has lost all of their fighting force in just one knight. All the knights have been exiled and is also going to undergo the same Memory Modification Operation the troublesome elders.

"Nee, Akagi, what do you think I should do for the Kingdom of Alexandria?" She asked her most loyal aide.

"…For the kingdom of Alexandria. Nothing." Akagi was serious, but a smile was printed from his old face. "But for a friend there might be something you can do."

Open Garden of the Mitamayajou, Kingdom of Yamato (Mandaue City Area), 31st of January 2013 –7:32

Exchanging Sakazuki –this is a ceremony from j.a.pan where two or more individuals not related by blood swear brotherhood –sisterhood with one another. This was the idea that Akagi had given to Sakuya, which she readily accepted.

Many would have thought that an alliance would have suffice, but that was not going to be the case… an alliance is a mutual cooperation within two kingdoms, with Alexandria who has lost her fighting force, they had little to offer Yamato and although the troublesome elders were gone, no retainers would go to a war for a kingdom who can't protect their own.

But it would be different if the two kings have sworn sisterhood with each other.

This was the reason why all the guests are wearing j.a.panese kimono, to uphold the ceremony. Nine witnesses from both parties and an outsider were also invited to commemorate this ceremony.

"Is this really okay, Sakuya?" Although Alexia wanted it, she could not help but dragging her first friend down with her.

"Its fine." …was Sakuya's reply.

Now, as sworn sisters, they had an underlying reason to aide one another through any troubles… this was more than just an alliance… it was telling the other kingdoms… 'You picked a fight with my sister… then you'll get what you deserve from our combined attacks'

Since an exchanging sakazuki was originally for j.a.panese males, as they both were females, they changed the venue from a formal halls to the garden were a single yanagi (willow) tree was taking root.

*tling

Sound of bells, echoed as the night breeze hit the leaves. Under the tree the two kings were facing each other, and behind them, their most trusted retainers as witness. Another witness was present, an outsider, but not just any outsider; he was mentor to Alexia and benefactor of the two princesses. He was Ace.

He sat facing both of them. The two could not ask for a better witness. Akagi, who was surprised who they asked for an external witness, he had to see an Albion Knight… 'An Alliance of three kingdoms… no wait… make that four…' Akagi was ecstatic as he smiled 'Souichirou, you have an outstanding daughter.'

Both were underage, but one sakazuki will not be able to intoxicate their bodies, and the ceremony went as it was dictated: Alexia drunk from the purple sakazuki that was poured by Sakuya and Sakuya drunk from the green sakazuki that was poured by Alexia. Both then took the sakazukis and inserted them inside their kimono, close to their hearts.

And the ceremony ended, as they had wished. After the ceremony, all parties were then invited for a lavish j.a.panese dinner, courtesy of the Kingdom of Yamato. Alexandria also brought gifts.

"Alexia, about your techniques…" Out of nowhere Sakuya, admonished Alexia for her skill name.

"Don't you think that a Thousand Demon~ thingy suits you, well does it?" This time she was not looking at Alexia but instead towards the two girls who were eating peacefully until Sakuya asked them… the two could only nod in unison.

"See even they agree."

"Like I said, my master is a pract.i.tioner…" Alexia wanted to refute but was immediately hushed by Sakuya.

"Right, right his a thousand demons something --something right, but an Angel like you should not be given such naming sense…." After a few minutes she finally made her mind. "Let's call it the Techniques of the Heavenly Ways – Dance of the Angels, it's decided, let's call your techniques that from now on."

She even wrote it in a piece of paper: 天道流(TENDOURYUU)-天使の舞(TENs.h.i.+ NO MAE)

"Hmmm, that does suit her." Ace who was deciding to become an observer, agreed with Sakuya.

"But, master…"

"You wanted to be trained, and you have been trained… It's alright to spread your own wings." Ace a.s.sured her and although not yet officially encoded in the DDD, it was already decided that the name would be sufficient. Alexia smiled.

The gathering became a big party, as all retainers from the Alexandria were also invited at the last minute. Everyone was enjoying it to their hearts content.

"Hanzo, where were you? I did not see you in the ceremony earlier…"

"Sorry for the abrupt absence my lord but…"

"…What!?"

Everyone stopped at Sakuya's sudden voice.

"Sorry everyone… I know that this party is a joyous occasion but, I need to report this to everyone…" Sakuya was having trouble speaking what was reported to her by Hanzo.

But Alexia urged her from the side with a rea.s.suring smile… right she was no longer alone; she was with her sworn sister.

"The buses that should have transported the elders and the exiled knights have been attacked, all those who were supposed to undergo the Memory Modification Operation has escaped."

Everyone was silent. All were lost for words. It would seem that the joyful moments earlier was dragged as easily. However…

"Both of you shouldn't have to shoulder this by yourselves." Ace was the one who broke that silence, he stood there firmly with a warm smile. "As it all stands, they have been branded as criminals by the Midnight Congregation, in fact this is for the best; with this we can use it as a leverage to bind all Kingdoms together."

Ace was right on the mark, Developing Weapons was a serious crime for the Congregation, that was the reason why all of them had to undergo the Penalty, and now they had added another crime by becoming fugitives. They will become the common enemy for the midnight congregation who might have the ability to recreate the JUUJIKA Incident.

With that a call for another grand meeting of all kings was brokered by 3 no 4 kingdoms.