Destined To Die

Chapter 27 - Convergence

-27-

-Convergence-

They'd long since left the boat behind. The sun was sinking over the horizon as the clouds rolled in overhead, rain now drizzling overhead with the howling of the wind. Sabbath, after much complaining, had been delegated to riding in the mostly empty duffel bag over Abigail's shoulder. Thankfully it was mostly waterproof, he was the only one among them that wasn't soaked to the skin. The three of them walked along a thin road, following it west towards the far edge of the isle.

"Just a little further!" the witch called as they crested a hill, passing by one of the hundreds of lakes they'd trekked past on the way.

"You said that an hour ago!" Maddy called, arms folded into her sides, trying to keep as warm as she could in the freezing rain.

"Abigail's right," Akane muttered, hood down to keep the rain out of his eyes, looking down onto the valley below.

The road swept north, but through tilled fields and beyond the curve, Akane could make out the vague shape of the standing stones. Crumbled as they were, worn as they'd become by time, it was unmistakable. Even now, centuries later and through the changes of the landscape, a deep part of him knew that he'd arrived. He could feel the eagerness of the entity within, the ache, the deep sense of longing. It was hard to put into words, but he knew the feeling all too well. Home.

The trio stopped on the hill, staring down at the stones, Akane's acute vision cutting through the light mist and the rain and picking out a figure standing near the centre of the stones, clad in a green armour that shone in the reflections of the fading sunlight overhead.

"You should both wait here," Akane said, looking down at the figure, already knowing who was waiting for him.

He walked forward without a word, swords unsheathing and making his way down the hill, keeping his eyes locked on the stones. The figure did nothing, simply standing in place and waiting as rain lightly fell across the countryside, turning the rich earth to a mix of rock and mud.

Jun turned and watched him approach, walking forward slightly to meet him in front of the stones, both men staring at each other, weapons in hand as the rain began to fall heavier. The robes around Jun's waist were carried by the breeze, armour over the top holding down the sleeves and shoulders. A gleaming breastplate covered much of his torso, a pendant around his neck swinging in the wind that circled him. Both radiated power, the space around him seeming to almost vibrate.

"You've been busy," Akane said, looking level at the man standing now only ten feet away from him.

"Very," Jun nodded, staring right back into his eyes and gesturing with his free hand to the garb that he now wore, "The full blessings of Amaterasu herself."

"You can walk away," Akane said quietly, looking at Jun, his voice quiet but carried easily by the wind, "You can stop this all."

"You killed the only man that gave my life purpose," Jun replied, his voice calm and even, "He was my master. He was like a father to me."

"I killed the man that held your leash," Akane replied, "and I'm tired of killing, Jun. Koyane was a monster, he deserved what he got. You know that. You're free."

"He was everything," Jun said, his voice hardening like steel, bringing the sword up to hold in both hands, "He word was order. He law was life. We both know who the real monster is, Akane. Let it out. Show us both who you really are inside."

"Last chance, Jun," Akane said, his stance mirroring his opponent's, "Walk away. Let this be done."

"You know I can't do that."