Everything died down. Back at the convoy, everyone waited in patient, watchful silence. The earlier loud clashing, the thunder of their battle, had fallen to stillness, leaving only the soft rustle of wind and distant call of birds.
The Apexes and the Hands Of The Beast all shot their gazes toward Imuru's group, eyes sharp, bodies tense, waiting.
It was the observant Kitsune Highest who finally broke the tension; and the silence.
"Tension," She said, her voice smooth and unhurried, like silk drawn across a blade. "Heed no worry. A fascinating feature is ahead."
With her final words lingering in the air, the woman vanished—swallowed calmly by a swirl of black, starry flames, leaving only the faint scent of incense and the weight of her prophecy behind.
One of the Apexes; Roge the Wolfsman, spotted from a far the approach of his leader, the others' attention trailing behind to follow Roge's at the sound of his gasp.
Imuru's group breathed a sigh of relief. The Apexes and the Hands The Of Beast drew apart from each other, straightening themselves to a confident stature. Collon went forward, to meet them firstly welcoming them all back safely, a tentative smile playing on his face.
"Glad to see you're all…" Collon's eyes swiftly and carefully scanned them, "doing well. Umm, Imuru," He pointed out the wound and the bloody area of his clothes.
"Uh!" Imuru looked to where Collon was pointing, as he had completely forgotten about it completely. "No worries," Imuru replied, giving Collon a smile to put him at ease.
"Ooh!" Vunaru interjected herself, "now that's a rock hard warrior." She gave a thumbs up. "Man, you two were really going at it huh? Like two fierce predators."
Kemono grinned and chuckled. "Small, with the true fierceness of an apex predator indeed. I can confirm Imuru is indeed worthy of his title of Demon Lord. Imuru and I had formed our pact in battle. We are now eternal brothers; Kings of one pride."
"Uh?" Vunaru narrowed her eyes. "What the heck are you now babbling about? Kings of one pride? Imuru and I haven't even begun the discussion about our relationship. Which is what he came here for in the first place… until you arrived. Besides you're not even a Great Force," She brushed Kemono off with the fanning of her hand, "so you're just wasting everyone's time."
"That's irrelevant," Kemono put an arm around Imuru's shoulder. "We're Kings of one pride. That holds more weight than your title. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have much to talk about." Kemono walked off pulling Imuru along against his will; forcing him to slip his way out of Kemono's grasp.
"Wow, wow… wait a moment." Imuru turned to Vunaru. "She does make a point, but also I'm open for a relationship with Kemono as well… of course I know you two have history. Would you mind Vunaru?"
"Pfft."
Vunaru crossed her arms. "Would I mind?... You know what, sure. Maybe you can help lessen his antics. So you'll work together…"
Collon's expression lit up brightly. "Excellent choices." Collon gave a subtle nod to Imuru. "Let's go let the others know."
They rejoined with their followers, parting momentarily.
"Hey, is everyone okay back there?!" Vunaru called out to the guards and coachmen at the back; trying to get their toppled stagecoaches back up—to which she received a few light replies of reassurance.
Careful whispers came from each group, as the leaders spoke their minds to their closest allies.
"Great Imuru, you're injured," Yosho pointed out. Imuru glanced at his wound, and dramatically widened his eyes, having forgotten about his injury once again.
"The caring self promoted secretary," Collon remarked, a sly smirk crossing his expression. Yosho glared at her brother from the corner of her eyes, shaking not to lash out at him.
Linira raised a curious eyebrow at this remark. "Self promoted?" She mumbled underneath her breath.
"Don't think too much about it. I'm sure my sister will fill you in," Collon replied.
"Hmph?" Imuru noticed Arken standing a distance from the group, his back turned. "Erm… Arken! Are you doing well there buddy? If it makes you feel better I proved my dominance."
"Uh… right let me fix that."
[[
[[
[-Celestial Lake Heal-]
Activated upon his thought, Imuru is surrounded by a glimmering silver spherical water dome, healing his wounds in an instant.
"Hiya-Hiya~... Very convenient."
Imuru approached the Dark Devider. "Isn't that good news?"
"I congratulate you on your victory," Arken replied in the simplest of ways, his tone almost robotic.
"Awe." Imuru rested a hand on Arken's back. "Cheer up. Are you upset you didn't get to fight?"
"That would be pointless. And I am never upset," Arken replied.
