Prologue: Enter the Animals Valley
Disclaimer: I don't own those of Skunk fu, but I do own Wolf, Panther, Hedgehog, Cat, Sparrow, Bear, Hawk, Bat, Sprite, and Rat.
Prologue: Enter the Animals Valley
Somewhere deep in a lush green forest did two animals rest within a clearing. The first being a gray furred wolf, around ¾ the size of Tiger and polished his katana sword in his hands, humming a certain tune to himself. The other was a brown bear, at least a good foot on Tiger, standing on a sphere that was like a giant green marble with a leaf at the center. A white furred hedgehog with black spines on its back soon came into the area, pulling the cart in with a rope tied to the front.
"Still guarding Bear? I swear Wolf, you seem lazy today!" She said, as she looked at him with her feminine eyes.
"It's too quite here!" He remarked looking around with his calm eyes.
"I know, not one underling imp attacked me at all when I was hauling my supplies here." The female hedgehog remarked, as she shook her head looking to the snoring bear.
"Yes, even Bat said it was a boring night. I almost wonder if our enemies are moving once more." Wolf stated, as he turned, a black furred muscled panther coming into the area, a ninja hood over his head and a sword bucked to a belt on his waist.
"I have no news to report, neither a hair nor hide of any demon underlings. It's obvious they are on the move." The panther remarked.
"Thanks Panther. I only hope Hawk can find any trace of the army's direction." He said, taking a sip out of his small cup filled with sake. "Sake anyone?" He asked, Panther walking closer, as he took out a cup from a box, wanting some.
Hedgehog shook her head. Immediately did a Sparrow and a black cat come into the area.
"Sparrow! Cat! I assume you two found nothing as well?" Wolf asked.
"Nothing. Just boredom!" Cat said, taking a sigh.
"The village was in shambles. I swear, they must have taken the maiden by force with the way the area was." Sparrow remarked, oldest and wisest, he knew how deadly the demon underlings where.
"Great. Then Orochi must be looking for a new place to be at!" Wolf remarked with a sigh.
"Chin up M'lord, can't have you showing any bitterness now." A rat said, as he walked within the clearing.
"Easier said then done. It just feels like we haven't made any progress. We have yet to put a dent in Orochi, moreover even saved one maiden from being gobbled up!" Wolf said, shaking his head.
"Wah wah wah, jeez Wolf, stop being so down. What we need is a plan. From what I know, we need to find a way to break that barrier around the Orochi's cave. Trouble is what can break it?" A small bug like creature remarked.
"True… and Hedgehog here might be able to find something." He said, as the group turned to her.
"We would need something so full of holy power that it would be able to pierce that barrier set up by the eight headed serpent. If anything, it would have to be on the night of the ritual." Hedgehog remarked, as she crossed her arms.
A loud bird call caused all to gaze up as a hawk flew in; landing on the cart Hedgehog had pulled.
"The demons are heading to the north, toward some valley that was once guarded by a dragon." She stated, as the others looked to one another, then to Sparrow.
"So they are heading to the Sacred Valley that once led to the Heavens." He said, taking a deep breath.
"You mean the area where the Lotus Flower that connected Heaven and Earth?" Cat asked, having heard the stories.
"Yes, that's the place." Sparrow remarked, as Wolf closed his eyes.
"M'lord, if we are to even get to that valley, we must move now. The animals there are in grave danger." Rat stated as he looked up at wolf with worried eyes.
"I know." Wolf answered, standing to his feet. "Gather some of your supplies and prepare to move out!" He ordered, as the group dispersed and gathered what they could.
Upon the mountain did an army of ape like underling demons march up the mountain, green, dark red, brown and yellow types marching on the ground with purple ones on kites in the sky, all heading towards the Ninja Monkeys stronghold. Leading the way was a figure cloaked in shogun type armor, one that was black as a cloudless night. Spotted, the monkeys ran forth, charging towards the enemy.
"Pitiful, brainless apes!" The Shogun stated, as he waved his hand as many of the demons charged forth, pushing back the ninjas with their own weapons. The green ones using flutes to shoot strange darts at them, the red ones using their banjo-like instruments to block and counter each ape, the yellow ones going underground and popping up, only to beat on their drums, and send a earth shaking crash that sent the ninja monkeys flying.
"What's going on out here!?" Baboon demanded, marching out towards the oncoming army, his eyes widening.
"WASABI!" Baboon cried out, as several demons started infiltrating the areas, each of the Ninja monkeys falling in battle.
