Thran Starcrod
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Post by Thran Starcrod on Apr 22, 2016 16:13:05 GMT
Author's Note: Iron Will March isn't canceled. It's on Hiatus for a little bit.
Disclaimer: This is the first in the Anthologies series, a series that focuses on other characters aside from Yoshiro. Yoshiro will appear as a side character in some of the Anthologies, but isn't the main focus. This book focuses on his mother and to a lesser degree, his father. It takes place before One Girl in All the World, so no knowledge of previously written books is needed.
Prologue
**5 Years Before the Liberation of Verbana**
A female Kitsune walked through the streets of her home town, she missed her ex-husband and her children, but knew that they had been taken by Mamoru in order to get Hiroshi the training that he would need to control his psionic abilities. As she looked around, she started hearing something loud. She strained her ears and listened to it and realized that she was hearing rioting, "These people are crazy, the Menschilche will kill them at best and at worst will send that monster, Kawal, to do the job." The Kitsune started running towards the rioters, when she heard someone call out, "Minako! Don't head that way, you'll get caught up in all of this!" Minako nodded, "I have to do something... I'm sorry." Minako kept running, she placed her right hand on her sword and prepared to draw it. Unfortunately, before she could get there, she was stopped by a Menschilche checkpoint.
One of the Menschilche pointed their weapon at her, "You there, identification!" Minako reached into her bag for her ID card when a voice spoke up, "Put your weapon away." Minako pulled out her ID as she watched the Menschilche that pointed the weapon at her lower his gun. She handed over the ID and the man nodded, "Are you going to join the riot?" Minako shook her head, "I wish to cause it to disperse peacefully." The Menschilche nodded, "It's good to see a Verbanan show such respect for us." Minako hid her contempt for these slave masters and took the ID card back, "Thank you." She passed through the checkpoint and continued running with her hand on her sword's hilt. However, as she passed a building, a hand grabbed her and pulled her in. As she stumbled back towards the far wall, she drew her sword and pointed it at her attacker.
The figure removed a helmet to reveal a Kitsune with brown fur and brown hair, with deep brown eyes staring at her, "You're the daughter of Amaterasu, right?" Minako looked at him, confused, "Yes, why?" The Kitsune sighed, "You've heard of me, haven't you?" Minako shook her head, "I have not, sorry. Is there something you need?" The Kitsune nodded, "What should I do, Child of the Sun?" Minako shook her head, "I don't know." The Kitsune sighed, "I don't have a lot of time. Look, my name is Kawal and I need your help." Minako became suddenly very afraid, but at the same time, as she looked into his eyes, she could see his incredible regret for the things he had done in his past, "Spare the rioters, please." Kawal nodded slightly, "I can do that. Look, stay here, there are eight Menschilche that are about to arrive to put down the riot. I'll stop them." Minako looked at him, "Why?" Kawal sighed, "I can't do what they've made me to do anymore."
Minako frowned and watched as he left, she walked to the doorway and watched as Kawal put his helmet back on. She moved behind the doorway when the Menschilche arrived and crouched under a window, listening in. One of them spoke up, "Kawal, let's see you stomp this rebellion out of existence, kill all of the Terrorists here." Kawal spoke up, "Kill them all?" The Menschilche nodded, "Yes, all of them. Men, women, children. Make an example of them all." Kawal didn't speak and another Menschilche spoke up, "Well, what are you waiting for, do it!" Minako heard the distinct sound of plasma weapon discharge and held back a gasp as she heard one of them scream out, "TRAITOR!" She laid down on the ground, silently as the weapons fire continued, she heard the crowd screaming. The weapons fire ended quickly.
Minako stood up to see what was going on to see Kawal standing there, helmet off standing before her mother, "Mom!" Amaterasu looked at her, "Minako, thank goodness you're alright..." Kawal spoke up, "Minako..." Amaterasu looked at him, "You protected my daughter..." Kawal nodded, "May I please have a name?" Amaterasu shrugged, "My name is Amaterasu, you already know this though..." Kawal shook his head, "No, I wish to abandon the name that the Menschilche gave me, I want to go by something different. Please, will you give me a name?" Amaterasu folded her arms and thought, "How about Yutaka?" Kawal shook his head, "I am not abundant, prosperous, nor wealthy..." Minako walked out and over towards Kawal, "How about Akira... your inner light is shining bright. You risked your own life to save all of those people and your path is now clear."
Kawal shook his head, "Akira... yes, I like that name." A voice spoke up, "YOU!" The three of them turned their head as Mamoru walked towards them, a sword in hand, "I'll end this now!" Minako shook her head and stood in the way, hand on her own sword, "Mamoru, stop this now!" Mamoru looked at her, "Out of the way, Minako!" Minako shook her head, "No, I refuse, you'll have to cut me down to get to him." Kawal placed his hand on her shoulder, "Mamoru Misawa, leader of the Resistance movement in this nation. You were the ultimate target of the Menschilche attack on this city today." Mamoru looked at him, "Were?" Kawal nodded, "I am a renegade super soldier, do you honestly think that someone like you would take precedence over me?" Mamoru looked at him, "Shut up, murderer!" Amaterasu spoke sharply, "Stop this at once, Mamoru! He is under my protection!"
