Claymore: The Chronicles - Book 1 Chpt 2-1 [English - US]
Claymore: The Chronicles [English - US]
Description:
Claymore: Chronicles it's a fan series of comics and stories, created by Antony Bindilatti, a big fan of Claymore from Norihiro Yagi. The series have different stories of the characters from the manga/anime series from Yagi, all focusing on some journeys, some action, and some joy with the favorite characters (and some less).
The focus of the story is the adventures of a boy called Tony, a young Templar at the neophyte level who enters the Organization to learn more about Claymores and Yoma. Until the moment he got inserted by the Organization in Irene's team, with the instructors Sophia (Number 3), Noel (Number 4), Ilena (Number 2, and, I prefer Irene. Sounds better by the original name and to avoid mistakes with Elena from Clare's Generation), and the new recruit Priscilla.
Throughout the journey, Tony meets new characters and new people beyond the Organization and the Yoma, like Teresa, Clare, Galatea, Rafaela, the other warriors and William, the Trickster.
My second Youtube channel:
My other Blogspot places:
My Instagram:
Note: Don't you dare to download these images and re-share it without my permission. If you do, please, leave the original author name.
Two days has passed after Tony's first mission with the warriors Noel, Sophia and Priscilla. Now in the care of the most experienced warriors behind Number 2 Irene, the young neophyte has become acquainted to his new role to play in the Organization as a warrior in training to face the Yoma and serve the human villages from any dangers of those aggressors only the warriors - known by them as Claymore, and the Expedition's knights can resolve.
////
In this afternoon, Irene has sent Priscilla and Tony with their respectful instructors to new exercises in another human villages to stop Yoma. And when she was alone, she practices her Quicksword with some wooden logs. It was just wood chips in the air and on the floor.
Irene (thinking): (I should spend more time on the same missions as they do. I wonder if the others are going to give some kind of task for me to be able to practice my Quicksword on something other than these tree logs.)
The elite warrior watched the pieces of log on the ground, and then to the camp gate. The serious look remained visible on her face, imagining that the two recruits, Tony and Priscilla, could return from their missions without any kind of compromising element to the point of ruin their results.
////
Twenty minutes later, and Irene just looked at the horizon, waiting for the novices. And from there, she spotted the group returning.
Tony (greeting Noel and Priscilla): Hey girls. How were you in your exercises?
Priscilla: Ah, it was good. I didn't imagined that would be so easy.
Noel: Yeah. You should have see her burst when she killed three Yoma and she even didn't give me time to enter in action.
Tony: Wow. Now I'm curious.
Priscilla: And about you, Sophia? How was you with Tony up there?
Noel: Yeah. Tell us how was up there.
Sophia (nervous): Better you don't know how was in parts.
Tony: But it went well there. There was just a Yoma and it didn't gave me much trouble.
Noel and Priscilla laugh at his commentary. Sophia knew what happened with the Templar at the village that they went. However, Irene made it clear to the instructors that the activities carried out by the novices should be passed only to her at the camp, and with the presence of the respective novice to make her assessment.
////
When they arrived at the encampment, Irene was waiting for them.
Tony: Yo, Irene.
Noel: Irene.
The others greeted the Number 2.
Irene: Guys, it's good to see you again from the exercises. Now, let's go for the reports with your instructors. Noel, Sophia, you come with me inside the inn. Tony, Priscilla, you can rest until the moment I'll call you individually. Dismissed.
Tony and Priscilla went to the bathhouse and take off the blood scent from their bodies.
////
At the inn, Irene was talking with Noel and Sophia about the reports. Priscilla's prowess were well noted, in addition to well-played her role in saying his intentions and how much the payment.
Irene: Good, it seems that we have some future with our recruit. I am impressed with the two of you, Noel.
Noel: She was a little bit agitated and hard with the Yoma, that they hadn't time to react.
Irene: Anyway, she had a well played performance in her task. Now, let's see to Tony's performances. Sophia, your report.
Sophia (nervous): Well, I hope that he have some chance as Priscilla (delivers the report).
When Irene was going to take a look, her eyes widened as she read the beginning.
////
At the bathhouse, Tony washed his long hair with a bucket of water.
Priscilla: Hey Tony, how can you live with all that hair?
The two were in separate places for not getting embarrassed for their gender differences.
Tony: It allows me to establish a stable contact with my abilities and with my superiors. And because I like long hair.
Priscilla: Ah, I see. Listen, what do you think about the others?
Tony (surprised to hear that): What do you mean, Priscilla?
Priscilla (embarrassed): Well, there aren't many male warriors in the Organization and… since you're the only outsider to be part of the team, I wanted to know a little about… you.
Tony: Well, I think the team is nice. Irene is an excellent leader and instructor, Noel can be a bully and somewhat tough, but she is nice. Sophia is elegant, but a bit arrogant in some situations. But she never stopped being honest.
Priscilla: And… what about me?
Tony: You? Well, you're sweet, a little nervous but firm in missions. I believe that it has potential besides being beautiful.
Priscilla (got embarrassed when she heard that): Well, I… thank you.
Tony: You're welcome.
At the moment that the heart of the Claymore was pounding faster, she felt she should confess to Tony.
Priscilla: Tony, I… (interrupted when Noel entered)
Noel: Priscilla, Irene wishes to speak with you.
Priscilla (sighed): Well, let's see the results from the exercises.
She left the bathhouse and go dressing her uniform in the middle of its way. Tony stayed alone in his bath.
Tony: It was so good to be true (and he sank in the tank).
