Interlude: Kurama: 2

Interlude: Kurama: 2

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Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Arksoul

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Ur approached me with a raised brow, as I watched Ashe work from afar.

“Why are frightened of her?” The lithe, tanned creature raised a brow in confusion. In her manners and words, I found no intent to mock or jest. So, I stifled my instinct to respond aggressively with her words, and took a breath as to speak more calmly. “Ashe has been a good warrior ever since she began her training, yet you’ve avoided her this entire trip.”

“Ashe… is a Hellhound. One of the most ferocious, feared Kindred to exist. Their skin melts steel and burns magic, while their fangs, claws, and sheer strength shatters magics.” I explained the matter as seriously as I was able, while watching the Hellhound address her followers, as each one began to track Sayuri’s scent. The battlefield their noses traced my retainer too was a chaotic mess, where she had spent much time in, so they had much land to cover before finding the direction where she had gone. “They are creatures of immense pride and insufficient discipline, who are commonly chained within cages, and simply released upon the enemy.”

“Ah, so you are afraid of Ashe, because of what you know of her people.” Ur nodded. Her words carried not a single note of arrogance or superiority. It was a statement of what she derived from what I told her. Nothing more and nothing less. She remains a simple, straightforward soul that all those with malice should fear. “I believe that you are not being fair to her, Kurama. Please, reconsider your decisions, before it causes a rift between yourself and Hachiman.”

In truth, I had many reasons to fear Hellhounds besides their ability and typical behavior. I am a Kitsune, one of many Vulpine Kindred, which have been at ends with Canine Kindred. Our tribes since time immemorial fought against one another, with my own typically losing and serving them, until they were scattered by Demon Lords for their refusal to back down, as well as submit to the Demon Lord’s rule. 

Amongst the Canine Kindred, the Hellhounds were feared the most, and their abilities and strength forced the Demon Lord of the time to unleash her full strength and scatter them throughout the world, isolating dozens upon dozens, as to take away their combined strength, thin their blood, and lower the strength who opposed her. However, Hellhounds live very long lives, and many have found their way back to Kindred territory.

So, I feared a monster from my people’s past stands before me, after a long slumber, and she waits for her chance of vengeance. 

“Lady Ur! My friends are speaking of finding Lady Sayuri’s scent! Please, for their difficult work, praise them very much!” 

“I will, Ashe. Please, call me Ur.”

“But I am believing Ur being Lady Ur is of greater prettiness!”

“Then, I have no choice, but to permit it.”

It is an entirely terrible, selfish fear that I must overcome as quickly as possible, because the Hellhound is immensely adorable. 

The Wyverns were all up above, flying high in order to provide us with “aerial surveillance.” One landed every few minutes in order to report what was occurring up above, as well as whatever was seen in the horizon. Thanks to their efforts, and Hachiman’s tactics, we could investigate and search for Sayuri with little fear of the Empire suddenly finding us. Though such fears are foolish at best, given the battlefield we found ourselves upon, as we traced Sayuri’s tracks from the city Hachiman had destroyed before our first meeting. 

It was a battlefield to which I was familiar, unlike the ones Hachiman spoke of.

Whenever I conversed with him in regards to battle, he answered my questions tersely, but concisely. He worked with theories and doctrines put to the test by his world, which overcame the those of the Empire and the Kindred with ease. In almost every respect, our battlefields are ancient for him, and if provided time and material, he becomes an indomitable titan of war that cannot be defeated by any foe of my time. So, I strove to learn of his means and methods, and in my studies of his people’s military achievements, I knew that I looked upon a battle waged without his knowledge.

Therefore, though a massive battle took place in the Empire’s Frontier, no Kindred under Roseanne’s rule was involved, as all of the nobility were instructed to learn and grow stronger with what Lady Tanis gathered of Hachiman’s stratagems. I saw no attempt at the creation of trenches to overcome withering magics. There was no terrain for either force to utilize to their advantage. And, finally, the blasted, overturned land was rife with equipment, arms and armor both, as though the victor cared not for enchanted steel, even as they took the bodies of their enemies.

We stood upon a place where might and magic met one another in direct combat, with both sizes on equal footing, and fought until one broke and fled, as the other claimed victory and walked onward.

It is a “fair” battle between two “peer” forces.

