descry
chapter 002

It's almost as if Kubo's words emphasize the pain her wound emits, resonating all the way throughout her body. The sensation isn't at all welcome; but it's the only thing she can register as he explains to her, in his own sweet and naive Kubo way, what exactly it was that he saw in his dream. No matter how much her boy speaks, however, no matter the strong and determined, almost pleading glint in his gentle eye as he speaks to her, she can't seem to register anything else at his earlier choice of words to describe the prominent figure in his 'vision'. A blind, old man. Something in her doesn't sit well with that. Her boy keeps talking, and it hurts her just a little bit to see on his young face, such a familiar expression of growing disappointment for each second she doesn't acknowledge his words with so much as a nod, rather than a stony stare. Even in her broken state, when she had been off staring into the sky's abyss, she at least registered when her son was visibly upset, so it's nothing short of painfully clear right now. Like his hope was failing, and it was always because of her; it had always been because of her. It takes her a second to regain her composure, and even another second to realize that a few moments have passed with absolute silence because of her lack of a response.

Kubo is looking at her expectantly, with a strange combination of hope and forlornness, his mouth set to a wavering thin line and his brown eye gleaming with near tears and wonder. He needs her approval, needs to know her assessment of the situation; he's done something extraordinary, and with now having her mother sentient and sane, he can have her support.

Even Beetle is looking at her with such an expression; an innocent bystander in this whole mess, and somehow, Monkey gains guilt. She finds her own mouth is, involuntarily, set in a grim line; she breathes in and exhales slowly, trying to recollect herself, to be calm and analytical; he is young, and he doesn't know the real danger that lies ahead in his so called dream, and she can't help but see only red.

How dare he try and manipulate her son? How dare he try and—?! Her insides absolutely burn, and she can't help the deep scowl that forms.

If Kubo had been any other child, or even Beetle who takes a look of surprise and slightly flinches back at the sudden display of ferocity by his mother, he probably would clench his hands in fear and horror. But he knows his mother; he knows her true nature, despite her melancholy state back in the mountains, he saw glimpses of it through her beautiful and warm eyes. He knows her anger isn't directed at him or Beetle, but something else beyond either of them. And the boy only responds in the only way he knows how. Placing a gentle touch on her shoulder, his soft voice questions her: "...Mother?"

And that's enough to remind herself that she is a mother; she isn't with Hanzo, and this isn't however many years her elope was, and this isn't her being younger and a time where she was inexperienced as a mother. She is better at this now, she isn't her father, she isn't the Moon King and she'll never be—

"Kubo… we aren't going."

—and right there, in that second, hurt flashes in his gaze. Monkey can already tell that he's going to try and convince her otherwise, and she's prepared for that; she can practically already hear the 'but mother—!' passing from his lips, his hands just an inch away from making an exasperated and frantic gesture. But just before she or Kubo can both either utter a sound, it is Beetle that speaks up.

"Monkey… what's going on?"

Though structured in the most simplest way possible, it's an insightful question for once; she's surprised that he's able to comprehend even in the slightest based on her assessment alone. His words come out of nowhere, that both of them look his way and then there's a moment of silence. Beetle's eyes are almost burning with such sincerity, that she is prompted to avoid his gaze; of course this doesn't go unnoticed by Kubo. Anything to do with his mother never goes unnoticed by the boy, and he tries once more to call out to her. "Mother… what is going on?" And bless him, unlike Beetle's tone, Kubo's voice remains innocent and naive, like a child should be. The way she makes sure it will continue to be until her death. "Why don't you want us to go?" But despite her efforts, she should have known better than to think, even in the slightest, that her son would ever consider just staying quiet and do as she says. He has more spirit than that; more spirit than she hoped to ever afford in her long life, because never in her childhood would she have ever hoped to speak to her own father that way.

The Moon King, she thinks bitterly, not my father. He was never my father.

"Kubo, please, you must understand… That wasn't just a 'dream'… It isn't- It's not even close—" Much to her dismay, she can't even form the proper words; she is so.. so… enraged, frustrated and absolutely murderous that she can't even tell her boy directly the sole problem. "It's trickery; he's trying to deceive you!" She has to turn away from their gazes, ruffling the fur on her head in almost a very violent manner as she takes a minute to compose herself. Monkey can already hear the unspoken question that rests on Kubo's tongue, and it takes everything in her to not outright growl like the animal she currently is. "That man you saw? The old and blind man? That, Kubo, is the Moon King." She absolutely refuses to say the words your Grandfather. He doesn't deserve that title; and though she had tried to teach Kubo the opposite when she was human, in some foreign and strange attempt to get him to realize his true magical potential, Sariatu detests ever even trying. Just Moon King alone is enough to burn her tongue and boil her blood. "That vision cannot be trusted, Kubo; I am certain it's a type of trap."