Mamoru looked at her and sheathed his sword, "He killed my sister!" Kawal closed his eyes, "Your sister didn't die by my hand, Mamoru." Mamoru yelled at him, "Shut up!" Kawal frowned and opened his eyes, "It's true, Mamoru. Your sister, her death was tragic, but... it was the final push that I needed to escape the Menschilche. After I left that city, it became apparent that I didn't do the entire job. I was beaten daily for three weeks for it and they sent a sweeper team. The entire city was killed off. I spared your sister and the orphans she was taking care of. Why do you think I had an escort for the first time ever here?" Mamoru turned around, "I still don't trust you." Kawal shook his head, "I don't care if you do or don't. I just told you the truth." Kawal turned to Amaterasu, "Lady Amaterasu, I am your prisoner. Do with me what you will." Amaterasu nodded, "Very well then... we'll head back to my temple."
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Thran Starcrod
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Post by Thran Starcrod on Apr 23, 2016 16:57:21 GMT
Chapter 1
**20 Years After the Liberation of Verbana**
Minako sighed as she looked at the mess her children had made in the living room, while in their playpen. A female kitsune walked over in a maid's outfit, "Lady Minako, would you like me to clean this up for you?" Minako shook her head, "No, Anko, I'll get to it. Listen, if you wouldn't mind, would you like to go into town with me?" Anko nodded, "Sure thing, but you know that your husband isn't exactly well liked around here and some people might come in here to make sure that he isn't harming your children." Minako nodded, she knew that everyone remembered Project Kawal, but also that they didn't know that he was integral to the liberation of their homeworld. Minako sighed, "I know, believe me, I know that the people around here hate him, but the thing is, I love him. He sacrificed so much so that he could help us all."
Akira called out, "Minako, dear! Yoshiro's really cranky, I think he might have a dirty diaper." Minako sighed, "I'm coming." Minako walked up the steps and into her children's room. She heard Yoshiro crying loudly and making a fuss while Akira stood over the crib, "Akira, please move." Akira moved out of the way, and Minako moved to the crib, sniffing the air, "He doesn't have a dirty diaper, are you hungry, my little boy?" Yoshiro kept crying and Minako picked him up, almost immediately, Yoshiro calmed down and Minako smiled, "You really are a mama's boy, aren't you, my little one. It wouldn't be fair if I took you into town alone. Hmmm... Akira, would you get the baby carriage?" Akira nodded and left the room, and Minako looked at Kasumi, "I was hoping to surprise the four of you. But... your oldest sibling had to get cranky."
Yoshiro looked up at Minako, and she looked down, "I'm not mad at you, my baby boy. I love you and I'll always love you." Yoshiro made a soft yipping sound, and Minako smiled softly as Akira brought out the baby carriage, "I got it, Minako, how do you expect to get this thing down the stairs though?" Minako smirked at him, "You're going to take it downstairs, then come back up and get Kasumi." Akira sighed, "Well, I had a stupid moment, I'll be right back." Minako smiled softly as she looked at one of the other maids that walked into the room, "Sakura, I'm going to need you to take care of our children while Akira and I are out, alright?" Sakura nodded slightly, "Of course, Lady Minako." Minako smiled as Akira walked back into the room and picked up Kasumi, "Any time that you're ready, my love. Do you have any destination in mind?"
Minako nodded, "Ranulf and Kasimira are meeting Anko and I at the cafe in about an hour, I don't know how well they'll take you being there, but you're welcome to come if you want." Akira nodded, "I'll come, being seen with my children is sure to at least assuage the fears of the people." Minako nodded and carried Yoshiro out of the room and down the stairs, gently placing him in the baby carriage. Akira brought Kasumi with him and placed her next to her twin brother. Yoshiro instinctively hugged Kasumi, who hugged back and the two of them closed their eyes. Akira smiled softly at this, "There isn't a day that goes by that doesn't make me proud to be a father." Minako smiled and kissed Akira on the lips, "There's not a day that goes by that I regret ever marrying you. Thank you for everything you did for us, Akira."
Akira hugged her and Anko spoke up, "Lady Minako, Lord Akira, am I interrupting anything?" Akira let go and jumped slightly, "No, Anko." Anko giggled slightly, "You're looking a little flustered, Lord Akira." Akira looked away, "I am not flustered!" Minako chuckled, "It's alright, Akira." Anko looked down in the carriage, "Lady Kasumi and Lord Yoshiro look very peaceful." Yoshiro immediately started growling and Anko frowned, "What'd I do?" Minako sighed slightly, "He hates being called Lord. People say that babies aren't aware of what is going on in the world around them, but Yoshiro has been proving them wrong. He's been paying attention to what's being going on with us all, as has the rest of his siblings." Anko nodded, "I'm sorry, Yoshiro."
Yoshiro calmed down and Kasumi spoke up, "Sibling..." Minako gasped, "Her first word!" Akira smiled and walked to the side of the carriage, "Yes, Kasumi, the boy next to you is your sibling." Kasumi hugged Yoshiro tighter, causing Minako to smile softly, "Aww, she loves her big brother." Akira nodded and leaned his head against Minako as he wrapped his arm around her, "We make great parents, Minako." Minako's smile widened, "Yes, yes we do, Akira." Anko cleared her throat, "Shall we get underway?" Minako nodded, "Yeah, I forgot about that. We still have to meet Ranulf and Kasimira." Akira nodded, "Those sound like Lupine names." Minako nodded, "They're friends of mine, unfortunately though, I have to leave town and go to the fairy kingdom next week, do you mind staying here with the kids that week, Akira?"
