Chapter 7
The following morning I awoke after undergoing a troublesome sleep, filled with nightmares and visions of the kind of terror that Raiford Raleigh, and his demon comrade could accomplish. If it had not been for the occasional mentioning of the name Jigoku the previous night, I would not have known who was helping this human rise to power. But upon finding this knowledge, I knew that Uisuki's demon king had murderous plans for our Doggon world, and would sink to unimaginable levels of deception and cruelty to see his goal achieved.
As I stared at the ceiling of my confinement, I knew something had to be done to stop this. If our plan of escape worked, I , being a trained soldier of the Doggon army, could tell the King of Jigoku's plans, and we could send military troops to stop them before their plan was carried out. Surely, that should work. , I thought.
Around this time, I heard the sudden clanging of a Crawgon club run against the cell bars, and a guard yelling that it was time for our breakfast.
I sat up and noted Aijin's contempt for the guard, as he slid two treys of food into our cell, and moved on to the next prisoner, repeating the same routine.
Though I was famished, I took my trey reluctantly. The 'food' here didn't taste much better than mud (assuming that's not what it was), and the water given to us was nearly gray.
As I began to eat, I panicked suddenly. The block from our cell to Chikorai's was left on the ground! Why, if one of the guards were to find this, he'd have our heads for sure.
I switched glances between Aijin and the block; catching on quickly, she rushed to me.
Just as Aijin was about to speak to me, we heard the guard's whistle coming closer. The dirty-faced Crawgon walked by our cells carelessly, and continued to munch upon an apple like fruit he'd been carrying. We breathed a sigh of relief.
Chikorai ended the silence abruptly, and stuck his head through the hole. "Ahh! Yuck! What is this stuff?! They call this food?", he yelled angrily.
"Actually," said I, " as the days pass, I am led to believe it's a mixture of mud and some kind of stale bread. I think its considered part of our punishment to eat such things."
Chikorai glared at the droopy glob he held in his hand detestably.
"Well, hey! How do you think I feel? I'm a goddess, and I have to eat that junk too.", Aijin added agitatedly. "However, I suppose if you wanted to find a diet to help you loose weight.", she glanced at her trey of food, "this'd certainly be the way to do it.", she said, trying to lighten up the mood.
Chikorai smiled hopefully, "Heh, well, I guess that's one way to look at it."
Aijin sat down happily, and rubbed her hands together. "Well, at least after tonight this'll be the last time we have to eat mud, or mud bread, or mead, or brud.er..whatever it is!"
Aijin and Chikorai laughed and continued to carry on a conversation about what all they would eat after we left this place. I, however, couldn't keep from squirming every time Aijin mentioned something about the plan (and so enthusiastically). First off, I knew she had altered things, and secondly I was anxious of the thought of being recaptured.
I poked my head through the cell bars, and looked down the left corridor at a large wood door at the end of the hall. It had been discussed, that, after Aijin (supposedly) made the guard fall for her, and give us the keys, we were to go down the hall and escape through the dungeon's backdoor. This , of course, was the easy part. The hard part would be making past the swamp that surrounded the castle. I'd heard many stories and rumors about the hideous monsters that inhabited the place; including everything from giant lizard like cats (also known as Katdragons), to the dreaded cobra Abbadon, who, like all the other monsters in the swamp, was humongous. Its been said that the reason for these animals enormity, was caused by the run offs of various chemicals used by the scientists in the earlier days of the Crawgon empire.
Because escapees must travel through the swamp, they are rarely pursued by the Crawgon army, which is, in a sense, a lucky thing for us. Another thing that we should count as lucky, would be Aijin and I's battle skills. My Doggon training, along with Aijin's.um, talent for magic, would help us to weather the swamp quite easily. (Or, well, we assumed it would.)
I brought my head back into the cell, and tried to see what sunlight I could through the cracks in the walls. Only a few more hours now, I thought, And we shall be free.
********************************************
Down a dimly lit corridor in the castle, Jigoku and Raiford stood near the king's unguarded door.
Raiford placed his ear against the wood door and listened closely. He whispered to Jigoku. "Well, he's humming.that moron doesn't suspect a thing."
Jigoku smiled deceptively. I could say the same for you., he thought.
The ebony-haired man, went out of the way of the door, and stood in front of Jigoku. "Now.since he seems so unexpectant, how am I to kill this Crawgon? Even though he is off guard , (and stupid as a ham sandwhich), he can still prove quite dangerous."
Jigoku rubbed his scaly paws together evilly, "Ah.I'm so glad you asked. You, see, this is where the 'power' I'll grant you comes in.", he paused, then smiled maliciously, "Do you find yourself ready to receive it?"
Raiford returned with a grin, "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Very well. Now, come closer to me.", he said in a near hiss. Raiford did as was asked of him, then Jigoku placed both paws on the sides of his head, and pressed their foreheads together lightly. Jigoku looked Raiford in the eyes menacingly, as the red, diamond shaped stone on his forehead began to glow with a crimson light, that slowly started to engulf the two of them.
