The Snake Raises Again

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

[glow=red,2,300]Warriors Orochi [/glow]
The Snake’s Worst Nightmare

By 666akatsuki

Chapter One: The Start of a Nightmare

“Hurry, put that blaze out before it spreads!” Zhao Yun shouted as he rode upon his snow white stallion, crying out to the men around him as he guided the panicked people out of the village. Hours passed and soon the flames were put out but the village was left in a smouldering black ruin. Sakon soon rode up beside Yun and shook his head in shame. “This is the seventh attack this week by those Orochi basterds. We’ve got to get these people to a safe place, Xu Chang is nearby. I’m certain Cao Pi will help us out and give these people homes until we can rebuild the village.” Sakon suggested but Yun remained silent and was destroyed emotionally judging from his facial expression. “This isn’t fair, we’ve tried and tried to defeat Orochi but he just won’t stay dead! He’ll keep attacking time and time again with that she-witch Da Ji.” Yun snapped and bared his teeth in rage. Sakon sighed and could only look hopelessly at Yun; he was right so he couldn’t argue back at him. “Settle down, we need to tend to the people first.” Yun nodded and sighed; he gathered the people and led the way to Xu Chang with Sakon Shima bringing up the rear so the people would be protected by the two officers.

They travelled for many hours and the people were finding the trek very difficult that many collapsed and had to be carried in carts or by other people. Yun was weary and deeply troubled but his hopes soon rose as he saw a lone figure on horseback approaching from beyond the hill. A smile spread across his lips and he rode up to the person and laughed with glee. “Yukimura!” He cried out and the figure rode towards him, soon the two officers met and chuckled loudly and shook hands. Yukimura had been travelling the dust roads and was lucky enough to come across an old friend who needed help. “Yun, what happened?” Yukimura asked as he noticed the people struggling along. “Orochi again, he burned the village to the ground.” Yun replied and sighed, he wished he could have saved the village but Yukimura patted his shoulder and smiled softly. “I’ll help get you to the city, I’m guessing you’re heading to Xu Chang, I’ve just come from there.” Yukimura assumed and his help was accepted and the group rode onwards with the people staggering behind.

Orochi sat high within his castle of chaos, his army rumbled below within the immense courtyard that he gazed upon. The sky was dark as black clouds swirled above him but he was deeply worried. He had caught word from Kiyomori about a cursed book from the mystic realm. It turns out that Fu Xi had taken it into the human world and was planning on releasing a creature that he feared greatly. “Da Ji, have you found the book?” He spoke in a low and deep voice, trying to remain calm as his woman of darkness entered the room. Da Ji frowned and bowed to him but her news was not good but not bad either. “My Lord, we have failed to retrieve the Tome, but we have news that the mystics no longer possess it and it has been lost within this world you have created. I have sent scouts to track it down for you my Lord.” Da Ji spoke, backing away in fear if her master was to turn on her but instead a chuckle escaped the great demon’s lips and he arose from his throne. “Well done. Once you find that book I want you to destroy it, if they are to summon that ‘thing’ then victory will slip through our fingers.” Orochi spoke as he strolled past Da Ji to slumber in his room.

Yun, Yukimura and Sakon eventually reached Xu Chang with the villagers and they passed through the gates and left the villagers to rest with Yun and Yukimura to guard them whereas Sakon rode off ahead to alert Lord Cao Pi of the situation. Sakon was let in to the palace without question and Cao Pi immediately allowed him to speak. Sakon bowed to the great Prince of Wei and then rose to his feet. “My Lord, another village has been attacked by Orochi’s underlings and now the people have no home. I am requesting help for these people and I was hoping you could rent out space for the people until the village can be re-built.” Sakon spoke, getting straight to the point. Cao Pi rubbed his chin in thought, Sakon couldn’t have chosen a better time, the city had just had a new section of buildings built which could easily be rented to the villagers. “Yes, I will take the villagers in.” Cao Pi replied and dismissed the strategist. Sakon returned to Yun and Yukimura and explained what Cao Pi said, the news spread through the villagers and they began to cheer with joy. The officers of Wei guided the villagers to the houses and let the other officers do as they pleased. Yun sighed as he thought about his next move. “I best be returning to Liu Bei before he gets too worried.” He spoke as he mounted the grand white stallion and rode off. Yukimura sighed and smiled at Sakon. “I’m afraid I must be returning to Shingen Takeda.” He spoke and felt guilty for leaving Sakon by himself. “No worries, tell your Lord that I’m asking for him.” Sakon replied and waved Yukimura off; he sighed and walked along a forest track.

Everything was silent which worried him greatly, he had never heard silence of birds and animals, even the trees seemed to be frozen in time. As he continued along he noticed a figure staggering and bleeding towards him, the man seemed panicked and scared and looked over his shoulder every few seconds. Sakon ran up to him and asked the man if he was alright. “Please... take this book and run! Don’t let anyone have it!” The man begged and forced a book into Sakon’s hands before falling to the ground. He was exhausted but glad that he could die knowing the book was in safe hands, with that he died. Sakon looked at the book and ran his fingers over the carved words and image that were on the front cover. He didn’t understand the language but the picture was of a fox head. He stuffed the book within his robes and fled the area back to Xu Chang.