As Baboon slowly back away, did he back into the dark armored Shogun, as he turned around and gulped.
"Either surrender to me and or be sent to the underworld!" The Shogun stated, as he placed a sword upon Baboons throat.
"And what will become of me if I do?" Baboon asked, but felt the tip press very close to his throat.
"Depends, I will decide what to do with you. Right now, call your troops to surrender and perhaps I can spare your pitiful life!" The Shogun stated, still holding his dark and ominous katana to the neck of Baboon.
"I… I surrender." Baboon remarked, keeping his hands to his side.
"Wise choice!" The Shogun said, as he thrust his sword into the heart of Baboon.
A dark purple aura surrounded him, before it died out and revealed a dark samurai outfit armor on his own body. He turned around, sending sparks out, as he turned his monkeys into katana wielding ninjas about double the size of the original monkey ninjas. Their faces now looked uglier then before, having much larger teeth, and glowing red eyes.
"NOW MY MINIONS… we shall show Panda's troops just what demonic power can do!" Baboon stated in a demonic voice, now glowing with red eyes of hatred.
"Idiot! I want an example shown. I have the perfect sacrifice to show them we mean business!" The black Shogun said, gazing to the cave.
"I think that dragon will make a perfect example." He said, his red eyes upon his mask glowing.
Slowly did the sound of footsteps echo through the cave, Dragon growling as he spotted the Dark Shogun heading his way.
"Who dares enter my cave without my permission? Do you think that armor will even protect you!?" Dragon threatened, blowing fire forth, as he tried to melt the armor on him.
As the smoke fell did the samurai stand there, his armor unscathed by the fierce hot fire Dragon had spewed.
"What!? No armor could withstand my fiery magma breath!" Dragon said, moving in closer.
"This armor consumes light. Your fire is but a mere dim light that could only be absorbed by this armor made from Dark Matter!" The Samurai stated, as he unsheathed his sword.
"You dare fight against me? I will crush you with my own tail!" Dragon stated, as he swung forth, but as it hit did the Shogun reveal itself to be an illusion.
Dragon growled, looking around the area.
"Hiding like a coward? You are no different then that fool Baboon!" Dragon said, looking around.
"Darkness is more of a friend for me then you could imagine, Dragon!" The Shogun said, as Dragon continued to look around, before he soon felt a pain in his midsection.
Turning around did he find a strange arrow in his side, one that misted with a purple poisonous mist. More arrows shot forth, as they embedded into the scales of the dragon, as he cried out in pain.
"This poison shall not kill you, but it will weaken you greatly. Even if the heavens have taken your powers, your body will not burst into flames with the poison in you!" The shogun said, as Dragon's head fell to the ground.
Shogun stood before him, the icy water now colored a poison purple. He sheathed his sword, as he turned, watching as his Imps came into the area, throwing rope around Dragon, as they started to pull him out.
"How did you even take down Dragon?" Baboon asked, walking into the room.
"Poison of Orochi can take down anyone. Even one born from the heavens!" Shogun said, as Dragon was slowly pulled out of the water.
"Take him down to the valley with your troops… show them how weak this pitiful dragon has become. If they still resist… then do what you wish!" Shogun said, as he walked off.
"Let me see if I have this right Crane: Some army of many colored apes went marching into Baboons fortress, is that right?" Panda asked, looking at her with unbelievable eyes.
"Yes, yes. I saw it all. A whole mess of beasts heading towards baboons fortress. I would get closer, but they had airborne warriors as well. Not much else to say, other then that leader of there's wore too much armor." She said, as Panda sighed.
"Turtle is the oldest of us all. Perhaps he might know what is going on. Assemble everyone; we must know what kind of army we are dealing with." Panda mentioned, knowing it could be trouble.
Even in his youth had he never heard anything such as what Crane had told him. Shining black armor, apes that seemed to number an army the size of Baboons, it was indeed news that gave him weary feelings for once.
Wolf, Panther, Bear, and the two females Hedgehog and Cat pulled the cart along, as they slowly made their way along the forest area. Cat stopped, panting a bit from the hauling they where doing.
"Cat not pulling cart!" Bear said complaining, as Wolf looked to her.
"Cat, are you okay?" He asked, as Cat looked up to him, seeing his concerned face.
"Yeah, my arms are just a bit tired from holding the ropes at my chest." She remarked, as she took the ropes again.
"You sure? You can take a break if you have to." Wolf suggested, getting a glare from Bear.