Jigoku began to laugh quietly.
"What's so funny?", Raiford asked precariously.
"Your are but a fool.", Jigoku answered.
He grew more anxious. "Why do you say that?", he paused, as he felt his skin begin to have an unbearable burning sensation. "Ahhh!!! What are you doing to me?!", Raiford cried in agony, trying desperately to pry the demon's paws from his head. "Somebody help!!!"
Jigoku laughed all the more. "See! You truly are a fool! This glowing light acts a sound shield! No one can hear you! And besides, did you actually think I would share an inch of my power with the likes of a human? Ha! Now, normally I could never harm a human.but you're a special case. You agreed to it!", he watched him squirm in pain. "Oh, yes, and that feeling.of being caught in a flame.that is a special trick I like to call, Tamashii Nozoku, or.Soul Elimination."
Raiford, now realizing the fatality of his mistake, cried, partially from pain, and partially from the sheer reality of, perhaps, dooming Uisuki. all for nothing but greed. Tears streamed down the dieing man's face; he felt as if he was loosing a year of his life with each passing second. "What are you doing to me?", he managed to gasp faintly.
The demon grinned, "You mean, other than sending you to your rightful home?"
Raiford sobbed, and found enough strength to nod.
"Well, for starters. after you leave this pathetic body of yours.I will, how can I put this nicely? Ah, yes, be borrowing it." Jigoku could sense his victim's confusion to his response. "By borrowing your body," he continued, "I can take on the likeness of a mortal.and as a mortal, I can kill as a mortal, live as a mortal, and most importantly.retrieve my sword.as a mortal." "Then.all things shall belong to me!"
Chikorai.I'm so sorry. Raiford's eyes widened as he gasped for his last breath of air.
The red glow surrounding them disappeared instantly, along with the image of Jigoku's real form.
Raiford's body laid limp on the floor.
After a short, deadly silence, the door to the king's chamber squeaked open, and Ganko proceeded out of it. His dark, scruffy face glared at the body laying near his doorway. "What is this?"
Raiford's eyes opened suddenly; the gleam of evil surrounding them, as a smile crept upon Jigoku's newly inhabited body.
*************************************
Stone and Dixie Collins sat in the well furnished living room of their home.
Her father hung his head low, as she began to cry.
"No! I just won't believe it! Benji has to be lying! Chikorai would never hurt anyone, let alone kill them! He just has to be wrong!", she wept, clinging to her father sadly.
Mr. Collins patted his daughter's back empathetically. "I know sweetheart, I know.but that is Benji's account of it.he even has the bruises to prove it. And there are no other eyewitnesses.so there's no way to tell if he is lying of not."
Dixie looked her father in the eyes tearfully. "That may be true.but I will never believe it. Chikorai had absolutely no motive to kill, or injure his friends, and even if he did have a motive, he'd never act upon it that rashly. Father, there just has to be more to this.either Benji is lying, or someone has brainwashed him into thinking these things."
Stone knew what she said was true, but somehow, he couldn't bring himself to look past the present evidence that Chikorai had been the killer. He was about to answer her, when suddenly there came a knock at the door.
Mr. Collins waltzed over sadly and opened the door with a sorrowful countenance. Then, looking up, recognized the visitor.
"Oh! Well, hello young fellow! What a pleasant surprise, won't you please come in?"
Dixie looked up, as she tried to dry her tears quickly. Upon seeing who had entered, her expression turned sour. Raiford Raleigh! Good heavens, anyone but him! , she thought disgustedly.
Jigoku, disguised as Raiford, dressed in black suit, switched glances between Stone and Dixie, grinning momentarily. Then, looking to Mr. Collins coughed lightly, and took on a more serious expression.
"Mr. Collins.I take it you haven't heard the news yet?"
Mr. Collin's eyes widened, "News? What news? Is it important?"
"Well, sir, that depends on whether or not you consider the death of the Crawgon King important."
Dixie and her father gasped aloud. "How did he die?", they said, almost in unison.
Jigoku looked to the side, trying to hide his obvious joy over the subject. "Well, let's just say he died rather unexpectedly.the details are far too gruesome for me to say.I can assure you."
Stone looked to him attentively. "Was it assassination?"
"Perhaps.but the Crawgons aren't as worried about who killed him, but are worried about, who will take his place."
Mr. Collins snarled, "Yes, sounds just like a Crawgon. Those incompetent barbarians have no feelings."
Jigoku nodded in agreement, then walked and stood next to Dixie. He watched her closely. Indeed, she did have great beauty. (even though she was scowling at him.) Though Raiford had been a fool for trusting him, he had to admit that the woman in question was certainly one worth fighting over.
Jigoku looked to Mr. Collins happily. "Sir, would it be too much, if I were to ask Miss Dixie to take a short stroll with me around the neighborhood?"
