Whew! At first I thought no one was gonna like the last chapter, but now I
see it was the best thing I did as a writer. Life is good now.
For those who need a quick recap of last chapter, things were looking quite well for Kenshin and his friends when a demonic presence took over Juno and attempted to destroy them. Thankfully due to apologies from Kaoru and Megumi, along with Juno's strong will, the demon was subdued. Just as the mystery was about to deepen, Juno gets a message saying that his master would be coming.
Murray: Wow. We actually got some more reviews. My demonic powers have swayed the masses into doing my bidding! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Ravenf6: No Murray, they liked the last chapter so much, they want to know what happens next, your so-called powers are nothing but bark. One note I should add is that whenever you see these marks, #####, this means a dream sequence. And there should be plenty as I promised to do one for most everyone..
Murray: Drat..
Ravenf6: Sorry I took so long to update, between writer's block, a job, and working on other fanfiction, I'm hard pressed for updates Standard disclaimer applies: I don't own RK or its characters, nor do I own Murray. But Juno and his master are mine. But enough of that redundant formality onward to the next chapter!
Chapter 8:
The coming of Sorcerer Blackwvyern
"Is that bad news?" Soujiro asked Juno.
"I'm not sure." Came the answer. "My master is kind of a recluse. He doesn't come unless it's important."
"It must be if sent this letter." Sano picked up the letter and examined it. "Then again turning into a demon is something you don't see everyday."
"If it weren't for the fact what you said actually made sense," Juno growled. "I'd have to hurt you again."
"Sano, I thought by now you knew when not to say anything, that I did." Kenshin reprimanded the ex-street fighter. "Right now, I believe that Juno needs our help, not your insults."
"So. how long do you think it'll be 'til he comes?" Yahiko asked.
Juno walked over to a window and opened it. ".He's here."
The few people who haven't found shelter indoors felt chills go down their spines; a tall figure strode the streets, his entire form covered in a large black cloak. He stopped at the Silver-eyed Star and instead of ringing the bells, he knock knocked three times, each knock sounding like a battering ram pounding the gates of a castle. Everyone inside turned their attention to the door as it as thrown open, and there stood the stranger. Juno walked towards the formidable being but just as he approached him, the cloak fell to the floor to reveal. no one was wearing it.
"Is this some kind of trick?" Sano asked no one in particular. He looked around spooked. ".It depends, what kind of trick were you looking for?" a voice came from behind him. While Sano's eyes grew wide as dinner plates, Juno's grew bright
"Is that you, master?" Juno asked.
"Yes it is Juno." The voice answered back. "How did you know?"
"You like to a make a big entrance once in a while."
"Very right. But I think I'd better come out. I think my dramatics are too much for your rooster-friend's limited mind."
"Who you callin' 'rooster', pal??" Sano thundered.
A thunderclap echoed right in front of the agitated rooster, and when the smoke cleared, he found himself starting at a person.
He was a youth, a few years older than Misao. At first glance his clothes were similar to that of an eruopean noble, but the latter opted for baggy pants and heavy boots. He wore a large black coat over his attire, giving him a formidable appearance. Over his dark hair, he wore a black cap.
"Who-. what are you??" Sano asked the stranger.
The stranger took of his fearsome cap and tossed it on the table. "Hmm, you're very superstitious, aren't you? No wonder you spook easy. Most of the old folks back home call that a classic."
Sano's nerves changed from startled to enraged once again. "Spook easy?? Let's see how you like a five finger sandwich!" Sano threw a punch at the stranger's face, but the target caught it a few inches before contact. "Hmm." The stranger mused. "If I let that one connect, it would hurt very much."
"No way!" Yahiko said aloud and wide-eyed. "There hasn't been anyone who could stop Sanouske like that.except maybe Kenshin.. And what's a 'sandwich?""
"Something that hasn't been invented yet." Came the answer.
"So I take it you are this little fellow's master?" Soujiro asked the black-clothed stranger.
"That's correct I am Nicodemus Blackwvyern, sorcerer of Krynalcia."
"Your apprentice said you would be coming soon." Soujiro continued. "But I did not expect it to be an instant."
"It's very refreshing to find a place where people don't shrink away in fear."
"Why??" Misao asked.
"There are those who believe that my magic is stemmed from pure malevolence, so they see fit to call me the black bird of death, Raven."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Karou said. "But you shouldn't let those kind of troubles get you down."
