Shadow hearts Attempted novelisation
By Lucia Widdop
Chapter 4 - Cats gone wild!
(Alice's POV)
I curled up on the floorboards next to Yuri praying for someone to help us.
He was as awake as I was but both of us were pretending to be asleep.
I still wasn't sure to think of this wiry youth. He'd saved me from the warlock on the train and had saved me again from the monsters on the plains and now he was promising to save me from the cannibals but who was going to save him?
It was obvious he had supernatural powers like I but it was apparent that his were very different.
Just by listening to his cries in his sleep I could tell he had a damaged mind and I couldn't help but pity him, despite his bravado he obviously was very troubled I wished that I could help him somehow.
Every night I would hear him "I don't want to be a monster!" he'd cry as if he was scared that darkness would consume him and he'd no longer have a soul.
"Alice trust him, you CAN survive…" father's voice echoed in my head.
I still wasn't sure if it was my father's spirit or if it was a defence mechanism I had installed within my mind.
My father was killed recently, we were in Rouen together we were supposed to be meeting Father Doyle my father's friend in Priesthood only he didn't show up.
Instead that warlock showed up and ripped my father apart.
Father used the rest of his magic to keep me safe and send me far away.
I've been on the run ever since.
"Are they asleep?" a childlike voice interrupted my thoughts the two demonic children had entered the house again.
"Looks like it!" said the other child.
I clenched my fists willing myself not to shake Yuri wouldn't be asleep he'd be ready… wouldn't he? "Hooray! Let's just have a tiny little taste!" said the first child.
God please help me, please don't let them hurt me. Please oh please!
"Quietly, now, or Granny Mayor's gonna kill us!" said the other child.
Come on Yuri! Help us I can't fight these two alone!
I heard Yuri get to his feet and I stood up, both of us shocking the children.
They looked at us both and as cruel as it sounds their fear gave me hope, maybe we could escape after all!
"Yikes, they're NOT asleep!" panicked the yellow eyed child.
Why on earth would we sleep in a town when the villagers were plotting our death? "Y-You tricked us!" accused the red eyed child.
Yuri walked forward smirking and I felt adrenaline surging through my body.
"Well then don't sneak up on us! And if you do, at least do a good job of it…" he taunted.
"You're finally ready to show yourselves for who you really are? Huh? Little goblin brats!" Yuri yelled.
"Darn if we let you get away everyone'll get mad and then they'll eat us up!" whined the yellow eyed child.
"And if we DON'T let you get away they'll know we tried to sneak a taste, so they'll eat us anyway!" the yellow eyed child finished.
"If we're gonna get eaten no matter what, I at least wanna taste the girl! Lemme have the girl!" cried the red eyed child.
I felt a cold sweat coat my body even though I knew that Yuri would save me I was still terrified who knew what those children REALLY were.
"Hah! Tough luck kids if anyone's going to eat her, it's me!" he said.
I felt my face flush in embarrassment did he always have to be so…open about everything?
"Ooh you're so bad!" said the yellow eyed child.
"We'll kill you!" threatened the red eyed child.
The transformed into vile red monsters, cat looking things, they stood on their hind legs defiant ready to attack.
I raised my bible in front of me in protection as Yuri ran forwards pummelling the monsters with his fists.
The monster roared in anger and the other one cast a light spell aiming it at Yuri.
I felt a quick sting as the other monster cast the same spell hitting me, thankfully because it was light based the damage was minimal.
I ran forwards smashing the monster round the head with my bible releasing the wave of anger which had built up in me since I got scared.
I turned round shocked as Yuri morphed into a demonic shape.
Wh-What? Did this mean Yuri was evil? No he couldn't be, he saved me he was still the same Yuri I could sense that he still had his soul even it was ever so slightly weakened by the transformation. It all made sense now the nightmares and the screams and voices, Yuri was a Harmonixer something which Father had educated me on several years ago. I'd thought the art was lost, no wonder he was so confident!
He moved forward punching one of the monsters straight in the chest and it collapsed defeated, just one more to go!
The monster repeated its light spell on Yuri but despite the elemental weakness he barely blinked.
