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Post by morrisb on Sept 4, 2011 14:23:31 GMT -5
Gavron followed, limping after Shadowsoul, doing his best to catch up. Since he was human, it was far more stressing upon him to move, but he dragged himself onward without complains regardless. He was somewhat disappointed by Shadowsoul's attitude, though.
"Back to step one just cos' I gave a mean look. Does she have daddy issues or what ?!" - such ideas came to his mind.
"I'm coming along for now." - he stated. - "Gotta' pick up Tila, and got a question or two for that double-crossing village lord. I dunno what you have in mind, but I have a feeling he didn't say the whole truth about the statue." - he explained.
While Gavron wasn't present when Darkov presented Shadowsoul the tale about how her parents 'truly' died, he was a perceptive man, and knew the village lord purposefully left out some details in his version of the story when he and Shadowsoul were there. But now he'll get to the bottom of this !
Not that it was compulsory (especially since the statue was done for), but he was curious. Plus now that the village is defenseless, he should at least take one more look around, maybe give some advice to the locals about what to do...
A gentle breeze blew over the heroes' heads. Gavron checked his equipment while marching on:
"Three wards... two spare cartridges for my pistol... that's all. So much waste for such a trivial mission..." - he thought.
"By the way." - he spoke to Shadowsoul again. - "Jing carried captain Takeshi back to the village, so no need to worry about him. Just sayin'."
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Post by kitsune on Sept 4, 2011 14:52:34 GMT -5
Shadowsoul glanced behind, flicking her tail again. "The village lord is suspicios.. I need to knnow the truth... once and for all." she responded, ears flat. She stopped for a moment, thinking about how he probably lied to her. She did not tell Gavron about what Darkrov had said... it was much too upsetting, and she would keep it to herself. She would see what the lord had to say when they got there.
She continued on through the fprest, finaly noticing Gavron's condition and stopping. "By the way, do you need help?" she asked, emotionless. Anger had been tossed aside, all was business now. They would get to the village and find out what the truth was, then depart. No questions asked. She would be sad to see him leve, even if she had been mad at him.
She would never admit her positive feelings of respect, but they were stil there. She glanced back to him an wondered how she should help if he needed it. She was not strong enough to help him well, but at least she could provde alittle support. She walked over and waited for his answer; it seemed that they would be there soon anyways.
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Post by morrisb on Sept 4, 2011 15:27:38 GMT -5
"Our minds work along the same lines then." - Gavron acknowledged.
That makes it easier. Hopefully Shadowsoul won't mind if he gets a bit radical in interrogative methods. He knew plenty of ways to get information, including some rather gory ones, though he hoped he won't need to resort to such things.
"And thanks, but I'll manage." - he responded to Shadowsoul's offer. However, as if fate wished to prove otherwise, he tripped; fortunately, he put his shoulder against a tree, and managed to stop the fall; he limped onwards again. - "We'll soon be there anyway..."
...
An hour of walking... or was it two ? One and a half ? Time lost meaning.
They were finally there. The village seemed completely unharmed and safe. The lingering essence of the statue endured still.
A village watchman saw the two adventurers approaching, and gave out a loud yell.
"They are back ! They are back !"
Peasants and artisans started swarming, everyone wanting to see the girl and the man who saved their small community. Cheerful hailing and clapping welcomed the weary heroes.
Gavron personally was untouched by the villagers' enthusiasm. He was too tired to appreciate it. But there was someone who he would appreciate: a little, brown-furred monkey...
Tila's small form rushed out from somewhere among the crowd; she beheld them, and ran towards them, finally hugging Gavron's left leg and Shadowsoul's right leg.
"Gavron... Shandra... you-okay ! You-both-okay... me-worried-so-much..."
Her soft grip would grow tighter, and tears of joy rolled out from her blue eyes.
Perhaps for the first time she met Gavron, Shadowsoul saw the inquisitor smiling honestly and kindly. Gavron appeared particularly handsome and friendly for that moment. Too bad that such moments are a rarity in his life. Gavron carefully bent his back forth, and petted Tila's head. He spoke no words. There was no need for them.
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Post by kitsune on Sept 4, 2011 17:44:18 GMT -5
Shadowsoul watched hhim trip and wondered if she should help. She saw him catch himself and was relieved, glad that she had not had to feel the guilt of not helping. She sighed and looked away, continueing to walk to town in a linp, wincing in slihgt pain. She sighed and dragged herslef onward, eyes drooping.
---
Shadowsoul ignored the villagers and waited to see the lord. She needed to know what had happned at all costs. She knew it was time for her to discover her past and felt the need to find it out soon. She deserved it, after all; saving the village, and it was HER life. She would demand answers reguardless.
