FAN FICTION: Nightmares and Dreams SERIES: Bubblegum Crisis STORY1: Sylia's Choice Part 1 by David Lindquist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer: Bubble Gum Crisis and all characters there of are the copyright of AIC. All AD&D Oriental adventures character and setting copyright of TSR inc. All rights reserved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORWARD: This is the first of my second fanfiction. It is also the hardest thing I have ever wrote. It took me 2 months just to write the opening paragraph and to tell you the truth I STILL don't know how it will end.(I have two different ending in mind. I'll probably flip a coin) :) I would like to thank everyone who helped me. I don't know when part 2 will be out. Thanks and enjoy!! This story takes place one week after BGC video no.6(Red Eyes). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sylia's Choice part1 As she slipped into her warm bath, Sylia realized just how weary her body felt. * I hope this helps,* she thought. *If it doesn't I don't know how much more of these nightmares I can take.* Sylia's troubles began the night after their battle with Largo. She went to bed early. She awoke an hour later soaked in sweat and almost screaming in terror. Ever since that night, the nightmares would come to torment her. Even worse, the constant barrage she endured disrupted her ability to gain any benefits from her slumber, making her tired and irritable. All her efforts to counteract the nightmares failed. She tried to combat it by swimming but quickly realized that it wasn't working. Finally, in an act of desperation, she decided to try one of her mother's favorite stress relief techniques, a long hot bath. Sylia remembered when her father told her the story of when they moved to Megatokyo and her mother's insistence on possessing a large bathtub. How he scoured the city to find it then paid for it with his own money and the joy in her face when she saw it. Those baths became one of the few memories Sylia recalled of her mother. *I loved it when mother and I took those baths together,* she thought, a small feeling of contentment settled on her as she slowly twirled a finger in the water. "Beep.......Beep!" The video-phone ringing instantly banished the feeling of peace she achieved only a moment ago, replacing it with feelings of irritation. Sighing, she retrieved the waterproof remote control from its place and pointed it towards the one way audio-visual-phone entertainment center embedded in the far bathtub wall. Pressing the caller id button, the screen immediately identified the caller. *Mackies calling from Raven's garage? I hope he isn't overworking himself repairing the old hardsuits.* Sylia pressed the accept button. The screen instantly changed showing the image of a greased stained, sweaty, concerned looking Mackie. "Sis? Are you okay? I'm not getting a visual on you," Mackie said. "I'm fine," Sylia responded. "I am just taking a bath." Sylia watched as her brother's eyes glazed over and an silly grin formed on his face. "You're ...ah completely nude then" he stammered out. " As I recall, that is how a bath is normally taken," Sylia said, not quite able to keep the irritation out of her voice. * I wonder if he is ever going to grow out if that,* she thought as she watched her brother try to compose himself. *I'd better find out what he called for before he says something I will make him REALLY regret.* "What did you want to talk about, Mackie?" "Well....um... I got the.. ah...old equipment fixed except for the ......fourth item. Ah..... That'll have to be totally.... err... replaced, but if we need the others we'll have them," he replied, still trying to compose himself. *At least he hasn't totally lost his senses.* Sylia thought. After their battle with Largo, Sylia decided to upgrade the security systems at all the Knight-Sabres facilities. Until they were set up she instructed the other members not to say anything about their work unless it was face-to-face. "Anything else?" she inquired. "Uh....I wanted to remind you that Priss will be getting out of the hospital tomorrow afternoon. From what I've heard, the hospital will be glad when she's gone." Sylia smiled at that remark. * Priss must be getting back to normal then.* " Oh...almost forgot..," Mackie said, bring Sylia's attention back to the view screen," I'm going to be spending the night here. It's okay with Doctor Raven. There's a project I want to finish up. Unless....ah..... you need me?" "No. That is all right," Sylia said." Just don't overdo it." *I'd better check the changing room for hidden cameras tommorow,* she mentally sighed. She then said, "If that is it then good night Mackie." " Pleasant dreams, sis." he said before he closed the connection. " That's what I'm hoping for Mackie,"Sylia whispered as she pressed the disconnect button, closing the connection at her end. She laid in the tub for a few minutes then she pressed the button that set the timer alarm .