"I… I don't.." Understand… Like the child he is, he can't help but stand there in shock; there is some hurt, but the boy isn't too naive. His mother's words aren't directed to break him, or insinuate he's just a child; it's not hurt because of that, but hurt because for once since this whole mess started (since he deliberately disobeyed his mother) he feels…. lost. And, surprisingly… it's Beetle, once again, that speaks up.

"Monkey…. Are you sure about this?"

Beetle's words make her turn around sharply, scowl in place. "Excuse me?! What is that supposed to mean? I believe I know my own father, thank you!" So engrossed in her slight rage, that for just a moment, she fails to realize that the bug doesn't even flinch. She's panting, almost, and she nearly ignores the angry wound throbbing on her side. Though, her hand holds her side in an attempt to stop the pulsating thing; she misses that Kubo notices this, however.

"I… I didn't say you were wrong. What I mean is that… If that was the Moon King, then… where do we go from here?" Beetle can't quite explain it, but something akin to pity washes over him as he watches Monkey struggle, juggling with her anger, her confusion, her wound; she may think him a fool, but he's much more insightful than she knows, even if he doesn't realize it. Despite his current position, he frowns, suddenly upset at the realization at the sheer weight she carries as not only Kubo's mother, but as his guardian and as his mentor. She's carrying all that alone, and in that effort, she's being ironically selfish; she hasn't even told her own son of her current wound! He doesn't know why… and he's not exactly sure when, but somewhere along their conversation last night, Beetle had realized just how thickly selfish she was being in her attempt to preserve her son's safety. She can't keep him out of harm's way, and instead of being honest about who she was this whole time, or why she deliberately kept the potential of their magic, she tries to block the sun with a mere finger. Kubo's dream had been the last straw; of all the things not to tell, why couldn't she simply have told Kubo more about her grandfather? "Where do we go from here? What do we do?" His words are a challenge, and as if speaking both him and Kubo's minds, both their gazes lay on her once more. "And besides the fact, how can we go… when you're in such a state?"

That is more than enough confirmation for Kubo that his mother is hurt, and he all but rushes to her side. "Mother… you're hurt!" Gentle fingers gingerly touch the side, and he cringes at the angry oozing red. "Why… why didn't you tell me?"

She is so genuinely thrown off by Beetle's sudden change in demeanor, so unlike when they met him and so unlike just last night... but her anger doesn't subside. Who is he to butt in? Who does this senseless bug think he is? "It's quite alright, Kubo..." She tears her glare away from Beetle to look at her son. "I'm fine, it isn't that big of a—"

"Monkey, no it's not 'alright'." This causes both Kubo and Monkey to look up rather shocked. But Beetle doesn't stop there, and though he isn't yelling, his tone is firm. "You can't dismiss these type of things like this. Monkey, you can't even stand properly."

"What exactly are you saying Bug?"

"What I'm saying, Monkey, is that maybe we should take a moment to think about what we're doing—"

"Think? You? That's absolutely rich!"

"If you would just take a second to listen instead of—"

"We don't have time and you know that, you senseless, no brained—"

Beetle throws all his four arms up in the air in exasperation, and though they were practically in each other's space with every sentence they threw at each other, it seemed that neither of them had taken note.

Neither even notice how so out of place Kubo is in their whole squabble, how he stands nearly in between them glancing back and forth. Their voices are an angry blur and Kubo is torn from brooding in the corner because all this weight is too much for him right now or just… saying something.. anything to make them stop. This hadn't been how he'd wanted the morning to go, not at all. Why doesn't it seem like anything could go right? Just what exactly was wrong with this dynamic? "...Um, you guys, why don't we—" His attempt to interject goes unheard, and though he tries, he can't find his voice to be more louder, or stronger than theirs. It's a fruitless endeavor.

But before he can try again, despite wanting nothing more than to lay down, he almost misses the movement in his peripheral. The moment he turns, he's filled with confusion at Paper Hanzo rounding a corner out of the entrance of the cave. Stealing a glance at the raging duo, he hesitates before he manages to slip away, making sure to make as little noise as he could.

