This is a beginning chapter where you start to learn more of the many
mysterious characters of this story. Of Gyenryu the mimicry warrior, witty
and wise Chiriko and Sai, whose past, present and future is unknown, the
chapters after this are where the pieces somehow fit together. There is
very little evidence that Soujiro had dreamt this all, but maybe there is
proof after all.
I'm also going to release the biggest part of the plot in the next two chapters. This is the link to it. Please send me your thoughts about what you thought before in the story and if you like/dislike any of them so far. The story will bend towards a darker side and will have some violence and gore that is under the PG-13 genre. If you have a very soft stomach (that makes you vomit if you just hear the word vomit), I advise you don't read chapters 16 and beyond. Things would be grim and darker than the old ones and I certainly won't hold back on deaths and revenge. Love would also be in the air for our dear Soujiro and you'll find out whom it is that he had his eyes set on.
I'm also going to address the fact that I'm almost drawn into making a Mary Sue or Mary Sue Deville. Don't worry, I won't. It's one of the things I don't like to do so if you spot anything that make any of the characters Mary Sue-like, feel free to tell me about it.
Do also know that school will be back here from where I am. I might post atleast just twice or once a month. I'm sorry about that. Schools tough and I've got a site to finish by deadline and the after-school activities would be lounging my mind. Terribly sorry about coming delays. ===== Jodraul claimed he can turn into a lion as well. Such magic was doubted and most likely a lie. Is there any reason for Soujiro to believe his comment?
THE WANDERER'S EYES
(Chapter 14: The Burke's Evidence and Grim Dulcet)
Without any moment's cease, Jodraul transfigured into a lion. His sandy hair became a golden yellow mane, which appeared to shine like the sun's light. His slash mark was still visible, but within the lion's visage it appeared as if it was a bullet shot.
"Zat on mi nose ees from ze 'unter vhen I vas een a foreest." He stated with a light purr. His voice was deeper, yet he maintained a clear and audible (more of, understandable) tone.
Soujiro, on whom we read the details, felt pleased that he guessed right, but pitied him on the gruesome scar he had to keep. Jodraul, at that moment, was a full-grown lion. His teeth could be seen, and blood crumbled in its tips. His lips licked the soft part near his mouth and he crouched as if he had seen a delicious feast.
Soujiro nervously trembled. He knew what Jodraul was after.
Jodraul circled Soujiro as if he saw an enemy. In a split-second, he jumped to Soujiro and tried gnashing his teeth into his shoulder. Soujiro was quick to dodge, but his mouth let out a scream of fear, which he attempted not to. He fell on his back and the lion stood on his feet
"Mr.Kreuss. What the-" a voice exclaimed. It was Taro. "What are you doing lying there on the ground Sou-kun?"
Soujiro panted with relief as he scanned around for the lycantrophe- like man (that means werewolf). He was pulled off the ground, "DIDN'T YOU SEE WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! A LION WAS ALMOST GOING TO EAT ME!"
Taro sniggered, "Yeah, and my kid sister married my dad. What are you thinking of? You screamed so loud and so-"
"THAT WAS BECAUSE I DID SEE SOMETHING!"
"Sou-kun, please calm down and lower your voice. It's a bit late. Why don't you just go to your room and eat the sashimi Boten made us. My sister makes great sashimi. I told her about you, but I never knew that you were like this."
Soujiro defended, "You would too if you were about to be eaten by a monster! Why don't you believe me?"
"I don't see anything or anyone but you. Mr.Kreuss was here a while ago. What happened to him?"
Soujiro, thinking he'd doubt that he'd be believed, said, "He-he went to bed."
"You should be too, my friend. Look, tomorrow we'll go to the tavern and I'll show you this great place under it. Konbanwa (Good night), my friend."
He left in a hurry as if another patient had needed him. Terrified, Soujiro ran to his room. He was becoming less brave as he used to be.
"Why is this happening to me?" he said to himself "Why am I becoming a bit more curious and more of a wuss!"
He reached his room and the scent of sashimi filled his room unlike that of the food he's had on his wanderings. The chess set, which intrigued him, was bare. Not a single piece was there except for the Black King. Soujiro thought it odd that the pieces disappeared and not a trace was there. Then, it occurred to him that he didn't care about the chess set at all. The wooden box that lay on his pillow and silver slate were nothing to him too. Even though he had never seen what was inside the slate, he never bothered with it. It's just stuff.