* I'd better set the alarm, just in case,* she thought, After she put the controller back Sylia retrieved the wet, folded washcloth she prepared beforehand. * Maybe after this I will be able to get at least get some rest tonight.* Sylia thought as she laid back, put the wash cloth over her eyes, and relaxed............. She lost. As the black mist crept closer to her, Sylia Stingray knew she failed. Not just her mission. She failed them all. Her teammates all dead. Her father unavenged. Genom free to conquer the world. "All because I failed, " she whispered, tears forming in her eyes as she stared at the mist now almost upon her. She sat on the ground, her knees under her waiting for the end. Her hardsuit broken and shattered like her spirit. She couldn't fight it. She didn't want to fight it. She just wanted it all to end. Sylia openly cried as the mist engulfed her. She felt it invade her body, forcing her spirit out. "I failed you otijsan," Sylia sobbed as she felt the last of her spirit ejected from her body. "I failed you all...." "Sensei? Are you okay?" Lifting her arm from her eyes, Sylia slowly sat up from her futon and looked at her student. "Yes Nene-chan, I'm fine," she replied, hiding her own concern over her dreams finish." Just a nightmare." "A nightmare before this important a battle?" Nene said, a worried look on her face. "That is a bad omen. A very bad omen." "Is it almost dawn?" Sylia asked irritably. "Hai, sensai," Nene replied. "Go awaken the others. After you all have eaten, prepare the horses. I wish to leave as soon as possible. I will eat in here." " Hai sensai," Her orders received Nene stood up, gave her teacher a low bow and left the small chamber. Sylia watched Nene leave with a slightly guilty look on her face. *I'll have to apologize to her later,* Sylia thought as she watched Nene close the sliding door. A slight rumbling in her stomach broke her train of thought. *I'd better get something to eat.* After shifting to a kneeling position, Sylia placed both her middle fingers down to her palms then she brought her hands together. Bowing her head slightly she spoke. " O' GREAT COTTAGE, " Sylia said "PLEASE GRANT THIS UNWORTHY PERSON SOME NOURISHMENT SO I MAY FACE THE DAY!" As she finished her incantation a globe of white light slowly glided down to the floor. The instant the globe touched the ground it transformed into a bamboo serving tray with a bowl of rice, some fish, a teacup, some utensils and a kettle of tea, all ready to use. " My thanks," Sylia said moving towards the food. *Adding the ability to produce meals to the origami cottage definitely proved to be the best use of that limited wish,* she thought as she poured the steaming tea into her cup. Putting the kettle back and beginning to eat her meal, Sylia's mind began to review what had sent them on what could be their greatest battle. It all started four days ago. The Knight Sabers were in the western most part of the Shou Lung empire, just finished tracking down and destroying a group of Bakemono bandits who terrorized the villages in the area for the past month Settling at a inn on the outskirts of one of the villages, they sat in a corner of the main tavern splitting up the spoils from the battle. "This will bring some good coinage from a jeweler," Linna said, examining a gold and diamond bracelet. "Is that all you can think of Linna? " Nene asked a slightly irritated look on her face. "Money." "It's better than dreaming about some handsome samurai to come along and sweep you off your feet!" Linna responded irritably. "Let's not go into that conversation again, okay?" Priss interrupted, the pain of her hurt ribs showing on her face. "Damn, who would have thought that little runt could hit so hard." "Your ribs still bothering you?" Sylia remembered saying. "Yes," Priss replied "Very much." Sylia reached into her small pouch and pulled out a small blue vial. Leaning over the table they sat at she handed the vial to Priss. "Here," she said " Drink this." Priss carefully took the vial from Sylia and drank. After a few moments the tension in her body seemed to relax and a relieved look cross her face. "What was that stuff Sylia? I feel great!" Priss said. "A healing potion, " Sylia replied. "I picked it up at Chi lun." As the others continued to talk Sylia looked around the room. She was the first to notice the five men entering through the outer door. Four of them wore full O-yorio armor but each one carried a different weapon. The first one carried a pair of katanas similar to her own strapped in an X formation on his back. The second carried two kamas hanging from his belt. The third carried a large battle axe while the fourth had a chu-ko-nu and a pair of sias. She recognized their demeanor instantly. * Samurai bodygaurds,* she thought, *but I can't make out who they are gaurding.