Kings Of The Midnight Congregations: 8 Kings Volume 2 2 Creating Memories 02: Ai No Katachi ? A Sister's Love Elena Boromeo

Part 1

A pale white face was in front of this certain young lady...

A face that was quite familiar to her...

Those warm hands, a caring smile...

The young maiden remembers them all…

The figure gave the young maiden, that nostalgic smile...,

Tears overflowing from her cheek…

As she tries to call out to the familiar face…

The person she was about to reach out sways her head…

As if stopping her from coming close…

Cebu City, Philippines. 16th of January 2013 – 05:10 AM

She calls to the figure ahead but no voice or anything resembling a sound would come out from her mouth. The scenery blurs right in front of her… the figure that she was trying to call, waves a goodbye… the young maiden did not know why but the tears that overflowed earlier seem to have flowed more and more… did her eyes knew that it would be the last time it would lay on the figure… She did not know, but she needed to call for her… she needed to catch up to her…

"Ate…" she calls but the figure kept moving away from her.

"Ate …Ate Elena!" her voice vibrated in her familiar bedroom.

It was the same dream… a dream the young lady would wake up early in the morning, a dream where her older sister, Elena would say goodbye to her as if going to a place she herself could no longer follow. The dream was something that was quite abstract and she could never really remember what goes on with her dreams only she would wake up when their time together ends.

The young lady's name is Alexia Boromeo. She had just woken up from this never ending nightmarish-dream and was grasping for air, tears flowed endlessly from her eyes running on her rosy cheeks, her wails audible only to herself. The day this 16 Year old teenager received the news of her sister's disappearance from Rena, her sister's only friend and currently acting as her guardian, Alexia had never woken peacefully, and today was no exception.

Even though she had decided to sleep earlier than usual last night she still woke with tired after being hunted with the same nightmarish-dream, But still she needed to get up, because as of today she would start her training together with Rena's acquaintance.

As a king she would endlessly worry about her subjects and her duty as their protector, but last night even with Rena by her side, they almost faced defeat again by the same a.s.sailants that attacked the LIBRARY of ALEXANDRIA 12 days ago.

Cebu City, Philippines. 15th of January 2013 – 09:15 PM

The second attack in the library happened 12 Hours ago and all they could do was wait for their inevitable defeat.

"s.h.i.+n, this is not the time to be sleeping!" Rena called out to one of the Alexandrian knight, who had fallen after receiving a ma.s.sive blow.

"Aghhh!" s.h.i.+n, the fallen Knight tries to recover but could hardly stand up after receiving heavy blows from their a.s.sailants.

The Alexandrian knight who was a.s.signed the protection of his liege felt ashamed as he was still unable to stand up, he was only able to survive because of the magical barrier casted in the nick of time to save him. Even though he was granted the t.i.tle 'Knight of Alexandria', all it was… was a t.i.tle, a t.i.tle that was now wearing off as they were faced in this predicament.

"Ate Rena…" Alexandria, the king of Alexandria was also showing utmost panic when she clearly saw their overwhelming disadvantage. "If this goes on…" she could not find the words to finish her sentence… in fact attacks from a.s.sailants made it almost impossible to speak in that situation.

"We are in the defence. Focus on that alone…" Rena, Alexandria's former liege and Alexia's guardian shouted out. Although beaten she was sure that help was on the way… the only thing that mattered was, WHEN that help will arrive…

"Where are you…!?" Rena was not able to finish her word when she heard a scream.

"Kyaaa!" With Alexandria trying her best to protect her subjects and knights, she had forgotten to protect herself.

"…Alexia!!" Rena's voice filled with terror when she saw Alexia fall to the ground, when one of the a.s.sailants managed to got closer to her.

Despite Rena desperation it was evident that the two would not make it. It would have taken a miracle to save the King of Alexandria's fall, as they saw the sword that would take the Kings Royalty and t.i.tle.

"No… Please help me…" Despite taking in the great role of King from one of the eight Kingdoms, Alexandria's King, Alexia was really just a normal teenage girl who has lost and is currently searching for her only family…

"Ate Elena!!!" a voice she herself has not heard for quite a long time has been released.