She saw Gavron's smile at Tila and looked away, wishing she still had a father to smile at her like that. She was glad to see Tila but knew that Gavron only had those smiles for her anyways. She accepted it and moved on, emotion drainging from her face once again. She swished her tail and nodded at Tila simply, turning away.
She glanced around, walking up to a townsperson. "Do you know where the lord is?" she asked hopefully, becoming impatient. Walking through the crowd was a hard time, and it made her stressed.
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Post by morrisb on Sept 4, 2011 18:05:34 GMT -5
Gavron couldn't help but notice Shadowsouls downward mood swing, however he remained silent. He wasn't good in these kinds of social situations; he did not know what he could say to Shadowsoul to make her feel better without appearing weak (or sentimental) before others.
"Why, our treasured guardian !" - the townperson replied eagerly to Shadowsoul's question - "A watchman ran to the palace the moment we saw you two coming ! The lord could be here any minute-"
"The lord is coming ! The lord is coming !" - someone cried out loud.
"See ?" - the townsman smiled - "Told you ! Ah, such a celebration we'll have !"
The lord arrive amount a tawny horse, along with some guards. He must have been in quite a hurry, as they were all sweating. They dismounted hastily, the lord ran up to Gavron and Shadowsoul:
"The statue ! Have you got it ?!" - those were his welcoming words.
"No." - Gavron answered as shortly as possible. - "But even if I had it, I might not wanted to hand it back. Cos' you obviously kept valuable information away from us !" - he grunted angrily.
Tila crawled up to Gavron's shoulder. - "Master-Gavron ! How-can-that-be...?"
"Hush, Tila ! Let the grown-ups talk." - he replied.
The village lord paled with dread. The townsfolk around started to act suddenly frightened.
"But then... but then we're doomed !" - the lord whispered.
"That depends." - Gavron spoke. - "If the answers you'll give will put the young lady here into a bad mood, it may just happen." - he stated, glancing at Shadowsoul.
He shook his head a little bit towards the village lord. He wanted her to ask the questions they both wanted answers for.
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Post by kitsune on Sept 4, 2011 18:21:42 GMT -5
Shadowsoul glanced to Gavron, noddingi n thanks. She hastily walked toward him, tail swishing and eyes red. She circled him a few times, taking in everything before deciding what to ask or say. She noticed how afraid they got, so fast. She shook her head and stopped in front of him, eyes atill bright red. "Well. It seems someone here has been more decietful then a kitsune... how dreadful and low. I need to know answers... what caused my parents to be attacked? And I will know lies... speak carefully and do not conceal one thing." she said.
No matter how frightened she was to actually know, she was ready. Confident; she would take the answer and not be wavered, perhaps betrayed if what Darkrov said was true. She lashed her tail and stared him down, not looking away as she said, "Fair people of the town, I shall not attack you, no matter what will be true. I must remind you however, sometimes people can be even more cruel then demons." she said in a growl.
She would not hold back on her accusations and such, but be careful in her words. She needed to know everything, and if she was betrayed, she would not hesitate to abandon the village and leave them to defend themselves. IT would only be fair, and they would get off on a lucky break. Sometimes Shadowsoul wished she had a lot less mercy, however...
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Post by morrisb on Sept 4, 2011 20:11:00 GMT -5
Gavron stayed in the background with Tila. He observed how fright and worry was growing; but that's just the ordinary reaction of ordinary people to ordinary disasters. The real concern was the answer of the village lord.
"The truth always finds a way." - he thought. - "The question is whether the one who knows the truth can handle it or not..."
He hoped that no matter what the answer will be, Shadowsoul will keep her temper in check. Whether the village lord was a schemer, the villagers should be kept out of harm's way.
The village lord's wizened face was getting very pale; as if the loss of the statue wasn't enough ! Now this... this vixen...
No. It doesn't matter anymore... the truth has to be told.
"Very well." - he sighted gravely, as if a great weight was lifted off him, only to be replaced by something twice as heavy. - "I shall tell the whole truth as I know it."
One of the guards got a chair from somewhere. The villagers leaned closer to listen. They probably didn't know what this was about, but curiosity was winning over their initial fright. The lord sat down and began his tale:
"The tale begins in the past, back when my father reigned in the village." - he started. - "Your father lived in the nearby cavern system, where you dwell now, young lady. When, how and why he came and settled there, nobody knows or remembers. He was around ever since the time of my great-grandfather ! He was a rash fox, stealing things, scaring children and sometimes kidnapping girls ! What he did with them, I don't know, and don't want to know, but they were mere wrecks by the time he let them go hime. But in return he kept other demons out of our village, so we put up with each other. Not that we could have matched his will in the first place, mind you... One day, another kitsune paid a visit to our village; that was your mother. I see much of her in you... well, physically that is. If your father was rash, then she was a wild animal ! She barged in, robbing whatever little valuables we had, froze the crops, and delighted in murder ! My father had nightmares of that horrid days 'till the end of his life..."