Akira nodded, "Not at all. However, how do you think Yoshiro will take it, you know how fussy he gets when he can't pick up your scent." Minako nodded, "I'm aware, Akira. Which is why we're going to do something about that." Akira nodded, "Alright, sounds like you have a plan." Minako nodded, "Yeah, but like I said, I want it to be a bit of a surprise to our children." Anko smiled as they exited the manor, "Lady Minako is much like her mother when it comes to keeping secrets." Akira nodded, "So I'm not even going to get the slightest hint about what's going on?" Minako chuckled, "We might share everything, but like I said, I don't want to ruin the surprise for our children, Akira. You'll have to settle with learning when we get there." Akira folded his arms with a soft smile, "Alright then, lead the way, Minako." Minako nodded, "Gladly."
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Thran Starcrod
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Post by Thran Starcrod on Apr 26, 2016 16:32:17 GMT
Chapter 2
Minako, Akira and Anko arrived in the city with the baby carriage carrying the the two children. Minako looked down at the two of her children in the carriage, they were sleeping softly, she looked at Anko, "We have some time, do you mind staying in here with Akira while I go get something, I won't be gone for very long." Anko shook her head, "Not at all, Lady Minako." Minako nodded and let go of the carriage, "Akira, stay with our kids, alright? Anko will vouch for you if something happens." Akira nodded, "Alright. Take care." Minako tapped her scabbard, which held her sword, "I will, but remember, I'm not defenseless." Akira smiled softly, "I know, believe me on that one." Minako quietly left the others and walked into a store where they sold stuffed toys. She looked for one in particular and found a Kitsune toy. She took it off the shelf and smiled as she brought it over to the counter and put it on there, "How much for this?"
The shopkeep looked at her, "For a child of Amaterasu, no charge." Minako shook her head, "You have a family, how much?" The shopkeep frowned, "I cannot take your money, I'm sorry." Minako sighed, "We can stay here like this all day, or I can pay you and be on my way, how much for the stuffed toy?" The shopkeep smiled slightly and sighed, "I can see that you're adamant about paying me. Five rubies." Minako reached into her pouch and pulled out five sapphires, "You lied to me." The shopkeep frowned, "How'd you know?" Minako smirked, "I saw the way you looked away from me as you told me the price." She placed the five sapphires on the table and walked out with the stuffed toy, rubbing it on her face and neck to get her scent on it. She walked back over to the others and noticed her friends coming over, "Akira, I'll take this situation, alright?" Akira nodded as Minako placed the toy in the carriage and Yoshiro instinctively grabbed at it.
Minako walked over to the two Lupines who were also with a baby carriage, "Hello Kasimira and Ranulf." Ranulf took one look at Akira, "Kawal! What are you doing here!" Akira spoke up, "These are my children... also my name is Akira, please, call me by that." Ranulf growled and Kasimira held her hand up to him, "Ranulf, calm down." Minako stepped forward, "It is true, the two Kitsune in this carriage are only two of our beautiful children. If Akira was still any sort of legitimate threat, do you think that my mother would've let him anywhere near me?" Ranulf looked away, "No, no I don't." Kasimira nodded, "Amaterasu's daughter, right?" Minako nodded slightly, "Yes, I am. Mother has raised me quite well, though Father's anger can be quite... legendary at times. He's very noisy after all, it's why I don't usually let him into my house."
Kasimira nodded, "I'm not going to mince words here, my father is looking for the war blood between our two children. We know that your aunt doesn't allow him into this kingdom and your mother agrees." Akira nodded, "Setsuko is a rather harsh individual." Akira rubbed his own neck, "I'm a damn super soldier and she put me in my place, Minako was far less than happy. Though this was how she found out about my parents." Ranulf nodded, "Even we Lupines know not to get on Setsuko's bad side. She's always been quite the firebrand." Kasimira nodded with a sigh, "My father is going to try to use one of our children as one of his warriors and I want our kids to have a chance at life, but the only way for them to have such a chance is to live in the Kitsune kingdom, with you, my old friend."
Minako blinked, "You wish for me to adopt your children!?" Kasimira nodded, "Yes, I would, Minako, you are honestly the only person that I can trust with this responsibility. You've shown time and time again, just what kind of person you really are and I admire you for it. I wish I could be more like you." Minako nodded and walked over to their baby carriage, two small pups lay within it, "Twins?" Ranulf nodded, "Identical twins, but because of the nature of holy blood, they could be different in their magic." Minako nodded, "Hmmm, I've never adopted anyone before, but after having a litter of seven kids with two different people... adopting would be the better option. What are their names?" Kasimira smiled, "Killian and Walthari. Being identical twins, we placed a pendant on Walthari."
Minako smiled softly, "They're beautiful children, and... you said they'll be mine?" Ranulf nodded, "Yes, though your mother might have..." Amaterasu's voice spoke up, "Might have what?" Ranulf wheeled about to see the Kitsune deity behind him, "Reservations about the whole thing." Amaterasu shook her head, "To be honest, knowing Frederick, this is the best option for your two children. He'll be very upset, knowing this, but when the warblood is an adult, don't you think that they'll have the ability to go out into the world on their own?" Ranulf nodded, "Yes, but by that time, they'll have been raised in such a way that their own destiny is theirs. Frederick will not be able to raise him as a warrior anymore." Amaterasu nodded, "That is very admirable, Ranulf. Very well, Minako, what do you think?"