"That's my very strong warrior. Don't worry, there's a ton of people to beat up in the future, now let's show Dark Deviders have discipline." Imuru's words got through to Arken, as he returned to the group with Imuru beside him.
"Okay. So listen in. From what I can say; it should be smooth sailing from here on out, the hard part is out of the way. Me and Kemono apparently already have a tight relationship…"
"Kings of one pride—he calls it," Collon restated Kemono's words.
"Exactly," Imuru confirmed. "Kings of one pride. If I dare say, we shouldn't have any problems coming from Beast King Kemono's side. The Cat Daughter I'm not as positive about—might have to do some closed door talks with her. Any questions?"
A few seconds of silence passed. "Dear, It seems not," Yosho said, cutting the silence short. "As you said the hard part is over, Great Imuru."
"Oy!" By the sound of Vunaru's voice everyone's attention was directed to her. "Imuru, get over here with your people…" Kemono locked eyes with Vunaru, "yes, and you too Kemono."
Imuru and Kemono's group joined Vunaru, settling into a loose formation as they stayed themselves for discussion. The earlier tension of their clash still lingered in the air, but the sharp edges had dulled into something measured; two forces, having tested on another, now circling toward words.
"Choosen wisely," Kemono boast, "you will find your alliance with the Beast King rewarding."
"After your bullshit back at Beast Town, I'm certain you can understand why I limit my dealings with you," Vunaru replied. "... My sister is highly impressionable," She locked eyes with Vulmaru, a glint of disappointment in her eyes, "... Thank your lucky stars I'm not quick to anger. Putting that aside, Imuru, if I may, who else are you aligned with?"
"Good question… and expected," Imuru thought.
"The most important one I can say, will be from another Great Force—Lizard King Murk," Imuru confidently put forth. This didn't provide the reaction he would've hoped for, gaining only quiet and concerned looks from Kemono and Vunaru.
Vunaru's gaze lifted up to the sky, as she played with her ear, carefully thinking over her words. "Lizard King… Collon is fine… the Kitsune Highest is fine… Hell, that grump Necromancer Huln I can rock with him, but Murk—poor taste Imuru."
"Eh?!" The air on Imuru's body stood on end. "Are you kidding! Just what the hell did this guy do?" Imuru thought in complete bemusement.
"H—He's been good to me… and easy to work with," Imuru shared, holding back his nervousness.
"Hmph." Vulmaru subtly rolled her eyes. "Sounds like the Lizard King."
"Imuru." Kemono stooped down to Imuru's level, and rested his hands on Imuru's shoulders, looking directly into his eyes. "He can not be trusted. That's no Lizard, and I've known it since the day I laid eyes on him," Kemono stated, his eyes blazing.
"More like a snake disguised as one," Vunaru added to back up Kemono. "Collon! Didn't you think it would be smart to warn him to stay away from Murk?"
"Aah…" Collon stood there nervously scratching his cheek. "I thought maybe he'd change his ways? Even so, Imuru made his decisions without my knowledge… but I guess I could've given him prior warning."
"Uh…" Vunaru shook her head, aggressively planting her hands on her hips. "Man are you going wild? I'm not sure you've heard yourself. I guess you never actually had the pleasure of personally dealing with him—Murk is a good for nothing coward; predator mimicking the behavior of prey. The second an offer or situation supports him, he'd turn his back on you without blinking."
Imuru took a deep breath to center himself, the implications of just how bad Murk's reputation is sinking in. "Murk, Murk, Murk, Murk…"
"I understand all your concerns. I can assure you he won't try anything silly. Over the last weeks we've spoken often and he has shared some crucial information with me." He pat Kemono on shoulder, the Beast King standing back up at Imuru's reassuring words. "I'm not one to make threats… but if he… then I will…" Imuru raised his hands in a playful manner, "I'm sure you guys get it."
A faint smile curved the corner of Vunaru's lips, taking a positive look out on his words. "Alright, Demon Lord. I didn't think you'd be willing to teach him a lesson if he tried anything. You know, I'm starting to think it will be really good to have someone like you around here, to maintain order. Us Great Forces haven't been in touch or trust each other like we used to… makes it difficult for us to compromise and deal fairly."
"Now, I won't ask what you and Snake King spoke about, just be cautious with him…"
"You're willing to put someone above you, sister?... Are you sure you want to give him the power to hold you accountable?" Vulmaru inquired through a cheeky smile.