One last glance indicates that it would be a while before they even begin to calm down.

"Psst… Psssst! H-hey! Paper Hanzo! Where are you— would you wait a moment!?"

The paper ornament doesn't bother looking toward the boy's direction and continues on his journey, despite not getting very far. He doesn't travel much distance before he's scooped up, nearly being squeezed in Kubo's hand, and instead retaliates by hitting… or trying to hit him. They boy doesn't even acknowledge that bit, letting his brow furrow in annoyance and curiosity. For a moment, he deflates. Because what are they going to do? What can he do? As much as he had grown of Beetle, and undeniably loved his mother, he just couldn't stand their constant bickering. Something changed, and though he was absolutely no psychic, Kubo nearly always followed his gut instinct… something was going to happen, and it left him feeling anxious and worrisome. He doesn't like not knowing what lies ahead; this hadn't been the adventure he had hoped it would be. A quest filled with possible carnage against your own family shouldn't have been called a quest at all. His throat aches as he struggles to gulp… I don't know what I'm supposed to do...

A shuffling noise brings him out of his reverie, and he looks down only to see paper Hanzo wriggle out of his grip with anything but ease. Before he can speak, however, the ornament is already… drawing something on the ground and Kubo offers nothing more but a confused stare. On the dirt near his feet, a crude map-like illustration, full of various lines and pats. and right at the center is what seems to be a helmet.

A pause, "...the Helmet Invulnerable…?" His voice comes out more as a whisper than anything, but he still doesn't understand. He licks his lips in concentration as he bends down, making sure his shamisen is set down behind him. "I don't… What are you saying…?"

Paper Hanzo seems to overly deflate at his words, shaking his head in exasperation, before puffing his chest out and pointing to the helmet on the ground. He brings his sword in front of him, near Kubo's face in surprise, and then finally pointing to the path ahead of them. Kubo only stares with his one, widened eye, and offers a shrug. "… The helmet is… errr… just up ahead…?" It's either his reluctance to actually want to travel, to continue on this journey and keep on bringing misfortune and— or, well, it's still kind of morning, and he hadn't even had breakfast. However, his words did nothing for the origami warrior; finally losing his patience, the miniature warrior displays gestures of frustration. All he needs is a voice to be heard, and the boy is sure he would have screamed in that instance. Paper Hanzo shakes his head, burying it into his hands and nearly shaking with impatience as he jumps onto the child's knee and outright slaps him; it does no damage, and it isn't even painful, but the sheer action causes the boy to be indignant as he sputters, more so in the fact that he has just been physically assaulted by a piece of paper. "Did you just—? You can't just—! What did I do!?" In response, Paper Hanzo jumps down from his knee, and begins illustrating in the dirt once again. Kubo rubs the spot where had just been abused, muttering on how that was just plain rude and is he even allowed to do that? Should I tell mother—?

As he turns to give the ornament a piece of his mind he finds even more lines and detail, and something in his breath hitches. Taking a more careful look, his brown eye marvels at the detail surrounding the helmet, and his exhale comes out very shakily. "...surrounded by a village." Paper Hanzo nods his head vigorously, causing Kubo to look at the image again. Why does it look so familiar; what am I looking at?— but something clicks in his head, and only in that second does he realize just how much he hadn't wanted it to, but the words escape his lips before he can even think about it any further. "My village..." The ornament jumps in seeming victory, arms raised high. It is now Kubo's turn to deflate, unable to process this new information. His face is as tired and saddened as his mother's. Everything becomes a blur and he shakes his head; he hates this… he can't even feel happiness at the prospect that the helmet is at the center of his own home. His former home, that it had been there this whole time. Had he been… wasting his time? He doesn't understand this, doesn't understand why the helmet is even there or why there had been no indication of it being there in the first place and—

Paper Hanzo jumps on his knee once more, causing the boy to flinch. "Don't —slap me again..." Had it been any other occasion, he'd have paid more mind to how his voice raised pitches. Paper Hanzo only looks at him, questioning, asking with whatever body language he can provide the unspoken curiosity; what is holding you back? … and for some reason, it makes Kubo want to cry. He has to look away to collect himself in that second, and offers a weak shrug. He thinks about his dream… had that been really the Moon King? His grandfather? He thinks about Beetle, what this whole journey could possibly offer him. He thinks about the lives lost in his village, his home. But most of all… he thinks about his mother. "I… can't handle any of this..." He expects the little warrior to react, and as silly as it is, for him to offer something, to say anything of wisdom. Kubo shakes his head and heaves a sigh. "What's the point of any of this…? All the damage—" his voice is caught in his throat, and he has to squint against the sting of his eyes, "has already been done. What am I doing this for? What does it matter if I'm taken? Maybe… maybe that's how my story is supposed to end..."

