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Post by morrisb on Aug 23, 2011 11:03:15 GMT -5
Tila shrugged her shoulder at Shadowsoul's comment on how Gavron does not kill demons - "If I didn't know him, I'd just say he sucks at his job. But Gavron is professional. He proved it many times, such as in the next part of our story..." - she said, then took a deep breath before she continued:
"There was a nomadic tribe of demons. Their skin pitch-black, decorated by blood-painted tattoos. Their fangs and claws enormous. They fed on humans who they kept as slaves. Every now and then they rampaged across the land, demanding tributes and riches from other tribes. Usually we simply paid with fruits and grain to keep their human slaves fed, and they bothered us no more. But this time it turned out differently. Because Gavron was there when they came into our village."
Tila shuddered from the memories.
"The outlanders... Gavron and his retinue... seemed like rare delicacies to them. Their leader, a fat and overgrown monstrosity demanded my father to hand over the foreigners. He refused since Gavron and his men saved many of our tribesmen from illnesses. Needless to say, the cannibal demons who we called 'Kallu' did not take 'no' for an answer. They said they'll take our human brethren away if we don't obey... and they threatened to take me, too ! But Gavron stepped in, saying he will not be a subject of any deal and challenged the Kallu boss to a duel."
She seemed daydreaming again, trying to recall the details.
"The Kallu chief just laughed. 'Humans are merely food to us !', he declared and tried to consume Gavron on the spot. Master Gavron did not let him, of course. He cut off the guy's lower arm with one sweep of his sword, and wham, kicked a fang off, caught it as it fell, ripped open the belly with it, then took out a pistol and shot an explosive bullet to the innards ! BOOM !" - she gestured with her hands. - "The thing was dead, there was blood everywhere !" - she waved her arms around joyfully.
She then realized she shouldn't be so overjoyed, so she clamed herself.
"Please don't take it the wrong way... I don't like violence in general... but I feared the Kulla so much, watching them getting their just desserts was simply a good sight for me. Like a childhood nightmare, ending with the first light of dawn." - she compared. - "The Kallu were confused and frightened; no human stood up to them like this before ! Gavron rushed at them, yelling: 'I am the hunter, you are the prey !' - she deepened her voice to imitate him. - "And... let's say, by the end of the day, the Kallu were a threat to us and the rest of the land no more. Pretty heroic, no ?"
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Post by kitsune on Aug 23, 2011 12:31:33 GMT -5
Shadowsoul nodded again. Hmmm... it seemed that e was in fact more professional by sparing the good demons. She nodded in approval, still wonderg though why he had spared her when it seemed he was intent on killing her. The fox demon hated to be scolded like a kid; that was probably the main reason she was mad.
She shuddered as well at the description of the demons. gruesome, evil things they sounded to be. She growled slightly, saying, "Demons like that deserve to be killed. Good demons like us work hard to be nice and make a difference, and they taint our repputation. They make other demon hunters attack US..." she said with a grumble. She sighed, listening onwards to what she was saying.
Shadowsoul knew that Gavron would defeat the demons; he was alive today, anyways! She was happy about the outcome and the gruesome death. They deserved it. She nodded in approval; usually she did not like that stuff either, but like Tila, she was enjoying hearing about justice being served.
"It is ok; I agree, it is a good thing to lie the way it ended. Those who deserve it should get the pain and gruesomeness. Anyways, Yes.. it was heroic. Come to think of it, your master could walk away if he wanted to now; I don't think it is his job to save this village. But he stays to help anyways... ugh, so confusing..." she said, mixed feelings coming up again...
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Post by morrisb on Aug 23, 2011 13:00:22 GMT -5
"I'm afraid bad demons are a majority in most places." - Tila spoke. - "No wonder Gavron's people are so determined to hunt them all down. I was fortunate to meet master Gavron of all people, because his collegues are much, much worse; they spare no demon, either good or evil... not a single one." - she shuddered. - "Anyway... it's pointless to debate why he helps now, it's obvious: the one who stole the treasure must be a bad demon. And master Gavron wants to kick its butt, kick it hard !" - Tila imitated a kick as she sat, only to fall on her back. She got back into sitting position again.