Minako picked up the two Lupine children, "We'll need to get Lupine milk, but other than that, I'll be more than happy to take care of them." Kasimira nodded, "I'll send one of my smiths down here to help you take care of them. She is loyal to my mother and hates my father, so you don't have to worry about anything." Minako nodded and placed the two pups in with her own kits, the four of them curling up next to each other and sleeping peacefully. Amaterasu smiled, "It's official then, Killian and Walthari is part of our family. When they reach adulthood, it'll be safe for them to go out into the world to find you, but until then... you'll need to keep your distance to hide them from Frederick." Kasimira nodded, saddened, "I understand." Minako nodded, "I promise that the next time you see them, they'll be fine young men."
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Thran Starcrod
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Post by Thran Starcrod on Apr 30, 2016 18:04:52 GMT
Chapter 3
Night had fallen in the capitol and Minako found that she couldn't sleep very well. Something was bothering her about the fact that Kasimira and Ranulf gave their kids to her. She looked at Akira, "Hey, I'm going to go for a walk around town for a bit, alright?" Akira nodded, "Alright, honey." Minako nodded and threw on some clothes, tightening her belt and adjusting her sword. She left her room and quietly walked out of the manor, avoiding any of the maids or butlers as she did so. The night was dark, so she took her free hand and formed a miniature facsimile of a sun above it with her mana so that she would be able to see well. As she walked towards the gate, she couldn't help but get the feeling that something was going to happen, but she was curious and wanted to see what it was going to be. She exited the gate and closed it behind her, without making much sound.
Minako walked down the road of the city when she heard a voice speak up, "You know, most Kitsune are diurnal, I'm one of the rare exceptions." Minako looked around for the voice and the voice spoke up, "Above you, Niece." Minako turned to look at the voice, she wasn't aware of any uncles, "Who are you?" The Kitsune sighed, his silver eyes looking straight at her, "My sister still making me a persona non grata, huh?" Minako drew her sword, "Stop lying to me and tell me who you are!" The kitsune sighed, "That's no way to treat a deity, little one." The Kitsune leapt off of the roof and landed near her, "I'm your uncle Shigeru Tsukino." Minako frowned, "I don't have an uncle." Shigeru sighed, "I see your mother has yet to forgive me for killing one of her maids." Minako frowned and entered a defensive stance, "You killed one of Mom's maids and you expect me to trust you?"
Shigeru folded his arms, "This is coming from the woman who has married Kawal, who by the way, has passed his traits onto your children?" Minako frowned, "What do you mean!?" Shigeru shook his head, "Mother and I have been discussing things that you're not allowed to know until it comes to pass, however, at least one of your children has inherited the enhancements that Kawal had gotten from the Menschilche." Minako frowned, "That still doesn't answer the question of why I should trust you." Shigeru sighed, "Minako, we're not alone, if I honestly wanted to cause you harm, it'd be as simple as ordering my men to do so." Minako looked around to see Kitsune Lancers around, "Fine." Minako sheathed her sword, "I will accept that particular answer, despite that it is a veiled threat, but if you come near my children, I will not hesitate to attack."
Shigeru held his hand up, signalling for his men to stand down and spoke up, "Minako, are you enjoying the peace?" Minako shook her head, "I do not wish to speak with you, blood relation or no, you were cast out of the family for your crimes." Shigeru sighed, "I was hoping that you'd be more talkative... oh well. Come on, let's go back home." Minako walked through the Lancers that moved around her as a group to follow Shigeru as a Kensei walked out, "Lady Amaterasu isn't going to be happy with this." Amaterasu walked out from behind a corner and cleared her throat, "I'm already less than happy that he of all people would dare come here. Though one of his men have stayed behind..." Minako heard heard the sound of armor moving and dodged out of the way of the attack, she heard a voice speak, "You're as swift as they say you are, dear cousin."
Minako wheeled about, while drawing her sword to see that she was attacked with the butt of the spear, "Cousin, according to my mother, that man isn't family." Amaterasu looked at the silver haired Kitsune standing before them, "I heard about you, and you mistook my words, Minako. He is still my brother, I just refuse to talk to him." Minako nodded, "I apologize, Mother." Amaterasu smiled softly at her and then frowned at the Kitsune, "You're a Moonblood, but a mortal, like my daughter, why did you attack her?" The Moonblood shrugged, "I heard stories about her, even in the south, she is known for her swiftness. She wouldn't have been harmed if she hadn't moved out of the way of the attack." Minako shook her head, "You do not just attack someone out of nowhere, cousin."
The Kitsune bowed, "I am Yuji Tsukino. Minako Sano, you are as great of a swordsman as I have heard in the tales." Minako shook her head, "Miyamae, I took my husband's last name." Yuji smiled, "Congratulations on getting married, cousin!" Minako started to find being called cousin to be highly annoying, "Stop calling me that, call me Minako." Yuji nodded, "Aunt Amaterasu, do you mind if I stay around this city for a while?" Amaterasu shook her head, "I don't. People and Deities have their own free will, your father is welcome to stay here if he wanted, but I wouldn't speak to him." Yuji nodded, "I know, I understand what he did and why you refuse to talk to him. However, he has been trying to change for the better, you know."