////
After the bath, he dries his hair with the towel and wore his traditional uniform. And at that moment, Noel calls him.
Noel: Tony, now is your turn to see Irene.
Hearing the call, he proceeds to her room. Entering, the expression of the Number 2 was kinda serious and uncomfortable. Noel and Sophia were on the room to follow the results.
Irene: Well, Tony. I guess you'd say why I called you.
Tony (sitting to listen her opinion): Yes.
Irene: I'll get to the point. Sophia pass me your report and somethings I got a little shocked. For the start, who is Ald'Steiden?
////
Tony starts to tell who would be that figure. At the village that he went, Tony met with the village's representative. And their first contact was a little different.
Representative: Are you a Claymore under the Organization's warrant?
Tony: Me? Actually I'm kinda not part the Organization. I am Tony of the Templar, and I have been sent to protect this village (he begins to remove a book from his bag). Would you like to hear the word of Ald'Steiden, our Lord and Savior?
Sophia's reaction was somewhat comical when she was horrified by it. She didn't expect Tony to come with the intention of preacher of Steiden's beliefs, an iconic figure of the Ai'Qaad Templars and guide the people Drajittar, a lineage of exiled Ulzikrarun.
Male villager: But sir. We have a problem with Yoma and we need your help to eliminate that problem, and not to listen you preaching the word of Ald whoever he is.
Tony (keeping the book): Don't worry you guys. I' sure that I'll deal with that Yoma and save the village from this terrible nightmare.
Tony and the others were walking. At the moment that they get in, three villagers ran scared.
Female villager (scared): The monster! He is attacking again!
Male farmer: We lost good people this morning. And we haven't someone, stronger enough to save us.
Tony: Well, lucky you guys for calling a monster hunter. I'll protect you, whatever the cost.
Coming to the place where the beast was, three human bodies were standing on the ground. And it was eating the guts from the third. The scared female villager closed the eyes. Tony could only face it with disposition.
Tony: This one will give me some problems. But don't worry. In a short time, I'll resolve this (and advances while dragging his sword for combat).
When the target moved its vision to the Templar, it prepares to attack. Sophia was hiding, without showing herself or to make a move in order to draw attention from the others villagers, logging her student's actions.
Tony (standing a little and keeping his smile): You know, you got guts to face a Templar of my level. I hope your end would be faster and painless.
Suddenly, the Yoma launched its arm against Tony, launching him against a wall. He was almost unconscious after the impact. The Yoma roared and prepared to advance the villagers. However, he felt its arm break when he put it on the floor. He started to scream in pain from his severed arm.
Tony recovered himself from the stroke.
Tony: Man, I never take a stroke like that in my whole life. Next time, I should bring a helmet for a while.
The Yoma spot his adversary on his feet again and engages for combat. Tony leaped to dodge and launch a strike on its backs. And again, the monster fell over a cart of cabbages.
Cabbage seller: My cabbages!
The Templar channeled his energy in the sword and throw a wave of energy at the point to tear off any metal and flesh with a hit. The Yoma's other arm was cut off. Tony smiled and prepared himself to finish it. In the moment of his advance, the Yoma was about to speak.
Yoma: Please… I don't want to end like these…
Tony was scared to know that Yoma could speak, even have eaten its victims and absorbed their memories, personalities and physical form. But he knew that his task was to eliminate it, even if one part of him says otherwise.
Tony: I'm sorry. But there is nothing in this world that could save you. (in an instant, he behead the monster)
Eliminated the problem, the entire village celebrates their liberty and the end of terrifying time with the Yoma. The representative arrived to Tony and opens a chest full of gold. He got surprised by that portion of golden rods. However, he turned to close the chest and return it to the representative.
Representative: But sir, we are grateful for you to save us from that beast. Is all we have for your gratitude.
Tony: I appreciate it so much your generosity, but I cannot accept it. Serve you with a purpose is already enough for me. Besides, I have a bank support from where I came. And, there's a guy, wearing black clothes coming from a distant land, will pass here to collect these gratifications.
Male villager: How we can be sure if he is the guy himself?
Tony: This I don't know to answer. But is all that ordered me. Enjoy the rest of your lives. (he said goodbye to the village, and as a gift left a copy of the Book of Ald'Steiden)
////
Returning to the conversation of him with Irene, Tony was still sitting in front of Number 2, 3 and 4.
Tony: And that is what happened there. I saved that village, and then I decided to left the Book of Ald'Steiden with them.
Irene (with the eyes closed): Right, I see. You wanted to leave your book as a sign that you were there.
Tony: Yes.
Irene: You know that our mission is to kill Yoma and guarantee if they have gratifications to the man in black to come for or not. That's it.
Tony continues on his chair, waiting for the results.
Irene: Your prowess and abilities were impressive. Even Sophia and I would agree that you have potential in the Organization if you entered effectively. And in the end, you refuse the receiving of the gratifications in person, claiming that a man in black would come to collect it. Excellent.
Tony: I just hope that could be anyone, except the freak one of Orsay.
When she heard that, Irene got irritated. Noel tried to hold her laugh, but Sophia hit her with a nudge to distract her.
Irene (irritated): Tony, I still don't get it why do you think Orsay is a freak one?
Tony: Because he is a freak one. He only uses a black hood and I can only see his eyes and mouth, nothing more.
Irene: There are other men in black more scarier than Orsay. Don't even imagine who would be.
Tony (facing the Number 2): Right. But returning to the main point, which is the gratifications. What would happens if they don't have anything for the man in black to collect?