Just when the desperation was at its peak, a shadow had broken the sword in half… though mistaken as a shadow, the figure really looks like one… clad in a black-turtle-neck-overall their benefactor had stroked in half the a.s.sailant's sword with nothing more but a Gerber Mark II, combat knife sizing 7.35 inches long overall, with a 6.75 inch blade with double wide serrations on each side of the diamond cross-section shaped blade.

"What is this person doing in a place like this!?" One of the a.s.sailants could not hide his fear and irritation upon seeing the one that stopped his blade. He then immediately puts a distance between him and the new comer who has parried his attack. With eyes wide open, he clicks his tongue and whistles to his comrade ordering them to withdraw from the area.

"逃げるぞ!"

*Let's make a run for it!

Just like 10 days ago the a.s.sailants spoke in j.a.panese (逃げるぞ 'Let's bail out') which was conclusive that their a.s.sailants where hailing from 'Land of Solidarity and Kingdom of True Power 'the Kingdom of Yamato. And with that order and a puff of smoke, the a.s.sailants clad in ninja garbs disappeared.

"What took you so long!?" Rena with a tired smile finally sat on one of the chairs to relax and sighed.

"Thank you for coming to our aide…" Alexandria gave her honest thanks.

Alexia was displeased with the events that had occurred, not only did they almost lost in the battle, her wail earlier had almost showed her subjects a weakness unfit for a 'King'.

"Alexia let me introduce you to an acquaintance, Ace." Rena without giving any other explanation introduced the person to Alexia. "Ace, this is Alexia, King of Alexandria bearing the name Alexandria."

Even though Alexia was introduced as a ruler, she herself was not too proud with the t.i.tle, due to the weakness she has shown in this battle. The person named Ace, just nods and smiled at her… and she politely bowed.

Cebu City, Philippines. 16th of January 2013 – 05:19 AM

If Rena's acquaintance did not arrive in the nick of time they would have been utterly defeated, and the Kingdom will have lost its standing… no, Alexia will have lost her only clue to searching her lost sister.

"I got to get ready for the training." Alexia pumps herself up by removing those tears and as soon as they have dried, she strongly pats herself in the cheeks.

To release last night's tension and that nightmarish-dream, Alexia decided to freshen-up with a hot bath, and wore comfortable clothing fit for the outdoor.

"I can't have my only clue to finding my sister, disappear right on me." With the nightmare replace with conviction she once again gathers her strength so she could formally welcome her guest and at the same time her trainer for the next few days.

"I will definitely find you… Ate Elena…" She repeats these words on her head.

Part 2

Elena Boromeo, Alexia's older sister who during the event known to the congregation as the 'IUDICIUM REBELLION' has been rumoured to have died. But Alexia, simple refused to believe that her sister had died.

And for that reason, she has decided to infiltrate one of the Kingdoms of the Midnight Congregation in order to investigate the events that led to the rebellion and eventually the details of the disappearance of her sister, Elena.

It is still fresh on her memories how Elena's warmth has saved her countless of times, how she has never felt alone by her side. So fresh on her memory how shock she was when Rena had told her how Elena would no longer go home to her that night.

Cebu City, Philippines. 29th of March 2010 – 6:00 AM

"…Ate Elena…!"

Alexia woke up grasping for air, she had a nightmare about her being left alone and the thought had scared her even when she had woken up. It was so real as if the world had left her behind… even her older sister Elena was not there but…

"What is it, Alexia?" Elena's hand stroke Alexia's forehead to see if Alexia's fever had gone down. "Don't worry it was nothing more but a nightmare."

*sniff *sniff – "Waaaaaaaa!"

Alexia who was regarded by Elena as a cry baby made true to her own feelings and cried on her sister's lap. The dream felt almost real, she would never be able to live without Elena. That was what Alexia had implanted to herself.

Elena was her only family, after their mother had pa.s.sed away and their good for nothing father had abandoned them, it was only Elena who stood by Alexia. To Alexia who never met her mother and father, the mother figure was always Elena. She was for Alexia the perfect sibling.

Despite the lack of financial aid from any of their relatives whom they have not known, Elena had made sure that Alexia could get all nutrients and education she could afford. And eventually Alexia grew to be the clumsy yet headstrong girl everyone would know.

Elena was strict and made sure Alexia would grow to be a young lady that would not be dependent to her, but Alexia never dreamt of leaving far away from Elena. It was as if the more Elena trained her to be independent, Alexia became more dependent to her.