* Her attention turned to the fifth member of their group. He was dressed in a black hooded robe that covered the figure from head to toe. *Why do you look so.....familiar?* she thought. Just then one of the samurai turned towards their table. *Now I can find out what clan has their loyalty.* Sylia got a good look at his helmet insignia. Her anger flared at the sight of the golden letter G that was on the helmet. "Sylia? What is it?" Priss asked. "Genom Guard," Sylia replied. Her attention never leaving the five men as they walked towards the barkeep. "Here!?" Linna said her and Nene's conversation silenced at the mention of their greatest enemy. "Prepare yourselves," Sylia said "but don't draw your weapons unless I say so. Understood Priss?" "I thought he was going for his sword!" Priss said defensively, releasing the catch that held her ninja-to in it's scabbard. Linna readied her razor chain, smiling slightly at Priss's outburst. Nene ignored the conversation as she gathered some spell component for quick access. Her eyes never left the five men as Sylia undid the holding cord that kept her katanas in their scabbards. She watched as the man in the black robe pulled a small pouch out and handed it to the katana wielding samurai. The samurai walked to the barkeep and leaned over the bar. As he talked to the barkeep Sylia noticed that the color drained from the barkeep's face and he began to sweat. The samurai finished talking, handed him the pouch and walked back to the robed man. The barkeep looked at the pouch for a few second, grabbed his coat that was hanging behind him and half walked/half ran out the door. After the barkeep left the robed man began to walk towards their table. He stopped when one of the other samurai started to walk with him. He turned and said to the samurai ; "It is all right, Mutako, they will not harm me." Sylia instantly recognized the figure's voice. *Lord Quincy?* she thought *Why would our worst enemy come to us alone and be so sure we will not kill him?* As Sylia's mind pondered her own question, she watched Lord Quincy walk up to their table. "Greeting, Sylia-san" he said he then reach up and pulled his hood back. The other three Knight-Sabers shocked at sight of Lord Quincy. They quickly recovered, each of their faces showed the hatred the Knight-Sabers felt for him. "What do you want?" Sylia said "I know you didn't come all this way just to give us your salutations." "True," he replied. "On behalf of the emperor, I wish to hire you." "When hell freezes over!" Priss barked out. Sylia turned and stared disapprovingly at Priss. They looked at each other for a few moments then with a disgusted expression on her face, Priss broke eye contact, folded her arms across her chest, and slouched slightly in her chair. Smiling slightly at her victory, Sylia turned her attention back to Lord Quincy. "Though I wouldn't had put it quite that way," Sylia said, her smile fading." My opinion is the same as hers." "Even if it means the final destruction of Mason?" he replied. Sylia couldn't hide the surprise at the mention of his name. Mason's obsession with Sylia made him their most persistent enemy, attempting to capture then destroy them on more than one occasion. The final straw came when one of his attempts missed them and killed friends of Linna and Priss. They tracked him to Hibiki Castle with the intent of avenging them and settling their feud once and for all. The battle became the most intense and bloody the Knight Sabers ever participated in, only ending when Sylia drove Kotetu, one of her katanas, through Mason's chest. Then as a warning to others, Sylia cast a spell that collapsed the castle on top of his corpse. Her mind refused to accept the possibility that he survived. "Impossible," she firmly stated, "Mason is dead." " I thought so too," Quincy quietly spoke, causing Sylia to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. He then gestured with his left hand towards the table set next to them. "Please, can we talk privately and let me present my suspicions to you," his voice then took a haughty tone" I am willing to pay you for the time." Sylia ignored his insult as she contemplated his request. After