(End of Chapter One)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Chapter Two: Messenger of the Beast

Sakon stayed within Xu Chang for his own safety but he was planning on fleeing to Cheng Du where the mystics were staying. He hoped that they could maybe provide answers to the book. He had not opened it out of fear but soon his curiosity over-whelmed him as he laid the book on the table and sat facing it. His hands nervously untied the white ribbon that held the book closed and then he opened the book. He gazed at the lettering and couldn’t understand a single thing, but he attempted to read the first page. It took him nearly ten minutes to say the words correctly but when he read the page again in the proper way a strange light came from the writing. Sakon leapt from his chair and he backed away from the book as the light grew brighter and something formed in the air. He closed his eyes thinking he was doomed but as the minutes went past he became brave enough to open his eyes only to see a small red fox sitting on the book grooming itself. He blinked in confusion and he approached it with caution.

The fox lifted it’s head and stared at Sakon as if he were an idiot, it shook it’s head and stood up on it’s hind legs and brushed itself off. “You must have summoned, I am Sora. I am the guardian spirit of the great Kyuubi’s Tome!” The fox spoke feeling very proud of his duty as he raised his paws into the air and grinned. Sakon pointed at the fox with wide eyes and stuttered random words. “It talked.... the fox is talking to me.” He spoke to himself thinking that he was dreaming. Sora glared at Sakon. “Petty human mortal, I’m not just any old fox! I am a highly feared demon!” Sora growled and posed in front of Sakon but the poor officer only fell to the ground with laughter. “You’re so tiny!” He chuckled and pulled himself up onto his bed, Sora snarled and the air around him erupted out with bright blue flames that swirled around him. “Stop laughing or I’ll burn you with my Fox Fire!” Sora threatened as he glared at him. Sakon immediately obeyed and stopped laughing, Sora let the flames die out then sat down on the on the edge of the table and grinned.

“You’re now in charge of protecting this book; I’ll help you along to avoid harm befalling this Tome unless you’re after the end of the world that is?” Sakon tilted his head but followed what the fox was saying. “Okay, are you just going to follow me around or sit on my shoulder or something?” He asked, the fox disappeared in a puff of smoke then reappeared upon his shoulder. Sakon was startled but guessed it was the best place for Sora. “Okay, but no talking in front of the other officers or they’ll freak out.” Sakon explained, the fox agreed. “Take me to the mystics; I need to talk with master Fu Xi and Nu Wa.” The fox asked, mainly demanding but since Sakon was going to meet them anyway he guessed it was wise to take the fox.

Sakon walked through the dark streets of Xu Chang as midnight dawned upon the land; he didn’t want people to see Sora as it would lead to questions that he could not explain. As he walked along to the stables he felt something quite wrong with the horses that were in the paddock. They were all running and shrieking and seemed to be trying to escape the horse that stood in the centre of the fenced area. Sakon approached the paddock and stared at the horse in amazement, the great grey stallion approached Sakon. Once it was close enough Sakon was able to see the piercing crimson eyes that locked onto him. The horse’s mouth opened but the top of the head just flipped open and revealed the large fangs within, but the horse seemed to be shed like a skin as a large bright blue snake demon appeared from the pile of flesh that already began to rot. Sakon staggered away but the snake shot at him and wrapped around him within the blink of an eye. Sakon gasped helplessly as he was slowly crushed by the creature. Sora snarled and started swearing in a fox language at the snake demon, the snake opened it’s jaws and attempted to gobble the small creature but the fox leapt away and then jumped upon the snake’s head. “Fox Fire!” Sora cried out as orbs of bright blue flames appeared and collided against the snake’s head and burnt the flesh and melted the bone until nothing was left except the body that wriggled wildly and released Sakon who fell to his knees and coughed harshly. He caught his breath and he looked at Sora. “Thank you... was that one of Orochi’s servants?” He asked; Sora nodded which made Sakon lose hope.

“Orochi has combined his strength with Da ji and Kiyomori, but there is one other who has given him enough strength to generate these types of monsters. It is Shukaku, a raccoon of great power.” Sora explained, just like in old folk tales there were indeed nine great demons but the truth was that the mystics trapped all nine within their realm but it was when Orochi escaped that the others attempted to do the same, all except Kyuubi who remained condemned within the Tome. Kyuubi was believed to have been the only demon of the nine that could defeat Orochi and destroy him for good which was why the Tome was released into the Human World.

“Hurry, we must leave now before more appear.” Sora warned Sakon; swiftly Sakon hopped upon his horse and rode out of the city at great haste. He knew it would be a few days until he could reach Cheng Du but he only hoped that the mystics had not left the capital of Shu otherwise all hope would be lost. As he glimpsed at his map a smile appeared upon his face, he would be going through Kenshin’s territory. He knew he could safely stay there within moderate security under the War God.

(End of Chapter Two)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Chapter Three: Say Hello to Kitsune

Sakon rode until midday then stopped to let the horse rest by a nearby lake. He settled in the grass and opened the book to examine it in more detail with Sora sat upon his shoulder to help translate what it said. “That is the page for summoning the Wolf Demon called Oni, that demon may seem beautiful on the outside but she’s a mean killer on the inside.” Sora chuckled then Sakon turned upon a blank page. “What used to be upon this page?” He asked and Sora gulped in fear. “That used to be Kitsune’s page, so he’s still on the loose. Let’s just hope he’s still trapped in the mystic realm, he was one mean demon fox.” Sora replied, shivering at the mere thought of him. He had always feared Kitsune for the two demons were connect in a way but Sora refused to say anything about the link. Sakon turned upon the next page and looked at the illustration that had been drawn. “Is this a dragon?” Sora nodded and grinned. “That is Ryu, the Dragon Lord. He is very peaceful but very old. I don’t suggest summoning him due to his age and never put him in battle, it’s better to summon his son, Azure.” Sakon’s eyes widened in shock, Masamune Date often spoke of himself as the Azure Dragon. “Does that dragon happen to have only one eye?” He asked, Sora narrowed his eyes and nodded finding it very strange that a mortal human actually knew this. “I’ll have to summon Azure one day.” Sakon replied and smiled; he closed the book and stuffed it back within his clothes until it was hidden from sight. He hopped to his feet and took his steed by the reins and mounted the horse. He set off once again knowing that just over the ridge he would reach the temple owned by Kenshin himself.