He shivered, along with some townsfolk.
"But... that's not how I remember them !" - an elderly lady cut in. - "Sure, they were thieving and all, but otherwise they were gentle..." - she said.
"Yes they were" - the village lord said - "AFTER they married and settled down ! But we're talking about events many decades before that ! Now then..." - he continued. - "So, she came in and rampaged. Your father saw her, and anger roused in him; he considered the village his own property, and wouldn't put up with a plunderer. They fought a fierce battle, as my father said. In the end, it was a draw; they were equals in all regards."
"And then they married and lived happily ever after ?" - a boy inquired.
"NO !" - the village elder shouted at him. - "Let me finish, will you ?!" - he looked around fiercely. The villagers shut up for now. - "Now where was I... yes, they fought. They parted ways then. But your mather would remember the fox he fought, and from time to time she returned to challenge his authority. Every time the village and its inhabitants were hurt terribly. But it was also becoming apparent that your mother was beginning to... develop a sort of relationship with your father. Not a romantic one yet, but the kind when you dare trust your values and secrets on the other."
He appeared daydreaming, he was swinging his head back and forth for perhaps half a minute before continuing.
"One day" - he said - "She returned with a golden kitsune statue, the one that projected the barrier around our village, the exact one you were supposed to recover." - his voice was strict at that point, but he lowered his tone shortly afterwards. - "As I later learned, it was robbed from Buddhist monks."
"Wait a second..." - Gavron cut in - "That explains my mission description ! I was told it was stolen from Buddhists, and the culprit was a black female kitsune. It must have been Shadowsoul's mother. But between then and now decades have passed ! And our lovely vixen here, as you said, resembles her greatly. No wonder I mixed things up." - the inquisitor muttered the last part, somewhat pissed that he did not take such a possibility into consideration. Demons live up to centuries and still look young, so he presumed the culprit to be still alive ! Such a stupid and rash mistake.
"Well, at least now we know why they fought." - a young man whispered to his wife.
"At least we cleared that up as well..." - the village elder sighted then continued: - "But in any case... I eventually learned that something tagic happened in the progress of stealing the statue. What exactly, I know not, but she was a changed woman; shaken, shy, and lonely. Your father sheltered her for quite a while... and... well, romance developed between them. I believe deep within they were both lonely wolves- wait, I mean, foxes... hiding their lonelyness behind hedonism and decadence. But upon finding each other's company, they changed, became better, decent folk."
"Aww..." - Tila sighted silently. - "That-is-cute."
She was silent to be heard by others than Gavron and Shadowsoul, so the village lord paid no heed and went on with his tale:
"They were still thieving for food, but other than that, all the mischief stopped. At times of celebration they would sometimes come down to village to feast with us; it was a splendid time." - he let out another grave sigh. - "But not for my family. Oh nay. My father was a complete emotional wreck by then; a good village lord takes responsibility for the well-fare of the land's people; and because of that, the terrible things your father and mother did before they 'calmed down' wore him terribly down; every wasted life, every piece of ruined crop, every single thievery. And I suffered along with him; to see him in pain and worry, and never having a day of rest... horrible, horrible."
His hands were shaking...
"And in the end, he died because of your mother !" - the lord cried out. - "She snuck into my family's palace, because for that one last time, she was drawn to a precious item: some gems my family got from a merchant friend. It was night when she came... my father woke up from his sleep because he had another nightmare. The he saw her, taking the gems... outraged, he rushed at her. Suprised and shocked, your mother knocked off a metal candlestick from the wall. But accidently, my father tripped on his kimono, and his head met with the candlestick as he fell, cracking his skullbone."
A dark mood was descending upon the gathered people.
"I couldn't have been more than 13 back then..." - the village lord muttered. - "Because of the noise, I woke up too, went to check, and what did I see ? I saw as your mother knocked off the candlestick, and the next thing I knew: my father dead from a head wound. I was terrified and angry... I cried... 'Killer ! Killer !' Needless to say, your mother did not stay for long. Calling the memory back, I think I saw her crying, too, as she hurled away all the gems and ran off..."
He stopped for a short while as some tears fell out.
"Such a stupid accident... yes, just an accident. There's no point in blaming anyone for it. But back then I couldn't help but feel a need for revenge; I witnessed firsthand how your kin brought ruin on my family, and was determined to find a way to exact a terrible vengeance ! But I knew I had to wait. And I didn't want the villagers to get involved; I told everyone it was just an accident. Ironic, isn't it ? I 'lied' the actual 'truth' ! In any case, I waited for the opportunity, which presented itself several years later..."