"Ehehe, sorry Shandra, at times I get carried away..." - she chuckled as she excused herself. - "But let's get to the end of the tale: with the Kallu gone, Gavron and his followers were hailed as heroes ! But he would not stay for celebration. As he said, his job is endless. He was finished here and must move on. We did not keep him back. That night, I had a conversation with my father..." - she paused a little before continuing. - "Now I tell you: my dad wanted me to tie my fate with Gavron's because as he recovered, he beheld a vision about him and me. He was a shaman, a seer if you will. I told him that while Gavron was an interesting man and I truly longed to see the world, I feared him somewhat. He then gave me a good advice..."
She inhaled deeply, trying to produce the voice of a wise sage:
"A vision is a vision, nothing more. Enforce you to fulfill it, no-one can. But heed this wisdom, daughter: destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not something to wait for, but is something to achieve. Do what your heart tells you, whatever it may be. If you have no regrets, you will know you did the right thing."
She sighted then.
"And so... driven by wanderlust and curiosity, I followed after Gavron's band. They were ready to set sail, but I was clever ! I snuck up to their ship during the night, climbing up the anchor's rope ! By the time they found me, it was too late to turn back !" - she chuckled. - "Master Gavron, of course, wasn't happy with this, but had no choice but to put up with me. And now I'm here with you Shandra, with 4 years of traveling and lots and lots of adventures behind me ! The end. Hope you enjoyed my little story !" - she smiled friendlily.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 23, 2011 13:19:51 GMT -5
Shadowsoul laughed at her immitation, and blinked in surprise. "Wait, so I still wonder why he does not kill all demons like them, then... I would ask, but that is out of question not a good idea. " she said, sighing. She flicked her tail, glancing down at her black clothing once again.
She thought about the vision. An interesting speech, she should say; Shadowsoul debated about visions. She never had gotten one, and hoped not to; they seemed scary to get, like if it was some bad. She nodded at how clever Tila was. She widened her eyes.
"Interesting story! Wow... amazing I should say, I guess. It is too bad you will leave when he does; I have enjoed talking to you!" said Shadowsoul with a sad sigh. She loved the story, and thought it was amazing. She knew she would always stay here though; her duties had never ended.
She yawned slightly now, tireed. She was glad she learned more about her friend, and would be sad to see her go. She was lonley, and Tila mad eher feel less lonley then ever. Well, soon to be back to lonley again, after they killed off the demon theif.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 23, 2011 13:31:17 GMT -5
"I'm happy you liked it !" - Tila smiled on her with closed eyes, only to open that glittering blue pair of hers a moment later - "I like talking with you, too ! Say... did you never feel like you wanted to stray off from this area ? Learning what is 'outside' ? I can tell by experience, the world hosts sooo many wonders, even centuries wouldn't be enough to see them all !"
Tila's mind wandered off for some time before she returned to the topic. - "I know... you feel you must stay and guard these people, because you like them. But really, you want to spend all your life here ? Let's see, you're kitsune, meaning you live like... 800-900 years ? That's a looong time to spend alone in a cave... no offsense of course, Shandra, I'm just... saying..." - he muttered the last parts in a shy manner, not wanting to insult Shadowsoul. - "Would you not wander if... say... someone took the responsibility over ?"
Fair points, and fair questions...
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Post by kitsune on Aug 23, 2011 19:21:40 GMT -5
Shadowsoul debated this within her mind. IT sounded ideal.. but there were two wrong factors. She said, "Well, yeah; but no one would take my place. Also, Gavron hates me. I just don't think it will work out..." she said with a sad sigh. After all, she never said she hated Gavronl. Well she did once, but that was only anger. SHe would never admit it, but she sort of was starting to respect him more.
Swishing her tail, she actually really wanted to go off and explore, ot see new things. That obviously would not happen anytimes soon. She wa sad to admit it, but her lonley lifestyle seemed unlikley to ever end. That amount of years was awefully long, but she could deal with it at this point. She flicked her tail, yawning again.
Maybe something couls happen... but no, Gavron would probably kill her if she tried to follow. And the village was to be cared for; she could never abandon them. She loved talking to Tila, but knew it would end soon. The fox demon's depression thickened now, making her curl up into a ball and pretend to look asleep but was really crying slightly.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 24, 2011 11:42:58 GMT -5
Tila nodded sadly. She understood her friend's situation. Maybe one day her life will take a turn, and then Shadowsoul will be able to follow her inner desires... but this is not 'that' day.