Dixie's eyes widened furiously. It hadn't even been a week since Chikorai had disappeared, and that mongrel was already nipping at her heels!
Mr. Collins returned Raiford's gesture gleefully, "Of course you may. Perhaps it would help to take Dixie's mind off things."
Dixie stood abruptly, "Father, I resent going anywhere with-"
The man she thought to be Raiford interrupted her, and took her hand gently. "Please, its about Chikorai.", he whispered with fake sincerity.
She eyed him suspiciously, "What about him?"
He glanced downward, "I have some information on his whereabouts.You and I both know how much I'd normally be jumping for joy that Chikorai had become a felon and ran away.but I know your heart belongs to him, not I. Miss Dixie.please, I know you think of me as a rude, jealous dog, but if you wish to know what really happened in Chikorai's case, you'll come and talk with me."
His words astonished her greatly. Was she really talking to the same man? She had her doubts, as to whether or not he was being honest, but if he was telling the truth and knew something important about Chikorai's case, she was willing to listen.
Dixie answered faintly, "Ok.fine, I'll walk with you."
Jigoku smiled. "I knew you'd say yes."
Mr. Collins gladly showed the two the door, and shut it behind them. He smiled to himself, "What a kind, kind, boy." He said, covering up the words he meant to say, 'rich, rich.'.
As the two made their way down the driveway, Dixie asked him sternly. "So, what is this information you have for me?"
Jigoku looked towards the branches of the pink flowtrees along side the path. "Well, for starters.I know that he is currently being confined at the Crawgon prison."
Dixie grabbed his arm from back of him, and stopped him. "How do you know that's true?"
He looked her in the eyes firmly. "I did not wish to say it in there.but.", he looked from side to side. "its said that he is the one that killed King Ganko as well."
Dixie rolled her eyes. "Oh, please! Raiford, honestly! Stop pulling my arm."
Jigoku looked to the arm she had grasped in her hands. "I could say the same to you.", he smiled jokingly.
She slung his arm from her hands, with a furrowed brow. "I thought you brought me out here to tell me something useful, not just make up a lie."
"Oh, but my dear Dixie Collins, it is not a lie.", he softly put his arm around her. "I can show you myself. He even admits to doing it."
"You're lying! How could you even get into the Crawgon prison and know about all this?"
"Sometimes having money can turn the tables on things. that is how I entered the prison. I at first did not believe it myself."
She looked at him skeptically. "Why were you there.in Crawgon territory?"
Jigoku looked to the ground shamefully. "Well, I am embarrassed to say.but I had a business deal with a Crawgon over their black market. Even you know I am secretly notorious for such things." "You must believe that I am telling the truth. Won't you please come with me?"
Dixie stared at him coldly. He seemed sincere.but there was just something about his eyes that told her otherwise. "So, you expect me to just let you, someone who.quite frankly I despise, sweep me off to the most dangerous place in Uisuki, trusting that you're not in any way lying to me, when I don't even have any proof that this is true?"
Jigoku took his arm from around her, and looked to her sorrowfully. "I must admit, your words do hurt me.however, I'll give you one chance, you can either believe me and let me escort you to the Crawgon prison, where you can see it with your own eyes.or you can stay here in misery, never knowing what became of your beloved Chikorai."
Dixie looked to ground, as if the answer were written upon it. She stayed silenced for a few moments, then looked to the imposter. ".When is the soonest we can we leave?"
****************************************
The time was nearing for us to put our plan into action.
I sat on my prison bed with my chin against my knee, pondering last night's events, and waiting for our supper to arrive.
Our doleful crowd soon perked up at the sudden sound of an iron club banging against the cell bars.
Aijin switched glances between Chikorai and I, then assumed her position near the cell door.
The dark-furred prison guard stopped at Chikorai's cell, and handed him his trey of food, and then proceeded to our cell. This was the moment of truth.
"Ok, ya good-fa-nothing prisoner's, here's ya some slop.", he cackled with an English accent, and slid our treys under the cell door.
Aijin looked up at the guard with sparkly, hopeful eyes. "Oh, thank you so much Mr. Guard! Without a big strong Crawgon like you, we'd never be fed!"
He eyed her suspiciously with his narrow yellow eyes. "Eh. whatever miss. Its just my job."
As he began to walk off, Aijin quickly clung to the cell bars pleadingly. "Oh, but Mr. Guard that's what's so.", she searched frantically for the right word. "so sexy about it!"
Me and Chikorai fell over like blocks of steel.
The guard swerved about to face Aijin. "What?!"
Aijin pulled out a handkerchief and pretended to sob. (I might add, she's very good at that.) "Yes, Mr. Crawgon sir, everyday I await your arrival, and fantasize about our next meeting. I can hardly contain my attraction to you.please forgive me. I am but a lowly prisoner."
The guard was touched by her bold words, and rushed to our cell. "Oh, Miss! No need to cry! I'm quite flattered by your words. But.true, you are a prisoner. I'm afraid I can't have much of a relationship with you."