"I suppose so." Nicodemus nodded.
Kenshin rose from his seat and approached forward. As Kenshin approached, Nick's eyes shrunk in astonishment.
"I don't believe it! . That hair.. That scar. It can't be! . Himura Kenshin?"
Kenshin made a confused kind of noise as the stranger stared with startled eyes. "Yes, but how did you know my name?"
"Back in Krynalcia, you are known to many. However, I can tell you no more than that."
"Why's that?" Yahiko asked the sorcerer.
"I have my reasons, but right now there is something I must discuss with all of you."
The lights were dim as everyone sat down before a small fire. Blackwyvern began to examine Juno. "So you say it's happened again?"
"Yes, master." The patient answered forlorn.
"Did you feel like you were lost in shadow?"
"I don't know."
"Hmm.. It's worse than I thought." Nick (we'll just call him that for short now.) began to write on a piece of paper. He then turned to Kenshin and the others.
"Everyone, listen well to what I have to tell you. It may come as a shock but if you haven't known it already. Juno is not entirely human."
Expressions of shock popped up from Kenshin and his friends as well as loss of words.
"It was about two years ago as I was studying magic back home. I met a strange man. He told me he was selling weapons to kingdoms near and far. After looking at his wares, I purchased a manuscript from him that contained certain blueprints and weapon designs. There was one in particular that I found interesting; the ability to, for lack of better words. create life."
"You mean playing god?" Yahiko interrupted.
"No." Nick shook his head. "This one was to create what we would call a "golem": Beings that are created using a small mixture of magic and science.
"At first, I studied the plans for a while, then I decided to make a few modifications. Usually golems like this could be used for construction and warfare purposes, but I decided to build something unheard of in this word, a golem with a real 'heart'. I created three prototypes using certain attributes like knowledge and courage, they behaved enough to show life, but their monotone behavior left something to be desired.
"It was then I realized something, I had to do more. I built my fourth golem using a theory that golems are empty vessels unless elements of great significance were used in their construction."
"So what was this element you used?" Kenshin asked
". My flesh and blood." Nick answered solemnly. Yahiko and Misao winced at the idea,
"I know, not the most sensible thing." Nick continued "Using a few drops of my own blood, I studied the cells inside and infused them with a small concentration of my magic. The end result was a golem like no other: He could display emotions, feel pain, and even complain. I ran tests for days but then. he walked up to me, gave me a hug, called me "father." I stopped the testing, concluding he developed a consciousness all his own and gave him a name.. Juno."
The group was silent all this talk of magic and science was enough to grab anyone's attention. They took one look at Juno and then at Nick.
"What a fascinating story." Kenshin said. "No wonder why I sensed something strange about him."
Sano lounged against the wall. "I knew there was something weird about the little guy, but I'd never guess that he was a demon."
Almost immediately, Kaoru, Megumi, Yahiko, and Misao grabbed hammers (the kind that appear from out of nowhere) and hammered Sano on the noggin.
Nick however was not amused. "I never created Juno to be a demon, he's my own flesh and blood for gods' sake!"
Rubbing the three-tier lump on his head, Sano promptly sealed his lips.
"As I'm saying." The sorcerer resumed. "Things were going just fine until one day, a dark lord called Mekros came to steal Juno away from me.
"Kidnapping is possible," Soujiro mused. "But would this 'Mekros' try to do such a thing?"
"I can only imagine he wanted to exploit Juno's powers for himself." Nick said. "We had a disagreement shortly before it came to elemental projectiles."
Juno poured himself a cup of tea and sat rejoined his creator. "I remember that battle well; Mekros vowed revenge most terrible."
"And alas for us," Nick sighed heavily. "He wrought it like he said. You saw the demon didn't you?"
"I'm afraid that's true, that it is." Kenshin said.
"But was that ever scary!" Karou commented
"The bastard called down a powerful curse, one that can cause demonic transformation
"Is such power possible?" Megumi asked curiously.
"It sounds like this guy's trying to build an army." Sano inserted.
Nick nodded slowly. "True, but one thing I don't understand was why Mekros did this. If he had the means to do something this kind, why didn't he make me the creature? Sure, a demon assassin sounds probable, but if that were so, I wouldn't be here. It doesn't make sense."
Hiko had heard enough to figure out a plan. "So you mean to say that you've come here to figure out this enigma before this gets out of hand?"