Irene: If they don't have anything to pay, they are dooming themselves. In other words, any future request that comes from villages that can't pay would be denied and we cannot sent other warriors to protect them.
Tony: That's inhumane.
Sophia: What do you mean, Tony? These are our rules.
Tony: Yeah, but as I'm a Templar, I don't need to risk vital provinces and villages because of such inhumane rules.
Irene (ordering): Tony, I must remind you that you are under our supervision and the Organization's rules must be strictly obeyed. So, know your place!
Tony: Irene, I respect your strength and abilities, but hearing that the Organization wouldn't help those who don't pay for the services of their warriors is something I wouldn't accept for the rest of my life. (he gets up from his chair) If you'll excuse me, I need to go.
Noel: Don't get out this room! Irene didn't finished your rep… (interrupted by Irene)
Irene: Leave him, Noel. Is his choice in not accepting the rules and costumes of the Organization.
The Templar opened the door and left without saying goodbye to the others.
Sophia: But Irene, Tony could have reason in certain things, though it may be unwise to question some of our important rules.
Irene (sighed): I don't see a reason to say if he is potential or he is junk with an irrational behavior to question our rules.
////
Tony was laying in the bed, looking at the ceiling, thinking in what he said to Irene about some rules of the Organization. Furthermore, he heard someone knocking on the door.
Tony: Come.
Noel and Sophia decided to enter to see him.
Tony: Have you come to imply me, after I said the truth to the elf?
Noel: Actually, we wanted to see you if you need something else.
Sophia: You were very audacious in saying that. Especially about the matter of protecting or leaving humans to the death.
Tony: I'm a bit flattered about this, but angry at the same time.
Sophia: We know of your motives. But we won't say that would be a good moment to say that to Irene.
Noel: If we were the Organization representatives, you would be in a world more worse than pain and suffering.
Tony: You know, there was a time which the Expedition and the Organization were enemies. Both sides lose precious warriors in fights for lands and power. Others end up by uniting strengths to defeat powerful Yoma. I just think that we shouldn't to revive such painful moments for us.
Noel: And what about you? What do you believe?
Tony: I believe that both the Expedition and the Organization should keep the peace and work together.
Sophia: And you are an example of that.
Tony: Yeah. And Irene?
Sophia: I bet that she would be calm tomorrow.
Noel: Sometimes she's not very funny. But she isn't evil or something. Neither you. (she started to laugh) I just thought hilarious when you speak of these…
Tony: Ald'Steiden. He is the messiahs and savior of the Templars. If you want, I'll read some pieces of his book.
Sophia (extending her hands): Ah, no thanks.
Noel: Come on Sophia. It doesn't cost you if we listen this night with our weird novice of the world.
Tony: I'm not so weird. But if you want it, then I'll read some of his verses. (took the book and the two sit to listen)
Outside, Irene was laying on the wall, where would be the room that they are.
Irene: Frankly, he's a such clumsy. I don't even know why I came here to do.
Priscilla (walking and saw Irene laying on the wall): Something wrong, Irene?
Irene: Priscilla, I'd like to talk with you for an instant.
Irene and Priscilla are on a far field from the place that they were. They light up a campfire. The Number 2 told the situation that confronted with Tony's reaction on the evaluation.
Priscilla: So that's it that happened? You and Tony discussed about this?
Irene: Yes. And now, I'm feeling that I would cross my arms when I'll see him again.
Priscilla: Irene, I think that you also were hard on him.
Irene: You are not in position to tell me what happened.
She looked to the fire. Thinking in what would be better if nothing of that wouldn't happened there.
Irene: You don't need to be sentimental with him, Priscilla.
Priscilla: Is not that. Since he entered in this team, he worked so hard to help us to fight the Yoma. I just want that he would be the example for the others someday. To fight for what believes until the end.
Irene looks to the recruit, with serenity. The words of her were touching for the heart of the warrior, owner of the Quicksword.
Irene: And what do you think I should do?
Priscilla: You should get along with him a little bit. You know, distract for a while, going in a mission with him. It helps a little if Noel and Sophia were occupied.
Irene (looking for a while to the sky, thinking about that for while): I'll see what I can do. It may work in parts, but I'm willing to accept your suggestion.
Priscilla smiled when listened her answer.
Irene: But don't think it will work perfectly. And stop smiling like that!
Priscilla: The first thing to do is to apologize to him and invite him out. You know, don't face it as an obligation. It's just a suggestion.
Irene: I just hope that he could also apologize for questioning the Organization's rules before our presence. But don't think it may develop something among him and me! We cannot act like that. Even you and the others aren't allowed to do that!
Priscilla (her face got flustered by hearing that): Hey, this was very rude!
Irene moved away a little from the campfire.
Irene: I can feel some sensation of crush on him. After all, you can be women and he's a man. I just don't want any of our warriors to get too involved in this. Or you walks to a difficult path.
The two warriors were about to conclude their conversation in order to go to the inn and Number 2 to apologize to Tony. Just before that happens, they hear someone approaching them.
Man in black (approaching Irene and Priscilla): I heard you are in need of a new task in order to perfect your affinity with the young Templar. Perhaps I can help you with that.
He was a man in black at the service of the Organization. He wore a black Fedora hat, as well as his clothes. He was thin and wore a pair of sunglasses. Unlike others, he gave a curious smile. So much so that it could be interpreted by some of a suspicious or mysterious smile.
Irene and the others knew who this man was.
Irene: Rubel. How long have you been listening to us?