The heart necklace around Aijin's neck began to glow, as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Yeah, I guess you can't much of a relationship with me, however. if you let us free you can have a great relationship with her!" She pointed at Chikorai.
"What?!" Chikorai stumbled backwards in his cell.
The guard was confused until he had laid his eyes on Chikorai, then his composure switched to that of a love struck puppy. (ew.) He sighed. "Oh. she's so.beautiful."
I snagged the snickering kitsune brusquely. "Aijin! What did you just do?"
She gave a devious smile. "Oh, nothing, I just altered our lil escape plan.slightly."
"Grr! I just knew you'd pull something like this."
"Well.duh."
I rolled my eyes angrily. That stupid kitsune! I should have known she wouldn't have made the guard fall in love with herself. Poor Chikorai. Well, I hope this works.
The guard placed his paws around the bars of Chikorai's cell. "Why, hello love. My you're looking lovely today. Did you get a haircut?"
Feeling shocked, and slightly violated, Chikorai backed up as far he could in his tiny cell. "I beg your pardon sir, but I'm not a woman." He said shakily.
The guard, blinded by love and whatever spell Aijin had cast upon him, retorted, "Haha, m'aam, you've got quite a sense of humor. A rather odd way to first address a gentlemen, but that's ok, being unique is very attractive."
I could see the fear in my fellow captive's eyes, and the sheer enjoyment in Aijin's. Apparently there was no reversing this spell without severely coaxing Aijin, which at this point there was nothing to coax her with, so I decided to urge Chikorai to play along.
"Hey! Chikorai!", I said in a loud whisper. He turned to me. "Play along! Jus try and get the keys." I glared at my joyful nemesis, "We can take care of Aijin later."
The kitsune appeared frightened as a cornered animal.
Chikorai nodded to me and pursued my request. "Um, Mr. guard.since you're so..um handsome.." he struggled to find the right words, seeing as how he had never flirted with a man, or Crawgon for that matter. "And kind!" he added. "Would you please release a helpless girl, such as myself, and my friends from our cells? This room is dreadfully dirty!"
I signaled a thumbs up to my friend. Good job.
The guard smiled sweetly. "Alrighty then Miss, if'd make you happy, I'll release you and your friends."
We all smiled knowingly.
"But!", he paused. "M'lady must gimme a kiss first.", he winked.
"WHAT?!", Chikorai and I yelled aloud, as Aijin barreled over laughing. The moment was just too perfect for that little demon.
The guard nodded and smiled. "Well.those are my conditions. Take um or leave um, Miss."
Me and my friend switched glances.
"Well, what should I do?!", said Chikorai in a whisper. "I don't want to kiss that thing!"
My stomach churned as I replied. "I know.but it looks like we have no alternative." "Aijin placed the spell directly between you and him, and the spell can only wear off after she has say so."
Chikorai clinched his fist angrily. He didn't know the kitsune very well, but by judging her recent actions, he knew she wasn't about to just reverse the spell. Grr! I should have known that girl would pull something.and to think I actually thought she was nice. But I shouldn't worry I suppose.Iyogi did say he'd help me get back at her. And what matters most right now is just getting out of here.*sigh* I guess I better get this over with. *gulp*
"I'm waiting for a reply m'aam. What's it gonna be?", called the guard.
Chikorai reluctantly scooted towards the front of the cell. "I-I'll take your conditions. But, um, only a kiss on the cheek ok?!"
The guard grinned jubilantly and blushed, "Yes m'aam!" "Now, where did I put those keys?"
The guard glanced about his belt and found the keys to both cells, and carefully opened the door to each one. We all smiled happily, except Chikorai, who of course was left with a most unpleasant task.
Chikorai looked up to the tall, mangy, grinning guard, and squirmed. He tried to quickly and abruptly give him a peck on the cheek, when he suddenly felt his head in the paws of the Crawgon, and received a rather drooly, rather nauseating, and a rather too close for comfort kiss on the lips. Chikorai's arms flailed, and his eyes were wide with horror as he struggled to escape. The guard released his grip on him rather quickly, and stood back looking at his victim- er love with an embarrassed expression.
Where as, the three of us looked on in quiet shock and sickness, particularly Chikorai.
The poor soul trembled in fear. "Um.bye!", he squeaked, as he made a dash for the door at the end of the hall. Aijin and I switched glances between us and the Crawgon, and quickly followed suit.
Being the last one to exit, I slammed the heavy wood door shut, and locked it. I breathed a sigh of relief. We did it. We finally escaped. But now- I thought, we must face the challenge of the swamp.
I looked forward, only to find Aijin gently patting Chikorai's back as he hurled in some of the dead shrubbery.
I sighed angrily at Aijin, as I went to help Chikorai. This.is going to be a verrry interesting trip.
Mean while, back in the dungeon, the guard stood in infatuation. "I wonder if she'll ever come back.such a pretty girl." He remarked, then returned to doing his job.
