The Epics of the Wolf
Chapter Five
A Final Confrontation
"I must get going soon," Suni stated randomly, while sharpening her sword. Everyone in the cavern turned to look at her curiously. She ignored it, however.
"Where are you going?" Koga asked.
"Where do you think? It's my fault Midori died, Koga. I'm going to set things straight," Suni stopped sharpening her blade and tested it on her finger. Blood began to flow forth. "Perfect."
"You can't!" Koga yelled. "She'll kill you!"
"He's right Suni," Heroki agreed.
"Sometimes… life isn't as important as a life mission. I'm going to keep you all safe. I'm going to make sure everything turns out okay for you all. Even if I die in the process." Suni sheathed her sword and stood.
"I don't like you, Suni," Ai said honestly, "but get me a weapon because I'm going with you."
"No, I can't let you do that," she shook her head.
"I'm going and that's final! Anyone who makes Kitsu cry is going to face the full extent of my wrath," Ai growled angrily.
"Fine," Suni went deep into the caverns and returned with a sword, a dagger, and a wolf demon's breastplate. "Put the breastplate on. If you're going with me, I insist that you at least have a decent armor on."
Ai put on the breastplate and took the sword and dagger both. "Let's go."
"We're off," Suni said to the others as Ai and she left the cave.
"Best of luck," Koga called softly.
"Same to you Koga," Suni sighed. "I must succeed. If I don't, Koga will die," she whispered to herself.
"So, Suni," Ai tried to strike up a conversation as they walked. "Why are you and Kitsu so close?"
"I don't know. I guess the same reason Koga and I are close."
"And that is?" Ai raised an eyebrow.
"Because… they're counting on me to fight for their equality. The quality of their lives depends on whether I can change the system or not."
"So, do you love them?"
"Yes. I love them both so dearly. It seems to me… that most of the greatest people around have endured some of the greatest sufferings," Suni stated solemnly.
"Do you realize how much Kitsu loves you?" Ai asked.
"Yes. It seems a bit selfish to say, but it feels good to know how much he loves me."
"I think," Ai stepped in Suni's way and stared her straight in the eye, "you don't understand how Kitsu loves you."
"How Kitsu loves—Oh my, you don't mean he--?"
"That's why I hate you," Ai admitted. "I've been by his side for ten years - loyal to no end. Then you came in and he was following you around like a lost puppy. Did all those years I spent with him honestly mean so little?"
"Ai… I'm sorry. I have no intention of taking Kitsu from you."
"Let's get a move on. It's not every day you fight a goddess to the death, eh?"
"True," Suni laughed softly.
"Your sister is approaching," Moro stated.
"I have no right to call her my sister after what I've done to her," San thought to herself.
"She is coming with a half-breed and she's coming for a fight. You will battle the half-breed. I will take on your sister."
"Will you kill her?" San asked.
"I've let her have her way for too long. It's the only option left," Moro sighed.
"I won't let you! You can't kill her!" San shouted.
"I have no choice! I shall end her life and you'll stay out of the way!" Moro ordered harshly.
"But mother--!"
"Silence! You give me no choice!" she growled. "Puppet Maneuver."
San fell over and lay on the ground for a few minutes. She then arose. Her eyes were devoid of any life or emotion.
"Now, you will battle the half-breed and you will not get in my way. Understood, my puppet?"
"Understood, Master Moro," San replied emptily.
"Mother, come on out and face your Forbidden Child. Look upon me with your disgust and remember I am only half of what you are!" Suni yelled bitterly as they approached the main den.
"Nice one," Ai remarked with a smirk. "I'm starting to like you."
"I'll take that as a great complement," Suni replied.
"Sh, someone's coming out," Ai noted.
San stepped out of the den with her angel exposed. Blue crystals were jutting forth from the angel's body and San moved as if she were on puppet strings.
"She's tainted. Mother put her in Puppet Maneuver," Suni growled. "Watch yourself. Puppet Maneuver means she has no control over her action."
"Fine with me," Ai unsheathed her sword. "If I'm fighting to the death, I want a challenge."
"Hello, Sister," San spoke hollowly, "Mother will be out to slay you shortly. In the meantime, I shall entertain myself with your half-breed friend." She flew into the air and landed on top of Ai with such force that a cloud of dust surrounded the scene.
"AI!!!" Suni cried out. She then turned her attention to the den. "Mother, you will pay for what you have done today."