"Cat takes break, Bear take break too!" Bear demanded.
"Fine, five minute break everyone." Wolf ordered, as the five dropped their ropes, taking a breather for a while.
Sparrow and Hawk flew down, taking their places alongside.
"I think you five might want to go a bit further, there is a river about a few minutes from where you guys are now." Sparrow stated.
The five looked at one another, then immediately stood, grabbing their ropes, pulling the cart onwards.
"Jeez, they are going to get you for that, y'know?" Sprite, the bug like creature, remarked, as Sparrow laughed.
"At their rate, they will get there in a few minutes." Sparrow remarked, giving a laugh like an old man.
"We might as well join them there too!" Hawk remarked, as Sparrow nodded in agreement.
The two flew off, following their companions trail to the river. The five already where ahead, and kept running, but soon slowed down when they noticed the running water ahead, stopping just near the edge. They soon got out their canisters, filling up their own jugs of water, before drinking some of the jugs down. Cat let out a sigh of relief.
"Fresh and cool!" She said, feeling the water cool her heated body down.
"Yeah, but how are we going to get the cart across the water?" Panther stated, pointed at the wheels of the cart.
"Hmm, we'll need a few large trees cut in half." Wolf stated, looking the river over. "Lets get to work!" He stated, as he sliced through a tree, as it fell down to the ground, only a few feet from the cart.
Hedgehog clenched her fist, glaring at Wolf.
"That almost crushed our supplies you dolt!" She yelled at him, as Wolf smiled in embarrassment scratching his head.
Panther easily cut each of the branches off, as he then sliced the tree's trunk part in half, placing the two parts evenly upon the land, as the five soon started to pull the cart once more, heaving it across the tree parts, and easily getting it across. Hawk and Sparrow arrived to find the bridge and the cart on the other side.
"Seems the youngsters are more resourceful then thought." Sparrow said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, but I wonder if the animals in the valley are even trained in any sort of style of fighting." Hawks asked.
"Who cares, we still need to get moving!" Sprite remarked, the two birds flew off.
"So what does the great leader want this time?" Rabbit asked, arrogantly as always, with sarcasm on the 'great leader'.
"We have a new situation. According to Turtle, we may be dealing with something far worse then Baboon and the Ninja Monkeys. According to Crane, there was a large battalion of unknown creatures now called Imps that have possibly overrun Baboons headquarters." Panda stated, ignoring rabbit as usual.
The valley animals began to talk amongst themselves, in fear and in confusion. Pig was the first to reply.
"So… if the monkeys are busy with them Imps, whose gonna play with us?" Pig asked.
"Um, Pig. I don't think the monkeys are going to be 'playing' with the Imps." Fox remarked, as all turned to panda.
"Turtle, what exactly is it that these Imps may do?" Panda asked, as all turned to face him.
"By what Crane told you youngsters, these Imp demons serve someone far more dangerous then Dragon. I don't remember its name, but I do know it's terrorized many villages and on a full moon always desires a maiden. Just wish I remembered its name." He spoke, as he scratched his head.
"Tiger could take him on!" Skunk suggested, Tiger immediately showing fear.
"WHAT!? Me? I don-"
"Tiger? Face that beast that demands sacrifices? He barely survived against Dragon!" Rabbit stated with his arms crossed, only to be hit on the head by Fox.
"Honestly Rabbit, you should show some respect." Fox stated, Rabbit growling.
"I still cannot understand how someone arrogant as you has even managed to stay alive!" Duck said, glaring at Rabbit.
Rabbit was about to reply, when a new voice soon caught them all off guard.
"ATTENTION VALLEY ANIMALS! I HAVE SOMETHING BIG TO SHOW YOU ALL" Baboon yelled, as the animals looked out from the edge of the hill, gasping at what they saw.
"Am I dreaming, or is that serpent thingy Dragon?" Ox asked, as he looked on with his more mellow expression.
"That or he has finally made a puppet of the dragon." Bird remarked, as at the bottom of the hill where the ravage Ninja monkeys, Baboon seated on a throne with two poles going out of the side of it.
Tiger looked down in fear, seeing the dragon in pain. The others only looked in awe, Panda included, as he saw his old friend and now enemy breathing slowly, his eyes bleeding from punctured wounds.
"What have you done to Dragon, Baboon!?" Panda demanded, as Baboon laughed.