It is form of conflict now anathema to all Kindred, due to Roseanne’s edict, and Hachiman’s utilization of mere logistical help upon their first meeting.  Now all Kindred are searching for ways to utilize their skills to their benefit in the battlefield, as to support the ones typically sent into battle for centuries. Though a certain “uniformity” will still be needed in order to have a standing army of strong, professional soldiers, such as Wyverns, Lamia, and other Kindred, it’s without a doubt that all fiefs will do their utmost to find their “niche” and exploit everything that they can in order to ensure they gain more glory in future battles. 

So, with no Kindred leader waging this battle, why was it I felt the touch of Kindred magic in the depths of Empire lands?

Not only is the scent of sweet corruption in the air, but so are the magics declared malign by the Empire. The bristling, spiced scent of accursed flame pervaded the ash-covered land. The icy, chilling frost of necromancy filled my lungs with every breath. By all means, a powerful, undead Kindred stalked these lands, and whose specialty lay with flames which spread through veins like poison, and most likely forcibly turned corpses of men into Kindred. They met in battle, defeated their foe, and turned all their foes into more Undead, before leaving in search of more opponents to strengthen themselves. 

There are only a handful of Kindred in existence capable of such things, and most are on expeditions to uncover the secrets of the world. There exists Liches and Phantoms capable of such feats, due to their centuries of study, practice, and effort. However, none are set to return within the next decade, and fewer still are those with the potential to reach the same heights in power in every territory of the Kindred. Therefore, it cannot be one of the Undead’s lauded explorers and researchers, yet if it is not one of them… who could it possibly be?

“Kurama, did you hear me?” Ur’s voice interrupted my thinking, as I considered the possibilities. The Amazon’s even gaze was perturbed, as she raised slender, black eyebrow at me for my lacking attention. I shook my head, which drew a single shake of the head, before the tan warrior gestured at Ashe, who fretted over her Werewolves. Though she towered over her compatriots, the werewolves clamored for attention from their Hellhound leader, which she was happy to provide. “They have found the path taken by Sayuri with the aid of one of Sophitelle’s underlings. Your retainer is safe and is coming our way now.”

“Ah, thank you, Ur.” I gave the Amazon a bow, which she returned with a nod, before whistling and assembling those who she brought along with her. Her fellow Amazons reconvened with her to receive the news I had been given, while I did my utmost to stifle the feeling of relief that coursed withing me at the news. I had feared the worst, when Hachiman had told me to conduct a recover operation with so many, since his instincts are hardly ever incorrect. When the relief I felt refused to be stoppered, I elected to direct what I couldn’t save for later towards my friend. “I’ll be sure to tell Hachiman of your merits later.”

Ur barely had a moment to glare at me, before her fellow Amazons swarmed at her. Her achievements are theirs as well, so the small entourage of stoic, strong creatures became rife with joy and mirth. For which, I received only a glare from Hachiman’s most ardent, capable, and trusted supporter as her subordinates clamored around her, swamping her from all sides with their more luxurious forms. 

Though her glare implied she disliked my actions, as her shoulders lightened from the affection thrown her way by her subordinates, I was sure that she enjoyed the praise from her fellows.

Hachiman ought to praise her more.

Now, if only Sayuri will return with good news, I could return home with a lighter heart.

…

Upon meeting her again, Sayuri’s appearance alone told me that me that I was foolish to think that she’ll relay good news upon her return. While she was hale and whole, it was entirely due to her fighting prowess and ability, instead of favorable circumstance. Her armor was no longer present, while her robes were tatters that hung upon her form, and only by her cloth wrappings around her chest and waist were spared from both fire and fury.

Not only that, but she’d undone the seal upon her right arm, returning it from a slender limb back into the amalgam of bone which held the blade that never left her grip, even upon her death. Her brown was furrowed beneath the shadow of her unbound hair, as she was ready to relay terrible news, but still she moved to kneel before me in greeting.

I raised my hand to bid her to stop from doing so, before looking to one of Ashe, while repressing my fear of the Hellhound.

“Please, fetch some food, water, and a blanket for Sayuri, and tell those at the transport to prepare for a quick departure.” At my words, Ashe nodded several times, before running to carry out my orders upon all four limbs. Since my retainer’s features remained cast in shadow, with her biting her lip due to her desire to speak, I moved before her and forced her to sit and rest. Even though she sat upon a battlefield, I knew she needed the rest more than she needed to remain clean. “Now, Sayuri, tell me what has occurred here. Ur, please listen, so that you can ensure to Hachiman that he can hear the truth from either of us.”