.
The following morning I awoke after undergoing a troublesome sleep, filled with nightmares and visions of the kind of terror that Raiford Raleigh, and his demon comrade could accomplish. If it had not been for the occasional mentioning of the name Jigoku the previous night, I would not have known who was helping this human rise to power. But upon finding this knowledge, I knew that Uisuki's demon king had murderous plans for our Doggon world, and would sink to unimaginable levels of deception and cruelty to see his goal achieved.
As I stared at the ceiling of my confinement, I knew something had to be done to stop this. If our plan of escape worked, I , being a trained soldier of the Doggon army, could tell the King of Jigoku's plans, and we could send military troops to stop them before their plan was carried out. Surely, that should work. , I thought.
Around this time, I heard the sudden clanging of a Crawgon club run against the cell bars, and a guard yelling that it was time for our breakfast.
I sat up and noted Aijin's contempt for the guard, as he slid two treys of food into our cell, and moved on to the next prisoner, repeating the same routine.
Though I was famished, I took my trey reluctantly. The 'food' here didn't taste much better than mud (assuming that's not what it was), and the water given to us was nearly gray.
As I began to eat, I panicked suddenly. The block from our cell to Chikorai's was left on the ground! Why, if one of the guards were to find this, he'd have our heads for sure.
I switched glances between Aijin and the block; catching on quickly, she rushed to me.
Just as Aijin was about to speak to me, we heard the guard's whistle coming closer. The dirty-faced Crawgon walked by our cells carelessly, and continued to munch upon an apple like fruit he'd been carrying. We breathed a sigh of relief.
Chikorai ended the silence abruptly, and stuck his head through the hole. "Ahh! Yuck! What is this stuff?! They call this food?", he yelled angrily.
"Actually," said I, " as the days pass, I am led to believe it's a mixture of mud and some kind of stale bread. I think its considered part of our punishment to eat such things."
Chikorai glared at the droopy glob he held in his hand detestably.
"Well, hey! How do you think I feel? I'm a goddess, and I have to eat that junk too.", Aijin added agitatedly. "However, I suppose if you wanted to find a diet to help you loose weight.", she glanced at her trey of food, "this'd certainly be the way to do it.", she said, trying to lighten up the mood.
Chikorai smiled hopefully, "Heh, well, I guess that's one way to look at it."
Aijin sat down happily, and rubbed her hands together. "Well, at least after tonight this'll be the last time we have to eat mud, or mud bread, or mead, or brud.er..whatever it is!"
Aijin and Chikorai laughed and continued to carry on a conversation about what all they would eat after we left this place. I, however, couldn't keep from squirming every time Aijin mentioned something about the plan (and so enthusiastically). First off, I knew she had altered things, and secondly I was anxious of the thought of being recaptured.
I poked my head through the cell bars, and looked down the left corridor at a large wood door at the end of the hall. It had been discussed, that, after Aijin (supposedly) made the guard fall for her, and give us the keys, we were to go down the hall and escape through the dungeon's backdoor. This , of course, was the easy part. The hard part would be making past the swamp that surrounded the castle. I'd heard many stories and rumors about the hideous monsters that inhabited the place; including everything from giant lizard like cats (also known as Katdragons), to the dreaded cobra Abbadon, who, like all the other monsters in the swamp, was humongous. Its been said that the reason for these animals enormity, was caused by the run offs of various chemicals used by the scientists in the earlier days of the Crawgon empire.
Because escapees must travel through the swamp, they are rarely pursued by the Crawgon army, which is, in a sense, a lucky thing for us. Another thing that we should count as lucky, would be Aijin and I's battle skills. My Doggon training, along with Aijin's.um, talent for magic, would help us to weather the swamp quite easily. (Or, well, we assumed it would.)
I brought my head back into the cell, and tried to see what sunlight I could through the cracks in the walls. Only a few more hours now, I thought, And we shall be free.
********************************************
Down a dimly lit corridor in the castle, Jigoku and Raiford stood near the king's unguarded door.
Raiford placed his ear against the wood door and listened closely. He whispered to Jigoku. "Well, he's humming.that moron doesn't suspect a thing."
Jigoku smiled deceptively. I could say the same for you., he thought.
The ebony-haired man, went out of the way of the door, and stood in front of Jigoku. "Now.since he seems so unexpectant, how am I to kill this Crawgon? Even though he is off guard , (and stupid as a ham sandwhich), he can still prove quite dangerous."
Jigoku rubbed his scaly paws together evilly, "Ah.I'm so glad you asked. You, see, this is where the 'power' I'll grant you comes in.", he paused, then smiled maliciously, "Do you find yourself ready to receive it?"
Raiford returned with a grin, "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Very well. Now, come closer to me.", he said in a near hiss. Raiford did as was asked of him, then Jigoku placed both paws on the sides of his head, and pressed their foreheads together lightly. Jigoku looked Raiford in the eyes menacingly, as the red, diamond shaped stone on his forehead began to glow with a crimson light, that slowly started to engulf the two of them.