"Not much other then weaken him to the point that he is nothing but a helpless Dragon. But let me show you what will happen if you don't hand the Valley over to me." Baboon stated as he stood up and walked along the back of Dragons serpent like area, until he reached the head.
Pulling out an ominous purple katana did he move it directly at the horns of the beast, before shoving it into the head of Dragon, down to the hilt of the katana, Dragon giving a fierce and soon weakening roar.
The roar echoed through the forest, as the Demon hunters heard it.
"Is that Orochi?" Cat asked, as the four others answered with a "No!"
"We should be close!" Wolf said, as he and the four others ran off.
Sparrow and Hawk flew in, as they looked around the area where the cart was.
"That roar… was that Orochi?" Hawk asked, looking to Sparrow.
Sparrow shook his head.
"If that was anything, it would be the Dragon of the valley, and by it's roar, it has finally died." He stated, feeling pity on the dragon for falling victim to the imps.
"But it must be more then those imps… it may be a stronger villainous one at work!" Sparrow stated, the two flying off to where the others where heading.
Baboon laughed manically, as the scales of the dragon soon rotted away, revealing the skeleton before the Valley animals, which could only look on in horror.
"My…word… he just… killed… Dragon!" Mantis said in his Christopher Walken like voice.
"How could anyone even kill dragon?" Skunk asked, as he looked on in an uneasy glance.
"Baboon has power from something far more foul then his ego." Panda remarked, as Turtle gasped in fright, shivering.
"I don't believe it; Baboon has made a pact with a demon!" Turtle remarked, as his eyes looked at the Baboon with fear.
"DEMON!!" The others remarked in surprise.
"I thought demons where just story creatures that where made up to scare us!" Crane stated, uneasy when she heard what Turtle said.
"Oh they are real, real as you and I!" Turtle stated.
"Give me a break, how come no demons have showed up until now?" Rabbit asked, crossing his arms.
"Maybe because we had you to protect us!" Fox sarcastically remarked.
"Enough you two, this isn't any time to be arguing!" Duck remarked, as the two looked at each other, but soon looked down.
"Now, I suggest you fools surrender now, or else deal with my new and more ferocious monkeys here!" He said, his ninja monkeys giving a loud, squawking roar.
"Cur blimey, those are some ugly looking demons!" Rat stated, looking out from behind a tree, the others doing the same.
"What do you make of it Hedgehog?" Wolf asked, as Hedgehog closed her eyes, sensing the dreaded source of darkness, but connected to the big ape.
"That army is no demons, just a bunch of monkeys under some influence of that shoguns power!" Hedgehog stated.
"So we take out the shogun and all is well. Sounds simple enough to me." Panther stated with ease.
"Forget that, looks like those animals are in trouble and outnumbered!" Cat stated, pointing at the ones on the hill.
"Well, call me crazy, but if we can free those monkeys, we can easily take down that shogun!" Wolf stated, turning to Hedgehog, "Think you can whip up an exorcism card that can take'em all out?"
"You'd best give me a half an hour at least. That is if you guys can handle it for that long?" She said, almost taunting them at the last part.
"As long as we have wills of steel, those damn monkeys won't know what hit them. Anyway, get me a smoke bomb and our wooden weapons. I'd say we best make one 'explosive' entrance." He stated, with enthusiasm on the 'explosive'.
Hedgehog nodded, and ran off, coming back after a full minute, and tossed each weapon to the right person.
"All right! Now get to work on the exorcism card!" He stated, as Hedgehog headed off, the remaining five heading close to the hill while staying in the forest, Wolf putting on his blood red bandana, the others doing somewhat of the same with their own bandanas the same color.
"Now then, I don't think your 'kung fu skills' are any match for may new monkeys, so either surrender, or I will send them up to rip you all a new-"
--Enter Protoman's theme--
A sudden whistle filled the air, one that seemed to be upbeat then down. The Valley animals looked around, hearing the whistle.
"WHO DARES WHISTLE WHEN MY VICTORY IS NEAR!" Baboon demanded loudly, as a sudden blast in front of the hill before the Valley animals blew forth.
Smoke covered the area for a good while, before it died down to reveal the five worriers who had decided to fight, to give Hedgehog some time and to protect the ones on the roof. Standing in the center was Wolf, with Rat to his left, Bear to his far left, Panther to his right and Cat to his far right.
"What have we here? Five fools who think they can take on my army? You must be stupid if you think you can take out all my monkeys here!" Baboon remarked with a deep laugh.