I ran forwards bashing the monster again with my bible, I did damage although it managed to deflect my last blow.
Yuri attacked the beast it was nearly defeated it was rocking backwards and forwards struggling to keep itself upright.
It did the light spell on Yuri and again he didn't even seem to notice the magical assault.
I ran forwards my mind almost gone with the amount of stress. I hit the monster round the face and it too collapsed just like its brother.
The monsters returned to their human form sprawled across the floor in front of us.
"Oh nooo, Granny Mayooor!" cried the Yellow eyed child.
"He's not human!" cried the Red eyed child and I watched as both their souls departed from their bodies leaving two empty shells behind.
"You'd just get the runs if you ate us anyway! Got it, fools?" yelled Yuri.
I walked forwards examining the window which was misted over with red condensation.
What on earth?
I turned to Yuri panicked.
"Yuri, it sounds like something is happening outside!" I exclaimed shaking again.
Were we too late? What if we went outside and the whole village was waiting to devour us? Yuri ran forward noticing the red mist which now enveloped the town like a shroud.
"Oh, so the whole town's decided to show their true selves, have they?" he asked.
We ran outside and I gasped in horror at the sight before my eyes.
The whole town had darkened and was fogged with a huge red mist.
"It's like a sea of blood! Is this what the village really looks like?" I stammered.
"Yes, this is what was left after the demons devoured the humans" replied Yuri.
"Be careful. I think they mean business this time." he warned.
I stood by his side resisting the urge to hide my face in his coat and clutch his hands, I'd never seen anything like this or felt anything this evil before.
The first thing we decided to do was to check out the shrine. It was more than likely that Granny Mayor would be there and Yuri kept saying we had business to sort out with her.
I gritted my teeth the scene of bones was horrible enough before but now with the red mist? I was really scared!
As we'd suspected Granny Mayor was beside the shrine, she seemed pretty surprised that we'd managed to get here, she'd assumed that we'd have been killed like the many travellers before us.
"Eh? How did you get here? What have you done to my beloved children?" she asked.
It was strange how she seemed to care so much about the children yet they had truly thought she would kill them.
Yuri stepped forwards smirking "Hey, lady. I put the kiddies to sleep. Permanently." he said confident as ever.
"Why don't you show us your true form, too? We're tired of this endless procession of fiends." he suggested sounding bored.
It seemed almost amusing how Yuri was bored and I was terrified he really didn't care what happened did he?
"We figured if we came here, and took care of you…Well, you know how it always works!" he said.
I bit my lip anxious waiting for the Granny Mayor to lose her temper and attack us but despite her brave front she seemed scared too.
"Ha! Fools even if I die, the monsters will remain and you'll still be imprisoned in this town." she laughed but her voice wavered slightly she didn't want to die.
"Because all of this is the will of the great Yamaraja, protector of our village!" she laughed.
I hated it, the way she described this Yamaraja as a god when he was a demon. There was only one true god and it insulted me when she bigged up that demon.
Protector of the village? If he was so great why would he be protecting such a small village? Besides what sort of God imprisons its followers and leaves them to starve?
"Yamaraja? C'mon, I could take care of him just by destroying that shrine back there." mocked Yuri.
He'd riled her and even I knew he was wrong. The shrine wasn't Yamaraja it just provided a direct link between him and the villagers, in effect it appeared to summon him.
"Take a good look! These are the bones of all those I've sacrificed to him!" she said proudly.
I looked at her hands her nails were encrusted with dirt and old blood she hid her skinny frame under a huge, baggy jumper, she was tired and she'd been tired for a long time. I pitied her having to sacrifice someone each night in order to save herself.
"I used the malice of the townspeople, and made this fence to keep one and all away from here." she said.
It was obvious she didn't trust her strength she feared people defeating her so instead she forced the villagers to reproduce to ensure the Yamaraja had enough to eat.
It broke my heart that these villagers repeatedly created then ended lives and didn't even benefit from it.
What sort of life did they lead?
"As long as I'm alive, this fence will protect Yamaraja. Because without killing me you can't get near the shrine!" she finished.