Jigoku began to laugh quietly.
"What's so funny?", Raiford asked precariously.
"Your are but a fool.", Jigoku answered.
He grew more anxious. "Why do you say that?", he paused, as he felt his skin begin to have an unbearable burning sensation. "Ahhh!!! What are you doing to me?!", Raiford cried in agony, trying desperately to pry the demon's paws from his head. "Somebody help!!!"
Jigoku laughed all the more. "See! You truly are a fool! This glowing light acts a sound shield! No one can hear you! And besides, did you actually think I would share an inch of my power with the likes of a human? Ha! Now, normally I could never harm a human.but you're a special case. You agreed to it!", he watched him squirm in pain. "Oh, yes, and that feeling.of being caught in a flame.that is a special trick I like to call, Tamashii Nozoku, or.Soul Elimination."
Raiford, now realizing the fatality of his mistake, cried, partially from pain, and partially from the sheer reality of, perhaps, dooming Uisuki. all for nothing but greed. Tears streamed down the dieing man's face; he felt as if he was loosing a year of his life with each passing second. "What are you doing to me?", he managed to gasp faintly.
The demon grinned, "You mean, other than sending you to your rightful home?"
Raiford sobbed, and found enough strength to nod.
"Well, for starters. after you leave this pathetic body of yours.I will, how can I put this nicely? Ah, yes, be borrowing it." Jigoku could sense his victim's confusion to his response. "By borrowing your body," he continued, "I can take on the likeness of a mortal.and as a mortal, I can kill as a mortal, live as a mortal, and most importantly.retrieve my sword.as a mortal." "Then.all things shall belong to me!"
Chikorai.I'm so sorry. Raiford's eyes widened as he gasped for his last breath of air.
The red glow surrounding them disappeared instantly, along with the image of Jigoku's real form.
Raiford's body laid limp on the floor.
After a short, deadly silence, the door to the king's chamber squeaked open, and Ganko proceeded out of it. His dark, scruffy face glared at the body laying near his doorway. "What is this?"
Raiford's eyes opened suddenly; the gleam of evil surrounding them, as a smile crept upon Jigoku's newly inhabited body.
*************************************
Stone and Dixie Collins sat in the well furnished living room of their home.
Her father hung his head low, as she began to cry.
"No! I just won't believe it! Benji has to be lying! Chikorai would never hurt anyone, let alone kill them! He just has to be wrong!", she wept, clinging to her father sadly.
Mr. Collins patted his daughter's back empathetically. "I know sweetheart, I know.but that is Benji's account of it.he even has the bruises to prove it. And there are no other eyewitnesses.so there's no way to tell if he is lying of not."
Dixie looked her father in the eyes tearfully. "That may be true.but I will never believe it. Chikorai had absolutely no motive to kill, or injure his friends, and even if he did have a motive, he'd never act upon it that rashly. Father, there just has to be more to this.either Benji is lying, or someone has brainwashed him into thinking these things."
Stone knew what she said was true, but somehow, he couldn't bring himself to look past the present evidence that Chikorai had been the killer. He was about to answer her, when suddenly there came a knock at the door.
Mr. Collins waltzed over sadly and opened the door with a sorrowful countenance. Then, looking up, recognized the visitor.
"Oh! Well, hello young fellow! What a pleasant surprise, won't you please come in?"
Dixie looked up, as she tried to dry her tears quickly. Upon seeing who had entered, her expression turned sour. Raiford Raleigh! Good heavens, anyone but him! , she thought disgustedly.
Jigoku, disguised as Raiford, dressed in black suit, switched glances between Stone and Dixie, grinning momentarily. Then, looking to Mr. Collins coughed lightly, and took on a more serious expression.
"Mr. Collins.I take it you haven't heard the news yet?"
Mr. Collin's eyes widened, "News? What news? Is it important?"
"Well, sir, that depends on whether or not you consider the death of the Crawgon King important."
Dixie and her father gasped aloud. "How did he die?", they said, almost in unison.
Jigoku looked to the side, trying to hide his obvious joy over the subject. "Well, let's just say he died rather unexpectedly.the details are far too gruesome for me to say.I can assure you."
Stone looked to him attentively. "Was it assassination?"
"Perhaps.but the Crawgons aren't as worried about who killed him, but are worried about, who will take his place."
Mr. Collins snarled, "Yes, sounds just like a Crawgon. Those incompetent barbarians have no feelings."
Jigoku nodded in agreement, then walked and stood next to Dixie. He watched her closely. Indeed, she did have great beauty. (even though she was scowling at him.) Though Raiford had been a fool for trusting him, he had to admit that the woman in question was certainly one worth fighting over.
Jigoku looked to Mr. Collins happily. "Sir, would it be too much, if I were to ask Miss Dixie to take a short stroll with me around the neighborhood?"