He slept soundly that night, but he kept hearing a voice, which uttered all through the night, "Shine! Yurusunai! Omae o korosu!" Of course he'd understand Japanese, but we rather can't because he was asleep and we can only read his thoughts.
He tossed and turned and wiggled in the covers. He often found himself facing the window that once led him to his near-death. He couldn't remember the dream he had. He convinced himself that he never dreamed at that time. It was just his imagination laying games on him.
The next day, he felt as if he had been mugged. His back felt pressure and his head ached so badly. He wondered if he was up to Taro's scheme in the tavern. He stood up and got the courage to walk in a very slouchy or timid manner.
"Ossu! Daijobu ka? (Hi! Are you alright?)" Taro greeted.
Soujiro's eyes still drooped and closed and his mouth didn't reply. Taro assumed he didn't feel very well, but was all enthusiastic, "Ora- (I- )"
"Doo Itashimashite. Soo ka. (I'm okay. Really.)" Soujiro responded fast. He felt like talking in his native language because he remembered the voice that kept whispering all through the night. He thought about it. Die. I'll never forgive you. I'm going to kill you. That was what the words meant, but he was too tired and too confused to think about them.
"Ne, nande? (Well, what?) What's the matter?"
"Just leave me alone. I don't feel like myself."
Taro obeyed. Soujiro didn't appear friendly that morning and neither would be better in the afternoon. He didn't feel like himself that day as if we were to wake up and see ourselves in another body.
Taro set up the table for Soujiro. He didn't want to upset his friend, although he did mention as they both sat down, "You'll still be going with me, right?"
Soujiro grumbled, "I guess so but that tavern was the place that I almost got killed."
"I- Well, I was thinking about bringing along a couple of father's old rapiers. That and a bottle of whiskey from grandad's wine cellar. He would often allow me, so why not? It beats buying from that place where they force you to have a jug more sake than you're supposed to."
"I just want to know why you're dragging me into this."
"I just" Taro enlightened "Wanted to show you this awesome thing. You'll love it no matter how stubborn you are or no matter."
Soujiro was still grumpy, but the thought of seeing something in the tavern without getting into trouble was splendid in his terms. He just wondered though what was that that Taro wanted to show him that he claimed he'd like. In his condition, why would he even care? He didn't care about the chess set, or his state. However, he did remember drinking something. He continued eating while he pondered on that.
After his meal, Taro took him to the front gate and handed him a rapier, which Soujiro felt awkward to hold. It wasn't like his Kikuichi Norimure. It had a firm handle and the blade was rusty. Taro took a small bottle with him and filled it with a liquid before they set out.
Taro yawned, "Rather early for me. Chiriko and Boten will be arriving soon."
In a few minutes, a carriage arrived at the gateway. Out came little Chiriko and a woman around the age of fifteen with dark earthly-colored hair. She was dressed in a war nurse's dress (A/N: If you'd like, I can send you a picture of it if you would manage to contact Me.) and had small rectangular eyeglasses that made her eyes seem large and bulgy. Chiriko grasped her hand and was jumping about the place.
"Boten," Taro glumly and uninterestedly spoke.
"Well, well, if it isn't my older brother. Long time, isn't it? I think it's been- I don't know- twelve years since I last saw you."
"I was twelve then. That didn't necessarily mean it was twelve years ago, just seven since mum and dad split."
Boten, the young arrogant woman, teased, "So, where's the old dead beat? I'm sure you've been fiddling with her a lot. Of course, matriarch always knew she was a ragamuffin. She knows not how to live the good life."
Taro resented, "If I would have known you were jealous of her before, I could have spent more time with you; but all you did when I stayed at home was make fun of the way these people live."
"You do know these savages eat raw fish? Why, that's complete treason in our religion, brother dearest."
"As if you ever cared about religion. Father is one of these you call "savages. You have to admit you're part savage too."
"No, no. I am nowhere in these lands. Look at you, all clad in Japanese clothing and eating and drinking their concoctions. These natives are no g-."
"You would be native too, since you are native to France."
"Bagshallows, you areblahblahblahblahblahblahblah."