Amaterasu sighed, "I've heard tales of what he has done, but the point still stands. My friend isn't going to come back. He saw her as my servant, as a mere handmaiden. That woman was my best friend and he slew her in cold blood. I cannot forgive him for it." Minako sighed and looked at Yuji, "Listen, when Mother sets her mind to it, she doesn't change it easily. She's a good person deep down inside, but she can be determined to walk the path she's chosen." Yuji looked down and nodded, "I understand, Minako. If anyone needs me, I'll be going to the park, that way I can get some rest and relaxation in nature." Minako nodded and looked at Amaterasu, "Mother, I'm going to need someone to help watch over my kids that Yoshiro won't get fussy over. Will you be open next week?" Amaterasu smiled and nodded, "Of course, my daughter."
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Thran Starcrod
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Let's Playing is rather rewarding and fun.
Custom Title: Professional Author
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Post by Thran Starcrod on May 3, 2016 4:41:58 GMT
Chapter 4
A week had passed and Minako had left for the Fairy kingdom, leaving Akira behind. Akira looked at his young children and smiled, "I love the six of you, yes, Killian and Walthari, even the two of you." He smiled as they cooed at him and looking at them reminded him of his past, "I didn't grow up with my Mom and Dad, you know. I was taken from them at birth, the lot of you are lucky, you know. I... never had parents, I had handlers..." Amaterasu's voice spoke up, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Akira didn't even look back at her, "You could hide the distrust in your voice from my kids." Amaterasu sighed, "After everything you have done? You have..." Akira cut her off, "You can say it in private, but not in front of my kids." Amaterasu sighed, "Very well." Akira looked back at her, "I assume you're here to help take care of them?" Amaterasu nodded and Akira sighed, "Very well. Yoshiro and Kasumi like to be fed together, Killian and Walthari require Lupine milk, Tatsuya can be fed alone, and Reiko should be fed every two hours, she's real quiet."
Amaterasu looked at him, "And where will you be?" Akira sighed as he walked past her, "My study." Akira walked away from the room and down the stairs. He took a left in the next hallway and walked into a library. He touched a panel on the wall and it scanned his hand. Akira looked back and walked into the door that opened up. He walked down the stairs and into a room where he had a computer, which had the sum of his past on it, "You can never escape me, can you Kawal..." Akira reached the bottom of the stairs and looked at the armor he had in a case, "Menschilche Enforcer Model, Mark Seventeen." Akira closed his eyes and shifted his face back to the more natural look that he had as a Kitsune, his ears going to the top of his head and his muzzle growing out, the nose changing and becoming black.
Before he could relax, he heard a voice speak up, "So this is your big secret, huh?" Akira turned around to see one of the butlers carrying a tray with warm tea, "This is my private room, yes." The butler nodded, "Where do you want your tea and lunch, Lord Kawal?" Akira frowned, "Please do not call me that." The butler smiled, "I'm sorry, Lord Kawal, just the fact that you murdered my parents and the thought that I have been working for you these past ten years have filled me with rage, so you'll excuse me if I do not show you the respect you ask of me." Akira looked away from him, "I'm sorry..." The butler growled, "Sorry doesn't bring back my family, now does it!?" Akira held back tears, "No, it doesn't..." The butler threw the tray down to the ground, "Do you even know their names!?"
Akira shook his head, "I do not, I apologize." The butler shook his head, "You're fucking pathetic, I don't care if anyone else keeps working for you and Lady Minako, but I quit." Akira looked up at him, "That is your decision and I will not try to change your mind, but... who were your parents?" The butler turned away without an answer and Akira sighed slightly, but suddenly heard a voice behind him speak up, "They'll hate you for who you are. You walk the correct path to redemption, but you must endure their hatred." Akira turned around to see a woman that he didn't know was there before, "And you are?" The woman spoke up, "I'm your AI assistant. I was listening to the entire thing, I hope you don't mind me making use of this hologram emitter..."
Akira sighed as he turned to see the Butler exit the room, the door closing behind him, "What do you know about these people?" The AI sighed slightly, "Before you unplugged me from the Menschilche network, I had observed the behavior of people. It will take time for you to redeem yourself in their eyes, but it will happen eventually, Akira." Akira scoffed, "At least someone calls me Akira." The AI spoke up, "Your father-in-law happens to be at the door and is getting ready to shock the door panel." Akira placed his hand on his eyes, "Just... just open the damn door, the last thing I need to do is fix the damn thing." No sooner did the door open up than a bolt of electricity strike Akira in the chest.
Akira was thrown to the ground and he writhed as electricity coursed through his body, causing him great pain. Akira heard footsteps approach him, "The legendary Enforcer, huh? You think I didn't know this when you married my daughter." Akira could hear the venom in Raiden's voice, but he couldn't speak the words he needed to speak. Raiden knelt down, "My daughter protected you these past ten years, Kawal." Akira opened his mouth, but no words came out, instead he watched in horror as electricity started to arc between Raiden's fingers. Akira growled and grabbed Raiden's hand, forcing it away from him as a bolt of electricity shot out and hit the wall. Akira let go of the hand and finally weakly spoke, "I will not let you kill me..." Raiden leaned in, Akira could see the electric blue eyes staring angrily into his own, "What was that?" Akira growled and spoke more forcefully, "I will not let you kill me!"
Raiden smiled, "Then you will kill me to stop it from happening." Akira closed his eyes, "No, despite the fact that you have tried to kill me. Raiden, you are my wife's father and the grandfather of my children..." Raiden stood up, "Hmmm, perhaps my daughter was correct, your words are sincere." Akira looked at him and opened his eyes, "What?" Raiden shook his head, "Akira, I wouldn't kill you. My daughter loves you and I can't stand to see her sad. Your hands may be drenched in blood, but... you're changing into your own person. Amaterasu notices this as well, she's just quite protective of her children." Akira nodded, "So this was a test?" Raiden nodded, "Yeah. The electricity would've knocked you out, but it wouldn't have killed you. You still got a long way to prove yourself to the world, but, I think you can do it." Akira sat up and nodded, "Thanks, Raiden. That gives me hope."
