Chapter 9

A graceful, serpentine shadow slithered about in the darkness, undetected by the warm bodies of light it was following. In his beastly state, the Moon King observed Kubo and Akira before him, so far traveling unhindered- partially thanks to him. His divine presence warned away potential threats, which suited him and his newfound master fine- the less interference, the better. He lurked, always there, always watching... Such fine, fresh young ones! What a pity one of them had to die. Though he was particularly drawn to the power coursing through Kubo, the other one captivated his interest as well. She was no weakling, but hers felt calmer, like a blue sky above a placid sea. Ultimately not what he required. By comparison, Kubo's was a raging storm of suppressed potential, untapped and restless from lack of exposure. He licked his lips eagerly- he would put it to good use soon enough. Yet despite his feelers quivering with anticipation, his body trembled for a very different reason: an icy, deathly breath caressing his neck. Finish them, the voice urged. What could the Moon King but to obey? Particularly when he felt so partial to comply...

Unaware of the impending doom, Akira and Kubo wandered through the forest. By now, Kubo had explained his mission to uncover the source of the vortex, which was the first bit of news that rocked his companion to her core. "A portal? Really? If that is what you are facing, Kubo, it's no wonder Mo- uh -my mistress sent help! I've never even heard of one opening except in legends."

"My mother sounded worried about it, too. She said it probably affected Grandfather."

"It could have, but fortunately it might work in our favor. I assume you've felt the change as well?"

"I'm restless, but otherwise I'm normal. In case you didn't noticed, I haven't morphed into a psychotic being with revenge issues."

"What happened to your grandfather, Kubo... I'm sorry, but you mustn't blame yourself. And you must face facts: it might have happened eventually anyway, vortex or no."

"Mother said that, too." Shifting his shamisen onto his left shoulder, he sighed. "But I can't believe that. Grandfather had changed, I know he did! I just wish someone would give him another chance."

"Your first one was generous as it was- leave it at that, and don't hesitate to do what's necessary."

Staring at him as if he were an odd fish, Akira asked, "You do know you're defending the god who murdered your parents, right? The one who wants to murder you?"

Kubo bit his lip. He realized how crazy it sounded, but he couldn't shake off the feeling something was amiss. "If he truly wanted to kill me, why didn't he when we were back in the hut?"

"I don't know- does he need a reason? He's the Moon King, Kubo! Even I have heard legends of his wickedness and cruelty. It's no surprise he killed his own daughter, so why would it shock you how he betrayed you again? Or perhaps you forgot how you battled to the death before?"

Kubo ground his teeth in silence. Much as he wished to deny it, she was right- the entity pursuing them was not the man he remembered.

A burst from the bushes stunned them into inaction. And that inaction was all the Moon King required to strike.

Kubo barely lifted his shamisen up in time to block the blow of teeth against skin as the monster pounced; instinctively shoving Akira behind himself, he strummed, inflicting a mild hurricane upon their surroundings. The environment bowed to its superiors as they squared off, one wicked and cunning, the other naive and hesitant.

"Greetings, Grandson!" The Moon Beast reared up to three times his height. "What is wrong? Are you not pleased to see your dear old grandpa?"

"Not like this."

The King narrowed his eyes to slits. "Is that any way to greet your elder? Perhaps I should teach you some manners! Then again, you won't live long enough to appreciate the lesson." His fangs curled up into a vicious leer.

Kubo knocked Akira down and dodged aside as the tail struck the ground behind him. He and Akira had split up the second the Moon King had attacked, and he was grateful to see his foe paid her no mind. He had a second to be grateful before the battle began in earnest.

Both began on equal footing, though eventually it grew plain Kubo's youthful agility would not aid him forever. He was half mortal; the Moon King was immortal, and as such did not tire easily. All he had to do was match each of Kubo's strikes with one of his own- mere child's play!

Kubo's muscles screamed in protest as he jumped once more to avoid the slap of a finned tail. The Moon King was toying with him! How much longer could he continue? His magic was the only thing keeping him upright- his physical stamina was almost spent. His mind reached out for anything he could manipulate, any object at all- leaves and twigs were all he had the energy to muster. They would have to do. Molding them into sharp darts, he flung them outwards with a single note. All was lost when the Moon King deflected them with a mere whip of his tail. Exhausted even more by his recent attack, Kubo slumped forward, unconsciously using his instrument as a crutch. He was undone. With a chortle, the Moon King advanced towards Kubo, smacking his lips at the taste of moon power.

Snap! Instead of a body, his teeth crunched against Akira's wooden staff, which remarkably did not break. The female warrior stood between him and his victim, glaring at him as he bore down. Clamping down harder, his reward was splinters as the weapon refused to give way. Growling, he threw the staff- and Akira with it- aside and slithered forward, only to be whacked on the head from behind.

"Leave him alone!" Akira snarled.

The Moon King whirled around reluctantly. "So you wish to be a second thorn? I'd advise against it- as of now I hold no quarrel with you."

"How sweet of you."

He bared his teeth. "Very well. You've been warned." He charged with the speed of a thousand elephants, only to reel back with a shriek as an unearthly glow flared up. Even Kubo, caught off guard, shielded his eyes as he searched for the source of the light saving him.

Akira, stunningly, calmly poised, was enveloped by the purest, whitest light he had ever seen. She looked- no other way to put it- heavenly. In spite of the spear in her hand, she radiated peace as she advanced towards the Moon King. As if scalded, the beast roared and retreated, curling over himself end over end as he retreated into the shadows. "This is not over, boy!" He shouted before slinking off into the depths from whence he came.

"I think it's safe to assume," she said as she dusted off her kimono, "that the Moon King holds no benevolent feelings towards you." Then she collapsed to the ground.