"That's correct." Nick answered. This could some time so I think the best thing to do is to get some rest. I'll stay here to run tests for a few days." He then got up and peeked out the windows. "I don't know what will happen yet, but I think it's best if you all went home for tonight."
Kenshin and the others got up to stretch their legs but Misao and Soujiro stayed. "Not for nothing, Mr. Blackwyvern, but Juno hired us to be his assistants."
"Things could get ugly." Nick warned. "Are you two sure you want to stay?"
"Of course!" Misao chirped. "This could be fun, a slumber party!"
Nick sweat dropped at the notion but thought it as a way to research in peace.
"It seems that everything's settled, that it is." Kenshin concluded. "Until tomorrow then."
The night grew chilly, as the only noise audible in the Kamiya Dojo was the faint snoring of its occupants. Even though a lot had happened, people in the end, need their sleep.
Yahiko was especially restless tonight. Having receiving a sword of his own, he was tossing and turning in his sheets. In his dreams, he was already using it:
#########################Yahiko's Dream################################
It was a beautiful day in Tokyo as Yahiko strode through the streets. He could hear people murmuring about him. The apprentice swordsman was on his way to the Akebeko, to see Tsubame. As he entered the restaurant, a blood- curdling scream spilt the air!
Yahiko ran to the kitchen and found Tsubame in the clutches of Gohei Hiruma! The scoundrel laughed wickedly as he eyed the boy who made him sterile. "So Little boy, we meet again!"
"Let Tsubame go, you ugly piece of trash!" Yahiko threatened.
"I'd watch my mouth if I were you, brat." Gohei answered with a wicked smirk. "One wrong move and little miss water girl gets it."
"Damn you!' Yahiko growled.
Gohei laughed triumphantly. "There' s a good boy. Now I'll just take off, and no one can stop me!"
"Help me Yahiko!" Tsubame screamed.
Yahiko wasn't so sure what to do..
To be continued...
Uh-oh! Cliffhanger! Can Yahiko save Tsubame from the wicked Gohei? As Kenshin and his friends sleep, evil casts its shadow over Tokyo. Will Nick be able to unravel the mystery in time? Or will everyone be swallowed by this darkness?
To find out more, read and review, por favor.
For those who need a quick recap of last chapter, things were looking quite well for Kenshin and his friends when a demonic presence took over Juno and attempted to destroy them. Thankfully due to apologies from Kaoru and Megumi, along with Juno's strong will, the demon was subdued. Just as the mystery was about to deepen, Juno gets a message saying that his master would be coming.
Murray: Wow. We actually got some more reviews. My demonic powers have swayed the masses into doing my bidding! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Ravenf6: No Murray, they liked the last chapter so much, they want to know what happens next, your so-called powers are nothing but bark. One note I should add is that whenever you see these marks, #####, this means a dream sequence. And there should be plenty as I promised to do one for most everyone..
Murray: Drat..
Ravenf6: Sorry I took so long to update, between writer's block, a job, and working on other fanfiction, I'm hard pressed for updates Standard disclaimer applies: I don't own RK or its characters, nor do I own Murray. But Juno and his master are mine. But enough of that redundant formality onward to the next chapter!
Chapter 8:
The coming of Sorcerer Blackwvyern
"Is that bad news?" Soujiro asked Juno.
"I'm not sure." Came the answer. "My master is kind of a recluse. He doesn't come unless it's important."
"It must be if sent this letter." Sano picked up the letter and examined it. "Then again turning into a demon is something you don't see everyday."
"If it weren't for the fact what you said actually made sense," Juno growled. "I'd have to hurt you again."
"Sano, I thought by now you knew when not to say anything, that I did." Kenshin reprimanded the ex-street fighter. "Right now, I believe that Juno needs our help, not your insults."
"So. how long do you think it'll be 'til he comes?" Yahiko asked.
Juno walked over to a window and opened it. ".He's here."
The few people who haven't found shelter indoors felt chills go down their spines; a tall figure strode the streets, his entire form covered in a large black cloak. He stopped at the Silver-eyed Star and instead of ringing the bells, he knock knocked three times, each knock sounding like a battering ram pounding the gates of a castle. Everyone inside turned their attention to the door as it as thrown open, and there stood the stranger. Juno walked towards the formidable being but just as he approached him, the cloak fell to the floor to reveal. no one was wearing it.