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Thran Starcrod
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Let's Playing is rather rewarding and fun.
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Post by Thran Starcrod on May 4, 2016 5:05:05 GMT
Chapter 5
Minako sat in her carriage, her sword close to her as she looked out of the window, "Beautiful day isn't it?" A Kensei spoke up, "Yes, Lady Minako, and with luck, we will not encounter any bandits on this road." Minako nodded, "That would be quite fortuitous, but knowing our luck, it won't be in the cards." The Kensei spoke up, "Your mother is right, you are overly cautious." Minako nodded, "Especially since I had my first child with Mamoru, you can't be a mother when you're dead, you know." The Kensei laughed slightly, however the carriage came to a stop, "Well, it looks like you may have been right." Minako frowned, "I was hoping that I was wrong, how far along are we?" The Kensei shook his head, "I believe that we're somewhere in Fairy Territory, we've passed through one of the villages."
A Kensei from outside spoke out, "Bandits!" Minako stood up and grabbed her sword, unsheathing it and placing the scabbard on the seat, "I'll be back." Minako opened the door and jumped down, rushing over to the front line of defense, one of the Kensei looking at her, "Lady Minako, get back, we have this!" Minako shook her head, "I'm here to help!" The Kensei didn't get a chance to protest as a Lupine bandit rushed at them, along with a Kani bandit. The Kani rushed at Minako with a club and as he swung the club at her, she ducked under it and swung her sword at the armpit, her blow hit and she quickly severed the tendons and ligaments in the arm. Before moving away from the opponent, a Kensei quickly engaging the wounded Kani. She quickly rushed at the Lupine Bandit, who had planted his axe into the shoulder of the Kensei that was telling her to leave the battle and impaled him through his lower back, causing his legs to cease working and drop to the ground.
Minako turned and went to help another Kensei out, but was stopped by another Lupine brigand. She held up the flat of her sword and allowed the attack by the brigand to glance off her sword before she parried it away and cut into the wrist, forcing him to drop the axe, she motioned towards the Brigand and another Kensei engaged him. She heard a brigand behind her and ducked in time to avoid a club striking her in her head, a Kensei rushed over to her aid and impaled the brigand in the throat, killing him instantly. Minako watched as a brigand threw an axe, which planted itself in the back of the Kensei's neck, killing her instantly. Minako knew that she didn't have enough time to feel sorry for the Kensei that had just fallen to protect her. Unfortunately for her, she wouldn't get up from the position she was in, she felt a sharp blow to the back of her head and everything went dark.
When she came to, the sun was starting to set and the smell of blood and death surrounded her, "Ugh... my head." Minako sat up and took off her helmet to see the damage that was done to it, upon surveying it, she concluded that it had indeed saved her life. She looked around and saw that the carriage was still there, but no one was around. She had feared the worst and stood up, she walked over to the carriage, and opened the door to see blood within it, "I guess no one else survived..." Minako climbed in and grabbed the scabbard to her sword, "At least they didn't take this." She reached over to the corpse of the man who was in the carriage with her earlier, "I hope you can forgive me, but they took my sword. If I'm to survive, I'll need yours."
Minako took the sword from the man's hand and cleaned it off, before placing it into her scabbard, "I promise, Hideki, I will not let your death be in vain." Minako climbed out of the carriage to see figures approaching her. She placed her hand on the hilt of Hideki's sword, growling slightly, until she caught the scent of the people that were approaching her, which made her feel a sense of relief. A fairy with large green butterfly wings and blond hair looked at her, "Minako, I'm glad you're alright. When one surviving Kensei came to the capitol and told me what had happened, I had feared the worst." Minako nodded, "So there was one other survivor, your highness." The Fairy Queen nodded, though she was a few inches taller than Minako, she still had an air of grace about her.
Minako nodded, "That's good to hear, Anastasie. All of these people died, because I lost consciousness." Anastasie shook her head, "You know that's not true at all, Minako. In fact, you surviving puts the souls of these Kensei at ease." Minako nodded, "That's true, I guess. Thank you, Anastasie. I know that I'm supposed to stay with you for a bit on a diplomatic trip, but can I get a message to my mother and my husband?" Anastasie nodded, "Of course, also, I see you lost your sword. Treasure that sword, always. Whoever owns that sword is now happy that you have chosen it." Minako frowned, "I wish you wouldn't speak like that." Anastasie chuckled, "I'm sorry, Minako. Your grandmother recently spent the year in my kingdom, she taught me all there was to know about the realm of the dead."
Minako nodded slightly, "We might want to figure out where to stay for the night, the sun is about to set completely." Anastasie nodded slightly, "There's a village not far from here, we'll spend the night there and return to the capitol in the morning." Minako nodded and walked alongside Anastasie, "These bandits are becoming more and more emboldened, almost makes me wish that the Menschilche were back, despite them being our slavers." Anastasie frowned, "I'm glad that they're gone, but we will have to learn how to deal with this problem on our own." Minako looked back towards the scene of the battle, "Yeah, that way no one else has to die like my bodyguards back there." Anastasie nodded, "We'll be sure to bury them, I promise." Minako sighed, "Thank you."