Rubel: Just now. I was around when you spoke of a task in which they are needed.
Priscilla: Do you have one?
Rubel: For your good news, I received the information that a village is in need of someone to solve a serious problem with Yoma. And I bet it's the perfect opportunity to take the neophyte with one of you.
Priscilla (smiling): Well, at least you came up with a news like that. Irene, as we agreed. You take Tony there and help the village. It will help you to understand each other better. OK?
Irene (serious): Although you are new to suggesting or asking me to do something, I will see what I can do about it.
Rubel: Very well. The task is now in your hands, Quicksword Irene. If I may, I must return to Sutafu and inform Rimuto of this.
The man in black continues in the middle of the night on his long journey to the Organization, leaving the two warriors alone.
////
After that conversation, the two returned to the inn. At the moment that they are going in to the team's quarters, the door opens and Irene received a pillow in her face.
Noel: Ops. My bad, Irene.
The pillow felt to the ground and the expression in the face of the Number 2 was intense.
Irene (furious): Who gave the idea for a pillow fight?!
Sophia (pointing to the colleague): It was Noel's idea.
Noel (nervous): My idea? (points to Tony) But it was his idea.
Tony (scared): Mine? No way. It was… (interrupted by Irene)
Irene (angry): I don't care who gave the idea! I… (interrupted by Priscilla)
Priscilla (shook the finger for the sides): No.
Irene (sighed to calm down): Alright.
The three with the pillows were shocked with that.
Irene: Tony, I'd like to talk with you in private. Priscilla, you may stay with the others. Just don't destroy the room.
Tony went with her outside the inn. Meanwhile, Priscilla took a pillow hit in the back.
Priscilla (surprised): Hey?! This was a coward blow!
Sophia (smiling): Ah yeah? Noel, what do you think?
Noel (cheerful): In the pillow fight, everything is free!
The girls were playing with their pillows.
////
Outside, Tony patiently faces Irene.
Tony: Alright, Irene. What do you wish to talk to me?
Irene: Tony, I… came to apologize you.
Tony: Ah?
Irene: I know. I'm not these kind of person who comes with such apology. But I… I'm apologizing for what happened in the evaluation.
Tony (put his hand on Irene's face): It's alright, elf. I think I should apologize you too, for questioning that in high tone.
Irene (nervous): Tony, please, stop calling me an elf. I don't content myself to that.
Tony: Don't worry, Irene. There's much ahead that we can enjoy for a while.
Irene (her nervousness raised to the higher level): I don't withstand this anymore. (she ran away a little from him)
Tony: Irene, wait.
She stopped for a moment. Suddenly, a teardrop felt from her face.
Tony: Irene, there's no need to be like this. Its normal to someone that have some feeling for the other.
Irene (shedding her tears): It's not that. I wish … that the things could work out at best. Without someone suffering in this way. Like me.
Tony: Ah Irene. Come on. (he hugs the warrior and caresses her head) There. There. There.
The others were looking for that moment, well hiding.
Tony: So, Irene. What you'd like to tell me? We are now forgiven, now we can speak quietly.
Irene (red): I… would like to invite for a mission… only us.
Tony: Ah really?
Irene (shook the down and up): It will a mission where we will help another human village. And this time, we will try to put the differences aside and unite our strengths. Can be?
Tony: Elf, for me I do anything to help those in need.
Irene (unhappy): Tony, you're such weird calling me in this way.
Tony: And you are pale too much. A sunbath would be a great help.
After that chat, Irene proceeds to her quarters in the inn. As she passed the girls, her gaze changed a little.
Irene: Don't you have anything to do but spy on the conversation of others?!
The three had a little freaked out by what they hear. Then, the Number 2 continues walking.
////
Next day, Irene waits Tony's arrival. Noel, Priscilla e Sophia also were waiting the Templar to finish equipping himself. Finally, he reaches ready for the mission.
Tony: Sorry for the late. Putting down the armor closures is very complicated when it is one person just to do the job.
Irene: Anyway, there is nothing more behind. Because this would be a long trip.
Tony: No problem Irene, there's nothing more left.
He approaches the girls.
Noel: We will miss you.
Tony: Don't worry, darling. I'm not planning to die with Irene in our trip.
Noel got nervous when hear what the boy says. Then after, Tony went to Priscilla.
Priscilla: So, see you around?
Tony: At any moment.
Then at last, Sophia.
Sophia: You know, for someone weird, until it's cool with people, especially us.
Tony: Sophia, when we return, I'll bring a lot of trip stories to tell.
Irene (calling the boy): Are you finished?
Tony: Just a bit.
The girls wished good luck to the travelers and left a kiss in the boy's cheek. In the middle of the horizon, they disappeared when the sun raises.
////
It was five hours of walking. Irene walks further. Suddenly, the neophyte felt to the ground tired.
Irene (stopping when she listened him falling): Tony, it's one day and half to reach to the village, so we cannot stop now.
Tony: I know, Irene. But I haven't eat when I woke up and my feet are tired.
She looked at him. Tony sits on the ground in order to check his backpack to find food.
Irene: Tony, we warriors can stay a week with no water and several days with no food. We eat only a small portion at three days to recover our strength.
Tony: Really? But I'm a human, so I cannot stay without eating or drinking. On the contrary, I cannot withstand the whole journey with an empty stomach.
He took a metal mug, a jar of milk and a bread wrapped in cloth, filled with meat and some vegetables. Irene decided to stop for while in order to rest.