"As long as our wills remain strong as steel, our bodies can take you on to the end of time!" Wolf said, pointing his wooden katana sword at the ape. "Evil one, we shall take your foul behind down!" Wolf concluded, his eyes looking with sheer determination at the baboon.
"We'll just see about that… ATTACK!!" Baboon screamed, as the monkeys charged forth, each one charging towards the five.
As the apes came within range did the five make their move. Wolf swinging his sword with a breakneck speed in only a split second, sending two monkeys flying back into the crowd. He took a deep breath, placing the tip in front, as his jabbed his sword forth, sending the monkeys flying back with each thrust he made with the sword.
Panther followed a similar style to Wolfs, but used his arms and feet at times when his sword could not react in time. Cat fought with her pole stick, as she whacked each of the monkeys heading her way out of bounds with each end of her pole stick. She continued, her eyes showing more fierceness then any child's. Rat had no trouble attacking with his sword, taking a swing when the monkeys where at point blank range with him. He held his ground just as well as his companions held their space. Bear held back each beast with his fists and his belly, smacking one back with his belly.
They where swift as wind, and focused as any worrier should be, holding the line against the entire force. The valley animals looked on with surprise, seeing the crew holding back the army of demonized monkeys.
"Are you watching closely Skunk?" Panda asked, as Skunk did not answer, too focused on the team.
Panda knew he was watching, but still spoke, to all who would listen.
"These are indeed warriors of spirit; they are focused, disciplined and trained in the arts of combat. Such devotion and grace is something I have seen only in few warriors." Panda stated, as he watched with a smile.
"Those youngsters are indeed feverous when it comes to combat, but at the rate they are going, they're going to get tired out fast." Turtle mentioned.
"So why don't we introduce ourselves to them!" Rabbit said punching a fist into his open right hand.
"NO! There is already very little room down there for all of us. We may only cause more trouble." Panda remarked.
"Usually I am not one to side with Rabbit, but they are defending us. We should at least give them a hand before they collapse!" Fox stated, as Panda sighed.
"I know, but they are still fighting with their hearts in tune with nature. Still, as I said, we could be a burden, their space is still too cramped for us to go in." Panda stated.
"Space smace!" "Yeah, we can take them fools down!" "C'mon masta Panda!" "Let us take the assault!" The bees stated.
"You will need to go in eventually Panda!" Came a voice from above, as Sparrow sat on a branch.
"Sparrow? Is that you?" Turtle said, looking up at the elder bird.
"It is old friend, been ages since I came home!" Sparrow remarked, as he looked around at the others.
"I see there are a few new people here. Still, I doubt kung fu will be enough to take down these buggers. Seems they are puppets being used by that albino ape! Still, one of my comrades has a way to break the evil bonds on them. She will need more time, so you all will have to go in soon." Sparrow stated, as he looked at each of them.
"Go in… to that area?" Tiger said, shivering a bit.
"Just how much longer do you think they can last?" Duck asked, Sparrow flying off the branch, and looking lower.
"Not to long!" He said, as a screech sound caught the others attention, as Hawk flew in carrying a large chest.
"I have the Yggdrasil pole sticks you required Sparrow." Hawk said, landing as she panted.
"Well done Hawk. I suggest you all take one, the sticks are much more stronger then bamboo and could really give them demon monkeys a beating!" Sparrow stated, as he looked to the tired Hawk.
"Hawk, get some water and get at least five bottles of water for our fighting friends." He stated, as Hawk nodded, taking a weakened flight off.
"Now then, arm yourselves up and prepare for battle!" Sparrow stated as he kicked open the chest filled with the wooden poles.
Immediately did everyone move forth, taking one pole each (those who could lift them, as they are the size of the bamboo sticks used), turning to the edge of the hill they now stood on. The five below where starting to show their limit, as their moves now seemed to be a second to late, as Panther took the first hit and slammed against the bottom of the hill. Bear took a punch to the face and went falling down to the ground, a rumble occurring as he fell, the demon monkeys surrounding him. Rat moved forth to try to protect, but easily was tackled by one. Wolf already noticed his crew getting taken down by the monkeys, turning to Cat, who now was on her knees.
"Water…" She said weakly.
"Dammit… we have to keep fighting, otherwise-"
"Watch the language; we have a child present here!" Panda muttered, as he leaped down, swinging fast and hard, knocking the monkeys off of Rat.
Rabbit and Fox leaped down, fighting off the monkeys away from Wolf.