Vunaru locked her eyes to her sister's, her face impassive. "You'd be surprised how much I can compromise. I know them, like I know myself. It seems reasonable, and Imuru is clearly the type that would keep things fair."
"One more thing." Vunaru strolled herself toward Forcent's side. "Meet Forcent, an Ennom. Not just any Ennom; who recalls the tail of the Guardian and Ennom."
"Hm? Uh… yeah!" Roge The Wolfsman spoke in high excitement. "We all remember that."
"How could we not?" Lightning Serpent Grive commented.
"Hm-Mm," The big guy Poised grunted in confirmation.
Vunaru scanned everyone for a moment, her gaze lingering, before she finally spoke. "This is that exact Ennom."
" " "WHAT!!!?" " "
The Apexes and Hands of the Beast recoiled as one, shock and belief rippling through their ranks like a physical wave. Eyes went wide. Postures stiffened. Even the Beast King Kemono, usually unshakable, found himself staring at Forcent with open disbelief, his eyes narrowing as if seeing the creature for the first time. The men at the back heard just enough to turn ghost-white, and the news traveled down quickly to the other men… this was like the ghost stories they've heard as kids coming to life.
"The demon Ennom?" Vulmaru mumbled, her lips quivering.
"No, a mighty predator," Kemono corrected Vulmaru. "To think I would have the opportunity to see the Ennom that challenged the Guardian… unbelievable," He swiftly brandished his lance, "this opportunity won't pass me by, come, face me Ennom."
Imuru got in Kemono's way, calmly lowering his lance from Forcent.
"Please tell us," Grive slid closer to Forcent, "what was it like facing the Guardian?"
"In the legend, it said you controlled spirits? Is that true?" Roger inquired.
Forcent glanced from one to the other, as they bombarded him with questions. "Y-Y—Yes, once upon a time. I'm far from what I was before… At this point in time I lack such capabilities."
Yosho and Collon flashed wide-eyed, surprised looks at each other—the first time either of them had ever heard such information. Collon immediately hustled to his sister's side, leaning in to whisper something in her ear—the obvious question: 'Did you know about this?'
He simply received a shake of her head, his sister looking just as clueless as he felt.
"Alright! Don't crowd the Ennom," Vunaru directed her Apexes back.
"I must ask, why are you in the Sacred Forest?" Vulmaru probed asking the question almost everyone would want to know. "I hope you don't take offense to this, but it's difficult to not think you have an ulterior motive."
"That's nothing to be concerned about, sister," Vunaru interjected, answering her sibling's spoken worry in a teasing, lighthearted tone. "Our Ennom friend here means no hard—from what I can tell. Besides, he's with our new ally, after all." She flashed a grin toward Imuru.
Imuru blinked, the realization of Vunaru's words slowly registering in his mind.
"New ally? That means…" Imuru felt a wave of relief wash over him, clenching his chest, as he smiled from ear to ear. "Agh… I'm never going to get tired of hearing that."
"Putting that aside," Vunaru's gaze hardened. With the slight gesture of her head, she signaled over to Collon, stepping aside from the group with Imuru. Having gotten them to know one another better with banter and casual talk it was time for business.
"Collon has told me a lot about you during our time together…" Her eyes flickered over to him, "more than I think he realized. If what he said is true, then I think you can make a change here. You can be like the Guardian; but instead this time around you're a lot closer to us and willing to communicate. If this is going to work we'll need everyone—"
Collon obnoxiously cleared his throat. "Everyone?..." He tilted his head up a little, looking for clarification due to a specific individual.
"Tch."
Vunaru subtly shook her head. "Yes… Everyone. As much as I hate… him—we need the damn lizard too; this isn't about me, my feelings, or past grievances, this is for the future of the Sacred Forest. You put your faith in Imuru, then I'll put my faith in Imuru, and hope…" She locked eyes with Imuru, "that he'll keep Murk in line."
"That makes three of the Great Forces on your side Imuru."
"The Kitsune Highest should be next," Collon put forth. "And thankfully it seemed you already grabbed her attention enough to warrant her to send an observant. If we're lucky she'll get in contact with you sooner than later."
"... Then… Him," Vunaru mumbled, her voice edging on exhaustion and deep rooted issues she wanted to not speak of. "Necromancer Huln; Undead King. I'm not sure how we'll be able to deal with him. Imuru, if you think I have issues, just wait until you meet him. If you get the chance to even talk."