That is why Elena had chosen to give little time to be with Alexia and started to give more of her efforts to ensuring her boyfriend… Jin's ideals become a reality.

"Ate Elena, are you dating anybody?" Alexia asked Elena one night.

Although Alexia was a bit clumsy, she was quite perceptive. She must have seen a few changes in Elena's att.i.tude after getting back from work: always beaming with happiness, and humming love songs to herself. Alexia was happy that her sister was happy, but she could not get the feeling that she now has a rival to her sister's love.

"Ha?" and Elena was quite taken aback to hear about the sudden question.

Despite everything Elena had chosen to hide the fact that she had joined a gang and was now in a lock on battle with some of the rival gang members. Of course this is without saying that Elena has also kept from her gang members that she had a sister and was only known to two persons.

"Why are you suddenly being inquisitive about my love affair?" Elena tried to appease her with a teasing tone, but Alexia was more serious than she had imagined.

"Just answer the question."

Elena had someone she holds dear, his name was Jin, but this Jin person also does not know that she has a younger family member, and she had intended to keep it that way until Alexia would be old enough to fend for herself and this was not yet the time to tell Alexia about it.

"…. Hmmm… if I ever found one, what would you do?" Elena teased a question.

But the answer was plain in sight as Alexia's tears flowed from her eyes.

"Please ate Elena, don't leave me alone." Elena just smiled.

"…Even if the world would end." That was Elena's answer. She would not leave Alexia even if she did get a lover she would never leave her.

Alexia who had been relieved finally tries to close her eyes.

"I will always love you, my child…" and Elena gives Alexia a kiss.

.

.

.

.

.

Those memories kept lingering on Alexia's mind while she heads out to the abandoned dojo at the middle of the forest. More of those memories resurface.

Cebu City, Philippines. 14th of August 2011 – 09:12 PM

Elena came home late that night. It was not really the first time but, she was quite pale in comparison to the days when she works late on her part time jobs.

"Ate is something wrong?" as Alexia offered her sister a gla.s.s of cold water.

Elena did not answer immediately. She took her time drinking the water. Alexia who had lived with her for 14 years could tell that something was definitely bugging her. But she waited until Elena was calm enough to tell it herself.

"Alexia, do you like your -ate Rena?"

"Yes, I like ate Rena… well second to you though." Alexia's leaves a sweet smile.

Elena was glad to hear it. She knew that if something were to happen to her Rena would definitely take care of Alexia. Rena started as her rival in love, and she was the second person within the IUDICIUM that Elena had been affiliated with who knows about Elena's younger sister's existence.

"Is there anything with ate Rena, ate Elena?"

"Listen Alexia, when a time comes that something hap—"Alexia knew very well where the conversation will end and she did not like it one bit.

"I know that ate Rena will take care of me." Alexia was serious and she did not want to let her ate Elena finish those lines. "…And you promised to never leave me." As if to make sure that she would never do.

Elena was sure that Alexia would never forgive her for she was about to break her promise.

"Yes I promise that you and I will always be together, I will never leave you alone." With that rea.s.surance Alexia was able to fall asleep.

"Elena." The voice came from outside the window with Alexia in a deep sleep she could not hear the voice. Elena confirmed the voice coming from the underground's strongest lone gang member, 'The Emissary of Death', he was wearing black ragged coat and a white stone mask. What was strange about the person's mask was that it did not have anything that resembles an eye hole. How was he seeing in that masks?

Elena who had made her conviction long before that day, finally says her goodbye to her younger sister

In a form of a note with the words:

♡ ♡ ♡ Alexia ♡ ♡ ♡

I am sorry.

I will always love you.

Elena.

Cebu City, Philippines. 16th of August 2011 – 10:00 PM

Alexia could not stop from crying, the note was written the night she fell asleep and she could not get this feeling that she would no longer get to see her beloved sister.

"Ate Elena, why… *sniff … did you leave me alone."

"You said you will never leave me. *sniff" Alexia's tears just won't stop.

"…Alexia." The voice came from Rena, she was Elena's only friend, and Alexia herself had called her ate Rena.

"…Ate Rena!!!!" Rena share the same sentiment, and now she was about to bear Alexia bad news.

"Alexia… you have to be calm and listen to me…" Rena was in tears, while Alexia was half expecting the bad news to come.