"Hang in their ya mutt; we'll protect you for the time being." Rabbit stated, whacking a few of the apes.
"I think he's a lupine Rabbit!" Fox corrected, taking down a several apes heading her way.
"Whatever!" Rabbit muttered.
Skunk, Frog, and Tiger took charge of helping Cat.
"I'll just, keep guard of the feline here!" Tiger stated, staying behind Cat while Skunk and Frog taking out the group of Monkeys.
Turtle and Pig took out the enemies near Panther, while Mantis, Crane, and Duck took on the monkeys surrounding Bear. Ox and Bird only watched, Bird not wanting to get involved with the fight.
"Um, shouldn't we help them out?" Ox asked, watching them fight.
"Nah, they seem to have it under control!" Bird remarked.
Hawk soon flew back, carrying in her claws the bottles of mystical spring water in a carton. She flew down to where Wolf was, dropping the carton to him, as Wolf moved up, grasping one of the bottles of mystical water, as he bit his teeth upon the cork, pulling it off, as he placed the opening to his maw, starting to chug the water down. With a satisfying 'ah', he slowly got up on his legs, as he looked to panther.
"Hey Panther, catch!" Wolf called out as he tossed two bottles to his companion.
Catching the bottles in his paws did Panther take the one in his right, biting down on the cork and pulling the cork off the bottle. He proceeded to chug it down, as he felt the energy returning. Standing to his feet, he rushed over to where Cat was, lifting her head up, as he opened the bottle cork with his finger, as he poured the water in her mouth, Cat slowly drinking it down. She soon opened her eyes, leaping to her feet, wiping the water off her lips.
"Oh yeah! That's the stuff!" She said, kicking her pole up as she was ready to attack.
"Hold your position Cat, Wolf hasn't ordered any attack!" Panther stated.
Wolf had slide the bottles to rat, who took one in his hand, pulling out the cork and placing it to his mouth, as he drank down the whole body, leaping to his feet.
"Two for Sir Bear, M'Lord?" Rat asked, Wolf giving a nod.
Rat immediately ran over to where Bear laid, as he removed the corks in the bottles with his fingers, as he opened Bear's jaw, pouring the water into his mouth. Bear slowly chugged it down, finishing off the water supply in the two bottles, as he groaned, pushing himself up, as he cracked his neck to the side.
"Bear feel great. Monkey demons no match for Bear!" He stated, with a grizzly roar.
"Alright, looks like we've got our strength back!" Wolf said with pride.
"DEMON HUNTERS!!" He cried out taking a battle stance, his four companions leaping near to him, as they took their own stances as well.
"HO!!" They answered, Wolf smiling.
"Time for round two. Ready? Set! Attack!!" He cried out, as they leaped forth, taking on the Monkey demons once more.
They still used the same techniques, but moved ever so swiftly as they sent each Monkey flying back into the entire squad, knocking many down. Baboon only watched, seeing that his new squad was not faltering, still fighting on like he could only dream. He knew his victory was close, and already was anxiously awaiting it. Everyone kept fighting, keeping the Monkeys at bay, either by the wooden weapons or by their own brute fists or feet. A few minutes pasts, before they leaped back, all panting, tired from the battle.
"I can't believe this, they are still coming after us!" Rabbit said, as he whacked a few monkeys back.
"Master Panda, what should we do?" Skunk asked, taking a few breaths.
Panda was about to speak, but was immediately cut off.
"Rest easy all. The card is good and ready!" Hedgehog said, as every eye on the battlefield looked up the hill, as she stood there, gazing down at the army, in her hand was a white card with a few vine wrapped around it, and several Asian like writings on it.
"Well, aren't you a pretty thing, maybe more then Fox, but what card could honestly take out my brigade here!" Baboon asked, the Monkeys giving a deep roar.
"Shiti muyiki utano!" she muttered, the card in her hands glowing, as she tossed it forth into the center of the monkey squad, as a large blast engulfed them, dust already spreading around the area.
The dust soon settled, as many of the scrawny ninja monkeys lay before them, but around thousands of dark purple will 'o wisps swirled above, as they went to Baboon, who was now steaming with anger.
"This isn't over… you may have taken down my Monkeys, but you will not take me down!" He said, and then gave a bone shaking roar.
Immediately did many bolts shoot out from his body, taking the ninja monkeys before him and slowly start to build up into a giant pile of a walking warrior that the valley had seen before.
"This again? He must be running out of ideas!" Rabbit said, remembering what had happened before.