Nightfall turned the lands into a land of chaotic nightmares as bandits and criminals roamed like wild animals through the forests and mountains. Sakon had to be wary of every corner and road he took, he only had his great sword to protect him and also Sora’s magic. His horse trotted along without much worry but suddenly the shadows seemed to dance against the trees and a light raced between the branches. Sora reared up and bared his fangs, fear filling his eyes. “Sakon, RUN!” He yelled and the horse bolted along the road with the light following behind them at a swift rate. Sakon glanced over his shoulder to see what was following him but became horrified to see a fox that was roughly the size of his horse. The fox had two long horns protruding from it’s head that had an orb of fox fire sitting in it which was giving off the light. The fox was as black as the night itself and had bright violet eyes that peered through the night as it chased after him. “What is that thing?!” Sakon asked Sora, but the small fox remained silent and burrowed into Sakon’s clothes to hide itself from the demon that was hunting them.

Sakon gulped and drew his sword and made the horse turn to face the demon since he knew that it wasn’t going to give up chasing them. “What do you want you foul beast?” Sakon demanded whilst swallowing his courage as the demon circled around the horse. “I smell my brother, you have my brother yes?” He spoke as it drew close to sniff Sakon but as Sakon held up his sword the demon slunk back. “Your brother? What’s his name?” Sakon asked, watching the demon with wary eyes. “His name is Sora and for your information I am Kitsune.” Sakon’s eyes widened and he thoughtlessly reached into his clothes and dragged Sora out by the tail and held him out to Kitsune. Sora wriggled wildly and started whimpering as his brother crept in closely. “H... hey bro. Long time no see huh.” Sora spoke, his voice low and shaky. Kitsune grinned and flashed his large fangs as he approached Sora and opened his jaws. “You haven’t grown a bit; I guess you’ll never be a true demon.” Kitsune mocked as he launched himself to swallow his brother whole but Sakon’s sword pierced him through the chest and he tossed Sora to the side to avoid being eaten. “You’ve fallen right into my trap.” Sakon smirked as he used his free hand and took the Tome out and flicked it open to the black pages where Kitsune once belonged. “Grand Tome of the Kyuubi No Yokai, I beg of thy to seal the demon Kitsune within your pages!” The pages glowed and great chains reached out and whirled around Kitsune and dragged him into the pages. “No!! Impossible, I don’t want to go back!” The demon begged before being turned into basic writing.

Sakon picked up Sora and held him in his arms, rocking him back and forth like a child. “That’s why you hated Kitsune, I understand fully.” Sakon whispered to the little fox but Sora looked away and whined softly. “I’m a coward and he’s right, I’m not a demon. I’m too small and weak to be a grand demon or even live up to the expectations of the greatest fox demon that ever lived.” Sora sobbed but Sakon hugged him to comfort him. “You’re not weak, not every demon is big on the outside but I know you have a big heart. You’re as good as any demon, trust me.” Sakon smiled down at Sora and was delighted to see the fox’s spirit returning. “Let’s get going.” Sora spoke as he climbed onto Sakon’s shoulder and smiled with pride. They swiftly rode off and eventually arrived at the temple where they were greeted by Kanetsugu Naoe. Sakon dismounted his steed and let a guard take it to the stables, Sakon bowed to Kanetsugu. “I request lodging for the night, if you would please.” Sakon spoke and Kanetsugu grinned at him. “Okay, I’ll tell Kenshin later since he’s in a meeting right now with Mitsunari Ishida at the moment about plans to attack one of Orochi’s fortresses.” He explained then gestured for Sakon to follow him to the spare quarters that Sakon could stay in for the night. “I noticed you have a pet fox, that’s rather cute.” Kanetsugu spoke, chuckling at the thought of a fox being sat on his shoulder and especially a small and very cute one. Sora bared his fangs but remembered what Sakon told him so remained silent and ignored the officer to the best of his abilities. Kanetsugu opened the door and let Sakon settle for the night, the officers bid each other pleasant dreams before splitting.

Sakon sighed and readied the bed sheets that were supplied and then got himself ready to sleep. He placed the Tome under the pillow and he tucked himself under the covers. Sora watched him and finished his grooming and then curled up next to Sakon’s head. Sakon allowed the fox to sleep there since it meant that the Tome would be protected from danger. The night was still and peaceful and the two of them drifted off into a deep sleep.

(End of Chapter Three)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Chapter Four: The Snake Attacks!

Orochi drummed his fingers upon the golden arm rests of his throne; no news that had been brought to him was good which was only making him angrier. “Fools.” He grumbled to himself but his attention was caught as Sun WuKong entered the room and glided across the floor on his magic cloud. “Hey, I heard my snake buddy was upset. As a monkey king I shall cheer you up, I’ll get that book for you from Sakon Shima.” He yipped giving a thumbs up. Orochi sat up with interest at what the Monkey God said. “You know who has it?” He asked, double checking that he had not mis-heard. Sun grinned at his Lord and nodded. “Yes, my scouts have been watching him. I’m afraid your snake assault troops have been unsuccessful and Shukaku’s plan of releasing Kitsune failed as well. I promise I won’t make the same mistake.” He spoke with pride and watched the smirk upon his Lord’s face forming. “Very well, don’t fail me or I’ll dispose of you.” Orochi threatened as he slumped back into his throne feeling that Sun WuKong would be more successful but he was getting ready to bring in a new officer to the field.