"Is this some kind of trick?" Sano asked no one in particular. He looked around spooked. ".It depends, what kind of trick were you looking for?" a voice came from behind him. While Sano's eyes grew wide as dinner plates, Juno's grew bright
"Is that you, master?" Juno asked.
"Yes it is Juno." The voice answered back. "How did you know?"
"You like to a make a big entrance once in a while."
"Very right. But I think I'd better come out. I think my dramatics are too much for your rooster-friend's limited mind."
"Who you callin' 'rooster', pal??" Sano thundered.
A thunderclap echoed right in front of the agitated rooster, and when the smoke cleared, he found himself starting at a person.
He was a youth, a few years older than Misao. At first glance his clothes were similar to that of an eruopean noble, but the latter opted for baggy pants and heavy boots. He wore a large black coat over his attire, giving him a formidable appearance. Over his dark hair, he wore a black cap.
"Who-. what are you??" Sano asked the stranger.
The stranger took of his fearsome cap and tossed it on the table. "Hmm, you're very superstitious, aren't you? No wonder you spook easy. Most of the old folks back home call that a classic."
Sano's nerves changed from startled to enraged once again. "Spook easy?? Let's see how you like a five finger sandwich!" Sano threw a punch at the stranger's face, but the target caught it a few inches before contact. "Hmm." The stranger mused. "If I let that one connect, it would hurt very much."
"No way!" Yahiko said aloud and wide-eyed. "There hasn't been anyone who could stop Sanouske like that.except maybe Kenshin.. And what's a 'sandwich?""
"Something that hasn't been invented yet." Came the answer.
"So I take it you are this little fellow's master?" Soujiro asked the black-clothed stranger.
"That's correct I am Nicodemus Blackwvyern, sorcerer of Krynalcia."
"Your apprentice said you would be coming soon." Soujiro continued. "But I did not expect it to be an instant."
"It's very refreshing to find a place where people don't shrink away in fear."
"Why??" Misao asked.
"There are those who believe that my magic is stemmed from pure malevolence, so they see fit to call me the black bird of death, Raven."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Karou said. "But you shouldn't let those kind of troubles get you down."
"I suppose so." Nicodemus nodded.
Kenshin rose from his seat and approached forward. As Kenshin approached, Nick's eyes shrunk in astonishment.
"I don't believe it! . That hair.. That scar. It can't be! . Himura Kenshin?"
Kenshin made a confused kind of noise as the stranger stared with startled eyes. "Yes, but how did you know my name?"
"Back in Krynalcia, you are known to many. However, I can tell you no more than that."
"Why's that?" Yahiko asked the sorcerer.
"I have my reasons, but right now there is something I must discuss with all of you."
The lights were dim as everyone sat down before a small fire. Blackwyvern began to examine Juno. "So you say it's happened again?"
"Yes, master." The patient answered forlorn.
"Did you feel like you were lost in shadow?"
"I don't know."
"Hmm.. It's worse than I thought." Nick (we'll just call him that for short now.) began to write on a piece of paper. He then turned to Kenshin and the others.
"Everyone, listen well to what I have to tell you. It may come as a shock but if you haven't known it already. Juno is not entirely human."
Expressions of shock popped up from Kenshin and his friends as well as loss of words.
"It was about two years ago as I was studying magic back home. I met a strange man. He told me he was selling weapons to kingdoms near and far. After looking at his wares, I purchased a manuscript from him that contained certain blueprints and weapon designs. There was one in particular that I found interesting; the ability to, for lack of better words. create life."
"You mean playing god?" Yahiko interrupted.
"No." Nick shook his head. "This one was to create what we would call a "golem": Beings that are created using a small mixture of magic and science.
"At first, I studied the plans for a while, then I decided to make a few modifications. Usually golems like this could be used for construction and warfare purposes, but I decided to build something unheard of in this word, a golem with a real 'heart'. I created three prototypes using certain attributes like knowledge and courage, they behaved enough to show life, but their monotone behavior left something to be desired.
"It was then I realized something, I had to do more. I built my fourth golem using a theory that golems are empty vessels unless elements of great significance were used in their construction."