Irene (observing the boy eating his bread): It seems, you must been so hungry for a human.
Tony: You know Irene, I can pass some time with no food. But after that, I cannot maintain. Some of the Expedition usually fast and spend months with no food. Other thing that I know is that they spend a lot of time feeding themselves from solar energy.
Irene: Really?
Tony (taking a loaf of bread with his teeth): Uh-um.
Irene: And how can you utilize the absorbed energy?
Tony: It's believed that they have some organs or glands, capable of converting solar energy into bio-energy. In this way, they don't need to eat in the same way as the humans or Claymore.
Irene: You look like to the humans, by calling us Claymore.
Tony: Why you say like this? Sounds strange to me calling you as Yoma hybrid (he approaches the mug of milk to the mouth, and then swallows that sip). Or like the inquisitors from the Kaessun Expedition that still nurse their hatred for you. Silver-eyed witches.
Irene: I don't know too much about what happened among us in the past. But I know how hard it has been for us to carry the weight of the difficulty. Mainly for you, which knows better of you people.
Tony finishes to eat another loaf of his lunch.
Irene: By the way. The way you leave your hair long and stuck, your abilities and having no Yoma in your body, what would you be?
Tony (faces the Number 2 and then looks to the side): Half-breed. Or for the others, filthy blood. They created me as a human, but when I reached the age of emancipation, they inserted their blood into me. Or at least parts of a synthetic material from their blood. I took two weeks to stick to it and accept what I became. That was what happened. (raising his hand) And I carry this burden and their quarrel for calling me filthy blood.
Irene: Tony, I understand how you fell for carrying a burden that torments you the whole life. But you grew up with a greatness to make a difference in this world. Same way for me, or a Noel, Sophia, Priscilla or any other from the Organization.
Tony kept his mug and jar in the backpack and gets ready to walk again.
Tony: Well, I hope that I have strength to walk, Irene. Because I'm ready.
Irene smiled at him and gets up to walk.
////
While they walk, they talk to each other about other things. One of them is related to the warrior hierarchy in the Organization.
Tony: So, Irene. I heard there are other warriors in the Organization beyond you. Tell me who do you know beyond those three, so may I can meet them.
Irene: Well, there aren't many warriors who would be interested to meet you. But I'll give you some Intel. One has the ability to locate you with your vision, even staying far away. Another is a little blind, but she can fight well.
Tony: Well, you're the Number 2 of the Organization. Who would be the Number 1?
Irene: The Number 1 of the Organization is the strongest woman of all of us that we know. So strong that wouldn't you imagined how far she would reach that point with a little effort.
In instants, they spotted a white rabbit leaping in the middle of the street. And it was running away from someone. Hearing the coming steps of a little girl, it continues to leap away. She had light-brown hair, just like her eyes. Her skin was pink and she used a kind of old dress.
Tony and Irene saw the girl running and she was exhausted of chasing. She raise her head and the bunny jumped to a bush.
Girl: Wait!
When she saw that it disappeared in the middle of the whole shrubs, the girl was sad. But in the middle of it, comes another warrior, approaching of her. She had, long curly blonde hair. Her smile was faint and charming. And she brought in her hands the white rabbit that the girl was chasing. She smiled to see it and hugged the bunny.
Teresa: I saw him at the middle of the shrubs. Lucky that I saved him from a snake in order to attack our helpless little friend. Treat him with caress and he will stay with you as long as he wants. (placing her hand in the girl's head)
Girl: Alright, Teresa.
Teresa, the warrior with the name inherited from the Twin Goddesses of Love Clare and Teresa. This was the warrior holding the number 1 post and the strongest of the Organization. As they were about to walk, she spotted the young Templar and his follower, Irene.
Teresa: I see you've never changed much, huh Irene?
Irene (serious): Hello Teresa. It seems you never changed ever since our last encounter.
Tony looked at the two, surprised to realize that they are acquaintances.
Tony: Ah Irene, do you know each other?
Irene (introducing the strongest warrior): Tony, this is the Number 1 of the Organization. Teresa of the Faint Smile.
Teresa: So, the Organization has returned to recruit men for their ranks?
Irene: Not exactly, Teresa. This is Tony of the Templar. He is currently learning to live with us for a while and assisting in our missions.
Tony: It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Teresa.
Teresa: I'm pleased. This is Clare. I found her in a village, where she lost her parents to Yoma. And now you've been spending a lot of time with me.
Clare: Hello.
Tony (he approaches at the girl): She was lucky for surviving at the hands of the Yoma. I didn't imagined that this would reach in this point.
Teresa: Neither I. But tell me, what are you doing in this road?
Irene: We are going to a distant village, in order to get along of each other and resolve resolve a Yoma crisis.
Teresa (putting the hand at her chin and looking high): Are you going on a mission just to help the humans or is there something else on this tour that I'm intrigued about?
Irene: Teresa, Tony and I aren't going to a short of reserved date. And it's not exactly what are you thinking.
Teresa: Oh really? Ah, what a pity. Irene wasn't of this type of going around like this.
Tony: Ah don't worry (he gets closer to Teresa to whisper a little). But you should have to see her in the moment when gets nervous when I call her elf.
Teresa (smiling): Really?
Tony: Yeah. And there was a time, she came to my arms and… (interrupted by Irene)
Irene (furious): Tony, enough!
He gets away from the other warrior. Clare was scared a little with the furious reaction of Irene and hides behind of Teresa.
Teresa (smiling): So Irene? Is he always like this?
Irene (unsatisfied): Unfortunately, the whole time.