The jeering went on and on, but Chiriko decided to go and enter. Soujiro looked back, trying not to listen to the rude comments of both sides of the conversation. He saw behind a tree a shadow. That shadow was unfamiliar to him, but he should know that the shadow was that of someone close to his heart.
I'm also going to release the biggest part of the plot in the next two chapters. This is the link to it. Please send me your thoughts about what you thought before in the story and if you like/dislike any of them so far. The story will bend towards a darker side and will have some violence and gore that is under the PG-13 genre. If you have a very soft stomach (that makes you vomit if you just hear the word vomit), I advise you don't read chapters 16 and beyond. Things would be grim and darker than the old ones and I certainly won't hold back on deaths and revenge. Love would also be in the air for our dear Soujiro and you'll find out whom it is that he had his eyes set on.
I'm also going to address the fact that I'm almost drawn into making a Mary Sue or Mary Sue Deville. Don't worry, I won't. It's one of the things I don't like to do so if you spot anything that make any of the characters Mary Sue-like, feel free to tell me about it.
Do also know that school will be back here from where I am. I might post atleast just twice or once a month. I'm sorry about that. Schools tough and I've got a site to finish by deadline and the after-school activities would be lounging my mind. Terribly sorry about coming delays. ===== Jodraul claimed he can turn into a lion as well. Such magic was doubted and most likely a lie. Is there any reason for Soujiro to believe his comment?
THE WANDERER'S EYES
(Chapter 14: The Burke's Evidence and Grim Dulcet)
Without any moment's cease, Jodraul transfigured into a lion. His sandy hair became a golden yellow mane, which appeared to shine like the sun's light. His slash mark was still visible, but within the lion's visage it appeared as if it was a bullet shot.
"Zat on mi nose ees from ze 'unter vhen I vas een a foreest." He stated with a light purr. His voice was deeper, yet he maintained a clear and audible (more of, understandable) tone.
Soujiro, on whom we read the details, felt pleased that he guessed right, but pitied him on the gruesome scar he had to keep. Jodraul, at that moment, was a full-grown lion. His teeth could be seen, and blood crumbled in its tips. His lips licked the soft part near his mouth and he crouched as if he had seen a delicious feast.
Soujiro nervously trembled. He knew what Jodraul was after.
Jodraul circled Soujiro as if he saw an enemy. In a split-second, he jumped to Soujiro and tried gnashing his teeth into his shoulder. Soujiro was quick to dodge, but his mouth let out a scream of fear, which he attempted not to. He fell on his back and the lion stood on his feet
"Mr.Kreuss. What the-" a voice exclaimed. It was Taro. "What are you doing lying there on the ground Sou-kun?"
Soujiro panted with relief as he scanned around for the lycantrophe- like man (that means werewolf). He was pulled off the ground, "DIDN'T YOU SEE WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! A LION WAS ALMOST GOING TO EAT ME!"
Taro sniggered, "Yeah, and my kid sister married my dad. What are you thinking of? You screamed so loud and so-"
"THAT WAS BECAUSE I DID SEE SOMETHING!"
"Sou-kun, please calm down and lower your voice. It's a bit late. Why don't you just go to your room and eat the sashimi Boten made us. My sister makes great sashimi. I told her about you, but I never knew that you were like this."
Soujiro defended, "You would too if you were about to be eaten by a monster! Why don't you believe me?"
"I don't see anything or anyone but you. Mr.Kreuss was here a while ago. What happened to him?"
Soujiro, thinking he'd doubt that he'd be believed, said, "He-he went to bed."
"You should be too, my friend. Look, tomorrow we'll go to the tavern and I'll show you this great place under it. Konbanwa (Good night), my friend."
He left in a hurry as if another patient had needed him. Terrified, Soujiro ran to his room. He was becoming less brave as he used to be.
"Why is this happening to me?" he said to himself "Why am I becoming a bit more curious and more of a wuss!"
He reached his room and the scent of sashimi filled his room unlike that of the food he's had on his wanderings. The chess set, which intrigued him, was bare. Not a single piece was there except for the Black King. Soujiro thought it odd that the pieces disappeared and not a trace was there. Then, it occurred to him that he didn't care about the chess set at all. The wooden box that lay on his pillow and silver slate were nothing to him too. Even though he had never seen what was inside the slate, he never bothered with it. It's just stuff.