Tila slided a few feet away, changing back to her monkey form in a blue-colored 'poof'. She then curled up next to Shadowsoul.
"Well, Shandra..." - she whispered. - "Try-sleeping. You-will-need-it. Good-night..."
The two girls soon both fell asleep.
...
It was surreal and unstable. Like in a dream. Probably because it was a dream. Shadowsoul, like some bodyless ghost, floated above the ground; before her eyes laid an alien land with unfamiliar architecture and plants.
There was a village below. Miserable wooden hovels, a few stone houses here and there, and agricultural lands all around.
There was a gathering on the public square. People in ragged, simple clothes gathered around three figures: a towering warrior, clad in metallic plates, wielding a giant warhammer fitting to his hands; a very pale-skinned girl with red eyes and red hair; and a young man, with a face resembling...
Gavron ?!
"Why do you hesitate, novice ?" - the towering figure yelled at the boy. - "You identified her witchery, fought her, triumphed, she's out of tricks... pull the trigger and be done with it !" - he demanded.
The boy did not obey. He wanted to excuse himself instead: - "But... Sir Gottfried, I can't ! She is responsible only for thievery and frightening some children ! There's no death penalty for such sins ! Even the Bible says-"
The giant man grabbed and lifted the boy with one hand. - "Don't you DARE lecture me about the Bible, novice ! It was not written for demons, now was it ?"
The boy could hardly breathe. - "No... but... we fight evil and protect the innocent, yes ? And this girl is-"
At this point, the giant had enough of his subordinates excuses. He threw him down to the ground, and stomped upon his chest with his steel greaves. Shadowsoul heard ribs cracking. The boy howled in pain as the man he called 'Gottfried' enlightened him in a pissed off tone:
"FOOL ! This is not about protecting the innocent ! This is about changing the world ! And for that, sacrifices must be made..."
He lifted his great foot from the boy, reminding him of his lessons:
"Abhor the witch, burn the witch !"
The boy slowly stood up, walking with a bent back to ease his own suffering. He looked at the girl, his soon-to-be-victim, with sad, tormented eyes as he aimed a matchlock pistol at her...
"Abhor the witch..."
Suddenly the scene changed before Shadowsoul's eyes: the village was her village, the girl was she, the boy was the Gavron he knew, the pistol now a modern wheellock type...
"...BURN THE WITCH !"
The last thing she saw was fire, fire, FIRE...
...
She woke up hearing some loud swearing just outside her cave. It was Gavron, who just got back to his feet after falling over a larger pebble.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 24, 2011 13:08:25 GMT -5
Shadowsoul awoke in a cold sweat, whimpering. She shivered. Fire... Fire... FIRE!!! She yipped like a fox, shivering. Hearing someone outside of her cave, she leaped up and darted under her bed, freaked out. Tht was a dream... a vision.... It couldn't be true; couldn't be! Yet it was... Was the witch in the dream her?! She quivered and knew her village would never do such a thing... But they could... would they? Absurd!
Her mind was switching between the posibiities. Her crimes were indeed theivery. Did she frighten children? She didn't think she did, but perhaps it was so... She remembered the boy with Gavron's face... She was afraid of him to begin with, anyways. She would never admit that she respected or feared him. Now the boy had been Gavron... He had pulled the trigger and created that fire... or so she thought...
Was she doomed to die this way? The fox girl whimpered. All the more reason to fear Gavron... He indeed was the hunter, and she was the fox. In fact, some wolves ate foxes... Gavron reminded her of a wolf. Wolves would not eat foxes unless they needed. He might find it necesary to kill her, like a wolf would to a fox... he could choose to betray her anytime...
Shadowsoul was sad. She had protected her village her whole life, and just because she was a demon, turned out to be prey. She hated this and backed into the corner of her bed some more, hidden. She thickened the mist all around her to not be seen. She knew Gavron was outside; she could smell him. It was a game of hide and seek now... and if she lost, she was doomed...
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Post by morrisb on Aug 24, 2011 13:32:59 GMT -5
Gavron muttered some curses to himself. He didn't have an easy night, and was somewhat dizzy. But he marched up to the cave nevertheless. He had to speak with the vixen.
He stopped at the cave entrance, taking his helmet off for a minute, massaging his head.