a few seconds she silently rose from her chair and walked to the other table, followed by Lord Quincy. Sylia sat down at the side of the table with her back towards the other Knight Sabers. Quincy sat at the table's head, his back to his own samurai. Sylia reached into the same pouch she kept her spell components in and pulled out a small hourglass- like object. She set the object on top of the table with the sand in the top. "You have until this timepiece," she spoke, pointing towards the object, "runs out to convince me." Quincy's face showed no emotion as Sylia watched for a reaction to her words, but his eyes betrayed the anger at his treatment. He sat there, glared at the time piece for a few seconds then he turned and looked at Sylia. "Very well," he said as his eyes beginning to return to normal. " Two weeks ago the village of To Lon was destroyed by a bandit raid, or so we thought. We sent the 5th Genom Light horseman battalion to deal with the problem. They reported the village leveled to the ground and the village leader's head impaled on a pike in the center of town." "What happened to the other villagers?" Sylia asked, already suspecting their fate. "All of them murdered," Lord Quincy replied emotionlessly. " even the animals. The commander sent a scouting party to backtrack and find the attacker's point of origin." " Let me guess," Sylia interrupted. "The trail led to Hibiki castle." "Yes," he said. "Apparently something blasted it's way out of the rubble and started destroying whatever crossed its path." "What makes you think it was Mason?" Sylia asked, a small part of her mind beginning to form doubts of his death. Lord Quincy reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. He untied the drawstring then flipped it upside down spilling out a golden ring onto the table. Picking up the ring, he handed it to Sylia for her to inspect. "That," he said pointing at the ring, "is my biggest reason." Sylia examined the ring closely. It had small diamonds arranged in a circle around the setting. The setting held a medium sized ruby. Sylia examined the ruby and saw the letter G embedded in the top. * It's his ring,* Sylia confirmed mentally, the small part of her mind that didn't believe he died growing more and more prominent. "It was found near the temple ruins at Satome." Quincy said drawing her attention back to him. " We believe that he is there." "That only proves that someone might have done some graverobbing," Sylia quietly contested, the part of her mind that held on to the belief Mason was dead trying to regain the ground it lost in this argument. Quincy drew in a long breath and let it out slowly. He gazed straight ahead almost as if Sylia wasn't even there. "Madigan disappeared the night we received word of the massacre." It was then that Sylia became convinced of Mason's return. *Madigan's loyalty to Quincy is almost fanatical,* She thought. *She even gave up a chance for revenge on us when she held the upper hand because of her loyalty. Only Mason, her lover, could exercise enough control to convince her to abandon her lord.* Sylia then notice the hourglass almost finished its cycle. *His evidence is mostly circumstantial but my instincts says to believe him,* she continued ,*In any case it is worth investigating.* Sylia reached out to the hourglass and took it from the table. She returned it to her pouch. "I want one million Ch'len as payment," she said gazing directly at Quincy. "You can keep the money for this talk. It proved ....interesting." Lord Quincy raised an eyebrow at her words then reached into the folds of his robe and retrieved a small bag and scroll. "You will need the scroll to pass the battalion surrounding the temple and here is a down payment on your fee." He said as he placed the two item on the table. "Here is 100,000 Ch'len as a down payment. The rest will be waiting for you at the battalion's basecamp," He then stood up. "I will send an messager to tell them to expect you within the week. Good luck." He bowed to her then turned around and left the building, his guards trailed behind him. Sylia didn't watch them leave, her thoughts were entwined with the ring she held in her hands. *How could he have survived?* she thought, then her face developed an tired and weary expression. * Why can't this struggle end?* "Sylia? Are you okay?" Linna asked quietly. Sylia turned, slightly startled at the voice she heard. * I was so self absorbed I didn't hear the others walk over.