"It may be déjà vu, but I don't think he is using ropes this time!" Fox pointed out, as Baboon glared down at them with red eyes.
Tiger immediately backed away, shivering in fright, the valley animals already knowing it was danger. The demon hunters where not scared one bit, they had seen far worse then this. Wolf looked over to Bear, then to Panther, giving a nod, as his eyes returned to bear.
"Bear, time for a boost!" He said, Bear giving a confused look, but smiled and nodded.
Wolf ran directly towards Bear, as Bear held his paws together. As soon as Wolfs right paw touched did Bear lift his arms up, throwing Wolf high in the air and heading directly towards Baboon. Both of the arms of Baboon swung in an arc angle, attempting to crush Wolf in his hands. Wolf, in a split second, jabbed the sword into the monkey made hand and heaved himself up onto the hand, as he landed upon the edge. Baboon immediately lifted his hands up, as he tried to slap him, but Wolf dashed out of the way, as he ran up the arm, heading towards Baboon.
He managed to make it up to near the shoulder part, when his ankles were grasped by the monkeys, as he was slowly pulled down into them.
"You didn't really think I would let you walk on my troops without stopping you, did you?" Baboon said, as Wolf started to laugh.
"Fool, I am but a distraction!" Wolf stated with a smile.
"What!?" Baboon demanded, but a shadow caught his attention, as Panther soon landed a punch in the nose of the baboon.
Upon the impact did the apes fall apart, raining down upon the ground as Baboon flew back, away from the group of falling monkeys. Hedgehog headed off, determined to freeze him with her slips before he would cause more trouble. As Baboon landed did he flip a few times before he finally stopped his crash landing did Hedgehog leap in, and hit his face with a paper slip with several writings on it, as it froze him in place, Baboon unable to move a muscle, as he mumbled through his throat, "Wasabi!!"
She knew that would hold the evil for the time being, and putting anymore on would not work, since he wore armor. She sighed, as she turned to the animals of the valley. They stood around the Monkeys who slowly woke up, squealing like they usually did, as they turned to see the animals, turning to their right to find the five who had fought them, then turning right again to find Hedgehog with several more prayer slips. The monkeys soon turned and began to retreat.
"That's right! Run away you cowards!!" Rabbit said, swinging his fists at them.
"Shall we go after them Wolf?" Panther asked, looking to Wolf.
"We have bigger problems, like dealing with that Shogun ape!" He stated walking towards the ape, looking him over. "Hedgehog!" He called out.
"Yes Wolf?" She answered, crossing her arms.
"Get the enchanted chains; it should help keep this tainted fool in check for a while." Wolf said, as she nodded, heading into the forest once more. "The rest of you check the area for demons, and in groups, understood?" He asked, getting a 'Yes sir!' from each of his companions.
Panda ordered the others to check the valley around for any abnormalities, each divided into groups of two just to be on the safe side, leaving the four elders with the leader of the Demon hunters.
"Speaking on everyone here, I must thank you for your help today." Panda said, bowing to him.
"Ah, not a problem. We just did what we do best. Anyway, names Wolf." He said, turning to Baboon, his eyes looking to the sky.
"You may call me Duck, and this is Panda, Crane and Turtle, we are the elders of this area. Still, I hope you know what you are doing. Leaving him here is going to honestly bring us more problems!" Duck introduced and concluded, giving a glare at Wolf.
"Trust me; Hedgehog is a mistress of priestess duties. She will be able to make the cage demon proof or at least have enough prayer slips to keep the demons at bay. Real problem is keeping this place from becoming a cursed zone!" Wolf mentioned.
"What, if I may ask, would a curse zone look like?" Crane asked, looking at him with curiosity.
"Ugly, ominous, but most of all, a dark, dead zone. It's the opposite of this worlds looks now. The only thing that can stop such a thing from happening is a Guardian Sapling. We have what we need to have it grow, but we need a seeding of it. Without it, we don't have the tree." He said, taking a sigh, as he sat down.
"I assume you know where one would be?" Panda asked, as Wolf looked up to him with honest eyes.
"That's the problem, by foot it would take me at least two days without rest or even taking a break. It's in a valley of the giant Guardian Sapling tree." He said, shaking his head.
"Have you considered air?" Crane asked, as she looked at him eagerly.
"Yes, and Hawk couldn't carry such a thing back. It would take two at least, and that's risky considering what we have." Wolf answered, as he looked up into the sky.