"Up from the bed, sleepyheads !" - he grunted in an annoyed tone. - "Especially you, Foxy ! There are only several hours 'till nightfall and we have stuff to talk about !"
The inquisitor heard the whimpering. He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Don't make me go there and drag you out ! I'm not in a good mood." - he ranted. - "Hey, Tila ! You in there with her ?" - he asked with slightly less anger in his tone now.
Tila ran to Gavron upon being called by her name.
"Good-day-to-you, master-Gavron ! Did-you-have-a-pleasant-night ?" - she inquired.
"No, and that's just the reason why I want to exchange words with that... girl." - he tried to contain his grumpyness. - "There are only a few hours left 'till nightfall today and then we go to that misty forest ! What's up with her whimpering anyway ?!"
"Me-think-she-had-very-very-bad-dream..." - Tila said. - "She-was-shaking-and-yelping-when-me-woke-up..."
"Oooh, how tragic. The devoted guardian of the Shadow Village covers in her cave just because she saw a stupid dream." - he spoke with a sarcastic voice. - "Well, stay with her for now, Tila. As soon as she stops worrying about non-existant threats she may as well accompany us to get the damn artifact back." - the inquisitor concluded and walked off. Shadowsoul heard as the man's legs carried him further and further from her cave.
Tila crept around, looking for her.
"Shandra ? Where-are-you ? Me-not-see-you-like-this... what-is-wrong ?" - Tila asked, hoping she could comfort her friend.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 24, 2011 13:42:30 GMT -5
Shadowsoul glanced up, hearing the demon hunter leave. She gulped and crept out, mist starting to fade away. The fox demon faced her friend and stood up, tail lashing. She closed her eyes for a second. "Remember how you said that your father had a vision? Well... I think I had one too..." she said. She opened her now dull red eyes and started to speak.
She told about her dream, and about her worries about how she might see death by Gavron soon. When she finished, she looked down with a sigh. "Tila... I don't want fire to consume me... I want to help you and him get the artifact back... but I fear that he will be the death of me. I will help, but you all soon must leave... I am sorry you need to go so soon, but I wish not for the vision to become reality..." she said sadly.
She suddenly thought about the person in her dream that ordered Gavron to kill her. She tilted her head and turned to Tila, eyes wide. "And the one who ordered my potential death..." she went n to explain him, heart beating fast.
"Does he sound familiar?" she asked, worried. She flattened her ears, trying to think. It was all too fearful and such... she shivered, still thinking about it. She sighed and growled why did it have to be this way?!
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Post by morrisb on Aug 24, 2011 14:16:18 GMT -5
"Poor, poor-Shandra..." - Tila sighted, running up to her and comforting her with her tiny fingers. Her soft touch was calming. - "That-was-one-bad-dream... but-vision ? Pfft, me-think-not." - she expressed. - "The-giant-man, though..." - she tilted her head - "Gottfried-you-say ?! He-is-master-Gavron's-superior-in-rank ! Mighty-like-dragon, cruel-like-demon-lord !"
Now Tila herself shivered with dread.
"Maybe... it-was-really-vision ?" - she was thinking to herself, too afraid to voice this fear of hers to Shadowsoul.
"But-worry-not !" - she declared, trying to improve the mood. - "Master-Gavron-does-not-like-him ! Likes-to-piss-him-off ! Besides, Shandra: you-is-fast ! He-is-slowpoke !"
She noticed her encouragement wasn't working as much as she desired, so she climbed up to Shadowsoul's shoulder, patting her head.
"Listen-here, big-sister. Vision-is-vision. Nothing-more. Destiny-is-no-matter-of-chance; it-is-matter-of-choice. It-is-not-something-you-wait-for, it-is-something-to-achieve."
She glared into Shadowsoul's eyes, her gem-like blue pair reflecting in her red.
"Shrug-fear-off. Shoo, fear, off ! Do-what-your-heart-tells-you-to-do. If-you-won't-have-regrets, you-will-know-you-did-the-right-thing." - she quoted her father's wisdom, hoping it will get to Shadowsoul.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 24, 2011 17:10:21 GMT -5
Shadowsoul blinked. Tila was one wise monley demon; she felt better after her words. The superior sounded likesomeone to fear, but fear was her enemy. She smiled at Tila and hugged her. "Oh thanks so much! You know what to say so well.. you are so wise!" she gasped, joyous now. She flicked her tail, nodding now, accepting. It was all such a releif; she could move on now.