* Sylia stood up and looked at the other Knight Sabers. " I want everything prepared for us to leave here early in the morning." she commanded, ignoring Linna's question. "So we're going to take this job, huh?" Priss said, a slight sarcastic edge in her voice. "Yes," Sylia replied as she reached over and took the scroll and pouch. "I sure hope you know what your doing Sylia," Priss stated plainly. Sylia's response to Priss's words echoed in her mind as her thoughts returned to the half-eaten meal before her. "So do I Priss," she whispered. "So do I." END OF PART 1 PART 2: The Knight Sabers prepare for war and they discover just how evil and powerful their enemy has become. To find out keep an eye out for Sylia's choice Part 2.(Unless no one reads this then I'll probably won't write it.) APPENDIX BAKENOMO BANDITS = Creatures of various shapes , sizes and colors. They often form bandit hordes under the command of an Ogre magi or an Oni and raid different cities. CHI LUN = A city in Shou Lung, known for it's sales of magical items. CH'LEN = Highest monetary unit in Kara-Tur. CHU-KO-NU = Repeating crossbow. GENOM CLAN = The most powerful clan in Shou Lung. Some say they are the most powerful clan in Kara-Tur. They also have the largest personal army of any other lord. The head of the clan is Lord Quincy an 26th level samurai. He gives his loyalty to the emperor but his ambition is to rule all of Kara-tur. The Emperor is very wary of him but can do nothing because of his powerbase. Secretly the Emperor hopes that the Knight Sabers will remove him as a threat, so he has subtly helped them in the past. note: Lord Quincy secretly set Mason up for destruction by promising reinforcements in case the Knight Sabers attacked and not sending them. GENOM GUARD = Bodyguard unit of Genom Clan. Samurai assigned to protect hierarchy. Unless undercover must wear their full O-yorio armor when on duty and all have magical weapons. HIBIKI CASTLE = Mason's main base of operations. Almost all of the people stationed here were fanatically loyal to Mason and died with him when the Knight Sabers attacked. Sylia destroyed the castle as a warning for anyone else who harmed a friend of the Knight Sabers. KAMA = Straight bladed sickle. KNIGHT SABRES = Four warriors out to gain vengeance against the Genom clan. They are: SYLIA STINGRAY = leader, 15th level Kensai/30th level wu-jin. Wants revenge on Lord Quincy for his part in the death of her father and the destruction of her clan. She was given all of her father's magical knowledge and power by an transference spell. Sylia uses two katanas and wears a special suit of O-yorio armor that allows her to use her wujin spells but at a price of taking damage when she cast them. note: When she received her father's abilities she was also placed under a GEAS spell forcing her to gain vengeance against Genom clan and restore her clans prestige and power. She does not know this fact PRISS ASAGIRI = 13th level bushi(fighter)/7th level yakuza. Priss want revenge for the destruction of her yakuza clan(She was the only survivor.) Priss wears blue or red leather armor and carries an ninja-to(sword) and sometimes uses an large magical battle axe she calls LOVER. LINNA YAMAZAKI = 11th level kensai. Linna challenged Sylia to a fight at their first meeting. Sylia defeated her then asked if she would join the Knight Sabers. Impressed with Sylia's skill(and the bag of coins Sylia handed her) she accepted. Linna grown to look at the others as family. Linna wear green chain armor and uses a magical weapon called a RAZOR CHAIN. NENE ROMANOVA = 6th level wu-jin. Nene is the only pupil of Sylia. She impressed Sylia by risking her life to save the three others from an assassination attempt. Nene wears an magic robe of protection and uses a blowgun and tai-fa in battle. She also uses a staff of detection but not in combat. MADIGAN = Lord Quincy's chief magical advisor, 16th level wu-jin(wizard). She was Mason's pupil and lover. She hates the Knight Sabers tremendously. O-YOROI ARMOR = O-yoroi armor is a complete suit of lace armor. It is usually worn on special occasions and major battles. ORIGAMI COTTAGE = The ORIGAMI COTTAGE is a mystical object of some power. They appear as a small origami sculpture of a cottage or home. Upon reciting the activating phrase the sculpture grows to the size of an oriental home complete with stable. They are very rare and valuable. RAZOR CHAIN = This magical chain, in the hands of a kensai(weapon master) makes it an extremely deadly weapon . It can decapitate a person instantly upon striking them. SATOME = A province in Shou Lung. Most famous for certain magical springs that are suppose to be hidden in the mountains. SHOU LUNG EMPIRE = Main nation in KARA_TUR . Currently at war against the nation of Wa. TO LON = Village at the foot of the mountain of Hibiki castle. Destroyed.