Deadly, anxious silence...
"Before I would elaborate" - the lord spoke - "You have to know that some days later, a day after my father was buried, your parents came to the village, saying they were sorry about what happened. They gifted the golden kitsune statue to the village to show their sorrow and sympathy. I had my opinion about that, of course, but kept my feelings at bay. I accepted it with a thanks. It's not like any of us could have changed what happened. However, fearing the statue might be cursed, I had it locked away very deep underground so it did not project a barrier around a village then. But some years later..." - the village lord stopped there for a moment before he continued.
"It was a couple of black kitsunes, the same kin as your parents. They rampaged across the village, wreaking havoc, and busted into my palace, grabbing me: they asked about your mother, saying they had... 'unfinished business' with her, about a certain golden kitsune statue... they said if they got the statue, they would leave in peace, and not come back anymore. See, I could have saved your parents back then... but something snapped in me, and my lust for revenge took over. I told them where your parents' dwelling is, and that I don't know where such a statue can be. Honestly speaking, I told the truth: I asked the captain of my father's bodyguards to hide it away, so I myself didn't know where the statue was. So the kitsunes didn't smell the stench of lies about me, and were off to meet your parents..."
!!!
"...the rest you can figure out yourself. I have no idea why they ended up clawing one another apart, but this is exatcly what I wanted back then ! Quickly I rallied the townsfolk and the remaining guards, marching to the cave. By the time we arrived, your parents were dead, but the two interlopers weren't in much better shape either. We finished them off. There was only one fox left..." - he raised his right index finger at Shadowsoul - "YOU. I was ready to raise my blade and put an end to the fox infestation of our community once and for all, but fortunately enough, someone stopped me."
"And that was my father !" - a familiar voice yelled. Captain Takeshi ! The skilled veteran was limping in a similar fashion as Gavron, but had no apparent serious injuries. He must have followed after the village lord's retinue by foot, and caught up only some time ago. - "Back then he was the captain of the guard, and was respected by everyone." - he continued. - "He told me he stopped you, saying the young vixen, who we now know by the name of Shadowsoul, committed no crimes and deserves the right to live !"
"Precisely. And then your life as you knew it to this day had begun." - the lord spoke to Shadowsoul. - "I had plenty of time to think things over... as I watched you grow and see as the villagers accepted you... I think within we all felt some lurking guilt. But especially me; for I was the cause of your personal tragedy. I have regretted it since then... but I feared what you'd do if I ever told you the truth... I couldn't have risked it, for I feared both for myself and the village..."
He could not look into her eyes. His head faced the ground, and so did the villagers, sharing this newly revealed burden of guilt. Drops of tears watered the earth.
"Forgive me, Shadowsoul... or at least the village... forgive them..." - the lord said.
Gavron had a rather grim facial expression. This is the critical moment... he slowly slided one hand on the handle of his rapier in case of emergency...
Shadowsoul felt no lies.
This was the truth.
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Post by kitsune on Sept 4, 2011 22:45:10 GMT -5
Shadowsoul had tried to be emotionless through the whole story. It was indeed hard, and in the end, sha at last broke. Tears streaked down her face as she widened her eyes in surprise. The story of her parents, of her true past... Not at all what she had expected. She remembered how they had been in the dream.. Kind, considerate and bold. She knew it was the truth, everything, but wished it was not so... She flattened her ears, unable to speak at the moment.
Oh, she was betrayed... But not as anyone would expect. The ones she looked up to,promised to stay strong for and avenge.. Her parents were the biggest betrayers of all. She thought they had been loyal and gentle, maybe stealing a few things like herself to survive, but nothing more. She was horrified at their deeds, and more tears came down as she thought about it. No... Oh, what they did to the village! It was all wrong....
She gasped and looked at the lord, still unable to speak. She had thought her parents were good willed to the end, but their past was as dark as any foul demon's... They might have improved, but being evil in the past and turning good all of a sudden does NOT make up for past deeds. They were still evil crimes, ones that made her cringe.
She thought of how the first lord had caught her mother stealing gems. His 'overreaction' was perfecly justified; the terror from her mother had been too great to be taken lightly, and it was because of HER deeds that he had acted that way and gotten speared. If she had not gone off and stolen, or commited past deeds, she would have not caused such a panic. Shadowsoul held her head in her hands. "my mother.. Did kill the lord. If she had not acted that way, he would have slowed down, and thought before his anger toward him. If she had not tried to steal jewels, then he would have been alive. It wad her fault..." she gasped, trying to think of why she had to deal with this.