"Usually I am not one to take such a risk; however, if the land is in danger, then we will need to get this so called Guardian Sapling. Still, what does the tree look like?" Panda asked.
"Hard to explain, and better to show." He said, turning away. "SPRITE!!" He called out as the bouncing little bug like sprite jumped to him.
"Whaddaya want now Wolf, I was busy doing some art!" Sprite called out in anger.
"Show them the guardian sapling drawing. I want them to see the beauty of it!" Wolf answered, Sprite taking out the drawling in a puff of smoke, as it was bigger, and unrolled it, revealing a beautiful babe.
"That doesn't look like a tree." Duck said, the men blushing as they saw the picture of the female wolf in a Kimono.
"Huh? Oh my…wrong picture." Sprite remarked, as he put it away in a puff, getting another out.
"Here we are." He stated, and unraveled it, revealing a tree during the day, one with a spiral shape at the top, but with branches that spread out like a regular tree, and with tree branches that held many blossom like leaves.
"I must say, the tree looks beautiful, but in the color it is in, I bet it is more lovely just to witness its beauty." Panda said, as Wolf nodded.
"Can I go now?" Sprite asked.
"Depends, you best not be doing the peeping art!" Wolf said, giving him a stern glance.
"It's natural art, not peeping art!" Sprite remarked, as he started to run off.
Wolf shook his head, knowing what type of art Sprite had done in the past to know that Fox would be his target.
"Anyway, let's worry about it tomorrow. The sun is setting and things could get worse around here when the night hits!" He claimed.
"Just how worse are we talking?" Turtle asked, as Sparrow flew in.
"Demons attacking, but I wouldn't worry about it. Bat usually will keep an eye out. Still, it's best if we all sleep in a protective barrier if we are to stay safe." Sparrow stated, as the elders looked to each other, then back at the two nodding.
Gathering around bottom of the hill where several tents where set up. A fire burned at the center, and many stakes with holy bells where spread in a circle around the area to ward off any demons that would sneak in. It would be enough to keep them at bay for the night, as tomorrow would be the day they grew a Guardian sapling that would be planted, sprouted, and bloomed. The power it would give off would be enough to keep the land from becoming cursed and from demons being more powered then usual.
"I still can't believe we have to have a sleepover out here around this hill!" Rabbit said, his armed crossed and a bitter expression on his face.
"It is for the better Sir Rabbit!" Rat replied, as he kept his eyes at the sky.
"Sir Rabbit? Jeez, what are you, Mr. polite?" Rabbit bitterly stated.
"It is called chivalry, you really should learn some. That attitude of yours really could use it!" Rat replied to him.
"Bite me rodent!" He muttered, as he stood and walked off.
Wolf was near the fire, speaking with Hawk.
"So you want me to fly off to the valley of Guardian Saplings and get you a sapling seed?" Hawk asked, as she had some irritation.
"Yes, but you won't be alone." He said, as Crane stepped forth.
"I hope at least you have something to talk about Hawk, because the trip sounds like it could be a long flight." Crane mentioned, giving a soft jab in breast area.
"Okay… I'm going to get some rest." She said, as she walked off towards her tent.
"Bat will wake you up when the sun is nearly up, so try to get as much rest as you can." Wolf stated, as he leaned back against the log, slowly growing tired.
"Great, looks like everyone is tired out here!" Crane said, as she walked off.
Skunk was already sleeping upon a log near Panda, Panda resting a few feet in front of the log on his back, and snoring softly. On his belly was Cat, who curled up in a circle to rest like any cat. It had been a long day, but it would be the first of many battles against the new enemy.
"Shogun Toki, it appears Baboon has been defeated and captured!" One of the imps stated, kneeling before the shogun, who stood in the cave.
"Who was it that took him down?" He asked, turning his masked face to look at the imp.
"From what the scouts report, it was the Demon Hunters who took him down and captured him. Still, they were aided by the valley dwellers of this area. Shall I set up a squad to go rescue him?" The imp asked, the Shogun only laughed.
"No, that will not be necessary. He can rot in jail for all I am concerned with." The Shogun stated.
"As you wish Shogun Toki!" The Imp said backing away.
As the imp left did the shogun take out a bloody heart, as he clenched it tightly.
Baboon, who was now in a bamboo cage, sealed with many prayer slips, and had mystical chains wrapped around his arms and legs, keeping him restrained down to the last joint. He shook, as deep down could his vocal cords react to the pain being inflicted upon him by the shogun.