Sakon awoke with a smile after his peaceful night sleep. Sora was much the same. Sakon got dressed and stuffed the Tome back into his clothing and placed the dozy fox upon his shoulder and made his way towards the stables but was stopped by Kanetsugu and Kenshin. “Leaving already Sakon?” Kenshin spoke, smiling at the great officer that grinded to a halt in the middle of the hallway. “Please forgive my hastiness but I need to reach Cheng Du immediately. I thank you for housing me though.” He replied whilst bowing in respect to the War God. Kenshin sighed in disappointment but he remembered that Mitsunari was heading in that direction. “If you hurry you can catch up with Mitsunari so you’re not travelling alone.” Kenshin spoke and flicked his wrist towards a guard to bring Sakon’s horse to them. Sakon sighed and mounted his steed and waved to the two great warriors and rode off to catch up with an old friend.

Mitsunari had not gotten far when Sakon appeared from behind and joined him and the beautiful bay mare that he rode upon. “If it isn’t Sakon Shima, my my, what a long time since I last saw you.” Mitsunari spoke in a mocking tone as he rolled his head back across his shoulders with a smirk smeared across his lips. Sakon shrugged it off and grinned. “Nice to see you too my dear old fox friend.” Sora’s ears pricked up with Sakon’s words, he stood up and barked at Mitsunari. “Oh my, did you miss me so much that you got a pet fox to remind you of me? How sweet.” Mitsunari erupted out into laughter and Sora leapt at him and curled around his neck. “You got a problem?!” Sora snarled and scared Mitsunari enough that the officer fell from his horse in horror. “DEMON!” He cried out as he scrambled to escape Sora who sat on the road and glared at Mitsunari. Sakon held his face in his hand and shook his head. He dismounted and walked over to Mitsunari. “That’s Sora, he’s harmless, honest.” Sakon spoke, grinning at the situation but he glared at Sora for disobeying his order. Mitsunari laid on the grass and pointed at Sora then looked at Sakon as if he were a mad man. “That’s a de...de...demon. Have you lost your mind my friend?” Mitsunari questioned still not grasping the moment very well. Sakon rolled his eyes and took the Tome out and watched the shock on Sora’s face. “Sakon! Don’t you dare!” The fox snarled but the man ignored him and held the book out to show Mitsunari. “This is the Tome of Kyuubi. It’s full of demons that I can summon at any time.” He spoke and let the information soak in to Mitsunari. Sora growled and sprinted at Sakon and bit him on the hand as punishment. “Settle you! You failed me so it’s only fair that I do the same.” Sakon snapped and dislodged the fox from his hand and looked at the bleeding wound. “Great, now I might be infected with whatever you’ve been eating or licking.” Sakon muttered but Sora crossed his arms and shook his head. “You can’t, a demon’s saliva is harmless unless it’s a poisoned based one.” Sora stuck his tongue out and then turned his back to the man. Sakon rolled his eyes but Mitsunari fainted.

The hours passed and slowly Mitsunari woke up, he stared at the fox that sat upon his chest. He froze seeing that it was Sora. “Get the demon off of me!” He shrieked and the fox bolted over to Kanetsugu but the officer just cuddled the fox and stroked it gently. “Demon? This is just an ordinary fox.” He replied and looked at Mitsunari in a weird way. “He hit his head pretty badly; I bet he just dreamed all of this.” Sakon spoke, lying through the skin of his teeth. He blamed everything upon the horse rearing up and making Mitsunari fall on his head, it was a perfect way to hide Sora and the Tome since no one would believe him. “I swear that the fox can talk! Sakon, tell them about the Tome and everything!” Mitsunari whined but as expected no one believed a word that he said.

Sakon gazed out the window and let Sora rest upon the chair that was next to him. The fox was sleeping and nothing seemed to matter anymore; suddenly Sora leapt to his feet and his ears pricked up. He curled his lips back into a snarl and growled as clouds seemed to manifest over the temple at a frightening rate. “What is this?” Sakon asked and watched as a swirling mist consumed the city around them and slowly swallowed the temple from the base upwards. “Sora, is this another demon?” He asked but Sora shook his little head. “This one is a lowly God, Sun WuKong is causing this. You’ve met him before and you should already know that he works for Orochi.” Sora explained and Sakon nodded. He swiftly closed the window and rushed to Mitsunari’s room to make sure he was guarded. Mitsunari sat up and stared at Sakon as the officer closed his window. “What is going on?” He asked then noticed the mist and his eyes widened in shock. “Is that the magic of the monkey?” He questioned and Sora nodded which made Mitsunari excited. “I knew it! You can talk and I wasn’t dreaming!” He spoke and Sakon rolled his eyes. “You’ve got to keep this secret, but I fear we might not last that long.” He whispered in reply and watched as shadows passed through the mist.