She'd dropped herself in it now, she'd basically told us that to escape we had to defeat her then the Yamaraja. Why was she telling us this? Did she secretly want to die, or was she hustling us knowing we'd have no chance against her? I was more likely to believe the second option she seemed arrogant and stuck in her ways.
"So I was right after all! You ARE the one to get!" said Yuri eagerly.
"First you'll have to catch me POOF and I'm gone!" she laughed.
There was a blinding white light and a sudden breeze, Yuri and I shielded our eyes as she teleported herself elsewhere.
She seemed smug but I was certain that she couldn't leave the village either, she'd never have volunteered to starve. No she was attempting to trick us we'd find her then Yuri and I would defeat her!
Yuri ran forwards punching thin air confused as to what had happened.
"Where'd the demon cat-go?" Yuri asked annoyed.
We both turned in shock as we heard the Granny Mayor somewhere behind us.
"You're going to wander aimlessly through this village forever! Wither and die in the village where morning never comes!" she cackled.
Yuri flung his arm out furiously.
"Damn it! I'll skin your hide!" he threatened.
I walked forward and looked around slightly bemused.
"Where did she run away to? I don't think the cat demon can escape this place any more than we can." I said.
Yuri nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, she must be somewhere in the village. Let's find her!" he replied.
We ran down deeper into the village. It was pretty simple to find her I could use my senses to pinpoint exactly where she was.
"To the right of the well" I said to Yuri.
He raised his fists ready to fight when she reappeared.
"Found you!" he mocked ready to fight.
She jumped back and Yuri ran forwards.
"You mean you didn't get eaten by my underlings yet? she asked.
Well we wouldn't be standing here if we had! I was getting frustrated. We'd come to the village to eat and sleep on a bed. Instead we'd laid on bloodstained floorboards and spent the night fighting monsters and chasing down the Granny!
"You're a tough cookie. Poof!" she said to Yuri and promptly disappeared.
Seriously? Did she really intend to run away forever?
I started to panic I was getting tired what if I passed out and got eaten? Ws that her plan?
Yuri spotted the peddler and ran towards him eager for information and I tried to match his pace. I definitely did not want to be left behind when I knew what was lurking in the shadows.
The peddler seemed as afraid as I was when he said "Yikes! Oh, thank goodness! So you two aren't monsters?" he asked cautiously.
We shook our heads. I pitied the poor villager alone but he seemed to be managing so far, I had half a mind to invite him to join us but could we really promise safety whilst chasing down the evil cat mayor of the town? Most likely not.
His voice interrupted my churning thoughts.
"This strange fog came and then suddenly the village looked like this! And there are monsters too!" he noted quivering in fear.
I truly felt his anxiety and we were landed ourselves even further in it!
"Oh, that's right! I can't forget business, even at a time like this…" he trailed of once Yuri had prompted him.
He still had nothing of interest so we continued heading south I was afraid waiting for a huge parade of monsters by the gates thankfully so far we were doing okay despite me feeling so scared I wanted to cry.
The only two sources of comfort I had was clutching the religious pendant my father had given me and observing Yuri and how eager he seemed to finish this. His confidence spurred me on to keep fighting even when I became tired and my bible felt twice as heavy, my heart low in my chest.
I screamed as four villagers jumped out at us 2 zombies and 2 weird looking things a cross between a female and some sort of snail.
Yuri seemed tense and not in fear more at what we were fighting.
I tried to ignore the fact that these monsters were also humans telling myself that if I didn't fight I'd be killed and so would Yuri.
Yuri ran forward killing a zombie easily and I cringed when the 2nd zombie shambled forward to strike Yuri with its rotting arm.
I decided to try to take care of the snail looking things I felt sick to the stomach just at the smell of the zombie.
I ran forwards hitting the monster with my book, I didn't kill it but I did a bit of damage which was better than nothing I supposed even if I did feel useless compared to Yuri.
The snail things ignored me intent on destroying Yuri he'd lost half f his health and I prayed he would survive just a little longer. I couldn't do this alone!Yuri hit the zombie but didn't manage to kill it this time and I bit my lip scared as it stumbled forwards and attempted to poison Yuri leaving him hands on knees panting.
I had to do something!