She thought of her father, so deadly evil in her eyes now. "And my father.. An evil murderous demon, havoc, chaos... No; I am not betrayed by you... I am betrayed by them!" she cried out, tears coming harded. They were evil.. Was she doomed to be as bad as well, to become dark and evil? She winced at the thought, not wanting to believe it.
"I understand what you did..m revenge is not always the best thing... But after what my parents did, it is easy to think you did so. They.. Deserved it. I am betrayed only by them.. If I might become like that... I must leave before I do; I don't want to harm you!" She exclaimed, turning. She glanced back. "I forgive the villagers... And you, my lord; it is perfectly sensiful if you wanted to kill me, considering what my family done... Thanks for saving me, but it was in vain; I mmight become like them... Terrible, evil! No; I must leave before it happens... I am tainted and damned... I'm sorry! But I will never forgive them... The horror of it all!" She murmered, more tears falling. With that, she turned away and began to walk, to who knows where.
Stay strong... Lies!!!!!
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Post by morrisb on Sept 5, 2011 7:46:40 GMT -5
(OOC: isn't there a 'delete' option in the upper right corner of your double post ? There is such an option in my posts at least.) Gavron listened carefully to every part of the story. But what suprised him most was not the true nature of Shadowsoul's parents; he heard such story twists a thousand times throughout his career. Evil demons turning good - a rare occasion, but not uncommon. If a human can have a change of heart, so can demonkin. No, what suprised him most was Shadowsoul's reaction to the tale. He clenched his fists in disappointed anger. Can she not see the truth ?!Words came to his mind: " You miserable... blind... fool..." The village lord stood up hastily, calling after Shadowsoul: "But... young lady, wait- !" Tila leant after Shadowsoul, trying to reach her with her hand, but the disance was too long for her short arm. - " Shandra..." She was walking away, passing by Gavron. It was at that point the inquisitor himself lost his temper. " STOP RIGHT THERE, VIXEN !" He shouted at the top of his lungs, so loud the earth seemed to tremble from it; some tiles fell from a roof in the distance. Once he was sure he got Shadowsoul's attention, he broke out in a long rant: " There is little darkness in your heart but the inside of your brain is definetly a dark and empty place !" - he yelled in her face. - " Stupid child... do you think saints have no past and sinners have no future ?! Black and white, is that all you see !? Let me enlighten you then !" "Master-Gavron...?" - Tila whispered, not certain what his 'owner' was up to. Gavron drew his blade and stabbed it to the ground; Shadowsoul couldn't help but notice a little hot sparkle running along the edge... " Before I took up this sword... before I joined the rank of Inquisitors, do you know what I was ?! A mercenary soldier ! I was raised to be one since the moment of my birth ! Honorless scum who fights for money and spits upon law and society ! My comrades-at-arms and I pillaged, raped and murdered our way all across Eastern Europe and enjoyed every f*ing moment of it !" The inquisitor's face radiated shameful regret as he told this; he snarled in a similar manner as a wolf, angered by the memories. "But no sin is without punishment... and I met mine at the southern reaches of the Kingdom of Hungary: a huge demon, mercenary like me, and just as depraved ! I stood nigh zero chance, and he impaled me with a spear right above my heart ! My comrades brought it down but I lingered between life and death for days, the cries of those I've killed and hurt echoing back and forth in my head, haunting me to the edge of lunacy !" All of sudden, his face lightened up: " But then... I saw a light piercing through the darkness within me. I woke up, fully recovered from my wounds ! All that remained... is THIS !" Gavron's shirt was already torn by the battles they had, but now he ripped off almost half of it, revealing his chest. It was chunky with strong muscles and hairy, with several battle scars dotting it. There was a particularly odd one among them: the shape of a cross, not unlike the form of the holy wards he carried, just above his heart..." Look upon this scar, Foxy ! After all the suffering I went through, I woke up and beheld it in wonder ! This scar is proof that no sin is without redemption, either in this life... or the next !" He stopped a little, panting and sweating. "You asked me a question back when we entered the forest..." - he whispered, almost hissed the words between his teeth. - "You asked if your kind is hated by God because of the inherent taint in your bloodline, and wether this cannot be changed... well, here's my answer, vixen: God sees, hears and knows all ! Know that, and be judged !" While seemingly odd at first hearing, the truth was hinted in Gavron's speech. No sin without punishment... and redemption."This is the path I walk." - Gavron was nearing the conclusion - "For my past sins and for the sake of an envisioned better future I push myself ever onward ! With every battle I survive and every soul I redeem my faith grows stronger and stronger ! If I hurt innocents because I'm forced to do so or out of my own stupidity, I honor their memory and repent with my own blood !" The little spark running on the sword exploded into a little circle of vivid fire around Gavron, growing to the size of a pillar, only to be suddenly blown away by a great galeblast. Smoke lingered