He slept soundly that night, but he kept hearing a voice, which uttered all through the night, "Shine! Yurusunai! Omae o korosu!" Of course he'd understand Japanese, but we rather can't because he was asleep and we can only read his thoughts.
He tossed and turned and wiggled in the covers. He often found himself facing the window that once led him to his near-death. He couldn't remember the dream he had. He convinced himself that he never dreamed at that time. It was just his imagination laying games on him.
The next day, he felt as if he had been mugged. His back felt pressure and his head ached so badly. He wondered if he was up to Taro's scheme in the tavern. He stood up and got the courage to walk in a very slouchy or timid manner.
"Ossu! Daijobu ka? (Hi! Are you alright?)" Taro greeted.
Soujiro's eyes still drooped and closed and his mouth didn't reply. Taro assumed he didn't feel very well, but was all enthusiastic, "Ora- (I- )"
"Doo Itashimashite. Soo ka. (I'm okay. Really.)" Soujiro responded fast. He felt like talking in his native language because he remembered the voice that kept whispering all through the night. He thought about it. Die. I'll never forgive you. I'm going to kill you. That was what the words meant, but he was too tired and too confused to think about them.
"Ne, nande? (Well, what?) What's the matter?"
"Just leave me alone. I don't feel like myself."
Taro obeyed. Soujiro didn't appear friendly that morning and neither would be better in the afternoon. He didn't feel like himself that day as if we were to wake up and see ourselves in another body.
Taro set up the table for Soujiro. He didn't want to upset his friend, although he did mention as they both sat down, "You'll still be going with me, right?"
Soujiro grumbled, "I guess so but that tavern was the place that I almost got killed."
"I- Well, I was thinking about bringing along a couple of father's old rapiers. That and a bottle of whiskey from grandad's wine cellar. He would often allow me, so why not? It beats buying from that place where they force you to have a jug more sake than you're supposed to."
"I just want to know why you're dragging me into this."
"I just" Taro enlightened "Wanted to show you this awesome thing. You'll love it no matter how stubborn you are or no matter."
Soujiro was still grumpy, but the thought of seeing something in the tavern without getting into trouble was splendid in his terms. He just wondered though what was that that Taro wanted to show him that he claimed he'd like. In his condition, why would he even care? He didn't care about the chess set, or his state. However, he did remember drinking something. He continued eating while he pondered on that.
After his meal, Taro took him to the front gate and handed him a rapier, which Soujiro felt awkward to hold. It wasn't like his Kikuichi Norimure. It had a firm handle and the blade was rusty. Taro took a small bottle with him and filled it with a liquid before they set out.
Taro yawned, "Rather early for me. Chiriko and Boten will be arriving soon."
In a few minutes, a carriage arrived at the gateway. Out came little Chiriko and a woman around the age of fifteen with dark earthly-colored hair. She was dressed in a war nurse's dress (A/N: If you'd like, I can send you a picture of it if you would manage to contact Me.) and had small rectangular eyeglasses that made her eyes seem large and bulgy. Chiriko grasped her hand and was jumping about the place.
"Boten," Taro glumly and uninterestedly spoke.
"Well, well, if it isn't my older brother. Long time, isn't it? I think it's been- I don't know- twelve years since I last saw you."
"I was twelve then. That didn't necessarily mean it was twelve years ago, just seven since mum and dad split."
Boten, the young arrogant woman, teased, "So, where's the old dead beat? I'm sure you've been fiddling with her a lot. Of course, matriarch always knew she was a ragamuffin. She knows not how to live the good life."
Taro resented, "If I would have known you were jealous of her before, I could have spent more time with you; but all you did when I stayed at home was make fun of the way these people live."
"You do know these savages eat raw fish? Why, that's complete treason in our religion, brother dearest."
"As if you ever cared about religion. Father is one of these you call "savages. You have to admit you're part savage too."
"No, no. I am nowhere in these lands. Look at you, all clad in Japanese clothing and eating and drinking their concoctions. These natives are no g-."
"You would be native too, since you are native to France."
"Bagshallows, you areblahblahblahblahblahblahblah."
The jeering went on and on, but Chiriko decided to go and enter. Soujiro looked back, trying not to listen to the rude comments of both sides of the conversation. He saw behind a tree a shadow. That shadow was unfamiliar to him, but he should know that the shadow was that of someone close to his heart.