I opened my Bible summoning a green light smiling as white light washed over Yuri strengthening his body.
I screamed as a monster jumped forwards and attacked me. It didn't do a lot of damage but it stung a little.
The other jumped forwards this time they tried to confuse Yuri but thankfully it didn't work.
Yuri took out the zombie and I felt relief surging through my chest we was going to make it through the battle! I could feel my mind slipping and I used a pure leaf to prevent me from losing my sanity.
I took a deep breath two to go! The two monsters attacked me leaving me with 1 hit point.
I rested my hands on my knees my head swimming and I forced myself to stare at the blood stained dirt to prevent myself from slipping into unconsciousness.
I barely noticed as Yuri finished of another monster as I healed my wounds ridding my body of the terrible pain.
One more left I was safe, well as safe as I could be and I was going to survive I just knew it!
We finished off the last monster and I smiled as our experience went up feeling like we'd achieved something new.
We ran down through the village and I could feel the cat woman nearby I pointed her out and she reappeared.
"Dammit! Yer not gonna get away this time!" said Yuri.
She jumped back dodging his fists laughing.
"Don't you think it'd be easier to just give up and let us eat you?" she asked.
Please no, don't agree Yuri it would for them but not for us!
"Poof!" she said disappearing again but I knew that she was still wandering the village.
It unnerved me that we were close to the gates and she was here did that mean that near the gates would be…every other villager?
"At this rate it's just the same thing over and over. I'm not getting anywhere." said Yuri slumped.
I stared at him astonished he couldn't give up!
Determined to grab his attention I began marching towards the gates barely caring what was waiting for us I could sense there would be a change and maybe that was what Yuri needed.
When we reached the gates it was not what I'd expected.
The first thing I noticed were two humans and the second thing I noticed was a large purple mark on the floor which they were examining.
Either way I was pleased, finally answers!
"Well, well…" said the younger of the two spotting me and Yuri.
I looked at him he had long silvered hair held in place by a bandana.
He appeared to be Chinese at a guess although my knowledge of Asians was very slim.
I'd only travelled Europe briefly with father becoming accustomed to the white skin everywhere as opposed to this yellow, sallow tone.
He wore simple clothes with sandals and white socks he wasn't very fashionable but he seemed knowledgeable and to me that was much more valuable.
The other male walked in front of us examining the symbol.
He too had grey hair plaited in an oriental, Chinese style.
His red hat covered most of his head and he too had the yellow skin tone although his was more prominent.
He wore red and black robes and he was slightly small he appeared to be aged around sixty.
They were an odd looking couple but then again I guess so were Yuri and I.
One young, eager Asian male with sallow skin and a wiry build, then I tall slim and Caucasian.
The 2nd man examining the symbol laughed to himself obviously pleased that he had identified the mark.
"Ah-hah. This is the "Reverse seal of Tianfeng" all right. The mark of Dehuai…" he started.
I had a feeling this was magic, I had travelled many years as an exorcist with my father however I had to admit I had no knowledge of Chinese sorcery and I failed to analyse and understand what the sign meant, I'd never seen anything like it.
The man continued bemused at the sign, he'd identified the creator of the symbol but something wasn't sitting right with him.
"But he was supposed to have lost his powers 15 years ago…Surely it can't be that he's…" he muttered to himself shaking his head.
Yuri walked forwards and I hid a smile knowing full well he was going to frighten the old man.
"Who's that with you an elder munchkin?" he asked arrogantly referring to the first man.
The man jumped but regained his composure walking around some more.
"Well, well. Still people here, eh?" he bantered.
Yuri walked forwards and I turned away knowing he would humiliate himself.
"Stand aside." he ordered arrogant as ever.
He looked at the floor confused for a moment then proceeded to kick the gate hard.
Oh and I was so sure he'd actually realise that this symbol was important.
"Huh? It won't open" said Yuri rather densely.
We'd not defeated the mayor of course it wouldn't open!
Even the two males shook their heads as exasperated as I.
"Unfortunately you won't be able to leave. See this?" pointed out the 2nd male patiently.
Yuri looked at the symbol sullen obviously annoyed that he'd failed at escaping.