"Ate Rena… *sniff …where is ate Elena?"

"Please listen to me."

Rena, the tall-tanned with the white-bleached hair friend of Elena told Alexia everything, about the involvement of Elena with the gang known as the IUDICIUM; about the rival gangs PHOENIX, w.a.n.g LONG, JUUJIKA, and TRIbal; about Jin and his driven insanity to rebellion; the congregation that would come about at the end of this rebellion; and the promise she intend to keep between Elena.

…And from that day forwards Rena became guardian to Alexia as she had promised Elena 7 days ago.

Part 3

Abandoned Dojo Middle of a Forest, 2nd of December 2012 – 13:02

"Come on is that the best you can do?" Rena used one of the oldest provocative speeches to entice Alexia to fight to her limits. It has been more than a year since Rena had taken custody and guardians.h.i.+p of Alexia ever since her promise to Alexia's sister, Elena.

"You know that is getting old… are you that old." Alexia Retorts to the provocation.

"Tche, Where was that cute little Alexia who listens to what I say." True enough the Alexia she and Elena has gone accustomed to, the cry baby and clumsy Alexia was no more.

"Well, I have grown." Indeed she has grown and in a few more months she would be celebrating her 15th birthday.

Ever since then Alexia had been training her mind and body to be able to fight her enemies… the Midnight Congregation… the very congregation that has taken her most beloved sister away from her. She had taken karate lessons from Rena who has a belt with karate, not necessarily black belt but enough to be able to fend for her own defence, and of course Rena has added street combat with it. Although her clumsiness still surface from time to time, she was able to keep up with Rena.

"You know, you should try to keep distance when you prepare for a big move." Rena gave Alexia some advice as she offered her some hotdogs.

"I know but… I can't also slip while trying to move where my eyes can't reach." As Alexia ate a piece of the hotdog and looked a bit melancholic. "Sigh."

"Well from the start, you were never the combat type." Rena looked at the cellular-phone-like device at the side of Alexia. It was a 'Dream Drive Device' mostly called D3 or DDD. "Just like Elena who was a summoner type, you have apt.i.tude for magic with your intellects and brilliance."

The name must have triggered something between the two and the fun talk earlier seems to have turned foul.

"Nee, ate Rena why did my sister choose to fight that night against that Jin."

Rena could not answer Alexia, and Alexia chose not pry the matter against her. Alexia smiles to Rena and ask permission to leave for the night. Alexia begun to hate Jin, but since she knew that Rena was in love with this man just like her older sister, she decided to find her own way in investigating her sister's disappearance. That is why when the Midnight Congregation was formed, Alexia was bent on searching for her own clues and asked Rena for two things: be trained in martial arts and a DDD.

Parian Street, 2rd of December 2012 – 20:35

As what was commented by Rena earlier, Alexia's forte was geared towards casting spells and summoning SERVANTS.

*bleep * bleep

Cracks from the deep s.p.a.ce start to form, the bleeping sound and the cracks in this s.p.a.ce where indicators that the darkness that lies within the Midnight Congregation has taken physical form, they are the REMNANTS creature that was used by the evil King of Illusion, Jin to take away from Alexia. Although bearing the crest 'The ENIGMATIC WISE TORTOISE: CROWNED GRIMOIRE' of the kingdom of Alexandria, she did not really attend to any of their affairs, and Rena has let her do her own things without restricting her.

Alexia got the crest from Rena who is the First Generation KING of the said kingdom at that time. By being inside the congregation, she was able to do her search, but sometimes, just like tonight REMNANTS hurdle her path.

True to her roots, as mentioned earlier by Rena, instead of pursuing the REMNANTS with brute martial arts, Alexia started singing a few verses and cast magic to eliminate her targets one by one.

Fields of darkness engulf me with your affinity

Shatter the truth of reality

Bind the light with your animosity

Swallow the pride that caresses your

Eternal slumber

Awaken by hatred…

—Darkness Realm—

First Verse from the song of 'Beginning's End' which cast the spell known as the Darkness Realm, this spell transport multiple target to a dimension of absolute darkness and get eaten away within it.