"So what was this element you used?" Kenshin asked
". My flesh and blood." Nick answered solemnly. Yahiko and Misao winced at the idea,
"I know, not the most sensible thing." Nick continued "Using a few drops of my own blood, I studied the cells inside and infused them with a small concentration of my magic. The end result was a golem like no other: He could display emotions, feel pain, and even complain. I ran tests for days but then. he walked up to me, gave me a hug, called me "father." I stopped the testing, concluding he developed a consciousness all his own and gave him a name.. Juno."
The group was silent all this talk of magic and science was enough to grab anyone's attention. They took one look at Juno and then at Nick.
"What a fascinating story." Kenshin said. "No wonder why I sensed something strange about him."
Sano lounged against the wall. "I knew there was something weird about the little guy, but I'd never guess that he was a demon."
Almost immediately, Kaoru, Megumi, Yahiko, and Misao grabbed hammers (the kind that appear from out of nowhere) and hammered Sano on the noggin.
Nick however was not amused. "I never created Juno to be a demon, he's my own flesh and blood for gods' sake!"
Rubbing the three-tier lump on his head, Sano promptly sealed his lips.
"As I'm saying." The sorcerer resumed. "Things were going just fine until one day, a dark lord called Mekros came to steal Juno away from me.
"Kidnapping is possible," Soujiro mused. "But would this 'Mekros' try to do such a thing?"
"I can only imagine he wanted to exploit Juno's powers for himself." Nick said. "We had a disagreement shortly before it came to elemental projectiles."
Juno poured himself a cup of tea and sat rejoined his creator. "I remember that battle well; Mekros vowed revenge most terrible."
"And alas for us," Nick sighed heavily. "He wrought it like he said. You saw the demon didn't you?"
"I'm afraid that's true, that it is." Kenshin said.
"But was that ever scary!" Karou commented
"The bastard called down a powerful curse, one that can cause demonic transformation
"Is such power possible?" Megumi asked curiously.
"It sounds like this guy's trying to build an army." Sano inserted.
Nick nodded slowly. "True, but one thing I don't understand was why Mekros did this. If he had the means to do something this kind, why didn't he make me the creature? Sure, a demon assassin sounds probable, but if that were so, I wouldn't be here. It doesn't make sense."
Hiko had heard enough to figure out a plan. "So you mean to say that you've come here to figure out this enigma before this gets out of hand?"
"That's correct." Nick answered. This could some time so I think the best thing to do is to get some rest. I'll stay here to run tests for a few days." He then got up and peeked out the windows. "I don't know what will happen yet, but I think it's best if you all went home for tonight."
Kenshin and the others got up to stretch their legs but Misao and Soujiro stayed. "Not for nothing, Mr. Blackwyvern, but Juno hired us to be his assistants."
"Things could get ugly." Nick warned. "Are you two sure you want to stay?"
"Of course!" Misao chirped. "This could be fun, a slumber party!"
Nick sweat dropped at the notion but thought it as a way to research in peace.
"It seems that everything's settled, that it is." Kenshin concluded. "Until tomorrow then."
The night grew chilly, as the only noise audible in the Kamiya Dojo was the faint snoring of its occupants. Even though a lot had happened, people in the end, need their sleep.
Yahiko was especially restless tonight. Having receiving a sword of his own, he was tossing and turning in his sheets. In his dreams, he was already using it:
#########################Yahiko's Dream################################
It was a beautiful day in Tokyo as Yahiko strode through the streets. He could hear people murmuring about him. The apprentice swordsman was on his way to the Akebeko, to see Tsubame. As he entered the restaurant, a blood- curdling scream spilt the air!
Yahiko ran to the kitchen and found Tsubame in the clutches of Gohei Hiruma! The scoundrel laughed wickedly as he eyed the boy who made him sterile. "So Little boy, we meet again!"
"Let Tsubame go, you ugly piece of trash!" Yahiko threatened.
"I'd watch my mouth if I were you, brat." Gohei answered with a wicked smirk. "One wrong move and little miss water girl gets it."
"Damn you!' Yahiko growled.
Gohei laughed triumphantly. "There' s a good boy. Now I'll just take off, and no one can stop me!"
"Help me Yahiko!" Tsubame screamed.
Yahiko wasn't so sure what to do..
To be continued...
Uh-oh! Cliffhanger! Can Yahiko save Tsubame from the wicked Gohei? As Kenshin and his friends sleep, evil casts its shadow over Tokyo. Will Nick be able to unravel the mystery in time? Or will everyone be swallowed by this darkness?
To find out more, read and review, por favor.