"What's that? You mean that wind of heaven business you were talking about?" he asked starting to cotton on.
"In this country's language, it means you can't leave, right?" he asked.
I waited for the males to be insulted at the slight racial dig and I bit my lip feeling my temper rising.
These males obviously knew more than we did and they were giving us a chance to be free and Yuri was going to blow it!
The 2nd male seemed amused though.
"Yep, that's about the size of it." he said biting back a small laugh.
I decided to step in before Yuri got all insulting again.
"Excuse me, but how did you men get in here?" I asked curiously.
The 2nd male looked at me and nodded to the gate behind him.
"Through here. We just pushed the gate open. It would appear that anybody is free to enter." he responded politely.
The 1st male walked forward joining in the conversation.
"We got in, but it looks like we can't get back out. Ah, I hate this, I hate it." he offered.
Hated what exactly being trapped? Why were these men here? They didn't look like they were just aimlessly wandering like Yuri and I.
"I see…" Yuri said, re-joining the conversation.
He walked forward eyeing both the males.
"…and you are?" he asked them both.
The 2nd male laughed eager to impress the cynical Yuri.
"You want to know who I am? I am the true ruler of the nine heavens. The absolute sage…Master Zhuzhen. Among exorcists and spirit healers, I am quite well-known. There are many adepts in this world but only I will to do that kind of work by the hour or day." he said.
I was quite impressed, before my father's death we had travelled around London exorcising wicked demons and unholy spirits but even we had breaks in order to replenish our magic and it was dangerous work. I often remembered my father asking me to stay home whilst he called upon Father Doyle for help. They were a formidable duo nothing ever managed to harm or defeat them until…him.
I'll never forget the night Father Doyle didn't show but the man did and killed my father. I still don't understand why he killed him and what he wanted. I'd never had the chance to see Father Doyle again. Father had sent me away to keep me safe but naturally rumours spread like wildfire and people who I'd thought I could trust came forward offering information about me and my powers to the press and dark warlocks in exchange for money.
I'd been captured in Changchun it seemed the Japanese army had caught wind of my magic, these days I only felt truly safe around Yuri. Something told me that he'd keep me safe even Father seemed to trust him like my destiny was entwined with his.
Of course this Zhuzhen guy I hadn't heard of him but then again I'd been sheltered only travelling to certain places in Europe never Asia.
I felt at ease with Zhuzhen too like he was trustworthy as well I just hoped Yuri approved because he was where my loyalties lie after saving me twice.
"I was hired by the elders in the neighbouring village to come and investigate this place tonight." continued Zhuzhen.
It seemed fortunate that he had come this night but not overly suspicious I mean the past travellers must have put up some kind of fight and it wasn't difficult to nearby villagers that everyone who entered this village never returned.
I was hoping that we would be an exception though and Zhuzhen seemed confident in what he was doing.
"An adept for hire by the day? That's quite unique." I noted.
Master Zhuzhen seemed pleased it was apparent many didn't appreciate the work he did I just hoped he wasn't exaggerated because me and Yuri still had a cat demon on the loose and still no means of escape.
"This guy's weird all right. But he's invaluable to me, for all the great jobs he brings in." quipped the second man.
He turned to Yuri a strange expression on his face.
"But wait, handsome, don't you want to know who I am?" he asked Yuri.
He seemed nice enough but Yuri had a look of horror and revulsion on his face as if the male smelt bad.
I couldn't understand it why was Yuri acting like this he seemed a nice man!
The man moved towards Yuri who jumped back hiding behind me!
What was he playing at?
"Hey, hey, hey, lay off. That's how you scare customers away. Sorry about that, kid." said Zhuzhen apologetically.
He gave a stern look at the man as if scolding a naughty child.
"This fella here is a top-notch acupuncturist. Even brand new weapons feel like they've been yours for ten years after he's worked on them." explained Zhuzhen to us.
Acupuncturist? I'd never had that done although I'd always been curious, needles had never bothered me especially as I could heal wounds. The doctors had always liked me saying I was a good girl even if it did confuse them how I rarely got sick with anything.
I looked at my small bible the pages yellowing. I'd memorised the basic spells inside but it was getting difficult to read I could do with a replacement, somehow it didn't seem that the Wandering Meiyuan could replace that maybe strengthen it a little?