Tony: Aw. You're breaking my heart.
Irene: Teresa, why didn't you reported to the Organization?
Teresa: You know Irene, something has come up in the middle in our way that stopped me to going there. You know, some bandits, Yoma and other strange things during my journey.
Irene: Teresa, you can't just kill humans. It's forbidden.
Teresa (smiling): Relax, Irene. No human was harmed or killing in the story. (thinking): (except that guy which accidentally I cut off his hand in the reaction.) Anyway, I couldn't return to the Organization to report those happenings. Not even Orsay has stopped by around these days.
Tony had a feeling of dissatisfaction with hearing this name all the time.
Tony (thinking): (Why cannot I live without listening to that weirdo's name?)
Irene: And by a case it involved the human child?
Teresa: Apparently yes. Well, it's getting latter. When I can, I'll stop by to where you are and I want to see the potential of your “partner”. Shall we, Clare?
Clare: Yes Teresa.
Teresa: Irene, Tony, it was a pleasure to talk to you. To our next meeting.
Teresa and Clare were walking in the road. Tony was looking at the girl holding the hand of her “new mother.”
Tony (thinking): (She is very charming and beautiful girl. Who knows Destiny book something different for Clare.) Hey Irene, do you think Teresa had said something about… (stopped when notices that she was quiet suddenly) … Irene?
Irene (walking): Just don't think this mission would be a date or that involves something more among us. And furthermore, avoid of calling me an elf, especially around the others.
Tony: Alright.
The two resumed their journey to the village. He kept thinking about that charming smile of that warrior and the young girl who accompanied her guardian. He felt something that gradually flowed in them to the point of becoming a kind of bond. Something similar to a family bond.
////
The sun has lowered a little during the trip. Irene and Tony walked too much. In the middle, the two spotted a big field with a big lagoon.
Irene: Let us rest this night.
The two unpack their stuff in the ground. Tony lay down a little to align his back. Irene took the armor pieces of her set, standing only in uniform and barefoot.
Irene (extending her sword on the boy's side): I'd like to test your abilities with mine.
Tony (surprised): Ah? You want a duel now?
Irene: If we want to work together, we need to test our potential with any situation. Even that it needs a confrontation with the other warriors of the Organization.
Tony (getting up): Alright, Irene.
When they walked, she extended the tip of the sword on him to give a little touch in the armor.
Irene: No armor, no mantle, just uniform and sword.
Tony: Aw come on Irene? Even the mantle?! It's the symbol of the Templar's family. I cannot fight…
Irene (serious): No more excuses. Take it off.
Tony took of his set and left it in the ground. Following the Number 2 to a clear area for duels, the two were ready with their swords.
Irene: Know that I won't take lightly with you.
Tony: Me too. Let's see who's the best with swords.
The two advanced in a frenzy velocity. Each sword cross, turning and leaps, all that could be seen in Tony's duel with Irene. In one of their jumps, they advanced with a series of quick strikes, using only one arm to direct piercing hits.
Then they moved away for a moment. Suddenly, Tony notices a cut on Irene's face, resulting from one of his attacks.
Tony: Not bad, Irene.
Irene (closing her eyes while she clean the cut with a finger): You should cover better your left side. It would be the perfect spot to receive a killing blow.
When he listened to that, his eyes widened and he felt his left arm to show an unpleasant cut to the point of bleeding. He fell to his knees, resting his sword and his left hand on the ground.
Irene: I noticed that you hold a solid and balanced stance when you place your sword forward, protecting both sides. But when you direct your strength on your right side, the defense of your left side was weakened.
Tony: Ah yeah?! Who would have thought that someone noticed a small fault of mine with the Sword Dancer, to get such an advantage.
He raises up, even have lost some of his blood.
Tony (thinking): (Irene is quite fast. She managed to analyze well mine stance of the Sword Dancer. Would this be her potential? No matter. I'll see if I can break her offensive, using the Kaessun Berserker.)
Irene maintains herself in your combat stance. Tony took his sword and adopted the aggressive combat mode with two swords. Irene looked at the Templar acquiring forces to fight and at the moment that his eyes opened again, he awakened the Berserk.
Tony (powered): Irene! I hope that you hold up the strength of a frenzy Templar of the Kaessun, because in combat, nothing can outmatch their strength!
He advances like a torpedo and his swords locks on the Claymore's weapon. The two fights frantically. But his strikes turned the tide against Irene when she pull back. Again, she used that sword strikes series on Tony.
Tony (thinking): (The same strikes from before. Pity that is not the same for a consecutive sword strikes of Doa'Halar!)
The consecutive sword strikes of Doa'Halar is a Kaessun fencing strike, which one sword cross in at upper hit and the other cross in a lower hit. Originally it was made for the offensive, but also works on the defensive. Combined with the Berserker, there won't be a brave adversary to hit a direct advance on a Kaessun swordsman.
Irene: Tony, remember that the intention of this duel is to test our abilities! Don't take this too much serious!
Tony: If the intention is to test our strength, then I need to see if you can follows the rhythms of my energy, pulsing deeply in my body.
The two fought intensely. She triggered a portion of the Yoki Power to maximize the Quicksword.
Irene (thinking): (He is too fast. Even using a portion of the Yoki, I barely can follow his movements.)
The blows from his swords sparked with each blow that struck her sword. Irene was scared. Suddenly, she notices something on Tony that changed a little her situation. His wound started to bleed again.
Irene (scared): Tony! That's enough! If you continue like this, your wound…!