as the inquisitor stood firmly and unscorched, raising his blade. "When I die, and go to Hell... for make no mistake, I will definetly end up there, with my kind of luck... I will take any punishment with pride ! For through my acts, the world will be a better place ! And when the time of the Final Judgement comes, I want to be in the first row of battle, when Good and Evil ultimately clash, and mankind will be on the Good side, mark my words ! Exactly as it was foretold by the prophets of old..." He seemed staring off to the distance, perhaps towards the bottom of the sky, as if seeking the entrance to Heaven with his gaze. But suddenly, he pointed his rapier at Shadowsoul: " But YOU ! You whine and cry because your parents happened to be bad people ! Well, no-one chooses his or her family, right ?! And you don't know their whole life stories ! How would you know about what they went through to become the loving father and mother as you recall them ?! You know, I used to have a bit of respect for you, Shadowsoul ! I saw a brave and devoted girl, eager to fight for what she believes is right, without wavering ! But now ?! You disgrace the memory of your parents, Foxy ! The past cannot be changed; but instead of continuing their depravity they threw their inner darkness aside and began a new, cleaner life ! And when their past sins reached out and killed them, they must have fought with pride - for their daughter, a key to a brighter future ! For YOUR sake !" A pause came; Gavron put his rapier aside, instead shaking his fist. "What do you plan to do with your life now, huh ? Run off alone into the wilderness, live day-by-day in solitude, haunted by guilt which you are not responsible for !? Is this what you want ? Well, is it ?!" His fist opened up; an inviting palm was held out towards the vixen. "Or will you stop being a drama queen, go out there and learn how the world truly works, and get a goal in life worthy to live and fight for ?" The inquisitor crossed his arms, whispering his last words with grim impatience: "Your choice, daughter." Everyone watched and observed in silent awe... What will she do ? What will she say ?
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Post by kitsune on Sept 5, 2011 10:29:29 GMT -5
Shadowsoul had stopped at his yell, flicking her ears. She had not turned around and became emotionless now, listening to every word he said, learning more an more about him. Dark past... she had one too. She did not move as she flattened her ears and lashed her tail, ashamed at not only her parents, but her... There was something about her that the village did not know...
Shadowsoul turned around, eyes hollow, tears gone. "I am deveastated about my parents, but it may not be the reason you think. You see, I am ashamed of them... but of myself as well. There is something about me that you do not know... I thought my parents had been different, that I would change... Well I did change, like them. FInding out about their past, how similar it was to mine but more open, made me horrified. Perhaps I have changed, like them."
She turned to face them, coldness enimating from her where she stood. "You might think my past was a simple one, protecting the village. But there were times I was not there... I had been elsewhere, needing to quench my thirst for mischeif. Listen closley to my story, for I am not all that good either." She paused to let it sink in, and continued with a sad sigh.
"Back, maybe twenty five years ago, I had hatred in my heart for demons. They killed my oarent... I was so lonley... I went off into the forest and found innocent demons, the ones who never harm anyone. I slaughetered them; oh I did, and joyously. They begged cried, for mercy, but I went on, not caring and heedless. I destroyed families, yes, and such, not caing for the lives that had been ruined. I was, plain to put, evil to my own kind. I did exactly what had happened to my parents. Ruined the lives, killed the family of other demons. And that is not all. You see, they story does not end there." she stopped for a moment, growling.
"I went off to other villages, with my speed. I stole from them and did not kill, but anyone who dared come near me was wounded terribly. I did not care and kept stealing... emotionless evil. I did not do it to our village, out of respect, but oh, I wanted to. I gre out of my stage and never vowwed to do it again. I thought it was my past that led me to doing it, my evil. TOday, I found out it was another influence; my parents, and their cruel wasy before. I indeed overreacted just now, but plain to put, I am worried I will now go back to being like that cause of them." she finished and looked at them, eyes growing colder.
She thought of her parents, how she had thought they were perfect. " I was indeed a fool to think them innocent, to hope they were not me. While my crimes were not as bad, they were strill crimes I regret. Anyways, Gavron, I am not going off to skulk or run off. I was going of to think. I need to figure out my true path. They had come in a dream to me, and I finally realize their intentions at this point. They want me to grow into a better demon then they were and had been before settling down. I shall do so, but this roadblock of me potentially being evil has put that thought in danger." She looked back at them again.
She flicked her tail side to side, never taking her gaze off of them. "I fear for my will to be good. My parents changed, and I have so far, but I might go back to my murderous ways. I dobt it, but knowing now what they did, it is possible." She glanced at Gavron, cold fire burning within her.