Dixie's eyes widened furiously. It hadn't even been a week since Chikorai had disappeared, and that mongrel was already nipping at her heels!
Mr. Collins returned Raiford's gesture gleefully, "Of course you may. Perhaps it would help to take Dixie's mind off things."
Dixie stood abruptly, "Father, I resent going anywhere with-"
The man she thought to be Raiford interrupted her, and took her hand gently. "Please, its about Chikorai.", he whispered with fake sincerity.
She eyed him suspiciously, "What about him?"
He glanced downward, "I have some information on his whereabouts.You and I both know how much I'd normally be jumping for joy that Chikorai had become a felon and ran away.but I know your heart belongs to him, not I. Miss Dixie.please, I know you think of me as a rude, jealous dog, but if you wish to know what really happened in Chikorai's case, you'll come and talk with me."
His words astonished her greatly. Was she really talking to the same man? She had her doubts, as to whether or not he was being honest, but if he was telling the truth and knew something important about Chikorai's case, she was willing to listen.
Dixie answered faintly, "Ok.fine, I'll walk with you."
Jigoku smiled. "I knew you'd say yes."
Mr. Collins gladly showed the two the door, and shut it behind them. He smiled to himself, "What a kind, kind, boy." He said, covering up the words he meant to say, 'rich, rich.'.
As the two made their way down the driveway, Dixie asked him sternly. "So, what is this information you have for me?"
Jigoku looked towards the branches of the pink flowtrees along side the path. "Well, for starters.I know that he is currently being confined at the Crawgon prison."
Dixie grabbed his arm from back of him, and stopped him. "How do you know that's true?"
He looked her in the eyes firmly. "I did not wish to say it in there.but.", he looked from side to side. "its said that he is the one that killed King Ganko as well."
Dixie rolled her eyes. "Oh, please! Raiford, honestly! Stop pulling my arm."
Jigoku looked to the arm she had grasped in her hands. "I could say the same to you.", he smiled jokingly.
She slung his arm from her hands, with a furrowed brow. "I thought you brought me out here to tell me something useful, not just make up a lie."
"Oh, but my dear Dixie Collins, it is not a lie.", he softly put his arm around her. "I can show you myself. He even admits to doing it."
"You're lying! How could you even get into the Crawgon prison and know about all this?"
"Sometimes having money can turn the tables on things. that is how I entered the prison. I at first did not believe it myself."
She looked at him skeptically. "Why were you there.in Crawgon territory?"
Jigoku looked to the ground shamefully. "Well, I am embarrassed to say.but I had a business deal with a Crawgon over their black market. Even you know I am secretly notorious for such things." "You must believe that I am telling the truth. Won't you please come with me?"
Dixie stared at him coldly. He seemed sincere.but there was just something about his eyes that told her otherwise. "So, you expect me to just let you, someone who.quite frankly I despise, sweep me off to the most dangerous place in Uisuki, trusting that you're not in any way lying to me, when I don't even have any proof that this is true?"
Jigoku took his arm from around her, and looked to her sorrowfully. "I must admit, your words do hurt me.however, I'll give you one chance, you can either believe me and let me escort you to the Crawgon prison, where you can see it with your own eyes.or you can stay here in misery, never knowing what became of your beloved Chikorai."
Dixie looked to ground, as if the answer were written upon it. She stayed silenced for a few moments, then looked to the imposter. ".When is the soonest we can we leave?"
****************************************
The time was nearing for us to put our plan into action.
I sat on my prison bed with my chin against my knee, pondering last night's events, and waiting for our supper to arrive.
Our doleful crowd soon perked up at the sudden sound of an iron club banging against the cell bars.
Aijin switched glances between Chikorai and I, then assumed her position near the cell door.
The dark-furred prison guard stopped at Chikorai's cell, and handed him his trey of food, and then proceeded to our cell. This was the moment of truth.
"Ok, ya good-fa-nothing prisoner's, here's ya some slop.", he cackled with an English accent, and slid our treys under the cell door.
Aijin looked up at the guard with sparkly, hopeful eyes. "Oh, thank you so much Mr. Guard! Without a big strong Crawgon like you, we'd never be fed!"
He eyed her suspiciously with his narrow yellow eyes. "Eh. whatever miss. Its just my job."
As he began to walk off, Aijin quickly clung to the cell bars pleadingly. "Oh, but Mr. Guard that's what's so.", she searched frantically for the right word. "so sexy about it!"
Me and Chikorai fell over like blocks of steel.
The guard swerved about to face Aijin. "What?!"
Aijin pulled out a handkerchief and pretended to sob. (I might add, she's very good at that.) "Yes, Mr. Crawgon sir, everyday I await your arrival, and fantasize about our next meeting. I can hardly contain my attraction to you.please forgive me. I am but a lowly prisoner."
The guard was touched by her bold words, and rushed to our cell. "Oh, Miss! No need to cry! I'm quite flattered by your words. But.true, you are a prisoner. I'm afraid I can't have much of a relationship with you."