"The only problem is, you have to learn to put up with certain predilections he has." warned Zhuzhen.
Predilections? What on earth did he mean he hadn't tried to hurt Yuri I was getting rather confused.
"He's right. I can't fight, but you'll love the way I assist." promised the Meiyuan.
Yuri shook his head obviously not very impressed.
"Do you do any other acts besides an odd couple?" he asked impatiently.
The men didn't reply then Yuri said the words I really didn't want to hear.
"Let's hit it, Alice. We can find our own way out." said Yuri.
I followed him but bit my lip anxious, we hadn't escaped so far and these males or at least Zhuzhen seemed to have an idea about this place.
But without Yuri, I was useless and as good as dead, I knew that once we were out of the village he wouldn't think twice about those two men and I was already on the run from Bacon as well as the Japanese army, I was dependent on him.
Zhuzhen's face flamed slightly embarrassed at Yuri's harsh rejection and he called after us much to my relief.
"Now hold on a second, kid. You, too, honey." he called.
"I'm Yuri. And this is Alice. What is it now, pops?" he introduced us briefly and was rude when he asked the Zhuzhen a question.
I waited for Zhuzhen to take offence but he smiled instead his eyes filled with excitement.
"I admire your spirit, kid." he complimented.
"No matter how much you'll walk, you'll never get out of this village the way you're going." he stated bluntly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Yuri asked angrily, waving his fists around in frustration. If the situation wasn't so dire it would have been almost comical.
"That's because of this mysterious mark here, isn't it, Zhuzhen?" I asked curious.
Zhuzhen smiled pleased that I'd been listening even if Yuri hadn't.
"Aha. She's a smart one. Exactly. This seal's power separates the village from the outside world. The seal itself is just like a lid on a pot. But this one has a lock which needs to be opened" he explained.
I looked at the floor questioningly, it was obvious that the cat demon, the Yamaraja and the seal had something to do with the whole situation but piecing it together was difficult, especially as I had no knowledge of the sorcery used.
"How can we open the lock? What do we do to break the seal?" I asked Zhuzhen in wonder.
He smiled pleased that I understood what he was getting at.
"That's right. You get the idea. Now listen carefully, both of you." he ordered.
I felt like a child being told a story, this brought a whole new meaning to Cautionary tale. This story was going to save my life.
"Someone in this village must be the key to this seal. You must find and defeat that person." he said.
That made sense the key had to be the Yamaraja but we still had the problem of his guardian the cat demon and how to catch her.
"…Well as they say the journey is the destination, so I'm coming along to see how I can help you out." he continued.
A wave of happiness bubbled inside me.
Now there was three of us, we really had a chance!
Yuri seemed rather disgruntled but even he brightened a little I could tell that he wanted to fight but needed a little direction.
"What a pain…" muttered Yuri half serious.
Zhuzhen roared with laughter and moved ahead leaving us with the Meiyuan.
"I'm no good at fighting. I'll stay and dodge monsters till you get back.
If you want to get the most out of a new weapon, come and see me any time. I'll show you its true power." said the Meiyuan.
We nodded then moved ahead a new member in our party and I couldn't help but feel nervous as well as excited about what lay ahead especially with our new party member…
Author's note
A few points I need to make to my readers.
1st thank you to all reader's especially those who have taken time to review this is my first fan fic and it's nice to have reader's encouraging me to continue.
2nd A big thank you to my beta reader Merciless Angels Never Cry without her writing this would be impossible she's given me plenty of pointers and has true talent despite her being younger than me!
3rd I am planning on documenting all side quests therefore will be writing the good ending even though I plan on novelising Shadow hearts covenant, I'm a sucker for a happy ending to be honest!
4th I will mostly writing in Yuri's POV however I will be writing some chapters from other character's POV to give my interpretation of them, speaking of which a heads up next chapter is in Zhuzhen's POV.
Also the worst thing is when you're enjoying a story and the writer scraps it so although at times I may be slow I do intend on continuing this so please continue to rate and flame! It would be much appreciated and most of all ENJOY!