Everything was silent and so far nothing had happened but suddenly the window smashed and something tumbled into the room and rolled about in one of the curtains. Mitsunari grabbed his war fan and Sakon held his sword at the ready to fight the beast. “Come on out you foul creature!” Sakon shouted but he felt something heavy resting on his shoulders. He glanced left and right and noticed feet on his shoulders. He looked up and saw Sun WuKong standing on him. “That’s not a very nice thing to say to my little friends.” WuKong chirped and Sakon looked at the curtain and three little versions of WuKong popped their heads out and stared adorably at everyone. WuKong leapt off of Sakon’s shoulders and landed next to the smaller versions of him, resting his staff upon his shoulder and he eyed Sora. “I see you like foxes... wait! You’re Sakon Shima right?” He asked and Sakon nodded which made the Monkey King grin. “Give me the Tome of Kyuubi and I’ll let you live.” He spoke, smirking with confidence but Sora leapt at him and bit WuKong hard on the arm before being violently thrown against the wall and was knocked out. “I guess I’ll just kill you all then.” The monkey snarled and charged Sakon, brutally driving his staff into Sakon’s ribs and causing great pain. The mini monkeys leapt at Mitsunari and bit and scratched him everywhere they could reach; Mitsunari pathetically beat them away with his fan. Sakon was hit left and right and was too slow to defend himself from the creature’s onslaught. Sakon was thrown against the wall and his sword fell to the ground, WuKong pressed the staff across Sakon’s throat and pushed him against the wall to cut off his breathing. “You should have behaved mortal human.” WuKong hissed; Sakon was on the verge of giving up but WuKong screamed loudly and released his staff. He turned angrily at Kanetsugu who had used his sword to stab the monkey in the tail which was the God’s weakest point. The officer gripped the tail and pulled the creature away from Sakon but WuKong attacked him and sank his fangs deep into Kanetsugu’s shoulder and drew blood. Kenshin entered the room and grabbed WuKong by the scruff of his neck and freed his right hand man before tossing the monkey out the window.

He panted heavily and looked at the damage dealt to the officers. Sakon was swiftly recovering, Kanetsugu was bleeding badly from his shoulder and Mitsunari had been ruffled. Sora limped out from the rubble of books and scrolls that had fallen on top of him during the fight. He climbed up onto Sakon and nuzzled the man’s face. Sakon petted the little fox and stiffly got to his feet then lent against the wall to rest. He smiled and felt his clothes and touched the outline of the Tome which was still there and safe. He glanced out the window and the mist receded and the clouds dissipated. For now the battle was over, but the war was only just beginning. Sakon, Sora and Mitsunari set out once more to travel to Cheng Du.

(End of Chapter Four)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Chapter Five: The Mystics

The air held the sound of thundering hooves as the army massed into position under Guan Yu’s command. After what Zhao Yun had said the kingdom of Shu was in chaos due to the sudden panic of Liu Bei who desired to put a stop to Orochi once and for all. Zuo Ci sighed and shook his head in disappointment at the scene unfolding before him. “This will truly cause problems and won’t do any good. Shu cannot take on Orochi alone, they need the other kingdoms and forces to join them. Lord Liu Bei, what are you thinking?” The mystic spoke, not really aiming his speech at anyone in particular. Fu Xi grunted in slight disgust. “If we just had the Tome...” Nu Wa pressed her finger against Fu Xi’s lip and shook her head. “Please, that book would have probably made things worse. Think, if Kyuubi No Yokai were to defeat Orochi then he would most likely turn upon us.” Nu Wa explained and she drew back from Fu Xi. The man sighed and slumped back in his chair and crossed his arms, he began to believe that he had made a major mistake of ever bringing the Tome into the mortal world.

Sakon and Mitsunari were making good time as the horses steamed onwards at full pace, they were holding nothing back and poor Sora was on the verge of being travel sick. “Please stop!” He whimpered and the horses came to a stop and Sora bounded off into the bushes and was violently ill. “Poor little fella, at least the gates to Cheng Du are just over this ridge.” Sakon spoke and smiled at their progress. Sora returned but the officers took it slowly this time for Sora, they made it over the ridge and gazed down upon the capital of Shu where the mystics were supposedly staying. It took an hour to reach the bottom of the ridge and to get through the gates. Immediately the troops were brought to Sakon’s attention. “What’s this? Is Liu Bei preparing for war so soon?” He pondered and looked to Mitsunari for his opinion but the officer seemed uninterested upon the matter. Sakon sighed and rode onwards towards the palace to find Liu Bei. Once again, like in Wei, he was given clearance to see the Lord of Shu immediately. Sakon bowed to Liu Bei but also noticed Zuo Ci, Nu Wa and Fu Xi all standing with the man. Sakon’s eyes widened. “You’re the mystics, correct?” He spoke and Liu Bei turned to look at the other officers since he had come to believe that the meeting was for him but allowed Sakon to speak. “I believe you are searching for the Tome of Kyuubi, I have it.” He spoke and took the book out and showed it to the mystics and they drew back in shock.

“Impossible... Please, give me the book.” Zuo Ci spoke as he reached out a hand to the Tome but Sakon pulled away and smirked. Sora sat on his shoulder and whispered commands to the officer and told him not to allow the mystics to take the Tome. “What’s the meaning of this?” Fu Xi demanded as he approached Sakon Shima, his fist curled up. The fox bared his fangs at the mystics. “This man has learned how to seal and release the entities from this book, I request that the Tome remains with him for safe keeping.” Sora spoke which shocked Liu Bei and the others in the room except the mystics of course. “Sora, this is not your say. Give the book now.” Fu Xi replied as he prepared to snatch it from Sakon but Sora leapt at him and sank his fangs into his hand. Fu Xi smirked and gripped him by the scruff and hung him above his head. “You’re too small to do any damage to me; your fangs didn’t even pierce my skin due to my leather gloves.” He spoke and only made Sora more outraged as the fox barked and swung back and forth.