She kept the dream in mind, and would not toss it aside. She would bring it up and remember it if she needed, but would not let it bring her down. Besides, like Tila said, she could use her speed to get away! She glanced at Tila again, not wanting to ever have her friend go away. She was so inspiring... the sister she always wished she had.
"Alright; We have an rtifact to save!" she grinned, standing now. Her spirit was back, and her eyes glittered deep amber. She was very determined now.... more ready then ever. She flicked her tail and smiled brightly, all set.
She knew now that she had to keep on her toes around Gavron, but she would not fear him as much, or at least would not show it. She sighed, wanting to save her town before it was too late.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 24, 2011 17:34:22 GMT -5
Tila hugged into Shadowsoul tightly. If she didn't have fur on her face in monkey form, her friend could have seen her blushing.
"No, my-father-was-wise... me-just-clever."
...
In the village, Gavron and the guard captain Takeshi were busy practicing. They were dueling using muskets: Shadowsoul perceived that the rifles were augmented with blades at their ends - a blade of a silver wakizashi broken into two halves, seperated from the handle, and fitted to the metallic barrel of each of the two guns.
She also noticed two target dummies. Takeshi seemed to have practiced especially hard, as his dummy was blown to smoking pieces. Gavron's had but a simple 'wound' in the head, possibly because he showed only once how a musket can be fired.
Now the two men clashed in a bayonet fight, using the muskets like short spears. Takeshi seemed to have the upper hand, being trained in martial arts. Gavron's moves seemed crude in comparison, but stronger and more efficient.
Upon seeing Shadowsoul arriving, the men stopped their duel.
"Greeting, noble lady." - captain Takeshi greeted her. - "The foreigner told me you had a rough night."
"And I need to know every detail about it." - Gavron cut in rudely. - "I have hints about who may be the culprit, but I must know for certain. So, girly... Shadowsoul, is it ? Tell me everything what you saw in your dream. Every single detail."
Well that was unexpected... should she really tell him ? All of it ?
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Post by kitsune on Aug 24, 2011 17:55:04 GMT -5
Shadowsoul watched part of the fight with intrest. She flicked her tail, surprised. She nodded at the greeting, smiling. "Hello... and yes, it was rough, I suppose..." she said, thinking back to the fight. She glanced at Gavron as he snapped, slightly annoyed. She betrayed no fear, keeping Tila's words in mind. Flicking her ears, she spoke.
"For one thing, I don't have to tell you a thing. If you want to know, you need to ask nicely. Hopefully you are capable of doing so." she said, chuckling slightly. She knew that htis would really annoy him; that was what she was counting on. She swished her tail, waiting.
She knew she had indeed racked him when she saw his expression. He had already been in a bad moon, and it made her laugh slightly. She was still slightly afraid, but liked how now she had some power. This dream seemed to have a hold on him... She could use this to her advntage.
Of course, there was no way she would say her whole dream. She would not say how he had been in it, or maybe even not herself. She shook her head, certain that major details wouls be excluded. She hoped that Tila wound not say anything either...
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Post by morrisb on Aug 24, 2011 18:34:03 GMT -5
Gavron was in silence for a couple of seconds before answering. He tried to keep up a neutral face expression but his twitching face muscles betrayed his annoyed state.
"Sadly I am incapable of such extravagant feats." - he ultimately replied. - "But you better make sure that the dream I had will not come true. For your sake." - and with that said, he turned sideway, loading his musket.
He was also pissed because he had to waste valuable ammunition. About half his cartridges and gunpowder were gone, only to hastily train the captain how to use a musket. But it had to be done. Arrows and throwing spears are worthless against greater demons. Muskets can work out on the other hand.
Takeshi sighted deeply. - "Some team we're gonna' be, with such a harmonic attitude..."
"Meh, master-Gavron-and-his-silly-theatrics." - Tila dismissed his owner's cynism.
This was a bit disturbing development. Gavron also had a dream... or vision... or whatever...
"Pah." - Gavron muttered. - "I suppose dreams are just dreams anyway. It's not like they contain invaluable informations, do they ?" - he asked in a sarcastic tone. - "Anyway, if we're past trivialities, let's get down to equipment distribution. Any questions ?"
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