The heart necklace around Aijin's neck began to glow, as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Yeah, I guess you can't much of a relationship with me, however. if you let us free you can have a great relationship with her!" She pointed at Chikorai.
"What?!" Chikorai stumbled backwards in his cell.
The guard was confused until he had laid his eyes on Chikorai, then his composure switched to that of a love struck puppy. (ew.) He sighed. "Oh. she's so.beautiful."
I snagged the snickering kitsune brusquely. "Aijin! What did you just do?"
She gave a devious smile. "Oh, nothing, I just altered our lil escape plan.slightly."
"Grr! I just knew you'd pull something like this."
"Well.duh."
I rolled my eyes angrily. That stupid kitsune! I should have known she wouldn't have made the guard fall in love with herself. Poor Chikorai. Well, I hope this works.
The guard placed his paws around the bars of Chikorai's cell. "Why, hello love. My you're looking lovely today. Did you get a haircut?"
Feeling shocked, and slightly violated, Chikorai backed up as far he could in his tiny cell. "I beg your pardon sir, but I'm not a woman." He said shakily.
The guard, blinded by love and whatever spell Aijin had cast upon him, retorted, "Haha, m'aam, you've got quite a sense of humor. A rather odd way to first address a gentlemen, but that's ok, being unique is very attractive."
I could see the fear in my fellow captive's eyes, and the sheer enjoyment in Aijin's. Apparently there was no reversing this spell without severely coaxing Aijin, which at this point there was nothing to coax her with, so I decided to urge Chikorai to play along.
"Hey! Chikorai!", I said in a loud whisper. He turned to me. "Play along! Jus try and get the keys." I glared at my joyful nemesis, "We can take care of Aijin later."
The kitsune appeared frightened as a cornered animal.
Chikorai nodded to me and pursued my request. "Um, Mr. guard.since you're so..um handsome.." he struggled to find the right words, seeing as how he had never flirted with a man, or Crawgon for that matter. "And kind!" he added. "Would you please release a helpless girl, such as myself, and my friends from our cells? This room is dreadfully dirty!"
I signaled a thumbs up to my friend. Good job.
The guard smiled sweetly. "Alrighty then Miss, if'd make you happy, I'll release you and your friends."
We all smiled knowingly.
"But!", he paused. "M'lady must gimme a kiss first.", he winked.
"WHAT?!", Chikorai and I yelled aloud, as Aijin barreled over laughing. The moment was just too perfect for that little demon.
The guard nodded and smiled. "Well.those are my conditions. Take um or leave um, Miss."
Me and my friend switched glances.
"Well, what should I do?!", said Chikorai in a whisper. "I don't want to kiss that thing!"
My stomach churned as I replied. "I know.but it looks like we have no alternative." "Aijin placed the spell directly between you and him, and the spell can only wear off after she has say so."
Chikorai clinched his fist angrily. He didn't know the kitsune very well, but by judging her recent actions, he knew she wasn't about to just reverse the spell. Grr! I should have known that girl would pull something.and to think I actually thought she was nice. But I shouldn't worry I suppose.Iyogi did say he'd help me get back at her. And what matters most right now is just getting out of here.*sigh* I guess I better get this over with. *gulp*
"I'm waiting for a reply m'aam. What's it gonna be?", called the guard.
Chikorai reluctantly scooted towards the front of the cell. "I-I'll take your conditions. But, um, only a kiss on the cheek ok?!"
The guard grinned jubilantly and blushed, "Yes m'aam!" "Now, where did I put those keys?"
The guard glanced about his belt and found the keys to both cells, and carefully opened the door to each one. We all smiled happily, except Chikorai, who of course was left with a most unpleasant task.
Chikorai looked up to the tall, mangy, grinning guard, and squirmed. He tried to quickly and abruptly give him a peck on the cheek, when he suddenly felt his head in the paws of the Crawgon, and received a rather drooly, rather nauseating, and a rather too close for comfort kiss on the lips. Chikorai's arms flailed, and his eyes were wide with horror as he struggled to escape. The guard released his grip on him rather quickly, and stood back looking at his victim- er love with an embarrassed expression.
Where as, the three of us looked on in quiet shock and sickness, particularly Chikorai.
The poor soul trembled in fear. "Um.bye!", he squeaked, as he made a dash for the door at the end of the hall. Aijin and I switched glances between us and the Crawgon, and quickly followed suit.
Being the last one to exit, I slammed the heavy wood door shut, and locked it. I breathed a sigh of relief. We did it. We finally escaped. But now- I thought, we must face the challenge of the swamp.
I looked forward, only to find Aijin gently patting Chikorai's back as he hurled in some of the dead shrubbery.
I sighed angrily at Aijin, as I went to help Chikorai. This.is going to be a verrry interesting trip.
Mean while, back in the dungeon, the guard stood in infatuation. "I wonder if she'll ever come back.such a pretty girl." He remarked, then returned to doing his job.
.