Tony: Irene, mine intention is to demonstrate my potential in this duel. Then, everything is allowed. Even my life, if necessary.
Irene and Tony continues fighting. But with the bleeding wound, Irene push harder her forces and managed to immobilize the boy by hitting the other arm and the legs. In this moment, he fell and finished the connection with the Berserker. Now, he was on the ground without reacting rightly. Irene advanced on him, while leaving the sword down on the ground to heal his wounds.
Tony (gasping): Irene… I cann … ot… move.
Irene: Tony, don't react. I'll bring you some medicines and bandages.
Tony was lying on the ground, feeling his forces gradually diminishing. The blood leaking from his body was so much for him to contain.
When she arrived, she managed to staunch his bleeding and went to bandage the boy's wounds. He was almost pale from hemorrhage.
Irene: Tony, I don't know about you, but I'd like you to rest.
She saw the tears falling on his face.
Tony (regretting): Irene… I…
Irene (hugging her trainee): Don't need to cry to to regret. You are strong, Tony. I believe on you.
She carries him to a place where they left their stuff for he to rest a while.
////
Night fell and the moment that the neophyte awakens, the entire sky was starry. Irene light up a fire in case to make the dinner. Meanwhile, she was walking to the lagoon. When she heard his voice, she stopped for while.
Tony: It's so, beautiful.
Irene: What?
Tony: The stars, the sky. I used to look to the stars when these nights used to be exceptional.
Irene look at the starry sky for a while, as the boy have told about their beauty. Then next, she turned to see him.
Irene: Tony, I'm going to the lagoon. I'd would like that you should eat something and then take a bath.
He looked at the warrior going to the lagoon.
Tony was eating his dinner. A bowl of lizard stew and a crab broth, originated from the Expedition. His wounds remained bandaged after that duel, gradually regenerating in his resting state.
////
On the lagoon, Irene had taken off her uniform for a bath. She only had some cuts from her duel with the boy, located on her arms and face. She stared at the reflection of the moon in the lagoon, swaying as the water stirred with her movements.
Irene (thinking): (Was I really harsh with him at that time in the camp? That boy, Tony. I don't know, but I feel he's more than just potential or crap. He has the strength to lead his people on a path different from mine.)
She looks to the skies. The moonlight illuminates her body.
Irene: I believe that his purity is the same as the shining things, like the stars in the sky. I wonder, I don't know if the Organization would think about him, to be something beyond us to the point…
Irene stopped for a while to see if someone wasn't around, listening to her or to spy her naked body. Returning her attention to the Moon, started to think again on Tony.
Irene (placing her hand on her chest): I don't know, but something has draw my attention on him. Not that I'm attracted to him. I cannot think on that, similar to Priscilla's at that moment in the camp. (deeply knowing her feelings when she remembered her moments with Tony) But, being called as… elf and… that touch of his hand on my head. Would I really… (putting her reason over her feelings, she sinks into the water) No! I must not think about this! Not really!
////
In that place, Tony looked at the stars and he realized that he needed to take a bath.
Tony: Well, I guess I'm sufficiently rested. I'll see if the elf already finished her bath.
Irene was on the water, thinking a little more. Suddenly, she listened a noise of someone approaching. When she opened her eyes, she left the lagoon rapidly. And for her surprised, it was Tony. Irene didn't bothered for not having her uniform, before a boy like him. But in that moment that he saw her body, he got nervous.
Irene (serious): Unless you want to turn around so may I dress me, you'll have a long punitive section when we return to camp.
Tony (nervous): Alright… (he turns around to leave the Number 2 to grab her uniform and dress herself)
He kept his back to her. And yes, he was a little excited to see a naked body of a Claymore. However, one of the things that he saw and found disturbing about Irene was a large line formed by sutures, securing the surgical cut from the collarbone line to the sacrum region. The reason for sutures is that they have Yoma flesh surgically inserted.
Tony: You know, I wouldn't like to have one of these in my body.
Irene (dressing her uniform): If you were to be one of us, you would know that there is no choice to resist. You have no idea what it's like to have these things in your body.
Tony: I know that.
Irene (serious): Then tell me. What do you know about this stigma?
Tony: I saw once, in the archives on the capital of the Expedition, stories about the Claymore and the experiments performed by the Organization about implanting Yoma flesh and blood on the bodies of young orphans girls, selected with traumatic experiences with those monsters.
Irene: Tony, lots of thing shouldn't be seen with curious eyes. Especially yours.
Tony: Ah really? And one of the records that I saw, a group of surgeons of the Expedition studied the bodies of some dead Claymore e Yoma and they got shocked of what they saw. And all I know is, is that you carry the demons that you hunt for the rest of your lives and whenever one goes out of control, you are forced to kill it. And I don't want that!
Irene: TONY!
He started to run scared. Irene felt how scared he was about all that about her and the other warriors. And much of what was said was true.
////
When he was running to grab his stuff, he stumbled on the climb, due to his leg injury after the duel. And as he got up, Irene came up to him.
Tony (scared): Please don't! I don't want to become a being capable to turn into a monster! My life is not worth it!
Irene: Tony, listen to me! I know how hard to know about us. I also went through a lot of hard things when they inserted these things on me. You also faced a similar thing. Having your blood mixed with the blood of your masters.
Tony: But they wouldn't put flesh of monsters into the bodies of their followers!
Irene: Deep in my heart, not all of us wanted to face that, but we didn't have another choice in that time. Homes in ruins, families destroyed like that girl and from Priscilla's. Nothing is left for us, unless an unending desire to destroy the responsible of those episodes.