In his peripheral, he sees red shuffle, and even expect another slap. But he's so absorbed in his own infernal suffering, his conflict, that he doesn't find it within him to care. But the little warrior makes himself seen, inching as close as he can to his face… and raises his sword. Kubo rolls his eyes and tries to look away, but Paper Hanzo doesn't let him, patting his face with a small hand. And he pokes him on the nose, causing the paper weapon to crunch slightly at the contact. And Kubo stops breathing for a second, and the world slows down. Am I… am I doing this for—

"...me? I'm doing this... for me?" He says incredulously, more to himself than the small warrior, who nods his head. "For myself..." And his own words bring him back to his world; to the reality. His truth came from stories woven from his unwavering spirit, his heart. He doesn't want to lose that, he doesn't want to lose himself. And the Moon King would have to take that from his cold, dying hands. He would not lose himself. It's as if his heart roars with life once again, and his whole body refuses to succumb itself anymore to more suffering, more moping. That isn't him, that's not who he is, who he wants to be. With new found vigor, he nearly jumps into standing position, catching Paper Hanzo as he flails in the air before he reaches the ground. Instead of putting him in pocket, he puts him on his shoulder. "Alright, then! Let's get to it!"

But first thing's first.

"…. you're infernal."

"You've already said that." Beetle speaks through his pout; he doesn't need reminding of the various poisonous words she constantly hurls at him. "You don't need to repeat yourself." They're standing away from each other, their argument having reached it's peak about five minutes ago, and like the children they were prone to act as, they stand facing away from each other.

"Hush! Because of you, my child just left like nothing, without my permission and—"

"Kubo isn't an irresponsible kid; he's better than that, and if that was the case, then why haven't you looked for him?"

"I know he wouldn't just wander off far away, but that isn't the point! The point, bug, is that you made me look like a… like some babbling monkey in front of him, and now he might not even believe me—" He cuts her off with a snicker — heh, 'babbling monkey'— "o-kay, wow, just wow, real mature of you!"

That causes him to turn, ire slowly starting to build up once more. Though their previous conversation on a more… settled note, once they'd found out Kubo had all but vanished from the space, they mutually agreed it would be a good idea to collect themselves. It had only been less than five minutes that they were practically in each other's faces, breaths mingling and he could have sworn she shoved him, but he hadn't noticed. Yet, becoming calm is becoming a near impossible task the more she purges venom with her words and narrowed eyes. "Hey, wait a second; how is this any my fault, exactly? Please, enlighten me, this time, would you? Have I entered some strange universe? Some other reality where it's your head that isn't screwed on just right?" He knows the cost of that statement, but putting his own intelligence down has never been an issue personally, especially not under these circumstances.

Monkey only sputters indignantly. Where has this sharp tongue come from? She's about to rip it out if he keeps going and— darn him, he can't just babble nonsense like that! I'm going to kill him, I swear to the heavens above. It's not like Kubo would notice and— "Excuse yo—"

"And just so you know! Just so you know, I wasn't the one who lied about who I was., and wait until the last second to set the record straight!" Despite the resonating, deep irritation he feels, he can't help but shrink away just in case she decides to hit him, or scream. His arms flinch, instinctively and his whole, armed body crouches just slightly enough to prepare for any type of physical confrontation. Anything but the look of sheer nothing on her face. Perhaps he had gone too far, and he realizes that indeed, he had. After a gulp or two, he straightens himself out, and spirits, why do I say such.. such ridiculous things I'm not even supposed to comment about? Why do I even— "Monkey… I didn't mean… that is to say that—" Beetle doesn't get the chance to finish; the both of them look towards the sound of a young person panting. "Kubo!" He exclaims just a little too excited and just a smidgen of excited.

Monkey breathes a sigh of relief, however light, and they both hear it. "Kubo," —but in that same breath, toward the ending vowel of his name, her tone shifts to that of irritation and questioning, "where were you. Why did you leave? You can't just… just wander off like that… not like that, and not without my say so."

Beetle sees the boy flinch, but he picks up something; the difference in the air, the way the boy is breathing. Something had changed.