I did not see the short-haired Amazons’ reply, but I assumed she agreed to witness Sayuri’s words, as she stood next to me, planted her weapon into the softened soil, and leaned against it. 

“The Empire’s frontier is being ravaged by a Kindred I’ve never seen before. It… is an Undead warrior, much like myself, but even though it matched me in melee, it had magic which ravaged this battlefield.” Sayuri spoke measuredly, taking breaths to and pausing, as to provide a concise report whose veracity could not be unmade with accusations of hysteria. An Undead with strong fighting potential is not strange, but one that can use the magics I detected and fight against an Onimusha? Unheard of. “It was a being of range and hate, which slew all Empire soldiery it met, and turned them into Undead warriors. Zombies, but ones that retain their tactical acumen and skill in battle, which obeyed all her orders.”

“I’ve never heard of an Undead capable of such things, nor Zombies which are more than fearsome, mindless beasts.” Ur spoke plainly and without emotion, mimicking Hachiman, as she stifled her frustration and confusion in favor of attaining more information. Sayuri calmed somewhat at the Amazon’s familiar tone, allowing me to kneel and dirty my kimono without Sayuri’s notice, so that I could wipe the dirt, grime, and blood upon my friend with the excess cloth of my sleeves and a simple summoning of water. Sayuri would reject my decision, if not for the distraction provided by Ur. “You saw both here? In this very battlefield? A mere day’s flight away from Ylstu?”

“Yes, I did. I swear upon my blade that I saw it all. Not only that, but after I retreated from battle and fought all those who chased after me, I watched the rest mount Undead steeds and head towards the mountains.” A cursory glance of the battlefield verified Sayuri’s words. There were many wreckages of wagons, as well as enchanted lances and heavy plate. Yet there was not a single corpse of the Empire’s famed destriers nor their riders. Those creatures, which could carry so much upon their backs and at such speeds that even Dragon scales could be split by plain steel in a knight’s hand, would only be more terrifying if made Undead. Their poor stamina and inability to travel long distances would be undone. “We must return to Ylstu with all haste, as an army of Undead with unknown purpose is making its way there.”

“Do you think that the Undead intend to attack Ylstu?” Given the nature of my retainer, I was expected to know of the various forms of Undead. Most are considered “fodder” by their own tribe, with Vampires, Phantoms, and Liches being individuals who lorded over unthinking creatures that served those who created them from cadavers. Vampires, Phantoms, and Liches come to be through secret rituals, journeys, or pacts with Hell by enterprising Witches or other practitioners of magic. However, there are Undead like Sayuri, who rise up due to a promise made, through sheer force of will, or immense hatred, such as Corpse Dragons, Ghouls, and the Dullahan. The Dullahan, if I correctly recall, are Undead of immense physical might and capable of sorcery, but also arise solely through vengeance. “That they are a threat that Ylstu must be prepared to repel, instead of giving safe refuge?”

However, despite my observations, I could not dispel the possibility that a Kindred that fought against the Empire, who is carving her way through the Frontier, might be heading towards Ylstu for aid. Besides Sayuri’s words, I saw only the vestiges of power, skill, and the destruction of Empire soldiery. All marks in favor of a Kindred for Ylstu, given our existence at the forefront of the Kindred defenses.

So, my retainer’s words must be absolute and resolute, as they are uttered before both Ur, Hachiman’s most trusted, and myself, to whom Sayuri has pledged her existence to.

Sayuri did not hesitate.

“Yes. Prepare all defenses. Everything we can must be readied for its coming.” My retainer’s gaze was stalwart and resolute, but in the depths of her gaze, there was fear and concern for the home we shared. She did not tremble in fear solely due to having experienced death before. “Ylstu will be tested, and we must not be found wanting, because the hatred that comes for it will have no mercy for anyone or anything it encounters.”

Thus, with those words from my loyal retainer, I threw aside my concerns, stood, and raised Sayuri up.

“Then, there is no time to waste. You will have to rest in the transport.” My legs and arms strained as I hefted my retainer, but I made do as I called upon everything to hasten our journey back. Ur, her Amazons, and all others moved with me, as we all sped towards our means to return home. “Everyone we must make haste back home!”

The rallying affirmation from all my companions lightened my heart, but not by much, as a single question dominated my mind.

How will our defenses fare against a foe it is not meant to face?