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Thran Starcrod
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Posts: 423
Let's Playing is rather rewarding and fun.
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Post by Thran Starcrod on May 6, 2016 5:00:10 GMT
Chapter 6
Akira looked to see a familiar scene before him, he was back in the Menschilche base where he had spent most of his life. Deep down he knew this was wrong, he knew that he was really in his bed within his wife's manor. His body moved on its own, moving towards what he knew was the briefing room. As the door opened, he saw his handlers, the female looked at him and frowned, "Kawal betrayed us, his only family." Akira tried to speak, but no words came out as suddenly he was hit with an electrical prod, falling to his knees in agony as the male handler spoke in a condescending tone, "Kawal, Kawal, Kawal... how many times have I told you that you cannot escape us, that we're going to track you down and capture you." The female smiled sadistically, "Besides, these Verbanans will never accept you, you're just a monster, a remorseless killer."
Akira found himself elsewhere, another familiar scene, he walked through the city, blood on his armor and his weapon. Suddenly, he heard a voice speak out, "You killed me!" He turned around to see a corpse walking towards him, arms outstretched, the neck was slit and blood covered the Kani's front, "You killed me in cold blood!" Akira turned to see another corpse walking towards him, with one arm outstretched, "You murderer!" Akira watched as more and more bodies joined in, walking towards him, screaming, moaning and chanting, "You killed me." Akira looked at his sword, blood started to creep up the sword and he threw it to the ground, "No! That's not me anymore!" The corpses stood back as Akira walked into something warm and thick, he immediately realized what it was by the scene, "No!" Akira felt the blood creep up his armor and wrap around him, dragging him into the pond of it. He struggled and struggled, but ultimately his struggle was futile.
He was pulled under and he started struggling just to breathe, he couldn't take it. Before he knew what was happening, he heard a voice speak, "You did this, you created this and you will never be able to run from it, coward!" Akira growled and started to use his own fire magic to dry up the blood around him, pulling himself out, when he saw a figure that he didn't recognize, the figure pulled off a helmet to reveal emerald green eyes staring at him, "Minako?" The figure shook her head, "No, but I can't believe that I have a monster for a father." Akira walked towards him, "It can't be... Kasumi? But... I don't want you to follow in my footsteps." Akira felt a blade pierce his back and heard a voice speak up, "It's too late, our sister died because of you." Akira sputtered, "Y-Yoshiro?" The voice spoke up, "Tatsuya..."
Akira bolted awake finally, he felt his chest and found that there wasn't any wound there, when he looked at the nightstand, he noticed it was broken, "Minako isn't going to be happy about that..." There was a knock at his door and Akira rubbed his face, "Come in." Anko walked in, "Lord Akira, I heard a loud crash, is everything alright?" Akira nodded, "Yeah, just had a nightmare." Anko nodded and looked at the nightstand, "I guess the rumors are true, you are project Kawal." Akira sighed, "Just how many people are privy to that information!?" Anko looked away, "Lady Minako told me, I didn't think it was true, because you aren't a heartless killer, but seeing what you did to that nightstand, I can't help but believe it for myself now." Akira nodded, "Guess you're going to have some sort of problem with me as well."
Anko shook her head, "Not at all, Akira, you're not who you used to be, you're someone different, you've changed. Though you have a long way to go to prove yourself to others, you are no longer that remorseless killer." Akira nodded slightly, "I'm glad someone thinks so. I wish Minako were here..." Anko nodded, "Yeah, I understand what you're going through right now. People are testing you and you'll have more tests to come in the future, but for right now, you need to rest." Akira stood up and walked over to the window, "I hope that my children will never follow in my footsteps. I don't want them to ever have to pick up a weapon outside of self-defense." Anko nodded, "I hope the same as well, they're wonderful children, Lord Akira, and I can see how much you love them." Akira nodded, "Yeah, but... even so, I cannot escape from my past, and I worry if it will catch up to them..."
Anko didn't quite understand what he meant by that, "How does that work?" Akira turned his head to look at her, "Someone might get the bright idea that in order to hurt me, they would go after my children, you know... put them in danger or hurt them." Anko nodded, "I understand that, but they would risk the anger of Lady Amaterasu and Lord Raiden by trying to hurt Lady Minako as well." Akira nodded slightly, "I guess you're right about that, still, I just can't shake this feeling that someone would be stupid enough to try." Anko shook her head, "I don't believe anyone would be stupid enough to try that, to invoke the anger of Lord Raiden is to invoke the anger of storms themselves. I've seen him angry before."
Akira chuckled, "Yeah." He turned back towards his bed, "Anko, think you can do a favor for me?" Anko nodded, "Sure thing." Akira closed his eyes, "Stay in here for the night, if I seem like I'm having another nightmare, get a bucket of water and throw the water onto me." Anko chuckled, "Will do, but why?" Akira sighed slightly, "Because that's how I used to get woken up all the time back when I was with the Menschilche." Anko nodded, "I understand, Lord Akira, would there be anything else you need?" Akira shook his head, "Other than restful sleep, no." As Akira climbed back into bed, he looked at Anko, "There's one thing my wife taught me, I cannot flee from my past. However, I can choose to either accept it and move on or dwell in it. I'm trying to move on, but I find it hard." Anko nodded, "Then I will help you on your way, Lord Akira."