Sakon drew back and clutched the Tome close against his chest and he turned to run away from the scene but Nu Wa stood with a blade to his throat. “We won’t ask you again, give us the book.” She spoke with a soft and caring voice that lured the poor man into giving her the Tome without thought or hassle. She smiled and ran to give Zuo Ci the book but she was tripped up by Mitsunari who stole the book from her grasp. “You dare to challenge my superior intelligence and my friend?” He sneered as he threw a bomb at Fu Xi which caused the man to be blown back. Sora hit the floor hard but he got up and sprinted over to Mitsunari and settled upon his shoulder. “Run!” He spoke and Mitsunari sprinted towards the grand doors that lead to the great hall they were in but would take him outside. “They aren’t the mystics! It’s one of Da Ji’s tricks!” He yelled, after all only a fox could see through another fox’s magic and illusion. Mitsunari hit the door with his shoulder and burst through it and he raced down the stairs towards the courtyard. Sora suddenly felt heavy and breathless, he began to fade and was sucked back into the Tome leaving Mitsunari on his own to escape Da Ji’s tricks. He didn’t stop running but his illness was swiftly draining his will to go on but his heart didn’t want to fail Sakon. He escaped out of Cheng Du and stopped to rest next to a river that led to a large waterfall. He gasped and fell to his knees and clasped at his throbbing chest. He sharply turned his head and saw Sun WuKong standing there, reaching out for the book. “N.... No.... I won’t fail Sakon.” Mitsunari whispered as he sprung to his feet and ran to the waterfall and leapt...

~~~~

The gentle sea breeze swept across Motochika’s face, displacing his hair slightly. “How boring, every other place is having fun with Orochi except here. I need action!” He grumbled since he was bored out of his mind. He kicked a stone off the pier but then noticed something lying on the beach. He tilted his head and walked towards it; he bent over it and stared at the beautiful covering of the book. “Hm...? How odd for such a thing to wash up here.” He spoke to himself and picked the book up and opened it to read it. “Taiyou.” He spoke aloud as he read a random page’s title. He started to say the words written beneath the title not knowing that he was actually summoning something from the book. He stood back from it and raised an eyebrow. He placed the book down on a rock and read it over and over. “What a weird book.” He spoke, he turned his back but he felt a chill run down his spine and he slowly looked back at the book and watched as the letters glowed brightly. The light increased and an orb rose from the page and shot at Motochika and caused the man to scream loudly in horror.

Motochika grunted and sat up, rubbing his back due to the pain dealt by the stones on the beach that had stabbed into his spine. “What just happened?” He asked the empty area around him, he thought that he had dreamt everything as he stood up but he noticed the book and that the pages that it was open to were blank. “What’s going on?” He whined and he staggered back from the book. He froze in fear as he felt something wrap around his hip, his eye widened in horror as he looked down and saw a bright white arm pull him back against whatever was behind him. “Please don’t kill me!” He begged but the creature trailed her arms up onto his shoulders and rested on him, a soft and gentle giggle coming from the summoned creature. Motochika gulped and turned his head but was surprised to see a beautiful young woman. She had beautiful glowing skin, blue eyes and long silver hair that curled at the bottom. A blush crept across his face as he gazed at her. “H... Hi... I’m Motochika.” He stammered, taken by her beauty. The woman smiled and blinked slowly, her lips drawing near his ear to speak. “I am Taiyou, the beauty of the Sun and servant to the Goddess Amaterasu.” She spoke, the very sound of her voice lured Motochika under her power. Motochika started to breathe a lot faster and his heart raced, he felt light-headed and strangely drawn to Taiyou. “Did you come out the book?” He asked and Taiyou nodded and kissed his cheek. He gulped and gazed at her, trapped within a trance.

~~~~

Mitsunari coughed heavily, blood dripping from his lips and he crawled over the rocks. He was soaked, battered and close to death. “S... Sakon... I’ve failed.” He whimpered as he rested his forehead upon a rock and tried to catch his breath. He tried to get up by using a boulder as support but he cried out in great pain and fell to his knees. His left leg had been broken and he couldn’t walk. Tears filled his eyes as he laid on his back upon the shards of broken rocks, the points piercing his skin and causing him to cough up more blood and slowly drown within his own fluids. He finally gave up and saw nothing but failures come from his actions, he couldn’t even defend a stupid book. His eyes closed but he felt a shadow fall upon him. He opened his eyes again and looked up at Zhou Yu, his spirit suddenly began to pick up as Gan Ning and Sun Ce appeared and helped him up and got him to cough up the blood that had been choking him. “Thank... You.” He whispered as he faded out, leaving his fate to the helpful hands of the Wu officers.

(End of Chapter Five)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

Chapter Six: Motochika’s Destiny

Motochika stood with Taiyou, the demon gently gaining control of the man. Suddenly the demon stopped trying to trance the officer; she lifted her head and sniffed the air. She whimpered and held onto Motochika. “Orochi...” She whispered in fear, she jumped away from him and back flipped. A bright light swept over her body and her form changed shape. She landed as a beautiful white mare, her mane flowed about as if it where white fire. Motochika gazed at her in awe, still taken by her beauty. Taiyou dipped her head and her eyes demanded that Motochika climbed onto her back. The man gulped slightly, he picked up his shamisen and strapped it over his back and then picked up the Tome before climbing onto Taiyou’s back. The demon reared up before bolting off towards the sea, Motochika squeaked slightly but was shocked as the horse rode on the water as if the water was solid. Taiyou was planning on riding to Orochi’s territory but she refused to allow Motochika to know that.