To further the spell Alexia sings her next song:

Hollowed spirits engulf me with your divine sizzles

Shower me with your absolute holiness

–Reverend's Cross –

She next sung a short chorus from the song 'Beginnings End' and cast the spell known as 'Reverends Cross' inside the holy darkness light s.h.i.+nes and brings eternal d.a.m.nation to the REMNANTS.

It may seem that as long as you are able to sing the song you can cast any spells, but that is not entirely the case. It is indeed true that by just singing the song you can cast the spell. But unlike those depicted in games, there is no such thing as Magical Points or MPs, only mental stamina, if you believe in the spell without any slight of hesitation the spell will be brought out, even the slight hesitation will render the casting process ineffective. Of course spell casting and summoning takes into account actual intelligence which is a.n.a.lyzed through the DDD.

By casting only those two spells from one song, Alexia had made the remaining REMNANTs lost their will to attack and finally left the area and closed the cracks.

Despite hating the midnight congregation, Alexia had completely enjoyed living the thrills and also she had become a woman that her sister would no longer worry about.

"Not bad." Rena came strolling beside and Alexia could not contain her surprise.

"Don't do tha... Where did you come from?"

"You have a lot to learn girl." Rena smiled a scheming smile. "Come it's time for graduation."

"…Graduation?"

Library of Alexandria, 3rd of December 2012 – 00:00 AM

"Elena would scorn me for having you involve with the midnight congregation."

"Probably, but my coming here was not your choice." Alexia looks at Elena's photograph lined atop Rena's filers. "It was mine." She adds.

Rena was reminded of Elena's stubbornness while watching Alexia. She really thought that the sisters were quite in sync.

"How much do you know about the congregation?"

"…Bits of this and that."

"I see."

According to Rena, the congregation was built as successor for the gangs that congregated in order to defeat Jin's insanity. And she was one of the few people who sided with that very insanity. Rena has cried as she told Alexia about this. According to her, she wanted Jin to love only her and she took the opportunity to stand beside him, even though she knew in her heart that it was wrong.

"Alexia…"

"Ate Rena it's alright." Why are this two so kind, Rena thought to herself?

"You resemble your sister in that aspect." She wiped her eyes from tears. "Did you know that I really hated your sister for stealing the one I love?" and laughed a silly tone.

"Do you still hate her?"

"Unfortunately no…" Alexia giggled.

"Ate Rena what did you mean my graduation?" Alexia who was quite curious about that term had to ask it out.

"Take this." Rena presented Alexia two object.

One was a crest and the other a sword with a strange shape. It was quite unique sword… Alexia had hard time thinking that it was 'one', for one it was shorter than a sword but longer than a knife. The shape reminded her of an 'itak' but it wasn't one either, it had many engravings at the side. And there is indication that it was made out of wood.

"Is that what I think it is?"

Rena nodded.

"If so then I refuse to accept it."

"You would do well not to refuse it so callously." Rena boosted herself closer to Alexia. "If you are looking for Elena, then you will need access to information only given to kings in the midnight congregation… as much as I want you to be doing the outside research, your martial arts skills are sloppy… you would not last if you were to have an opponent who knows how to silence caster type combatants." Even Alexia knows this. It is true that her casting is superior to most, but casting take time even with the shortest verses still consumes time. In a battle where a single second counts, the slower combatant always loses.

"Now if you are on a defence with knights to protect you that is another case entirely. I promised Elena that I will protect you. Please accept these parting gifts."

"Very well…."

"Then… Happy Birthday, Alexia."

Rena then engraved from Alexia's heart the 'Enigmatic Wise Tortoise: Crowned Grimoire' crest which marks her as an individual who belongs to the 'Library of Great Knowledge and Kingdom of Wisdom' the kingdom of Alexandria, and its REGALIA which will ent.i.tle her to rule the said kingdom, the short-staff sword named: ASCLEPIUS.

"Thank you ate Rena."

Part 4

…And…

The search eventually started, Alexia scans areas for clues within while Rena is in search for Jin and Elena's whereabouts. Rena however had wanted to ask one of the few remaining IUDICIUM members, but the only one she could think of was 'him' and she still could not forgive 'him' for taking out Jin during the rebellion… not until now.

Abandoned Dojo in the Middle of the Forest, 17th of January 2013

"It has been a while Ace." Rena glared the knight that had rescued them last night.

"You look well Rena." The guy named Ace just bowed to her politely.