"Mother… I was—"

"What? What could you have possibly been- what is going through your mind?" This… this is the first time… the one real time where Sariatu has ever spoken to Kubo in such a way. She has been reprimanding before, of course. Urgent, irritated, even scolding… but not like this, this was beyond motherly, this is borderline angry. And Kubo feels all the confidence and bliss from just a few moments ago begin to slightly wither.

But Beetle sees; he sees that her tone doesn't just drip with ire, or confusion, or just motherly worry; but rather exhaustion and sadness. She's tired and borderline on panic. "Monkey," he says firmly, but not authoritative or imposing, but a plea; and Monkey turns sharply, eyes narrowed, but he tries the best he can to convey it in his voice, and in his expression. "Please… let him finish.."

Monkey's eyes widen, just a fraction, before her expression is calm, but not dismissive. She takes a moment to collect herself and turns to her son. "I… yes… yes, alright..."

Kubo doesn't miss the knowing gleam in Beetle's eyes, a silent thank you unspoken in the air. "I know where the helmet is." In that same moment, Monkey almost reverts back and is about to interrupt- but he doesn't let her. "Not where I had said before, Mother… I… Paper Hanzo showed me." It only seems like the small warrior manifested before her, and she just notices how perched and proud he stands on Kubo's shoulder. As if to emphasize his words, he points ahead, outside the cave. Both Beetle look to each other, then to the red piece of paper keen on leading the way. "It's in our village. Mother, it's the village's bell!"

But Monkey isn't sure. She isn't sure of anything much these days… these past few hours. She is terrified. And, bless her boy, it's as if they share the same mind, and he looks to her, pleading and lovingly. He hugs her, and though it is her son, she can't help but automatically stiffen against his hold, unused to such contact from anyone in this way. "Mother… please, trust me… Trust us." And in yourself. Let me put an end to this story, together.

She almost fights the stinging in her eyes, and she holds him close. "Lead the way then.." she murmurs quietly.

Neither notice the longing gaze in Beetle's eyes, even for just that one second. He smiles, genuinely, fully and his eyes glisten. "Yes, indeed; show us the way to fulfill our quest!"

And throughout the journey, Kubo makes sure to take the appropriate measures to care for Monkey's wound. After a rather slightly heated discussion about her wound and how they should rest just a while more, just to make sure it's completely alright, and her insistence on how she'd be just fine; now come on, we don't have any more time to spare else she'd give him more of that soup he didn't like, they came to a compromise. Final, as it left the boy pouting and his mother smiling in triumph. Their interactions were funny for Beetle, and he made sure that this time, he'd try a little harder just to fit it; even if it isn't real, it doesn't matter. Because whether they realize it or not, he slowly inched his way into their hearts, one way or another. After all, he never liked being his own stormy cloud; he'd rather be sunshine. Oblivious, carefree and Beetle; and that's okay for him.

Kubo had made them apologize to each other, or else he wouldn't talk to either of them. "I can't handle you two fighting; for my sake, let's try to get along." And like children, neither wanted to go first. But they eventually did, anyway; and for once in a long while, Monkey had never felt more at ease around Beetle.

If Kubo had warmed up to him, so could she.

When they arrive, Monkey's nostrils are filled with nothing else but the warmth and the memory of their home; though her and Kubo lived n the rocky cave, high in the mountain, it didn't escape that this was her son's home. She dares to look at her son and is heartbroken by the sight. But he remains strong, and so does she.

Nothing had been left but absolute ruin. Deserted and a haunting sight, but in the same moment, all three notice the tower that holds the bell.

—the Helmet Invulnerable

And just about Beetle is about to declare that he'll jump right up and get it, there's a chill in the air, and Monkey's fur bristles. Something in her gut makes her turn; they had been so lost in their bliss, so lost in their happy venture that she failed to realize how the night had taken over.

An icy voice drips from the shadow, oozing with venom and as icy as the frozen lands her and Kubo ventured in from the beginning of their quest. Even from here, Monkey can hear how tightly the wooden pipe is clenched.

"— You filthy lot." Her voice is spit through her grit teeth and even with the mask, Monkey has known her well enough when she's about to throw a tantrum. A vile tantrum. Monkey doesn't even acknowledge her with so much as a nod, just narrowed eyes. The witch hackles in mock delight, throwing her head back as if stretching, as if she's here to discuss frivolities. "Oh, Sister; how lovely to see you...—H E R E!"