Orochi drummed his fingers upon the arm rest of his throne, he felt his nose wrinkling up with rage. He slammed his fist down before getting up. He glared at Da Ji and Sun WuKong, they had both failed him. “You disgust me, I realise now that you cannot achieve my goal. I’m going to send Raijuu instead, he’ll show you just how easy it is to take a book from a petty mortal.” Orochi hissed, he turned to look out upon the courtyard. Black clouds rumbling above the palace, a blue lightning bolt struck down into the soldiers and sent them flying in all directions. A man draped in beautiful black silk robes stood in the centre of the blast crater. He had six stunning yellow tails and his hair stood on end and was also yellow. He bowed to Orochi before disappearing back up into the clouds in the shape of a lightning bolt.

Taiyou continued to sprint over the waves and soon land was in sight once again. “We’re going to defeat Orochi.” She suddenly whispered causing Motochika to panic. “Are you insane?! We don’t even have an army!” He yelled but the demon simply smiled. “Yes we do, the army is in your hand.” She replied and felt confident that Motochika could summon the army that would defeat Orochi. Motochika looked at the book and opened it to the first page. “Okay, I’ll start summoning then.” He whispered as he started to read the first page, a light formed from the book and Sora stood on the blank page. The little fox fell onto it’s side and groaned in pain. “Sakon... Sakon...” He whispered and Motochika stroked the little demon. “It’s Motochika, not Sakon.” He spoke, the fox leapt onto it’s feet and looked around itself and saw Taiyou. “Where are we going?” He yelled and Taiyou explained that they were going to Orochi’s domain. “Are you mad?!” Sora screamed before climbing onto Motochika’s shoulder. “Hurry up and read!” Motochika nodded and read the second page. A great flame bird burst from the page and grew larger as it soared into the sky. It disappeared up into the black clouds but it soon flew from the sky and helplessly crashed into the sea. “Oh no... It can’t be.” Sora whispered and Taiyou reared up in panic, halting in her tracks.

A man who stood upon a single cloud descended from the black swirling mass above them. He was a truly beautiful man as he came down to their height, he noticed the Tome in Motochika’s hands. “Give me the book and I might let you live.” He spoke, fluttering his lids at Motochika. The man raised an eyebrow and was generally confused but he clutched the book tightly. Sora started turning the pages until he reached a page titled ‘Gekigami’. “Summon him.” Sora grinned with confidence, Motochika whispered the words and watched as a lightning bolt erupted from the page up into the sky. The black clouds rumbled loudly and the deafening roar of a tiger echoed through the sky. The clouds turned fluffy and white. They parted and revealed a great white tiger, the black stripes on it’s body were in the shape of lightning bolts. “Raijuu, you petty weasel. I, Gekigami shall strike you down and teach you true lightning.” The tiger roared, his voice beating upon the wind like thunder. Raijuu narrowed his eyes before unleashing a bolt of black lightning at Gekigami. “Just die old man.” He hissed but Gekigami swiped his tail and deflected the attack, he charged down from the sky and pounced upon Raijuu and tossed him around. The man cried out and was forced to reveal his true form. A large ferret like creature with striking yellow fur and six tails stood upon the cloud he had rode upon. He leapt at Gekigami and he used his sharp fangs to rip the flesh from the tiger’s body. Gekigami rose a claw up and pulled Raijuu off then he tore into the weasel without mercy. Raijuu began to fade and soon he became nothing more than a glass orb with a small blue lightning bolt trapped inside it. Gekigami let it drop and sink into the sea, the tiger snarled at Taiyou but they once again went on the move.

Motochika had continued to summon demon and god from the book, the sky and sea were filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes. He was growing exhausted since the entities were linked to him now, Sora could see that Motochika was out of energy. “Taiyou, he won’t have enough energy to summon Kyuubi. It’ll kill him, we just have to hope that the rest of us can take on Orochi.” Sora whined, the horse nodded as she rode up the beach. She shook herself before charging up the ridge but she was confronted by a large army that stood there, waiting for them. Motochika panted, slumping over as his body slowly gave up. He dropped the book onto the ground before falling from Taiyou himself. Sora leapt down and licked Motochika’s face to keep him awake. “Don’t fall asleep!” He begged, he knew that it was a lot they were asking from him but he was their final hope.

Orochi had fore-told the failure of Raijuu, now he stood among his army, surrounded by Nekomata, Shukaku, Houkou and Da Ji. “Houkou, go forth and cast your illusions.” The dog demon nodded and bounded across the tufted grass plain towards the beach. He howled to the sky and soon illusions of nightmarish proportions appeared before the opposing army. Many of Motochika’s army fled in fear but some held the ability to see right through the images and unleashed their attacks upon Houkou himself to end the terror. A beautiful cat god called Kabegami landed in front of Houkou and started to rub up against the dog demon, her beauty captivating the poor puppy. A cheeky monkey god appeared behind the distracted dog demon, Sakigami giggled before consuming the demon in vines before pulling him apart. The monkey god was soon confronted by Sun WuKong; nature versus trickery. The two Gods clashed violently and soon Kabegami was fighting the two-tailed cat demon Nekomata.