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Thran Starcrod
Professional Author
Posts: 423
Let's Playing is rather rewarding and fun.
Custom Title: Professional Author
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Post by Thran Starcrod on May 8, 2016 20:06:33 GMT
Chapter 7
Minako found herself in a strange place that seemed oddly familiar, she was back in the Kitsune Kingdom, but everything felt different. She saw a man who looked oddly familiar to her, the man looked at her with ice blue eyes and he had shoulder length black hair, "Mother, you've been gone for eighty years." Minako looked around, and then looked at the Kitsune before her, "Yoshiro?" Yoshiro nodded slightly, "Yeah..." Yoshiro looked away and started walking away, Minako reached out, "Wait! Son!" Yoshiro vanished into thin air, causing Minako to become saddened and she started to walk through the city, trying to find some answers as to what has been going on. When she arrived at her manor, she saw a woman standing there, who also felt incredibly familiar, but she was dressed in an oddly regal manner, "Hello." The woman turned around to her and hugged her tightly, "Mama! I've missed you so much!"
Minako hugged her, "Reiko?" Reiko nodded, "Your disappearance has been so hard on us all. The family has split apart, Mother." Minako frowned and looked away, "I'm sorry, Reiko." Reiko nodded, "I know, you had your reasons, but Mama, I'm glad you're back. Maybe now we can find Yoshiro." Minako looked away, "But I found Yoshiro, he was there when I entered the city." Reiko shook her head, "He's been missing ever since I became Queen." Minako sighed, "What happened to the others." Reiko frowned and pointed to a graveyard on the grounds of the Manor, she walked over to it and looked down at the graves of everyone she had left behind. She dropped to her knees and started to cry, sorrow gripped her tightly and she was ashamed of herself. She didn't know what to say, but she heard a voice speak up, "Minako, time to wake up."
Minako awoke to the sun shining on her face, "What year is it?" Anastasie spoke up, "Ten Years after the liberation of Verbana, why?" Minako sighed, "Just a nightmare then." Anastasie nodded as Minako sat up and stretched, "I miss them, did my message get there?" Anastasie nodded, "Yeah, our messenger returned, your husband will be receiving your message rather soon." Minako nodded slightly, "Anastasie, do you think that I'm a good mother?" Anastasie nodded, "Of course you are, Minako. I've seen the way you've treated your children before, you're a wonderful mother and I'm glad to call you one of my closest friends, you know." Minako nodded slightly, "I had a nightmare that they died, except for Yoshiro and Reiko." A voice that was familiar to Minako spoke up, "That was no mere dream, it is a vision of a possible future."
Minako looked to see her uncle sitting in the window, "Mom told me to check up on you after I was done gathering the souls of the dead." Anastasie reached for a spear and the Deathknight looked at her, "I see that the lies my father have spread about my mother and her ilk have traveled far and wide." The Deathknight tossed something to Minako, who caught it, "Mother wanted me to give you this, by the way, but since you had that vision, I'll stick around and clarify what you've seen." Anastasie scowled and brandished a spear, "If you try anything funny, I'll kill you myself." Minako looked at Anastasie, "Mom trusts her mother and I trust my uncle and aunt." The Deathknight shrugged, "Besides, do you really want to risk letting free a bunch of souls from people who died violently?" Anastasie stood down at this comment, "No, I wouldn't."
The Deathknight smiled, the helmet hiding the ice blue eyes underneath, "What you saw is a possible distant future, one where Tatsuya is killed and Yoshiro blames himself for the death of his little brother. When Kasumi tries to talk him out of it, Yoshiro ends up killing her as well. In this future, you don't keep Walthari and Killian as part of your family, you give them away to a different family, a Lupine family, which finds out who Frederick is looking for and sends them away." Minako nodded, "So why are you telling me all of this?" The Deathknight looked at her, "Normally, we are not allowed to mettle in the affairs of time, but avoiding this particular future is for the best. For all parties involved. The last thing we need is a second Project Kawal running around." Minako nodded slightly, "Alright then, is there anything else you wish to share?"
The Deathknight nodded, "Yeah, actually. The people that protected you are relieved that you are perfectly unharmed, Minako." Minako nodded, "I'm glad their souls are at ease, because my heart is not." The Deathknight nodded, "Well, my work here is done, I apologize, but I'm going to have to get going." Minako nodded, "Take care, Uncle." The Deathknight nodded, "You too, my niece. Remember, there are still bandits around and they've become more bold now that the Menschilche are gone." Anastasie relaxed slightly, "So I guess what I heard was wrong. He seemed to be a pretty good guy." Minako looked at the object that was thrown to her and noticed that it was a locket. When she opened it up, she saw a picture of her little brother and it made her sigh slightly, "I thought I lost this, years ago."
Anastasie nodded, "Well, we have to get ready if we're going to make it to the Capitol city before noon. I got a new carriage waiting outside for you, since you cannot fly." Minako nodded, "Thanks, Anastasie. You're a great friend." Anastasie nodded, "Sure thing, our parents were close friends and raised us to almost be sisters, it's the least I could do for you." Minako nodded slightly, "Again, I do have to thank you, for doing that for me, sis. You're a wonderful person." Anastasie smirked, "Don't mention it, now come on, let's not let that Deathknight's words worry you a bit, all you have to do from keeping that future from passing is not giving up Walthari and Killian, whoever they are... to some random pair of Lupines." Minako nodded, "I know and I wouldn't, because they're my adoptive sons."
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