After listening in quiet, processing everything they said, Imuru's outward confidence didn't falter in the presence of either of them. "Necromancer Huln. What makes it so difficult to talk to him, he was once a part of the Great Force was he not? I'm sure he'll gain some interest if he hears of its reformation."
"He was," Vunaru replied almost hesitantly. "Huln is a rigid man of pride and order. He considers himself the only true Great Force left, ignoring our existence in return…" She scratched her head, "It always drove me wild to figure out who I find more problematic, him or Kemono? Anyway, that's the problem you have to deal with."
"If you decide to go alone to inanimate danger, which is your thing," Vunaru stated, confusing Imuru who narrowed his eyes at Vunaru's words, briefly glancing over to Collon, "then you'll need some information from Collon. He's the only one around with proper battle data on Huln."
Collon laughed shyly, scratching the back of his head. "It's not much… I wouldn't even call it battle data, we were mostly just standing there staring each other down."
"HAAA!" Vunaru lightly punched Collon on the shoulder. "Man up and own it. Who are you trying to flatter here? You held your own pretty good from what I heard."
"Wha~t?" Imuru thought in quiet disbelief. He in no way shaped or form took Collon for a fighter—afterall he'd seen him in mortal danger unable to do much to protect himself… "If Collon fought this guy he must be a serious push over? What is he, human? No offense to you Collon, I just can't look past the times where you were helpless—but now I'm hearing you weren't? So you were pretending all those times?"
Imuru sighed in mindful submission. "Man. I have a terrible read on people… or he's just that good at acting?"
"Hey now! It wasn't my own power," Collon swiftly spat out. "Let's hold off on the compliments Vunaru, you're gonna give Imuru wrong ideas?"
"Hmph." Imuru gave a subtle shake of his head. "I already got wrong ideas," He thought dryly.
"Alright, I hear ya," Vunaru assured Collon, waving off lingering tension. "Glad we got two very modest leaders in our midst." She turned back to Imuru. "What's your next move from here?"
Imuru stared off blankly for a moment, falling into deep thought. "Honestly? I got no idea…"
"Yes, I have a plan," Imuru spoke up, pushing past his internal hesitation with practiced confidence. "At a time like this, I'll have Collon fill me in on his battle with Huln. If it actually might come down to it… then I'll need to know what I'll be dealing with."
"Oh, and I guess It's a good idea to tell you this; if you see a Persudo, please don't bring any harm to them, we're working together."
Vunaru raised an eyebrow of intrigue. "Persudos?... Huh. Man, what kind of spell did you put those things under. They're the most senseless predators in this entire forest; malevolence is why they live, and anyone here would agree. Just how did you get them under control?"
"It wasn't complicated," Imuru shyly replied. "Their leader Erinot and I came to a simple agreement."
Collon's gaze softened and lingered on Imuru, smiling at each word Imuru spoke. "Not a surprise. Better get used to it, Vunaru, the stuff we find highly improbable he can accomplish with efficiency."
Miles away from the turmoil of the Sacred Forest, a man rested on a barren, rocky mountain, the wind cutting sharply across the exposed stone. His hair flowed in the breeze, crimson red, stark against the grey landscape. His eyes, bright and round, glowed with an unsettling yellow, marked by a white X that split each iris. His katana lay close beside him, never far from reach.
He stared toward the distant horizon, where the forest lay hidden beyond the haze.
"Just what the hell is going on there?" He muttered, his voice low and rough. "This Imuru kid is slowly becoming a hassle." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Boss Man ain't gonna be happy with this."
[[
[[-Blood Mind-]]
A unique form of thought communication, built to ensure it is as difficult as possible to sever the connection between those linked by the skill. What sets it apart is that all who possess it carry a fragment of the creator's brain implanted within their own, binding them together—almost like a huge mind, a web of shared consciousness cannot be easily broken.
["Oi… Kinkaru—"]
["Deal with it, Zazarah." A heavy stern voice cut in, before the man could even properly finish his sentence.]
["Uhh…" The man had a stun expression at the abrupt response. "Damn. Fine then, I'll handle it. Question? How should I handle it?"]
[Kinkaru grunted a deep guttural growl. "Prevent him from rebuilding. That old soul Huln is the perfect foil. Make sure he doesn't change his mind—and that he ends the life of that boy."]