"I will indeed fight to redeem them, Gavron. They deserve that much for changing. The deavastation of my past matching theirs in a way made me uset in the moment. But now I know what I must do. I must continue to do good, not only in this village, but elsewhere as well." she stared at all of them, gaze sweeping over them.
"And gavron? Why call me daughter? I am a disgrace to you." she said, unflinching.
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Post by morrisb on Sept 5, 2011 11:26:48 GMT -5
Gavron listened to her story, keeping a neutral face, though his neck arteries were so thick, they gave away his angered mood.
"So you killed demons in the past without bothering to check whether they were evil ? Wow. If only you were human, any of my colleagues would gladly take you as their novice." - he commented. - "I suppose thievery and such are part of your instincts. But we all have our animalistic side. You have seen mine during the battle with the wolves, didn't you ? Learn this: you darker side is not something to fear, but to utilize as an advantage under the guidance of your intellect."
He let his breath out through his nose, producing a snort-like sound. His muscles were not so stressed anymore.
"And I have every right to call you 'daughter'. I am your superior, if not by years, then by sheer experience. Your story only further reinforces that. Our stories, if you paid attention, are mysteriously and annoyingly similar, except you did not get down to choose your path of redemption as of yet. But all in due time."
He fixed his helm on his head, and looked at her fith a strict face:
"And trust me; it takes the heart of a really good father to make a clown out of himself in the public, trying to share life lessons with an immature girl who doesn't give a damn about his speech, and not slap said girl afterwards for not understanding or ignoring his lecture."
Gavron turned away, showing his back to emphasise his opinion.
"Do what you feel you must do, then. But if I may give an advice, sever your ties with this village and don't come back for at least 2-3 months. Trust me, it will be good for you for several reasons. One of them being that you won't get caught by the troop of inquisitorial soldiers marching right towards this village even as we speak."
Awkward silence...
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Post by kitsune on Sept 5, 2011 11:36:38 GMT -5
Shadowsoul looked at him, eyes cold. "Hmm... Well, I guess you ordered them here, then?" she asked, betrayal in her voice. So much betrayal; it was an asumption, but how the hell else would they know that they were here?! She gav him a disgustd look and shook hear head, ears flat still. Lashing her tail, she turned to her village.
"I guess I indeed have to leave, then. Anyways, I enjoyed protecting you and eventually will return/" she said, eyes narrowed. She turned away and faced Gavron, scowling. "You can call me child if you think of me as an insignificgant fool that is so much lesser then you. If you think me so younge, then leave me be and stop trying to become better then me and say it. I might have less experience, but I still matter to some. Or so I think." she said, glancing at the village lord when she said that.
She turned her gaze back to Gavron. "And, yeah I killed in the past. You have to, to innocent peopl,e so shut your yap about any accusations." she said simply, glaring.
She finished. "I am not your daughter... you have treated me not like so anyways, with only cold orders and harsh discipline. I respect you, but so far not as a father. I need to live up to being a 'daughter'. You, Gavron, in turn need to live up tobeing a 'father'."
She stood silent, waiting for a response.
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Post by morrisb on Sept 5, 2011 13:29:35 GMT -5
Gavron felt somewhat confused, though he tried to hide it away. Shadowsoul was probably not aware that a mature man or woman calling a child 'son' or 'daughter' did not necessarily refer to family relations in East-European cultures; it was more to emphatise the superiority of experienced elders and veterans in everyday life.
But Shadowsoul's words seemed serious... or was she talking about something entirely different ? Maybe about how he should change his attitude in general ? Hopefully, that was it... after all, it's so weird...
Him, adopting her ? The grim inquisitor needed quite some self control not to give off a sarcastic smile at that thought...
...yet, if this was the case indeed (even though he hoped not), then it was a bubble he did not want to burst. At least not personally; if Shadowsoul indeed harbors illusions of a deeper relation between him and her, she has to learn herself that it can't work out on long terms. He thought things over and answered in a sequence...
"One. I'm not accusing you, just stating facts." - he referred to the cases of murdering. - "Two. I doubt I'll ever be a good father, though I suppose Tila would make a decent little sister." - this statement sounded rather accurate. - "Third. I did not order any soldiers to come by, but my superiors did, and I knew of this move. This village is of strategic value to them. Now you may wonder why I came alone ? Because I wanted to get here ahead of the soldiers, to prepare the locals for welcoming the soldiers so there wouldn't be any... diplomatic complications. And see if there's any good-natured demons in need of a quick evacuation. I suppose I found at least one." - he pointed at her.
Gavron turned away yet again, stretched his arms with a satisfied moan.
"Innocents saved, pagan artifact destroyed, village will be safer than ever. My work here is done." - he concluded. - "You go wherever you want, Foxy, and I go to the exact opposite direction just to make sure you won't have to see my ugly face again anytime soon. Farewell."