The illusions dissipated and soon the war lashed out, the dead fell all around and the cries of pain echoed through the area. Motochika could hear the screams of the creatures he had summoned. It sickened him greatly, he jolted in pain with each that fell. “Make it stop... please.... no more!” He begged as he covered his ears and rolled upon the ground, tears rolling down his face. Sora and Taiyou could do nothing to help him except stand and watch over him and the battle. Orochi barely had to lift a finger as he used his magic to strike down the demons that dared to challenge him. He wanted a real challenge and watched as his opponents fell one-by-one to the ground. “Pathetic creatures, barely able to touch me.” He was rather curious why they hadn’t summoned Kyuubi. He ignored the problem and continued to kill and destroy, slowly making his way towards Motochika.

Taiyou tried to get Motochika back on his feet after catching a glimpse of Orochi approaching. “Please, you’ve got to get back up!” She begged but it wasn’t working. She got to her feet and galloped at Orochi, crying out her battle roar. She leapt at Orochi but she was caught in a Darkness Warp and was torn apart. Orochi continued to come at Motochika and Sora. The little fox demon whimpered and shivered, he ran at Orochi knowing he couldn’t win but he had to try. “I won’t let you take another friend from me... Sakon this is for you!” He cried out as he unleashed his fox fire upon Orochi. A hand grasped the fox and slowly started to crush his skull, Sora cried out in pain and then was thrown to the side like trash. Orochi bent over Motochika and lifted him by his hair. Orochi drove his hand deep into Motochika’s stomach area, spreading his fingers out inside the man to make him scream. Motochika coughed violently as body fluids spilled from his mouth and the pain erupted through his body causing him to spasm. He didn’t want to die like this so his weakened body endured the suffering as Orochi continued the torture.

“KYUUBI NO YOKAI!!” Came the cry from behind Motochika, Orochi’s face showed shock as he dropped his new found toy. He stared at Mitsunari as the man held the book, the sky darkened and the book glowed brightly as it rose up and transformed into a great nine-tail fox demon. Orochi staggered back in a mixture of awe and grave fear, he turned to run but the fox was as swift as the wind. The fox drove a tail into the snake demon and tossed him away like a ragdoll. “Pity, I guess the title of Lord of Darkness and Demons still remains with me. You couldn’t beat me in a thousand years Yamata No Orochi.” The fox smirked he pounced upon Orochi and tore into his back, he showed no mercy to the snake demon. Orochi cried out for forgiveness but then he remembered that Kaku had released him of the seal that the mystics had placed upon him. He grinned as he started to swell like a berry. “I’ll soon take my title back you pesky fox, I’ll kill you here and now!” Orochi roared as his human body exploded and eight grand heads reared up and extended over the battlefield. The palace soon became his back and the demon towered above everything, the eight tails slivered beneath the earth and threatened to cave it in. Kyuubi snarled and stared at Orochi, the fox was like an ant compared to an elephant. Mitsunari knelt at Motochika’s side and tried to hold his wound closed but the sight of Orochi freaked him badly. “This... is.... Orochi’s... true form.” He stuttered, he had never been so scared before in his life.

Kyuubi narrowed his eyes. “Orochi, no matter what form you become I can still win. Remember that battle, the one that lasted one hundred years, I won that battle when you were at your maximum strength. I already know that the Kusanagi sword is missing and you don’t have it, you’ve already lost.” Kyuubi smirked since the Kusanagi sword was the source of Orochi’s power. Kyuubi opened his jaws and absorbed the lost souls in the area into a concentrated black orb that hovered within his maw. “APOCALYPSE INFINITY!” Kyuubi roared as the orb erupted and blasted pure energy into Orochi’s main body; the palace that connected the eight heads together and was also the heart and life-force of the demon. Orochi screamed as the palace was wiped out, the body was burned up and soon ash rained down upon the battlefield like snow. Kyuubi collapsed and faded away, leaving the Tome behind. The crater where Orochi once was now contained a glass orb that contained a snake’s fang. Mitsunari panted since he had shared Kyuubi’s exhaustion, he sighed as the remaining demons returned to the book. Mitsunari lifted Motochika up and turned towards the beach to gaze out upon the sea that was filed to the brim with Wu’s battle fleet. He sighed, it was all over.

Sakon staggered across the battlefield and knelt down beside a lump under the grey blanket. He brushed the ash away and found Sora, he picked the fox up and petted him gently. “You did well.” Sakon whispered as the fox lifted his head and smiled softly at him, but the fox was too weak to go on and passed away in his arms. Sakon sank to the ground and gazed at the single blue flower that appeared through the falling ash. He knew that Sora would have loved to have seen the blue foxglove that he had found, gently he placed the little body next to the flower and watched as Sora faded.

Da Ji gasped as she limped away from the scene, deep inside her she carried Orochi’s child. “Soon this world will belong us.” She hissed as she stroked the growing bulge.

(The End)

[Xiu Lao]

you writ all this?!!!

Waow!....

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

It's just practice for higher english, too bad that this is a PG13 site otherwise I could go crazy and this would be twice as long ;D

[Xiu Lao]

I see...

I am in chapter three so far XD

hey umm do you know Lao Well now? I mean if I told you to roleplay as him can you do it?

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

I wouldn't trust me with roleplaying other people's characters, usually it goes wrong

[Xiu Lao]

I was going to make a play, thing more but I dont know if you think he is stupid or clever

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

I think Lao is fairly even between the two sides of the intelligence coin, makes him more life-like

[Xiu Lao]

your right!

he is more like a coward than a brave man to XD, but sometimes he could act very brave.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

yup