"This is Alexia, Elena's sister, currently king of Alexandria, King Alexandria."

"Please allow me to thank you on behalf of Alexandrians for having saved as last night." bowing to the knight, Alexia gave her sincerest thanks. "I would never have expected that Rena knew a knight of Albion."

"A knight yes, but I merely patrol the borders. I am less compared to the heirs to the 'Houses of Swords'."

He was every inch a knight, modest. Everyone knew that the knights of Albion were the strongest; they can rival Uruk's top ranking warriors 1 to 10.

"Enough with these modest greetings…!" Rena b.u.t.ts in. "You are well aware who she is correct. And I demand some answers from that time too…" The knight just bowed his head as if in agreement.

"First things first…" the knight looks at Alexia. "From the way things went out last night your battle sense was extraordinary."

"But…" Alexia flashed a look of antic.i.p.ation on her new combat mentor's comment.

"Rena made a mistake of teaching you close quarter combat." The Albion Knight known as Ace circled Alexia and stop to face Rena. "…Although, the fact remains good that you are able to defend yourself when someone does enters your safe zone. But, your casting capabilities will be laid waste if and when that happens."

"So are you saying that she runs and hide." Rena was p.i.s.sed.

"Combat is more than just kicking, punching and slicing." While shaking his head left to right, Ace took out something from the satchel he was carrying.

Two customized pistols of some sort only it had a sharp single edge-blade conjoined in its barrel. The design resembled much of a 500 Su0026W Magnum revolver. They were made of silver starting from its hammer, trigger, cylinder, barrel, muzzle, and of course the blade. The grips were made of wood. It had the word embedded on its barrels: "Artemis and Diana". Her new weapons are known as a 'gun daggers'.

Alexia and Rena finally figured where Ace was heading with her training.

"True if my aim was to cast magic, then I have to have a weapon that would keep my opponents at long distance while I would sing." Alexia was ecstatic.

The idea was theory proof but… then again Alexia found it hard, to think that she was to sing while shooting a loud sound weapon. But then again it was the only way for her to be able to fight on equal grounds.

"Of course we can put Rena's effort to use together with your Regalia." Alexandria's 'Regalia' is in a shape of a short-staff sword made of wood, its only redeeming quality is that it can amplify the casters magic as long as it is within her range and the blades from her gun dagger, she then can visualize her combat skill to a long, mid and short range combat.

The guns would keep the opponents from coming close to her, her casting will devastate multiple targets with the amplified powers of her REGALIA and of course if the enemy is close enough for combat she could still use the bladed parts of the gun-daggers.

"It will be tough training your highness." Ace bows again.

"Let as start!" the king of Alexandria beats her enthusiasm up.

The arrangement for training the king of Alexandria was only for 30 days. And part of that schedule was made to have an alliance between the two kingdoms. But the real collateral for the alliance was not the training of Alexia… it was information regarding the whereabouts of Jin and Elena.

Of course Alexia did not know this deal, training Alexia was a debt Ace needed to pay Rena from the past. And it was known only to the two. Jin and Elena's whereabouts was brokered by the king of Albion and Rena who was first generation King.

For 10 days now Alexia was getting the hang her training schedules and routines.

Abandoned Dojo in the Middle of the Forest, 26th of January 2013

*Slap

While doing her training routines outside, Alexia heard a loud thud inside the dojo, she was about to inspect the commotion when she saw Rena leave the room, she was crying and as their eyes met, she burst into tears more and run off.

It was a full 3 days when she returned bearing with rather sad news.

"Alexia how is your training coming to?"

"It is great. With this I might have a chance against the king of Yamato."

"I see, then, there is no need for me to worry about leaving you alone for a while."

Alexia immediately searched Rena's eyes with her own in tears. She already knew that she was to depart in order to search for Jin and Elena, but she could never get into the feeling that all the people she loves would leave her.

"It's alright; the next time I come to visit… it would definitely be with Elena." Something must have happen with Rena and Ace that day that made her hasten her departure, but Alexia just gave Rena her long hug before saying her goodbye.

"Yes the next time we meet it would be the three of us." She whispers to herself.

For now Alexia was preparing for her counter offensive against Yamato who has bore its fangs against the Library of Alexandria. How will Yamato deal with this offensive? What battle will each princess who is in search of family go through?

If questions are present next time answers will be given.