And so he started walking away, casually and with a lifted spirit.
Tila, from his left shoulder, climbed to his neck with one arm and waved at Shadowsoul with the other:
"Farewell, Shandra ! Me-hope-to-see-you-again !"
"Please don't encourage her..." - Gavron muttered.
It's over... really over.
Soon the soldiers will come, and if Gavron lives up to his reliability, the village will indeed be safe from harm.
Shadowsoul... was free.
Where to go...?
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Post by kitsune on Sept 9, 2011 13:58:38 GMT -5
Shadowsoul rolled her eyes. He got her words wrong, of course, mistaking it. She flattened her ears. " I was being theoretical. I never meant that you could actually be a father!" she said with a sigh, shaking her head. She glanced at Tila, and gave her a gneuine smile. " I will miss you Tila! I do hope to see you again, don't worry... Anyways, bye!" she said, sad to see her true freind leave. She turned away, holding back tears. She would miss them, even Gavron, but Tila the most. She would be lonley again... but now, she would definitly seek out others rather than stay in hiding forever. Shadowsoul turned away, not glancing back. " And Gavron? Thanks for keeping the village safe. You really have done a lot, and I appriciate it." she admitted, not looking at him. He would probably insult her more if she did anyways, saying something or whatever about how inexperienced she was, and how she was paled in comparison to him. She shook her head and nodded to the lord, for one last time. Turning, she had a feeling... a strange feeling, one that she had never felt before. HEr senses heightened even more then now, and she swished her tail, blinking. Something was strange... She felt a tingling, and started to imagine running on four legs, tail lashing behind her natrurally and having sparkling amber eyes. And suddenly, she became a fox...! Her black fur blew in the wind as her amber eyes twinkled, and her snout twitched in the wind. She flet faster then she was before. She was the size of a larger dog, bigger than a normal fox, having not lost mass. She had sparkling amber eyes that reflected the moon even in daytime, a rare quality. and of course, her fur was jet black... She sniffed, loving the feeling of it. Chuckling in a series of low barks, she walked onward, joyous. She was glad she had gained a new wonderful power, and this form was amazing. A moon symbol glinted over her right eye, shining bright in the sun. IT brought the power of the moon even in the daytime, and her black fur signified shadows and such. She was the mix of the shadows and light of the night... " I guess the night does have its whispers..." she sighed, turning to walk on into the forest, ready to start a new life... --End-- (Fox form pic)
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Post by morrisb on Sept 9, 2011 14:58:25 GMT -5
She did not look back; and probably it was better this way. Gavron, however, couldn't help but stop and glance behind for a short time upon hearing Shadowsoul's last phrase. Little did the vixen know: it was this kind of moments when the hard-hearted inquisitor was softest. When he helped someone and heard an honest thanksgiving. He showed a soft smile. The same fatherly, warm smile he gave to Tila upon returning to the village. Then he, along with the rest of the village, beheld her transformation. It was a unique experience - seeing a kitsune's first transformation is a rare occurence; seeing as hands turn to paws, fur covers the once humane parts, and the whole body emitting a new kind of aura. They watched her walk off, no-one saying a word, though many villagers sheding tears. "So... cute." - Tila whispered, more to herself than to Gavron, as she wiped off a tear. Gavron did not comment the event. Just gave a silent nod. Once Shadowsoul left, captain Takeshi turned to Gavron: "So, what now ? You did not say a damn word 'bout more of your kind coming here !" "Because I focused on the tasks at hand. But worry not. The ward and advice I gave to your lord should cover things for you. The soldier won't mess with my sort of authority. Just one more advice: don't mention them you harbored a kitsune for decades." "We definetly won't." - the village lord nodded. - "I think... I think this was the best outcome. She is free as a bird now... no more duty, worry or secrets to eat her up inside. And we, of the Shadow Village... well, perhaps a few more guests won't strain us." All the weight on his heart was lifted. The village lord was relieved, turning to Gavron with a thankful face. "There were some troubles you could have avoided, outlander... but it turned out well. I am thankful to her, and to you as well. Where shall you go now ?" "To a new mission." - Gavron replied plainly, and walked off himself. The image of Shadowsoul, both her human and fox form, lingered in his head for a while though. " The night has many whispers..." - he thought - " And perhaps on a dark, starless night, when I sit awake by the campfire, she will be one among them." "Yeah, right... like that's gonna' happen." - he muttered sarcastically afterwards to himself. ... And so the fox and the hunter parted ways, destined not to meet again for quite a while... ...that is, if a certain baboon-cloaked figure didn't show up. But that is a story for another time. - THE END. -
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