Tony (crying): But then… Irene. Why?
Irene: Tony, not everything in this life is the answer for all the questions that we seek. Even that we would know, there are those who wants to hide the truth about that. And what want is that you won't be destroyed by anyone who's afraid of you.
Tony continues to cry. Irene slipped her hand into his face.
Irene: Tony, you are the most special person that I know. Beyond that, special for all of us. Noel, Priscilla, Sophia, and me. I won't mind of you calling me an elf again. I just don't want, is to see you crying for something that we carry the whole time. Can you be strong enough to face the toughest days of your life?
He looked into her eyes. This time, Irene's expression was no longer serious or angry, but it was calm and sincere. He shook his head up and down. The two of them hugged each other.
////
After that shock, the two were kneeling on the floor and hugging each other. Their clothes were left aside, exchanging affection and sensations never before experienced. Despite the sutures, it didn't stop Tony from feeling Irene's body.
Tony (quietly): Irene…
Irene: Yes Tony.
Tony: I don't fear you or hate you. Deep in my heart, you're just like me. Cool people with amazing features. And I like them a lot, just like you.
Irene: Me too, Tony. I also like you.
Tony and Irene spent that night holding each other. Then, Tony was taking his bath. Irene didn't bothered for examining his wound in his bath. To her surprise, some of them has fully heal themselves.
////
After the bath, Tony was laying on the Templar's mantle. Irene was sitting with the sword on the back. When he looked at the Number 2, he was thinking about his past and the discovery of those surgeons. So much that he remembered of that time with the Grand Inquisitor.
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: Tony, a word.
He gets close to his master.
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: I heard that you has been spotted on the archives, looking something about Yoma and Claymore.
Tony: Is there some problem?
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: Tony, I'd just like you to know when our forces fought in a private war with the Organization. A force in which it recruited young orphans to become weapons of war to hunt and destroy. There was a time when they recruited men, too, but they realized they weren't perfect enough for this kind of experiment.
Tony (confuse): Grand Inquisitor, I just went to the archives trying to understand better about the Claymore of today. But what I saw was, too scary.
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: Tony, Claymore are beings that carries Yoma flesh and blood, the monsters which we also face. They are genetic experiments for purposes of war. We don't do this to our own brethren.
Tony: But what about me? I'm also creation of genetic engineering.
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: Yours is different. We made our best to combine your blood with ours. We do not want to lose more brothers again. Either for those witches or those demons who become their victims.
Tony: But Inquisitor, there are reports about the Organization has established treaty of peace among us. Do you think is there something behind of all of this?
Grand Inquisitor Yo'shun: In any case, we must be prepared for it. When the time comes, you will come to know Claymore more closely today.
Tony: That's fine, Inquisitor.
Ending that memory, he was more confused in his objective, if was to try to find out about the true intentions of the Organization or to be part of Irene's mission to eliminate a Yoma in a distant village.
He rose up and went to Irene. Getting close of her, the Claymore opened her eyes.
Irene: What's it, Tony?
Tony: Irene, may I ask you a question?
Irene: Ask it.
Tony: That warrior, Teresa. Tell me more about her.
Irene: She is the Number 1 of the Organization. There are times that think she is strange, but her strength and features are exceptional, even for me. What else you want to know about Teresa?
Tony (smiling): Well, her smile is a bit of curious.
Irene: She is know to be Teresa of the Faint Smile. The reason for that title is the mission of hunting Yoma. Whenever she killed one, she usually smiles apparently during her hunts. It doesn't measure efforts of her physical strength. Besides, she doesn't have abilities similar to my Quicksword.
Tony (curious): Your what?
Irene: It's the sword strike that you saw in my fights. I wrestle Yoki in the arm to deliver a series of frenzied attacks on a target. You have your fighting style, based on some similarities of my technique, however far from being precise and strong.
Tony (remembering of the duel with her): Yeah. You managed to break through of mine defensive with this type of attack.
Irene: Now, Teresa. Instead of a similar technique of mine, or from Noel and Sophia, Teresa has a unique gift of locating any traces of Yoma to a certain range. But as you don't have no Yoma flesh, Teresa cannot locate you.
Tony (sitting): Do you think she know something beyond anything that the Organization has been planning?
Irene (looking to the sky): Not that I know. Even that we would know and Teresa would be involved in something, we would be notified through the men in black.
Tony decides to get up and grab his mantle.
Irene: What are you going to do? It's late to go after for food.
He extend the piece of cloth on the ground, on Irene's side. Which left her a little unformed.
Tony: Can I lie down just today on your lap?
Irene (sighing for hearing that, but she smiled): Just today.
The boy stood on the floor, resting his head on Irene's left leg.
////
On the encampment which the other Claymore were, Priscilla was sitting on the table, thinking on Irene and Tony, Sophia was on the bed reading a book and Noel was exercising her movements with her agile maneuvers. The three of them began to miss the boy.
The three (at the same time in different places): We miss him a lot.
////
Next day, the two adventurers were on a hill. There, they can spot the village in which they come with the purpose to help their people.
Irene: There it is, Tony. Let's go there and give them assistance.
Tony: I hope so. If they are suffering from Yoma attacks, then it is up to us to save these people.
Irene: But remember, we must always follow the important rules of the Organization, including the minimal details.
Tony: Alright, Irene.
The two moved to the village. The Templar's notion of the situation seemed to change at any moment.
Comentários
Postar um comentário